Since the pandemic, interior trends are turning to bold, maximalist styles and colors. Lockdown has taught us collectively that life is short, and spending more time at home has invited many people to throw caution to the wind. If this is where we spend a lot of our time, we should really love the space we inhabit. RIGHT? Say goodbye to sad beige and millennial gray: fantasy, playfulness and color are In. The brighter the better!
Ahead, I spoke with designers to get their take on bold paint colors: how to choose them, where to paint, what colors are trending, and perhaps most importantly, how to overcome any hesitation when working with vibrant hues.
Featured image of our interview with Kate Arends by Suruchi Avasthi.
How to Choose Bright, Vibrant Paint Colors?
Choosing the right color for your home is a very personal decision. Lesley Myrick Lesley Myrick Interior Design always begins its design process with the client, and never with a trend. “A vibrant paint color should be an engaging color, something you’ll still love when the design world moves on,” she says. Myrick suggests paying attention to what colors you like to wear, what colors are already in the room, and what the light is like between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
“Bright colors are high-impact, which means they can’t be an afterthought. They need to be anchored in something specific and personal. Otherwise, you end up with a room that just seems loud instead of layered,” she continues.
In short, choose a color that you like. Make sure it coordinates well with other elements in your space. Take time to see how light affects the color of the paint throughout the day. Have fun!
Which rooms work best with vibrant paint colors?
Bright paint colors will energize a space, so opting for rooms that are lively or perhaps need a little spice will work well. “A small space is the best place to go bold, because color envelops you and creates a complete ambiance,” says Myrick. “A powder room in a deep, bright green or saturated blue will be the most memorable room in the house.”
“I always recommend an entryway or hallway as the ideal space to introduce dynamism,” Daniele Doerge, color expert from Californian paintingssharing. “From there, I also love dining rooms and living rooms for their vibrant tones. These spaces are natural places to gather, and having a strong color can be inviting and expressive.”
Myrick agrees. “Dining rooms are another natural choice, especially because you typically use them at night, when rich colors are at their best in low-light conditions,” she adds.
Are you hesitant to use bright, vibrant colors in your home?
Neutrals can feel safe, and especially if you have maximalist, or even a little boring, tendencies. But covering a room in a bright blue, cheerful yellow, or bold chartreuse takes a lot of courage. It’s completely normal to be hesitant. Both Myrick and Doerge have some tips to help calm your nerves.
Test paint samples
“First, painting is the least permanent design decision you can make,” Myrick reassures. “If you hate it in three years, you’ll repaint it, that’s it. A bright color isn’t the irreversible commitment people think it is.” She also suggests getting large samples, painting them on two different walls, and living with them for a few days to make an informed decision. “View them in morning, afternoon, and night light. The same color will change dramatically depending on the room and time of day,” she shares.
Start small
“Try painting cabinets or an interior door, or even add an accent wall to see how you feel with the color,” recommends Doerge. “I also advise people to pair bright colors with some sort of neutral or texture, whether it’s furniture, decor, or rugs.”
Be bold or go home
Finally, Myrick recommends digging in your heels and engaging with your entire chest. “The half-hearted vibrant color, the one that seems ‘safer’ than the bold choice you loved, always disappoints. If you want to go bold, go all the way,” she advises.
What bright paint colors are most popular right now?
Even though bright colors are inherently energizing, the right bold color can still seem calming and intentional. Colors inspired by nature are always a wise choice. “We’re seeing trends toward vibrant colors rooted in nature—think golden yellows, clay-inspired corals, and lush greens that look bright but still grounded,” shares Doerge.
Shop for Vibrant Paint Colors
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball
The bold move your home has been waiting for
If there’s one thing designers agree on, it’s this: the color you love is always the right choice. Bright paint colors are not a trend to follow or a risk to manage: they are an invitation to make your home more like you. Start with the room that needs the most life. Paint a large sample. Live with it for a few days. And when you find the one that makes you feel something every time you walk in? Commit to the end. The half-hearted choice always disappoints. The bold never does.
This article was last updated on May 22, 2026 to include new information.
The position Designers Weigh: Surprising Rooms Where Bright Paint Colors Work Best appeared first on Camille Styles.