Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To
March 21, 2026
Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To
March 21, 2026

One of the most exciting parts of every design project is choosing the right colors that will bring that space to life. The right paint color does more than just aesthetics; it adds personality, warmth, and balance to tie the room together.


As designers, we’re always looking at how paint colors work in real life; how they interact with natural light, elements, and furnishings. That’s why
we’re sharing three paint colors we’ve recently used in our projects that we absolutely love. Each one has their own unique personality and make any room cozy and timeless.


If you’re looking for ways to elevate your room,
download our complimentary guide, where we’ve handpicked the elements that can immediately elevate your space.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To 


Here’s a truth many people don’t know:
paint reflects more than your likes and preferences; it has the power to completely transform a space. The right color can enhance natural light, influence how large a room feels, and shape its overall atmosphere. That’s why it’s worth choosing shades that align with your lifestyle and needs whether you're looking for a light and airy, moody, or dramatic feel in your home.


Here are 3 paint colors in particular that we keep coming back to because of their charm and feel.


  1. Naval by Sherwin Williams a rich, deep navy blue that brings a timeless, sophisticated elegance to any space while adding depth and a sense of calm.
  2. Shoji White by Sherwin Williams is a soft neutral to make your space feel warm, sophisticated, and peaceful. 
  3. October Mist by Benjamin Moore is evocative of the stem of a flower, and it’s the perfect shade that anchors and uplifts any room.


Let’s explore each color and how we’ve used it in each of our most recent projects.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Sherwin-Williams Naval: 

A Classic Navy That Never Goes Out of Style


If there’s one color that always feels timeless, it’s navy. Naval by Sherwin Williams is one of those colors that instantly elevates a space while still feeling warm and inviting.


We used Naval in Project Modern Fairway Views, and it became one of the main colors in the design. The navy island in the kitchen anchors the whole space, creating a beautiful contrast with lighter neutrals and white cabinetry.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

What we love about Naval is its versatility, and it pairs beautifully with:


  • Airy whites
  • soft neutral tones
  • light blues
  • natural woods
  • brass or gold finishes

In our Project Modern Fairway Views kitchen, you’ll notice how the brass lighting and hardware complement the deep navy tone. Navy, brass, and white together create a classic trio that feels elegant and cozy.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

If you’re looking for a way to add color to your kitchen without overwhelming the design, Naval is a beautiful option.


We also used Naval in the built-in unit for the home office and look how well it pairs with the rest of the elements, from soft greens to small touches of violet, making it an excellent choice if you want to add a pop of color while keeping the overall look timeless.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Sherwin-Williams Shoji White:

A Soft Neutral with Depth


Sometimes the most beautiful colors are the ones that support the rest of the design. Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams is a lovely neutral.


Shoji White is the perfect shade when you want your room to feel light but cozy. It is a warm, creamy white that borders on greige. It works perfectly with many materials, furnishings, or finishes in any design.


We used Shoji White in the bedroom of Project Modern Comfort, creating a calm, serene backdrop that allowed the other elements in the room to come to life. This color pairs with creams, soft blues, and natural textures, making it ideal for creating a layered, relaxed look.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

We also used Shoji White in the basement at Project Light and Bright, where it helped open up the space and create a light, airy feeling. It acted as a neutral backdrop that allowed brighter colors and deeper tones to shine and stand out. 

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To
Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Benjamin Moore October Mist:

A Soothing Green with Personality


The third color we’re loving is October Mist by Benjamin Moore, which we used in Project More Fun Than Fancy.


This space inside our client’s laundry room wasn’t living up to its potential. It felt dark and like a forgotten corner of the home.


To bring it to life, we introduced cabinetry painted in October Mist, a soft green that feels calming and fresh without being overpowering. The color instantly transformed the room, making the space feel intentional and inviting.

What makes October Mist so special is its ability to act as a statement color and a soothing shade. It pairs great with warm wood tones, which we added to the folding shelf above the washer and dryer.


The result is a laundry room that feels organized, functional, and beautiful, which is great proof that even the most practical spaces in a home deserve a great design.


October Mist is also a great color for:


  • bathroom cabinetry
  • accent walls
  • built-ins
  • or even full rooms if you want a serene, nature-inspired palette
Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Choose a Color To Bring Your Space to Life


No matter what room you’re renovating, adding the right color can truly elevate it and provide the right feel and balance to your home.
These three shades work wonderfully despite your design style, making it the right choice for your next project.


When you’re looking to create a timeless, warm design, adding these neutrals can help you create a space you truly love. If you’re considering updating your home with color but aren’t sure where to start, try these classic, designer-approved colors. And if you’d like help selecting the perfect palette for your home, we’d love to guide you through the process.


Keep this article on hand for some inspiration on your next project! And
take a look at our portfolio for even more ideas for your home.

Three Timeless Paint Colors We Keep Coming Back To

What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Interior Designer Jen Morrell | Charlotte & Waxhaw | An Inspiring Home

I work with busy families to create beautiful and functional spaces by providing local design services in the Charlotte/Waxhaw area and beyond through online design.

an inspiring home charlotte interior design living room

What’s your design style?

Find out what kind of interior design best suits your inner self. From Transitional to Modern, it's time to make your home a place you’ll love!

You can opt-out at any time. Please note we do not share your information with anyone.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Recent Posts

What Nobody Tells You About Renovating
By Jennifer Morrell March 6, 2026
Today, we’re sharing a few things nobody tells you about renovating, along with real project examples that show how these situations unfold.
Project Modern Comfort Reveal
By Jennifer Morrell February 18, 2026
Today, I’m excited to share Project Modern Comfort, a primary bedroom and bathroom renovation that is luxurious and perfectly tailored for our clients
A Real-Life Renovation: Why This Family Planned a Year Early
By Jennifer Morrell February 4, 2026
In today’s blog post, I want to share a real story from one of our clients and how we created a renovation plan that made their dream kitchen possible without chaos.
Project Modern Fairway Views Reveal - Part 2
By Jennifer Morrell January 23, 2026
Get ready because we saved the best for last. In this sequel reveal, we’re sharing how the final three rooms of this home came together to complete this design.
Meet the 2026 Color of the Year
By Jennifer Morrell January 6, 2026
If you’re ready to get inspired, keep on reading; in this blog post, I reveal this year’s color of the year, chosen by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore
2025 An Inspiring Home Projects Recap
By Jennifer Morrell December 11, 2025
As we close out 2025, I’d love to take you through a recap of the design projects we worked on this year. If you love before-and-afters, you’re in the right place.
Project Modern Fairway Views Reveal - Part 1
By Jennifer Morrell November 20, 2025
Welcome to Project Modern Fairway Views, Part 1, where we dive deep into the renovation process for the first five rooms we design for this home .
A Serene Transitional Bedroom You’ll Love
By Jennifer Morrell November 6, 2025
In this blog post, I'll share all the elements that make the perfect bedroom.
Riding the Blue Wave Project Reveal
By Jennifer Morrell October 21, 2025
I invite you to join me on the Ride The Blue Wave Project and explore how we transformed an outdated and non-functional kitchen into a modern and cozy space.
Do I Need a Designer If I Already Have a Contractor?
By Jennifer Morrell October 8, 2025
If you’re starting a remodel or new build, keep reading, because hiring a designer first can save you time, costly mistakes, and frustration later.
Show More