Which paint colours will deliver brilliant results? Designers dish on their favourite shades of paint.

Do fail-safe paint colours really exist? Depending on a home's style and decor scheme, most design experts find they can rely on one or two colours for brilliant results. We've unlocked a few of these sacred colours from five design professionals -- read on to discover their tried-and-true favourite paints.

"Benjamin Moore's Willow (CC-542) is my favourite brown. It pairs perfectly with classic neutrals and even trendy accent colours like pink and aqua. I've used it to paint wooden handrails inside the house and out, and it also made a stunning appearance on all four walls in a small powder room. For the less daring, it makes a fabulous accent wall."
-- Sharon Grech, colour and design manager for Central Canada, Benjamin Moore.

"A colour that never disappoints me is Slipper Satin (2004) from Farrow & Ball. Just like the name says, the colour closely resembles an antique satin slipper. It's the perfect off-white choice for built-in cabinetry."
-- Lisa Worth, interior designer, The Drapery Room, Aurora, Ont.

"My favourite accent colour is Benjamin Moore's Abyss (2128-20). I've used this rich grey-black with a blue undertone on fireplace walls for high contrast and a snap of unexpected colour. It looks great on interior doors against white trim. I've also rejuvenated an old mirror frame and a piece of wood furniture with it too!"
-- Lara Neal, Lara Neal Design, Toronto.

"Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray (OC-23) is a great neutral that works in both traditional and contemporary interiors, and is especially great for open concept spaces since these are usually large areas that require a big paint commitment. It's also a warm neutral that's a perfect backdrop for colourful artwork and allows you to complement it with feature walls."
-- Steve Suraci, Icarus Designs, Toronto.

"I use Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist (OC-27) a lot, because it fits so many different interiors. It can have an old-world plaster backdrop or fit quite nicely into a contemporary setting. I love the way the lighting throughout the day works with this colour – something that's always an important consideration when choosing paint."
-- Halina Catherine, Halina Catherine Design, Toronto.

"Ralph Lauren Paint's Kitchen Cupboard (SS14) is such a refreshing grey. With its subtle blue undertones, it's gentle and cool and a key ingredient for a calm kitchen."
-- Samantha Pynn, Design Editor, STYLE AT HOME.

• Benjamin Moore: 800-361-5898 for retailers; benjaminmoore.ca.

• Farrow & Ball: 877-363-1040 or farrow-ball.com for retailers and to order.

• Ralph Lauren Paint: 888-475-7674 rlhome.polo.com.