The Paint Color We’d Pick for Taylor Swift’s New Album (and Every Other Era)

Posted 2025-08-13 08:00:25

The Paint Color We’d Pick for Taylor Swift’s New Album (and Every Other Era)

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(L) HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, (R) Valspar

Taylor Swift's iconic style and color-coded albums have inspired fashion and design trends, and now they’re coming to home decor, too. There’s no denying Taylor is a talented storyteller, capturing our hearts with her lyrics and our attention with her eye-catching style and album aesthetics. Her fans know that everything Taylor does has meaning; including the color scheme of each album.

If one thing’s for sure, Taylor has a firm grasp on color psychology. The mood of each album is transmitted through color. So, we’re taking a leaf out of her book to help you bring each album to life in your own home—including the orange and mint color scheme of the recently-announced TS12 album.

peachy orange bathroom vanity

teal blue paint color in breakfast nook

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HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

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Valspar

The Life of a Showgirl: Persimmon by HGTV Home and Renew Blue by Valspar

Taylor Swift just announced her twelfth album, The Life of a Showgirl. And while we don't know much about the album—including the release date—the one thing Taylor has given us is a color scheme. The album's teaser posts have all featured sparkly bright orange imagery, often accompanied by a minty light teal. Taylor has hinted that this will be an upbeat pop-y album, and Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams perfectly encapsulates a fun end-of-summer feeling. Add pops of Renew Blue by Valspar to add contrast and a

Paint Color: Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams and Renew Blue by Valspar

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@cinquiemegaucheinteriors

The Tortured Poets Department: Dark Arts by Backdrop

Swift’s 11th album, Tortured Poets Department, reinforces her strength as a songwriter with poetic storytelling. The work is a profound introspection recounting the most poignant periods of heartbreak, self-reflection, and emotional turmoil in love and her life.

Two of the songs featured collaborations, with artists Post Malone and Florence + the Machine, which brought different musical styles adding texture and depth to the sound. The color palette depicting this album ranged from moody grays and off-whites to sepia tones and a spectrum of browns. It almost feels like the colors should not be a distraction to the intensity and raw emotions in the lyrics and melody. However, the lack of color is what brings emphasis to what Swift reveals.

In Taylor’s lyrics, the truth sets her free, and from darkness, there is a transformation of cocooning, safety, and growth. Backdrop’s Dark Arts is the aesthetic that creates an emotional connection to a space. “Dark Arts, is a pure black, embodying the raw emotion, mystery, and introspection Swift reveals throughout her songs,” says Natalie Ebel, co-founder and creative director of Backdrop. “These colors work in harmony to provide a canvas that amplifies the lyrical depth and emotional weight of the album’s storytelling."

Paint Color: Dark Arts by Backdrop

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Valspar

Midnights: Sapphire Earrings by Valspar

The Midnights era is inspired by Swift's nocturnal musings. In confronting her innermost thoughts, Swift reflects on everything from the feeling of vulnerability and isolation during sleepless nights to the early hours spent dancing, drinking, talking, hugging, and crying. The album is depicted with abundant night-time imagery and rich blue shades, alluding to the night sky and the depth of her thoughts. Get lost in the expansive depth of the night sky with Sapphire Earrings by Valspar, a dark blue that emulates the depth and moodiness of the night sky.

Lift the dark shade with warm whites and gold or brass metallic finishes, and capture the dreamlike quality of the era with ice blue and purple accents.

Paint Color: Sapphire Earrings by Valspar

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Lick

Evermore: Taupe 03 Soho Roc House by Lick

The second of Taylor’s lockdown musings, Evermore is a continuation of her alternative folk-inspired era. However, this time her videos were mostly shot out in nature in the fall with a misty or sepia filter, evoking the comfort, warmth, and nostalgia attached to the fall and winter seasons. Wearing thick-knit cardigans and plaid check coats, with loose braids and curls and minimal makeup, Taylor’s aesthetic practically screams Cottagecore.

Conjure the homely, heart-warming elements of the season and take inspiration from nature with Taupe 03 Soho Roc House by Lick. "A warm subtle taupe with red and grey undertones, Taupe 03 Soho Roc House has a dependable nurturing quality creating a room that feels instantly calming," says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist. "Taupe 03 Soho Roc House is a color that connects you to the earth, making a space feel cozy, comforting, and peaceful."

Enhance the warm, welcoming feel of taupe by adding in soft textures like cable-knit throws or fabrics with bouclé or corduroy ribbing.

Complete the Cottagecore look with reclaimed wooden furniture, a muted color palette, layers of soft texture and gentle pattern, like woven wool and plaid, and sweet-scented candles for a gentle ambient glow.

Paint Color: Taupe 03 Soho Roc House by Lick

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C2 Paint

Folklore: Jailhouse Rock by C2 Paint

Folklore is a pandemic-driven masterpiece, influenced by the feelings of solitude and isolation lived by many during lockdown. The antithesis of her previous upbeat pop album, Folklore documents Swift’s experiments with an alternative indie style inspired by a pursuit of escapism that was satiated by the fictional tales told through folksongs. "The color gray is seen throughout the music videos of Taylor Swift's album Folklore, which suits the album's overall atmosphere and emotional resonance," says Tia Clarida, head of marketing at C2 Paint. With this in mind, she suggests the paint color Jailhouse Rock to bring the Folklore era to life.

"Since she created the album during the pandemic, this soft yet versatile gray perfectly relays the sentiments of simplicity and nostalgia and seems to mirror the album's understated, introspective qualities," Clarida says. "The album blends light and dark, a mix of melancholy and hope, reflecting the complexity of human emotions during an unprecedented time."

Clarida likens this to the full spectrum nature of nuanced neutral paint colors, like Jailhouse Rock, that reflect the full range of natural light. "The absence of black ink ensures all colors are reflective and luminous—illustrative of the hope her album ultimately delivers," she says.

Paint Color: Jailhouse Rock by C2 Paint

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Valspar

Lover: Positively Pink by Valspar

From a slithering snake to a beautiful butterfly, the Lover era marked another dramatic plot twist in the Taylor Swift narrative. Like a rainbow after a storm, Lover saw Taylor come full circle back to the dreamy, pretty, fairytale version we first fell in love with. Lover is a 'love letter to love' featuring an ethereal pastel palette of pinks, blues, and purples, and rainbow, butterfly, and heart motifs. If you're looking to conjure a cheerful, light-hearted, dreamy, and romantic mood, reach for Valspar's Positively Pink 1003-1C. Vibrant, fun, and fanciful, the bubblegum pink shade embodies the Lover era and cute girl-next-door vibe.

Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, recommends bringing Positively Pink into the bathroom to channel the upbeat Lover energy daily. "The bathroom is where we start and end the day; where we have a chance to embrace positive energy to share with those around us," she says. "Channel a light-hearted attitude through this true shade of pink with everyday rituals."

Paint Color: Positively Pink 1003-1C by Valspar

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Behr

Reputation: Cracked Pepper Dress by Behr

The Reputation era signaled Swift’s return to the public eye following the drama with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. The album saw her shred her good-girl image and take a darker turn with her sound and lyrics. However, despite the dominant themes of enemies and bad reputation, the underlying lede is the secret romance evolving despite them. This was represented aesthetically with a moody style featuring lots of black, leather, dark lipstick, and snake motifs. Channel the drama and vengeance of this era with Cracked Pepper by Behr.

"[This] is a deep, rich black hue that is reminiscent of the classic black dress, a timeless and reliable fashion staple known for its versatility and ability to make a sophisticated statement," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company. "The shade exudes elegance and power while also representing a departure from the conventional."

Woelfel suggests pairing it with lighter contrasting colors, wood tones, or bold design elements like gold fixtures or décor pieces to create a dramatic visual impact. "This aligns with the artistic direction of the Reputation era, which featured darker aesthetics, bold fashion choices, and striking visual imagery," she says.

Paint Color: Cracked Pepper by Behr

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Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

1989: Copen Blue by Sherwin-Williams

The 1989 album marks a new chapter for Swift with her official transition into the pop genre and move to New York City. The album is named after her birth year, symbolizing the rebirth of her music and life, represented with a distinct urban theme, a far cry from her country roots. Think cityscapes and neon lights, crop tops, high heels, and a freshly cut bob. The album aesthetic celebrates the freedom that comes with youth, represented by a pale blue color palette.

At once calming and refreshing, Copen Blue SW 0068 by Sherwin-Williams is the perfect paint color for anyone looking for a fresh start. "Copen Blue SW 0068 is an effortless, laid-back blue color," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "It is a natural fit for casual living thanks to its transitional shade that brings a variety of colors and textures together."

Make the most of its soothing influence by introducing it in a living room or bedroom, and complete the 1989 look with seagull motifs and soft beige and lavender accents.

Paint Color: Copen Blue SW 0068 by Sherwin-Williams

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Behr

Red: Flirt Alert by Behr

Red is a color associated with strong emotions, like anger, love, desire, and passion. It’s vibrant, stimulating, and provocative and, in this context, represents an emotionally charged Swift singing about her tumultuous and toxic relationships.

Behr's Flirt Alert perfectly encapsulates the dynamic Red era, defined by her signature bright red lipstick. During this era, Swift’s love of all things vintage and retro became apparent as she began to sport 50's style high-waisted shorts and dresses. Stick to a predominantly black, white, and tan palette and dress the space with retro decor to complete the Red era look.

Paint Color: Flirt Alert by Behr

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Courtesy of Dunn-Edwards

Speak Now: Cabaret by Dunn-Edwards

The Speak Now era saw Swift’s first real style evolution. She finally kicked off her cowboy boots in favor of an enchanting, romantic, and fairytale-like aesthetic featuring various shades of purple; the color of mystery and fantasy. An era brimming with open-hearted romanticism and unabashed honesty, Dunn-Edwards’ Cabaret is the perfect paint color for anyone looking to connect with their feminine side and conjure an enchanting space that also feels empowering.

"Cabaret is a powerful and majestic dark purple color with a bold spirit of independence and mystery," says Sara McLean, color expert and stylist at Dunn-Edwards. "The dramatic depth and playfulness of Cabaret speaks to the duality of Taylor Swift's Speak Now era, where we see the singer blossoming into adulthood and exploring her powerful voice in music."

Paint Color: Cabaret by Dunn-Edwards

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Benjamin Moore

Fearless: Golden Bounty by Benjamin Moore

The Fearless era is the perfect excuse to up the gold, glitz, and glam. For this album, Taylor swapped her floaty sundress for a heavy dose of gold fringes and sequins. Not even her guitar could escape it, taking on a new rhinestone sheen. Her look was bold and glamorous, so what better way to play into that energy than with Benjamin Moore’s Golden Bounty.

"This jewel-tone yellow is a statement-making hue that adds depth and confidence, especially in unexpected areas such as the ceiling or cabinets," says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. The rich yellow shade is infused with earthy ochre and amber undertones, affording it a mesmerizing golden depth. "Full of personality, this golden hue sparkles with joy, levity, and luxury."

Ochre is a vibrant earth tone. Lean in with the deep rich tones by pairing the shade with chocolate brown accents or balance it out with light grays and neutrals.

Paint Color: Golden Bounty by Benjamin Moore

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Farrow & Ball

Debut: Olive No. 13 by Farrow & Ball

Taylor Swift floated into the music scene as an American country sweetheart. Taking to the stage in her signature cowboy boots and floaty sundress, the 16-year-old's youthful charm and simple country style swiftly captured the hearts of her audience.

Channel Taylor’s American country style with a rich, earthy green shade, like Olive by Farrow & Ball. Beyond its apparent association with nature, green also signals new beginnings and growth, making it the perfect color to mark the era that catalyzes her rise to stardom. In line with Swift’s rural roots, Olive is a muddy green that feels grounding and organic. "Olive is an earthy, comforting shade which thrives in darker spaces, where its richness creates a grounding and comforting sanctuary," says Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball.

Paint Color: Olive by Farrow & Ball