The Designer’s Guide to Paint Colors

2 days ago
3 min read

If there’s one thing I will always say as an interior designer—it’s this:

Paint is the most underrated upgrade in your entire home.

It’s affordable. It’s transformative. And when done right, it can make your home look like a completely different space—without buying a single piece of furniture.

But here’s the problem…Most people choose paint completely wrong.

They pick colors in isolation, ignore undertones, and don’t think about how it works with their home as a whole.

So I put together my Designer’s Guide to Paint Colors—organized by color family with my go-to, tried-and-true shades that actually work in real homes.

How to Choose the Right Paint Color (Like a Designer)

Before we get into colors, here are the rules I follow every single time:

1. Always Look at Undertones

Not all whites, beiges, or grays are the same.Some lean warm, some cool, and some can even pull green or purple.

👉 If your home has warm flooring (wood, beige tile): stick with warm whites & warm neutrals👉 If your home has cooler tones (gray floors, marble): lean cooler, crisp tones

2. Test in Multiple Lighting

Paint looks completely different depending on the time of day.

Morning = cooler
Afternoon = neutral
Evening = warmer

Never commit without sampling first.

3. Think About Flow (Not Just One Room)

Your home should feel cohesive.

That doesn’t mean every room is the same color—but they should relate to each other.

4. Paint is Your Biggest “Mood Setter”

Want cozy? Go deeper.Want airy? Go lighter.Want elevated? Add contrast.

The Best White Paint Colors

Designer guide to white paint colors including White Dove, Chantilly Lace, and Alabaster

White is the hardest color to get right—and the one I get asked about the most.

My go-to designer favorites:

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Snowbound

Designer tip:White Dove & Alabaster = warmer, softer whitesChantilly Lace = crisp, clean white

The Best Beige & Greige Paint Colors

Best greige and beige paint colors including Agreeable Gray, Shoji White, and Balboa Mist

These are your “safe but elevated” neutrals—perfect if you want warmth without going yellow.

Top picks:

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

Designer tip:If you’re scared of color… start here.

The Best Blue Paint Colors

Designer blue paint color palette including Misty, Boothbay Gray, and Blue Note

Blue is one of my favorite ways to add color while still feeling timeless.

Best shades:

Sherwin Williams Misty
Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray
Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue
Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud
Benjamin Moore Blue Note

Designer tip:Blue works like a neutral when it’s slightly muted or gray-toned.

The Best Green Paint Colors

Trending green paint colors including Sea Salt, Evergreen Fog, and October Mist

Green is having a major moment—and I don’t see it going anywhere.

My favorites:

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Sherwin Williams Rosemary

Designer tip:Green instantly makes a home feel expensive and grounded.

The Best Pink Paint Colors (Yes, Really)

Soft neutral pink paint colors including Bashful, Pink Bliss, and Malted Milk

Hear me out—pink is one of the most underrated neutrals when done right.

Top choices:

Benjamin Moore Bashful
Sherwin Williams Malted Milk
Benjamin Moore Pink Bliss
Benjamin Moore Bridal Pink
Sherwin Williams Intimate White

Designer tip:Soft pinks read as a warm neutral—not “pink”—especially in natural light.

The Best Purple Paint Colors

Moody purple paint colors including Mauve Desert and Expressive Plum

This is where you get moody, elevated, and designer-level.

Best shades:

Benjamin Moore Mauve Desert
Sherwin Williams Imagine
Benjamin Moore Dusk to Dawn
Sherwin Williams Poised Taupe
Sherwin Williams Expressive Plum

Designer tip:These tones work beautifully in dining rooms, offices, or bedrooms.

The Best Brown Paint Colors

Rich brown paint colors including Urbane Bronze, French Press, and Wenge

Brown is back—and it’s giving luxury, Ralph Lauren, cozy richness.

Favorites:

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Benjamin Moore Wenge
Benjamin Moore French Press
Farrow & Ball Tanner’s Brown
Sherwin Williams Black Fox

Designer tip:Brown adds depth that gray never could.

The Best Black Paint Colors

Best black paint colors including Tricorn Black, Iron Ore, and Peppercorn

If you want drama—this is it.

Go-to blacks:

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Benjamin Moore Black Satin
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

Designer tip:Black doesn’t have to feel dark—it creates contrast that makes everything else look better.

The Best Red Paint Colors

Bold red paint colors including Caliente, Fired Brick, and Dinner Party

Red is bold—but when done right, it’s stunning.