Tranquil Paint Colors: SOFTENED REFUGE HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

If soft and simple balanced hues designed to promote peacefulness are calling your name, this 2022 Color Collection of the Year from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams will appeal. There’s something different about this particular collection. Every single color seems accessible, sensible, and safe in the sense that you won’t easily tire of it. We typically see some wacky colors in these trendy lineups (not unlike an avant garde get-up on the catwalk). So what a pleasant way to start the new year! Let’s discover my top three favorites from the collection in Tranquil Paint Colors: SOFTENED REFUGE HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.

French country kitchen of Amy of Maison Decor featured in Nora Murphy's book. Nora Murphy Country Style to Inspire! #frenchcountrykitchen #maisondecor #greenkitchen #frenchkitchen #frenchcottage #cottagekitchen #countrystyle #vintagestyle
Design: Amy Chalmers for Nora Murphy’s Country House

What comes to mind when you hear “softened refuge?”

Because it’s just the mood I want to set in my own home. I think of a gorgeous kitchen with charming gingham curtains like the one Amy Chalmers created (above) for her family with its collected treasures and peaceful green accents.

Paint colors that feel comforting to you can make all the difference.

Tranquil Paint Colors: Softened Refuge HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

A softened refuge need not be precious or frilly. Lord knows my house is filled with rough around the edges pieces that have withstood time, rambunctious kids, parties, and neglect.

Rustic antique Belgian sideboard with oak branch in vase in early fall - Hello Lovely Studio.
My own softened refuge – Hello Lovely Studio.

You’ll find these 10 tranquil paint colors to create a sanctuary mood exclusively at Lowe’s, and sampling them is easy.

My modern French white bathroom with clawfoot tub, Louis chair, Turkish towels, and campaign table - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #bathroom
Simple, spare, and comforting bath by Hello Lovely Studio

Why bother with trending paint colors?

What I appreciate about the collection is how they do not feel trendy at all. Who has time to be re-painting rooms as new and en vogue color crushes emerge from fashion runways or TikTok? We also looked at trending colors for 2022 RIGHT HERE.

Early fall living and dining rooms - Hello Lovely Studio.
Belgian linen, reclaimed wood, and funky junky accessories in a retreat-like great room – Hello Lovely Studio.

Give me earthy, timeless, classic colors that feel gentle and soothing so home can feel like like a retreat.

Pale neutral Country French bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall, beadboard panel bed, and burlap throw pillows on white linens - Hello Lovely Studio.
Our wood-planked wall took only hours to install – find the project HERE.

And give me a gentle landing so that when the strong winds of life-y life blow, there is sheltering calm from the storm.

Brene Brown quote about curiosity, learning, joy, and flow - Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrownquotes

Need Soothing Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Ideas?

I can’t help but notice that while soothing, these paint colors are also the type of sophisticated tones that aren’t easy to name…mirroring the uncertainty in our post-pandemic world and the 2020s!

Softened Refuge Color Collection of paint colors for 2022 by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams - come find these ideas for tranquil paint colors to soothe!
PIN me to save these tranquil paint colors for later!

Like naturally calm greens? Sherwin-Williams RETREAT

Retreat might not initially strike you as a green paint color when you see it in that infographic with the collection, but aren’t those muddied colors always the best?

Can’t quite pigeonhole the color? That color is probably a friend of mine.

Retreat paint color (HGSW 3823) is an earthy tranquil soothing green-gray. #retreat #paintcolors
Family room painted Retreat by HGSW

Here is how HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams describes the restful shade of green:

“A sophisticated organic green, Retreat is rooted in nature and brings a calming influence to shared spaces.”

Retreat paint color (HGSW 3823) is an earthy tranquil soothing green-gray. #retreat #paintcolors
HGSW Retreat

Does Retreat remind you of SW Acacia Haze?

A SW Green Similar to RETREAT

Acacia Haze 9132 SW paint color is an earthy green shown here on a house exterior - Hello Lovely. #acaciahaze #greenpaint
Acacia Haze 9132

Remember this video I showed you with the April Tomlinson-designed home tour?

Well, I can’t stop thinking about that Acacia Haze green she used in this home. (Click play and watch it – you’ll thank me!).

Green painted shiplap wall with whimsical hat collection (paint color: Acacia Haze) in a beautiful Southern home with design by April Tomlin.
What a room design by April Tomlin!

Isn’t it inspiring with the gorgeous millwork?

April Tomlin designed kitchen (Southern Charm) with SW Acacia Haze green paint color. #acaciahaze #greenkitchens
Green kitchen with Acacia Haze paint color (design by April Tomlin)

Find more ideas for beautiful green paint colors RIGHT HERE as well as HERE.

April Tomlin designed kitchen (Southern Charm) with SW Acacia Haze green paint color. #acaciahaze #greenkitchens
Acacia Haze in a kitchen by April Tomlin

So many designs feature boarded walls these days (that’s what Rita Konig calls them…I took her interior design course recently).

April Tomlin designed kitchen (Southern Charm) with SW Acacia Haze green paint color. #acaciahaze #greenkitchens
Design: April Tomlin

Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

How Do Paint Colors Reflect Modern Culture?

I think it’s another example (like the SOFTENED REFUGE collection) of a design response to so many folks aching, angst-ing, and healing in the 2020s.

Whimsical funny tweet with a heartwarming message - @steph_teasley.

The warmth of wood and earthy tones feels more comforting than cool modern greys of pre-pandemic years.

Retreat paint color (HGSW 3823) is an earthy tranquil soothing green-gray. #retreat #paintcolors
Green walls are RETREAT

I would love to hear about your experience if you sample these greens side by side! Do tell!

Love a Tranquil Blue? HGSW 3355 Aleutian: Washed Indigo Blue

I alluded to Aleutian in that post about 2022 trends (see what I did there?), and it’s pretty dreamy considering Sherwin-Williams crowned it COLOR OF THE YEAR:

Aleutian paint color (HGSW 3355) is a tranquil sophisticated blue-gray. #aleutian #hgswaleutian #paintcolors
Bedroom walls painted Aleutian 3355

They say of this blue:

“Create space for refuge with this perfectly balanced washed indigo that sets a restful tone. Because it’s grounded in both warm and cool tones, it brings relaxation to any room.”

Aleutian paint color (HGSW 3355) is a tranquil sophisticated blue-gray. #aleutian #hgswaleutian #paintcolors
HGSW Aleutian

I feel like it could be amazing in a country kitchen or mud room as a soothing, slightly coastal, slightly French inspired happy blue sky moment.

Mister Rogers quote Fred Rogers quotes to inspire on Hello Lovely Studio. #misterrogers #fredrogersquotes

What Warm White Paint Feels Comforting? SW Alabaster

By now, you know this tried and true creamy white used often by Joanna Gaines and interior designers everywhere.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #sherwinwilliamsalabaster
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster

It made the cut for this collection, maybe because it plays so nicely with the neighboring peaceful paint colors on the list.

French country bedroom with Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) pain on walls. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #whitepaintcolors #bestwhitepaint
Brit Jones Designed bedroom painted Alabaster…hello charming indeed.

But I have to tell you a lesson about it I just learned.

French country farmhouse bathroom with Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home.
SW Alabaster in a bath by Brit Jones Design

Why Sample Paint Colors First?

Sample it first! And then maybe try a gallon rather than a bunch of gallons all at once. Because I thought this color would work well in the entry of the home we’re renovating since my favorite bright whites were too cold. But NO, FRIEND. It looks yellow when the afternoon sun hits it.

Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue front door on a beautiful white (SW Alabaster) brick home - built by Michael Ladisic. #benjaminmoorewytheblue #paintcolors #frontdoor
White brick on exterior painted SW ALABASTER – Ladisic Fine Homes via Design Indulgence

Time to try some other options without the yellow undertones. In fact, I may even go in a very different direction and stay with the original color: Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray. I’m trying to listen to what the house wants, and it obviously has reservations about warm tones I thought would be swell.

French country farmhouse pale blue and white bedroom with Duck Egg blue barn door. Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home.
SW Alabaster paint color in bedroom by Brit Jones Design

You just never know what a paint color will look like in your unique space so don’t think it’s a one and done deal even for paint color experts (that would be…moi).

Need a few more paint color ideas? Here’s a SW Moody Green: Rosemary

Sherwin-Williams Rosemary green paint color swatch. #rosemary #swrosemary #paintcolors #greenpaint
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Rosemary

Finding Lovely showed us just how chic and neutral Rosemary can live when it is mixed at 50% as she did for a son’s beautiful bedroom.

And don’t you feel grateful that folks take the time to take these close-ups to truly capture a green like this?

Rosemary (Sherwin-Williams paint color) on kitchen cabinets with brass hardware - Priscilla Braswell. #sherwinwilliamsrosemary #rosemary #paintcolors #greenpaintcolors
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Rosemary – Priscilla Braswell

In other news, my beautiful rosemary plants in the kitchen which have been flourishing forever just gave up the ghost. Boo. I hope I have more luck with a potted tree which came to live with me after more than 20 years in my husband’s office!

I am giving it so much love and talking to it like a freak. Here is Rosemary on a door flanked by rosemary:

Rosemary (Sherwin-Williams paint color) on a front door. #rosemary #sherwinwilliamsrosemary #paintcolors #greenpaints

How are you holding up? Could your refuge use some softening?

Dig into my archives and discover inspiring treasure while supporting this blog and business in one fell swoop.

Heartwarming tweet from @jeremycshipp comparing you to a scholastic book fair - Hello Lovely. #lovequote #encouragementquote

I’m so grateful you’re here with me on the journey at the dawn of this, the 13th year of greeting interiors (both literal and figurative ones) with a gentle

HELLO LOVELY.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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8 Comments

  1. Kim
    January 8, 2022 / 12:48 pm

    The rosemary color is beautiful! Am liking the photo of the Rosemary colored door flanked by rosemary plants. For some reason, mine give up after a few years, despite careful pruning and whispered endearments. Great for my local nursery, not so much for my plants. Oh well… 🙂

    • Michele
      Author
      January 9, 2022 / 8:36 am

      I’m wondering if I overwatered or if they were just like – it’s too cold, we’re outta here! Thanks for reading. 🙂

  2. Suzie
    January 10, 2022 / 8:02 am

    Beautiful post.

    • Michele
      Author
      January 10, 2022 / 10:20 am

      Thanks so much for taking time for kindness. Peace to you.

  3. Kim
    January 10, 2022 / 9:17 pm

    I love this article and the colours how restful relaxing pea?refuel and timeless perfect for the rime we are in

    • Michele
      Author
      January 11, 2022 / 9:20 am

      I think these colors are just right too for the season in which we find ourselves! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and comment. 🙂

  4. Charity
    March 26, 2022 / 12:09 pm

    Hi Michelle,
    Been following your blogs just because I love French style decorating and your came up on interest, and those photos?!! Love them!
    Somehow I get excited everytime your blog show up on my interest page and then somehow Intuitively clicked on it without knowing it’s yours, but because the page looks like something I would be interested in reading all the way through! Haha.
    But good job in all your blogs! Keep them coming!

    Your new sub, Follower,
    Charity

    • Michele
      Author
      March 26, 2022 / 9:00 pm

      Thanks so much for taking the time to introduce yourself and these sweet comments. I’m so glad you are finding inspiration and content you love – so happy to have you here! Happy weekend.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing