5 Trending Paint Colors Spotted in the 2024 REAL SIMPLE Home

Want to transform your home? There’s no element more magical than paint. Whether you’re trying to invoke a mood or just add some color, paint is an easy, affordable, and fast way to get the job done. If you're looking for some color inspo, may we suggest the 2024 REAL SIMPLE Home?

The spacious 1890s Brooklyn Brownstone was gorgeously renovated by some of our favorite designers. Whether you live in a hundred-year-old home or a brand-new build, this space is guaranteed to be the star of your next mood board. Here are five paint color trends spotted in this year's REAL SIMPLE Home, along with some of the best ways to incorporate similar colors into your own space.

Dusty Hues

While most of us don’t want dust in our homes, the same can’t be said for dusty hues. “Anything dusty is very popular right now—meaning, it's a strong color but toned down so it's not too bright or in your face," says interior designer and HGTV star Jasmine Roth.

For the guest suite (above), Roth chose Cottage Door by Valspar, which she calls the perfect dusty blue. "I wanted to choose a really saturated color that felt like a rich base to tie in the rest of the very neutral design in this room," she says. "I love how much dimension this color added.”

If you’re thinking of using a dusty color in your own home but aren’t quite sure where to use it, Roth suggests trying one in a nursery, on the ceiling of a dining room (which is very much on-trend right now), on kitchen cabinets, or as exterior paint.

Earth Tones

Earth tones are having a moment, according to Hema Persad, designer and founder of Sagrada Studio, who selected Mesa Sand and Mauve Blush by Valspar for the spaces she designed in the REAL SIMPLE Home. “There's a trend towards pinks happening in design right now, and both of these colors have pink undertones," she says. "In the right lighting (aka eye level, warm lighting—not harsh overhead can lights), these paint colors make everyone's skin tone look good. They bounce soft lighting in a very flattering way.”

Although the designer used these paints in the bedroom and bathroom, Persad says they’re also great for the kitchen. “I think they are both great options for cabinets if you are using a marble or quartzite countertop that has pink or purple veining in it, like the ever-popular Calacatta Viola marble.”

Cool Tones

Keeping it cool is never a bad idea, right? This is exactly why designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow chose cool tones for the laundry room. “I wanted to create a colorful, joyful, tropical space that anyone would love to do laundry in. So, I selected Valspar's 2024 Color of the Year, Renew Blue, for the walls and skylight, and Valspar's Purple Fury for the cabinetry and trim," she says. "These two bold, cool-tone hues contrasted well with one another while creating an atmosphere of inspiration and wonder.”

While cool tones are currently on trend, they’re also a timeless choice. “I think blues are gender-neutral and easy for anyone to fall in love with, regardless of their design style, taste, or interests. It is a color that fits well in any home,” says Guyton.

While she loves the way these hues look in a laundry room, she also says they are well suited for a sitting room, child's bedroom, playroom, or even to paint cabinetry.

Moody Tones

Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon, also known as The Brownstone Boys, opted for a pale pink (Pick of the Litter by Valspar) for the parlor floor. “It not only highlights the home's original architectural details but also adds a modern, dramatic touch that complements the natural woodwork. It offers a perfect balance between modern style and timeless appeal, making it a versatile choice for various design styles.”

However, when working with moody colors, they advise striking a balance. “Pairing them with neutrals or natural materials like wood and stone can enhance their impact without overwhelming the space," they say. "And remember, don’t shy away from experimenting—paint is one of the easiest things to change in a home!”

Warm Colors

Looking to add some sophistication? Designer Kate Pierce suggests warm colors, like Brown Velvet by Valspar, which she used in the "speakeasy" in the basement. “The speakeasy space has no natural lighting, so it was important to me to lean into the darkness. Besides, a speakeasy should be both swanky and secluded, right?" she says. "This color was the perfect choice to really play off the darkness of the space and make it feel posh."

She opted to color drench the space for a seductive and cozy atmosphere "where you'd want to gather with friends on a winter night and enjoy a cocktail over dimmed warm lighting that bounces off the brown walls and ceiling in the most magical way.”

But if you don’t have a speakeasy or a home bar (really, how many houses do?), Pierce says that this color (and similar ones) look fantastic in a bedroom. “This color is so versatile; I really think it could be used in many settings," she says. "I love the idea of it in a bedroom, where warmth and coziness are the primary objectives.”