These colors are a true (brush) stroke of genius.

Designing asmall spacecan be challenging.

So, whats the magic ingredient?

Modern and colorful interior of living room with design boucle sofa, mock up poster, shelf, plants, decorations and personal stuff. Home decor.

Photo:Follow The Flow/Getty Images

But not just any paintit has to be the right color.

Here are seven tried-and-true paint colors that instantly make any room look bigger, according to interior designers.

White

vicnt/getty images

Universal and versatile, white always makes a room look larger.

Modern Living room interior design, white kitchen, neutral color scheme. 3D concept rendering

vicnt/getty images

Want the space to look like a pro designed it?

Usedifferent finishesof the same white paint to add depth without breaking up the space.

“This adds a subtle dimension while keeping the room cohesive and spacious.

Empty sofa in front of coffee table. Interior of living room with potted plants and decor. Furniture at home.

Morsa Images/Getty Images

Off-White

Morsa Images/Getty Images

Not into the starkness of bright white?

Off-white and cream are fantastic choices to give the illusion of extra square footage.

It makes a space bright by reflecting the maximum light.”

Wooden table and chairs with large window front in modern living room in stylish apartment

Westend61/Getty Images

Zagrodni adds that one common mistake to avoid here is high-contrast shades on ceilings or moldings.

“Use slightly lighter tones; this will create more ‘space’ instead of giving it a box-like illusion.

“It’s the perfect way to create the illusion of depth.”

This modern minimalist interior features two elegant cream-colored armchairs with sleek metal legs, a white round coffee table, and a large potted plant (a strelitzia / bird of paradise plant) adding a natural element. The light-toned wooden flooring and soft medium gray paneled wall (with large vertical planks) create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. A floor-to-ceiling window allows natural light to flood the space, enhancing its airy and open feel. 3D rendered image.

Gladiathor/Getty Images

It’s a fun, dramatic effect.

“The room will feel like it’s stretching out, with no walls closing in on you.

It sort of feels like the sky, which suggests that perhaps your space is infinite.

Light blue kitchen

Peter Carlsson/Getty Images

“Try using it in rooms with natural light to give more depth to the space.”

Pale Gray

izusek/Getty images

Zagrodni shares that pale gray can work beautifully in tiny modern interiors.

Consider this hue for living rooms and kitchens.

Living room interior with gray sofa and wooden armchair, carpet on the floor and white coffee table. Render image.

izusek/Getty images

Sage Green

Getty Images

Looking for a stylish coastal shade thatisntblue?

Zagrodni recommends a softsage green.

This shade gives a hint of nature and has a grounding quality,” she says.

Bedroom interior space furniture 3d rendering and background wall decoration - minimal style

Getty Images

“It never overwhelms the space and adds personality with balance.”