20 Nature-Inspired Paint Colors That Bring the Outside In

Lichen (Farrow & Ball)

If you’re leaning green, consider Lichen by Farrow & Ball, which is described by the brand as the "subtle color of creeping algae which ages stone so beautifully." 

"It is a subtle sage green that does not feel overly dramatic and is a color that I would consider a neutral because of its timeless feel. It's the perfect subtle green," says Brittany Hakimfar, lead interior designer at Far Studio. "We’ve used this green on kitchen cabinets to give a pop of color without picking something you might get tired of. To me this is such a soothing and calming color."

Palace Green (Benjamin Moore)

For a brighter variation of verdant, consider Benjamin Moore Palace Green.

"This earthy, subdued green is a beautiful mirror for complementing colors of light blue and creamy whites. I love that it evokes a nature-inspired feel yet still lends modern and contemporary vibes in the right setting," says interior designer Will Hunt Lewis, owner of Hunt & Bloom.

To elevate the paint, pair it with a striking, complementary wallpaper. You can also use it in everyday elements of your home, like trim accents or kitchen cabinets.

Saffron (Benjamin Moore)

Orange tones are often underrated—and sometimes tricky to work with, but when done well, they can add a heightened level of playful sophistication to your space. Consider Benjamin Moore Saffron, a volcanic copper orange.

"This rusty hue is a perennial must for those of us whose favorite season is autumn! It’s not quite as dark as brown, and has an earthy tone while being imbued with the richness of a deep orange," says interior designer Linette Dai. 

"The best part of a copper orange is that it acts as a more vibrant option to a brown neutral," says Dai. "Meaning, it makes a gorgeous paint color for millwork and trims, and it can also complement a wide spectrum of other colors, including olive green, brown, cream, indigo blue, mustard, and burgundy."

Spiced Apple Cider (Benjamin Moore)

For an orange-ish tone that’s a bit more subdued, consider Benjamin Moore Spiced Apple Cider.

"It's cozy and confident—like a warm cup of cider on a crisp day," says interior designer Carissa Byrne Hebert of CBH Interiors. It’s a subtle and muted tone, but still lends a sense of vibrancy to a space, especially when paired with softer neutrals.

Canchito (Comex)

Take your cue from the desert with Canchito by Comex, an exquisite, pink-leaning clay color.  

"This pink represents the transition of some cactus as a response to solar lighting, they adjust themselves as a reaction of their own pigments to this condition. It also reminds me of the earth that gets transformed into clay," says Paola Camarena, architect, designer, and creative director for Xala. "This is essential in the Mexican culture, somehow, I could say it embodies it."

She says this pink is a representation of nature’s flexibility and can be used in a very elegant way throughout your home. 

Mediterranean Teal (Benjamin Moore)

Let’s shift our color focus to the sea with Benjamin Moore Mediterranean Teal. Interior designer Maggie Winshall, founder of MW Interiors, says this greenish-turquoise (with a hint of gray) delivers major wow factor.

"It’s soothing like a warm sea and can be paired with a bright white to resemble a mountainscape in the background," she says, adding that it’s versatile and can be moody while also offering a pop of a drama.

"This color can be used in a small dramatic bathroom, moody office, or even a high gloss finish on a bar cabinet with pops of brass hardware," Winshall says.

Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore)

For a near-nautical shade of blue, Hunt Lewis recommends Benjamin Moore Hale Navy.

"Hale Navy transports me to dawn—just before the sun begins pushing through the sky and a lighter, more illuminated blue takes shape," Hunt Lewis says. "It’s a calming yet dramatic color that can deliver a nautical feel when paired with transitional or coastal-inspired decor."

Use it as a statement color on the ceilings or walls or use it as the main hue in a powder bath, coast-inspired guestroom, or bar and lounge. 

Shaded White (Farrow & Ball)

For a beautiful neutral with a hint of drama, Dai loves Farrow & Ball Shaded White, which reminds her of the color of wild barley or oatmeal.

"This beautiful neutral color has a calming and grounding effect. It’s not as plain as white and adds an element of character that feels organic and timeless," she says. "For a retreat-like oasis, paint all the walls of a room or bathroom in this color."

She says this is also one of her favorites for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, noting that it’s a more interesting alternative to simple white. It’s also quite versatile, pairing well with almost any muted shade of color.

Natural Linen (Benjamin Moore)

Benjamin Moore Natural Linen is very similar to Shaded White, only it's has more of a creamy yellow undertone to it that offers some additional warmth.

"It's a really beautiful neutral that can be used everywhere—on walls, trim, doors, ceilings," says Herbert. It still gives you that white-neutral backdrop, but "lets the hygge vibes in," she says. In addition to using it on your walls, also consider it for the color on your trim or doors.