“Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn a commission or revenue from the items linked below.” One fundamental design principle that remains consistent across all aesthetics is the importance of color in shaping the ambiance of your living space. Certain colors, such as blues and greens, exude a sense of tranquility, while others like vibrant yellows bring joy. Likewise, professional designers have identified specific colors that consistently lend a luxurious feel to a home. Though trends may evolve, these key shades are currently favored by designers seeking to imbue a sense of opulence in their clients’ dream homes—and they have graciously shared them with us.
From deep oxblood to classic navy to warm white, these colors can elevate the look of your home, offering various ways to incorporate them. Whether through a statement piece of furniture like a striking couch or by embracing the trend of color drenching in 2025, where walls, ceilings, and trims are all coated in these designer hues, there are plentiful opportunities to infuse your space with luxury. Design experts have even provided inspirational images from their own projects to showcase the impact of these colors. Read on to discover the 11 colors that designers believe will add an expensive touch to your home.
Navy Blue
Designed by Refined Interiors. Photo by R Brad Knipstein
Navy blue may experience fluctuations in popularity, but its timeless appeal remains unmatched, making it a go-to choice for designers aiming for sophistication. Laura Elliott from Refined Interiors highlights the calming nature of this shade, drawing associations with the ocean and night sky, while also praising its versatility, particularly in living areas and kitchens. To complement this rich hue, designer Brynn Olson suggests incorporating jewel tones such as deep purples, magentas, golds, and emeralds. While ivory serves as a classic pairing with navy, the combination of warm gold tones with deep blues can create a strikingly dramatic and luxurious effect.
Stiffkey Blue – $8.50 at farrow-ball.com
Wine Dark – $8.50 at farrow-ball.com
Olive Green
Designed by Kelly Sutherland Designs. Photo by Caroline Sharpnack
Olive green, a dark and luscious hue, is favored for its ability to transform any space into a serene sanctuary, notes designer Marguerite Rodgers. Its adaptability allows it to shine when used as a wall color or as an accent on trim and doors. Kelly Sutherland recommends painting ceilings in this shade with a smooth semi-gloss finish to enhance the coziness and elegance of a room. Suitable for both modern and traditional settings, olive green exudes sophistication and pairs well with brass, bright whites, light oak, and camel, offering a refreshing alternative to black.
Bancha – $8.50
Olive – $8.50
Oxblood
Oxblood, a deep and rich red tone
For optimal color saturation, a spacious room with tall ceilings is ideal. Britt and Skillman both enjoy combining oxblood tones with soft neutrals to temper the boldness, as well as using black or dark gray for an unexpected edge and added drama. Preference Red is priced at $8.50 at the Eating Room, while Dark Teal is also available at the same price.
If you’re seeking a color bolder than navy blue, consider opting for dark teal. Designer Denise Morrison from Morrison Interiors suggests using this deeper shade to introduce richness and refinement to a room. The depth of dark teal captures the eye, playing with light and shadow to enhance dimension and create a deliberate, layered appearance. Brass accents can be incorporated for warmth and a touch of luxury, while neutral elements like soft beige accents and light wood-paneled walls provide balance and brightness.
Additionally, the color purple, such as Plum Purple, is linked with royalty and brings a luxurious atmosphere to a space. Designer Linda Eyles notes that highly saturated shades of plum, eggplant, and amethyst add depth and elegance, especially when paired with gold for contrast. Mary Patton mentions the versatility of this lavish hue, which can complement a variety of colors, including jewel tones or vibrant options like tangerine orange.
For those who prefer white walls, an off-white color is a sophisticated choice. Liz Williams praises off-white for its ability to create a clean, serene, and timeless backdrop, enhancing the elegance of open floor plans. Off-white is versatile and can accentuate bold design features or serve as a minimalist backdrop. Pairing off-white with rich textures like velvet and gold accents can further elevate the look, especially when combined with deeper shades like dark green, navy, and chocolate brown, as well as warm wood tones.
In terms of rich-looking hues, designer Holly Kopman favors colors that evoke the tactile feel of suede. Smoky taupe is a current favorite due to its soft appearance, providing more depth than white or off-white without overwhelming the space. Smoky taupe pairs well with robin’s egg blue, deep green, or crisp white for elegant combinations.
Lastly, a dark gray tone, particularly in a limewash paint, offers a sophisticated look according to designer Becky Shea. The subtle texture adds depth and modernity, while the matte charcoal finish exudes understated opulence, creating an intimate yet sophisticated ambiance. Pair charcoal with various textures, materials, and hues to achieve a luxurious feel.
However, Shea has a strong preference for polished brass, marble, rich wood tones, and plush textiles bathed in soft, diffused lighting to create a sense of harmony and groundedness within a space. Plummett for $8.50 at farrow-ball.com and Down Pipe for $8.50 at Dusty Blue, both designed by Erica McLain and courtesy of Erica McLain, offer a touch of luxury and sophistication to any interior. Dusty blue, lighter than navy yet still elegant, is a favorite among designers for its ability to elevate the overall look of a home, exuding richness and complexity inspired by old world textiles and timeworn patinas.
According to designer Erica McLain, the dusty blue shade strikes a balance between modernity and nostalgia, blending blue and gray to convey a sense of refined elegance. Arianne Bellizaire, another designer, finds that this versatile color adds a bespoke and refined touch to cabinetry, millwork, and walls, complementing well with crisp whites, warm metallics, and light wood tones. Hague Blue for $8.50, De Nimes for $8.50, and Plaster, captured by Dominique Vorillon, offer a classic yet sophisticated feel that can transform any space.
Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs prefers to add texture to walls rather than focusing on a specific hue, using techniques like limewash or clay plaster to elevate a standard white wall into a statement of sophistication. Whether opting for a textured finish or a particular color, the attention to detail in wall surfaces can enhance the overall elegance of a room. Kim Gordon also suggests pairing white plaster walls with jewel-toned accents for a touch of opulence.
Tom Riker from James Thomas Interiors takes a different approach by incorporating celery green into his design palette. Embracing the trend of green shades in kitchen design, Riker emphasizes how the use of celery green can create a sense of continuity throughout adjoining spaces, enhancing the view and textile elements in the room. This fresh and light color choice, especially in a high-gloss sheen, has the power to infuse a room with light and positivity, adding a unique touch to the interior.
Celery Green for $8.50, Green Ground for $8.50, and Churlish Green, as captured by Nick Johnson, showcase the versatility and vibrancy of green tones in interior design. Paired with off-whites and dark accents, celery green can create depth and dimension within a space. By incorporating these carefully selected colors and textures into the design, one can achieve an elevated and expensive look in any home.
