Designers on how color trends differ across US regions

Many factors sway our decision-making when choosing a color scheme for a room, not least the areas in which we live. Across the different regions of the US, trends differ, with color preferences said to be shaped by architectural styles, natural surroundings, and the climate.

From the light and airy hues of the West Coast to the classic shades of the Northeast, designers observe how their clients’ color preferences differ across the country, and below, we’ve rounded up the main color trends.

It goes without saying that these regional color preferences aren’t set in stone, and the colors homeowners use can vary vastly, no matter where they live. That said, these insights from designers align with certain paint brands’ best-selling shades in different areas too, showing that our surroundings may have a greater impact on our room color ideas than we first thought.

Table of Contents

Northeast

rustic dining space with dark green wall and vintage cabinet and table

(Image credit: Little Greene)

According to Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, the Northeast region of the US welcomes decorating with neutrals, while more colorful hues take on a classic feel with the likes of blues and greens.

‘Our Portland Stone family is the perfect neutral base for New England lighting and serves as a warmer take on the stark whites that are being replaced. When going for color, blues and greens are a big trend we’re seeing – Obsidian Green, Pea Green, Jewel Beetle, Air Force Blue, and Hopper all see a lot of love in the region,’ Ruth explains.

Allison Mattison, interior designer at New England Trellis Home Design, observes that the colors often reached for in this region reflect its heritage and architectire, adding: ‘In the Northeast, there’s a strong appreciation for heritage and structure, which comes through in the color choices – think deep navy, forest green, oxblood, and crisp ivory. It’s a palette that feels tailored and timeless, often inspired by the region’s historic homes and urban brownstones.’

bedroom with neutral walls and dark blue cushion and artwork

(Image credit: Kelsey Ann Rose Photography. Design: Darci Hether)

Connecticut and NYC-based interior designer Darci Hether, the founder of Darci Hether Interior Design, also picks up on the appeal for neutral rooms in the Northeast, which can be linked to inner-city living. ‘With the hustle and bustle of the city and smaller footprints than that of our suburban clients, our city clients need an apartment that is calming and serene. They want soothing shades of cream, gray, slate blues with the occasional, well-placed ‘pop’ that helps express their personality,’ says Darci.

‘In coastal New England, and Nantucket in particular, there’s a strong affinity for soft, weathered tones that reflect the island’s natural palette – think driftwood grays, dune beiges, crisp whites, and classic Nantucket blues,’ adds interior designer, Joe Waroquier. ‘These colors echo the shingled architecture, seagrass-dotted landscapes, and misty Atlantic light that define the region.’

neutral bedcover on dark brown bed

McGee & Co.

Penelope Beige Linen Duvet Cover

blue and white floral pillow

Scalamandre

Ridge Edge Pillow

dark green rug

Lulu & Georgia

Cyrena Hand-Loomed Wool Rug

Midwest

living room with beige panelled walls, two gray sofas and a green ottoman

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Not dissimilar to the prominent color preferences within the Northeast region, experts say that the Midwest also tends to favor grounded palettes comprised of earthy neutrals and richer tones. ‘In the Midwest, I’ve noticed a preference for cozy, grounded palettes like taupe, deep greens, and warm neutrals that suit the climate and architectural styles,’ explains interior designer Laura Lubin of Nashville-based Ellerslie Interiors.

This is echoed by paint brand Behr, which highlights earthy green paints and burgundy reds as popular in the Midwest region. ‘Colors like Muted Sage, Jojoba, North Woods, Vine Leaf, Cherry Cola, Dark Crimson, and mid-earth tones, blues, greens, and reds are popular as they complement common decorating and architectural styles such as Scandinavian, Prairie, and Craftsman,’ says Erika Woelfel, color expert at Behr Paint Company. ‘The Midwest, with its diverse landscapes from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes, also influences these color choices.’

brown vase

green patterned tablecloth

McGee & Co.

Estelle Block Print Tablecloth

dark green rug

Jeremiah Brent x Loloi

Greenwich Hand-Loomed Wool-Blend Rug

West Coast

living room with an earthy neutral color palette, white walls and a patterned sofa and armchairs

(Image credit: Michael Clifford. Design: Ward + Gray)

‘On the West Coast, especially in California, we’re seeing a more laid-back, sun-washed aesthetic,’ observes designer Staver Gray of NYC design studio Ward + Gray, which works on projects across the US. ‘Soft earth tones, warm terracottas, and faded coastal blues – colors that echo the landscape and blend effortlessly with indoor-outdoor living.’

Interior designer Caitlin Creer also notes a preference toward earthy colors on the West Coast, adding that she notices more popularity for ‘muddy’ hues here: ‘I would say that my West Coast clients tend to gravitate toward more earthy and muddy colors in contrast to our Eastern projects. We do bring an earthiness into most of our projects, but some colors might feel out of place with the majority of our East Coast clients, who seem to like cleaner and crisper shades.’

The popularity of certain paint shades on the West Coast confirms an appeal for warm color schemes, according to Little Greene. ‘In California, we’re seeing an uptick in red-based hues like Rolling Fog Light, Mochi, Atomic Red, Bronze Red, China Clay Dark, and Castell Pink. These colors span bold and bright to calming neutrals, but they all have the same red undertone in them that makes it a clear trend for the West Coast,’ Ruth Mottershead explains.

rust-colored cushion

Sarah Sherman Samuel

Lovett Indoor / Outdoor Pillow

neutral bedding set

CULTIVER

Piped Linen Duvet Cover Set – Natural and Forest

terracotta table lamp

Lulu & Georgia

Priya Table Lamp

Southeast

colorful bedroom with blue wall, yellow bed and blue and green cushions

(Image credit: NativeHouse Photography. Design: Lisa Gilmore Design)

‘Head down to the Southeast, and the vibe softens,’ says Allison Mattison. ‘Here, homes lean into airy pastels, powdery blues, warm whites, and soft greens that feel welcoming and graceful, perfect for the slower pace and hospitality-driven culture. There’s a fondness for tradition, but it’s filtered through a more relaxed, genteel lens.’

South Carolina-based designer Karen Germond, the founder of KMG Design Studio, comments on the appeal for decorating with blue in the Southeast region, adding: ‘In the South, especially along the coast, blues continue to trend very strongly. It’s a color that will always be timeless in the South. Clients continue to request this color be brought in to almost every project we do, either as an accent color or as the primary color, in lighter shades as well as darker shades.’

‘The blues speak to the surrounding landscape of marshes and ocean as well as the clear blue skies that often accompany bright sunny days in the South. Blue also evokes a sense of stillness, lightness, and calm, and can feel instantly refreshing on a hot summer day,’ Karen continues.

outdoor area with bright yellow wall and two blue chairs

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

While coastal decor and a palette of blues are prominent in many parts of the Southeast, experts comment on much more vibrant color choices in Florida. ‘Especially in the southern part of the state, we see bold, tropical hues – coral, turquoise, bright citrus, and lush greens – all paired with glossy whites and sleek finishes,’ says Allison Mattison. ‘It’s playful, vibrant, and not afraid to make a statement, reflecting the energy of the coastline and its global, resort-style influence.’

This is echoed by Joe Waroquier, who adds: ‘When I work with clients in Miami, the preferences tend to be brighter, bolder, and more vibrant – often inspired by the tropical climate and lively cultural energy of the city. I see a lot of enthusiasm for saturated hues like coral, turquoise, palm green, and sunshine yellow. There’s a desire to bring the outside in, celebrating color in a more playful and expressive way that feels very distinct from the muted, maritime palette of Nantucket.’

blue table lamp

McGee & Co.

Clarendon Table Lamp

coral cushion cover

H&M Home

Patterned Cushion Cover

yellow and white patterned bedding

Anthropologie

Organic Cotton Percale Printed Sheet Set

Southwest

living room with blue-green two-tone walls, a muted pink chaise sofa, and two windows with green gloss woodwork

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

‘I’ve worked with clients across the US, but the strongest regional preferences I see today are in the Southwest,’ shares the Dallas-based interior designer Lauren Saab of Saab Studios. ‘Clients here gravitate toward sunbaked, grounded colors like terracotta and clay, such as Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate. Another example is sage green. These hues mirror the desert terrain and glow in golden afternoon light. They create interiors that feel rooted in the landscape, intuitive, warm, and unmistakably of their place.’

‘In the South, clients embrace saturated hues such as French blue, warm peach, and olive green, often incorporating historical or vintage design elements,’ adds Laura Lubin.

The top paint colors from Behr also show a favor for decorating with muted tones in the Southwest region, with the likes of Teton Blue, Jungle Camouflage, and Harvest Brown popular here.

olive green and white striped cushion

H&M Home

Linen-Blend Cushion Cover

muted purple tablecloth

CULTIVER

Linen Tablecloth – Dusk

terracotta plant pot

McGee & Co.

Lorenzo Terracotta Pot

From the classic colors and timeless neutrals that seem to be popular in the Northeast, to the more colorful and vibrant tones apparent in parts of the South, it’s clear that designers observe regional preferences when it comes to decorating with color. That said, don’t feel like your home needs to fully align with these observations – your home should be a reflection of the colors you love, no matter where you live.

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