The exhilarating journey of home renovation often begins with a vision, a spark of inspiration that ignites a desire for change. For us, that vision recently materialized with the arrival of our new nail gun, an essential tool that promises to transform our living space with elegant crown molding. The anticipation is palpable, as John eagerly awaits his turn to wield this powerful instrument, though I confess, prying it from my hands might prove to be a weekend-long endeavor. We’re letting these beautiful molding pieces acclimate to our home’s environment, a crucial step for a flawless installation.
As the crown molding patiently settles into its new surroundings – and I may or may not be found whispering sweet design dreams to it – we are thrilled to finally unveil our much-anticipated 2013 Benjamin Moore paint picks! We know, we know, we’re a little behind schedule, and a huge shout-out to everyone who has patiently (and sometimes not-so-patiently!) inquired about our selections. The truth is, we weren’t just going to pluck colors out of thin air. We dedicated significant time and effort, meticulously searching for the perfect shades that resonated with our design philosophy and would truly enhance any home. After countless hours of deliberation, we narrowed it down to 32 exquisite colors, each one a testament to thoughtful design. Consider this the grand debut of a carefully curated palette, a collection we affectionately refer to as “the wedding of the century” for your walls.
To truly inspire your next DIY home transformation, we thought it would be fun to share some specific ideas for integrating a few of these stunning colors into your space. Imagine a tranquil bedroom bathed in a soft, ethereal blue, or a vibrant kitchen energized by a cheerful, sun-kissed yellow. Let’s dive into our first inspired suggestion:
Consider this gentle, airy blue, perhaps “Quiet Moments” or “Palladian Blue” from Benjamin Moore’s vast collection. It evokes a sense of peace and serenity, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any space where relaxation is paramount. Pair it with crisp white trim and natural wood accents for a coastal-inspired retreat, or introduce deep navy and silver tones for a sophisticated, contemporary feel. This color can also work beautifully in a home office, promoting focus without feeling too stark. Its versatility allows it to be both a subtle backdrop and a comforting embrace, proving that even soft shades can make a significant impact on your interior design. And here’s another fantastic idea for your painting projects (you’ll discover four more captivating suggestions thoughtfully placed throughout the article).
This deep, grounding gray, reminiscent of “Revere Pewter” or “Chelsea Gray,” offers incredible sophistication and depth. It’s far from a bland neutral; instead, it provides a warm and inviting foundation for almost any design scheme. Picture it in a cozy living room, creating a luxurious backdrop for colorful artwork and plush textiles. Or imagine it in an elegant dining room, enhancing the natural light and providing a sense of refined grandeur. For a modern twist, pair this rich gray with metallic accents and minimalist furniture. It also excels in hallways and entryways, offering a welcoming yet polished first impression. The beauty of such a versatile neutral lies in its ability to support both bold and subtle decor choices, making it a cornerstone for timeless home interior design.
Our carefully selected collection comprises a diverse range of colors. Some are tried-and-true tones that have graced the walls of our own homes and earned our enduring affection over the years. Others are shades we’ve admired from afar, patiently waiting for the perfect project to introduce them. And a special segment includes colors we specifically chose and saw in action for our bestselling book, giving us firsthand experience of their transformative power. You can effortlessly explore all of our curated Benjamin Moore paint colors here, a link we sometimes still marvel at. If you had told us five years ago that we’d have our own section on the Benjamin Moore website, we would have probably laughed for a good five minutes, regained our composure, and then laughed for another five! For your convenience, you can revisit and browse our entire collection anytime you desire simply by clicking on our dedicated sidebar button, ensuring that inspiration is always just a click away.
Our affinity for Benjamin Moore paints stretches back almost half a decade, evolving from simply appreciating their color palettes to exclusively purchasing their premium paints since 2011. Our inaugural experience with their actual product was on our office built-ins, and the results were nothing short of exceptional. Therefore, when Benjamin Moore extended an invitation last year to curate a collection of our favorite colors, it felt like a dream come true for passionate DIY enthusiasts like us. The opportunity to revisit this partnership and select 32 fresh, inspiring colors for 2013 was equally exhilarating. This collaboration with a brand we genuinely love and trust is more than just a “side gig” that helps with the bills, much like writing a magazine column or our book. The added bonus? We get to immerse ourselves in the delightful world of paint chips, exploring an endless spectrum of hues and undertones. It’s a truly engaging and rewarding experience that we’re thrilled to share with you, offering valuable insights into paint color selection for your home interior design projects.
For a dose of instant cheer, consider a radiant yellow like this. Imagine it brightening a kitchen, making morning coffee feel like a burst of sunshine, or invigorating a child’s playroom with its playful energy. This kind of yellow can also create a welcoming entryway, setting a joyful tone for guests. To balance its intensity, pair it with crisp whites, natural wood tones, or soft grays. It’s a color that exudes happiness and optimism, making it a powerful tool for transforming the mood of any space. When thinking about choosing paint colors for your home, remember the emotional impact different shades can have. A carefully chosen vibrant color can truly lift spirits and enhance daily living.
Our selection process, though seemingly straightforward in its ultimate goal, involved a meticulous and somewhat chaotic journey. If “simple” can be redefined as splaying out a staggering 561 individual paint swatches across every available surface – and I assure you, I am not exaggerating – then yes, it was simple. It was a beautiful, organized chaos, a vibrant tapestry of potential, where every undertone and hue was scrutinized with passion. I relished every single minute of this “undertone-investigating” adventure. Understanding undertones is crucial because they determine how a color will truly appear in different lighting conditions and alongside other elements in your home. A seemingly neutral gray, for example, might reveal subtle blue, green, or even purple undertones that can drastically alter the room’s feel. This painstaking process ensured that each of the final 32 colors in our curated Benjamin Moore collection was not just beautiful on its own, but also harmonious and versatile, ready to elevate your home interior design.
This rich, deep green offers a sophisticated nod to nature, creating a sense of calm and grounded elegance. Imagine it in a home office or study, fostering concentration and creativity, or as a striking accent wall in a living room, bringing depth and drama. Paired with warm metallics and dark wood furniture, it creates a luxurious, traditional aesthetic. For a more contemporary look, combine it with crisp white and minimalist decor. This color speaks of balance and renewal, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you seek both inspiration and tranquility. Integrating such a bold yet natural hue can truly define the character of a room, offering a powerful statement in your home decor inspiration.
The overarching goal behind our Benjamin Moore paint collection is wonderfully simple yet profoundly impactful. We understand that confronting a giant wall brimming with hundreds of paint swatches can be an overwhelming experience for anyone embarking on a renovation or decorating project. Our hope is that this smaller, carefully curated collection of favorites will provide a sense of comfort, guidance, and focused inspiration, making the process of selecting paint colors for your home far less daunting. We envision our selection as a trusted starting point, a refined palette that encourages thoughtful consideration rather than paralysis by choice. Furthermore, we sincerely hope that the specific suggestions and visual examples thoughtfully scattered throughout this post will ignite your passion and “get your motors running.” Whether that translates into an immediate, irresistible urge to paint something right this very second, or perhaps a more leisurely approach that involves first grabbing a marshmallow and then planning your project, either outcome fills us with immense satisfaction. Our aim is to make the journey of home improvement exciting, accessible, and ultimately, deeply rewarding.
Embrace the delicate charm of this soft, dusty rose or blush pink. It’s a hue that brings warmth, tenderness, and a touch of romance to any space. Consider it for a serene master bedroom, creating a cozy and inviting sanctuary, or in a powder room for an unexpected touch of elegance. This shade pairs beautifully with cream, gold, and light wood tones for a sophisticated, feminine aesthetic. For a modern twist, combine it with deep charcoal or navy for a striking contrast. It’s a versatile color that can be both subtle and statement-making, proving that pink isn’t just for nurseries, but a mature and stylish choice for various rooms in your home. Thinking about interior paint ideas often involves considering how colors interact with light and existing furnishings, and this soft pink beautifully adapts to many settings.
On the topic of color, we’re always eager to connect with our community! Have you recently discovered any paint colors that you’ve absolutely fallen in love with and installed in your own home? Do you, like us, maintain a little folder of your most cherished paint swatches, perhaps dog-eared and treasured? Or perhaps your digital world is adorned with a vibrant Pinterest board, brimming with inspiring interior paint ideas and color palettes? We’re fascinated by how you manage and track all your design inspirations. Share your secrets and preferred methods for organizing your favorite hues and home decor concepts in the comments below! Your experiences offer invaluable insights to fellow DIY enthusiasts and home renovators looking for fresh inspiration and practical tips on choosing paint colors.
Finally, a timeless beige, a color that proves neutrals are anything but boring. This warm, inviting shade provides a versatile foundation for virtually any decor style, allowing you to layer textures, patterns, and accent colors with ease. Imagine it in a sun-drenched living room, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, or in a bustling family room, offering a durable and forgiving backdrop. It pairs beautifully with rich browns, deep blues, or even vibrant reds, providing balance and sophistication. This classic neutral is a go-to for many designers because of its enduring appeal and ability to make a space feel both elegant and comfortable. It’s a prime example of how the right neutral paint colors can anchor a room, allowing other elements of your home decor to truly shine.
During the intensive process of selecting this Benjamin Moore collection, we stumbled upon a strategy that proved incredibly effective. Instead of viewing swatches individually or on a large, overwhelming fan deck, we found immense clarity in cutting out each swatch and meticulously laying them out on a neutral background. For us, a dark charcoal-colored sofa (our beloved Karl, bless his neutral heart!) served as the perfect canvas. This method allowed us to truly see how the colors interacted with one another, revealing their true character and undertones without any competing visual noise. It also became our secret weapon for “balancing” the collection. We could easily assess if we had a sufficient representation of dark, grounding choices, bold and adventurous hues, versatile neutrals, and soft, serene colors that were neither too bright nor excessively muted. In essence, if you find yourself with a few spare weekends and a conveniently neutral-colored sofa, we enthusiastically recommend swapping your TV remote for a stack of paint swatches. Seriously, delving into the world of color exploration is as captivating and immersive as a marathon of your favorite prestige drama – albeit considerably less bloody. It’s a truly engaging way to discover the perfect color palette for your next home renovation project and ignite your interior design creativity.
Psst – For those curious, we’ve already announced the winner for this week’s exciting giveaway. You can check if you’re the lucky recipient right here.