The Joy of Color: 5 Rooms in Unexpected Hues

Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty

Looking to manifest a little more joy at home? Just add a pop of color. While a neutral palette and soft hues continue to lead the way in contemporary design, maximalist desires are proving to be in demand once again, and that includes the use of bright and bold shades. Whether fully committing to transforming a room with an unexpected tone, or opting to incorporate accents for a little panache, the spaces in these five luxury homes provide plenty of inspiration for exploring the joy of color.

Patio with Tropical Orange Accents, Cap D’Antibes, France

Côte d’Azur, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

Azure ocean views stretch for miles from the 19,000-square-foot garden of this contemporary five-bedroom French Riviera house. So while the inside is equally as inviting, it’s only natural to want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. With a partially covered wood terrace that looks out onto the expansive lawn and serene swimming pool, there’s ample room for lounging and dining on the bright orange patio furniture. This is a wonderful example of how to effectively layer in color to reflect climate and mood, and here it aptly matches the sunny surroundings and stunning sunsets. 

Brights on White, New York, New York

New York, New York | Cathy Taub, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

A crisp white space is the perfect backdrop for playing with color, showcased by the vivacious dining room in this six-bedroom, over 11,000-square-foot Upper West Side Manhattan townhouse. In addition to its highly desirable Central Park location, the seven-story home features exquisite details, including a spectacular rooftop terrace, full ceiling-height cellar, loft-like parlor with gas fireplaces and wet bar, and a primary suite that encompasses the entire second floor. However, it’s the dining area with its combination of colorful seating, greenery, and abstract artwork that may be the pièce de résistance—one can easily imagine the pleasure of entertaining in such a space.

Bright Yellow Entryway, San Ángel, Mexico

San Angel, Mexico | Enrique Tirado, Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty

There is no shortage of eye-catching color at Residence San Ángel, a modern luxury home designed by renowned architect Antonio Attolini Lack. While walls are painted in vibrant blue, pink, copper, and purple throughout, it’s the greeting of the sunny yellow entryway on arrival that sets the playful tone for the entire home. With thorough attention to detail, considerations have been made to accommodate different perspectives of light depending on the time of day in this geometrical masterpiece, which also offers privacy, lovely green spaces, and a sense of living within a piece of art.

Rose by the Sea, Trapani, Italy

Trapani, Italy | Vincenzo Lupattelli, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

With unbeatable seaside vistas and ancient charm, this restored four-bedroom Italian villa with direct sea access highlights its natural surroundings beautifully. Vintage materials, including stone and cement, create a neutral interior that honors the sand and stone landscape beyond the home, yet the addition of bright pink furniture in the living and dining spaces offers an impactful contrast. Residents can relax and enjoy unencumbered Mediterranean views while a seabreeze drifts through the wide open windows. 

Royal Blue Library, Sonoma, California

Sonoma, California | Maria Marchetti, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

Color often sets the mood for a room, and the shade of blue for the regal library in this modern Sonoma estate is fitting for any serious reader or researcher. Complete with sliding ladders, impressive artwork—the entry is an imported English 18th Century carved door—and plenty of space for curling up to read, the room is stately yet welcoming, and encourages enjoyable concentration. Afterward, there’s much to explore on the almost 10 acres of property, including wildlife watching, lush gardens flanked by two ancient trees over 500 years old, or the swimming pool and terrace with views spanning Mount Diablo. 

Color is one of life’s true joys, and the desire to surround ourselves with it at home is only natural. Whether through bright walls or more subtle accents, the impact of a bold hue in any space is apparent in all of these exceptional homes.

For even more colorful inspiration, browse these five homes with vibrant kitchen cabinetry.