5 unexpected color schemes that will make a room look more expensive

Deciding on the right paint color for rooms throughout your home can involve much deliberation. Colors are personal to our own taste, but they can also play a part in shaping the overall atmosphere of a room.

While some color trends create a calm feel and others radiate energy, choosing colors to best suit the feel you want to create in your home is important. If you're trying to elevate the look of your home to one that has an expensive-looking edge, there are a range of paint ideas that can help achieve this (and some are really unexpected).

Which colors make your home look more expensive?

'Selecting the right paint colors can enhance a room’s aesthetic, filling it with feelings of luxury and refinement.' says Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr. With this is mind, we've rounded up five of the best colors to make rooms throughout your home look more expensive, to help you on your way with your home decor ideas.

1. Dark blues and greens

'Dark, rich blues and greens can create depth and luxury in any living space,' says Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden. Not only does opting for these opulent hues add a sophisticated edge, but it can also help make a room feel more warm. By painting all the walls in living room ideas or dining room ideas, you will benefit from a moody and cozy feel that's perfect for these social spaces. 

Marianne Cotterill, interior stylist and Creative Director at paint company Craig & Rose agrees, and recommends decorating with green for a luxe look: 'Shades of earthy green instantly envelope a room with their earthy intensity and hearty tones, making them a staple for a luxury feel.'

2. Burgundy

Rich wine and burgundy hues are known for their sophisticated look, with links to traditional decor ideas. Perfect for kitchen ideas, opting for burgundy or aubergine shades will create a warm and welcoming feel to your home, as well as feeling expensive.

'Deep purples and burgundies evoke a sense of opulence and sophistication,' says Ashley McCollum. 'They work well in various rooms, especially bedrooms or dining areas.'

Ashley McCollum

Ashley McCollum is a Marketing Manager and color expert for PPG’s Architectural Coatings business in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining PPG in 2017, Ashley's career was heavily focused on color and visual merchandising for retail environments. Ashley earned her MBA in Marketing/Management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

3. Warm neutrals

'Neutral tones and classic whites, such as Behr’s Blank Canvas or Tranquil Gray, contribute to a timeless and sophisticated ambiance,' says Erika Woelfel. 'The subtle nuances of whites, light grays, and beiges evoke a sense of understated elegance, making the space feel more upscale.'

San Francisco-based Interior designer Soledad Alzaga also recommends decorating with neutrals for a timeless and expensive look, adding: 'Brown, caramel and beige are my favorite colors to use in combination to make a space feel expensive, sophisticated and put together.'

Designer Lauren Williams, founder of Lauren Jayne Design agrees and adds that you can still incorporate vibrant colors through the accents: 'Choosing a neutral color palette layered with various tonal textures is a fantastic way to achieve a timeless yet luxurious feel in a home. Consider incorporating pops of color through artwork to serve as a focal point while keeping the space uncluttered to complement a neutral palette.'

4. Bronze-toned metallics

Decorating with gold is of course an excellent way to create an expensive look in your home. While it's bound to make a statement, you can choose to embrace this warm hue in smaller spaces such as a powder room for a glam look that feels instantly uplifting. 'Warm golds and metallics add a touch of glamor to a space, whether in small doses or full room settings,' says Ashley McCollum. 

5. Muted black

'For a bolder approach, consider Behr’s Cracked Pepper, a versatile soft black,' suggests Erika Woelfel. 'The deep, moody tones of the color elevate the senses, creating feelings of confidence and lavishness.' You may think of decorating with black as daunting at first, but it can be an effective color choice when styled well. As pictured above, embracing this dark hue in a well-lit room will provide balance, ensuring the walls don't feel overbearing.

These colors can no doubt help to make your home look more expensive with a feeling of opulence. But as Soledad Alzaga explains 'Lighting, texture, and the overall design play a crucial role in creating an upscale look when using colors.' Other elements play an important role too, so make sure to consider the rest of your glamorous home decor.