Elegant colors that will elevate any room – 6 go-to shades among designers for a timeless space

Choosing colors for any room is an important step in the decorating process, and if you're feeling overwhelmed by continually evolving color trends, relying on timeless, enduring shades is a safe bet.

We asked a selection of interior designers for their top picks of elegant, enduring colors, which we've rounded up below. While the use of these shades will depend on your interior design style and the specific qualities of your space, each of them is said to elevate rooms.

Crucially, these colors don't feel trend-led or overly bold, but instead timeless and liveable with the ability to transition from season to season. If you're in need of some elegant room color ideas, these shades should have you covered.

1. Charcoal

While a color as bold as charcoal can seem like a brave choice, it can go a long way in adding sophistication to a room, says designer Vyanca Soto of Market Studio Interiors:

'A deep, moody charcoal with warm undertones is my go-to color for elevating any space. It carries a level of sophistication that feels rich and cocooning yet incredibly versatile.

'Whether used on walls, millwork, or even ceilings, it instantly adds depth and a sense of understated luxury. I love how it pairs effortlessly with soft neutrals, warm metals, and natural textures, creating an ambiance that feels both refined and inviting. This shade works across design styles, modern, transitional, or classic, making it a timeless choice that never feels trendy but always feels intentional.'

2. Green

Decorating with green is a timeless choice that offers relaxing qualities too, with many designers using it in place of neutrals since it's so versatile. If you want to add elegance to a room while keeping things calming, green is a great choice.

'I have always gravitated toward green, as it not only feels like a neutral, but it blurs the lines between the outdoors and indoors,' explains Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer at Nashville-based Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. 'From soft, quiet greens like Sherwin-Williams' Cargo Pants, on walls, trim, and casework that pairs beautifully with a variety of color palettes; to bolder greens like PPG's Olive Green, green is an elegant color that instantly makes a room feel special and elevated.'

Designer Steph Schlegelmilch, founder and creative director at Westport-based Studio Seva also enjoys decorating with green, adding: 'I love infusing dark olive green in our projects to instantly elevate a space. Whether we bring in this color through textiles on our upholstery like a gorgeous mohair or dry linen, or a rich textural paint color, this deeper shade tends to always give us a sophisticated and serious feel to our designs.'

3. Warm white

Decorating with neutrals is arguably the most failsafe choice if you want to create a calming space that feels timeless. More specifically, whites with subtle warm undertones feature throughout Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan's projects for an elegant look:

'A timeless warm white is always my go-to for elevating a space. It creates a luminous, welcoming foundation that allows architectural details and layered textures to shine. Sherwin-Williams' Greek Villa is a favorite – it’s soft and creamy without feeling overly yellow, making it a perfect backdrop for both traditional and modern interiors,' says Marie.

To recreate a similar look, we've rounded up the best warm white paints that help balance a light and airy look with a welcoming feel.

4. Blue

'I always find myself coming back to blues and greens when I want to create a sophisticated yet inviting space,' says Denver-based designer Nadia Watts. 'These colors are timeless – blue feels effortlessly elegant and calming, while green adds a fresh, natural element that brings life to a room.'

'To keep things interesting, I love incorporating pops of color like pink for an unexpected touch. Even in more neutral spaces, a bold accent can make all the difference. Another favorite of mine is using grasscloth wallpaper – it adds texture, depth, and just the right amount of character to make a space feel layered and refined,' says Nadia.

Miranda Cullen, owner and principal at Inside Stories, also recommends decorating with blue, adding: 'A go-to color for adding elegance to any space is pastel blue. This soft, muted shade has a calming effect and effortlessly creates a refined, sophisticated atmosphere. Blue has long been associated with royalty, which is why it subconsciously evokes a sense of grace and elegance.'

5. Dark colors

If you prefer dark tones in your interior schemes, rest assured that they can feel just as elegant as lighter hues, much like Farrow & Ball's Brinjal which was used in this rustic bathroom. Below, interior designer Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo shares some of her favorite dark colors to elevate rooms:

'A moody green or burgundy is our current go-to to elevate a space. Dark colors with brown undertones really bring the drama and make a space feel sophisticated yet cool. We recently transformed an office from a white box to a rich, creative retreat by color-drenching it in Sherwin-Williams' Nettle, a great muddy green color. The result? A space that feels moody, refined, and inviting – proof that bold, warm hues create the kind of depth and character that lighter shades just can’t match.'

6. Teal

Lastly, if you're looking for a moody yet elevated color to incorporate into your scheme, consider decorating with teal.

While this sophisticated color can add interest as an accent, using it boldly with color-drenching – as seen in this bathroom with Benjamin Moore's Stained Glass – is a great way to add drama.

Similarly, interior designer Caitlin Creer enjoys decorating with a much darker teal for an elevated scheme: 'Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore is like the deepest green in a pine tree forest. It is earthy, powerful, and crisp. We love using this color – it elevates any room.'

'We love incorporating a deep teal,' agrees designer Diane Rath of The Rath Project. 'It provides the same sophistication and depth as adding a hint of black but feels more intentional and distinctive. Its richness makes a space feel elevated while still offering a unique design choice.'

Whether you want to lean into dark colors to create a moody interior or embrace the enduring appeal of light and warming neutrals, many colors can elevate your space, depending on your interior design style. If you're considering paint ideas, make sure to sample shades first so you can see how they look throughout the day as the light changes.