South-facing rooms are a dream for many homeowners—thanks to the steady flow of sunlight they receive from morning to evening. The bright, golden light makes these spaces ideal for experimenting with both wallpaper and paint, especially if you're ready to explore bold color choices.
When designing a south-facing room, a thoughtful approach to color is key. The question to ask is whether you want to amplify the natural warmth or bring balance with cooler tones. According to Muriel Sackey, Interior Designer and Founder of Kusuum Home, understanding how sunlight influences color will guide you to the perfect palette.
To make things easier, we’ve curated a collection of colors and Kusuum Home wallpaper suggestions that pair beautifully with the natural light in south-facing rooms from lively yellows to serene blues and earthy neutrals.
1. Canary Yellow
The consistent sunlight in south-facing rooms makes them a great candidate for bold, sun-enhancing colors. For those who love a cheerful, cozy space, Muriel recommends Benjamin Moore’s Yellow Flash (2021-10).
“Yellow naturally echoes the warmth in south-facing rooms. Pairing it with our Toile D’ Aburi in Ochre and Blue transforms a room into a bright, joyful retreat,” she explains.
-
Paint: Yellow Flash 2021-10 – Benjamin Moore
-
Wallpaper: Toile D’ Aburi – Ochre and Blue
2. Serene Blue
If you prefer a more calming and balanced look, blue is an excellent choice. “Blues work wonderfully in south-facing rooms because they offset the intensity of natural light without making the room feel cold,” says Muriel.
She recommends cooler, grounded shades such as Symphony Blue 2060-10, Downpour Blue 2063-20, or Marine Blue 2059-10. These tones bring a sense of calm while maintaining depth and visual interest.
“Marine Blue is my go-to alternative to charcoal or gray in bright rooms—it’s dynamic and still acts as a neutral backdrop,” Muriel adds.
Deep blue also serves as an ideal alternative to neutrals in south-facing rooms, according to Muriel Sackey. She suggests using Benjamin Moore Marine Blue 2059-10, "This rich blue can replace traditional grays or blacks, offering a more dynamic neutral palette with added depth and warmth," she explains.
3. Organic Neutrals
If you’re drawn to a more minimal or earthy aesthetic, consider warm neutrals that enhance the sun’s golden tones.
“Soft taupes, beige, or muted terracotta shades work beautifully,” says Muriel. She pairs colors like Benjamin Moore’s Gardenia AF-10 and Pink Damask 890 with wallpapers such as Oda from Kusuum Home for a layered, grounded look.
For those who love the simplicity of white walls, she advises opting for whites with a touch of gray undertone. Her top pick? Decorator’s White OC-149. “It avoids feeling too creamy or sterile in bright light, keeping the room fresh and sophisticated,” she explains.
As a designer, Muriel Sackey recommends Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White OC-149, noting that it has "a subtle gray undertone" and "feels soft without leaning into any particular color."
4. Olive Green
Green is a natural fit for south-facing rooms. It brings freshness while still feeling cozy. “Earthy greens, especially olive and sage, connect beautifully with the outdoors and balance the room’s brightness,” says Muriel.
Thanks to the abundance of sunlight in south-facing rooms, a wide range of green paints can thrive, whether you prefer the bold richness of deep shades or the subtlety of lighter tones.
Muriel suggests opting for greens with an earthy quality, as they harmonize beautifully with the warm light. "Soft sage greens or olive tones, like Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil 455 or Peale Green HC-121, introduce a calming, natural vibe that enhances the brightness without clashing with it."
5. Dusky Pinks
Dusky pinks provide warmth and coziness without being too intense. They absorb the sunlight and create a soft, romantic glow, making them perfect for living rooms and lounges.
South-facing rooms offer endless possibilities when it comes to wallpaper and paint colors, thanks to the abundant, flattering natural light they receive throughout the day. "South-facing rooms bask in the best sunlight—bright and warm, all day long—making colors pop at their best," says Muriel Sackey. "The key is figuring out where to place the color and the kind of atmosphere you want to create in the room."
If you're having trouble narrowing down your choices, Muriel suggests leaning into lively colors like blue, green, or pink. "These rooms are perfect for brighter hues, so take advantage of the natural light. I typically recommend staying away from too-dark shades—opt for lighter or mid-tones, but embrace the brightness with rich, vibrant colors."
"The golden light in these rooms is ideal for color," she adds. "It gives everything a warmer, more inviting glow."
While the natural light in south-facing rooms adds warmth and brightness, there are times when you might want to balance it rather than amplify it. For spaces intended for relaxation, such as a south-facing living room or bedroom, cooling down the light can help create a more restful environment. Opt for paint colors with cool undertones, such as muted earthy neutrals or serene blue tones, to counteract the warmth.
It's also essential to test paint colors before fully committing, to ensure the hue feels right as the natural light shifts throughout the day. Muriel recommends using tester pots and painted sheets of paper: "By testing how the light interacts with your chosen colors at different times of the day, you'll be able to spot any tonal shifts and ensure you've selected the perfect shade for your space."
If you're fortunate enough to be decorating a south-facing room, the first thing to consider is how you'll be using the space. For a lively, social area where you want to maximize the natural light, opt for vibrant, saturated colors to energize the room. On the other hand, if you're designing a space for relaxation, soft and light neutrals can help create a calm, soothing atmosphere.
