From summer brights to winter whites, the colors of each season are unequivocal. And while they may inspire our wardrobes, our cocktail choices, even our vacation destinations, we believe that paint colors shouldn’t be the subject of a seasonal trend.

Everything else in your home? Well, that’s fair game. And truly switching it up may mean forgoing the go-to jewel tones associated with autumn or the warm hues of winter for a traditionally spring-like pastel.

Here are three spring paint ideas to inspire you to think outside of the box when it comes to warming up your home in the fall and winter.

Make It Monochromatic

It goes without saying that chilly temps are the perfect cue to bring out the blankets and throws. Think of how you’d layer a scarf or lightweight jacket on top of your favorite summer dress, and then experiment a little with mixing textures and colors.

If your decor skews more jewel-tone to begin with, choose accessories in the same color family but on the softer side, like powder blue and navy, for example. If you’re already working within a neutral space (many pastels fall in the neutral category), take the inverse approach and layer in like colors that are richer and more intense in tone (lilac chair, meet purple throw).

The goal with any color pairing is to create moments of contrast that feel cohesive while allowing each individual element to shine.

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Add Black

Black can be intense and intimidating, but few neutrals are as versatile. Pair any pastel alongside it (pink may be our favorite) for a look that’s instantly fall-friendly.

Accessories, like a throw pillow or lamp shade, are easy seasonal swaps, but black hardware, like cabinet pulls and drapery rods can have an equally big impact and can make the difference between a gender-neutral space and one that feels overly feminine.

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Sub In Pale Yellow For White

Sticklers for the no-white-after-Labor-Day rule may find soft, creamy yellow to be a nice substitute. Try it with an off-black for a spin on the classic black and white color combo or with perennially chic grey for a more modern vibe.

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