3 paint colors minimalists love - and how designers use them to soothe

A timeless, pared-back scheme that evokes restorative tranquility and calm are key components to a minimalist color palette.

So what colors are often used in a minimalist scheme? 'Neutrals and muted color tones are normally associated with a minimalist look,' explains Linda Hayslett, Principal, LH. Designs. 

'So, creams, tans, browns, gray, and black are the neutral version for minimalists. However, a minimal palette can also have color, but it will be a dark color or hint of a color. So, instead of a yellow, it would be a dark mustard color. For a red it would be a more merlot version. Minimal isn't lack of color, it's just subdued hues.'

3 paint colors minimalists love

Two designers reveal their favorite paint colors for a minimalist scheme below, and share how to use them in a pared-back space for a less-is-more look that's still inviting and cozy.

1. Benjamin Moore's Super White

(Image credit: LH. Designs/Lauren Taylor)

White is often a hue associated with a minimalism in interior design thanks to its clarity and clean aesthetic.

It's a stripped back hue that acts as the core of the space, a canvas for light and shadow to work its magic and allows purposeful, well-made pieces of furniture to shine.

A favorite white of designer Linda Hayslett to use in a minimalist scheme is Benjamin Moore Super White, as seen in the bedroom above. And she will often pair this with Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black to create contrast in a space.

2. Sherwin Williams' Tricorn Black 

(Image credit: LH. Designs/Lauren Taylor)

'Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is my go-to color for a minimalist scheme,' says Linda. 'I've used it many times in minimal and contemporary spaces, in areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, doors, mouldings, exterior, etc. It is great for that calming feeling. It doesn't have too many undertones of other colors, so it reads perfectly for a minimal home.'

Linda adds: 'Deeper hues can be minimal. They bring a sense of calm and deep thought, so a darker color can be minimalist in a well thought out space.'

And Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore, says: 'Classic black hues elevate minimalist style. Combine crisp white paint colors with intense, inky hues for a dramatic yet streamlined look.'

And if you don't want to use black? Helen says: 'Alternatives to black paint color include rich, dark shades—think royal purples, moody browns and deep ocean blues. Like black, these enigmatic, darkly glamourous hues sync effortlessly with fresh whites.' Benjamin Moore Super White is ideal.

3. Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon

(Image credit: K Interiors/Johh Merkl)

While white is a go-to color for a back-to-basics minimalist scheme, there are other colors that can reflect the barely-there style that minimalists embrace, including earthy browns and taupes.

Brown is an on-trend paint color for 2024  and will add warmth to a scheme without taking anything away from the form and function of the other pieces in the room - an essential part of a minimalist color palette.

'Color in general is a major part of creating a minimalist scheme because being minimalistic is to invoke a sense of your surroundings in a calm manner,' says LH. Designs' Linda Hayslett. 

'A minimalist doesn't want a lot of distractions, so the color palette or paint used will always exude a calming sense and warmth. People don't realize that a lot of minimal spaces have warmth in their colors. They skew away from cool colors because a minimalist likes to feel the warmth of a room without feel like they are in an ice box.' 

One shade that's perfect for creating a minimalist palette with warmth is Farrow and Ball's Dead Salmon, a favorite of Kristen Pena of K Interiors.

'My new favorite neutral has got a silly name, Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon, but delivers on an amazing vibe,' says Kristen, continuing: 'Yes, vibe. Paint can do that when you get it right. Who doesn’t want to hang in a space like this? I use it outside and inside and it reads differently in every space, but always cozy, inviting and a bit luxe.'