The Most Underrated Paint Colors, According to 20 Designers

Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball

“Hands down, Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder. This is a magical color that unbelievably doubles as a neutral. It’s the most interesting ethereal blue-green-gray-beige that works with almost any palette from vibrant hues to warm earth tones. It holds up equally well in light-filled rooms or spaces with no windows at all—it’s just that versatile. And it’s a secret weapon on a porch ceiling, no matter what the exterior paint color. Trust us, try a gallon!” —Anne Hulcher Tollett, principal designer and owner of Hanover Avenue

American Cheese and Nacho Cheese by Benjamin Moore

“Two warm colors I use that are underrated are Benjamin Moore American Cheese and Nacho Cheese. These are in the middle of the color deck, and at first glance seem to have a fair amount of white, but don’t be fooled by this. Once they are up on the walls they are cheerful and a breath of fresh air.” —Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design

Babouche by Farrow & Ball

“I know that yellow has got a reputation for being a very ’90s color, and I do agree that washed-out, baby layette yellow can really take the energy out of a room, but I am in love with deep sunshine yellows, like Babouche from Farrow & Ball. This is the most marvelous color for hallways. It pairs so beautifully with old black-and-white marble floors and a set of botanicals in shiny black frames. Add a beat-up antique console table, clutter it with baskets of white orchids, and let blue and white ginger jars take up the rest of the real estate! Your sunny entrance hall will beckon even the most chilled to the bone guest.” —Mally Skok, founder of Mally Skok Design