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
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.
- 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.
- Shoji White by Sherwin Williams is a soft neutral to make your space feel warm, sophisticated, and peaceful.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

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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.

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!























