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5 Paint Colors That Instantly Make a Space Cozier, According to Designers

navy blue living room

Erin Williamson Design

Paint is an easy way to transform any room in your home from dull or boring to inviting and warm. There are certain paint shades that will especially help any space evoke cozy vibes that will make a guest immediately feel more at home.

We spoke to three interior designers about their personal favorite paint colors to turn any home into a welcoming space anyone would be happy to be in.

Meet the Expert

Terracotta

Ruben Gutierrez, founder and interior designer of Errez Design told The Spruce about his love for natural paint colors that can help transform your house into a home.

"Terracotta gives you the coziness of clay," Gutierrez says. "It’s color that feels lived-in, real."

We couldn't agree more with the praise of using golden shades like Terracotta. When you choose paint colors that evoke natural elements like a sunbaked desert or sunset glow, it helps your home look less cookie cutter and more lived-in as Gutierrez put it.

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Deep Colors

Gutierrez also emphasized his appreciation for deeper colors like rich blue and moody red shades. He personally loves deeper colors like navy blue or burgundy which can completely transform a room when paired with warm accents.

"Burgundy is rich, almost decadent luxury with a pulse, which is perfect for cozy rooms where people want to linger," he says.

Greige

The third color that Gutierrez recommends for a cozier and intimate feeling home is Greige (a blend of gray and beige). Gutierrez explains how greige is the perfect blend of gray's sophistication and beige’s warmth which will create an effortless and cozy ambiance.

"It’s a soft kind of inviting," Gutierrez says. "Brown-grays are a bit deeper with that hint of mystery that makes a space feel private."

Yellow Tones

Nick Chatzigeorgakis, who is the founder of Intrabuild explains how it's important to keep in mind paint colors that bring forth warmth and comfort.

"Soft, earthy tones like ochre or a deep, desaturated mustard can transform a room into a welcoming haven," Chatzigeorgakis says.

He explains how these colors not only provide visual warmth but also complement various design elements without overwhelming the space.

Earthy shades will look amazing as a backdrop for a cozy living room or welcoming guest bedroom, especially because soft earthy tones will never go out of style.

Brown Shades

Pamela Hutter, architect and principal designer at Hutter Architects told The Spruce that she often recommends shades of brown to evoke coziness.

"Soft clay or deep mustard paint works wonders, balancing natural and reclaimed materials in a space for a timeless aesthetic," Hutter explains. "These colors not only warm up a room visually but pair beautifully with eco-friendly elements like bamboo flooring and reclaimed wood."

We love the idea of using warm colors to help bring a cabin-like feel to your home and to pair wooden elements to really amp up the cozy and charming feel.