Choosing the perfect colors for your home can feel like a big task, but it’s also one of the most exciting parts of making your space truly yours.
When it comes to creating a whole house color palette, Sherwin Williams offers so many stunning options that it’s hard not to feel inspired.
A cohesive palette doesn’t just make your home look polished; it creates a sense of flow and connection as you move from one room to the next.
In this post, I’m sharing 11 whole house color palette ideas from Sherwin Williams that can help simplify the process and spark your creativity.
These palettes range from soft and neutral to bold and dramatic, so there’s something here for every style.
11 Whole House Color Palette From Sherwin Williams Ideas
Creating a cohesive whole house color palette is more than just picking a few pretty shades; it’s about crafting an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from one room to the next.
These 11 curated Sherwin Williams color palettes are designed to inspire and guide you toward a home that feels intentional, inviting, and uniquely yours.
1. Classic Neutrals Palette
This palette is all about timeless elegance, focusing on understated colors that create a serene and cohesive flow throughout your home.
Alabaster (SW 7008):
A creamy off-white with warm undertones. It’s perfect for main walls or ceilings in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Alabaster brightens up spaces without feeling stark, giving your home an inviting feel.
Repose Gray (SW 7015):
A soft, balanced gray with a hint of warmth. Use this in open floor plans or as a transition color between rooms. It complements both warm and cool-toned furnishings.
Tricorn Black (SW 6258):
A bold, true black that’s ideal for creating statement pieces. Consider using it for interior doors, built-in shelves, or kitchen islands to add contrast and sophistication.
Eider White (SW 7014):
A pale gray-white with a slightly cool undertone. Perfect for trim and moldings, it pairs effortlessly with the other tones in this palette, offering a clean, polished finish.
Accessible Beige (SW 7036):
A warm beige with gray undertones. Use this in spaces like hallways or guest bedrooms to create a cozy atmosphere. It works beautifully in spaces with wood or natural decor.
Why it works
The mix of whites, grays, and beige offers flexibility while maintaining a cohesive, timeless look. This palette works well in traditional, transitional, or even modern farmhouse homes.
2. Warm and Cozy Palette
Designed for comfort and relaxation, this palette features rich, earthy tones paired with lighter neutrals to create a welcoming environment.
Accessible Beige (SW 7036):
As the foundational wall color, this warm beige sets the tone for a cozy and grounded home. It’s ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens.
Sea Salt (SW 6204):
A soft green-gray that brings a spa-like calmness to any space. Use it in bathrooms, bedrooms, or laundry rooms for a serene touch.
Urbane Bronze (SW 7048):
A deep, luxurious brown-gray that exudes warmth and sophistication. It’s perfect for accent walls, fireplaces, or even kitchen cabinetry.
Creamy (SW 7012):
A warm white that softens the overall palette. It’s ideal for ceilings, trim, and even walls in smaller spaces to maintain lightness.
Warm Stone (SW 7032):
A mid-tone taupe that can ground any room. Use it in dining areas or entryways to create a rich, inviting atmosphere.
Why it works
This palette combines warmth and depth with soft neutrals, making it perfect for creating an intimate and welcoming vibe.
3. Cool and Contemporary Palette
This palette is designed for modern homes that value clean lines and crisp, fresh colors.
Snowbound (SW 7004):
A bright, clean white with cool undertones. Use it on walls, ceilings, or trim for a crisp and modern backdrop.
Passive (SW 7064):
A cool gray that feels airy and light. It’s perfect for living areas, kitchens, or open-plan spaces where you want a contemporary aesthetic.
Peppercorn (SW 7674):
A deep charcoal gray that adds drama. Use it on accent walls, interior doors, or even furniture to create contrast.
Silver Strand (SW 7057):
A soft, muted gray-green that adds a hint of color. Ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms to create a relaxing vibe.
Cyberspace (SW 7076):
A bold navy with gray undertones. Use it as a statement color for built-ins, cabinetry, or accent walls.
Why it works
The contrast between light and dark tones, along with the subtle pops of color, makes this palette sleek and stylish without being too cold.
4. Earthy and Organic Palette
Inspired by nature, this palette brings the calming effect of the outdoors into your home.
Shoji White (SW 7042):
A warm off-white with subtle beige undertones. Use it as a base for walls or ceilings in any room to create a grounded feel.
Oyster Bay (SW 6206):
A green-gray with a calming, organic quality. Use it in bedrooms or kitchens to evoke a sense of tranquility.
Dried Thyme (SW 6186):
A muted, earthy green. Perfect for dining rooms, entryways, or as an accent wall in living spaces.
Natural Tan (SW 7567):
A light, versatile beige that adds warmth. Use it in hallways or living spaces for a cohesive, natural flow.
Black Fox (SW 7020):
A deep, earthy black-brown that works beautifully for accents like cabinetry, doors, or statement furniture pieces.
Why it works
This palette mimics the soothing hues of nature, making it ideal for homes that incorporate wood, stone, or other natural elements.
5. Coastal Serenity Palette
Designed to capture the calming essence of the beach, this palette is light, airy, and refreshing.
Pure White (SW 7005):
A bright white that enhances natural light. Use it for ceilings, trim, or even walls to create a fresh base.
Rainwashed (SW 6211):
A soft blue-green reminiscent of the sea. Ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, or sunrooms to evoke a breezy, coastal vibe.
Naval (SW 6244):
A rich navy that provides depth and drama. Use it sparingly on accent walls, kitchen islands, or furniture.
Tradewind (SW 6218):
A pale blue that feels airy and light. Perfect for living rooms or open spaces to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Drift of Mist (SW 9166):
A soft, neutral gray that balances the brighter tones. Use it in hallways or as a secondary wall color for cohesion.
Why it works
This palette evokes the beauty of coastal living with its mix of light and deep colors, making it perfect for relaxed, breezy interiors.
6. Earthy Luxe Palette
This palette is perfect for creating a luxurious yet grounded atmosphere with rich, earthy tones. It combines deep hues with lighter neutrals, balancing sophistication with warmth.
Humble Gold (SW 6387):
A warm, golden yellow with earthy undertones. It’s an excellent color for accent walls in living rooms or dining areas, where you want to add warmth and a touch of elegance.
Antique White (SW 6110):
A soft, creamy white with subtle yellow undertones. It’s perfect for ceilings, trim, or larger spaces where you want a soft and inviting backdrop that doesn’t feel harsh.
Sable (SW 6107):
A deep, rich brown with slight red undertones. This color can create a cozy, intimate feeling in rooms like libraries, home offices, or master bedrooms.
Cavern Clay (SW 7701):
A muted terracotta that adds a rustic, earthy warmth to your home. It works beautifully on accent walls in living rooms or entryways, giving a grounded, natural touch.
Tricorn Black (SW 6258):
A sleek, dark black that makes a bold statement. Use this color for trim, door frames, or as an accent wall in living areas to bring depth and contrast to the softer hues of the palette.
Why it works
This palette combines deep, rich colors like Sable and Cavern Clay with lighter neutrals like Antique White to create a sense of luxury and warmth. It’s ideal for spaces that want to feel both cozy and elegant, especially in areas with natural textures like wood or leather.
7. Modern Farmhouse Palette
This palette mixes traditional farmhouse charm with modern elements. The warm neutrals and subtle pops of color create a welcoming, yet contemporary atmosphere.
Alabaster (SW 7008):
A soft, creamy white that’s perfect for walls, ceilings, and trim. It’s bright enough to make your space feel open and airy but soft enough to maintain a cozy, inviting feel.
Dovetail (SW 7018):
A medium gray with warm undertones. It works well in open-plan spaces or as an accent color on cabinetry, feature walls, or furniture, creating a modern twist on traditional farmhouse style.
Fawn Brindle (SW 7648):
A warm, earthy taupe that feels cozy and grounded. Use it in living rooms or bedrooms as a primary wall color to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Charcoal Blue (SW 2739):
A deep, muted blue with gray undertones. This color adds a touch of sophistication and works well on accent walls, doors, or built-in cabinetry.
Extra White (SW 7006):
A crisp, clean white with cool undertones, ideal for trim, moldings, and ceilings. It complements the warmer tones in the palette, adding a crisp contrast and brightening up the space.
Why it works
The mix of warm neutrals and subtle blues gives this palette a modern farmhouse feel, balancing rustic charm with clean, contemporary lines. The combination of soft whites, warm taupes, and deep blues creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for modern farmhouses.
8. Soft and Subtle Palette
This palette focuses on soft, muted tones that evoke a calm and serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms where relaxation is key.
Worldly Gray (SW 7043):
A soft, warm gray with beige undertones. This color is perfect for living rooms or dining areas, as it’s neutral and calming, but still offers enough warmth to make a space feel cozy.
Crushed Ice (SW 7647):
A light, silvery-gray that’s perfect for bedrooms or hallways. It’s subtle enough to blend well with other colors but adds a fresh and clean vibe to any space.
Silver Strand (SW 7057):
A soft, muted blue-gray that creates a cool, calming atmosphere. Use it in bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways to create a sense of tranquility and restfulness.
Wool Skein (SW 6148):
A warm beige that works beautifully as a primary wall color in any space, especially living rooms or entryways. It has just the right amount of warmth to make a space feel inviting without overwhelming the senses.
Repose Gray (SW 7015):
A light gray with a touch of warmth that’s versatile enough to be used in almost any room. It can work as a neutral backdrop or as an accent color to complement warmer tones.
Why it works
The soft, muted shades of gray and beige make this palette feel serene and balanced. It’s ideal for creating a soothing atmosphere in spaces meant for relaxation, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and the subtle contrast between cool and warm tones enhances the peaceful vibe.
9. Bright and Cheerful Palette
This palette is all about optimism and energy. The bright, fresh colors bring life to any room, perfect for spaces that need a bit of vibrancy without feeling overwhelming.
Lemon Chiffon (SW 6675):
A soft, sunny yellow that brings light and warmth to any room. It’s perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, or playrooms, adding a cheerful and welcoming vibe.
Extra White (SW 7006):
A clean, bright white with cool undertones. It works well for trim, ceilings, and in combination with the other bold colors in this palette to keep the space feeling light and airy.
Aquavert (SW 6747):
A soft, seafoam green that’s both refreshing and calming. Use it in bathrooms or kitchens to bring in a light, coastal vibe.
Coral Reef (SW 6606):
A lively coral with orange undertones. This color can add a playful touch to any space, whether it’s an accent wall in a living room or a bold color for furniture in a playroom.
Open Air (SW 6491):
A light, airy blue that’s reminiscent of clear skies. It’s perfect for bedrooms or home offices, creating a relaxed and peaceful environment.
Why it works
This palette creates a happy, vibrant atmosphere with its fresh, lively colors. The warm yellows, soft greens, and coral tones are all about creating spaces that feel inviting and full of life. Ideal for family rooms, kitchens, and children’s rooms, it brings energy without overwhelming the senses.
10. Timeless Traditional Palette
This palette combines classic tones and rich hues to create a sophisticated, enduring look. It’s perfect for those who appreciate traditional style with a hint of modern flair.
High Reflective White (SW 7757):
A crisp white that works beautifully as a base color for walls, ceilings, or trim. It’s bright and clean, providing contrast with the deeper colors in the palette.
Silverplate (SW 7649):
A cool gray with subtle blue undertones. This color is perfect for formal living areas, libraries, or dining rooms, adding sophistication without being too dark.
Caviar (SW 6990):
A rich, deep black with blue undertones. Use this for accent walls, doors, or furniture to create contrast and visual interest in your space.
Dried Thyme (SW 6186):
A muted, earthy green that pairs beautifully with deep blues and neutrals. Use it for feature walls, cabinetry, or in spaces where you want a grounded, organic feel.
Anew Gray (SW 7030):
A warm, mid-tone gray with subtle brown undertones. It’s perfect for larger spaces like living rooms or kitchens, where you want something neutral but still rich and inviting.
Why it works
This palette is perfect for anyone looking for a traditional yet fresh approach. It combines deep, rich tones like Caviar and Silverplate with warm neutrals, creating a timeless style that works well in both formal and casual spaces.
11. Vibrant and Bold Palette
This palette uses bold, energetic colors to make a statement in your home. It’s ideal for creative spaces, modern homes, and people who love a pop of color.
Forsythia (SW 6907):
A bright, zesty yellow-orange that adds a burst of energy. It’s perfect for accent walls, kitchens, or home offices, adding warmth and vibrancy.
Show Stopper (SW 7588):
A bold, classic red that can work well in dining rooms or living rooms. It creates an energetic, inviting space perfect for entertaining.
Nifty Turquoise (SW 6941):
A bright, tropical blue that gives a room a playful and relaxing atmosphere. Use it for bedrooms, bathrooms, or accent furniture for a lively touch.
Lemon Twist (SW 6909):
A rich, warm golden yellow that’s perfect for creating a welcoming, fun vibe in spaces like kitchens or living rooms.
Zircon (SW 7667):
A cool, steel gray that provides a nice balance to the bright colors. Use it as an accent or base color for walls or furniture to ground the palette.
Why it works
This palette is bold and expressive, perfect for homes that love color and personality. Each color works together to create a dynamic, energetic environment, ideal for people who want to make a statement.
What Is a Whole House Color Palette, and Why Should I Use One?
A whole house color palette is a cohesive selection of paint colors that are used throughout your home to create a unified look. It’s not about using the same color in every room, but rather about ensuring that all the chosen colors work harmoniously together. This approach gives your home a polished and intentional design while allowing for flexibility and variety within individual spaces.
Why use one?
- Creates flow: A whole house color palette ensures smooth transitions between rooms, especially in open-concept homes or spaces with visible sightlines.
- Simplifies choices: With a defined palette, you avoid the stress of deciding on colors for every room independently.
- Adds value: A well-coordinated color scheme can make your home look more appealing to potential buyers.
- Personalizes your space: You can express your style while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
How Many Colors Should Be in a Whole House Color Scheme?
A well-designed whole house color palette typically includes 5 to 7 colors. These can be broken down as follows:
- 1-2 base neutrals: Colors like white, gray, or beige form the foundation and are used in large areas like walls and hallways.
- 2-3 accent colors: These add personality and are used sparingly on walls, furniture, or decor.
- 1-2 bold or dark shades: Deep hues are ideal for creating contrast and adding depth, often in smaller spaces or as feature walls.
For example:
- Base Neutral: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” (SW 7008)
- Accent Color: Sherwin Williams “Sea Salt” (SW 6204)
- Bold Shade: Sherwin Williams “Urbane Bronze” (SW 7048)
How Do I Choose the Right Whole House Color Palette?
Choosing the right palette involves several considerations:
- Understand your style:
Decide whether you prefer modern, classic, rustic, or bohemian vibes. For instance, modern homes often feature cool neutrals and minimal accents, while farmhouse styles lean toward warm whites and earth tones. - Assess your home’s natural light:
- Rooms with abundant light: Consider darker or vibrant shades as they won’t overpower the space.
- Dimly lit rooms: Stick to lighter tones to make the space feel open and airy.
- Focus on continuity:
Identify shared spaces (like hallways and living rooms) and choose a consistent neutral or base color to connect these areas. - Consider architectural elements:
Look at fixed features such as flooring, cabinets, and countertops. For example, if you have warm-toned wood floors, opt for complementary warm shades. - Test before committing:
Use paint samples to observe how colors look under various lighting conditions throughout the day.
Can I Mix Warm and Cool Colors in My Whole House Color Palette?
Absolutely! Mixing warm and cool colors can add balance and interest to your home. The key is to ensure they complement each other through undertones and proportion. Here’s how:
- Find a neutral bridge: Use a neutral color like greige (a blend of gray and beige) that incorporates both warm and cool tones to tie the palette together.
- Designate dominant tones: Decide whether warm or cool colors will dominate, then use the opposite as accents. For example, pair warm beige walls with cool blue or green accents.
- Limit the mix per space: While warm and cool colors can coexist, limit the mix in individual rooms to avoid clashing.
What Are the Popular Colors for a Whole House?
Some of the most popular Sherwin Williams colors for a whole house palette include:
- Neutrals:
- Alabaster (SW 7008): A soft, warm white perfect for walls, ceilings, or trim.
- Repose Gray (SW 7015): A versatile gray with a hint of warmth.
- Soft Accent Colors:
- Sea Salt (SW 6204): A calming blue-green ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms.
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036): A neutral beige that works beautifully in living rooms and hallways.
- Bold Colors:
- Naval (SW 6244): A rich navy that adds sophistication to accent walls or cabinetry.
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048): A deep gray-brown, perfect for adding contrast and drama.
- Trendy Colors for 2025:
- Evergreen Fog (SW 9130): A subdued green-gray with an organic feel.
- Pure White (SW 7005): A classic white that pairs effortlessly with any palette.
Including a well-thought-out palette like this can transform your home into a space that’s cohesive, stylish, and reflective of your personality!
