6 elegant colors that will elevate any room
Choosing colors for any room is an important step in the decorating process, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by continually evolving color trends, relying on timeless, enduring shades is a safe bet.
We asked a selection of interior designers for their top picks of elegant, enduring colors, which we’ve rounded up below. While the use of these shades will depend on your interior design style and the specific qualities of your space, each of them is said to elevate rooms.
Crucially, these colors don’t feel trend-led or overly bold, but instead timeless and liveable with the ability to transition from season to season. If you’re in need of some elegant room color ideas, these shades should have you covered.
1. Charcoal
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
While a color as bold as charcoal can seem like a brave choice, it can go a long way in adding sophistication to a room, says designer Vyanca Soto of Market Studio Interiors:
‘A deep, moody charcoal with warm undertones is my go-to color for elevating any space. It carries a level of sophistication that feels rich and cocooning yet incredibly versatile.
‘Whether used on walls, millwork, or even ceilings, it instantly adds depth and a sense of understated luxury. I love how it pairs effortlessly with soft neutrals, warm metals, and natural textures, creating an ambiance that feels both refined and inviting. This shade works across design styles, modern, transitional, or classic, making it a timeless choice that never feels trendy but always feels intentional.’
Silhouette by Benjamin Moore
While some charcoal paints can be too cold, Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette has brown tones which brings warmth to a space.
2. Green
(Image credit: Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs, photography Caroline Sharpnack)
Decorating with green is a timeless choice that offers relaxing qualities too, with many designers using it in place of neutrals since it’s so versatile. If you want to add elegance to a room while keeping things calming, green is a great choice.
‘I have always gravitated toward green, as it not only feels like a neutral, but it blurs the lines between the outdoors and indoors,’ explains Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer at Nashville-based Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. ‘From soft, quiet greens like Sherwin-Williams’ Cargo Pants, on walls, trim, and casework that pairs beautifully with a variety of color palettes; to bolder greens like PPG’s Olive Green, green is an elegant color that instantly makes a room feel special and elevated.’
Designer Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director at Westport-based Studio Seva also enjoys decorating with green, adding: ‘I love infusing dark olive green in our projects to instantly elevate a space. Whether we bring in this color through textiles on our upholstery like a gorgeous mohair or dry linen, or a rich textural paint color, this deeper shade tends to always give us a sophisticated and serious feel to our designs.’
McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Colette Scallop Border Pillow Cover
This pillow cover feels spring-like in this uplifting green shade, a stylish addition to bedrooms or living rooms.
Somerton Striped Wallpaper
Go bolder with this green-striped wallpaper to make a playful statement, whether in a powder room or a home office.
This darker green pillow cover creates an earthy and sophisticated look.
3. Warm white
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer)
Decorating with neutrals is arguably the most failsafe choice if you want to create a calming space that feels timeless. More specifically, whites with subtle warm undertones feature throughout Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan’s projects for an elegant look:
‘A timeless warm white is always my go-to for elevating a space. It creates a luminous, welcoming foundation that allows architectural details and layered textures to shine. Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa is a favorite – it’s soft and creamy without feeling overly yellow, making it a perfect backdrop for both traditional and modern interiors,’ says Marie.
To recreate a similar look, we’ve rounded up the best warm white paints that help balance a light and airy look with a welcoming feel.
Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams
As used by Marie, this off-white paint adds subtle warmth to rooms while maintaining a pared-back look.
4. Blue
(Image credit: Nadia Watts Interior Design, photography Emily Minton Redfield)
‘I always find myself coming back to blues and greens when I want to create a sophisticated yet inviting space,’ says Denver-based designer Nadia Watts. ‘These colors are timeless – blue feels effortlessly elegant and calming, while green adds a fresh, natural element that brings life to a room.’
‘To keep things interesting, I love incorporating pops of color like pink for an unexpected touch. Even in more neutral spaces, a bold accent can make all the difference. Another favorite of mine is using grasscloth wallpaper – it adds texture, depth, and just the right amount of character to make a space feel layered and refined,’ says Nadia.
Miranda Cullen, owner and principal at Inside Stories, also recommends decorating with blue, adding: ‘A go-to color for adding elegance to any space is pastel blue. This soft, muted shade has a calming effect and effortlessly creates a refined, sophisticated atmosphere. Blue has long been associated with royalty, which is why it subconsciously evokes a sense of grace and elegance.’
This linen pillow features a subtle blue pattern which would work perfectly in traditional schemes.
Elevate your tablescapes this spring with this blue patterned tablecloth.
Add a pop of blue to your home with this table lamp for a timeless look.
5. Dark colors
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
If you prefer dark tones in your interior schemes, rest assured that they can feel just as elegant as lighter hues, much like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal which was used in this rustic bathroom. Below, interior designer Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo shares some of her favorite dark colors to elevate rooms:
‘A moody green or burgundy is our current go-to to elevate a space. Dark colors with brown undertones really bring the drama and make a space feel sophisticated yet cool. We recently transformed an office from a white box to a rich, creative retreat by color-drenching it in Sherwin-Williams’ Nettle, a great muddy green color. The result? A space that feels moody, refined, and inviting – proof that bold, warm hues create the kind of depth and character that lighter shades just can’t match.’
Nettle by Sherwin-Williams
As recommended by Jamie, this deep brown-green paint color is a great way to add depth and warmth to a space.
6. Teal
Stained Glass by Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Lastly, if you’re looking for a moody yet elevated color to incorporate into your scheme, consider decorating with teal.
While this sophisticated color can add interest as an accent, using it boldly with color-drenching – as seen in this bathroom with Benjamin Moore’s Stained Glass – is a great way to add drama.
Similarly, interior designer Caitlin Creer enjoys decorating with a much darker teal for an elevated scheme: ‘Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore is like the deepest green in a pine tree forest. It is earthy, powerful, and crisp. We love using this color – it elevates any room.’
‘We love incorporating a deep teal,’ agrees designer Diane Rath of The Rath Project. ‘It provides the same sophistication and depth as adding a hint of black but feels more intentional and distinctive. Its richness makes a space feel elevated while still offering a unique design choice.’
Linen Duvet Cover Set – Bluestone
Refresh your bedding with this linen set in the shade ‘bluestone’ – an understated nod to teal.
This sculptural vase is a great way to add a pop of color to your home this spring.
Go for this deep teal pillow to add a sophisticated touch to your interiors.
Whether you want to lean into dark colors to create a moody interior or embrace the enduring appeal of light and warming neutrals, many colors can elevate your space, depending on your interior design style. If you’re considering paint ideas, make sure to sample shades first so you can see how they look throughout the day as the light changes.
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