{"id":9681,"date":"2025-07-20T04:38:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-20T04:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/9681\/"},"modified":"2025-07-20T04:38:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-20T04:38:16","slug":"designers-on-how-color-trends-differ-across-us-regions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/9681\/","title":{"rendered":"Designers on how color trends differ across US regions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many factors sway our decision-making when choosing a color scheme for a room, not least the areas in which we live. Across the different regions of the US, trends differ, with color preferences said to be shaped by architectural styles, natural surroundings, and the climate.<\/p>\n

From the light and airy hues of the West Coast to the classic shades of the Northeast, designers observe how their clients’ color preferences differ across the country, and below, we’ve rounded up the main color trends<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It goes without saying that these regional color preferences aren’t set in stone, and the colors homeowners use can vary vastly, no matter where they live. That said, these insights from designers align with certain paint brands’ best-selling shades in different areas too, showing that our surroundings may have a greater impact on our room color ideas<\/a> than we first thought.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Northeast<\/p>\n

\"rustic<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Little Greene)<\/p>\n

According to Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene<\/a>, the Northeast region of the US welcomes decorating with neutrals<\/a>, while more colorful hues take on a classic feel with the likes of blues and greens.<\/p>\n

‘Our Portland Stone<\/a> family is the perfect neutral base for New England lighting and serves as a warmer take on the stark whites that are being replaced. When going for color, blues and greens are a big trend we’re seeing \u2013 Obsidian Green<\/a>, Pea Green<\/a>, Jewel Beetle<\/a>, Air Force Blue<\/a>, and Hopper<\/a> all see a lot of love in the region,’ Ruth explains.<\/p>\n

Allison Mattison, interior designer at New England Trellis Home Design<\/a>, observes that the colors often reached for in this region reflect its heritage and architectire, adding: ‘In the Northeast, there\u2019s a strong appreciation for heritage and structure, which comes through in the color choices \u2013 think deep navy, forest green, oxblood, and crisp ivory. It\u2019s a palette that feels tailored and timeless, often inspired by the region\u2019s historic homes and urban brownstones.’<\/p>\n

\"bedroom<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Kelsey Ann Rose Photography. Design: Darci Hether)<\/p>\n

Connecticut and NYC-based interior designer Darci Hether, the founder of Darci Hether Interior Design<\/a>, also picks up on the appeal for neutral rooms<\/a> in the Northeast, which can be linked to inner-city living. ‘With the hustle and bustle of the city and smaller footprints than that of our suburban clients, our city clients need an apartment that is calming and serene. They want soothing shades of cream, gray, slate blues with the occasional, well-placed ‘pop’ that helps express their personality,’ says Darci.<\/p>\n

‘In coastal New England, and Nantucket in particular, there\u2019s a strong affinity for soft, weathered tones that reflect the island\u2019s natural palette \u2013 think driftwood grays, dune beiges, crisp whites, and classic Nantucket blues,’ adds interior designer, Joe Waroquier<\/a>. ‘These colors echo the shingled architecture, seagrass-dotted landscapes, and misty Atlantic light that define the region.’<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"neutral<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

McGee & Co. <\/p>\n

Penelope Beige Linen Duvet Cover<\/p>\n

Decorating with neutrals creates a classic look, and this beige linen duvet cover is perfect for the summer months. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"blue<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Scalamandre<\/p>\n

Ridge Edge Pillow<\/p>\n

Dark blue decor aligns with Northeast color trends, as seen in this foliage-print pillow. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"dark<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Lulu & Georgia<\/p>\n

Cyrena Hand-Loomed Wool Rug<\/p>\n

If you prefer decorating with green, go for this timeless wool rug that makes a stylish addition to neutral schemes. <\/p>\n

Midwest<\/p>\n

\"living<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Little Greene)<\/p>\n

Not dissimilar to the prominent color preferences within the Northeast region, experts say that the Midwest also tends to favor grounded palettes comprised of earthy neutrals and richer tones. ‘In the Midwest, I\u2019ve noticed a preference for cozy, grounded palettes like taupe, deep greens, and warm neutrals that suit the climate and architectural styles,’ explains interior designer Laura Lubin of Nashville-based Ellerslie Interiors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This is echoed by paint brand Behr<\/a>, which highlights earthy green paints<\/a> and burgundy reds as popular in the Midwest region. ‘Colors like Muted Sage<\/a>, Jojoba<\/a>, North Woods<\/a>, Vine Leaf<\/a>, Cherry Cola,<\/a> Dark Crimson<\/a>, and mid-earth tones, blues, greens, and reds are popular as they complement common decorating and architectural styles such as Scandinavian, Prairie, and Craftsman,’ says Erika Woelfel, color expert at Behr Paint Company<\/a>. ‘The Midwest, with its diverse landscapes from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes, also influences these color choices.’<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"brown<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Warm neutrals are a timeless choice, and this vase would make a stylish addition to an entryway. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"green<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

McGee & Co.<\/p>\n

Estelle Block Print Tablecloth<\/p>\n

Perfect for summer tablescapes, this block print tablecloth incorporates the earthy greens often seen in Midwestern homes. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"dark<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Jeremiah Brent x Loloi<\/p>\n

Greenwich Hand-Loomed Wool-Blend Rug<\/p>\n

Ground your room with this rug, which reflects the deep, sage-green hues found in nature. <\/p>\n

West Coast<\/p>\n

\"living<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Michael Clifford. Design: Ward\u00a0+ Gray)<\/p>\n

‘On the West Coast, especially in California, we’re seeing a more laid-back, sun-washed aesthetic,’ observes designer Staver Gray of NYC design studio Ward + Gray<\/a>, which works on projects across the US. ‘Soft earth tones, warm terracottas, and faded coastal blues \u2013 colors that echo the landscape and blend effortlessly with indoor-outdoor living.’<\/p>\n

Interior designer Caitlin Creer<\/a> also notes a preference toward earthy colors<\/a> on the West Coast, adding that she notices more popularity for ‘muddy’ hues here: ‘I would say that my West Coast clients tend to gravitate toward more earthy and muddy colors in contrast to our Eastern projects. We do bring an earthiness into most of our projects, but some colors might feel out of place with the majority of our East Coast clients, who seem to like cleaner and crisper shades.’<\/p>\n

The popularity of certain paint shades on the West Coast confirms an appeal for warm color schemes<\/a>, according to Little Greene. ‘In California, we’re seeing an uptick in red-based hues like Rolling Fog Light<\/a>, Mochi<\/a>, Atomic Red<\/a>, Bronze Red<\/a>, China Clay Dark<\/a>, and Castell Pink<\/a>. These colors span bold and bright to calming neutrals, but they all have the same red undertone in them that makes it a clear trend for the West Coast,’ Ruth Mottershead explains.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"rust-colored<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Sarah Sherman Samuel<\/p>\n

Lovett Indoor \/ Outdoor Pillow<\/p>\n

Incorporate the soft earth tones designers often see on the West Coast with this rust-colored pillow. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"neutral<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

CULTIVER<\/p>\n

Piped Linen Duvet Cover Set – Natural and Forest<\/p>\n

Create a light and airy feel in your bedroom with this linen duvet cover, an ideal choice for sunny climates. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"terracotta<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Lulu & Georgia<\/p>\n

Priya Table Lamp<\/p>\n

Add warm tones and minimalist form to your scheme with this terracotta-colored table lamp. <\/p>\n

Southeast<\/p>\n

\"colorful<\/p>\n

(Image credit: NativeHouse Photography. Design: Lisa Gilmore Design)<\/p>\n

‘Head down to the Southeast, and the vibe softens,’ says Allison Mattison. ‘Here, homes lean into airy pastels, powdery blues, warm whites, and soft greens that feel welcoming and graceful, perfect for the slower pace and hospitality-driven culture. There\u2019s a fondness for tradition, but it\u2019s filtered through a more relaxed, genteel lens.’<\/p>\n

South Carolina-based designer Karen Germond, the founder of KMG Design Studio<\/a>, comments on the appeal for decorating with blue<\/a> in the Southeast region, adding: ‘In the South, especially along the coast, blues continue to trend very strongly. It’s a color that will always be timeless in the South. Clients continue to request this color be brought in to almost every project we do, either as an accent color<\/a> or as the primary color, in lighter shades as well as darker shades.’<\/p>\n

‘The blues speak to the surrounding landscape of marshes and ocean as well as the clear blue skies that often accompany bright sunny days in the South. Blue also evokes a sense of stillness, lightness, and calm, and can feel instantly refreshing on a hot summer day,’ Karen continues.<\/p>\n

\"outdoor<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)<\/p>\n

While coastal decor<\/a> and a palette of blues are prominent in many parts of the Southeast, experts comment on much more vibrant color choices in Florida. ‘Especially in the southern part of the state, we see bold, tropical hues \u2013 coral, turquoise, bright citrus, and lush greens \u2013 all paired with glossy whites and sleek finishes,’ says Allison Mattison. ‘It\u2019s playful, vibrant, and not afraid to make a statement, reflecting the energy of the coastline and its global, resort-style influence.’<\/p>\n

This is echoed by Joe Waroquier, who adds: ‘When I work with clients in Miami, the preferences tend to be brighter, bolder, and more vibrant \u2013 often inspired by the tropical climate and lively cultural energy of the city. I see a lot of enthusiasm for saturated hues like coral, turquoise, palm green, and sunshine yellow. There’s a desire to bring the outside in, celebrating color in a more playful and expressive way that feels very distinct from the muted, maritime palette of Nantucket.’<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"blue<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

McGee & Co. <\/p>\n

Clarendon Table Lamp<\/p>\n

Bring soothing, coastal-inspired blues into your home with this table lamp.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"coral<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

H&M Home<\/p>\n

Patterned Cushion Cover<\/p>\n

Add contrast to a blue color scheme with this fun coral cushion cover. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"yellow<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Anthropologie<\/p>\n

Organic Cotton Percale Printed Sheet Set<\/p>\n

Reflect the summery hues associated with Florida with this yellow sunshine-patterned bedding set. <\/p>\n

Southwest<\/p>\n

\"living<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)<\/p>\n

‘I\u2019ve worked with clients across the US, but the strongest regional preferences I see today are in the Southwest,’ shares the Dallas-based interior designer Lauren Saab of Saab Studios<\/a>. ‘Clients here gravitate toward sunbaked, grounded colors like terracotta and clay, such as Benjamin Moore\u2019s Cinnamon Slate<\/a>. Another example is sage green. These hues mirror the desert terrain and glow in golden afternoon light. They create interiors that feel rooted in the landscape, intuitive, warm, and unmistakably of their place.’<\/p>\n

‘In the South, clients embrace saturated hues such as French blue, warm peach, and olive green, often incorporating historical or vintage design elements,’ adds Laura Lubin.<\/p>\n

The top paint colors from Behr also show a favor for decorating with muted tones<\/a> in the Southwest region, with the likes of Teton Blue<\/a>, Jungle Camouflage<\/a>, and Harvest Brown<\/a> popular here.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"olive<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

H&M Home<\/p>\n

Linen-Blend Cushion Cover<\/p>\n

Create a calming feel in your home by decorating with muted earth tones, such as this striped green pillow. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"muted<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

CULTIVER<\/p>\n

Linen Tablecloth – Dusk<\/p>\n

This linen tablecloth creates an organic look with its natural texture, and this ‘dusk’ shade feels aligned with the color trends of the Southwest. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"terracotta<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

McGee & Co.<\/p>\n

Lorenzo Terracotta Pot<\/p>\n

A terracotta plant pot is a simple way to reflect the desert tones found in this region. <\/p>\n

From the classic colors and timeless neutrals that seem to be popular in the Northeast, to the more colorful and vibrant tones apparent in parts of the South, it’s clear that designers observe regional preferences when it comes to decorating with color. That said, don’t feel like your home needs to fully align with these observations \u2013 your home should be a reflection of the colors you love, no matter where you live.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Many factors sway our decision-making when choosing a color scheme for a room, not least the areas in…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9682,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[76,354,355,49,48,356,75],"class_list":["post-9681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-design","tag-entertainment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9681","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9681"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9681\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9681"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9681"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}