Sherwin-Williams is known for its best-selling neutrals, but these lesser-known colorful shades are favorites among designers

From the iconic Alabaster to the flattering Swiss Coffee, Sherwin-Williams has garnered a cult following for its popular neutral paints. But what about its more colorful shades?

From dark and moody green paints to warming orange paints, Sherwin-Williams has much to offer in the realm of colorful hues, but they're arguably not as widely known as its enduring neutrals.

And so, we spoke to interior designers to get to know some of their favorite Sherwin-Williams paint colors which may not have heard of before.

1. Raisin

'Lately, I’ve been drawn to deep purples, and Sherwin-Williams' Raisin hits the perfect balance of moody and refined,' says Lisa Shaffer, CEO and creative director at Lisa & Leroy. 'It has just the right amount of depth with a hint of purple, and the way light interacts with it creates a stunning effect.'

While Raisin is technically a dark brown paint, you can see its prominent purple undertones in this sophisticated dining room. For a similar look, embrace color-drenching with this dark paint, or, Lisa adds that you can use it more sparingly: 'If fully color-washing a room in a bold shade feels intimidating, try using it on millwork – it frames a space beautifully.'

2. Faded Flaxflower

Blue paints have seen much love recently, in some cases working as a calming neutral. Faded Flaxflower by Sherwin-Williams does just that, with gray and yellow undertones giving it a serene feel.

'One of the most requested colors from our clients is blue, and Sherwin-Williams' Faded Flaxflower never disappoints,' says Lisa Shaffer. 'It has a crisp, clean feel that brightens a room effortlessly. For a fresh tonal look, pair it with cobalt blues – it’s a timeless combination that feels both serene and dynamic.'

3. Bosc Pear

Moving onto warmer paint colors, there are plenty of earthy tones from Sherwin-Williams to explore. Below, Lisa Shaffer shares two of her favorites:

'I love an ochre moment, and Sherwin-Williams' Bosc Pear delivers with its rich depth and incredible versatility. This warm hue pairs beautifully with deep browns, rust, and neutrals for a cozy, sophisticated feel, or it can be energized with a sunny yellow or peach-like Sherwin-Williams' Stone Fruit to bring vibrancy to a space.'

4. Cocoa Berry

'Right now I am crushing hard on Sherwin-Williams' Cocoa Berry,' says Kate Pinney, interior designer at Inside Stories. 'This rich, moody hue falls within the pink family, but its depth keeps it from feeling too feminine.'

With a muted feel, Cocoa Berry doesn't feel too lively and would work well in lots of rooms where you want to add more depth than neutrals. For Kate, using it to color drench a powder room is a favorite way to go: 'This color would look amazing in a powder room – paint both the ceiling and the walls to create a truly elevated, immersive space.'

5. Cascade Green

'Cascade Green by Sherwin-Williams is a vibrant but neutral green and part of their historic collection,' shares interior designer Nureed Saeed, owner and creative director at Nu Interiors. 'Many of the lighter greens can read mint or very yellow, but this one blends well with a range of colors and shades of blue or green.'

This green paint is used across the walls in this living room, bringing a calming feel to the space while uplifting the otherwise all-neutral decor.

6. Thistle

'Thistle is that perfect muted purple paint that works with everything,' says Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts. 'It’s a nice subtle pop of color that exudes calm, cool, and collected.'

'This color feels at home in any room, from bathrooms to kitchens and everything in between. It’s subtle yet impactful and it works beautifully with a cool palette of blues and greens or a warmer palette with yellows and oranges. I love it when color works almost like a neutral when it works with just about everything, and Thistle is one of those colors,' says Nadia.

7. Mercurial

When it comes to neutral paints, Sherwin-Williams has much to offer. While it is well-known for its most popular neutrals, from Snowbound to Accessible Beige, there are many more shades to explore that feel perfectly balanced.

'Sherwin-Williams' Mercurial is my go-to greige for kitchen cabinet colors,' says designer Nureed Saeed. 'It is the perfect blend of white, beige, and grey, giving you the 'not white', white kitchen that will stand the test of time.'

8. Country Squire

'I'm obsessed with Country Squire,' says interior designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow. 'It's a deep blue-green, nearly jade, that is a striking jewel tone that pairs well with neutrals as well as bright hues like chartreuse or Fuschia.'

If you're looking to make a statement and create a dark color scheme with a feeling of sophistication, this dark green paint makes a great choice, especially in small rooms such as a snug room or home office.

Which of these Sherwin-Williams paint colors would you try in your home? Whichever you're drawn to, remember to sample shades first so you can see how they look in specific rooms with changing light throughout the day.