Kelly Marshall, Prop Stylist: Sophia Pappas
Selecting the perfect paint hues for a home is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the decorating process—here at REAL SIMPLE, we wholeheartedly agree! When our 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home’s creative team was tasked with choosing room palettes, we couldn’t help but get thrilled. It’s always a captivating experience to witness their creative choices when they’re given free rein in a space!
What’s even more intriguing is that despite the varied aesthetics of our designers, their color choices harmonize beautifully. This year, we noticed a consistent trend in their color selections—they all favored earthy, muted neutrals that lend a sense of timelessness to the home. We invited some of our designers to discuss their color choices and the unique qualities that make each shade special.
Kelly Marshall, Prop Stylist: Sophia Pappas
Drew Michael Scott, the mastermind behind Lone Fox Home, crafted the charming vintage living room in the REAL SIMPLE Home’s DIY Annex. His mission was to imbue the room with character, a task that was made challenging by the space’s original “standard new apartment white.” To counter this, Scott opted for a light, welcoming color (Valspar’s Daybreak 6008-3A) to instantly create a homely atmosphere without sacrificing the room’s airy charm.
Scott points out that his design inspiration is rooted in historical interiors, which is why the room is brimming with vintage treasures. “All the antique furniture would have seemed out of place against pristine white walls,” he notes. The color palette was inspired by an antique oil painting featuring earthy tones. “Earth tones are as timeless as you can get,” he asserts. “They’ve been around since the beginning of time! If you’re concerned about selecting colors that stand the test of time, earth tones are a surefire choice!”
Kelly Marshall, Prop Stylist: Sophia Pappas
Mallory Fletchall of Reserve Home aimed for a European-inspired office in the DIY Annex, with a relaxed yet sophisticated charm. “A soft pink was the ideal canvas to bring this vision to life,” she explains. “I’ve always been captivated by romantic paint colors in design, especially when paired with furniture in deep, expressive shades. The REAL SIMPLE Home was the perfect platform to delve into my affection for nude pink and demonstrate its true versatility.”
The gentle pink complements a variety of accent colors in the room, such as the rich brown of the daybed, the warm gold of the curtains, and the verdant leaves of the botanical throw pillow, reinforcing Fletchall’s belief in the color’s adaptability.
Kelly Marshall, Prop Stylist: Sophia Pappas
Mandy Cheng chose a soothing green for her study/guest room in the REAL SIMPLE Home Penthouse, creating a tranquil and inviting space, especially when paired with wood and rattan accents.
“I have a penchant for incorporating green into my designs,” Cheng explains. “Especially for my L.A.-based clients, indoor/outdoor living is a priority, but for spaces where that’s not an option, bringing nature’s hues indoors is a simple way to achieve that serene feeling you get when surrounded by the great outdoors.”
Kelly Marshall, Prop Stylist: Sophia Pappas
The primary bedroom in the penthouse was enveloped in a warm, earthy brown—a perfect choice for a space meant for rest. Designer Alvin Wayne decided that Venetian plaster was the ideal medium for this color, providing a soft, textured finish. “Many people believe that to achieve a striking effect, you need to go bold with color,” Wayne says. “But adding texture to the walls can create depth and interest that makes a significant impact.”
Wayne also emphasizes that the color is intended to be both calming and mood-evoking. (We believe he succeeded!) And as a timeless shade, it’s one that never goes out of style, offering a peaceful retreat after a long day.
