Color Inspiration

Colors of the Country: Paint Palettes by Region

Ever wonder what gives each area of the country its colorful personality? From stunning scenery and unique architecture to can’t-miss cuisine and so much more, every region is recognizably unique — and at the heart of it all is color. Come celebrate the hues of the place you call home (or love to visit). You might just find regional paint color ideas that inspire a DIY project or two!

Side-by-side images of scenery including a woman and her dog gazing over the Pacific Ocean, a hiker’s outstretched legs on a cliff high above Horseshoe Bend in the Southwest, and a sailboat in a bay in the Northeast. At the top of the image is a Sherwin-Williams logo and a headline that says, Paint Palettes by Region.

Rocky Mountain Color Palette

The cool climate and soaring ridges of the Rocky Mountain region offer colorful inspiration rooted in nature. From the crisp green forest floors to its rising cliffs of muted gray, the hues of America’s largest mountain range will bring an adventuresome spirit to any room in your home. (And yes, it’s okay to paint in your hiking boots.)

Photo of two people standing side by side admiring the scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Laying on the photo is a leafy branch and a paint brush dipped in blue-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Granite Peak SW 6250, Acacia Haze SW 9132, Summit Gray SW 7669, Forestwood SW 7730.
Featured Colors: Granite Peak SW 6250, Acacia Haze SW 9132, Summit Gray SW 7669, Forestwood SW 7730

Southeastern Color Palette

Infuse the essence of warm beach breezes and down-home hospitality into your next DIY painting project with hues from our Southeast coastal color palette. Thanks to its welcoming locals — and locales — the region’s charm is undeniable. To capture this aesthetic in your home, pair easygoing earth tones of tan and green with blues and corals reminiscent of the South’s gentle shores.

Photo of a person’s legs from the knees down walking on the beach. They are wearing rolled-up jeans and the tide is washing gently around their feet as they walk. Laying on the photo are three white seashells and a paint brush dipped in tan-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Sands of Time SW 6101, Ravishing Coral SW 6612, Naval SW 6244, Palm Leaf SW 7735.
Featured Colors: Sands of Time SW 6101, Ravishing Coral SW 6612, Naval SW 6244, Palm Leaf SW 7735

Midwestern Color Palette

Keen on bringing the neighborly warmth of America’s heartland to your home? With its Great Lakes, rustic farms, and rolling fields of green and gold, the Midwest region offers a tapestry of friendly color inspiration. No matter the season (which can change in an instant around these parts), this palette of Midwestern paint colors is sure to create year-round character.

Photo of a man with his back turned wearing a tan jacket and jeans and walking away from us along some train tracks. Laying on the photo are two red, fallen leaves and a paint brush dipped in yellow-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Sunflower SW 6678, Great Green SW 6430, Connor’s Lakefront SW 9060, and Rustic Red SW 7593.
Featured Colors: Sunflower SW 6678, Great Green SW 6430, Connor’s Lakefront SW 9060, Rustic Red SW 7593

Pacific Color Palette

From its trademark overcast skies up north to the sunny, sandy shores of SoCal, the Pacific region is a color-lover’s dream. Ocean-inspired blues feel as essential to the area as a caffeine-fueled hike through its mountains, coves, and trees (as far as the eye can see). Ready to get your DIY adventure started? Pack that outdoor gear and point your paintbrush toward the west.

Photo of a woman in a yellow raincoat petting her dog and gazing out over rugged cliffs along a foggy ocean shoreline. Laying on the photo are two pinecones and a paint brush dipped in blue-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Secret Cove SW 9058, Cascades SW 7623, Golden Gate SW 7679, and Half-Caff SW 9091.
Featured Colors: Secret Cove SW 9058, Cascades SW 7623, Golden Gate SW 7679, Half-Caff SW 9091

Southwestern Color Palette

Known for its arid climate, red rock canyons, and prickly plant life, the Southwest region boasts a distinct color signature. Rusty reds, browns, blues, and greens converge to create the perfect balance of earthy and energizing. Dreaming of a desert-inspired oasis in your home? Try these colors in your next DIY painting project.

Photo of a hiker’s outstretched legs on a cliff high above Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. Laying on the photo is an aloe cactus and a paint brush dipped in brownish purple-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Carnelian SW 7580, Rojo Dust SW 9006, Teal Stencil SW 0018, and Hidden Trail SW 9525.
Featured Colors: Carnelian SW 7580, Rojo Dust SW 9006, Teal Stencil SW 0018, Hidden Trail SW 9525

Northeastern Color Palette

Set sail on a colorful adventure inspired by the seafaring spirit of the Northeast. Not a mariner? Not a problem. Even landlubbers can appreciate the craggy coves, salty seafood, and shingle-styled homes that give this region its renowned nautical vibe. If it’s high time (and tide) for a change in your home, cry “ahoy there, matey” to this classic palette.

Photo of a sailboat anchored in a bay. In the background is a classic white and gray shingled home. Laying on the photo is a lobster tail, a fishing lure, and a paint brush dipped in navy blue-colored paint. To the right of the photo is a stacked palette of four Sherwin-Williams paint colors including Salty Dog SW 9177, Oyster Bay SW 6206, Copper Harbor SW 6634, and Dovetail SW 7018.
Featured Colors: Salty Dog SW 9177, Oyster Bay SW 6206, Copper Harbor SW 6634, Dovetail SW 7018.

Ready to continue your geographical color journey? These resources and freebies can help!

1. Order free color chips:

2. Browse our curated state palettes.

3. Discover a handful of vacation-inspired colors we love.

9 Comments

  1. Huge fan of Sherwin-Williams products…we recommend them to all of our clients at Aurora House Painters in Colorado.

    Mel Wedgle
    April 28, 2022 at 1:37 pm  ·  Reply

  2. live in Aurora CO. The Rocky Mountain palette seems logical but there is not much in the palette I like. The summit gray is the main color I like. My wife and tend to be drawn more toward neutral colors.

    kevin Lee
    June 24, 2022 at 9:54 am  ·  Reply

  3. What about hawaii?

    Margaret
    June 29, 2022 at 6:25 pm  ·  Reply

  4. Beautiful

    James
    July 27, 2022 at 4:29 pm  ·  Reply

  5. Summit gray

    Donna anderson
    October 11, 2022 at 5:31 pm  ·  Reply

  6. Wow! It made me really sad because I saw the palette you made for Michigan and it doesn’t look a thing like our beautiful state. Are you sure that’s how you want to represent us? Makes me so sad I can’t even imagine buying your paint. I was hoping for inspiration. :'(

    Mary
    November 26, 2022 at 9:23 am  ·  Reply

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