The Color Journal
Expert guides on paint colors, cross-brand matching, color trends, and interior design tips.
Paint Color Trends 2026: What Designers Are Predicting
From earthy greens to warm mushroom tones, these are the paint color trends defining 2026 — drawn from the 2026 Color of the Year picks across five major brands and search data from our 25,000+ color database.
The Best Exterior Paint Colors to Boost Curb Appeal
Exterior paint has to work with your roof, your trim, and full sun — conditions that change how colors look compared to interior swatches. These are the colors that hold up outdoors, with specific pairing advice for every architectural style.
15 Best Bathroom Paint Colors That Handle Humidity (2026)
The best bathroom paint colors for 2026 — from spa blues and warm earth tones to dramatic jewel shades. Every pick handles humidity, and we explain which finish and formulation to use.
18 Best Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors for Kitchens (2026)
The most popular Sherwin-Williams kitchen colors for cabinets, walls, and islands — with finish recommendations, lighting tips, and designer pairings for every style.
The 15 Best Kitchen Paint Colors for 2026
From crisp whites that survive daily scrubbing to moody greens taking over cabinetry in 2026, these are the kitchen paint colors that hold up in real kitchens — with specific LRV values, finish guidance, and application tips.
15 Best Dining Room Paint Colors for Every Style (2026)
The best dining room paint colors for 2026 — from bold jewel tones to warm earth tones and elegant neutrals. Includes specific colors from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar with hex codes and pairing tips.
Best Home Office Paint Colors for Productivity in 2026
The best paint colors for home office productivity — from calming blues and greens to 2026 trending shades — picked for focus, mood, and video call appearance.
15 Best Nursery Paint Colors for 2026 (Gender-Neutral Picks That Last)
The best nursery paint colors for 2026 — gender-neutral picks from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr that grow with your child from infant through elementary school.
10 Calming Bedroom Colors Designers Love
Create a serene retreat with these designer-approved bedroom paint colors — soft blues, warm neutrals, and muted greens that promote relaxation.
The Best Living Room Paint Colors for Every Style
Whether your style is modern, traditional, or farmhouse — these living room paint colors create the perfect backdrop for your most-used room.
The Best Paint Colors for East-Facing Rooms
East-facing rooms get warm morning sun and cool afternoon shade. These colors look great in both conditions — no more paint that only works half the day.
The Best Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms
North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light all day. These warm-toned, high-LRV colors counteract the gray cast and make the space feel bright and inviting.
The 15 Best White Paint Colors for Every Room (2026)
White is the hardest paint color to choose. This guide ranks the 15 best warm whites, cool whites, and true whites from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and more — with room-by-room advice, undertone breakdowns, and designer pairings.
Warm vs Cool Paint Colors: How to Choose
Learn the difference between warm and cool paint colors, how lighting affects temperature, and how to build a cohesive palette that flows room to room.
Color Theory for Home Decorators: A Practical Guide
Skip the art school jargon. This practical color theory guide teaches you how to use the color wheel, build palettes, and combine colors like a designer.