6 Calming Paint Colors Designers Swear By For A Relaxing Living Room

Looking to make your home more calming? Why not start things off by repainting the living room—there are many shades that designers absolutely love for their soothing factor. Keep in mind that whether you’re drawn to neutrals or are a color fanatic, there are still plenty of different options from which to choose. Below, we’re sharing six top picks from Southern pros.

Creamy Whites

There’s nothing wrong with opting for a classic white in your living space! Jessica Bandstra, the founder of Dogwood Proper in Nashville, Tennessee, and Houston, Texas, often uses Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) and Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) in the spaces she designs. “Both are timeless creamy whites that offer a beautiful, neutral backdrop for any style,” she says. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) is another designer favorite. “It feels timeless and serene without being too stark,” comment Ashley Hunt and Savannah McPartland, the co-founders of Haddy House in Houston, Texas.

Beiges

For a warmer look, try a beige—Melissa Fields, the founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio in San Antonio, Texas, is drawn to Sherwin Williams City Loft (SW 7631) in particular. “Its creamy, beige undertones give a warm feel to the space that just makes you want to cozy up with a blanket and a good cup of coffee,” she says.

Greiges

Alternatively, learn a bit more into the gray family with a gorgeous greige—Madison Massaro, the founder of Madison Lea Interiors in Tampa, Florida, says that the color will “bring forth a very muted, moody, vibey space—perfect for if you want your living room to be a darker, richer, moodier palette.”

Moody Blues

Danielle Balanis, the founder of Danielle Balanis Design in Birmingham, Alabama, is partial to bringing moody blue hues into the living room, finding that they’re quite calming. These colors don’t need to be ultea dark—recently, Balanis painted a living room that she designed in Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue (No. 85). “People cant stop gushing about how much they love it,” the designer says. “It is balanced, comforting, and captivating all at the same time.”

Sage Green

Not as into blues? Consider a sage green shade, which Massaro highly recommends. “Green has always been a fan favorite for bringing in a pop of color, but sage green specifically has that nice muted tone to it which creates a softer, more calming atmosphere,” she says. One of her favorite options? Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130). “Sage green evokes an organic nature-esque feeling and pairs really well with dark walnut woods or creamy linen textures,” the designer adds.

Rich Browns And Purples

Introduce a rich, chocolate brown hue into your living room—Washington, D.C., designer Rashida Banks finds this shade to be very grounding. Eggplant purple is another color that Banks appreciates for calming spaces. “I feel very calm and introspective with deep purples,” she says.