Cold winter weather has a way of creeping into our homes. Thankfully, there are ways to keep your apartment feeling cozy without cranking up the heat. Use these tips to choose warm, subtle paint colors this winter.

Image Source: Flickr/Moyan Brenn

Avoid Colors with Cool Undertones

When you think of winter, what comes to mind? Pure white snow and icy blue skies are pretty in Central Park, but look and feel cold in our homes. White is generally considered a summer color (think crisp linen), and blue can be cold and depressing. These colors have cool undertones, and they can trick us into feeling chillier than we really are.

When it comes to selecting paint colors that will visually warm you up, start by avoiding anything with cool undertones.

Image Source: Flickr/Luke Addison

Pick a Warm Paint Palette

Now think about the colors you associate with a hot summer day. Yellow and red — the colors of the sun or a fire — feel hot. Brown is another color that denotes warmth and comfort. When it comes to winter decorating, pure red or yellow may be too bold and invigorating. However, colors with these warm undertones will create that cozy feeling you’re going for.

Creamy whites and natural browns and beiges are great options — or even a toned-down red (use it as an accent color).

Paint Color Suggestions

Picking paint colors can be overwhelming. Keep it simple and head straight to the source: the paint store! Benjamin Moore has done all the work for you with their five winter-ready paint palettes. These color combos capture the warmth of hearth and home, so check them all out. “Warm Up Winter,” which pairs deep green-grey with a creamy white trim color, and “Let It Snow,” which evokes the season’s first snowfall while still using warm tones, are two of our favorites.

For more inspiration, examine the colors used in your go-to neighborhood restaurant, flip through your favorite magazines or visit home decor websites. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Love cool blue and want to use it year-round? Try pairing aqua with warmer browns, as in this gorgeous bedroom.
• Add interest to classic cream with shades of honey. This comfy living room does it right.
• Wake up basic beige with a burst of mustard yellow and take a traditional bedroom from bland to beautiful.

Image Source: Flickr/Robert Nunnally

Go Beyond Paint

You’ve painted your walls the perfect color. Keep that warm and cozy feeling going with a few tricks.

• Open your shades and add a lamp or two. Doing so will show off your walls and bring in warm light.
• Throws and pillows are naturally comforting. Purchase a few that complement your new paint colors.
• Bring out the colors in your walls with an area rug.

This winter, keep these these tips in mind and warm up your NYC home without upping the thermostat!

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