Choosing a paint color can be daunting, to say the least. Just a quick glance at a wall of swatches and chips is enough to make anyone dizzy. And one ill-advised choice can leave you questioning your taste forever ("Why did I ever like burnt orange??").
To help you skip the hardware-store drama, we asked interior designers for their favorite foolproof colors:
1. Palladian Blue, Benjamin Moore
"My go-to paint colors are classic and easy to live with," says interior designer Lauri Ward. "This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room. It's an especially good choice for cooling a very sunny room, or creating a tranquil bedroom."
2. Garden Stone, Clark+Kensington
"I try to stay away from colors with heavy blue undertones, and I direct my clients toward warm grays that will stand the test of time," say Ace design expert Katie Reynolds. "This shade is a favorite."
3. Manchester Tan, Benjamin Moore
"This shade is my go-to warm neutral," says Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante-Wilson Architects. "What I love about Manchester Tan is that it changes with the light. It goes from a rich warm hue to light and fresh depending on the source of the light in the room."
4. Compatible Cream, Sherwin Williams
"When I need a yellow that isn't too sunny, I choose this one," says Jill Hosking-Cartland of Hosking Interiors. "This creamy shade is warm, inviting, and very flexible when it comes to coordinating with colors with adjoining rooms."
5. Intense White, Benjamin Moore
"Don't be fooled by its name — this color gives off a grayish tone." says Irene Lovett, founder of designstiles. "It's an ideal backdrop for those who aren't brave enough to go with a bold color, but still wish for a subtle contrast with white trim. I love pairing this modern hue with transitional furnishings for a more contemporary mix."
6. Sprout .06, Colorhouse Paint
"I always return to this color for ceilings," says interior designer Chloe Warner. "It isn't so pink that it stands out, but it reflects flatteringly on everyone in the room."
7. Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore
"This is my go-to color when working with an open floor plan," says Abbe Fenimore, founder/principal designer at Studio Ten 25. "A fail-safe neutral, it works with all styles, from traditional to modern, and both warm and cool color palettes. It's a great alternative to white, as it adds enough color to a room without overwhelming."
8. Decorators White, Benjamin Moore
"This shade has the most brillirant pure white undertones," says Brittany Zachos of Zachos Design Group. "It's perfect for bright ceilings, trim, and even bathrooms when you want a crisp, clean feel."
9. Essential Gray, Sherwin Williams
"This color provides a clean, sophiscated backdrop," says interior designer Kerrie Kelly. "But also adds a nice warmth when paired with white trim."
10. Wool Skein, Sherwin Williiams
"If you're looking for a great neutral that will play with the other colors you want to bring into your space, try this one," says interior designer Arianne Bellizaire. "I love this color because it won't turn 'pink' on you."
