New Hues: Boston designers reveal their top color picks for fall

Designers laud paint as the least expensive and easiest way to give your space a boost. So be daring: banish white in favor of a little color. It needn’t be shocking — even a pale shade can transform a room. The choices are endless, but don’t stress. Brad Dufton of Color Theory encourages people to “approach it with an open mind,” emphasizing that “paint gives you the opportunity to take chances.” After all, if you hate it, you can just do it again. Designer Shellie Donovan advises, “Buy tester pots, and take a few days looking at the swatches in different lighting — day, night, lights on, lights off.” We asked our favorite interior designers around town to tell us what colors they’re loving right now. We bet you’ll find the perfect match.

 

 

 

 

Annsley McAleer, Annsley Interiors, Boston

Her style: Traditional but fresh, using upbeat colors and patterns

Her color pick: Green Blue by Farrow & Ball

“I loved this color so much in my guest bedroom that I used it in my daughter’s bedroom, too. It is an intense color imbued with a sense of calm. It looks great with a strong white trim and other blue accents.”

Andrew Terrat, Terrat Elms Interior Design, Boston

His style: Tailored but not too serious

His color pick: Curry by C2 Paint

“This color is bold and vibrant, but also very warm and cozy, making it the perfect shade for a family room.”

Erin Gates, Element Interiors, Jamaica Plain

Her style: A mix of modern and traditional, new and old, high and low

Her color pick: Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore Historical Colors

“A good neutral is hard to find. This one is fantastic and works anywhere. It is neither too deep nor too light. It reads cool if paired with cooler colors and warm if paired with warmer colors.”

Eric Roseff, Eric Roseff Designs, Boston

His style: Clean and crisp with a graphic sensibility

His color pick: Mahogany by Farrow & Ball

“I’ve used this in a small powder room in a high gloss. The color is rich and sumptuous. The lacquer finish opens up the small space by allowing for wonderful reflections.”

Julieann Covino, Jace Interiors, Cambridge

Her style: Affordable design that incorporates pieces you already own

Her color pick: Brilliant Sea by Behr

“This is my new favorite color. A little goes a long way. I would use this as a pop of color on the frame of a mirror (that I will hopefully find at Brimfield this week!)”

 

Rachel Reider, Rachel Reider Interiors, West Roxbury

Her style: Engaging interiors in a transitional style

Her color pick: Bordeaux Red by Benjamin Moore

“Try this eggplant shade in a dining room to infuse a cozy feeling. The warm tone would create the perfect atmosphere for a dinner party.”

Urit Chaimovitz, Urit Chaimovitz Design, Watertown

Her style: Classic but fun, with an eye towards the preppy

Her color pick: Bang! by C2 Paint

“Recently, I did a house in which we were able to hide a playhouse for the children under the basement stairs. I used this color for the door, which has a star cutout. It’s very ‘Nantucket red,’ inspired by the fact that that’s where this family spends their summers.”

Kathie Chrisicos, Chrisicos Interiors, Boston

Her style: A sophisticated mix of scales, colors, and styles

Her color pick: Flint by Benjamin Moore Affinity Colors

“I love this deep, dark, rich charcoal from Benjamin Moore’s new eco-friendly line. I’ve used it on a fireplace feature wall as well as at a kitchen desk alcove.”

Shellie Donovan, Shellie Donovan Interiors, Boston

Her style: Multi-textured with a whimsical punch of red, lime, or blue

Her color pick: Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball

“I love Elephant’s Breath not only for its neutral color, but because I love clients’ reaction to its name. The gray really changes in each application, depending on the light. I’ve used it in powder rooms and back splashes, but would use it anywhere.”

Kristen Rivoli, Kristen Rivoli Interior Design, Winchester

Her style: Light, airy, and livable

Her color pick: Glazed Carrot by California Paints

“This is a very versatile color. It is sophisticated when paired with gray, playful when paired with pink or yellow, and vibrant when paired with white. When I use it on walls, I like to paint the doors and frames with it too, sometimes a shade darker or lighter than the wall color. It’s a trick that makes a small room look larger.”

Marni Elyse Katz is a freelance writer who blogs about design at stylecarrot.com.