12 Colors That Are Modern Now

"Not a single client looks at this chip and says, 'Great!' But once it's on the walls, they get it. This color is incredibly warm, and it transcends any given style — equally at home in a beach house or in backcountry Greenwich. Best said by a six-year-old with a family room in this color: 'It's like living in a pumpkin pie.'" —Kevin Isbell

Benjamin Moore Aura Buttered Yam AF-230

"This is a brilliant cerulean blue that feels modern and bold because of its intensity. The depth of color would give character and panache to any room. It's a fearless choice, and that reflects a confident and very contemporary attitude about decorating." —Michael Cox

Farrow & Ball Full Gloss Stone Blue 86

"Lilac is one of my favorite flowers. And this is just a whisper of color, very light and airy instead of heavy and Victorian. A bit of purple always adds a modern touch, yet has an old-fashioned feel. It would be especially serene in a bedroom, with white trim." —Lynn Morgan

Benjamin Moore Advance Nosegay 1401

"All those off-white rooms that can turn dingy yellow just seem dated to me. Gray is the new neutral. My interiors have always been about contrast, and gray is a great backdrop for a clear, modern palette because it works with both warm and cool colors, like fuchsia, turquoise-blue, and spring green." —Deborah Walker

Sherwin-Williams Duration Gray Screen SW 7071

"We've seen greens and oranges, and now yellow is ready for the spotlight. It's a happy color — like a happy face — and it's about to take on the world. This yellow is intense and saturated, so you need to spread it out in doses. Use it to liven up a door, a feature wall, or a powder room. It's a mood enhancer." —Christopher Coleman

Benjamin Moore Advance Bold Yellow 336

"Black looks strikingly fresh to me. Once it was reserved for dungeon dwellers and the most daring decoristas, but now it's a glamorous neutral that just oozes chic. It glows in sunlit spaces like nobody's business and is a pristine backdrop for jewel tones, brights, and, eternally, white. Opt for an eggshell finish, which won't show every mark and fingerprint." —Elaine Griffin

Valspar Signature Very Black 5011-2

"Everybody thought for a while that cream was it, and then it went out of favor. But I think it's coming back in a big way. Trust me. It's crisp, and it's warm, and warm tones always make a room and everyone in it look better. I think it's as chic as can be." —Kerry Delrose

Ralph Lauren Paint Studio Cream RLUL-236

"There's something so fresh, inviting, and invigorating about a yellow room. This is slightly orangey — so much better than a yellow that goes green. I feel like I'm happily lounging inside a buttercup. Wonderful in a bedroom or library with pale blue on the ceiling, white upholstery, and pops of hot pink or purple." —Leslie Banker

Benjamin Moore Aura Morning Sunshine 2018-50

"Terra-cotta is not the trending color. It's offbeat, unexpected, and earthy, and that kind of individuality seems modern to me. In shimmery high gloss, it's also sexy. It would give artwork and antiques a fresh con text and make them younger and more exciting. Maybe I should try it in my bathroom!" —Glenn Gissler

Farrow & Ball Full Gloss Loggia 232

"I'm loving the color yellow right now. Not your typical primary or buttery yellow, but this vivid yellow that has a touch of neon, without being too psychedelic. It reminds me of Pharrell's 'Happy' — you just can't get enough of it." —Danielle Fennoy

Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion Yellowcake 279

"Orange somehow feels modern and warm, which is what people are looking for these days. The right orange fills a room with energy, and this color — inspired by the Orangerie at Versailles — is the perfect balance of freshness and elegance. Paint the trim white and it will remind you of a Creamsicle!" —Benjamin Dhong

Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion Orangery 70