Designers Reveal the One Living Room Paint Color That Always Looks Expensive

Forget the latest paint trend. Designers say one timeless neutral shade is the secret to a living room that always looks polished and expensive from day to night.

When it comes to painting a living room, interior designers say the best option to elevate the room is a timeless neutral.

According to House Beautiful, designers agree that a soft, taupe, almost parchment-like shade is the one color that can outlast trends and make any living room look expensive.

A living room with a warm, neutral paint color | Source: Pexels

Johanna Lyle, founder of Jo Lyle & Co., recommends Farrow & Ball's Stirabout, an earthy oatmeal shade with subtle grey undertones. "I think a mid-tone neutral is always a safe bet in a living room," she said. "White can sometimes read as the default; a nuanced neutral like this gives the room a point of view without competing with everything else."

Designers Elizabeth Bennett and Mallory Robbins of Kobel + Co. agree, favoring shades that blend well with light at any time of the day. "We love timeless colors that transition beautifully from day to night," Bennett said. "Colors akin to warm parchment or plaster evoke this feeling effortlessly."

For Blair Moore, founder of Moore House Design, Sherwin-Williams' Wool Skein, a creamy khaki shade with olive undertones, is her go-to color. "It shifts with the natural light and creates a beautiful backdrop that allows the furniture, art, and architectural details to really come forward," Moore said.

But more than the color, how you use them is just as important. Consider contrast, layering, and texture to achieve the overall mood you intend for your space.