Decorate with Jewel Tones for a Bold, Dramatic Home

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Decorate with Jewel Tones for a Bold, Dramatic Home

Erika Woelfel is the vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint.

Hannah Yeo is the color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore.

After years of decorating primarily with crisp whites and cool grays, jewel tones are bringing bold, beautiful shades back into our homes. These rich hues, derived from precious gemstones such as amethyst, emerald, ruby, and sapphire, offer dramatic and colorful alternatives to neutral color palettes.

Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint, credits some of this renewed craving for color as a reaction to time spent mostly at home during the pandemic. “When we couldn’t seek adventure through travel and socializing outside the home, we looked to bring a little adventure inside,” she says. Woelfel also notes the influence of popular TV series such as Bridgerton, The Crown, and The Queen’s Gambit, and Palm Royale, which showcased deep, dramatic colors in their costuming and set designs.

Regardless, jewel tones have become a popular style that brings moodiness to rooms around the house. “Jewel tones work well in any room in which you want to create warmth, drama, or a bit of unexpectedness,” says Alabama-based designer Dana Wolter. Because of their depth, these hues offer color that doesn’t feel excessively bright or overwhelming, she says.

How to Decorate with Jewel-Tones

Annie Schlechter

Jewel-tone colors include variations of red, yellow, green, blue, and purple that range from mid-tones to deep, saturated shades. Embrace a striking, colorful look with these expert tips for decorating with jewel tones.

1. Go bold with big doses of color.

Annie Schlecter

When decorating with jewel tones, “you have to do one of two things: use sparingly as an accent or fully commit,” says interior designer Janelle Burns of Dallas-based architecture and interior design firm Maestri Studio. If you choose the latter, bring in jewel tones on significant elements such as furniture, walls, upholstery, area rugs, and cabinetry. Then repeat that formula throughout your home. Burns says that incorporating bold color in just one room can make it feel disjointed from the rest of the house.

2. Swap in small accents.

Jay Wilde

Alternatively, you can start small with jewel-tone accessories that are relatively inexpensive and easy to change up. San Diego-based interior designer Susan Spath suggests adding bursts of color through pillows and artwork. “Pillows allow you to add colors into your space that are fun and bold but stop short of a huge statement,” she says.

Tabletop accessories are another simple way to try out jewel tones. “If you love jewel tones but don’t want to change up your current furnishings and decor, then use them for all your hosting and entertaining needs,” says Sara Barney of the Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. “Setting the table with these gorgeous colors is a surefire way to wow your guests and make the setting feel luxurious.”

3. Combine several jewel tones into one palette.

David Tsay


Because most jewel tones are similar in color value, they work well when paired. Opt for dark, rich shades to avoid an overly jarring look. “The deeper the jewel tones, the less they’ll compete with another, so pick your favorites and go for it,” says Chicago interior designer Brynn Olson. Her favorite combination is mixing jewel-like shades of blue, green, and gold. Barney suggests mixing warm and cool jewel tones, such as emerald green with magenta, for a high-contrast look.

4. Apply jewel tones with intention.

David Tsay


“Bold colors draw your eyes, so you want to make sure you dress up the room appropriately,” says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. Look for areas you want to highlight, such as your front door, the fireplace, or kitchen island, and use jewel tones to make them a focal point.

For a surprise of color, Roger Higgins of the Nashville design firm R. Higgins Interiors prefers to apply jewel tones in pass-through spaces, or occasional spaces, instead of main living areas. “We like to use jewel tones in transitioning spaces, powder rooms, wet bars, or a room meant for entertaining that can hold the weight of a more dramatic color,” he says.

5. Highlight jewel tones with shiny accents.

Designer Sara Gilbane anchored the foyer of this New York City apartment with Benjamin Moore Venezuelan Sea.

Annie Schlechter


Yeo says that reflective surfaces such as mirrors, glass, and metallic finishes are a natural complement to jewel tones, helping to play up the glam look. However, this isn’t the time to experiment with mixed metals. To let the jewel-tone colors take center stage, Barney suggests sticking with a single finish, such as gold or silver.

6. Use a consistent color palette

Annie Schlechter


If you’re sold on decorating with jewel tones but aren’t confident in your ability to mix and match, start with a restrained color palette like this one, where a collection of blues mingles with shades of red, all wrapped within clean white walls. When designing a color palette, the color wheel is a great place to start.

Best Jewel-Tone Paint Colors

Ready to dive in? Start with these designer-approved paint colors to dress up your home in jewel tones. Go all-in with a bold wall color, or start small by giving a tired piece of furniture a dramatic facelift with paint.

Admiral Blue M520-7, Behr

Woelfel calls Behr’s Admiral Blue “a deep blue reminiscent of sapphire.” Try it on walls in an office or bedroom for a cozy feeling. Warm neutrals or equally rich shades of green and gold make beautiful accents.

Brushed Clay, Magnolia Home

This ochre hue from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines is reminiscent of the yellow-orange color of citrine. Nashville interior designer, Jessica Davis of JL Design, says it’s “perfect for color blocking on walls, a kitchen table, or wooden chairs.”

Cascades SW 7623, Sherwin-Williams

“Cascades by Sherwin-Williams is my absolute go-to for a deep, moody jewel-tone paint color,” Barney says. “I’ve used this deep teal color for walls, bathroom vanities, and kitchen cabinetry.” Pair it with rich wood finishes and brass accents for a luxurious look.

Crushed Velvet 2076-10, Benjamin Moore

Crushed Velvet is a rich shade of raspberry that “adds a punch of energy and fun,” Yeo says. Try it as a backdrop for your gallery wall or on the front door to warmly welcome guests.

Inverness SW 6433, Sherwin-Williams

Higgins loves Inverness from Sherwin-Williams for “a gorgeous, deep green.” He recently used it on a wet bar, pairing it with white marble and an antique rug. Pale blue and coral accents beautifully balance the dark green.

Ming Jade 2043-20, Benjamin Moore

Ming Jade is Olson’s choice for a crisp, bright jewel-tone color that “packs a serious punch of playfulness.” Because of its vibrancy, it works best as an accent among other subtler shades. Use it to paint an unexpected color on a bathroom vanity or dresser.

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