This is Susan Hershman, author of the book, 'House Colors: Exterior Color by Style of Architecture'. My book deals with how to choose exterior color for the home. This book's subject matter deals with the interior room . This subject matter was going to be my next book. It was written before I got a chance to do it. My point is that readers are always asking me to write a book on interior color or ask for a recommendation for one. This book is my recommendation.
The paint colors were chosen by talented designers and are their favorite colors. Their word on color is the bottom line because they have experienced color professionally and know what works and doesn't work. Designers always end up with a list of their favorite colors and it is a list that many designers hold close to their chest and don't share. Not here. This is an priceless resource.
That being said, always check your colors before you paint your room. The nature of the printing process is that it's not always accurate, some colors are particularly off. It's not the fault of the author at all. Just use common sense when selecting colors from this book. That means that you must always test your colors on your walls in your room. Paint a large area, at least 4'x4' or even larger and paint it on all four walls. Look at the color in the day time, mid day and under artificial lighting sources at night. It will look different for each situation. Take the time to test before you go out and buy gallons of paint, it will pay off financially and more importantly, in the color result. Trust me, I've done this a million times.
One more thought about the book. As much as I love it, and I do, I wish that there were more examples of the colors in photographs. People have a hard time visualizing. Even if the color is a little bit off, it does show alot more than a color swatch. Still, bravo to the editors of House Beautiful. Well done and thanks a lot for all of those people out there who struggle to get great color for their interiors!