7 Bold Paint Colors Interior Designers Are Longing to Use on Their Next Projects

When decorating our own spaces, we have the luxury of being both the client and the designer, so anything we say goes! Interior designers don’t always have that option. While they get to use their incredible design sense and style in their projects, they don’t always get carte blanche on big decisions like paint color, but have to collaborate with their client. We reached out to some of our favorite designers to find out what bright, bold, or wacky color they’re dying to use on a future project. Here are their fun answers!

French Ochre by Benjamin Moore

“A deep, saturated ochre—like Benjamin Moore’s French Ochre—is at the top of our list,” says May Harrington of Huff Harrington in Atlanta, Georgia. “With hints of olive and burnished gold, it works beautifully as a bold yet grounding neutral. We’d pair it with black, deep browns, golds, or a rich cognac for a moody and unexpected color moment.”

Blackberry by Sherwin-Williams

“I’m dying to use deep plum and raisin colors,” says Micaela Quinton of Copper Sky Design & Remodel based in Atlanta, Georgia. “They are sophisticated and dramatic yet still create a cozy feel to a space.” Her pick? Sherwin-Williams’ Blackberry.

Hot Lips by Benjamin Moore

“Inspired by a recent manicure, we would love to paint a ceiling, storage cabinet, or stair rail a deep neon pink like Benjamin Moore’s Hot Lips,” says Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe in San Francisco. “Pink radiates warmth, giving the skin a vibrant quality. This radiance is particularly successful in powder rooms and entertainment spaces.” 

Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball

Katie Lee Jacobs of Katie Lee Interiors based in Westchester, New York, has always had a soft spot for Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball. “It’s pretty bright and bold for a blue!” she says.

Evening Blue by Benjamin Moore

Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a big fan of Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue. “We love this bright electric blue and would love to see it on trim or built-ins.”

Brassica by Farrow & Ball

Another fun purple! Connecticut-based interior designer Naïka Andre of NJA Interiors has her heart set on Brassica, a moody lavender from Farrow & Ball. “It strikes the perfect balance between charm and drama!”

Spring Azalea by Benjamin Moore

“I’ve been wanting to try something that is in a lilac-pink color mixed with greens or mustard,” says Arizona designer Bari J. Ackerman of Bari J. Designs. “I just finished a painting with a lilac background, and it occurred to me that it would be great for a whole room.”