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Since the pandemic, interior trends have leaned toward bold, maximalist styles and colors. Lockdown taught us collectively that life is short, and spending more time at home has invited many 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. Good? Say goodbye to sad beige and millennial gray: fantasy, joy and color are in. The brighter the better!
Ahead, I chatted with designers to get their take on bright paint colors: how to choose them, where to paint, trending colors, and, perhaps most importantly, how to overcome any hesitation when working with vibrant hues.
Featured image from our interview with Kate Arends by Suruchi Avasthi.
How do you choose vibrant, bright paint colors?
Choosing the right color for your home is a very personal decision. Lesley Myrick Lesley Myrick Interior Design He always starts his design process with the client, and never a trend. “A vibrant paint color has to be a compromise color, something you’ll still love when the design world moves on to the next thing,” he says. Myrick suggests paying attention to what colors you like to use, what colors are already present in the room, and what the light does between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
“Vibrant color has a big impact, meaning it can’t be an afterthought. It has to be rooted in something specific and personal. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a room that looks noisy instead of layered,” she continues.
In short, choose a color you like. Make sure it blends well with the other elements in your space. Take time to see how light affects the paint color throughout the day. Enjoy!
Which rooms are best for vibrant paint colors?
Bright paint colors will energize a space, so opting for rooms that are lively or perhaps need some excitement will work well. “A small space is the best place to be bold, because the color surrounds you and creates a complete atmosphere,” says Myrick. “A powder room in a bright, deep green or saturated blue will be the most memorable room in the house.”
“I always recommend an entryway or hallway as great spaces to introduce vitality,” Daniele Doerge, color expert at California Paintingsactions. “From there, I also love dining rooms and living rooms for their vibrant hues. These areas are natural spaces for gathering, and having a strong color can be inviting and expressive.”
Myrick agrees. “Dining rooms are another natural choice, especially since they are typically used at night, when bold colors look best in low light,” she adds.
Are you hesitant to use bright, vibrant colors in your home?
Neutrals can make you feel confident, and especially if you have maximalist tendencies, even a little boring. But covering a room in bright blue, cheerful yellow, or bold chartreuse takes a healthy dose of courage. It’s totally normal to feel indecisive. Both Myrick and Doerge have some tips to help calm your nerves.
Try paint samples
“First of all, painting is the least permanent design decision you will ever make,” Myrick assures. “If you hate it three years from now, you paint over it, that’s it. A bold color is not the irreversible commitment that people think it is.” He also suggests getting large samples, painting them on two different walls, and living with them for a few days to make an informed decision. “Look at them in morning, afternoon, and evening light. The same color will change dramatically depending on the room and time of day,” he shares.
Start little by little
“Try painting cabinets or an interior door, or even adding an accent wall to see how you feel about the color,” Doerge recommends. “I also advise people to pair bold colors with some type of texture or neutral, whether it’s furniture, décor or rugs.”
Go bold or go home
Finally, Myrick recommends digging in your heels and engaging with your entire chest. “The half-hearted vibrant color, the one you thought was ‘safer’ than the bold choice you loved, always disappoints. If you’re going to be bold, go all the way,” she urges.
What bright paint colors are in style right now?
Although vibrant colors are inherently energizing, the right bold color can be calming and intentional. Colors inspired by nature are always a success. “We’re seeing some trends toward vibrant colors rooted in nature—think golden yellows, clay-inspired corals, and lush greens that feel bright but still grounded,” Doerge shares.
The Bold Move Your Home Was 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 aren’t a trend to chase or a risk to manage—they’re an invitation to make your home feel 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. Half-choice always disappoints. The daring never does.
This post was last updated on May 22, 2026 to include new insights.
