French Quarter Paint Color Palettes

Explore the architecture of New Orleans through the lens of color.

Synonymous with a zest for life, New Orleans’ French Quarter is truly incomparable. From cobblestone courtyards tucked away from the street to wrought-iron balconies that set the stage for drama, the architectural details and colors of the French Quarter offer an eclectic, inspiring mix.

Our experts curated four paint color palettes to echo a century’s worth of French District color trends. In doing so, we’ve captured the spirit and soul of the French Quarter—and a cornucopia of the most beautiful colors of New Orleans.

Use these color schemes—from moody deeps to muted pales to richly saturated hues—to spark creativity and self-expression.

1820 – 1840: Earth Tones and Cottages

A soothing bedroom with a marigold-yellow-painted wall, gold trim, a white ceiling and black ceiling fan, neutral beige bedding and striped rug, and beige-painted door.

An amalgamation of French, Canadian and Spanish influences and architecture, Creole-style cottages were extremely popular during this time period. Prominent colors included earthy hues—think brick, warm stone and terracotta. These colors mirrored the building materials of the time.

The warm vibe of this golden bedroom adds a flaxen touch with Dorset Gold HC-8 on the wall and Bryant Gold HC-7 on trim. These colors and many more are part of the Benjamin Moore Historical Collection, a selection of paint colors that honors 200+ years of American style.

1840 - 1870: Pinks, Grays and Greek Revival

An enclosed porch hallway with pink-painted walls, a white ceiling, arch windows, a light-gray window grating wall piece, and multi-red tile floor.

Narrow, rectangular buildings known as “shotgun” houses, as well as townhouses, joined cottages in popularity during this time. Greek revival architectural styles exploded, with Italianate style right behind it. Intricate cast iron, rhythmic arches, and bracketed eaves characterize the look.

During this time, there was a shift in color. Soft blushes like Pale Berry 2103-60 and breezy pinks like Marry Me 1289, seen in this alfresco corridor, became increasingly popular. Muted burgundies like Garrison Red HC-66 added deeper tones to the mix.

Colors that mimic stone were ever present. Today, timeless grays and neutrals remain popular, like soft greige Revere Pewter HC-172, and Cement Gray 2112-60, seen in the window grating of this alfresco corridor.

1870 - 1890: Blues, Neutrals and Architectural Details

The front entrance of an elegant, white-painted house with beige shutters, a light-green front door, brick walkway and brick wall covered in foliage.

Towards the end of the 19^th century, architectural details became more affordable and in turn, more broadly available. From a color perspective, we see more variety and depth during this period.

The Eastlake style, synonymous with intricate woodwork crafted with new techniques and machinery, became popular. Gingerbread trim, brackets, and ornate embellishments opened the door for colorful accents.

Exterior accent colors became more of a focus, a sign of new tastes and means of expression. Siding was often painted in warm, earthy colors like Avon Green HC-126, Hodley Red HC-65, and Quincy Tan HC-25 from our 1870-1890 French District color palette. Green paint colors were also popular in French Quarter exteriors—and remain so, as seen on the front door within this charming modern-day courtyard.

1890 - 1920: Soft Pales, Arts & Crafts, and Prairie Design Influences

A sunlit bedroom with white-painted shiplap walls, trim and ceiling beams, a blue-painted upper wall and vaulted ceiling, blue and white decor, and a fireplace.

This period embraces an eclectic mix of styles and cultures that reflect the global blending of the French Quarter district, as well as design influences from parts of the U.S. beyond Louisiana.

Taking points of inspiration from California, the Arts and Crafts style grew in popularity, helmed by Britain’s key contributor, William Morris. Craftsman prairie styles of the Midwest also became influential.

Interior paint colors became lighter, shifting away from the heavier hues typical of Victorian color combinations. This less weighty, more modern approach was seen in a range of airy pale blues, pinks, and soft, light neutrals. You can replicate the vibe with Tea Light 471, Palladian Blue HC-144, and Heavenly Blue 709, shown in this relaxing bedroom.

Want more southern style? See inspiring interiors and exteriors from our exploration of southeastern color and design.