Sometimes the best color ideas don’t come from paint chips at all — they come from a favorite pair of shoes, a road trip through the desert, or a plate of dessert that just looks right. This page is a little different from the other lookbooks, since it’s not organized by room or surface — it’s organized by inspiration. I’ve pulled together ten palettes drawn from unexpected places: wardrobes, cars, shoes, desserts, animals, mid-century design, retro decades, coastal style, wanderlust travel, and even color drenching as a technique on its own. If you already know you want a kitchen repainted or an accent wall refreshed, head over to those lookbooks instead — but if you’re just looking for a spark of inspiration before you commit to anything, start browsing below.
Wardrobe-Inspired Palettes
Ever pulled a paint color idea straight out of your closet? A favorite jacket or dress can carry undertones that translate beautifully onto a wall. See the full wardrobe-inspired color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Car-Inspired Palettes
Classic car colors — deep reds, glossy blacks, chrome-adjacent silvers — often carry a boldness that most paint chips don’t. See the full car-inspired color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Shoe-Inspired Palettes
Sneakers and heels alike are full of unexpected color combinations that can spark a fresh take on a room. See the full shoe-inspired color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Dessert-Inspired Palettes
Think caramel, pistachio, and raspberry — dessert names make for some of the most approachable color language out there. See the full dessert-inspired color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them. Exteriors can be just as sweet.
Animal Kingdom Palettes
From tropical bird feathers to earthy desert tones, the animal kingdom offers palettes far more varied than most people expect. See the full animal kingdom color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Mid-Century Modern Palettes
Mustard, teal, and burnt orange never really went away — mid-century palettes remain some of the most requested “retro but not dated” options. See the full mid-century modern color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Retro 70s/80s Palettes
Bold, playful, and a little nostalgic — these palettes are for homeowners who want personality over neutrality. See the full retro 70s/80s color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Coastal Decor Palettes
Both inside and outside, soft blues, sandy neutrals, and weathered whites bring a breezy, relaxed feel even to a desert home. See the full coastal decor color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Wanderlust Walls Palettes
Inspired by places rather than objects, these palettes borrow color stories from destinations near and far. See the full wanderlust walls color guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
Color Drenching Ideas
Rather than a color story, this one’s about a technique — painting walls, trim, and ceiling all in the same color for a bold, immersive effect. See the full color drenching guide, including specific paint names and where to use them.
