Dream in Color: Tips for Prepping, Painting, and Pairing

Paint is an essential tool for shaping an interior. Color can help create a sense of space and even adjust a room’s mood. But at times, the process of selecting the right paint color, sheen, and where to start and stop can feel intimidating. So, we turned to two Benjamin Mooreopens in a new tab experts—Director of Color Marketing & Design Andrea Magno and Senior Manager, End User Product Experience, Mike Mundwiller—for wisdom about choosing paint colors, the best finishes, and the proper tools for either freshening up or completely transforming your spaces.

Ready, Set, Paint

BIG FINISHES: Favor matte paint finishes when aiming to achieve a rich, velvety look. Either matte or eggshell continue to be most popular for walls. But turn to high gloss paint finishes to accentuate architectural details such as trim, doors, and cabinetry. Remember, whatever the surface, a lower sheen will be more forgiving of imperfections.

PRIME DIRECTIVE: To prime or not to prime? According to Mundwiller, if what you are painting has been previously painted with a latex paint, you do not necessarily need to use primer. However, if it was previously painted with oil-based paint, has a sheen of semi-gloss or higher, or if you are making a dramatic color transformation, consider using primer—after first making sure the wall is clean and dry.

TOOLING AROUND: It’s important to have the right tools for each stage of a paint project. For example, if the floor is not being replaced, you will need to protect it. Plastic drop cloths offer efficient coverage and can be discarded for quick and easy cleanup. However, if you paint frequently, Mundwiller suggests investing in a reusable, washable canvas drop cloth. High-quality painter’s tape is essential for creating clean lines and protecting trim from drips. And a sturdy paint tray is crucial when painting with a roller. Use the ribbed, roll-off area to help remove excess paint before applying.

In Living Color

The design world looks forward to Benjamin Moore’s annual reveal of its Color of the Year and accompanying Color Trends Palette. The announcement can influence thousands of home renovations. If you’re planning a painting project, check out the paint colors that made the cut for 2025.

SLATE EXPECTATIONS: This year’s color is Cinnamon Slateopens in a new tab, a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. Magno suggests using Cinnamon Slate as a focal point in an entryway to set the stage for a rich, interesting use of color throughout your home—along with natural textures like warm wood and brown leather, complementary warm accent colors, and contrasting cooler tones.

FOUNDATIONAL COLORS FOR THE WHOLE HOME: There is rich neutral Chowning’s Tanopens in a new tab, soft Tissue Pink,opens in a new tab calm Sea Saltopens in a new tab, sophisticated Paris Rainopens in a new tab, and bright Glacier White.opens in a new tab A pair of substantial greens—Rosepineopens in a new tab and deeper Ashwood Mossopens in a new tab—and the urbane blue Stained Glassopens in a new tab to round out the collection. All of these pair perfectly with select Cambria quartz surfaces.

Pairing Paint to Stone

“Looking at colors present in veining is a great starting point to determine a few options that will work with the stone,” Magno explains. Consider paint that is a striking contrast with the stone for a more dramatic feel. Or choose a closer match for a softer, subtler look. Cambria’s paint match tool can help.