When It Comes to Paint Colors, Neutrals Are In

THE EXPERTS

Nicole Lanteri, Nicole Lanteri Design (nicolelanteri.com)
Christine Wiott, CL Wiott Design (www.clwiottdesign.com)
Judi Petti, Random Harvest (www.randomharvest home.com)
Meri Cole, Color Wheel Paint (mycolorwheel.com)
Florence Jones, Arlington Color Consultants (www.arlingtoncolorconsultants.com)

DINING ROOM

Wall color: Benjamin Moore Black. Photo courtesy of Nicole Lanteri

LANTERI: Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (2062­20). “It’s not so much gray as a luxurious navy.” Or, for an even bolder statement, try Benjamin Moore Black (2132­10).
WIOTT: Sherwin-Williams Hopsack (6109). “It has warm, dark tones that will complement the rest of the main level.”
JONES: Restoration Hardware Saffron. “It’s striking in a traditional Arlington colonial with chair-rail molding. For a daring combo, use Restoration Hardware Chocolate below the chair rail and paint the trim a soft, warm white.”

BEDROOM

Wall color: Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone. Photo courtesy of Nicole Lanteri

LANTERI: Benjamin Moore Feather Gray (2127­60) or Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone (1474). “Both are very calming and rich. Add a nice wood or fabric headboard, crisp white bedding and glass bedside lamps and you’re set.” Also good for a living or family room.
COLE: Farrow & Ball Light Blue (22). “A serene, restful color somewhere between blue, green and gray.”
JONES: Sherwin-Williams Biscuit (6112). “This neutral tone has hints of peaches and corals, and pairs beautifully with cherry furniture. It’s a good compromise if you’re having a battle of the sexes over color.”

LIVING ROOM

Wall color: Sherwin-Williams Sedate Gray. Photo courtesy of Nicole Lanteri

WIOTT: Benjamin Moore Silver Sage (506) or Sherwin-Williams Sedate Gray (6169). “I expect gray to be around for at least another decade. We’ve gravitated to putting monochromatic colors on the walls and letting the artwork, pillows and window treatments give our rooms a pop of color.”
PETTI: Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth (984). “It has a Zen-like sophistication and acts as a perfect foil for almost any color statement introduced by furniture or accessories.”
JONES: Sherwin-Williams Grassland (6163). “This beautiful sage green works well with accents in shades of red.”

BATHROOM

Wall color: Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe.

PETTI: Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe (1562). “A beautiful, aqueous spa shade that hovers delicately somewhere between blue and green.”
WIOTT: Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan (HC-81). “The color on the wall will reflect from the mirror onto your face in a flattering light. Greens and yellows are not good colors if you are putting makeup on.”
COLE: Benjamin Moore Dark Linen (2147-60). “On paintable wallpaper! The bathroom is an ideal place to introduce texture or pattern.”