These are the 'fail-safe' paint color combinations to embrace in 2024, according to Lick's color psychologist

Lift your mood this winter with these on-trend paint colors

teal living room, pale pink bedroom, green kitchen cabinets
(Image credit: Bridgman, Kitesgrove, Roundhouse)

Adding some color to your home can do wonders to lift your mood, especially at this time of year when the days are short and our homes receive less natural light. Whether you love decorating with bold hues or prefer a neutral scheme, there are many ways to explore incorporating color to uplift your space. 

When choosing the best colors to bring into your home, it's best to think about a wider palette rather than just one standout hue. This may be easier said than done, however, and so it's often a good idea to follow the advice of color experts to know which hues will create a visually effective scheme. 

Tash Bradley, color psychologist and Director of Interior Design at paint company Lick has provided three 'fail-safe' color combinations that 'work in loads of different ways throughout the home,' which we explore below. Keep reading if you're looking for some refreshing color trends and inspiration for all of your paint ideas this year. 

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1. Teal 03 and White 05

pastel living room ideas, green living room with grey couches, wooden trunk, vintage frames, shelving in alcoves, ornaments, orange cushions

(Image credit: Bridgman)

The first color pairing recommended by Tash is Lick's Teal 03 and White 05. 'This combination can work amazingly in a hallway,' she explains. 'You do your walls and your ceiling in the White 05 and you do a statement staircase in the Teal 03.' This is a great option if you're looking to add some drama to your entryway stairs while retaining a pared-back look with neutral walls to ensure a balanced look. 

Alternatively, this pairing would also work well in a living room, as Tash explains: 'Or if you are doing a snug little cozy sitting room, do that in the Teal 03 and then do your skirting in the White 05.'

tash bradley from lick paints
Tash Bradley

Tash is trained in color psychology and theory, she helps people around the world bring their dream decorating projects to life and utilize color to impact personal spaces, as well as overall lifestyle and wellness. Tash leverages her expertise in color psychology and theory, as well as interior design, to lead Lick’s design studio and curate the brand’s global paint and wallpaper offerings. To date, she has led 2,500+ color consultations for Lick clients, providing customers the confidence they need to create a home they’ll love.

2. Pink 01 and Teal 01

A bedroom color idea with pink walls, and bedding with sage green and burgundy accents

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Another Lick color pairing to consider embracing is Pink 01 and Teal 01, which according to Tash makes for an effective bedroom color scheme. Especially 'if you have two bedrooms upstairs opposite each other,' this combination 'looks lovely if you do one in the pink and one in the teal,' she explains. 'If you want to combine it, do your walls and your woodwork in Pink 01 and do your ceiling in Teal 01.'

3. Green 14 and White 03

Kitchen sink and window with green cabinets

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

Lastly, Tash also recommends pairing White 03 with Green 14. 'If you are renovating your kitchen this year, I’d recommend this combo so much,' she says. Green kitchens are expected to be a highly popular trend this year, thanks to the relaxed and mood-boosting qualities of this nature-derived hue. If you're interested in channeling this on-trend color in your kitchen, Tash recommends opting for 'White 03 on your walls and your ceiling' and 'kitchen cabinets in Green 14.'


Looking for more help with your color schemes? According to designers, these are the top living room color trends for 2024 that will ensure a stylish look – from neutrals to saturated hues. 

Paint & Color Editor

Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.