Designing with Depth: Our Favorite Paint Pairings

From: The Verity Edit — Design

Published: March 4, 2025

Create dimension, warmth, and quiet contrast with designer-approved paint combinations that never go out of style.

The Power of Paint

Few things shape the mood of a room more than paint. Not just the color, but the combination—how the trim meets the wall, how cabinetry plays against the backdrop, how light bounces across layers of tone. At 17th & Verity, we don’t believe in single-color rooms. We believe in pairings that feel effortless, elegant, and full of quiet depth.

Bone + Dusty Mushroom

This warm neutral pairing is timeless. Bone (a soft off-white with a hint of warmth) keeps things bright without feeling stark, while dusty mushroom adds an earthy, grounded tone that’s especially beautiful in natural light. Perfect for walls and trim or for cabinetry against soft plaster walls.

Oatmeal + Aged Putty

A rich combination for those who love subtle contrast. Oatmeal feels warm and breathable as a wall color, while aged putty—a complex tone between beige, clay, and grey—grounds the space with character. This is a palette that feels soft in daylight and dramatic in candlelight.

Clay White + Worn Olive

For those who love a moody moment without going dark. Clay white has the faintest blush of terracotta, while worn olive offers a sophisticated nod to nature. Use this duo in studies, bedrooms, or tucked-away spaces where intimacy matters.

Chalk + Charcoal

A high-contrast neutral pairing that’s anything but harsh. Chalk brings softness and light, while charcoal gives strength and structure. Use on opposite walls, island and cabinetry, or mixed through millwork for balance.

Paint That Lives with You

The right paint pairing doesn’t just make a room look good—it makes it feel whole. Start with how you want the space to feel, and let the color carry the rest.