This interior designer swears by these popular paint colors that bring 'elegance to any space' – two shades to know about for a sophisticated home

The world of paint colors can be complex, with so many shades out there to choose from, so leaning into those colors that are tried and tested by designers is always a good place to start.

In this case, Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan brought two popular paint colors to the spotlight in a recent video shared on Instagram, with Benjamin Moore's White Dove and Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon.

I spoke with Marie to find out exactly why she loves decorating with these two timeless and sophisticated paint colors – which could make a stylish addition to your room color ideas.

White Dove, Benjamin Moore

'My favorite color is Benjamin Moore White Dove. It’s got the perfect balance of brightness and warmth,' Marie shares in the Instagram video.

With its subtle warmth, White Dove is a popular warm white paint that retains a light and airy feeling for a clean look throughout the home. While some warm whites lean quite yellow, White Dove feels modern and fresh.

'White Dove is a timeless, soft neutral that offers warmth and invites tranquility, making it an ideal choice as a global finish for continuity across the home,' Marie tells me. 'I love using it in living spaces, kitchens, and bedrooms. It seamlessly connects spaces, giving a sense of airiness and cohesion.'

Dead Salmon, Farrow & Ball

'I’m also really loving Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon,' Marie continues in the Instagram video. 'Don’t let the name scare you. It’s the perfect warm pink-brown neutral and it just creates this soft beauty in any room.'

Dead Salmon is widely known as one of Farrow & Ball's most popular paints, reading as a moody, earthy pink paint that isn't too sweet but works almost as an alternative neutral paint.

'On the other hand, Dead Salmon is rich and moody, with its unique muted, rosy, and brown undertones that add instant personality and sophistication,' Marie tells me. 'It’s perfect for a jewel-box room, where its depth creates an intimate, layered ambiance.'

What's more, Marie is a fan of using this moody pink alongside White Dove for a room's color scheme. She adds: 'Together, these colors bring balance, warmth, and elegance to any space.'

When decorating with paint, opting for colors that boast timeless appeal will withstand quickly-passing trends and look great for many years to come. That's certainly the case for White Dove and Dead Salmon, so if a timeless color scheme is what you're after, we'd recommend sampling these two shades.