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The Pastel Paint Colors Designers Are Loving

They're oh-so sophisticated.

July 8, 2022
  • David Oliver

    Temple by Paint and Paper Library

    “This color pink was mixed especially for this room by myself. In my opinion, it’s a perfect pink, not too sugary as it has some brown in it.” – Veere Grenney

    Temple, paintandpaperlibrary.com

  • DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

    Bath Salts 624 by Benjamin Moore

    Painting a ceiling blue is one of my favorite decorating tricks, and it may be the oldest one in the book. In this case, the walls are a slightly paler aqua than the ceiling, which is similar to Bath Salts by Benjamin Moore. I love the effect that the slight tonal variation has on the eye—it’s almost like the horizon line where the blue of the ocean meets the blue of the sky.” – Celerie Kemble

    Bath Salts 624, benjaminmoore.com

  • Frank Frances

    Peignor No. 286 by Farrow & Ball

    “One of my favorite colors for ceilings is this very muted lavender by Farrow & Ball. I have it on my own bedroom ceiling.” – Sheila Bridges

    Peignor No. 286, farrow-ball.com

  • Paul Costello

    Palladian Blue HC-144 by Benjamin Moore

    “Pastels can be rich, but people tend to go too pale—don’t be afraid of saturated color! We used this celadon shade in a lacquered finish to tie together the living and dining rooms in an open-plan apartment.” – Miles Redd

    Palladian Blue HC-144, benjaminmoore.com

  • Max Kim-Bee

    Winter Gray 2117-60 by Benjamin Moore

    “This custom-mixed waxed Venetian plaster is a chameleon color with hints of lavender and blue grey. I loved it with the chocolate browns, aubergines, natural linens and the gilt elements in this room. Ground your pastels with neutrals and rich earth tones.” – Tim Whealon

    Winter Gray 2117-60, benjaminmoore.com

  • Andrew Steel

    Cuisse de Nymphe Emue by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint

    “Cuisse de Nymphe Emue is a very flattering, dusty pink with enough earthiness to avoid it being too girly. In this bathroom, I paired it with painted timber floorboards in Farrow and Ball’s Dimity for bright and light feel. I like juxtaposing the sweetness of pastels with robust pieces of furniture and fabrics that take the edge off the more sugary tones; deep reds or jewel tones can also balance soft pastel tones beautifully.” – Anna Haines

    Cuisse de Nymphe Emue, edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk

  • Nelson Hancock

    Shy Green MQ3-48 by Behr

    “After scraping off all the layers of gloppy old paint on our porch, we discovered that it had at some point been green, so we decided to go with it. We mixed up a lighter, bluer green for the trim and windows. The color makes a nice backdrop to the painted wicker and old chintz.” – Markham Roberts

    Shy Green MQ3-48, behr.com