Predicted Paint Colors for 2019

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comThis is my 3rd annual “paint predictions” post and it’s always a hit! I’m excited to share my color predictions and favorite swatches for 2019. I hope it helps you feel confident and comfortable in making paint selections this year. I really enjoy color theory, sourcing palettes, and finding swatches that play well together. Although neutrals will always be classic and timeless- in the coming year, I’m really looking forward to using bold hues and more COLOR. Click through to see what paint colors I’m predicting will be a hit in the year ahead!

This post is not sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, but they have become our paint preference over the past few years and have been a great partner. I have all of the updated swatch books, and Emmett & I prefer their quality to other brands…. so the following swatches throughout this post are all SW paints, if you’re wondering about sources.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comBefore we get started, I’m going to brag a little… I have to say- my paint predictions posts are usually spot on, if not a little ahead of their time. I’m hoping this year is no exception! To make things easier to navigate (and pin), I’m setting up the format a little different this year. Below, I’m breaking down seven of my favorite palettes: blues, greens, black & gray, warm & moody hues, warm neutrals, whites, and the wild cards (aka, the crazy colors).

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comBlues never really go out of style, and I’m going to spill the beans… our first renovation in the new house is going to be very blue (if all goes as planned)! If you like to play it safe, opt for a bold navy. Otherwise, hop on the cornflower blue train with me! I’m loving those medium hues.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comIf you’ve been following me for awhile, you probably already know my favorite color is green. I basically use it everywhere (examples: my fireplace, the dining room, my tallboy dresser, etc). You better believe there will be a healthy dose of green coming to our home in the year ahead- although I haven’t quite decided where it will show up just yet.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comI’m honestly over gray, but sometimes it’s necessary if you’re using bold colors within furniture, textiles, or fixtures. It is a nice neutral backdrop. I will say, dark moody blacks are still a favorite of mine. Try using it in an unexpected way… like on a ceiling- I painted our bathroom ceiling SW 6258 Tricorn Black and it looks amazing!

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comYou shouldn’t be surprised that warm moody neutrals are here to stay. After all- Cavern Clay was the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year. I’m still digging those earthy tones, as well as burnt sienna, burgundy, rustic reds, and wine hues.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comIf you’re going to play it safe with neutrals, I’d recommend sticking to a warmer palette. They feel more updated than gray and aren’t as basic as white.

However, there will always be a time and place for white. It’s super crisp and pairs nicely alongside many of the bold and dark colors throughout this post. It’s also my go-to swatch for painting millwork and interior doors.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comI figured I’d give you a little palette cleanser before jumping into the BOLD, wild card swatches. Above, you’ll find my favorite bright whites. I’ve used all of these and you really can’t go wrong. I do get one frequent question I wanted to address, “what white paint should you use on a ceiling?”… if I’m going to go with a classic, bright, white ceiling- I always use Sherwin-Williams SW 7007 Ceiling Bright White. It is on the cooler side and looks great with everything. For classic white trim, I typically use SW 7006 Extra White, shown in the first section above.

Now… the wild card colors below might look like a mess in a collage together, but on their own- I think I’m most excited to use some of these swatches!

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comAs far as trends go, this year I’m expecting we’ll see much more color. Gone are the days of white and gray. In 2019, I’m all about bold hues that make a real statement. You’ll notice deeper and darker hues coming into play. I think it’s going to be another big year for blues, burnt sienna, burgundy, and deep moody green.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comHere’s a tip if you’re afraid of going too bold… try a darker color, but with less saturation. Basically, that means the color isn’t as intense or bright. I actually prefer muddy, desaturated colors because I think they’re less trendy and withstand the test of time. It’s also a great way to embrace color without taking a big risk. Lastly, choose colors from the historic collection. Sherwin-Williams has a tab in their swatch book that curates colors that have been used for centuries. They’re less likely to go out of style since they’ve been around forever.

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comI also wanted to bring back my tried and true painting tips… here they are:

  • Stop using painters tape. I HATE painters tape… it never works and leaves a squiggly, uneven line. I’m always much happier when I free-hand with a quality brush. If you’re not sure how to do this… watch this video.
  • Stop painting first. People always ask how I compile a color palette for each room. It seems that everyone has trouble selecting paint colors because it feels sort of permanent and daunting. It’s actually really easy! Painting is always the last thing I do to a space (besides styling). I pull swatches from the textiles, furniture, or art. It’s always a great jumping off point when it comes to inspiration. Just because you’re moving in or a room is empty, doesn’t mean that painting should happen immediately. Live in the space for awhile, see how the light interacts, find a couple objects that work well in the space and go from there. Also remember, painting isn’t permanent and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to update or change a room. It shouldn’t be scary.
  • Buy quality paint and supplies. This seems obvious, but until I started using nice paint, it used to take forever. I value my time and the way a project turns out. You can get by with only 1-2 coats if you buy the appropriate paint. There’s literally a paint for everything. Technology has come a long way… from self-leveling paints to organic and green paints, they’re safer and easier to use. Ask a professional which one is best for your project. I also swear by a nice paint brush.
  • Always order a sample. Don’t be the person who spends a ton of money on paint by looking at the tiniest swatch, only to paint your wall and hate the color. Taking the extra time to order a larger swatch or tiny jar of paint is well worth it and makes it SO much easier to decide if the color is what you expected. Live with the swatch on your wall for at least a week- notice how it changes throughout the day.
  • Know your finishes. It’s a given that different finishes should be used in different areas of your home. Do a little research to see which finish is appropriate. Typically (most of the time) trim should be semi-gloss and walls should be flat, eggshell, or matte. The same goes for doors… semi or high-gloss is best and easiest to clean.
  • Throw the rules out the window. Just because trim is typically lighter than your wall color, doesn’t mean you can’t switch it up. Take our bedroom for example, contrast trim wasn’t super popular at the time I painted, but I knew it would look amazing- so I went for it. Don’t be scared to go bold or trade things up… it’s just paint. Paint has magical transforming properties- take our bold, color blocked hallway for example!

Predicted Paint Colors for 2019 - roomfortuesday.comWho is with me on the color front?! Let’s all be brave, bold, and add a splash of color to our homes this year! I’m honestly pretty tired of seeing neutral everything in my Pinterest and Instagram feed. In our new house, I’m vowing to take more risks as a designer- and that includes use of color and paint application. Designing with neutrals is easy… I’m ready for a challenge. I want to make a statement and show my personality and aesthetic in a new way. Here’s to pushing the limits and creating beautiful spaces that are anything but ordinary!

As always, feel free to share questions or comments below. Are there any colors you’d like to see more or less of this year?

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43 Comments

  1. This post makes me think of my very first kitchen…and how I painted it 5 times before I got the right blue. Ah youth. Anyone painting now is lucky for your advice! Although I hope my tastes (and skills) have grown since then, I have always loved color. I can’t imagine living in a neutral space. I’ve really been thinking about your “don’t paint first” rule, though. I definitely see the sense in it, but living with the ugly can be tough. Can’t wait to see your guest bath plans! I know you’ll get the blue right the first time.😉

    1. 5 times?! I bet the final result was gorgeous though! For some reason, I’d rather live with the ugly, non-painted space until we have time to actually tackle a room. I packed away all of my styling accessories and probably won’t get them out until a space has been renovated and is “ready” for them. haha! I know that’s not the norm- or probably not the best mindset. Maybe I should try to share a temporary makeover… especially since this renovation is going to take a lot longer? I’ll channel my inner Peggi :) xox

      1. Sarah, which blue is the can of paint? Misty?

        1. Sleepy Blue by Sherwin-Williams!

    2. What is the light blue color in the paint can in the very first picture!?

      1. Have you figured out what the paint color is? I cannot find it anywhere. The light blue in the first picture with the paint can

        1. It is Sleepy Blue by Sherwin-Williams! Sorry for the delay… the older post comments get pushed to the bottom.

  2. Paint last. Who knew! So excited to see all the colors you use. Can you do a post when you get to your floors (wood) about how to choose based on the type of home you have and what will feel timeless ( did I miss the post or instagram about whether or not you guys r redoing the floor?). I’m pretty sure most of your readers count on you for timeless and floors unlike paint are scary and expensive! Xo

    1. Yes!! I always paint last :) I’ll definitely do a floor post once it’s time to start installing new hardwoods. I’m not sure when that will be, but it’s happening eventually! That’s the best compliment… that readers count on me for timeless. So sweet of you to say, Renee! xox

  3. Kirsten Saladow says:

    I just bought my first house and painted some of the downstairs last week – so this post makes me very happy to see that I’m sort of on trend for once. I painted my living room a peachy blush with a navy ceiling and navy trim, my family room is painted a very similar shade as the SW Indigo Batik on the bottom color palate, and my dining room was wallpapered in a deep emerald green and gold with white ceiling and trim. Plus, I painted a back door super bright yellow. I definitely agree with living in the space before painting – I still don’t have every piece of furniture / art / décor, but I have a big piece of furniture in each room plus some décor for every room and it made it easier to settle on colors.

    I am hopeful to see much more color in interior design soon. I love the neutral super minimal spaces, but I’d love to see new ideas + inspiration for how people can use color at home.

    1. Yay!! So excited to hear that Kirsten! Your living room sounds gorgeous. I love that you’re going bold and aren’t afraid of color. I’m also hopeful that we’ll see more bold, COLORFUL spaces in the design community in the coming year. xox

      1. Kirsten Saladow says:

        Thank you! I just found your blog a few months ago and I love it. While I am nowhere near as capable of doing all the things you do myself, I’ve gotten so many great tips that I have used to tell contractors :) This is my first home purchase and while my place is in great shape for a 1909 foursquare, blogs like yours has made the whole process a million times less intimidating. So, thank you!

  4. Hi, Sarah. One of these delectable colors may be in my kitchen cabinet doors’ future, since they really, really need to be completely stripped and repainted. Only late spring will tell. Meanwhile, I’ll just sit on my comfy sectional and read about your and Emmett’s renovation adventures. I’m sure they’ll motivate [shame] me into getting off my winter behind to start transforming those cabinet doors.

    P.S. Gorgeous profile

    Cheers, Ardith

    1. Woohoo!! There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paints to makeover kitchen cabinetry. Crossing my fingers for you this spring. And thank you so much :) We’re eager to get going on the bathroom this week! xox

  5. Ooh what color is on the paintbrush? It’s lovely!

  6. Elizabeth says:

    Love this post! We’re currently planning our upcoming kitchen renovation and are seriously considering painting the cabinets SW Labradorite Blue — this gives me more confidence! Any tips on choosing the rest of your kitchen finishes, when the cabinets are a non-neutral?

  7. Love the 2019 color predictions.
    What colors were used in the hallway photo? I love the bottom half color.
    Hoping this year I will nail down the perfect clay, stone, putty color that seems to be made up in my head. Lol

    Heather

  8. I love, love, love these!
    My current challenge is choosing for a 70’s ranch style open floor plan. I anticipate needing to choose a cabinet color, trim color, and wall color so it’s cleaner. So, finding the perfect color story is difficult when trying to make it unique.
    ;(

  9. Michelle Carson says:

    Thank you so much for adding in Liveable Green! I have this as my wall color and am so baffled that it’s not more popular. It’s a shade of green that constantly changes colors in my house and is actually quite sophisticated yet a subtle neutral!

    1. It’s a beautiful green- one of my favorites! :)

  10. C. Williams says:

    What paint colors did you use in your color blocked hallway photo? It looks wonderful. I’m looking for a light khaki beige for my hallway, that’s not too pinky or with greenish/yellow undertones. Love revere pewter but even lightened it’s too dark and the places I’m testing it looks like it takes on the undertones of the primary colors of the room. 1908 small home with nice natural light. Thank you.

  11. I’m sitting reading this on the floor of my bedroom with my laptop and my closet’s open in front of me – I get to the “wild card” colorful swatches at the end and they are the exact same colors of the clothes in my closet! I pretty much sat out the cool gray trend (sooo not my color) and am delighted with the pale beiges, whites, and colors coming around lately.

    1. I LOVE hearing that! I’m also into the warmer neutrals as opposed to gray. Great minds ;) xo

  12. Sara what is the blue color in the can

  13. Natalie Kryscynski says:

    We are moving in to a brand new subdivision where pretty much every house is a variation of white. We too are planning on painting our brick white. I feel like 90% of the houses are painted shoji white. I do not want a bright white definitely something more like shoji. Just wondered if you had a new exterior white color you recommend for 2019.

  14. Jen McCall says:

    Yes, what is the blue color in the can???

    1. Sleepy Blue by Sherwin-Williams!

      1. I’m so surprised – it looks so different on the SW website. Guess that goes to show the importance of buying samples and painting swatches in my own spaces to see how the light plays off the color. Thanks for sharing – GREAT color picks!

        1. Definitely! The photos on their website never look the same (in my opinion)- I always order a sample or swatch sheet :) xo

          1. What is the name of the paint color on the top, in the terra-cotta family?

  15. We have a 14 yr old traditional home with a medium oak trim & cabinets. We love the warmth & craftsmanship of the wood so we would never paint over it, but we need a great wall color for an open concept living, dining & kitchen. I was also thinking of doing a statement color on the main wall in the casual dining space. Since I’m afraid of color, I was looking at grays and beiges but my husband wants to go with a bolder color. It’s out of my comfort zone to steer away from neutrals. Also we dont get much light in these rooms. Help!

  16. Please help! What is the lavender/periwinkle like color in the 1st paint can that reads K49 W51?

  17. Anne Malinowski says:

    What color is the paintbrush dipped in? I’m loving it!!!!

  18. I’m curious what you suggest for an all “white” interior. Should the walls, trim and ceiling be the same color? What do you suggest for the best result when going for an all white aesthetic.
    Thanks in advance!

  19. Stephanie Martin says:

    I am seriously considering painting my trim Butterscotch and my cabinets (no uppers only lowers) Persian Patina and my walls either Origami White or Natural Linen. Is this a terrible idea? Is it too much?

  20. Yes, I’d like to know under blue paint color in the can too! So pretty . Can you tell us?

  21. Would it be possible to find out the name of the beautiful blue/periwinkle color in the can? I see others have asked, I apologize if you answered I didn’t see it. Thank you!!!

  22. That Neutral palette is PERFECT! Thank you! I’ve been ‘living with’ our basic white walled bedroom for 4 years. Blah! We finally got a nice bedroom set so now I can paint. Yay! Do you think “Wool Skein” warm natural would look good with (not quite cherry wood) bedroom furniture???

  23. Lauren Long says:

    I agree on your tip for choosing paint. It’s so hard to live with the ugly for me, but I really love when I can pick the perfect color the first time around. I currently have three swatches in our master bath; they’ve been there for six months. But they weren’t what I thought they’d be, and because our bathroom opens to the bedroom, it needs to flow just right. I’m not quite ready to tackle the two rooms, so for now, ugly it is!

    1. Hey- sometimes you have to LIVE with the swatches for awhile. I think that’s brilliant that you’re taking your time :) Ugly FOR NOW.