PAINT GUIDE: The Best Interior & Exterior Paint Colors

Selecting the perfect paint color is a process. Anyone who’s ever walked into a paint store, only to find themselves overwhelmed with the sheer amount of options knows exactly what I’m talking about. One minute you’ve found THE best shade of white, and the next you’re comparing 25 different swatches and questioning your sanity. Rest assured that even the most skilled interiors designers have been there, and we know the headache paint selection can inevitably cause.

via Galerie Provenance

Thankfully, with much time and practice, I’ve developed my signature go-to paints that I opt for time and time again. These are the most trusted paint colors I use with clients, within my own home, and they’re the ones I’d recommend to a friend any day of the week.

Because paint color questions are one of the most common requests sliding into my DMs, I’m bringing you a fully curated “paint cheat sheet” for both inside and outside the home. Just bookmark this post, and you’ve got a foolproof reference for your next big paint job!

FAVORITE INTERIOR NEUTRAL PAINT COLORS

My love of neutral color tones runs deep, but I’m rather picky about finding just the right shades. Each of these colors have been fully vetted and earned a permanent spot on my favorites list.

Light Pewter by Benjamin Moore
Intense White by Benjamin Moore
Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore
Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore (*note: this color was used on the trim in the Drew Ave Bathroom Remodel)
Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards
Pigeon by Farrow and Ball
Light Blue by Farrow and Ball
Drop Cloth by Farrow and Ball

Interior trim in Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore in our Drew Avenue Remodel

Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore in our Drew Avenue Remodel

Swiss Coffee at 75% via Studio McGee

Pigeon by Farrow & Ball at the Hoxton Hotel Paris

FAVORITE WHITE PAINT COLORS

Is there anything better than a great shade of white? Answer: no, at least not in my book. These are the white paint colors I’d confidently recommend for an effortlessly fresh look every single time.

Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore (*my favorite for a clean white for trim!)
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Moderne White by Sherwin Williams
Whisper by Dunn Edwards
Schoolhouse White by Farrow and Ball
Shadow White by Farrow and Ball
Slipper Satin by Farrow and Ball
Drop Cloth by Farrow and Ball

Simply White by Benjamin Moore via Hecker Guthrie

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore in our Drew Avenue Remodel

Simply White by Benjamin Moore via Studio McGee

FAVORITE GREEN PAINT COLORS

Green is having a big resurgence in the design world, and I’m a pretty major fan. In fact, I’ve opted for green moments in many recent projects (including my own home!), and I’m always thrilled with the outcome.

Fatigue Green by Benjamin Moore
Mediterranean Olive by Benjamin Moore
Studio Green by Farrow and Ball
Lichen by Farrow and Ball
Blue Green by Farrow and Ball
Rosemary by Sherwin Williams
Pewter Green by Sherwin Williams
Oil Cloth by Benjamin Moore

Fatigue Green by Benjamin Moore in our River Road Remodel

Mediterranean Olive by Benjamin Moore in our River Road Remodel

Pewter Green by Sherwin Williams via Emily Henderson

Oil Cloth by Benjamin Moore via Heidi Caillier

FAVORITE BLUE PAINT COLORS

I think we can all agree that finding the right blue is a balancing act. Blue shades can read so differently depending on the undertones and lighting, but no matter the scenario these are my top favorites.

Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore
Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball
De Nimes by Farrow and Ball
Inchyra Blue by Farrow and Ball
Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore

De Nimes by Farrow & Ball via Anthropologie

Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore in our River Road Remodel

FAVORITE EXTERIOR PAINTS

Selecting an exterior paint color is a big commitment that (understandably) comes with a lot of pressure. However, opt for one of these exterior paint standbys, and I can promise you’ll adore the final look. Who’s ready for some major curb appeal?