Besides full-service design, my expertise in selecting colors is my most sought after service. It’s always exciting for me when my clients are interested in colors other than neutrals. They come to me because trying to select a rich or more colorful option can get overwhelming rather quickly, and guessing how a bolder color is going to look based on a tiny paint chip is nearly impossible. Beyond that, selecting a paint color is never done in a vacuum. Instead, it’s carefully calculated through coordination with all other materials in the space.

I’ve created a curated list of fresh and modern paint colors in the green, red and blue color families that I’ve specified on past client projects and which turned out beautifully in real life. These are rich, sophisticated tones with great visual appeal sure to give your space an amazing vibe and will look good for years down the road without looking dated.

My favorite greens, from lighter to darker

Comfort Gray 6205 by Sherwin-Williams - “gray” is a bit misleading of a word to use in this color’s name because it is truly a very soothing and beautiful muted green. It’s essentially a soft, pale mint and contains no unpleasant red or purple undertones. I absolutely love it for bedroom walls as an alternative to more standard grays or beiges. For coordination, I love to pair this color with décor accents in pewter, mercury glass, and lots of greenery.

Porch Swing CSP-750 by Benjamin Moore – This green is an excellent alternative to gray. That’s because it’s deep enough in tone that it has great presence without reading as too dark yet conveys a wonderful warmth and softness. For homes with warm oak trim and doors, this color is an excellent pairing through complimenting and also cooling off the orange undertones of the wood.

Pinks and Reds, from lighter to darker

Benjamin Moore Pinky Swear CSP-340 – When I’m asked by clients for a recommendation for a pink wall color, this is the one I start with. It’s such a gentle pink that Benjamin Moore doesn’t even categorize it with the reds in their Color Stories collection – they count it as a neutral. To me, it reads as the color of a ballet slipper that has some patina to it. It looks lovely in a bedroom, sitting room or even a bathroom. It’s sure to create cheer and warmth!

Moroccan Spice 6060 by Sherwin Williams - An absolutely incredible color that is both gentle and rich, reminiscent of beautifully made leather goods. Perfect in a windowless bathroom or study.

Suntan Bronze 1217 by Benjamin Moore – This incredible color is reminiscent of those produced with ancient pigments such as red ochre. A more evolved and softer version of brick red, this color would be amazing in an office, entryway or sitting room.

Flower Pot 6334 by Sherwin-Williams – Flower Pot is on the same spectrum as Suntan Bronze, but more intense and richly pigmented. It’s a modern take on the classic red that was highly popular in the 90s and early 00s. It’s an excellent choice for a dining room, front door or powder bath if you’re going for a big “wow” factor.

Blues, from lighter to darker

Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal 2136-40 – This color was Benjamin Moore’s 2021 color of the year for good reason. It has a lot of presence without being overwhelming. It is a truly versatile color and looks beautiful on cabinetry, in a mud room, or even a bedroom. It pairs well with rattan or seagrass accents and would be great in a beach home.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 – This navy blue is truly rich and regal. Far from a “fad” color, it will stand the test of time and still look fantastic twenty years from now. Use it on a bathroom vanity, kitchen island, or in a den. Pairs well with both silver and soft gold accents and hardware.

Remember - don’t skip the samples. I go through an extensive sampling process with my clients to ensure that the color we have selected looks good at any time of day and in any lighting. The same color can look dramatically different depending on whether it’s in a dark corner or has brilliant southern exposure, which can occur simultaneously in one space. I always work off of a neutral white background to avoid having the existing wall color influence how the new color will look.

My paint color consultations consist of a three phase process including intake, in-person meeting time and final determination. Consultations are available for both interiors and exteriors, including both paint and stains. Pricing for interiors starts at $395 and exteriors at $495. To start working with me, please book a free 20-minute Discovery Call!