1. WHITE PAINTS
White paint may seem simple, but it's often the most difficult hue to narrow down. Getting the undertones and light sensitivity right can make or break a room. Luckily, designers have accrued some favorites over the years, and now they're sharing the shades that work in any space.
2. GRAY PAINTS
When it comes to gray, there's a wide array to work with. From deep charcoal to barely-there hues, painting a space gray can lead to an endless host of aesthetics. To introduce a moody atmosphere to a room, Nicole often turns to a designer favorite, Kendall Charcoal. She says it adds drama without making a space too dark or dreary.
For a much lighter take on gray, Alice says her favorite Benjamin Moore color 'hands down' is Gray Owl, a 'perfect neutral that works with any style, from classic to modern.' Both Bobby Berk and Shea McGee have been known to use and love this hue as well. In this kitchen, pictured above, Alice paired the calming color with darker cabinetry and hardware for a stunning sense of juxtaposition. 'It's a refreshing and versatile gray that can exhibit a blue or green undertone depending on the natural light, the surrounding furniture, and the materials in the space. It works beautifully with black decorative accents for a modern look, and creates a nice contrast with white trim for a classic feel,' she says. Nicole adds Stonington Gray to the mix of go-to shades, calling it 'very versatile' and noting its silver-like undertones: 'This color can easily flow between warm and cool color palettes without a drastic shift in the color.'
3. BLACK PAINTS
Decorating with black can be tricky in any space, bringing impact and interest immediately. But Elizabeth Drake, founder and principal designer of her eponymous design firm, discovered a shade that works wonderfully in a wide range of rooms –without taking over. She used Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron to bring new life to this hand-painted display cabinet, pictured above.
'Wrought Ironis a pretty color which is deep and rich, but not too heavy-handed for displaying hand-painted china,' says Elizabeth. Nicole adds that Iron Mountain, is a stunning shade that 'straddles the valley between a warm and cool soft black.' She says it gives excellent contrast while still bringing a softness that can't be found in many pure black shades. Nicole also turns to Onyx often, she says. 'Rich and luxurious, Onyx steals the show on walls and cabinetry. This earthy black looks stunning with warm or bright whites, and comes to life against light neutral colors or bold accent colors like reds and oranges,' says Nicole.
4. BLUE PAINTS
Blue rooms are certainly stunning, and the color family has been trending in 2024. But with so many variations to choose from, it's wise to turn to designers' advice before making a final selection for your space. Elizabeth says another of her go-to Benjamin Moore shades is Palace Pearl, pictured above in this serene entryway. 'Great for soft backdrops without being bland or too bright, this color is particularly nice with rich olive greens,' she says.
Though Templeton Gray doesn't sound like it'd carry too much blue, Dan says it's one of his favorite blue shades to decorate with. Part of the brand's Historical Colors Collection, Dan says Templeton Gray is highly requested. 'It sounds like it will be a gray, but it's definitely a blue with both gray and green in it, and another fabulous "chameleon color," as I like to call them. It takes on the character of the other decor in the room. I love it on doors, to distinguish kitchen islands, and for entire libraries to add depth and bold interest,' he says. Kyle and Christopher of Gramercy Design add Van Deusen Blue to the list, noting its timeless, age-defiant qualities. 'We've used this beautiful shade of blue in kids' rooms. Used on trim, it provides a versatile backdrop that injects a fun dose of color, while containing enough subtlety and complexity to have longevity through the college years or even conversion to an office or study,' they say.
5. GREEN PAINTS
Green rooms are all the rage at the moment, and the color stuns in just about any design style – ranging from sage to hunter, there's something for everyone.
Caroline Brackett, principal designer of Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says she often opts for dark and versatile Peale Green when designing 'vanities, moody spaces or updated front doors.' The shade stuns next to vibrant wallpaper on this windowpane, pictured above. Nicole adds that when it comes to green shades, 'few colors can stand the test of time like Saybrook Sage: 'It’s historical and modern all at the same time. Saybrook Sage looks amazing on cabinetry and gives excellent contrast with warm whites and light neutrals.'
6. RED PAINTS
The 'unexpected red theory' took over social media early this year, so it's no surprise that select red hues made designers' lists for Benjamin Moore favorites. Emily June Spanos, principal and founder of Emily June Designs, says Bordeaux Red – a gorgeous mix of deep red and purple tones, pictured above – adds character and charm.
'I am passionate about color – the bolder the better! In this bedroom I used a deep, vibrant Bordeaux color to add a punch of drama against pale wood millwork,' says Emily. Nicole adds that Boston Brick, another of her favorites, emulates the terracotta hues that have proved popular over the past several years, as earthy tones eclipse all-out neutral interiors. 'Boston Brick takes the best notes from terracotta, and adds a hint of historical red to balance out the orange tones. This gives it a gorgeous, rosy tint with a muted earthy brown orange base that acts like a real life beauty filter in your room,' says Nicole.
7. PINK AND PURPLE PAINTS
Decorating with purples and pinks can be tricky, but these designers have found a few favorites. Emily says that Benjamin Moore's Arizona Peach is the perfect 'pale pink or blush' to swap out for white.
8. NEUTRAL PAINTS
Designers love decorating with neutrals for their timeless appeal and warm embrace, so it's only natural that many neutral shades made their lists. Kyle and Christopher say that Fairview Taupe is 'the perfect shade of brown,' toeing the line between warm and cool with ease.
'It works equally well in monochromatic schemes and as a backdrop for moody shades of blue. We've used it in a cozy den and library, where we painted the millwork, trim and wall surfaces all the same color, and in a hallway vestibule off of a white room for a moment of contrast and drama. It also provides a great neutral backdrop for rich oil paintings or a collection of black-and-white photography,' they say. Revere Pewter was mentioned by several designers for its versatility and warm undertones. Artem says the shade 'comfortably changes from one light setting to another,' adding that decorating with Revere Pewter brings a sense of comfort to any space.
Veronica says Pale Oak is another neutral favorite, bringing a bit more depth than some of her other go-to hues. 'The key difference between Pale Oak and Plaster of Paris is the undertones. While Plaster of Paris is well-balanced, Pale Oak leans toward taupe undertones. This lends itself better for people who want a little grey but not too much,' she says.