A major problem with light colors is that they have a tendency to scuff. If you have children, pets, or a lot of people coming in and out of your home, the wall paint can end up being difficult to maintain. To clean them, without resorting to a fresh coat of paint, follow our guide to cleaning every type of wall. Kicking off a shoe, moving a piece of furniture, or even trying to install a floating shelf or art can also lead to an easily damaged or dirty-looking wall. While Magic Erasers ($7; amazon.com) and touch-up cans are great for regular maintenance, if they become a way of life, it’s time to consider re-painting your walls a different color. If you are constantly cleaning your walls, interior designer Alexis Rodgers of Home With Alexis suggests installing wainscoting as an alternative to drywall, in addition to a hardier paint color. “Not only is it easier to clean, but it elevates areas that may have otherwise lacked architectural interest,” she says. “Wainscoting goes a long way in adding to the appeal of a clean, classic home.” If wainscoting isn’t an option, the ideal alternative to white paint is a neutral that will help a room look both large and bright. Keep in mind that no matter what interior paint color you use, preparation is key. It’s important to properly prime the wall and apply enough layers of paint. A quality application will not only increase the lifespan of the paint but also make it easier to keep it looking neat. And once you have picked your paint, make sure you’re choosing the best finish. It’s not just the color, but also the sheen of the paint that determines how clean or dirty your walls look. No matter where you need to paint, here are five interior paint colors that provide a better alternative to white. Intuition is a soft, flowery blue that’s good for any room in the home that needs a bit of color without going too bold. It can be particularly pretty in a kitchen. RELATED: The Best Kitchen Paint Colors, According to Interior Designers RELATED: Good Neutral Paint Colors to Bring Home for a Relaxing, Natural Space While this crowd-pleaser is more forgiving than a stark white that reveals every single smudge and fingerprint, it will serve as a neutral backdrop in your space. It you crave more color, add vibrant art and home accents to complete the look.
