Inspiring Summertime Palettes

Paint Colors

Color Combinations That Top Our List

If there’s one thing that tends to define summer, it’s color. From the bursts of blooms to the vibrant hues of beach balls and swimsuits, there’s no shortage of saturation to marvel at. Yet, as bold and whimsical as those shades are, it can be a challenge finding which ones work best in your home. Too much of a color splash can leave your space feeling gaudy and tacky, while too little can make everything feel, well, a bit “meh.”

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite summertime palettes right now. From neutrals to lush greens, we’ve got a color combo to fit every style out there.

Blacks, creams, beiges, and golds make up this summer-inspired color palette. / Source

Textured Neutrals

For the neutral lovers who prefer to keep things simple, crisp, and clean, you can still enjoy a touch of summertime in your home’s palette. Simply take inspiration from the colors you see around you in nature. While we love tossing a bold black into the mix for contrast, it’s also key to incorporate plenty of beiges, creams, and wood-colored hues. That way your space will feel like it was plucked right from the outdoors – and just in time for enjoying those final few months in the sun.

Inspired by nature, this gallery wall keeps things neutral, yet seasonal. / Source

Summer isn’t complete without a beautiful styled porch in neutral hues. / Source — Summer isn’t complete without a beautiful, styled porch in neutral hues. / Source

Water Hues

Blue is a classic color that, frankly, never gets old. And considering just how much blue you’re around in the summer, it’s an easy choice to make. Pull your inspiration from the variety of water hues out there – whether the deep blue of a moody ocean or the turquoise green/blue of a crystal clear quarry, layering a few different shades will ensure your space feels not only season-ready, but also calm and tranquil. It’s what we call a win-win situation.

Soft blues, blushes, and creams give this color palette an infusion of water-inspired aesthetics. / Source

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Paired with a crisp white wall, these varied shades of blue throw pillows are perfect for summer. / Source

This front porch captures summer perfectly by layering different patterns and textures in several shades of blue. / Source

Sunset Shades

Is there anything more stunning than those summer cotton candy sunsets? Shades of pinks, oranges, and yellows can give your space an instant upgrade and make things feel fresh and new. Just remember that with these shades, it’s important to avoid going overboard – they work best peppered into your decor (think throw pillows, rugs, or artwork). If you are tempted to go a bit more bold with a new wall color, be sure to choose the right shade so you don’t fall into the hot pink or construction orange realms. Stick to softer, more mellow hues, and you’ll be good to go.

Bringing to mind brilliant sunsets, this color palette pairs coral, gold, and orange hues together brilliantly. / Source

Just a touch of these sunset shades is all that’s needed to make this crisp white bedroom pop. / Source

This gorgeous deck pairs an ocean view with sunset-inspired decor pieces and the result is a perfect summer escape. / Source

Lush Greens

Of course, summer wouldn’t be summer without those bold greens we know and love. Wherever you live, green is a sign of vitality and summer life. From the freshly cut lawns of the midwest to the cactus-covered landscaping of southern California, it’s a color that comes in a wide range of hues, allowing you to create a lush vibe in your space that encourages tropical-inspired relaxation. All you need to complete the look is a fresh squeezed glass of lemonade in hand.

Soft shades of green and cream combine for a beautiful summer palette. / Source

Get your peel & stick (real) paint samples – HERE!

A chic black patio is transformed into a summer oasis with lush green plants that give a pop of color to the otherwise neutral-heavy space. / Source

Paired with rattan decor elements, this green sofa, pillow, and indoor plant make this sunroom the perfect space to soak up the summer heat. / Source

And be sure to check out our other paint color reviews for more inspiration.

If these color palettes have you all kinds of excited about refreshing your space, you’re not alone. We love the combos – especially since they each remind us of the heart of summer. So, before that heat transitions into the cool breezes of fall, give your own space that infusion of color you’ve always wanted. We promise it’ll give you a seasonal look you’ll want to keep for years to come.

By Megan Johansson, Contributor to Carla Bast Design

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