The Most Timeless Interior Paint Colours, According to Interior Designers

When it comes to paint, "trend colours" will only get you so far — an accent wall here, a powder room makeover there. The real magic is in the staples. So, we sought advice from the experts to find the paint picks that will work in your most-used spaces and stand the test of time. We asked some of our designer friends for their go-to shades for interior spaces — from walls to cabinetry to furniture — and rounded up their top picks for whites, neutrals, and colours that will forever be in style.

Before we get into their picks, let's introduce our colour experts:

When choosing a white wall paint, our experts are all looking for a similar outcome: A soft but bright white that feels fresh, without looking stark. To fulfil this goal, 'Simply White' by Benjamin Moore is a near-universal favourite. "It's a crisp and clean white with soft yellow undertones that looks beautiful in almost every space, and performs well in both natural and artificial light," says McQueen.

For a slightly warmer white, McKay gravitates towards Benjamin Moore's 'Cloud White,' which she says adds "just the right amount of creaminess — not chalky looking!" Ocampo's pick, 'Alabaster' by Sherwin Williams, is also on the creamier side, and is equally adaptable: "It goes so well in any home," she says.

A step further off-white, Benjamin Moore's 'Swiss Coffee' is more milky with slightly golden undertone that comes out more or less depending what colours are next to it. "It's beautiful choice for rooms without large windows," says Doxey. "It has a soft, lit-from-within glow that acts as artificial light in rooms that don't get a lot of from outside" says Doxey.

For a more neutral base, Ruach recommends Benjamin Moore's ‘White Dove.’ "Its a clean, airy and slightly cool white that has a touch of grey," she says. "It is a great option for cabinetry, millwork and trim in the home."

For furniture, Robinson's pick is Fusion Mineral Paint’s Picket Fence. "I love it because it’s a clean, fresh, bright white with no undertones."

You've probably heard that grey walls are on their way out — and while that's not wrong, it's not quite accurate either. Rather, pure greys are being replaced by shades of greige: a blend of beige and grey.

These blended neutrals can have any variety of undertone, but our experts most often choose those that lean on the warmer side. McQueen's pick, Benjamin Moore's 'Gray Owl,' is a prime example of why: "It adds the perfect amount of warmth and dimension without overpowering a space," she says — and really, isn't that exactly what you want in a neutral? For an ever-so-slightly warmer, richer option, Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore (Doxey's pick) ticks all the same boxes, making it a beautiful pick in transitional spaces or open-plan rooms.

Ruach likes Sherwin Williams's ‘Agreeable Gray’ for its versatility. "It's a neutral hue with an even blend of warm and cool" she explains. In natural light, it looks greige, while in lower light, it veers towards a warmer grey. "Because of its adaptability, it can set the perfect backdrop for furniture and accessories in the home," she says.

It's that same versatility that draws McKay to 'Classic Gray' by Benjamin Moore, a warm grey that she says mixes well with both warm and cool tones. Ocampo's choice, 'Repose Gray' from Sherwin Williams, is another mid-toned grey "that can lean warm or cool depending on what is in the room."

Aside from walls, these versatile neutrals are also great on cabinetry and furniture. Since they balance warm and cool undertones, metal hardware shines in any finish. Robinson likes to pair Mango Paint's 'Yvonne' — a subtle, warm tan — with aged brass hardware for a striking look.