7 Citrus Paint Colors To Energize Your Home

When it comes to color in our homes, Southerners always welcome a splash of blue, a punch of coral, or a pop of electric yellow to brighten our spaces. And while neutral colors are always tried-and-true comforts, brights always find a way into our homes. In recent years, shades like muted sage and tawny neutrals quickly overtook more optimistic hues.

But, somewhere along the way, optimism has made a comeback. Among all the subdued hues, a bolder trend began to emerge in the paint world: citrus. From grapefruit pinks to electric yellows, bright shades have been popping up on social media feeds and trend reports more and more. And while covering a wall in such an eye-catching shade might seem too daring for a greige enthusiast, it also boasts some juicy benefits. According to color psychology, citrusy shades like orange and yellow are believed to increase energy, cheerfulness, and—yup—even optimism. Sounds like a trend worthy of testing out (even in smaller doses). Here are some hot citrus shades we've got our eyes on.

Blood Orange

An electric color that borders on red might seem a tad dramatic for four walls, but as an accent hue, it's a total game (and mood) changer. Try it on a front door for your most cheerful welcome ever, or paint the walls within the kitchen cabinets or pantry for an unexpected hit of happy that won't overwhelm.

Meyer Lemon

Keeping a hardworking space like a laundry room doused in boring neutrals is doing a disservice to a space with loads of potential. Instead, consider flexing your creative muscles here: As a room that won't see a ton of traffic, it's ideal for experimenting with hues that you love but that might test your decorating comfort levels. A bright yellow with a hint of orange is the perfect mood booster (and it'll actually make separating out your whites a task worth smiling over).

Grapefruit Pink

Is there anything cuter than a pink cottage? Even if you don't (or can't) bathe your exterior in this pretty hue, there's plenty you can do inside to make a statement without looking too jarring. Kitchen cabinets would be darling in a coral-like shade such as this one. Or if you prefer something that feels a tad less permanent, try painting a piece of furniture.

Fuzzy Navel

There's a reason you'll find bright orange gracing things like traffic signs and brand logos—it's an instant attention-getter. If you prefer the statement-making potential of the hue, feel free to splash the vibrant shade on a wall or kitchen island. To channel the color's energy-inducing powers without going too bold, try it as an unexpected pop behind open shelving.

Key Lime

Because of their association with nature, most shades of green are thought to deliver calming benefits to the home. Mixed with the pep of yellow, the color simultaneously brings tranquility and cheerfulness to a space. Try a shade like lime green in an office or bedroom—for a surprise application, skip the walls and paint the ceiling instead.

Lemon

Make a small laundry room or bathroom feel larger with floor-to-ceiling color. Soft lemon yellow adds cheer to what’s often a boring space. Try the same color on walls, shelving, and trim for a cohesive look that makes doing chores more enjoyable.

Pomelo

Combine vibrant color with a softer palette to add brightness to a room. Pull inspiration from fixtures, art, or other room elements. This yellow-green, sweet lime color packs a punch without overpowering the room. It pulls from the wallpaper and adds playful contrast to the soft blue and green.