If walls could talk ... they'd request these.
By Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping
Paint is the pixie dust of the home improvement world. A few coats can revamp even a blah, beige-tiled bathroom. No matter if you're working with a powder room or master suite, these pro-approved colors will upgrade your space fast.
Arctic Blue
Looking for a personal oasis? You're not alone. "Most of my clients want their bathroom to feel like a relaxing spa," says Abbe Fenimore at Studio Ten 25. "I like to use soft blues with gray undertones for this look."
Black
Intense hues don't typically read "relaxing," but a trip to the dark side might be in order. Ebony adds an edge to traditional white subway tile, especially if you paint the trim too.
Powder Blue
Your walls aren't the only place ready for color. Blue cabinetry (with a hint of violet!) refreshes a traditional cream backdrop.
Taupe
Poised Taupe earned the title "Color of the Year," but the brown-gray combo is here to stay thanks to its versatility. According to Julie Holloway and Anisa Darnell at Milk & Honey Home, "Benjamin Moore's Sparrow is a great, earthy gray, that pairs well with natural accessories, like a jute rug or matchstick bamboo blinds, as well as anything cream or ivory."
Ink
Wallpapered rooms deserve a refresh too. Coat the ceiling with a shade too bold for a larger space — it's a risk that'll pay off, big time.
Cerulean
Take an instant vacation with a nautical shade. A watery blue brings to mind lapping waves at the beach, or a nap by the pool.
Warm Gray
There's a reason neutrals reign supreme. A chameleon-like gray keeps up with everything, so go ahead and invest in a colorful set of towels.
Pistachio
Fresh and vibrant is the name of the game. Paneling looks cheery — not stiff — in coordinating yellowy-greens.
Charcoal
Punch up beadboard with an unexpected dose of graphite. Then pepper it with art, curios and vintage light fixtures for a cool collection looks like it grew over time.
Mint
The paint color is just as fresh as the toothpaste. "This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room," says interior designer Lauri Ward. "It's an especially good choice for cooling a very sunny room."
Clean White
Short on space? Mirrors on top of white-washed siding does the trick. The reflections create a "window" on any wall, nipping that cramped feeling in the bud.
Cool Gray
Start the day off on the just the right note. "This color provides a clean, sophisticated backdrop," says interior designer Kerrie Kelly. "But also adds a nice warmth when paired with white trim."
