12 Paint Colors That Will Make You Happier, According to Paint Pros

Boost your mood with these cheerful paint color picks from the pros.

Bedroom painted with Gray Cloud, by Benjamin Moore
Photo: Dustin Halleck / Centered by Design

Color plays an important role in how we relate to spaces, and the paint color you choose affects not only how the space looks but also how it feels. More than a matter of aesthetics, color can influence our emotions. "It's no secret that color affects your mood—that's why so much research goes into choosing brand color schemes," says the designers at Chicago-based design firm Studio Gild. "With interior design, using a lot of one color in a space can trigger an emotion that you wouldn't feel if it were used as just an accent color," they explain.

While there is no universal set of rules for picking paint colors, we probably all want to fill our homes with colors that make us feel happy. To help narrow down the selection, we reached out to some professional designers for their recommendations on paint colors that are guaranteed mood-boosters. Here are 12 paint colors that will make you smile every time you enter the room.

01 of 12

Pointing, by Farrow and Ball

Sitting room painted with Pointing, by Farrow and Ball
Joshua McHugh/ Alyssa Kapito Interiors

"Pointing is such a happy color for an ivory!" says Alyssa Kapito of Alyssa Kapito Design. "It's almost as if it has an internal light source that radiates and is very flattering to everyone in the room," she explains. Plus, this off-white hue is very versatile and can go with every type of decor style, from modern to more traditional.

To buy: us.farrow-ball.com.

02 of 12

Gray Cloud, by Benjamin Moore

Bedroom painted with Gray Cloud, by Benjamin Moore
Dustin Halleck / Centered by Design

"Blues always seem to please and make clients happy," says Claire Staszak from Centered by Design. So when you're designing your own space, why not pick a color that will make you happy, too? "Benjamin Moore's Gray Cloud is the softest pale periwinkle and works well in a variety of spaces. Who doesn't want to feel as if they are floating in the clouds?" Consider this dreamy blue for a relaxing bedroom or soothing bathroom.

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

03 of 12

Brewster Gray, by Benjamin Moore

Swatch of Brewster Gray, by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore

Another design firm, Studio Gild, also swears by a subtle shade of blue with a dose of gray to make a space feel happier. "Blues create a feeling of stability and elicit a sense of order and tranquility," the designers explain. "Benjamin Moore's Brewster Gray is a favorite of ours; with a just a hint of green it dramatically calms any space it's applied to."

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

04 of 12

Rosé Season by Clare

wall painted with, Rosé Season by Clare, pink
Clare

Looking for a color with a bit more personality? You'll love this blush pink pick from Nicole Gibbons, the founder and CEO of Clare. "Warm pink shades like Rosé Season evoke a sense of optimism and have a joyful, happy feel," says Gibbons. "Crisp, bright, and a little bit sweet, this fresh shade of pink reminds us of full glasses with great friends. Whether it's on your walls or in your glass, who doesn't love a good rosé?!" We couldn't agree more.

To buy: clare.com.

05 of 12

Farrow's Cream, by Farrow & Ball

Swatch of paint color Farrow's Cream, by Farrow and Ball
Farrow & Ball

If you're in the market for a fresh coat of paint in your kitchen, consider Studio Lifestyle's top pick for this space. "Kitchens are great rooms to paint yellow as it brightens your mood and increases your energy—something we usually all need in the morning as we make our way to the kettle." A soft, subtle yellow is the mood-booster night owls will need in the morning.

To buy: us.farrow-ball.com.

RELATED: 7 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

06 of 12

Blanched Coral, by Benjamin Moore

Bedroom painted in Blanched Coral, by Benjamin Moore
Michael Partenio/ Erin Gates Design

"I always get a mood lift from pale pink rooms—they just glow and envelop you in a sense of calmness," says Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design. To avoid a pink that feels too young, it's all about choosing the right shade and pairing it strategically. "Blanched Coral is the loveliest shade of pale pink that does not feel juvenile or too sweet—and paired with edgier choices like black, deep red, or chartreuse it takes on a whole new personality."

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

07 of 12

Kimono by Portola Paints

Paint swatch of Kimono by Portola Paints, blue teal
Portola Paints

If you want a happy hue, but also something vibrant, say hello to Kimono by Portola Paints. "Kimono is a rich jewel tone that adds a pop of energy and cheer. This blue will make you feel like you're on vacation every day!" explains Jamie Davis of Portola Paints.

To buy: portolapaints.com.

08 of 12

Skylight, by Farrow & Ball

Painted painted in Skylight, by Farrow & Ball, blue-gray
Farrow & Ball

"Skylight is a wonderful soft pastel green that can remind you of spring and make any space happy," says Melanie Burstin, a designer from Homepolish. She recommends choosing a soft color that makes you happy, so that it can lift your mood, but without overwhelming the room or taking over the design of the space.

To buy: us.farrow-ball.com.

09 of 12

Watermist, by Dunn Edwards

Paint Swatch of Watermist, by Dunn Edwards
Dunn Edwards

Sometimes, the colors that make us the happiest are those that make us feel the calmest. Case in point: Sarah Barnard of Sarah Barnard Design's paint pick, Watermist by Dunn Edwards. "Watermist is a subtle near white hue with underpinnings of the palest aquamarine. Perfect for spaces near the sea, this elegant shade inspires a soothing restorative environment," she explains.

To buy: dunnedwards.com.

10 of 12

Boca Raton Blue, by Benjamin Moore

Paint swatch of Boca Raton Blue, by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore

According to Katie Hodges of Katie Hodges Design, Boca Raton Blue is the perfect blend of sophistication and playfulness, making it a great addition to a happy home. "It's the perfect pop of color for a kitchen or breakfast nook and feels especially fitting for a Mediterranean or Spanish home," she says.

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

11 of 12

Greyhound, by Benjamin Moore

Paint swatch of Greyhound, by Benjamin Moore
Callie Hobbs / Studio McGee

"Greyhound is a light neutral that always puts us in a good mood," says Shea McGee of Studio McGee. "It's great because it's inviting and bright, but not overwhelming. We think it's the perfect front door color to welcome guests before they even enter the home," she says. Want the visual proof? Just check out the inviting front entrance at right.

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

12 of 12

Galápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore

Paint swatch of Galápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore

"From aquamarine to cerulean blue, turquoise is the go-to palette for vibrant, spiritual connotations, and strong statements," say the designers at the San Francisco-based design firm Gamble + Design. "Galápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore adds a level of depth to any room, with the dose of black in its pigment." It's sure to energize any space in your home.

To buy: benjaminmoore.com.

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