Robert M. Luckey 
As beautiful as more “traditional” paint colors can be, sometimes you just need something ready to go. This is especially true in 2022, when more people than ever feel the need to express themselves through the home. However, unexpected and bold paint colors can be scary no matter how badly you want to try something new. Luckily, though, interior designers have a few tried-and-true tints to recommend that take the guesswork out of adding unusual paint colors to your space. Even better, they’ve shared their top picks with TZR.
But first, a few words of wisdom. Even if you’ve found your shade and think it’s perfect for the room you’re decorating, that doesn’t mean you have to go all out. Especially if it’s your first time using it (or just unusual shades in general), it’s a good idea to practice restraint. “I recommend people who are a little scared to take the plunge and dip a toe into color by making the space smaller,” says Joy Williams of Happy Designs Studio. “Maybe an accent wall, but I think the best option is a little antechamber you can come back to to see how much you might love or hate a full color shift.”
Most important, though? Don’t worry if you realize the color you picked isn’t quite right. “It’s just paint,” says Elle Cole of Elle Cole Interiors. “If you don’t like it, paint over it. Your investment and commitment to trying more unusual paint colors is low, making it easy to take the plunge.
Now that you know how to start your journey with unusual and atypical paint colors, designers’ favorite shades will allow you to put these tips into practice and add a surprising touch to your home with confidence. Keep reading for their expert shade recommendations.
We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Fresh Fennel by Magnolia Paint Co, Benjamin Moore
Lauren Clement from Lauren Nicole Designs says her favorite color is green because it “evokes nature, brings the outdoors in, and brings any space to life.” So one of his bold colors in projects is Fresh fennel by Benjamin Moore, a shade she actually created. “I have used this color in several bathroom vanities and it is so much fun!” Clement explains. “It paired well with other colors such as gray and navy and a touch of gold hardware looks great on it.”
Although the designer notes that fresh fennel can be a little too much for walls, it can look great on a door (like the barn door in an office/craft room she once added it to). ). For her, it’s often a surefire way to ensure that customers will smile every time they walk in.
Eggplant from Farrow & Ball
“A fancy eggplant” isn’t most people’s first choice of paint color – but for Williams, it makes sense. The interior designer tells TZR that she first discovered the shadow – called Eggplant from Farrow & Ball – of a paint bridge, and was immediately drawn to it. “I was actually looking for a slightly muted red color, but the depth of the Brinjal color kept reminding me,” she says.
Williams particularly likes the shade in a high gloss finish and shares that she recently used it in that exact sheen on a ceiling. “It adds instant ambiance to the space at night and drama during the day.” That said, she has also used (and loved) Brinjal in a flat or modern emulsion finish covering the interior of a closet, floor, ceiling, and crown molding. “It allowed me to use a darker closet system that went well with the full color saturation.”
If you’re looking for something to pair with, Williams recommends another Farrow & Ball shade, Dressing gown, “which has a hint of earthy rosy tones,” she says. “Love the two together because Peignoir is a perfect ‘neutral’ for the Brinjal.”
Aiken Park by Magnolia Paint Co, Benjamin Moore
Navy blue isn’t exactly an “unusual” color, but Aiken Park, a Benjamin Moore-lit navy that Clement also created, is definitely not something you see in homes every day. “That’s actually why one of my clients hired me!” Clement shares. “She loved that color because it reminded her of Florida, where she spent most of her life before moving to North Carolina.” The designer says she has used it on the client’s kitchen island, as well as her cafe/beverage center. “It goes wonderfully with a light gray wall paint ([like] my Southern Cross color) and gold hardware.
She also says it’s “stunning” in powder rooms, a master bathroom vanity or in an office. “It’s a bright twist on a classic color that I love!” Clement continues. “A fun way to bring life and personality to your space.”
Morristown Cream & Teacup Rose by Benjamin Moore
Sara Barney from BAND/DESIGN loved roses lately – in particular, the Morristown Cream and Pink Teacup shades of Benjamin Moore. “I came across these colors when I was trying to find a shade of pink that would give a nice pop to a space without it being too loud or overpowering,” she told TZR. “Pink is not a typical color you find in a house, but I had to use them to paint the furniture in the living room, because it gave a soft but striking touch to the room,” she tells About a project in which she used this particular type of rose. “The other colors in the room are also cream and light blue, which all work beautifully.”
Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore
The popular Aegean teal Benjamin Moore’s color actually has a fanbase despite its uniqueness – including Emily Ruff of Coherently organized interiors. The designer has only used it once so far, and discovered it while researching blue/green cabinet colors for a vanity. “The powder room he went into had navy blue zellige tiles covering the back wall – lots of color!” It was clearly a hit, as she already has plans to use it again. “A current client of mine also chose Aegean Teal for her vanity,” Ruff continues. “Associated with this wallpaper and that shimmer It’s going to be wonderful!”
