Paint
Beacon Paint & Hardware
371 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 78th St.; 212-787-1090; beaconpaint.comAn Upper West Side hardware and paint store with a local vibe and ecoconscious streak, Beacon is one of the largest New York City retailers of Benjamin Moore’s environmentally friendly line of paints. $-$$ (eco-friendly)
Colours by Martin
191 Ninth Ave., at 21st St. 212-243-5266; coloursbymartin.comMartin Kesselman works closely with architects and designers but understands the needs of the amateur decorator as well. The store carries more than 10,000 paint colors from Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, and Donald Kaufman and offers ecofriendly products. $$-$$$ (eco-friendly)
Donald Kaufman Color
donaldkaufmancolor.comThis paint company adheres to a philosophy: Color should help maximize architecture’s potential impact. Kaufman and his partner-wife, Taffy Dahl, are inspired by nature, and the science of color and light informs their ready-mixed and custom paints. $$$
Epstein's Paint Center
562 W. 52nd St., nr. 11th Ave.; 212-265-3960; epsteinpaint.comOne of the few stores that still carries Pratt & Lambert paint, Epstein’s boasts all the stains, varnishes, glazes, and paints you need. It also has a solid collection of tile and linoleum flooring to choose from. $-$$
Farrow & Ball
32 E. 22nd St., nr. Park Ave. (various locations).; 212-334-8330; farrow-ball.comKnown for its depth of color, Farrow & Ball makes high-quality paints and wallpapers in the tiny town of Dorset, England. The company dates back to 1946, and its products are still made with natural umbers, china clay, and old-fashioned block printing.$$$
Franklin & Lennon Paint Co.
537 W. 125th St., nr. Amsterdam Ave.; 212-864-2460; franklinlennonpaint.comThis family-owned Harlem business sells all types of house paint and offers advice on how to get the most out of each. There are a number of ecofriendly products in stock, and the staff puts a premium on helping customers understand their options. $$
Janovic Paint & Decorating Centers
888 Lexington Ave., nr. 66th St. (various locations); 212-772-1400; janovic.comThis New York chain boasts a helpful staff and an extensive selection of paints and coating for all your interior or exterior spaces, from trim colors to concrete-floor finishes. If you’re not sure where to start, the company’s in-house decorating service department can assist in color selection. $$ (consulting services)