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From jewel tones to glowing neutrals, these shades will add elegance to your space
Colour is, in many respects, the most powerful and least expensive tool available to the interior decorator – capable of transforming the character of a room far more decisively than a new sofa or a change of soft furnishings.
Whether applied with full commitment across four walls or introduced more judiciously through curtains, cushions or a single well-chosen accessory, colour can make a room feel more stylish, sumptuous and, crucially, considerably more expensive than it actually was to achieve.
There are certain shades that carry this quality more reliably than others. Jewel tones have long been the preference of designers who understand richness of colour and who aren't afraid to slather a room top to bottom in a burgundy or a jade. For the more modest decorator, a particular shade of warm nude and the right mid green does the same job.
What follows is a guide to seven paint colours that always make an interior look expensive.
'A lick of audacious red paint on a piece of furniture or even an accent wall could instantly transform your room and tie the space together,' says Nicole Sage, interior designer at Sleek Chic Interiors.
Red has extraordinary depth and feels especially luscious in a semi-gloss finish. ‘Due to the depth of the colour, it works well as a feature wall, or as an accent colour,' explains Lucy Steele, paint and interiors expert at V&CO Paint.
Pictured: House Beautiful Odell Rust Pleated Blinds at Hillarys
Rich yet tranquil, mid greens are a shortcut to understated luxury. This earthy Green 05 by Lick possesses 'that deep, olive richness that makes a room feel cocooned and intimate – the perfect shade for creating a nurturing retreat,' says Tash Bradley, Lick's director of interior design. ‘When combined with dark wooden floors, marble countertops and stone, this green can create a space that will stand the test of time.’
'It's virtually one of the easiest colours on the eyes – it's hard to feel bad surrounded by the perfect green,' Nicole adds.
It looks especially wonderful when styled with indoor plants – try pothos or the snake plant to introduce shape and texture.
Pictured: Green 05 at Lick
If it's a more subtle, laidback luxury you're after, reach for warm neutrals punctuated with dramatic darks.
‘Colour washing a wall with a gentle beige will give the look of simple, timeless quality,’ says Sophie Smith, founder of Zhoosh Paints. She advises choosing a matt paint finish instead of a glossy one for added elegance.
'Consider using a contrasting colour for woodwork and detailing to make the look feel modern,' suggests Helen Shaw, colour expert and director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'Accessorise the room with textures such as stone, velvet and dark woods for a truly elevated feel.'
Pictured: Glacier White OC-37 at Benjamin Moore
Whilst not for the faint of heart, when deployed with conviction à la Jodie Hazelwood, a rich blue feels regal and utterly decadent. The effect is only amplified by the warm pine flooring, vertiginous ceilings and the patina of older furniture.
The instinct, for many, might be to reach for something safer. Resist it!
Pictured: Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball
This particular shade of warm nude – not quite pink, but somewhere in the territory of raw plaster – belongs in an old stately home. In the right light it takes on an almost luminous warmth and bathes nearby objects in its glow, making everything feel a lot more expensive than it is.
Pictured: Clove by Edward Bulmer
Purples carry considerable historical weight as the colour of cardinal robes and royal chambers, and this red-infused shade feels especially opulent.
‘This shade is everywhere right now because of its luxurious appeal,’ says Tash. ‘Its depth allows it to create a cosy atmosphere without being overly loud or stimulating.’ She suggests pairing burgundy with burnt oranges, mustard yellows, fresh blues and pinks.
Pictured: Purple 03 Lick
'Certain tones of grey have received a bit of a bad rap over the last few years, but in the right tone, they can still feel warm, inviting and sophisticated,' says Nicole. She suggests a delicate grey with a bit of warmth to it.
As this fabulous living room shows, grey needn't be reserved for contemporary or minimal spaces. Brown leather is such a surprising pairing, but one that adds even more warmth and richness.
Pictured: Purbeck Stone at Farrow & Ball
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