10 wall colors that will go with anything

When handled well, taupes, beiges, and creams are anything but boring. The key is to mix it up with textures and patterns that attract the eye without overpowering your possessions. Try flat walls and high-gloss trim, or indulge in fanciful wallpaper that allows your artwork to shine while still making a statement of its own.

Silver is another underrated neutral that adds a luxe touch to your décor. This cool neutral is a chameleon color, throwing everything into bright relief. The reflective metallics add a sense of space and light, while the blue-grey base communicates elegant restraint. Take this look to the next level with crystal and mercury glass accent pieces—the ultimate in old-world, aristocratic style. 

Green can be scary for novice decorators, but the right shade of green is a versatile, powerhouse hue. If you're not sure where to start, try a warm sage. Sage is low-key and soothing, but with enough drama to transform your so-so space into a sophisticated showpiece. It makes a terrific foil for contrasting colors, and it really helps complementary colors come into their own.

If you're feeling bold, try a strong, lime shade—it's especially elegant with antiques. 

What do you get when you mix all the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) together? Brown. That’s why it goes with everything. This hardworking neutral goes from palest beige to richest chocolate, and it makes your stuff look amazing every step of the way. Flat paint in brown delivers a vintage, old-world effect, while semigloss and high-gloss paints have a modern, uptown appeal. 

From cottage charm to uptown chic, white walls can be found in the most beautiful homes in the world. The key to keeping this underrated choice from being a snooze? It's all about texture and tone. For an ethereal, airy look, go for all-white accents and light, sheer window treatments. For no-holds-barred chic, bring in the high-gloss side tables, shaggy Flokati rugs, and stark black and silver accent pieces. 

Amy Leigh Morgan lives in Seattle, Wash. She recently moved from an all-slate-blue house to an all-creamy-yellow house, and her stuff still looks pretty good.

If you’re looking for a neutral with serious star power, give gold a try. This luxe hue is as versatile as its beige cousins, but with a warmth and intimacy that can't be beat. For a rich, sumptuous effect, try an ornate, Victorian stencil. If modernism is more your style, try painting an accent wall high-gloss gold and adding a crackle effect for dramatic texture. 

When it comes to modern chic, grey is the new go-to color. Bold tones really pop against this understated shade, but subtle hues shine, too. There are a million shades to choose from, so remember: warm greys tend to feel more intimate and earthy, while cool greys lend an air of serenity. Avoid a stark, industrial look by choosing a flat paint instead of semi-gloss or high-gloss.

It may sound extreme (and extremely depressing), but stay with us here. Black walls can look unbelievably chic. Not only do your furnishings and artwork pop against the dark walls, your lighting also takes on a dramatic feel that can take your room from “okay” to “oh, wow, that’s amazing.” For over-the-top drama, use a high-gloss paint. For whimsy and vintage appeal, try using chalkboard paint and adding your own artistic flourishes.

Not ready to commit to the high-drama neutrals favored by daring decorators? Not to worry—pastels are your new best friend. When anchored with black or chocolate brown accents, these airy hues take on a rich, uptown feel. Pair with white for a fresh, springtime look, or go Palm Beach fabulous by mixing and matching pastels from around the color wheel.