Simple, clean lines and minimal architecture open the door for a range of striking contemporary color schemes in today’s modern home.

“Contemporary style is all about light and airiness,” says Hannah Lee, a Seoul-based Benjamin Moore retailer in South Korea, a country that has emerged as a leader in contemporary interior design. “Bold strokes of color are used to add a sense of dynamism against neutrals for modern spaces, whether it be in a retail space, or in a fresh, modern home.”

The Benjamin Moore Contemporary Color Palette

A breezy contemporary color scheme for interiors, this palette provides effortless color combinations that work wonders. Whether used in a loft, a kids’ room, a studio workspace or elsewhere, make this contemporary color palette yours!

White Heron
OC-57
First Light
2102-70
Violet Mist
1437
Heather Gray
2139-40
Maritime White
OC-5
Smoked Oyster
2109-40

Art & Soul: Contemporary Color Goes Neutral

Neutral, greige and taupe paint colors keep the contemporary home warm and welcoming. Maritime White OC-5, a popular pale greige noted in our contemporary palette, is a favorite paint color pick for modern interiors.

Here, Glacier White OC-37 — a favorite off-white for contemporary homes — lends a clean, calming canvas. Trendy rattan chairs add a casual, outdoors-in energy to the space. And the abstract artwork reflects the overall color scheme and minimalist aesthetic of modern design.

White walls with a long wall table, two rattan chairs and a black side table.

Bedroom with white walls and a large light pink circle behind white bed with pink throw blanket and a basket chandelier.

Tickled Pink (Paint): A Graphic Application

Ever-optimistic, pink paint is a signature color of the millennial home.

In this cheerful yet elegant bedroom, a playful, soft pink-painted halo in First Light 2102-70 — the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2020 — reimagines the accent wall. Cool, crisp White Heron OC-57-painted walls and ceiling provide perfect contrast.

Balancing the youthful vibe of the bedroom, gilded home accessories add a luxurious tone to the space.

The Case for Vibrant Color

With it's wide range of expressive paint colors, the Color Preview® Color Collection offers an essential palette for homeowners who want vibrant color in their home. Here Color Preview's violet Enchanted 2070-50 adds the right amount of whimsy to cool, Ice Mist OC-67-painted walls. Looking for a softer lavender? Try dreamy Violet Mist 1437.

Midcentury-inspired furniture mixed with sleek industrial elements in this dining area creates a stylish space. Of course, smart home accessories are in the mix—an essential of today’s contemporary home.

Light blue-magenta walls with a white fireplace featuring a modern dining room table and white chairs.

Monochromatic kitchen walls with shades of dark and light green including three inset shelves holding 9 bowls.

Contrasting, Yet Cohesive Paint Colors

Unexpected color combinations are always refreshing.

Here, a muted kitchen wall in soft pastel Lime Sherbet CSP-845 frames deep Yorktowne Green HC-133 inset shelving. The back wall, in Covington Blue HC-138, offers a modern, yet practical take on color blocking.

Other modern takes on earth tones that we love include Heather Gray 2139-40 and Smoked Oyster 2109-40.