sea and salt spa

HOME OFFICE PAINT COLORS: DYNAMIC AND PEACEFUL TONES

Choosing the right paint color for your home office can significantly impact your productivity and overall mood. The right color scheme can create a dynamic and inspiring workspace, while also promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. In this article, we’ll explore the best paint colors to consider for your home office, focusing on dynamic and peaceful tones that can enhance your work environment.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HOME OFFICE PAINT COLORS

Selecting a color for your home office is a deeply personal decision. While it’s tempting to choose the “most productive paint color ever,” it’s important to also consider how it will integrate with the rest of your home. As we design our home office, which will double as a den, we aim for a space that’s both functional and inviting. We’ve decided to use blue and white as our primary color palette. This choice not only complements the rest of our home but also enhances focus and productivity.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best bluish-gray paints from leading paint brands. I’ve included my personal thoughts and recommendations, suggested complementary colors, and noted each color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV).

HOW COLOR AFFECTS YOUR MOOD

Color psychology has been studied extensively, and fortunately, it’s one of the easiest aspects to change in a room! By simply painting the walls—or even just one wall—you can transform the entire atmosphere of your space. Here’s a breakdown of some popular color choices for home offices and how they can affect your work environment:

Green:  Green is known for its calming and balancing effects and can also be energizing. Traditionally associated with ambition and financial success, green can be a great choice for an office. Whether you prefer greenish-gray tones, bluish-greens, or earthy greens, there’s a wide range of green shades that can enhance your workspace.

White:  White offers a clean slate that’s perfect for creatives who need a distraction-free environment. It’s also invigorating. While it might not be suitable for a sterile corporate office, white works wonderfully in a home setting with cozy, plush furniture. Warm whites, in particular, add a touch of warmth (find the best warm white paint colors here).

Light Gray:  Light gray is a versatile neutral that promotes productivity and focus. It strikes a balance between the starkness of white and the depth of darker colors, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a restorative and adaptable hue.

Dark Gray/Charcoal:  Dark gray, or charcoal, can create a focused and introspective environment. It’s ideal for those who need to concentrate deeply on their tasks.

Pink:  Warm pink shades, such as coral and peach, can boost energy and focus. Pink is also linked to increased creativity, making it an excellent choice for a feminine workspace or any job that requires creative thinking.

Blue:  Blue is renowned for its soothing and relaxing properties. It helps maintain calm and productivity, making it an ideal color for a workspace.

Each of these colors can significantly impact your work environment, so choose one that aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

BEST GREEN PAINT COLORS FOR HOME WORKSPACES

Green, often associated with money, makes a fitting choice for a space designed to foster productivity and financial success, such as a home office. However, I’m not suggesting you go for a bold kelly green. Instead, consider the color options below, which feature softer greens blended with gray to create a calming and balanced atmosphere. Green is also linked to power, ambition, and equilibrium—qualities that can enhance your home workspace.

Now, let’s dive into selecting the perfect green paint color.

The most sophisticated green paint colors feature nuanced undertones. While a vibrant kelly green has its appeal, it’s best reserved for accents rather than an entire room. My top green paint choices below either have a sage-like quality, with a touch of gray and earthy undertones, or incorporate a hint of blue. These subtle variations add depth and elegance to your space.

GREENISH-BLUE PAINT SHADES

This beautiful workspace from House that Lars Built showcases the effectiveness of a soothing blue with a hint of green. Combined with the geometric-patterned painted floor and the sleek lines of the desk and mirror, this office exudes a professional, boss-level vibe!

EARTHY GREEN PAINT TONES

If you’re aiming for an earthier paint color, consider Benjamin Moore’s Soft Fern. This serene sage hue blends beautifully with wood tones and beiges, providing a grounded and calming effect that supports focus and productivity. For a deeper option, you might like Behr’s Pinecone Hill, which offers a richer, more robust tone.

GRAYISH-GREENS

I particularly love paint colors with a strong gray undertone. Below, you’ll find two beautiful examples of home offices featuring greenish-gray hues.

WHITE HOME OFFICES

If you’re a creative or have a penchant for colorful home furnishings and decor, you might desire a crisp, clean workspace that acts as a blank canvas. While productivity experts often advise against painting office walls white due to concerns about sterility and reduced work performance, I believe white can be stunning when paired with cozy and vibrant furnishings.

The main objection to white in traditional office settings is its association with sterile environments. However, in a home office, where comfort is paramount, white can be far from boring. Just take a look at the rooms below—they are anything but sterile!

The secret lies in choosing the right shade of white paint and incorporating colorful rugs, fabrics, and artwork to bring the space to life.

The office space above demonstrates how a wood-toned desk and file cabinet can add warmth to an office. The blue area rug further infuses the room with vibrant color, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.

Kaleidoscope Living (formerly Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body) showcases her home office above. The white walls act as a blank canvas, allowing the bold artwork to take center stage. The result is a beautifully designed home office where creativity shines.

Casa Watkins reveals her basement home office in the picture above. Although the walls are white, the space is full of character! With a wallpapered ceiling, a bold rug, and vibrant accessories, she has crafted a dynamic and lively workspace.

Eva Amurri Martino’s workspace, featured above, predominantly uses white (likely Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White). Despite the mostly white furniture and rugs, the room is anything but sterile. The colorful curtains (the same fabric we used in the girls’ bedroom—available here) add vibrant personality and a pop of color. This lively touch is mirrored in the pink chandelier, wastebasket, and decorative accessories, infusing the space with charm and character.

LIGHT GRAY HOME OFFICE WALLS

If you’re seeking a neutral, airy office with a bit more warmth and depth than white walls, light gray might be your ideal choice. Below, I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite light gray paints, which I’ve used repeatedly in my own home!

A comfortable and stylish desk chair introduces a splash of color and complements the oriental rug, helping to unify the room. Don’t forget to include fresh (or faux) flowers to enhance the space further.

Although more neutral than some other offices, this one remains far from sparse. The combination of beige, light brown, and white creates a functional and stylish space. If you’re short on room, a secretary desk like the one shown above offers both storage and a convenient spot for your laptop.

The Polished Habitat’s feminine home office demonstrates that you can achieve a girly aesthetic without pink walls. By incorporating a pink oriental rug, pink throw pillows, pink artwork, and a playful upholstered pink stool, she proves that color can be introduced in diverse and stylish ways.

Emily Ley’s former home office exudes classic style with its white built-ins, light gray walls, and blue and white accessories.

Emily Ley’s current home office, shown above, maintains a similar aesthetic—proving that sticking with what works can be highly effective! By incorporating a stunning blue oriental rug and a plush office chair, she anchors the space, creating a balanced and harmonious feel.

CHARCOAL AND DARK GRAY OFFICE WALLS

Dark gray or charcoal walls are currently on-trend for offices. Their moody appearance may help you turn inward and concentrate. The offices below demonstrate how dark walls can enhance focus while evoking a sophisticated “gentleman’s study” aesthetic.

Best Charcoal or Dark Gray Paint Colors for Offices:

  • BM Kendall Gray
  • BM Chelsea Gray
  • BM Nightfall
  • SW Tricorn Black
  • BM Iron Mountain
  • Farrow & Ball Downpipe
  • BM Wrought Iron

Driven By Decor illustrates how moody and dramatic offices can boost productivity in her stunning home office, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall.

PINK HOME WORKSPACE

A pink hue can create an inspiring and playful atmosphere in a home office. Opt for lighter pinks to achieve an “airy” feel, and choose shades with orange undertones to give the color a more sophisticated edge. Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground and Middleton Pink are excellent choices, offering a subtle touch of orange that enhances mood and creativity.

BEST PINK PAINTS FOR CREATIVITY

  • Farrow & Ball Pink Ground
  • Behr Citrus Delight
  • Benjamin Moore Pink Fairy
  • Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink
  • Behr Noble Blush
  • Sherwin-Williams Angelic

PINK HOME OFFICE IDEAS

  • Built-In Bookshelves: PMQ for Two demonstrates how to style built-ins with a vibrant pink paint, such as Behr Noble Blush, to create a stylish and lively home office.
  • Blush Wallpaper: Lemon Stripes features light coral wallpaper, but a soft pink paint can achieve a similar effect. She balances the space with a beautiful blue oriental rug and gold accents in the desk and bookcase.
  • Sophisticated Pink Walls: Our Fifth House’s elegant pink office combines gold, white, and black and white elements. The black and white geometric rug, stunning burl wood desk, and dark office chair ground the vibrant pink, creating a dynamic and sophisticated look.
  • Light Pink Walls: Rain on a Tin Roof uses Behr’s Citrus Delight to show how light pink walls complement blue and animal prints, resulting in a vibrant and creative home office.

BLUE PAINT COLORS FOR HOME OFFICES

Blue paint colors are known for their calming effects, making them ideal for creating a relaxing workspace where you can focus on your tasks. Light blues offer a soothing atmosphere that promotes concentration, while dark blues provide an energizing boost and enhance focus. Explore some of the top blue paint options below!

BEST BLUE PAINTS FOR CONCENTRATION

  • Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
  • Farrow & Ball Parma Gray 
  • Farrow & Ball Oval Room
  • BM Wythe Blue
  • SW Sea Salt
  • BM Palladian Blue

Charlotte’s House showcases her vibrant blue and white home office, bursting with energy and perfect for sparking creativity. Just look at her space—she is undeniably one of the most imaginative people I know!



Remember: When choosing a blue paint color for your home office, consider the overall lighting and design of the space. A darker blue may be more suitable for a room with ample natural light, while a lighter blue may be better suited for a room with limited natural light.

Life on Virginia Street demonstrates how charming and invigorating a navy blue accent wall can be in a home office featuring dual workstations.

Brooke Crew Interiors presents a serene home office in their Greenwich, CT project, creating an ideal space for focused work.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the best color for your home office depends on the atmosphere you wish to create. Each of the colors listed above can enhance productivity and focus in your workspace. Personally, I prefer our home office to be a peaceful extension of our home—one that offers tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life with my four small children . That’s why we opted for a blue and white color scheme, complemented by neutral tones, to create a soothing environment and promote concentration.

50 CHIC AND REFRESHING SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Embrace your age with style! Short hair can be incredibly flattering and rejuvenating for women over 50. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, there’s a perfect short hairstyle to enhance your features and boost your confidence. Let’s explore a variety of chic and refreshing options that will inspire you to make a stylish statement. Get ready to discover the perfect short haircut to compliment your unique beauty!

CHOPPY PIECE-Y PIXIE

A choppy pixie cut is a popular choice for women, offering a perfect blend of classic and modern vibes that showcase your personality. Women of all ages want to remain stylish and fabulous. Just as we thoughtfully select wardrobe pieces based on the latest trends, our hairstyles deserve the same attention. With these chic cuts, you’ll not only look great but also feel amazing!

SALT-AND-PEPPER FEATHERED PIXIE

There are countless ways to style your pixie cut. For a standout look, try spiky layers at the crown paired with side-swept bangs. Adding highlights can also make a significant impact.

SOFT BOB WITH SIDE BANGS

The best hairstyles are those that are comfortable, suit your lifestyle, and make you look fabulous. Consider replacing your everyday bun or ponytail with a chic, youthful bob. Embrace style and elegance as you age gracefully!

TWO-TONE TEXTURED PIXIE

You’ve likely seen plenty of cute pixie cuts, but this standout style is truly exceptional. With layers all around, charming feathered bangs, and a striking blonde color with dark roots, it combines femininity and class in a stunning way.

SHAGGY BOB WITH CURTAIN BANGS

A shag cut on straight hair exudes a modern, sophisticated vibe. The swoopy curtain bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair, creating a stunning look. The rooted blonde color adds an extra touch of allure, making this style even more irresistible.

SIGNATURE SMOKY GRAY PIXIE

Everyone should discover their signature look that reflects their personal style, personality, and lifestyle while highlighting their best features. This gray pixie cut could become her unique X factor.

NECK-LENGTH POLISHED LIFTED BOB

Is edgy your style? A new stacked shape, plenty of texture, highlights, and a splash of bright color can make a bold statement and leave you as thrilled with the result as this stunning model. Short cuts don’t have to be boring!

BOB WITH PIECE-Y BANGS

Layered styles are perfect for achieving a softer look. Choppy bangs add definition and dimension, while the A-Line bob shape brings an element of grace and sophistication to your hairstyle.

SALT-AND-PEPPER BIXIE WITH LONG BANGS

Here’s a great example of gray blending that appears completely natural and requires minimal maintenance. However, regular salon visits are essential to keep the temples neatly trimmed.

BLONDE PIXIE WITH POMPADOUR BANGS

This beautifully textured style is ideal for those with a high forehead. It opens up the face and gives the impression of hair swept back by a breeze, enhancing the volume and dynamic quality of the look.

SPIKY GRAY PIXIE

This pixie cut looks fantastic from both the front and back! It features voluminous hair on top while staying close to the scalp in the back. Adding glasses will make the look perfectly complete!

SALT-AND-PEPPER UNDERCUT PIXIE

A tight pixie with long top layers is a delightful choice. It strikes the perfect balance between youthful and mature, offering a chic and elegant appearance.

PLATINUM SHAG WITH CURTAIN BANGS

This refreshing messy hairstyle beautifully combines choppy ends and trendy curtain bangs, with the outer edges cascading into longer strands on the sides to elegantly frame the face.

GORGEOUS STACKED BRONDE BOB

Among the many hairstyle options, the stacked bob remains a timeless choice for women of all ages. When paired with the “bronde” trend, which blends brown and blonde hues, it offers a chic variation of this classic bob. Originating in the 60s, this versatile bob suits all hair textures and face shapes, thanks to its endless variations!

CLASSIC BOB WITH DARK UNDERNEATH

Don’t hesitate to choose a bob—it offers endless possibilities. Adding layers can enhance the movement of your bob, and cutting the hair to just at the nape of your neck will expose and elongate your neck for a flattering effect.

FEATHERED PIXIE PLUS FULL BANGS

The innovative blend of wispy side-swept strands on the crown with dense straight bangs across the forehead makes this one of the most edgy styles on our list. It also adds impressive fullness to the front.

BLONDE PIXIE WITH SHORT BANGS

Incorporating a short, thinned-out fringe into a voluminous crop is a great choice. It highlights the eyes and conceals forehead wrinkles without creating harsh lines.

LAYERED HAIR FULL OF WAVES

This heavily layered hairstyle is ideal for thick hair, as it reduces bulk and adds texture. The highlights further enhance the movement and brighten the face.

PIXIE SHAG FOR THICK HAIR

Embrace a casual and playful vibe with this trendy, messy crop. Its sassy, disheveled look ensures you’re always ready for any occasion!

CHOPPY SILVER FOX PIXIE

This chic crop is low-maintenance and effortless. Simply dampen your fingers with mousse or gel, run them through your hair, and flaunt one of the boldest pixie cuts around.

CLASSY JAW-LENGTH FRENCH BOB

This elegant chestnut brown bob features slightly curled ends, making it versatile for both casual and business settings. To switch to a more relaxed style, simply replace the curled ends with beachy waves.

SLENDER GRAY FEATHERED PIXIE

A wispy crop with feathered layers can give fine hair a thicker, fuller appearance. Add side bangs for a chic and elegant finish.

LAYERED BOB WITH HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Highlights and lowlights are frequently used in hairstyles for good reason. Highlights add a graceful, touchable quality, while lowlights create depth and dimension. This fabulous, no-fuss bob breaks away from traditional sleekness with its funky layers and defined ends, exuding a super modern vibe. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to flatter a fuller figure.

LONG JAGGY PIXIE

Let your hairstyle reflect your personality at all times. If you’re aiming for an edgy look, go for it! Choppy layers throughout your pixie cut will give it a captivating, edgy vibe.

PIXIE BOB WITH WISPY LAYERS

A shag cut can be sexy, professional, or romantic, depending on how you style it. If you have a bright and playful personality, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

FLY AWAY SHAGGY BOB WITH BANGS

For a messy yet stylish appearance, opt for a shaggy bob! Although it originated in the 70s, the shaggy bob remains as trendy as ever. It’s ideal for oval face shapes and works well with both thick and fine hair.

SOFT CURLY BIXIE

This elegant coif is perfect for naturally curly hair. The bixie cut turns your everyday curls into a stylish and stunning curly crop. Typically paired with an undercut or tapered back, it highlights a slender neck and adds volume to your hair. Additionally, a curly pixie is an excellent choice for thin hair, as the textured curls create a fuller, more sophisticated look.

CUTE GRAY PIXIE WITH BANGS

Styling your gray hair into a pixie cut is a great way to maintain a fashionable and polished look as you age. Neat feathered layers and face-framing bangs can help conceal a thinning hairline.

TAPERED GILDED GRAY PIXIE

Looking for a bolder option than a bob? The tapered pixie is perfect for you. Add texture by slicing the hair to resemble bird feathers, a technique inspired by the 1980s Charlie’s Angels that continues to be trendy today. Embrace the daring look of a tapered, feathered pixie!

DELICATE FEATHERED CROP

Hair can be playful, and this is the perfect example! Opt for soft feathered layers to add volume and babylights for a touch of subtle sparkle. Keep your look youthful and vibrant!

TAPERED GRAY PIXIE

Make the most of volume and shape with the stunning tapered pixie. Opt for a glamorous metallic gray for added flair, or stick with your natural color for a classic look.

NEAT CHIN-LENGTH BOB WITH LAYERS

True to its name, this chin-length bob highlights your cheekbones and jawline, enhancing the natural contours of your face and giving you a youthful appearance. Layers are a popular choice, as they are achieved by cutting the hair at varying lengths to add texture and dimension.

DEBULKED CHOPPY SALT-AND-PEPPER BOB

If you’re after a head-turning look, this is it. Enhance your classic bob with uneven choppy layers to add captivating dimension. Combine this with blunt-cut edges for a striking finish. Gorgeous blonde highlights, particularly in ashy or silver tones, provide a stunning twist to the style.

HONEY BLONDE LAYERED BOB

Bobs are timeless and suit women of all ages. Long bobs, in particular, are especially captivating. Adding multiple layers can give your hair beautiful movement and dimension.

VOLUMINOUS LAYERED SILVER BOB

Embrace your natural gray hair and elevate it with a silver balayage bob! While this style has been a hit with younger generations, there’s no reason you can’t be a standout. It’s fluffy, modern, and complements any aesthetic you’re drawn to.

LACONIC GRAY BLONDE PIXIE

The pixie cut is a fantastic and low-maintenance choice for straight hair. It also complements elegant facial features and a slender figure, adding a refreshing touch to your look.

HIGHLIGHTED TAPERED PIXIE

If you’re a fan of low-maintenance living, you’ll adore this sassy crop that requires minimal styling. The secret is straightforward: razor-cut layers add volume without needing a blowout, and highlights allow you to extend the time between color appointments.

CRISP LAYERED ROUNDED BOB

Nothing exudes grace and elegance like a neatly rounded bob with layers. As you gain experience with age, this hairstyle reflects your sophistication while keeping you stylish and timeless.

SPIKY SILVER PIXIE

Stay stylish with this stunning crop that’s sure to make you stand out. Lavender shades are perfect for cool skin tones, but they can also complement warmer undertones depending on your personal style!

SALT-AND-PEPPER TAPERED BIXIE

As gray blending gains popularity, gray hair is no longer something to hide. Challenge stereotypes with fresh and unique hair color techniques and trends!

SHATTERED BRUNETTE LONG PIXIE

The pixie cut is a timeless and easy choice that appears on any list of hairstyles for all ages. It’s a nod to the 1960s Twiggy pixie while remaining suitable for any generation. Achieving a “shattered” look, the pixie features texturized ends created with a razor, adding and defining the hair’s texture.

ELONGATED PIXIE WITH SIDE BANGS

We adore playful pixies for their youthful charm, and this grown-out version is styled with trendy asymmetry. It features bangs swept to one side, blending seamlessly with the longer strands at the temples.

SILVER FEATHERED PIXIE

Pixie cuts are undoubtedly among the trendiest and most low-maintenance styles. Opt for a light blonde shade to cover grays, adding a fashionable and youthful touch. The silver hair color also gives fine hair a thicker, fuller, and more captivating appearance.

SALT-AND-PEPPER PIXIE SHAG

Embrace your natural hues with a refreshing crop that’s both minimalist and easy to maintain. Stay classy and graceful with various shades of salt and pepper.

UNIVERSAL PIXIE WITH HIGHLIGHTS

Pixie cuts are a timeless choice that suits any age. Embrace this classic style and add highlights for extra dimension to keep your look vibrant and fresh.

WHITE UNDERCUT PIXIE

These bold crops work beautifully with both sleek straight hair and stubborn curls. Plus, they have a slimming effect that enhances your overall look.

GRAY BOB WITH DARK ROOTS

The stacked bob is a chic, casual, and low-maintenance style. Dark roots add a touch of sophistication to silver hair, giving it a more polished and youthful appearance.

WEDGE TO LOOK YOUNGER

Modern wedges are a top choice for straight hair, offering a sophisticated flair for both thick and thin locks. This style features stacked layers in the back and long, wispy pieces in the front. Don’t underestimate the impact of highlights—they add an extra touch of elegance to your crop!

FEATHERED LONG UNDERCUT PIXIE

An undercut pixie is a fantastic age-defying choice. Tousled long pixies offer a youthful and sassy vibe, perfect for a fresh look. Sweep the bangs to one side for a chic touch. The layered pixie adds fullness to your hair, while the side-swept fringe helps conceal forehead wrinkles. Opt for a light hair color or highlights to achieve a trendy, picture-perfect finish.

BOYISH TAPERED FEATHERED PIXIE

It has a noticeable rejuvenating effect, as it enhances the contours of the face and gives the cheekbones a lifted appearance.

CONCLUSION

Embracing a chic and refreshing hairstyle after 50 can be a liberating experience. With countless options available, there’s a perfect short haircut to suit every face shape, hair texture, and personal style. So, embrace your age, experiment with different looks, and enjoy the freedom and versatility that short hair offers.