3 Paint Colors You’d Never Use (And Why Designers Love Them)

The Colors You Fear… But Shouldn’t

We’ve all been there—standing in front of the endless wall of paint swatches, overwhelmed by the choices and somehow always gravitating back to safe, neutral tones. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good greige, but sometimes a space calls for something bolder. Something with personality. Something that makes a statement without screaming.

That’s where the underrated, often-avoided colors come in. Today, I’m here to challenge your assumptions about three shades you might never consider painting your walls—but I promise, when done right, they can transform your space in ways you never imagined.

Let’s talk about orange, lavender, and vibrant green—three colors that often get a hard pass but deserve a second look.

1. Orange: The Warmth You Didn’t Know You Needed

Orange is a misunderstood color. People often think of it as too loud, too Halloween-y, or just too much. But the right shade of orange can add an incredible depth and warmth to a room, making it feel cozy, rich, and even sophisticated.

How to Use It:

• Terracotta & Burnt Orange: These earthy tones work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. They pair well with warm neutrals, deep blues, and natural materials like rattan or walnut wood.

• Accent Walls & Built-Ins: If painting a whole room orange feels like too much, try it on an accent wall or built-in shelving for a pop of warmth without overwhelming the space.

• Powder Rooms & Small Spaces: A rich, muted orange in a powder room can make the space feel cozy and inviting. Add brass fixtures and warm lighting for a truly stunning effect.

  
  

Designer Tip:

Orange works best in rooms with good natural light, as it can feel too intense in dim spaces. If you’re hesitant, start with decor—an orange throw pillow, an upholstered chair, or a piece of art—to get comfortable with the color before going all in.

2. Lavender: Not Just for Little Girls’ Rooms

Lavender tends to get a bad reputation as either too sweet or too outdated, but when used in the right way, it’s soft, sophisticated, and completely unexpected. It has the ability to create a serene, inviting atmosphere while still feeling fresh and modern.

How to Use It:

• Moody & Elegant: Pair lavender with deeper tones like burgundy, charcoal, or olive green for a luxurious, dramatic effect in a dining room or bedroom.

• Soft & Serene: If you want a more calming vibe, lavender looks beautiful with warm whites, natural wood tones, and soft linens in a bedroom or home office.

• Unexpected Pop in a Kitchen: Believe it or not, a lavender-hued backsplash or painted cabinets can bring a fun, vintage-inspired energy to a kitchen.

Designer Tip:

To keep lavender from feeling too sweet or juvenile, avoid pairing it with overly bright colors like bubblegum pink or baby blue. Stick to rich, earthy tones or warm neutrals for a sophisticated balance.

3. Vibrant Green: The Color of Life

Not sage, not olive—I’m talking about bold, fresh, unapologetic green. This shade is pure energy in paint form, bringing a lively and invigorating feel to any space.

How to Use It:

• Kitchen Cabinets: A vibrant green kitchen is unexpected and chic, especially when paired with brass hardware and light wood accents.

• Mudrooms & Entryways: Green is an energizing color, perfect for spaces where you want to create a lively first impression. Try it on walls, built-ins, or even a front door.

• Statement Walls & Trim: If a full room feels overwhelming, try painting just the trim or an accent wall. A bold green pairs beautifully with crisp white walls and black accents for a high-contrast, modern look.

Designer Tip:

If you’re hesitant about committing to a bright green, test it out in a small space first. A powder room or a laundry room is a great place to experiment with bold colors without overwhelming your entire home.

Take the Risk, Reap the Reward

Stepping outside of your comfort zone with paint colors can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a space. These three colors—orange, lavender, and vibrant green—may not be your first instinct, but when used thoughtfully, they can add warmth, depth, and personality to your home in ways that neutrals just can’t.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for the same beige or gray, consider giving one of these underappreciated shades a chance. You just might fall in love with the unexpected.

Ready to bring some bold color into your space? Let’s chat! Whether you need a little guidance or a full-on design plan, I’d love to help you create a home that feels uniquely you.