Nate Berkus’ Go-To Trick for Choosing the Perfect Wall Colors

When it comes to painting a room, the color choices can feel overwhelming. Should the ceiling match the walls? And what finish should you use for trim and doors? Interior designer Nate Berkus offers practical guidance that can help even the most hesitant DIYer feel confident in choosing and layering colors. His recent Instagram post reveals a foolproof approach: a three-color scheme that balances soft neutrals, crisp whites, and deeper accent tones.

What Is the 3-Color Formula?

This method for choosing a color scheme pairs a soft neutral for the walls, a crisp white for trim, baseboards, and ceilings, and a deeper version of the wall color for doors or window frames. Sticking to a three-color scheme takes the guesswork out of picking a palette while delivering maximum impact, according to Berkus.

Soft Neutrals to Start

According to Berkus, the foundation of a successful color palette is a soft, neutral wall color. In his home, he favors Benjamin Moore's Alabaster and Seaspray, both chalky off-whites with a subtle warmth that makes a space feel inviting. A neutral base offers versatility, allowing homeowners to experiment with accent pieces or richer tones elsewhere in the room without the risk of clashing.

Bright White Trim and Baseboards

Many people overlook the importance of trimwork in shaping a room’s look. Berkus recommends crisp white for these elements to frame the walls and add definition. Sometimes, he also paints picture molding the same color as the walls to create a seamless, elegant look. But for baseboards and door trim, a contrasting white can create a clean, polished finish that feels intentional and sophisticated.

Doors and Window Frames in a Deep Shade

The final component of Berkus’ three-color scheme is the deeper tone, often a darker shade of the wall color, used for doors or window frames. This choice adds depth and dimension, preventing the room from feeling flat. The darker tone also draws the eye, subtly highlighting architectural details while remaining cohesive with the overall palette. Whether your walls are light gray, creamy beige, or soft taupe, a slightly richer version of that hue for doors or windows creates a harmonious, finished effect.

What About Accent Walls and Matching Ceilings?

While many homeowners are drawn to the idea of a colorful statement or accent wall, he personally avoids them, believing that the three-color approach already provides visual interest and balance. Instead of relying on one standout wall, he layers colors thoughtfully through walls, trim, and architectural features.

One of the most frequently asked paint questions Berkus receives is whether to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. His advice is to either stick with a flat white that contrasts with the walls or embrace a bold color for a dramatic effect. A white ceiling keeps a room feeling airy and bright, while a colored ceiling can add unexpected character.