Between Pinterest, HGTV, Instagram, and design magazines, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy and hip and forget what really matters when decorating a home.

So what does matter? 

It varies from person to person. Some care a LOT about Design and keeping up with trends. Others don’t care at all, and want a home that feels authentic to those living in it (two-legged AND four-legged). And then there are others, like myself, who dabble in both.

However, regarding how we FEEL about our home, I’ve discovered two main categories: external and internal.

EXTERIOR VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

Relates to how you think OTHERS view your home

This is how the dining room looked when we viewed our house. It didn’t have our personality (obviously, it wasn’t our home), it didn’t feel like ‘us,’ and the open layout (kitchen/living/dining) wasn’t homey. Until things were changed, I did NOT have company over for dinner (even though we knew they were just coming for my stellar personality and epic cooking skills – wink wink).

A FEW EXAMPLES OF EXTERNAL VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

• Feeling proud to have guests come over.
• Have your guests feel comfortable in your home, even if it isn’t their personal style.
• That whole ‘keepin’ up with the Jones’ thing (those Jones get around more than me in my 20s!)
• Worrying about what ‘other people’ will think before making a purchase (which is what I do before buying underwear.)
• Worrying about what ‘other people’ will think after making a purchase, aka: 2nd guessing your tastes.

INTERNAL VALIDATION OF OUR HOME

Internal validation is how YOU feel about your home

Now, I LOVE our dining room. Even with the open layout floorplan, the space feels more authentic to our tastes and cozier to spend time in!

Our Kitchen & Dining Room Update  / Benjamin Moore White Dove & Urbane Bronze island

A FEW EXAMPLES OF INTERNAL FEELINGS ABOUT OUR HOME

• Having an authentic home that is a reflection of who is living in it (human and furry).
• Feeling comfortable so you can relax in your space.
• Feeling safe and at peace.
• Being proud of it (for yourself).

Personally, I fall smack-dab in the middle of both categories. I desperately need an authentic, calming home in which I am comfortable and at peace. At the same time, I want to feel proud of it (which comes with my job) so that when guests come over, they’re comfortable and impressed with my latest changes (which happen weekly, by the way) and ever-dwindling wine collection.

So, I’m going to use my home as a ‘case study’ to show you what makes OUR house feel like a home…

1. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH PHOTOS

Regarding family photos, ‘too much of a good thing’ only applies if you’re selling your home. If you are NOT selling your home and are decorating it for yourself and your family, there’s NO SUCH THING as ‘too much’ if it makes you feel good!

Here’s our living room before, too many empty walls and nooo personality…

And here it is after new flooring, painted stair railing, new paint color, and our furnishings, and home decor – it’s like a whole new living space…

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter

Your family is your home. Whether you like four photos or 40, how you pay homage to those you love is a personal matter and should not be subject to public opinion (even your sister’s – tell her to mind her own beeswax…).

2. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH WELL-CHOSEN ART PIECES

Whether it’s Grandma’s old needlework or your collection of waterscapes, what you hang on your walls speaks VOLUMES about your tastes, hobbies, and history.

I’m an Island girl, on the West Coast of Canada. Therefore, it makes sense that I love paintings of waterscapes and forests, as shown by some of the artwork in the dining room…

Benjamin Moore White Dove

And this isn’t just ‘any’ art; it’s created by my dear friend and INSANELY TALENTED neighbor, Ronei (find her website here and INSTAGRAM here.)

Here’s another one of Ronei’s stunners at our lake home. Even though it’s used as an Air B & B sometimes, I still want it to FEEL like us…

Benjamin Moore White Dove

While I certainly tread that line between what is personal and what is ‘decoratively appropriate’ (and no, I don’t mean nudes), I don’t have ONE SINGLE piece of artwork in my home that I don’t love. In fact, I have a strange obsession with trees for some reason, including images of things that USED to be trees, like the totem pole below. I can’t explain or rationalize it (fascination with hardwood, I suppose – wink wink).

Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart painted office door, White Dove trim/walls

In one of our VERY old homes, I loved to display my kid’s artwork and did so via a gallery wall. While they aren’t pumping them out like they used to, my heart still smiles every time I see this photo…

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream

BUT (Kardashian-sized), just because I’ve permitted you to hang your paint by number doesn’t mean you get to go all willy-nilly and hang whatever wherever – there has to be SOME method to the madness!

Why?

Because if you have the RIGHT piece in the RIGHT place, the result is simply magic!

 The Right Height to Hang Artwork

3. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH MEMORABILIA & SENTIMENTAL PIECES

These are the pieces that tell a story. And while memorabilia is often old (like Grandma’s old china cabinet, Grandpa’s fishing rod, or childhood pieces), it can also be more recent. Maybe it’s your heart rock collection (the girls and I have collected hundreds) or that crystal vase from your third wedding. Whatever it is, if it’s important to you, it matters.

It doesn’t need to be an epic story – it just needs to be yours.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter

WHAT HAS SENTIMENTAL VALUE IN THE ABOVE PHOTO?

• The yellow canister has Big Grandpa’s ashes in it so he can hear the hockey game.
• While it’s hard to see, the long, narrow wood piece on the console table has sea glass, heart rocks, and a rock/twine thing my friend Ang made for me.
• The framed photo on the console table is of Tim and me, as well as part of the previously shown family gallery wall.
• See the door in the upper hallway with the little hot pink things on it? I wrote on post-it notes for the girls four years ago, stating why I love them. We still have them up!
• The books in the basket on the coffee table are ’boutique-style’ books from my friend, Ang (she’s super thoughtful and knows my heart so well.)
• The toss cushions are from Home Sense – no feels whatsoever other than LOVING them when I saw them!
• While you can’t see it in the photo, I also have a ten-foot-tall indoor plant – a ficus tree. Getting it was an adventure, and we all love Fred the Ficus! Adding natural elements and texture to our home is a BIG part of feeling AT home.

What makes YOU feel at home?

And then there’s Doug, who makes any space feel like home…

4. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME WITH BOOKS

I am a reader and a book hoarder. I love the smell of books, the feel of books, and the look of books. I went out looking for a few of Amy Tan’s books (having just read one and loved it). I found them at my favorite used book haunt and didn’t buy them because the covers were ugly. That’s right, I DO judge a book by its cover.

This is our bookcase from a few years ago…

Benjamin Moore White Dove walls, trims, and Graystone on the board and batten lower walls

If I enjoy a book, I want to keep it forever. I don’t want to loan it, trade it, sell it, give it; I want to KEEP it – I’m like Gollum from the Lord of the Rings – MY PRECIOUSSSSS! I only keep my faves, and I have a few of those…a few hundred. One of my life/house goals is to have a personal book den or library where I have a fireplace and can curl up all day with my favorite read and a bottle glass of wine.

4. MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME BY DISREGARDING ‘STYLE’

I have style, alright – MY style, which is called ‘whatever strikes my fancy!’ That’s right, I don’t have a specific personal style, or if I do, it would be called ‘West Coast, homey, organic, modern, with a touch of eclectic’ – that about covers it.

If I had to match everything I bought to a specific style, our home would be a false representation of the people who live in it,

And while I’ve always wanted fake boobs, I don’t want a fake home.

In the above photo, you see Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 25% darker cabinets, White Dove walls and trim, and Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze on the painted island. Find out how I REALLY feel about our gray kitchen cabinets HERE.

Benjamin Moore White Dove…of course.

Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray

Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray is 75% lighter in the above two photos

By the way, the frames on the gallery wall are ALL from Walmart – style doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

WHY I BUY THE THINGS I DO

• Because I love them. Because I go to a store and slip on my drool as I walk by them. Their color, function, or overall look catch my eye.
• Because if I don’t, they will haunt my dreams…for real (I have ADHD, and it’s crazy in there sometimes).
• I like change. While I have my constants (family, dogs, and wine), I love changing my rooms and getting excited about new ideas and treasures, whether from the Thrift shop, Home Sense, or a garage sale!

This set of croquet balls in our bar area in the family room (below)is a good example of, ‘buying something because I love it’. Let’s be honest: I love a nice set of old balls…

OUR PAINT COLOR PALETTE

Thanks to one of my readers, I realized I FORGOT TO ADD MY PAINT COLORS!

Here we go…

• WALLS: Benjamin Moore White Dove, although there’s still some Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray 75% lighter left in a few areas (entryway)
• TRIMS: Benjamin Moore White Dove
• KITCHEN ISLAND & PAINTED STAIR RAILINGS: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
• KITCHEN CABINETS: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 25% darker
• GRAY PAINTED DOORS: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter 50% darker (yes, I’m clearly a weirdo who likes to mess around with colors)
• BOARD & BATTEN: Benjamin Moore Graystone
• POWDER ROOM: Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky
• GUEST BEDROOM: Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray
• DARK PAINTED DOOR: Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart

MORE TIPS FOR MAKING A HOUSE INTO YOUR HOME

Aside from the touchy-feely stuff (which Tim ALWAYS loves), here are a few ideas to consider…

1. While the color of your front door on the outside needs to MATCH the outside, it’s awesome if it winks toward the color palette INSIDE your home, too!
2. Pay attention to your entryway. It often reflects the mood/vibe of the rest of your home.
3. Add textured pieces, including area rugs, toss cushions, and drapes to soften spaces. Rooms are FULL of hard edges, and these pieces help soften them and absorb sound.
4. Consider the TEMPERATURE of your light bulbs – Kelvins can make all the difference between a cold and uninviting space and one that looks inviting!
5. Add artwork, but the odd bare wall is important, too – let your eyes rest. And don’t forget to hang it at the right height!
6. ADD PLANTS. I don’t have a green thumb, but a few key plants make ALLLLL the difference for a lived-in look (go fake if you have to.
7. Don’t let the dumb stuff detract from the important stuff. Sometimes, the important pieces get buried in the ‘every day’ of papers, Kleenex boxes, remote controls, and more. Once in a while, visit each of your home’s surfaces and see if the things that matter to you the most are in their glory, or halfway to their grave.
8. A little clutter goes a long way. This is one I struggle with. I love minimal clutter; however, when I go to friend’s and family’s homes, I actually feel pretty darn comfortable when there’s some clutter around – when everything isn’t perfect! I mean, there’s DEFINITELY a tipping point, but a little mess can be endearing – you have to LIVE in your home!

WANNA READ MORE ABOUT DECORATING YOUR HOME?

I have a great series of blog posts about Creating a Timeless Home. For those inclined, most of these are more design-related and are full of GREAT tidbits and tips.

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

The Best Medium-Depth Blue Paint Colors

The 6 Best Warm Off-White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Colour Consulting Services

I originally wrote this blog post in 2018. I ripped it apart, rebuilt it, and updated it in 2023 based on our home now!

The post How to Turn Your House Into a Home: A Case Study appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When choosing my top colors for the year, I’m looking for colors that INSPIRE. Colors that talk to people (mind you, every color talks to me after a few glasses of wine). Colors that have you thinking, ‘You know what? Maybe I’ll step outside my comfort zone and try it – why not!’ And while some colors are only good on a new car or fresh pair of undies (Caliente, anyone?), others are just begging to be slapped on your walls, cabinets, and doors – colors like the ones we’re looking at shortly.

But first…

WHAT’S KYLIE M’S PROCESS FOR CHOOSING HER FAVE COLORS?

First off, it’s agonizing – I can’t even tell you. Colors are like my children, and I love them all the same for different reasons. Just joking – I DEFINITELY play favorites.

Here’s the general process…

1. Choose this month’s fave wine and insert funnel and straw.

2. Break down each color group, i.e., blue, green, beige-tan, gray, white, etc…

3. Focusing on one group at a time, I consider colors my clients have asked for in the previous months and how these relate to where trends could be SHIFTING.

4. Narrow it down to my favorite three colors within each color group, and from there…

5. Consider each color’s useability on the following surfaces…

• cabinets, islands, and/or bathroom vanities
• accent walls
• entire rooms or even WHOLE HOMES
• trims
• doors (interior and exterior)
• exterior siding

6. Consider any shifts I’m seeing on my Instagram feed

From there, I don’t just pick the colors with the most checked boxes; I combine these with my knowledge of WHAT PEOPLE TEND TO LIKE.

Why does this matter?

Because most people buying paint are average people with average homes…

REAL PEOPLE & REAL HOMES NEED REAL COLORS.

Sure, we’ve got a few billionaires here and there or the eccentrics who crave the wild and wonderful, but in the residential paint world…

Most of us are just looking for pretty colors that get us excited to paint.

This is why I still stand by my previous year’s faves, including Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White, Ripe Olive, and Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.

Why?

Because these colors are still kickin’ it, you guys still love them, and I could EASILY choose them for this year, too! But that would be a bit redundant. The point is that these colors WORK, inspire, and are useable.

Sherwin William’s 2023 Coty, Evergreen Fog, is still a super popular shade of green

ARE THESE COLORS NEW & EXCITING?

You might expect my colors of the year to vary wildly from year to year. Look at Benjamin Moore – last year’s color was Raspberry Blush; this year’s color is a ravishing shade of violet-blue. As for Sherwin Williams’s 2023 choice, Old Bologna, I mean, Redend Point, is DRASTICALLY different from this year’s subtle shade of blue – Upward.

Unlike the big brands, I’m not looking at high design, commercial spaces, or fashion when looking for my color inspirations – I’m looking at YOUR HOME AND YOUR TASTES. I explore current trends and consider how they’re shifting to see where things are going in the coming year (again, based on my Instagram feed and Online Consulting clients). This means that this year’s colors are often a variation or tweak of LAST year’s colors.

Why?

While trends can SHIFT, it takes a lot for a ‘wild and wonderful new color’ to come on the scene without SOME kind of warning or warm-up. So, while I’d love to throw down some wild color that gets people talking, I’d rather just show you what I believe you’ll be looking for…

Colors that have a darn good chance of looking good SOMEWHERE in or on your home.

My favorite choice for last year was Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White. And throughout 2023, I was happy to see it pop up on my client’s exteriors, cabinets, and walls!

While it’s not wild and crazy, it sure as heck is popular!

By the way, I talk this much in real life, too.

NOW LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

BENJAMIN MOORE MARITIME WHITE

Not everyone is ready for the warmer end of beige (myself included), but many are tired or gray, greige, and taupe. PERSONALLY, it’s about the right color, in the right depth, in the right spot. However, with trends continually leaning warmer (in the neutral world), and slowly shifting OUT of the ‘white on white’ trend, Maritime White was one of the first colors to come to mind.

Maritime White walls, White Dove cabinets, Antique Pewter lowers

Contrary to what its name says, Maritime White isn’t white. Nor is it super beige or cream – it’s a hybrid of sorts. While it might cater a bit more to beige than anything, it’s definitely not typical for those who think they’re averse to beige, as it has a touch of gray to slow it down.

What’s great about a color like Maritime White is its lack of commitment, which makes it flexible and ready to suit a wide and wild range of interior finishes. Maritime White is FLEXIBLE, it’s WARM, and it’s ready for you (sounds like a hot date, right?)

Why Maritime White?

More and more, my Online Color clients are leaning into their homes…

They’re picking paint colors based on the home they have, not the home they WISH they had. 

For this reason, we’re seeing more subtle warm hues pop up, colors like Maritime White. They’ve become popular for those updating their 1990s and 2000s homes, as well as homes from earlier decades.

While I’d love to see this WHOLE room in Maritime White, the Urbane Bronze accent wall is pretty!

Homeowners aren’t fighting their homes as much (and I hope I’ve been part of that shift) – trying to get white cabinets where white doesn’t fit or gray walls where beige will be better. Sure, there’s no harm in trying – there’s often a happy medium…

But sometimes there’s something even better…the perfect color.

As mentioned above, I’ve noticed a decreased demand for white walls. This trend is slowly being replaced by softer, warmer hues – colors like Maritime White. Will we reach the heavier end of the beige world next year? We’ll have to see – give me 12 months to think about it.

The Best Off-White Paint Colors

WHERE DOES MARITIME WHITE LOOK BEST?

• Unlike more colorful options, a neutral like Maritime White can suit an entire home (these colors do, too).
• Single rooms, as it accommodates various other colors in a palette.
• Exterior siding, often suiting stone and brickwork.
• Kitchen cabinets, especially given the off-white/light depth cabinet trend.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF MARITIME WHITE

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO MARITIME WHITE

A few colors were in the running with Maritime White but didn’t make the cut (for various reasons). A few of these are VERY similar to Maritime White in depth and intentions; others are similarly warm, but have a bit more depth.

• Benjamin Moore Muslin
• Sherwin Williams Moderate White
• Sherwin Williams Divine White (the first one kicked off the list – pretty, but not neutral enough)
• Sherwin Williams Natural Linen (darn close!)

BENJAMIN MOORE BRITANNIA BLUE

Britannia Blue is a medium-dark shade of blue with a very subtle wink of green – the magic ingredient that makes this blue useable in the average home. Britannia Blue has an LRV of 18.06, so it’s in the medium-dark range and tiptoes in the medium depths.

Along with a touch of green, Brittania Blue has a reasonable, but not overwhelming dose of gray, creating a more calm, subdued approach to blue. To compare it directly with Blue Nova, Britannia Blue looks gray in comparison (it’s not gray), and you can see the green in it a bit easier. And having a bit of green mixed in will make Brittania Blue more useable than Blue Nova (in the average home). However, compare Britannia Blue to a gray with a similar depth, like Amherst Gray, and you’ll see its beautiful blue hue coming through!

The Two Types of Blue & How to Pick Your Best Shade

Why Brittania Blue?

In general, blue greens are more versatile and popular than blue-violets. Of course, there are a few exceptions, especially in the dark range, but blue-green is the boss in the light to medium-dark depths.

Is Britannia Blue a version of navy blue?

Heck no, it’s too light for that. In fact, Britannia Blue is like a fresh, slightly more updated take on navy blue. In previous years, I spent a lot of time consulting on navy blue islands and cabinets. And while these projects are still rolling in (and always will), many are requesting a lighter, brighter approach to blue.

Amongst other subtle (and not so subtle shifts), I’ve also noticed my Online Color clients leaning out of the gray range and embracing the more colorful end of things. They’re not into the bright blues…yet, but these smoky blue-grays will be hot in the coming years. Now, let’s check out the best spots to use a color like Britannia Blue.

WHERE DOES BRITANNIA BLUE LOOK BEST?

• as an accent wall in any room
• on exterior siding or a front door
• kitchen cabinets (the whole kitchen)
• kitchen islands and bathroom vanities
• an entire room, if you’re so inclined!

Get your SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK SAMPLE

For those not digging the blue hues, check out this next beauty…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PEWTER GREEN 6208

Pewter Green is a stunner. If you’re looking for a green paint color with depth, without too much darkness, with COLOR, but not too much intensity – this could be your shade.

With its LRV of 12, Pewter Green is a medium-dark shade of green and is clearly shy of dark greens that read like green-black. As for its degree of color (chroma), Pewter Green commits to green but has a reasonable gray backdrop calming it down. While it’s not a gray-green by any stretch, it’s FAR from Kelly or Emerald Green.

I don’t have many great photos of Pewter Green YET, here it is on an accent wall in a commercial space of mine…

Why Pewter Green?

Pewter Green is like a lighter version of my last year’s fave, Ripe Olive (which I still stand strongly by – shown below). However, while dark greens are still going strong on cabinets, many of my clients yearn for a slightly softer approach for their cabinets and walls.

Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive

Pewter Green offers a commitment to green, without being punched in the face by Kermit the Frog. It’s moody, earth-toned, and WILDLY flexible with various finishes. I almost bumped it up to Sherwin Williams Retreat, which is a more consistent medium-depth shade of green. And while both will have their place in the coming year, we still love those dark hues.

Let’s look at a few places Pewter Green can be used…

WHERE DOES PEWTER GREEN LOOK BEST?

• as an accent wall
• on exterior siding or a front door
• kitchen cabinets (the whole kitchen)
• kitchen islands and bathroom vanities
• an entire room (a small bathroom would look wicked in Pewter Green)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF PEWTER GREEN

Long story short, green isn’t going anywhere in 2024. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog was 2023’s COTY, and it’s stunning and still in high demand. Benjamin Moore rocked the color world with October Mist in 2022, and I still get requests for it.

Green is timeless; it just comes down to the right color, in the right depth, in the right spot.

2024 will have us exploring these mid-toned greens and DARKER shades of green as well, especially colors like Pewter Green.

The 15 Best MEDIUM to DARK Green Paint Colors

SHERWIN WILLIAMS IRON ORE

It was a toss-up between Sherwin Williams Black Fox, Benjamin Moore Willow, and Iron Ore. I kicked out Willow first, as it’s too warm, so it was down to Black Fox, and Iron Ore.

And while it KILLS me not to choose Black Fox or Willow, I really wanted to…

Ultimately, I chose the color that still caters to yesterday’s black trends while winking at a softer look: Iron Ore. Black Fox put up a good argument – it’s a gorgeous dark gray and brown blend, (with a tiny wink of green for good luck). And while I expect to see it on exteriors in the coming year, I don’t think it will have the popularity of Iron Ore.

Sherwin Williams Black Fox door and Canvas Tan walls

As for Willow – be still my beating heart, I LOVE THIS COLOR. And it’s BROWN, people! Who would have seen THAT coming? However, whereas many browns are super fudgy (technical term), Willow is grounded by a gorgeous gray base, leaving you with a muted, passive warmth that’s great for exteriors, trims, and accent walls. HOWEVER, we’re not quite at that warmth…yet.

Why Iron Ore?

While black is still reasonably popular as a hardware finish, its popularity on cabinets and exteriors is waning. It’s not gone, but I see my clients exploring softer, more interesting shades of black, colors like Iron Ore.

Notice the contrast of Iron Ore with the black door hardware

Iron Ore is a soft shade of black. With an LRV of 6, it’s not as saturated as Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (still hugely popular) but isn’t light enough to be considered a dark gray or charcoal paint color. This softness has Iron Ore coming in hot for 2024, and I expect to see it on many surfaces, including…

• kitchen cabinets
• islands and bathroom vanities
• accent walls or entire rooms (I did this in my last home and LOVED it)
• front doors
• exterior siding, with a more legit black trim
• exterior trim

Fridge panels are yet to be installed, Iron Ore island. Compare it to the black outlet cover to see the contrast

WHERE DOES IRON ORE LOOK BEST?

• It’s a gorgeous choice for exterior siding and trim
• dramatic accent walls
• a neutral, but not boring, front door color

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF IRON ORE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS EGRET WHITE

Egret White is a warm, neutral paint color. Some see it as warm gray; others find its warmth caters more to taupe – which is more its tendency. The best thing about Egret White is that while many taupes commit hard to violet-pink undertones, Egret White (like Edgecomb Gray) has MINIMAL undertone commitment.

Why Egret White?

Egret White is an awesome color as it’s transitional. Many homes have difficulty shifting out of the BEIGE world of the early 2000s, while others are buried in gray and are looking to warm up their rooms. This is where Egret White comes in.

Egret White bridges the warm and cool worlds, humoring many beige finishes common in today’s home and some gray-on-gray palettes from the previous five years.

Sure, I see a LOT of you leaning into beige – trends are definitely going this way. But for those of you not quite there, Egret White could be the perfect happy medium.

WHERE DOES EGRET WHITE LOOK GOOD?

• in a single room, as it accommodates a wide range of adjoining colors
• multiple rooms or entire homes
• for those who want an off-white exterior with no strong yellow
• interesting cabinet color with the right countertop/backsplash

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF EGRET WHITE

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Egret White

READ MORE

Benjamin Moore Blue Nova: 2024 Color of the Year

The Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colors

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

4 PART SERIES: How to Create a Timeless Home

LET ME PICK YOUR COLORS FOR YOU!

Check out KYLIE M’s ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES

Chat soon, 

The post KYLIE M’S 5 COLORS OF THE YEAR: 2024 Collection appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Is white still in style as a paint color and interior finish? Are people still doing white cabinets, countertops, walls, and exteriors? Are people still covering their ENTIRE HOMES IN WHITE?

The short answer is YES, but you don’t read my blog for short answers as there’s a LOT more to it than one wee word.

With modern farmhouse trends, white paint colors became HUGELY popular in the previous five years. What started out as a penchant for shiplap feature walls and board & batten accents morphed into an ALL-ENCOMPASSING passion for everything WHITE!

And because white doesn’t relate to just paint colors and walls, we have countertops to consider as well. Let’s break it down into manageable bites…

Please note that this blog post isn’t about telling you NOT to do something based on TRENDS; not all of us are trend-followers (I’m somewhere in the middle, personally). This blog post is about offering ADVICE to those who are worried that a particular trend, style, or finish could limit the future potential of their home, either style-wise or as it relates to RESALE. Cool beans?

IS WHITE STILL A TRENDY PAINT COLOR FOR WALLS IN 2024?

Based on my Online Paint Color Consulting clients, white is still going reasonably strong. This doesn’t mean that every home can pull it off, but white walls are definitely popular, and while things will shift in 2024, we’ll still see them popping up.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

However, cool white paint colors are NOT in. Unless a home needs a cool white based on existing finishes, nobody is doing them.

Instead, more are leaning into whites with a bit of warmth. The shift I’m seeing is that while warm whites are still popular, some are dipping their toes into the world of warm off-white paint colors. Again, if you don’t care about trends or resale, then pick your dip, tater chip.

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

SHOULD YOU PAINT YOUR WALLS, TRIMS, & ALL WHITE IN 2024?

I wouldn’t unless it’s a look you love and you don’t plan on selling. If you do commit to white on a larger scale, remember that trends are shifting. Down the road, you may need to add some variation by painting secondary rooms in different colors. This is why ANY white you choose needs to be FLEXIBLE.

However, if you do white cabinets, white countertops, white backsplash, and white walls, that’s a LOT of commitment to white, and you may want to break things up a bit before you even start.

SHOULD THE WALLS, CABINETS, TRIMS, & CEILINGS BE THE SAME SHADE?

Should you choose to go all-white, consistency is the EASIEST way to create a flexible home. While some homes/whites can handle a bit of variation, your walls, trim, cabinets, ceilings, and doors should be the SAME WHITE; you’ll just shift the SHEEN or FINISH for some subtle variation.

White Walls, Cabinets & Trim – Do They REALLY Need to Match? 

This next dining room has Benjamin Moore White Dove on the walls, trims, and ceiling, creating a more cohesive look…

WHICH WHITE PAINT COLORS ARE THE MOST POPULAR FOR CABINETS & WALLS?

As far as choosing a WHOLE HOME white, I have a few almost fool-proof ones that I refer to ALL the time in my E-Design. Here’s a quick list to get you started…

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Sherwin Williams White Snow

The 5 Types of White Paint Colors: Warm, Cool, Bright & More

See the FULL REMODEL HERE

WHICH WHITE PAINT COLORS SHOULD YOU AVOID?

While the following whites are BEAUTIFUL, using them on a large scale will limit your home’s feature potential to humor new colors and trends…

• Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White or anything with a comparable cool hue
• Sherwin Williams Dover White or anything with a comparable yellow hue
• I’m on the fence with Sherwin Williams Extra White

Remember, YOU CAN LOVE THESE COLORS AND USE THEM; this isn’t what this blog post is about. It’s about answering the question of, ‘which white paint colors will be trendy and flexible for as long as humanly possible‘; in other words, don’t kill the messenger (wink wink). These colors are often best for SINGULAR spaces or rooms, rather than whole-home commitments.

IS WHITE STILL A TRENDY PAINT COLOR FOR CABINETS?

HECK YES, white cabinets aren’t going anywhere!

Why?

Because whether YOU personally love them or not, white is THE most timeless paint color for kitchen cabinets (and trim). If you’re looking for the SAFEST bet for your cabinets, that has the best chance of holding value in the coming years, white cabinets are where it’s at. For all of the gray, beige, cream, and blue cabinets I’ve advised on, WHITE wins the race.

How to Create a Timeless, Trend-Proof Home – 4-Part Series

This next kitchen has a great life ahead of it. With Chantilly Lace cabinets, white quartz, and a marble backsplash, it has elements commonly found in a timeless home…

WHICH WHITE PAINT COLORS ARE THE MOST POPULAR FOR CABINETS?

As far as I’m concerned, it’s less about TRENDY and more about FLEXIBILITY. Any white you use on a surface that you DON’T want to repaint every five years should be FLEXIBLE. And while I have a full blog post on this topic, here’s a quick list…

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Sherwin Williams White Snow
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

ARE WHITE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS STILL TRENDY?

Ahhh, see, this is where it gets tricky.

Which white quartz are you considering? What neutrals or colors are in its VEINS?

With trends leaning warmer, countertop companies have started TWEAKING their white quartz countertops to accommodate the warmer end. Whereas at the start, we were limited to quartz countertops with gray veining, newer quartz countertops pick up on greige and beige, giving them more FLEXIBILITY to adjust with the trends and suit incoming styles.

The 8 Best Warmer Quartz Countertops

Sherwin Williams Pure White & Roycroft Pewter

If you’re installing a white quartz countertop in your home, consider one that has FLEXIBLITY and isn’t just married to one hue (the most common one being a gray vein with a violet undertone). Without flexibility, you’re limiting your home to colors that belong to one trend, making updating a trickier and more EXPENSIVE venture.

But to answer the question, ‘Is white quartz countertop still a popular choice for 2024?‘ Yes, it is.

Where else are you using white? Walls, trim, cabinets, exterior?

It ALSO comes down to how much white you plan on using in your home and which TYPE of white you’re using.

Are you planning on white walls, trim, cabinets, exterior, AND countertop? We were definitely sitting in this trend in the previous few years, but in the coming years, things will shift to a more contrasting approach. In five years, I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to see which homes were built during ‘the white era’ of 2017-2023.

As it relates DIRECTLY to trends, not personal tastes (I’ve got other blog posts for that), I would hesitate to do an ENTIRE HOME in white in 2024 and onwards. Or, at the very least, I’d have some fun with feature walls.

This next kitchen is a great example of using the right white in moderation…

My client, Jenna Christian, is AWESOME to follow on Instagram! 

• the cabinets, walls, and trims are the SAME warm white – this white will have a FAR longer lifetime
• black granite countertops break things up
• beautiful wood floors add depth and interest

As trends change, she can swap out light fixtures, furniture, and hardware, but the BONES of this kitchen are timeless!

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4-PART SERIES

IS WHITE STILL A POPULAR COLOR FOR EXTERIORS?

This is where we’ll start seeing more of a shift in the coming year or two. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good white home, and some homes will ALWAYS LOOK GOOD white. However, as it relates to TRENDS, I see this one shifting…which isn’t a bad thing.

A gorgeous home that suits white! 

Why?

Because some home’s exteriors are painted white and shouldn’t be – white doesn’t suit every roof, layout, stone, or brick. As for this next home, this one WILL stand the test of time…

So there you have it. If you’re not SURE whether to do white or not, I’ve got DOZENS upon dozens of blog posts to share with you, to help you make your big decision!

READ MORE

6 Questions to Ask Before You Paint Your Cabinets White?

The 5 Almost Fool-Proof White Paint Colors For Your Home

3 Steps to Choosing the BEST WHITE PAINT COLOR For Your Home

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

How to Choose the Right LIGHT BULBS/KELVINS For Your Paint Color

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2022, UPDATED YEARLY FOR YOU!

The post Are White Walls, Cabinets & Exteriors Still Trendy for 2024? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

It’s the most, wonderful time…of the year. No, not Christmas – it’s COTY-TIME! That’s right; Autumn is when my fave brands, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Sherwin Williams, spill the beans on their TOP color choices for the upcoming year.

And Benjamin Moore has hit it OUT of the park with this year’s choice. I’m so friggin’ pumped to share Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2024 with you, which is (insert drum roll)…

Why am I SO EXCITED?

Number one, I’ve put Bailey’s in my coffee as this is a BIG DAY in my colorful little world! Number two, Blue Nova is wicked pretty, and I’m so pumped they chose it. Given last year’s lackluster choice (which I didn’t even review, as nobody was going to use it), Blue Nova has my heart beating a thousand miles a minute (again, could be the Bailey’s and coffee).

When I consider my own colors of the year for 2024, as with previous years, they must satisfy a few important points…

• they don’t need to suit EVERYONE, but they need to have potential
• these colors should be useable on more than one surface
• they should get people EXCITED to paint! 

And whether Blue Nova is a color YOU love remains to be seen. But if you ask me, Blue Nova satisfies all three of the above and much more.

WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS BLUE NOVA?

Blue Nova is a rich, striking shade of…PURPLE. That’s right, it’s a purple, but a shade with a more classic appeal. However, it’s one that’s pretty balanced with blue, making it a purple-blue. It’s not dark enough to be a navy or royal blue (thanks to its LRV) but has enough vavavoom to add interest to almost any paintable surface (which we’ll talk about shortly). 

However, just because a color says it’s a certain thing, doesn’t mean it LOOKS that way to you. If you ask me, Blue Nova is a shade of blue with a TON of purple in it, but I see the blue before the purple. How does it look to you?

And because blue is NEVER just blue, Blue Nova has undertones that must be considered before slapping it on any walls, cabinets, or doors. Blue Nova is a blue-purple blend. Does the purple take over? No, but it’s no wilting violet; it shows up to the party with tassels on. 

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

WHAT’S BLUE NOVA’S LRV?

Blue Nova is an alluring mid-tone shade of purple-blue paint color, which we know because of its LRV of 16.98. Some colors in this range can fall flat and dull if you have a dark room. Thanks to the degree of color (chroma) in Blue Nova, it shows up like a vision in a dark room, bringing energy and personality. 

I love Blue Nova so much that I have it on the accent wall in my guest bedroom at the lake house (darkened by 25%). The little bit of side wall you can see is Benjamin Moore White Dove…

This room is reasonably dark, as it’s on the bottom floor, underneath the upper deck – yet it still comes to LIFE with Blue Nova! 

If you have a well-lit space, Blue Nova will hold its depth quite well. Of course, ANY color will look lighter and brighter with light on it, but with this darker LRV, Blue Nova doesn’t fade away. 

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

The Best Paint NUMBER for Your Home – 62

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

SAMPLING BLUE NOVA WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK paint samples are AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

Your peel & stick samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY

Get your Samplize PEEL & STICK SAMPLE

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH BLUE NOVA?

Thanks to its depth and chroma, Blue Nova is super flexible with various shades of white. Here are a few of my faves…

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Benjamin Moore White Dove

Before being the guest bedroom (shown earlier), our downstairs room lived life as a temporary bunk bed room…

SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

6 Questions to Ask Before You Paint Your Cabinets White

IS BLUE NOVA A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

I’m not going to say no, but when it comes to choosing your home’s best exterior color, it depends on your roof, stonework, brick, and surroundings. Many of these hard finishes don’t love a color like Blue Nova. However, Blue Nova could be STUNNING if you have only a roof to consider and crisp white trim. 

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS BLUE NOVA A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?

If you want reassurance that Blue Nova is a wicked color for your kitchen island – Heck yes! As an island paint color, Blue Nova makes just the right impact.

Where I might hesitate is in an ENTIRE kitchen. Don’t get me wrong; this badass beauty is stunning. It’s just…a lot. Sometimes, you can say MORE with less, and Blue Nova is one of those colors.

As for built-in cabinets, Blue Nova could look awesome. Again, built-ins are a more contained surface compared to an entire kitchen. The same goes for bathroom vanities. 

Now, I don’t always have the images I need, but I wanted to show you how Blue Nova looks on kitchen cabinets. So, I whipped up a computerized rendering for you to check out. (I also offer this service in my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CABINET CONSULTS!)

Again, this is a LOT of color, and you do you, boo, but I prefer a more modest approach on an island, built-ins, or bathroom vanity.

How to Choose the Best White Paint Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Island & Bathroom Vanities

Here’s Benjamin Moore’s gorgeous image for it on built-ins in a home office – MAD LOVE…

WHERE CAN YOU USE A COLOR LIKE BLUE NOVA?

This is what I love about Blue Nova – it’s not a one-trick pony; it has a great depth of color for a wide variety of surfaces, including…

• kitchen island
• kitchen cabinets (full kitchen)
• bathroom vanity
• interior of the front door (or a main secondary door)
• exterior of the front door 
• accent wall in a luxurious matte finish (I love Aura paint)
• entire room
• exterior
• painted furniture (satin or pearl finish)

I don’t see Blue Nova gaining as much traction in a large living room or open-concept space. Being a more powerful color, it’s better on a smaller scale. However, not small AND dark like some hallways. 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BLUE NOVA?

Of course, nothing compares, but colors with similar intentions include…

• Benjamin Moore Blue Heron, which is a bit less blue/more gray
• Benjamin Moore Yin Yang, which is like a lighter version of Blue Nova
• Sherwin Williams Luxe Blue, which is a bit darker and can look sliiiightly more blue-violet
• Sherwin Williams Denim, which is a bit darker and bluer than Blue Nova (and darn pretty, too)

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH BLUE NOVA?

Blue Nova has a reasonable range of color pairings. For the average home, a color palette including Blue Nova will have colors similar in chroma and mood and lighter, more gentle shades. However, it’s not as suited to earth tones, so any attempt at neutral should have some good life to it…

NEUTRAL & CALM SHADES THAT GO WITH BLUE NOVA

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Misty Blue, a light version of Blue Nova
• Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise, a white-cream blend
• Benjamin Moore Windham Cream, a fusion of cream and yellow
• Benjamin Moore Bunny Gray, a slightly fresh gray with a blue hue (blue-violet)

MORE COLORFUL SHADES THAT GO WITH BLUE NOVA IN A PALETTE

• Benjamin Moore Willow Grove, a green that meets head-to-head with Blue Nova
• Benjamin Moore Forest Valley Green is a softer approach to a more colorful shade of green (green-blue)
• Crimson for a splash of muted red-orange
• Benjamin Moore Stunning is a darker shade of Blue Nova
• Sweet Vibrations, a fun shade of chartreuse

READ MORE

The Best MEDIUM Blue Paint Colors

The Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore October Mist: Color of the Year 2022

Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best Warm Gray Paint Colors 

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post BLUE NOVA COLOR REVIEW: Benjamin Moore’s 2024 Color of the Year appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Whether you’re searching on Pinterest, Instagram, or your fave design magazine, there’s no shortage of beautiful homes, bathed in bountiful shades of blue. From bold and ballsy to breezy and bright, blue is a color that offers endless inspiration. But while visuals can be helpful, they’re not always applicable to you and your home – sometimes you need REAL help (insert wine HERE).

Why are blues SO DARN HARD to choose?

Because you don’t just need a blue that you fall in love with; it also needs to coordinate with your finishes and suit your room’s exposure. If you need help with that, I have an awesome Online Paint Color Consulting service, but otherwise, READ ON!

Blue is a classic paint color in the world of Design. Inspired by nature and driven by trends, blue never goes out of style; it just depends on the TYPE of blue that’s currently trending. This makes blue a great choice if you want to create a timeless home. But as with any color…

It’s about the right color, in the right depth, in the right place.

The tricky part is that not all blues are created equal. This is why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite MEDIUM depth shades of blue – colors I repeatedly recommend to my clients.

But first, let’s talk about the basics…

WHAT MAKES A BLUE A ‘MEDIUM’ BLUE?

While you can visually explore a color, the best way to know its actual depth is to find its LRV number.

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and is a number every paint color has on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white).

Medium-depth paint colors have LRVs between 20-40 (approx).

If you have two shades of blue, one with an LRV of 36 and the other with 38, it might not be easy to see the difference with your naked eye (or naked anything, really, keep your pants on ya weirdo). However, the two-point difference tells you that the color with the LRV of 36 is the darker shade.

Benjamin Moore Charlotte Slate (also known as Providence Blue)

The blues you’ll be looking at today are medium-depth blues because their LRVs are moderate, making them great for accent walls, kitchen cabinets, islands, and more.

And while I could talk until I’m BLUE in the face, let’s zoom like a blue-arsed fly and get this color party started…

1. BENJAMIN MOORE MOUNT SAINT ANNE 1565

Mount Saint Anne is one of my favorite shades of blue for a calming, coastal-style home. Just like many other mixed colors, Mount Saint Anne is open to perception. Most of the time, it shows up to the party as BLUE-GREEN with a modest dollop of gray in it.

As shown in this next bedroom, colors like Mount Saint Anne look great with wood trim and furniture, enhancing the wood’s color and creating a well-balanced palette…

Mount Saint Anne has an LRV of 41.9, making it a medium-depth color, but one that’s on the LIGHTER end of that range (it can also pass as a darker light-medium shade of blue).

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MOUNT SAINT ANNE

While there will never be a perfect match, comparing colors with slightly different looks is the best way to find your perfect paint color.

• Benjamin Moore Raindance is a bit more green
• Sherwin Williams Eventide is softer and slightly more green than Mount Saint Anne
• Benjamin Moore Beach Glass is like a lighter version of Mount Saint Anne

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DEBONAIR 9139

Debonair is as aloof as it sounds. With a blue base, a whisper of green, and a reasonable shot of gray, this shade of blue is a modest, calm approach to color. If you want to NOD at blue on your walls or cabinets without being smacked in the face with it, Debonair could be your perfect color.

Debonair has an LRV of 34. This means it’s a medium-depth paint color, more or less in the middle of the range, with enough depth to offer a reasonably high contrast with white trim.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF DEBONAIR!

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO DEBONAIR

• Sherwin Williams Blustery Sky is darker than Debonair but has similar tendencies
• Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne is a smokier, slightly green approach to blue compared to Debonair
• Sherwin Williams Meditative

3. BENJAMIN MOORE KNOXVILLE GRAY HC 160

Knoxville Gray is a color ninja, changing its look on a whim. You might see it as a green with some gray and blue in it, and others might see it as a blue with some green and gray in it – it just depends on which color seems most DOMINANT to you.

But unlike the other shades on this page, Knoxville Gray is the ONE color that dips into the medium-dark range; thanks to its LRV of 15.68 – this badass blue-green ain’t messin’ around.

This next photo shows Benjamin Moore Texas Leather (also known as Stampede), a gorgeous mid-tone greige, with Knoxville Gray in the adjoining office – I love both of these colors with the wood trim and cabinets…

Paint Colors to Go With Wood Trim

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO KNOXVILLE GRAY

Comparing similar paint colors is the BEST way to find the right shade for your room.

• Benjamin Moore Steep Cliff Gray is a bit lighter than Knoxville Gray
• Benjamin Moore Porch Swing is lighter and a bit grayer
• Sherwin Williams Riverway has a bit more color/higher chroma

4. BENJAMIN MOORE BACHELOR BLUE  1629

Bachelor Blue is one of my favorite blues. While the lighter end of the blue-violet world isn’t as popular, once you hit the medium depths, colors like Bachelor Blue pop up on kitchen cabinets and even exteriors. With an LRV of 23.52, this muted, but purposeful shade of blue is a great choice if you don’t love blue-greens, but still want a blue with some interest to it.

Blue violets look gorgeous with wood, as shown with the butcher block countertop

One of the tricky things about blue-violets like Bachelor Blue is that the shift between BLUE-violet and a VIOLET dominant color happens very quickly and is open to interpretation. If we go much farther into violet, the scales start tipping. Bachelor Blue is single and ready to mingle.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO BACHELOR BLUE

• Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray is more colorful/less gray than Bachelor Blue
• Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud is a moodier, much grayer take on blue-violet
• Sherwin Williams Bracing Blue is a lighter, more colorful shade of blue-gray-violet

5. BENJAMIN MOORE WATERS EDGE 1635

Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge, also known as Van Courtland Blue, is an elegant take on blue. In the fan deck, it comes across as more or less ‘blue-gray.’ However, when you compare it with other colors and slap it on your walls, you’ll see some green and a modest, but noticeable gray backdrop.

Water’s Edge/Van Courtland Blue has an LRV of 31.47, making it a medium-depth paint color (in the middle of the range).

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WATER’S EDGE

• Sherwin Williams Delft is more blue
• Sherwin Williams Debonair is grayer than Water’s Edge
• Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue is like a more colorful take on things
• Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue is like a lighter version with a touch less green
• Sherwin Williams Morning at Sea, from the Emerald Designer Edition, is very similar to Water’s Edge

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BRACING BLUE 6242

Bracing Blue is a gorgeous, classic take on blue-violet. With a more subtle gray backdrop than some of the blends on this page, Bracing Blue approaches blue-violet with a strong dose of blue and a mild (at best) violet backdrop.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF BRACING BLUE HERE!

With an LRV of 25, Bracing Blue is also one of the darker blues in this blog post, without heading into the medium-dark shades like Distance (also stunning, with an LRV of 15).

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO BRACING BLUE

Comparing paint colors is the BEST WAY to find your perfect shade.

• Sherwin Williams Daphne is like a lighter version of Bracing Blue
• Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray is VERY similar to Bracing Blue with its depth and overall approach

7. BENJAMIN MOORE DENIM WASH CC 770

Denim Wash is one of the more TRUE blue hues on this page. With a commitment to blue, and barely a wink of green or violet in sight, Denim Wash is inspired by…pants. That’s right, pants.

However, between green and violet, Denim Wash is sliiightly more likely to favor violet over green, given the right room exposure/environment.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF DENIM WASH

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO DENIM WASH

• Benjamin Moore Colonial Blue looks to have a wink of green compared to Denim Wash, but they’re VERY comparable
• Benjamin Moore Harlequin Blue and its subtle blue-violet hue shows how TRUE BLUE Denim Wash is
• Sherwin Williams Daphne is like a more gray take on Denim Wash

In fact, Daphne is so gorgeous; let’s take a look at it here (I wish I had a client photo, but I don’t)…

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF DAPHNE

8. BENJAMIN MOORE STRATTON BLUE HC 142

Stratton Blue, also known as Del Mar Blue, is a popular shade of blue for entire rooms, accent walls, kitchen islands, and even front doors! Do you see it as a BLUE-green blend or a GREEN with a bit of blue in it?

Stratton Blue has an LRV of 37.77, making it a medium-depth blue-green paint color (but on the higher end of this range). You can also explore Stratton Blue’s closely related, but slightly darker, Sioux Falls, which is shown on this front door…

As this type of color darkens, the green often overtakes the blue, which you’ll see the start of if you compare Stratton Blue and Sioux Falls in person.

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO STRATTON BLUE

• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue is lighter than Stratton Blue
• Benjamin Moore Azores is slightly darker
• Sherwin Williams Halycon Green appears a bit softer/grayer

9. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SMOKY AZURITE 9148

Smoky Azurite is a shade of blue that can look legit blue in some spaces while winking towards blue-green in others (only by a bit). And while it has gray in it, Smoky Azurite is a blue-forward color in any space.

Sherwin Williams Denim is on the kitchen cabinets

Smoky Azurite has an LRV of 25, giving it a solid medium-depth look. However, even in a dark space, this shade of blue has enough color to show up to the party and won’t fall as flat as some other blue-grays can.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SMOKY AZURITE

• Sherwin Williams Favorite Jeans is like the lighter version of Smoky Azurite
• Benjamin Moore West Coast, with its slightly committed blue-green, shows how legit ‘blue’ Smoky Azurite looks

10. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MOODY BLUE 6221

Moody Blue is a rich, stunning blue-green shade, without dipping into the ‘overly colorful or saturated end of things.’ This is because while Moody Blue has some gray to calm it down, its blue-green blend is more dominant (emphasis on the blue over the green).

Moody Blue has an LRV of 27, making this moody shade of blue-green a super skookum medium-depth paint color.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MOODY BLUE

• Sherwin Williams Delft is a bit lighter and gentler
• Benjamin Moore Templeton Gray is more dense, grayer, and moodier than Moody Blue
• Benjamin Moore Sea Star is lighter

11. BENJAMIN MORE SEA STAR 2123-30

Like the other blends on this page, Sea Star is blue-green with more emphasis on the blue. It’s also tempered by a gray undertone, calming it down and giving it a more coastal, beachy vibe.

Sea Star has an LRV of 32.99, putting it smack dab in the middle of the medium depths. As shown in my client’s games room above, this depth offers wicked contrast with white trim without weighing down a reasonably well-lit room.

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SEA STAR

• Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray is similar to Sea Star, but the gray takes over much more
• Benjamin Moore Atmospheric is more green, but not by a lot

12. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHIRLPOOL 9135

Whirlpool is a medium-depth blue-green with JUST enough gray to slow it down without leaving it muted or flat.

The 6 Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

With an LRV of 29, Whirlpool is smack-dab in the middle of the medium range. In the above photo, notice how it looks lighter where light hits (via the satin finish of cabinet paint), but darkens where there isn’t direct light.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHIRLPOOL

• Sherwin Williams Refuge is a darker version of Whirlpool that grabs a touch more green
• Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge is similar but slightly greener than Whirlpool
• Benjamin Moore Mineral Alloy has the same blue as Whirlpool, but rather than a green undertone, it leans into violet

13. BENJAMIN MOORE BLUE NOVA 825

Blue Nova is my favorite, more striking shade of blue. With an LRV of 16.98, Blue Nova isn’t messing around. However, while its LRV makes it a medium-dark shade of blue, the degree of color it has gives it more life so that it plays in the same field as the other colors on this page.

Blue Nova is a blue-violet. And while it has a bit of gray calming it down, it’s the brightest blue on this page.

Benjamin Moore Blue Nova Color Review: COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2024

READ MORE

The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Doors, Walls, & Cabinets

The 13 Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

The Best Warm Neutrals That AREN’T BEIGE! 

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING – let me choose your colors for you! 

Chat soon,

The post The TOP 13 Shades of MEDIUM Blue Paint Colors appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

While white appliances aren’t as popular as stainless steel, they’ve come a long way from the white units from the 1990s, especially GE’s Cafe collection. The matte white Cafe line from GE has customizable features and a more modern approach to the everyday function of kitchen appliances.

But guess what, buttercup?

GE Cafe white isn’t white. 

Ermmmm, pardon?

That’s right; Cafe white isn’t white – in fact, it’s reasonably far from it, not just in depth, but in undertones.

To prove my point, I went to my local Home Depot – trusty fan decks and a flask of coffee & Bailey’s in hand. Online sources say that Sherwin Williams Rock Candy is the closest match to GE Cafe white, and in Sherwin Williams paint, that’s true. However, Benjamin Moore has a GREAT match with Genesis White. However, either are good representations…

The real difference between Genesis White and Rock Candy is that Genesis White is a bit cleaner looking (fractionally brighter and bluer).

So, in learning about Genesis White and Rock Candy, and using them as our color guides, we learn about GE Cafe white and which colors will go best with it.

Genesis White 2134-70 is a GRAY paint color – not white. We know this because of its LRV of 76.6. This means it isn’t even a super LIGHT off-white – it’s smack dab in the middle of the OFF-WHITE range. As for undertones, Genesis White has gray and blue (blue-violet).

Rock Candy has an LRV of 75, so it’s also an off-white paint color with a similar gray-blue undertone. As mentioned earlier, it’s just a little less clean/blue than Genesis White.

Now that we know these colors are off-white grays with blue-violet undertones, we know that GE Cafe white has the same undertones and a pretty darn similar depth (there wasn’t a noticeable difference in person).

This means that GE CAFE matte white is not white, it’s GRAY. 

In the white world, there are five types – warm, cold, soft, bright, and true. GE Cafe white is more closely related to soft, cool whites. The challenge is that the most POPULAR shades of white for cabinets, walls, and trims, include Pure White, Alabaster, White Dove, and Simply White, ALL of which are significantly warmer than GE Cafe white.

Why are the above whites the most popular?

Because they suit a wide range of quartz, granite, and laminate countertops. Or, if we flip this around, why aren’t the cool, soft whites popular? Because they don’t suit as many quartz, granite, and laminate countertops.

How to Update Your Older Granite Countertops

When warm whites (the most common cabinet colors) and colors like GE Cafe white collide, they bounce off each other. This means that compared to your GE Cafe appliances, the previously mentioned whites will look more creamy (and, in some cases, more YELLOW) than your appliances.

As for your cool gray-blue appliances, compared to your white cabinets, they will look a bit colder – you could even end up with ‘yellow cabinets and blue-violet appliances.’

For example, check out Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (which looks similar to how Benjamin Moore White Dove could look with GE Cafe White)…

As you can see, the cabinets look warmer/creamier, and the range looks cool, and even a touch violet. Seriously, look at the bottom oven drawer with the cabinet directly to its right – THE RANGE LOOKS PURPLE! Some people are okay with this partnership – you do you, boo. Personally, it makes me a bit twitchy as neither really enhances or blends with the other – they kind of fight.

GE CAFE WHITE & COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASHES

Two things (aside from clashing undertones) that are often ignored when coordinating cabinets with GE Cafe White appliances are the COUNTERTOP AND BACKSPLASH. These two surfaces are the first place to look when looking for your best cabinet color – especially the backsplash. If you only focus on coordinating your appliances and cabinet colors, you might go the wrong way for your countertop and backsplash. Don’t let your want of GE Cafe appliances distract you from whether your kitchen and its existing or newly purchased finishes actually suit these appliances.

I’ll be writing a blog post on GE Cafe white and its best countertops and backsplashes in the near future. 

This isn’t to say GE Cafe appliances aren’t gorgeous – THEY ARE; you just need to coordinate carefully with them. 

I had this come up recently with a client. She has Cloud White cabinets and desperately wants Cafe white.

Hard no. Or, I guess if she wants her cabinets to look cream/yellow, she can fill her lil’ white boots. However, in a well-coordinated kitchen, EVERYTHING aligns, and Cloud White and Cafe white do not.

So, what ARE the best paint colors for your GE Cafe white appliances?

Let’s check some out. Remember, this isn’t just about making your appliances happy; consider your backsplash, countertop, and tile floor, too!

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE A CLOSE MATCH TO GE CAFE WHITE

If you love a white-on-white kitchen and want your GE Cafe appliances to match your cabinets as closely as possible, I’ve got a few shades for you to explore. It’s hard to get a perfect match, as you’ll be dealing in different sheens (the appliances are matte, and cabinets are most often satin finish).

SHERWIN WILLIAMS ROCK CANDY

As discussed earlier, according to the color experts at Sherwin Williams, Rock Candy is a pretty solid match for GE Cafe white.

Get your PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLE OF ROCK CANDY

Another challenge with these colors is that it won’t be easy to transition out of this palette in the future – you’re stuck with it. If you love it – COOL BEANS; however, I believe it’s too much of a commitment to a super limiting color range.

If you’re a diehard cold-color fan and none of this sways you, another option is to have the paint store lighten it Rock Candy or Genesis White 25% and 50% – see how these look with your appliances. Just make sure they mix a proper quart (not a sample pot).

Why?

How a color looks can change between the different types of paint. If you make this adjustment in a sample pot, it might not look how it would in the actual paint you use on your cabinets.

BENJAMIN MOORE GENESIS WHITE

For a color that’s almost a dead-on match to GE Cafe white, it’s hard to beat Genesis White…and for the reasons listed above, I wouldn’t do it, but it ain’t my home – I’m just here to educate you!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF GENESIS WHITE

ONE BONUS TO LEARNING ABOUT THE ABOVE TWO COLORS

While you might not paint your cabinets or walls Genesis White or Rock Candy, having these color samples on hand when you’re coordinating your kitchen palette is a great way to see how things jibe. So, when you’re checking out countertops, backsplashes, and countertops, rather than having to go to the appliance store or rely on memory, whip out your Samplize samples and see how things sit (don’t rely on small chips; you need to see the bigger picture).

In fact, I have Samplize orders in for these two shades, and next time I go to Home Depot, I’ll get more large-scale photos for you.

PAINT COLORS THAT GO WITH GE CAFE WHITE, BUT DON’T MATCH IT

If you like a white kitchen, but don’t want your cabinets to be such a cool shade of white (matching GE Cafe), I’ve got some great options for you. Just remember, your cabinets WILL make your appliances look a bit colder in comparison (nature of the beast). In return, the cool white of your appliances will make your cabinets look that bit WARMER in comparison – sample carefully!

BENJAMIN MOORE DECORATOR’S WHITE

If you’re looking for a white that’s CLOSE to GE Cafe White, but not as dark/off-white as Rock Candy, Decorator’s White is an interesting choice.

Decorator’s White is a soft white with an LRV of almost 83. It has a touch of gray and violet in it, making it a possible partner to Cafe white.

TOP TO BOTTOM: High Reflective White/Super White/Chantilly Lace/Decorators White – also listed below

Would I do Decorator’s White on my cabinets? No. 

So why mention it if I wouldn’t do it myself?

Because you gotta do you, boo. I’m just giving you the info you need to make YOUR best choice. If you like the idea of a cool-toned kitchen that works directly with GE Cafe white – this will do the trick. Personally, it’s too cool-toned and WAY too limiting of a palette for the long term (as I like to change things up).

This kitchen gives a similar look to all of the colors on the previous strip

Decorator’s White suits FEW countertops and backsplashes and even fewer wall colors. This doesn’t mean your room can’t handle it, but you’ll want to veer on the cool and violet side of things with your colors and undertones.

As for the best hardware/metal finish with the above whites, I lean into brushed stainless over brushed bronze. I don’t think the above bronze hardware looks bad, I just prefer the more neutral/slightly cool look of brushed stainless with these cooler whites and appliances.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Decorators White

BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE

Chantilly Lace is one of the best white paint cabinet colors for flexibility, not only with GE Cafe white appliances, but also with various countertops, and backsplashes.

As you can see in the above photo, compared to Chantilly Lace, GE Cafe white looks more grayish and violet, tones you might humor when choosing your countertop and backsplash.

While it won’t suit ALL interior finishes, Chantilly Lace will give you a bit more room to move compared to Rock Candy, Genesis White, or cool shades of white.

Why?

Chantilly Lace is a bright white. While it has a wink of warmth in it and WILL look warmer than your appliances, it’s not so yellow that it looks creamy or dingy.

In this next photo, while the appliances are stainless steel, not white, the cool tones of the marble backsplash show how pretty Chantilly Lace can look…

I haven’t had many clients choose GE Cafe white, so don’t have the exact examples I need! 

As mentioned above, Chantilly Lace WILL look warmer than GE Cafe white appliances. However, compared to softer, warmer whites like Alabaster, White Dove, Swiss Coffee, and Cloud White, Chantilly Lace offers a slightly cleaner, simpler contrast.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

NEED HELP?

Let me choose your paint colors FOR YOU with my ONLINE COLOR CONSULTING!

BY THE WAY

Think about this for a second…if Rock Candy is a limiting color and Decorator’s White is a limiting color, but they both coordinate with GE Cafe white – what do you think this says about GE Cafe white?

It’s a limiting color as it relates to popular appliance finishes.

If the above paint colors have difficulty looking good with the most popular countertop and backsplash finishes, the same goes for GE Cafe white. And this isn’t me telling you not to love or buy them – they’re friggin’ GORGEOUS. This is me educating you so that your kitchen is as beautiful as you dream it to be!

Coordinate carefully! 

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE

Pure White can be a great happy medium between the cold and warm white worlds. Don’t get me wrong, Pure White is a WARM WHITE, but as far as the warm white world goes, it’s as muted as they come.

A photo of Pure White and GE Cafe white is coming – I forgot to take it when I was at the store (three slaps with a wet noodle).

Again, not GE Cafe, but a great shot of Sherwin Williams Pure White

Pure White will look warmer and a bit creamier than your GE Cafe white, but it offers more FLEXIBILITY than the cooler shades of white with less yellow-cream than the warmer white paint colors.

Not only that, but Pure White’s passive warmth and moderate depth (LRV) make it a popular partner to many of today’s countertops and backsplashes.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

SHERWIN WILLIAMS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

If white cabinets or walls are your dream, High Reflective White is a good shade with GE Cafe. This is because High Reflective White is DARN WHITE – not warm, not cold. The crazy thing is, compared to HOW FRIGGIN’ COLD GE Cafe white is, High Reflective White looks warmer!

High Reflective White has an LRV of 93, which is higher than any of Benjamin Moore’s white paint colors. If you’re reading this and thinking this could be YOUR SHADE OF WHITE, you might want to read this as there are a few more similar shades worth exploring.

BUT KEEP READING THIS BLOG POST; I’ve got more to say!

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

IF I HAD GE CAFE WHITE APPLIANCES, WOULD I PAINT MY CABINETS WHITE?

That’s an easy one – no.

I’m not a big fan of mixing and matching whites, as one’s undertones can expose the others. And more to the point, GE Cafe white isn’t white – it’s a COLD, icy shade of gray that’s not normally partnered with warm whites.

People choose white cabinets because they believe GE Cafe white is white…when it’s not.

So why did I list the above whites as options?

Because it’s not all about me (not always, anyway). As you see on Pinterest, MANY people love mixing a cold gray like GE Cafe white with warm whites. DECORATIVELY it makes me twitch. PERSONALLY, I would never. However, if you love the look, THAT’S what matters, and I’m just here to guide you to the best choices possible, given GE Cafe white’s actual color.

If I had GE Cafe white appliances…

a) I would love them SO HARD and would probably choose the bronze hardware.

b) I would partner them with a NON-white paint color, likely a cool shade.

c) If I HAD to do white cabinets (or, when I’m considering my best TRIM color with GE Cafe white), I would settle on High Reflective White or Chantilly Lace.

As for the non-whites, let’s see what I’ve got up my colorful little sleeve…

WHAT NON-WHITE CABINET COLORS SUIT GE CAFE WHITE?

Great question! Given the undertones of Cafe white, you’d think it would cater to grays with violet-blue undertones…and it does. However, thanks to its hardware finishes, these appliances also suit a few other colors, including…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY

Agreeable Gray is one of my fave choices for painted cabinets – and not just with white appliances. Agreeable Gray is in between greige and taupe with MINIMAL commitment to undertones, making it a slightly lower contrast, but still interesting partner to GE Cafe white.

Here are Agreeable Gray painted kitchen cabinets with panel-ready appliances…

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Cabinet Colors

With a color like Agreeable Gray, I would lean into the brushed bronze hardware…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS BALANCED BEIGE

Balanced Beige is gaining popularity in the painted cabinet world and is right on trend. Normally, it would be a hard no, as Balanced Beige DOES NOT GO WITH Genesis White or Rock Candy – it’s a hot mess. The ONLY saving grace is the brushed bronze hardware, which gives colors like Balanced Beige, Shittake, and Loggia something warm to grab onto (for dear life).

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige

SHERWIN WILLIAMS EVERGREEN FOG

Evergreen Fog is one of my fave green-grays. With a modest, purposeful approach to green, Evergreen Fog contrasts with white appliances without the visual weight of a darker shade of green (which can also be pretty in the right environment).

Again, I only use photos from my Online Paint Color Consulting clients, of which few have chosen GE Cafe white. I don’t have a photo to show you of Evergreen Fog with these appliances, but I can still show you how beautiful this color is with gorgeous gold-bronze metal finishes…

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF EVERGREEN FOG

A FEW MORE GREEN CABINET COLORS TO EXPLORE

It’s funny, as you’d think that GE Cafe white would only suit grays with a blue-violet undertone. And while I PREFER this combo, you can also squeeze in some pretty shades of green, so long as they’re slightly cooler or at least not OVERLY warm.

With most greens, I still lean into the bronze finish. Why? It has a slightly more organic/less modern look to it, which can be said of the average painted green cabinet.

The 15 Best Medium to DARK Green Paint Colors

SHERWIN WILLIAMS GIBRALTAR & MORNING FOG

Really, any color on PG 234 of the Sherwin Williams fan deck could be pretty, but I especially love Gibraltar, Morning Fog, and Serious Gray. These are grays with blue undertones – blue-VIOLET ones. These undertones tap into the roots of GE Cafe white/Benjamin Moore Genesis White and create a palette that really flows.

With these types of colors, I wouldn’t do any of the warm hardware finishes and would lean into the brushed stainless choice.

A FEW MORE GRAY CABINET COLORS TO EXPLORE

Unlike the white world, which is slim-pickings, there’s a WORLD of gray to explore with GE Cafe white – colors that connect with and enhance its natural color and undertones. To keep thing simple, I’m focusing on the 2124 color strip in the Benjamin MOore Color Preview fan deck…

BENJAMIN MOORE THUNDERCLOUD GRAY & TROUT GRAY

Thundercloud Gray is lighter than Morning Fog and is a beautiful partner to GE white. And while I’m not as much of a fan of Deep Silver (third from the bottom in the image below), as it can be a bit too violet, Benjamin Moore Trout Gray is wicked pretty. It’s the second from the bottom in the image below, but doesn’t look as dark in real-life…

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Trout Gray

As for the best hardware finish for GE Cafe with the above colors – DEFINITELY brushed stainless.

WHERE TO SEE GE CAFE WHITE WITH DIFFERENT CABINET COLORS

There are many kitchens where GE Cafe white appliances aren’t in their glory, due to a mismatch with cabinets. I don’t scoop others’ photos and put them on my site – I want to share the love and you get you checking THEIR blogs out too (which is why I only use my own client’s photos)!

Here’s a short list of the BEST cabinet colors with Cafe white…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE: GE CAFE WHITE with Sherwin Williams Pure White and Hoang-Kim @ Color & Chic

SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY: GE CAFE with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray and Jen Naye Herrmann

SIMILAR TO SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHITTAKE: GE CAFE white with Sherwin Williams Shittake and Chelsey Freng

FARROW & BALL CLUNCH: GE CAFE white with Farrow & Ball Clunch by The White Farmhouse Blog

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

How to Choose the Best White for Your Cabinets

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

The Best OFF-WHITE & Light Depth Cabinet Colors

Chat soon,

The post THE BEST CABINET PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH GE CAFE WHITE APPLIANCES appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Choosing the best paint color for your front door is hard enough, never mind having to make the HOA happy, too! Seriously, HOA might stand for Home Owners Association, but if you ask me, it stands for ‘Handing Out Abuse’ daily to INNOCENT FREAKIN’ PEOPLE.

Don’t get me wrong, HOAs uphold a standard in the neighborhood and keep out the crazies (which is why I don’t live in one). However, they can be unnecessarily fussy regarding exterior paint colors, considering they don’t own your home.

Even if you don’t have an HOA to satisfy, you might be looking for some CLASSIC front door colors – ones that aren’t wild and wonderful but are still beautiful in their own right.

This is why today, we’re checking out front door paint colors that SHOULD make your HOA happy. If they don’t, they must be a real special bunch.

1. THE MOST POPULAR BLACK FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS

Black front doors are the most CLASSIC approach, but they can be fussy about the home they’re partnered with. Black front doors often suit homes with black or dark charcoal gray roofs, black windows, and/or black fixtures (i.e., lights, address numbers, etc…). Not every home can pull off a black door, so make sure your home has the bones in place to support it.

In the wild world of blacks, not all are created equal; there are various depths, temperatures, and undertones. As it relates to front doors, there are five shades I guide my Online Color Consulting clients to repeatedly…

• Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
• Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
• Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10
• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
• Sherwin Williams Black Magic

Click on the above links to see each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (excluding Black Magic, which I haven’t done yet).

Tricorn Black and Black 2132-10 are really similar and almost always in the running. Why? They’re two of the darkest and blackest blacks, known for their DEPTH and commitment. As for Iron Ore, it’s a SOFT black that can grab a very (ahem, VERY) minor green undertone. Iron Ore is popular when you want black, but worry about it being a bit stark or harsh.

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron – a slightly softer, blue-inspired shade

Wrought Iron is a soft black-blue. In low light and without any other black finishes against it, Wrought Iron acts like black. However, get it in the natural light and that blue can pop-up!

You might fall for one of these beautiful black shades based on online images alone. Don’t. Sampling and comparing these shades determines which one best suits your home’s surrounding finishes.

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams 8 Best Shades of Black

Get a FULL PEEL & STICK SET OF MY FAVE BLACKS FOR FRONT DOORS! 

2. THE MOST POPULAR NAVY BLUE FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS

Navy is a classic, whether on your front door, kitchen island, or feature wall. However, some navy blues take it a bit too far in the ‘color department’ for the average HOA. These next blues are safe, but still striking choices for some great curb appeal…

Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue

• Sherwin Williams Cyberspace
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
• Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue
• Sherwin Williams Naval
• Sherwin Williams Newburyport Blue (a brighter shade of navy)

Click on the above links to see each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (excluding Newburyport Blue and Charcoal Blue, which I haven’t done yet).

Cyberspace is the PERFECT shade of blue if you want to nod at navy without committing to it. This is because Cyberspace has a wink more gray in it than the average shade. However, if your front door is dark due to northern exposure, combined with an overhang, Cyberspace doesn’t usually have enough blue to show up to the party. If you want a color that shows up with tassels on, Hale Navy is your shade.

Hale Navy is more of a classic navy blue. While it’s similar to Cyberspace, it has less gray, making it a more legitimate approach to navy and better able to stand up to dark front door zones without being obnoxious.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – HAAAALE YES! 

Get a FULL PEEL & STICK SET OF MY FAVE NAVY BLUE FRONT DOOR COLORS (here’s another).

Sherwin Williams Naval

Charcoal Blue is a stunner. It’s definitely blue, but it has an almost smoky approach compared to some of the other shades. As for Naval, it’s a braver approach to blue and cooould push a few comfort zones, but shouldn’t step too far over the boundaries (unlike myself, who definitely has boundary issues).

Lastly, if you like navy but don’t want the visual weight of it, check out Newburyport Blue, which is similar to Hale Navy, but lighter and, therefore, a bit brighter looking.

See more beautiful blue hues: The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Front Doors, Cabinets, & More 

3. THE MOST POPULAR GRAY FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS

Choosing your home’s best gray isn’t easy. Warm grays, cool grays, stormy grays, dark grays, MOODY grays – the list goes on (or maybe it’s just me going on…and on…). And while gray might SOUND boring, find a gray with the right undertones, and your home’s curb appeal will go up drastically!

Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10

Regardless of which type of gray you lean towards, figure out which gray undertones best suit your exterior finishes, especially any stone and brick, as well as roof and siding (if you don’t know, I have an affordable Front Door Paint Color package).

• Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10
• Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
• Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray
• Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Click on the above links to see each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW.

Gray 2121-10 is one of my FAVE gray front door colors. It’s a med-dark charcoal gray with stormy, violet-blue undertones. Due to its depth and undertones, Gray suits a WIDE range of stonework and brick. As for Peppercorn, it’s a tricky little bugger and can pop up almost ANY of the undertones, depending on its surrounding finishes and your door’s exposure.

Gauntlet Gray is a super popular front door color thanks to its subtle warmth and SUPER passive undertones. You’ll find that Gauntlet Gray suits many exterior facades, including stone, brick, and multiple asphalt roof finishes – more so than MOST other grays.

Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

As for Amherst Gray and Kendall Charcoal, these are darker charcoal grays. While they’re classified as warm, you’d hardly know it. Regarding undertones, expect to see a wink of green pop up in Amherst Gray, and ONCE in a while, you’ll see that same subtle hue in Kendall Charcoal (although it’s far more ‘neutral’ looking and darker than Amherst Gray).

If you want to learn more, click on their links in the list – TONS of info and fun to be had!

Get your PEEL & STICK set (GRAY-GREEN / GRAY-BLUE / GRAY-BLUE-GREEN)

NOT SURE WHICH COLOR IS BEST?

Let me pick your colors for you with my Online Paint Color Packages

4. THE MOST POPULAR BLUE-GRAY BLEND FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS

If navy blue is too strong for your home and personal tastes, cut things back with gray. Colors like Cheating Heart and Web Gray are popular shades for those wanting a slightly (or more) muted shade of blue.

Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart

Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart 

• Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate
• Sherwin Williams Web Gray
• Benjamin Moore’s Cheating Heart (can appear blackish at times)
• Benjamin Moore Deep Space
• Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray

Click on the above links to see each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (excluding Anchor Gray and Deep Space, which I haven’t done yet – I’M JUST…ONE…WOMAN!).

Based on their names, it’s easy to confuse Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate and Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue. HOWEVER, that’s where the real similarities end. Whereas Charcoal Blue has a noticeable, but not overwhelming blue hue, Charcoal Slate is dominated by a solid dark charcoal with a reasonable blue-violet undertone.

Web Gray is great when you want some NOTICEABLE undertone with a more flexible approach to blue. Some blues cater hard to blue-violet or blue-green – not Web Gray; he’s an undertone floozy and can wink at either given the right circumstances.

Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate

Sherwin Williams Web Gray

Cheating Heart is one of my personal faves, for my own home and my Online Color Consulting. Call it soft black, navy blue, gray-blue – whatever you call it, it’s WICKED pretty. Cheating Heart will flex itself based on its environment, looking more blackish in shaded areas and bluer in the sun.

Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart

If you like Cheating Heart, but your heart pines for just a bit…more…blue, take your lyin’ cheatin’ heart on over to Deep Space. These colors are similar, but Deep Space has a bit more navy blue popping through.

Lastly, Anchor Gray. Anchor Gray is one of the lighter gray blues (before we get into the medium depths). Again, I call it blue; my husband calls it gray – we’ll agree to disagree (but we know I’m right).

Get your PEEL & STICK SET here (GRAY BLUE-GREEN / GRAY BLUE-VIOLET)

5. THE MOST POPULAR GREEN & TEAL-INSPIRED FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS

There are many ways to approach green front doors – greige, green-gray, BRIGHT green. However, the more classic and muted your shade of green is, the better chance you have of passing it by ye ole HOA.

Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray

As for teal, if you’re hoping for a lovely shade of teal or aquamarine, you might need to find a new neighborhood, as many HOAs are teal-timid and aquamarine-averse. But don’t worry, I have a few that WINK at teal without tipping the scales…

• Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray
• Sherwin Williams Riverway
• Benjamin Moore Sioux Falls
• Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray
• Sherwin Williams Still Water

Kitty Gray is a gorgeous blend of green and gray with a touch of blue for moderation. Some people see it as gray, but if you ask me, it’s definitely green-blue; it’s just SUPER muted.

As for Riverway, I LOVE this color. Not only is it a popular teal-inspired shade for front doors, but it’s also wicked on islands, feature walls, and even entire rooms!

The 7 Best Teal Paint Colors for Front Doors

Sherwin Williams Riverway

Sioux Falls is a more modest approach to teal as it’s lighter and more gentle than most. This combination of color and saturation has most HOAs pretty darn happy. If this is your jam, you might find a few more lighter versions here.

Benjamin Moore Sioux Falls

Sherwin Williams Still Water

Still Water is similar to Riverway, but has a bit more meat on its bones with more depth. However, it shares the same beautiful blue-green blend. As for Thunder Gray, it shifts directions into a LEGIT green, moderated with some greige for warmth…

Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray – COME TO MOMMA! I love this color.

The 15 Best Medium to DARK GREEN Paint Colors

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES: SLIGHTLY STRONGER / STORMY & COOL 

6.  MISC. POPULAR FRONT DOOR COLORS

Sometimes, there isn’t ENOUGH of one type of color to make a full category. In this case, we have a few stragglers coming in at the end that are just as beautiful and can be GREAT options for the average front door and average anal HOA.

• Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (dark greige)
• Sherwin Williams Darkroom (dark violet)

WEIRD, I was so sure I had an exterior door painted Urbane Bronze! Oh well, here it is painted on the inside of my old front door…

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze VS. The Top Dark Greige Paint Colors

Urbane Bronze is hands-down, the BEST dark greige paint color – for front doors, island, WHATEVER! If you want subtle warmth and subtle color, put this hot shade on your list, just like I put it on my kitchen island…

Last but not least, Darkroom. If you want a hint of violet with a saturated, but grounded base, Darkroom is one of the pretty darn purples on the planet, especially for a classic, slightly traditional-looking front door.

The 9 Best Purple (Violet) Paint Colors

Compare the TOP GREIGES with PEEL & STICK! 

READ MORE

The 9 Best Front Door Paint Colors

5 Steps to Picking Your Home’s Exterior Paint Color

The Best Paint Colors for the INSIDE of Your Front Door

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY FRONT DOOR COLOR CONSULTATIONS – LET ME PICK YOUR COLORS FOR YOU!

Chat soon,

The post The 6 Top Front Door Paint Colors (That Even Your HOA Will Love) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Every fall, it’s exciting to see the launch of each brand’s COTY. We’ve heard from Behr (Cracked Pepper), and Sherwin Williams HGTV Home (Persimmon), and I was SUPER anxious to see what Sherwin Williams chose as their go-to shade.

Would it be better than last year’s wet hot dog, Redend Point? Would it BEAT the ever-awesome 2022 color, Evergreen Fog (which my clients are still pining over – get it?)

Yes…and no.

Sherwin Williams Upward is a gorgeous color, don’t get me wrong. It’s 100x better than Redend Point’s appeal and general useability in the average home. Will it be as popular as Evergreen Fog? Heck no (no color has beaten it yet).

But this doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve its time in the spotlight, so let’s check it out…

WHAT COLOR IS UPWARD? GRAY OR BLUE?

Upward is a beautiful shade of blue. It is more calming than baby blue (and too gray to be in that world), without being as overbearing as Caribbean blue. With a tranquil approach, Upward is Sherwin William’s LIGHT approach to denim.

IS UPWARD A WARM OR COOL COLOR?

When it comes to the visual temperature of a color like this, it’s all about perception. PERSONALLY, it looks like a cold shade of blue. To others, via its undertones, Upwards is a warm shade of blue (which it ‘technically) is.

However, no matter how you see it, Upward will look like a cool blue paint color if you have a north-facing room. Upward is awesome for warm, south-facing rooms and those with western afternoon sunshine.

Why?

These exposures are WARM as a yellow-tinged light enters the room (going more orange, and eventually red as the afternoon western sun progresses). A cool paint color like Upward is a great way to add visual balance to a room with a warm exposure.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

WHAT’S UPWARD’S LRV?

Upward has an LRV of 57. This is slightly lower than the average light depth LRV (read about it here), putting Upward a bit closer to the light-medium depths.

This means Upwards isn’t a ‘cheerful’ shade of blue; it’s a grounding, calming color with a bit more meat on its bones.

If you have a dark room, the degree of COLOR in Upward is great, as it can help combat a lower, flatter light. If your room is overly bright, Upward’s slightly lower LRV will help it not wash out too much (whereas lighter colors with less color can lose much of their beauty).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

The Best DARK Paint Colors for a DARK room

NEED HELP? 

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting services – let me make it easy for you! 

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES UPWARD HAVE?

Not all blues are created equal! Upward is a blue with a violet undertone and a decent, but not overbearing gray. The gray is what gives Upward a slightly calmer, less cheerful approach.

How to Choose the Best Shade of Blue for You

As for the violet, it’s tricky, as interior finishes often cater to blue-green over blue-violet – it’s not as easy to accommodate in the average home. This isn’t to say it won’t work in YOURS, but make sure its undertones suit your surroundings.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

SAMPLING UPWARD WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK paint samples are AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

Your peel & stick samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF UPWARD

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH UPWARD?

Upward is so fun to partner up with varying shades of white for trims and cabinets. In particular, I suggest…

• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

The 9 Best White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams DESIGNER COLLECTION

The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams

IS UPWARD A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

In general, no. While there will be the odd exception, being a lighter blue-violet shade, Upward won’t partner up well with most stones, bricks, and asphalt roofs.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS UPWARD A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?

While Upward could be beautiful on kitchen cabinets or an island, most interior finishes cater toward a more GRAY gray-blue or a blue with a green undertone. If you have marble finishes, SOME marbles could suit Upward. Upward could also work if you have white quartz countertops, white subway tile backsplash, and wood floors, as it wouldn’t need to coordinate with any major undertones.

A darker blue with a wink o’ green is a more popular choice on kitchen cabinets

How to Choose the Best White Paint Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Island & Bathroom Vanities

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO UPWARD?

If you want to compare similar colors within Sherwin Williams or find the CLOSEST match in Benjamin Moore, check out…

• Sherwin Williams Sleepy Blue (which is blue-green vs. Upward’s blue-violet)
• Sherwin Williams Icy (less gray, more colorful than Upward)
• Sherwin Williams Lakeside (similar, but smokier/grayer)
• Benjamin More Manor Blue (similar, but grayer than Upward)
• Benjamin Moore Sunrise (similar, but less gray/more colorful)

As for a lighter shade of Upward, you’ll find that with Sherwin Williams Icicle. If you want a darker version, check out Sherwin Williams Windy Blue.

As for a more popular approach (not to say this is what YOU want), a color like Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue suits more homes and finishes…

WHERE DOES A BLUE LIKE UPWARD LOOK BEST?

Being a lighter color with a bit more COLOR than not, Upward will have limited uses. Upward is best on a single-room basis. It’s too colorful for multiple joined rooms or a ‘whole home‘ approach. It’s not flexible enough for the average cabinet, island, or vanity, and I don’t expect to see it on ANY front doors or exteriors.

However, if you’re looking for a stunning blue for your powder room, guest bedroom, or office, Upward could hit the spot!

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH UPWARD?

Because of Upward’s degree of color (chroma), it’s a bit fussy when it comes to neutrals. Upward likes neutral partners, such as grays, that are a bit cleaner vs. those that are muddy or earth-toned.

For example…

• When choosing a gray to go with Upward, it will prefer the cleaner look of Sherwin Williams Site White over Big Chill or Repose Gray.
• If you want to partner Upward with a shade of beige or tan, focus on beiges like Sherwin Williams Moderate White. Upward won’t like more modern, dusky, or muted beige paint colors.
• Upward loves cream paint colors that have a bit more color to them. Sherwin Williams Crisp Linen and other slightly cleaner shades of cream are beautiful with it.
• Upward generally won’t love grays with green undertones (green-yellow or noticeable green-blue).
• Naturally, Upward looks fab with darker shades of blue – especially those that cater to blue-violet.

READ MORE

The 13 Best Blue & Green Blend Paint Colors

The 10 Best Blue-Gray Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post SHERWIN WILLIAMS UPWARD 6239: Color Review (2024 Color of the Year) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

With trends leaning away from white-on-white palettes, I’m getting many more requests for off-white paint colors. And while I haven’t done a ton of work with this bad boy, he has the potential to be a GREAT shade for your walls, cabinets, trims, or even exterior!

BEFORE WE GET STARTED…

To show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. Some Pinterest images have been over-edited or aren’t even the color they’re said to be – this won’t happen here. I also don’t take photos from other Designer’s sites. 

IS ORIGAMI WHITE A WARM OR COOL PAINT COLOR?

While Sherwin Williams states that Origami White is a ‘delicate white with cool violet undertones’ – it’s not. It’s not white, and its undertones aren’t cold. Origami White is a WARM off-white paint color.

IS ORIGAMI WHITE A GRAY PAINT COLOR?

Origami White has a bit of gray in it, calming it down, but it’s not a traditional gray paint color – it’s not cool enough for that. At best, Origami White is a considerably WARM shade of gray. And while scientifically, it’s in the yellow family, you’ll be hard-pressed to see much yellow in this bad boy.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

WHAT’S ORIGAMI WHITE’S LRV?

LRV is one of the most IMPORTANT details about a paint color; I’m so glad you asked! Origami White has an LRV of 76, which means it’s an off-white paint color. The white range starts closer to 81/82, which means that Origami White isn’t even TRYING to be white.

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

LET ME PICK YOUR PAINT COLORS FOR YOU!

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting services – let me make it easy for you! 

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES ORIGAMI WHITE HAVE?

Origami White is a tricky one. With a reasonably low chroma, Origami White has little to no noticeable undertones – no obvious violet, pink, green, blue, orange, or yellow – wahoo! However, this means it will be very susceptible to picking up/reflecting colors from its environment, so be careful what you partner it with!

Because of this and its passive warmth, Origami White offers a smooth take on warm neutral. Not creamy-yellow, not cold gray, yet not committed to the violet of taupe or green of greige. It’s more that it’s a gentle approach to warmth with MINIMAL commitment to undertone.

When sampling colors, putting some white paper next to them is SUPER important, especially with off-whites. If you don’t, an off-white like Origami White can ‘look white’ just because it’s one of the lighter colors in the area…

Take a good look at the above photo and get a good feel for Origami White.

NOW, consider how different your PERCEPTION of Origami White might be with some white next to it…

The best way to get a read on a color ninja-like Origami White is to compare it to other colors. These colors don’t need to be SUPER similar; they just need a comparable LRV, for example…

• Origami White vs Sherwin Williams White Heron: White Heron and its interesting cream-taupe blend, shows how much grayer and NOT creamy Origami White is in comparison. Not to say Origami White can’t pick up a wink, but it’s far less inclined than other shades.
• Sherwin Williams Pure White vs. Origami White: Even though Pure White is a soft white (not a bright one), it shows how much depth Origami White is and how subtle its warmth is. A comparison like this shows the off-white LRV of Origami White and the type of contrast you might like to see between the wall and the trim.
• Sherwin Williams Eider White vs. Origami White. Ooof, whoever said that Origami White has cool violet undertones should compare it with Eider White. Even then, Eider White has a WARM gray-violet hue to it, showing how subtle, warm, and muted Origami White is in comparison.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

SAMPLING ORIGAMI WHITE WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK paint samples are more affordable, easier, and environmentally friendly than traditional paint pots.

Your peel & stick samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY

Get your Samplize PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of ORIGAMI WHITE

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH ORIGAMI WHITE?

Being a super gentle, neutral, off-white paint color, it’s pretty fussy about its white partners. Origami White prefers muted whites without too much cream in them and whites that AREN’T cold. This includes…

• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

The 9 Best White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams DESIGNER COLLECTION

The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams

IS ORIGAMI WHITE A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?

With its high LRV, Origami White is hit-and-miss. If you want to SEE some color/depth on your home, it won’t give you much. You’ll definitely want to partner it with a super white trim to get as much contrast as possible. The more contrast you have between your siding and your white trim, the more you’ll see the depth/color of Origami White.

On the other hand, if you’re going for a subtle, muted look, you might paint your trim and siding the same color, giving a more simple, monotone look.

Long story short, YES, Origami White can be a great exterior color, as it works with a wide range of asphalt roofs, stone, and brick.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS ORIGAMI WHITE A GOOD OFF-WHITE COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?

Origami White could be a gorgeous off-white for cabinets if you want a SUPER muted look. HOWEVER, I personally lean into either white cabinets or colors with just a BIT more depth to them, like Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray and Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.

Here’s Origami White on painted kitchen cabinets with Iron Ore on the island…

This next kitchen is a great blend of cabinet colors, with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on the main cabinets, and Agreeable Gray on the island, board and batten, and painted trim…

Why?

If you have white trim nearby, the white of your trim could have your Origami White cabinets looking a bit dingy in comparison, as they don’t really COMMIT to any kind of real depth/color.

The Best OFF-WHITE & LIGHT Depth Cabinet Colors

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO ORIGAMI WHITE?

• Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White vs. Origami White: Aesthetic White is a touch darker and more beige compared to Origami White
• Sherwin Williams Origami White vs. Snowbound: You’re really comparing apples to oranges. Snowbound is a soft WHITE with gray-violet-pink undertones, whereas Origami White is off-white, so it has more depth and a warmer foundation.
• Benjamin Moore Classic Gray vs. Origami White: These two colors are very comparable. Classic Gray is slightly lighter than Origami White, but both are off-white. Classic Gray also pops a bit more undertone compared to Origami White.

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White on the bedroom walls

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH ORIGAMI WHITE?

Origami White is a super muted, warm, off-white paint color with a few great color palette partners…

• light and medium tones of green-gray (with blue undertones), such as Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray
• light-medium and darker shades of greige with slightly more noticeable green undertones, like Sherwin Williams Jogging Path
• some muted light taupe and greige paint colors
• it doesn’t LOVE beige or cream paint colors

READ MORE

The 6 Best Off-White Paint Colors

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Paint Colors for CABINETS

Kylie Ms COLORS OF THE YEAR for 2024

A Cathedral-Style Kitchen Update

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post Sherwin Williams ORIGAMI WHITE 7636: Paint Color Review appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

According to Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green. However, if you’re one of the top trends on walls and cabinets, I’d say it’s not hard at all!

Green is definitely having its moment. Maybe it started with Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2022 – Evergreen Fog (which is still MASSIVELY popular). Or maybe it’s that we’re all ready for a departure from gray, and are entertaining colors with depth and personality.

This is why we’re stepping away from the wild world of neutrals to explore my favorite green paint colors from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Farrow & Ball.

But first…

THE BEST PLACES TO USE GREEN

While we haven’t seen an explosion of green exteriors (not every exterior can handle green), we’re definitely seeing darker shades of green popping up on kitchen cabinets, islands, and bathroom vanities.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular places to get a little green in your life…

Similar to Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray

GREENS FOR KITCHEN CABINETS & ISLANDS

Dark greens like Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive, Thunder Gray, and Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss are just the beginning of the green brigade (all of which we’ll cover below). These dark, glorious greens, bathed in forest-inspired moodiness, are showing up in more kitchens and even MORE so on kitchen islands.

Green undertones are also a HUGE hit, especially colors like Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze. This color isn’t included in this blog post, but you can read all about it here.

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze island 

However, some of the most POPULAR shades of green are closer to the medium depths – colors like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, Pewter Green, and Caldwell Green (also included below).

And while not many have embraced the hunter-greens of the 90s, a few more traditional greens are sneaking in the back door like a teenager past curfew – hoping they don’t get caught.

Sherwin Williams Isle of Pine

SHADES OF GREEN FOR LAUNDRY ROOM CABINETS

My Online Color Consulting clients also have a lot of green-inspired fun in their LAUNDRY rooms, specifically, on the cabinets.

It’s easier to get a little wild and crazy in the laundry room as it’s usually a smaller project than a kitchen. This means it’s an easier DIY and more manageable to change should you get tired of green in a few years.

TOP GREENS FOR ENTIRE ROOMS, ACCENT WALLS & COLOR DRENCHING

There’s a lot of demand for green on ACCENT WALLS, of which I’m a HUGE fan (I mean, I am known to blow a lot of hot air around).

Can accent walls look outdated?

You bet your booty they can – the wrong color in the wrong place is the wrong choice! However, a well-placed, well-chosen accent color can make or break a room.

However, green REALLY takes over the stage when it comes to color-drenching, where an entire room – walls, trims, and ceilings, are painted a single color.

This green room is a GORGEOUS example of the color-drenching trend

Would I COLOR DRENCH A ROOM? Yes, but only if the walls, trims, and ceilings are white or off-white. I’m personally not into color-drenching with darker shades, but I can still appreciate the beauty of it.

Now, before we get into the real good stuff, let’s have a quick chat about the TYPES of greens…

THE THREE TYPES OF GREEN PAINT COLORS

Not all greens are created equal. In fact, there are three types of greens.

1. WARM OR EARTHY GREEN PAINT COLORS

Warm green paint colors are green-yellow. This yellow can be so subtle it doesn’t show up to the party, or so obvious you feel like you’re swimming in a vat of olives (you are NOT gonna smell good). Subtly warm greens are definitely popular, but the stronger green-yellows are still sitting on the pool deck, politely dipping their toes in the fermented water.

2. COOL GREEN PAINT COLORS

The cool green world is where we see most of the popular shades. What makes green cool is when it’s mixed with blue – either a little or a lot. Green-blue blends are popular in the light to medium range, but as these colors get darker, trends lean toward colors that are considerably more GREEN than blue.

3. NEUTRAL GREEN PAINT COLORS

Of course, some greens don’t favor yellow or blue – they’re pretty darn green or close to it. These greens are subjective to their environment (like any color) and can look a bit cooler (green-blue) in northern light or a bit warmer (green-yellow) in southern or strong afternoon western sunshine.

And, of course, there are varying degrees of intensity. Some greens are green-gray, and others are positively GLOWING in their greenness. Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits you and your home – now let’s find out!

North, East, South, West: Which Paint Color is the Best?

1. BENJAMIN MOORE CALDWELL GREEN HC 124

Caldwell Green is popular due to its COMMITMENT to color, but moderate depth (LRV 16.27). As far as temperature goes, Caldwell Green is a cool of green (literally and figuratively); however, it doesn’t lean far into blue as its green hue is the dominant of the two (epic rhyming attempt – I was a rapper in my previous life).

Look at how gorgeous Caldwell Green is in the above kitchen. The existing cathedral cabinets were painted green, with updates including a white subway tile backsplash, a white quartz countertop, and black stainless steel (black-gray) appliances.

How to Update Wood Kitchen Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint

There’s NOTHING I love more than updating a space without breaking the bank, and the above kitchen is a great example – it’s FULL of fun ideas! However, I would paint the wood trim that’s around the pendant lights – just sayin’.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CALDWELL GREEN?

Several shades compare with Caldwell Green, although none will be EXACTLY the same…

• Sherwin Williams Rosemary (not as cool as Caldwell)
• Benjamin Moore Rainy Afternoon (grayer, for sure)
• Farrow and Ball Green Smoke (this bad boy is coming up next)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CALDWELL GREEN

2. FARROW & BALL GREEN SMOKE No.47

Green Smoke is a stunningly beautiful shade of green (one of my faves). It’s not joking around either – you’re committing to green when you paint your walls or cabinets this color. Sure, it has a bit of gray to calm it down, but you’re still left with a medium-depth shade of green that’s to DIE for.

BIG thanks to my Online Color Consulting clients for sending in their AFTER photos – you make my colorful world go round! 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO GREEN SMOKE?

Never pick a paint color without comparing it to a few others. Oftentimes, you end up changing your mind!

• Benjamin Moore Cushing Green (stronger green hue)
• Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green (mentioned earlier)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF GREEN SMOKE

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHADE GROWN

Shade Grown is one of my favorite shades of green, so much so that I used it in the bathroom at our lake home (blog post TBA). Shade Grown is popular because it doesn’t come off as terribly warm OR cold-looking and has a depth that really speaks to current green-inspired trends.

The above bathroom was also easy on the budget. The vanity is from Wayfair (and came with the quartz top), as is the faucet and light fixture. The mirror and accessories are Home Sense, and we did a fiberglass shower surround to save money and make cleaning a HECK of a lot easier.

Anyway, enough about ME, let’s get back to you!

LEFT -RIGHT: Sherwin Williams Pewter Green – Night Owl – Attitude Gray – Shade Grown

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SHADE-GROWN

Shade Grown is definitely one of the more popular shades of green (in the darker range). However, these colors give it a run for its money…

• Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive (previously mentioned)
• Benjamin Moore Chimichurri (so gorgeous)
• Sherwin Williams Foxhall Green (a bit more classic/traditional)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF SHADE GROWN

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BASIL 6194

Basil isn’t just good for pasta and soups; it’s great on islands, too!

As shown in this beautiful kitchen, Basil is a stronger, punchier approach to green, without being as colorful and saturated as Isle of Pines (coming up next).

Basil is a cool green – there’s not an inch of olive inspiration to be found in this bad boy. And with an LRV of 15, Basil holds up well in a dark room, meaning its degree of color will still show up.

How to Choose the Best Green Paint Color

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BASIL?

Some greens are so unique they’re hard to compete with! I was hoping for a few more options, but these two will have to do…

• Benjamin Moore Cushing Green (just a bit softer looking)
• Benjamin Moore Lush

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF BASIL

5. BENJAMIN MOORE ASHWOOD MOSS 1484

Benjamin Moore says, ‘Ashwood Moss is a deep graphite green, suggestive of a dark, veiled forest.’ I’m not nearly that lyrical, and all you really need to know is that Ashwood Moss is one badass shade of green. It’s not as colorful as the likes of Ripe Olive and Shade Grown, as it has a gray backdrop slowing it down. This neutral base has Ashwood Moss looking calm, grounded, and a bit organic.

This is VERY similar to Ashwood Moss

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO ASHWOOD MOSS?

The degree of gray in Ashwood Moss is what really sets it apart from other shades, and there’s only one with similar intentions…

• Sherwin Williams Night Owl
• You could check out Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray, but it’s not SUPER similar

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ASHWOOD MOSS

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ISLE OF PINES

If you’re pining for a more intense shade of green, look no further than Isle of Pines. While it’s a cool green hue, Isle of Pines is a slightly hunter-inspired green with a traditional vibe.

Of the options on this page, Isle of Pines is the closest to a more traditional-looking hunter green. With its LRV of 8, Isle of Pines is in the dark range, but its degree of color lifts it up, making it look a bit more moderate.

And yes, I did think about changing the place of the vowels in the word PINES – you’re welcome.

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO ISLE OF PINES

Isle of Pines has some GREAT competitors in the wild world of green…

• Sherwin Williams Hunt Club
• Benjamin Moore Gondola Ride (a touch cooler)
• Benjamin Moore Martha’s Vineyard (a bit warmer)
• Sherwin Williams Rock Garden (a bit calmer)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ISLE OF PINES

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DRIED THYME

If you want a bit more color on your walls without going too far, Dried Thyme is the most beautiful shade of green. Compared to some of the others, Dried Thyme is more committed to its hue, with only a modest amount of gray calming it down.

Dried Thyme is also one of the lighter options on this page with an LRV of 21, making it a solid medium-depth shade of green. If you have a dark room (like the pantry shown above), Dried Thyme has enough color to show up without overwhelming a small space like this. If you have a brighter room, Dried Thyme will be in its glory!

Colors need LIGHT to come to LIFE! 

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO DRIED THYME?

It’s really hard to match the perfection of Dried Thyme, but it’s through comparison that you find your BEST shade, so let’s see what we’ve got…

• Sherwin Williams Retreat (a touch grayer-cooler)
• Benjamin Moore’s Secret Path (a wink lighter and greener)
• Benjamin Moore Jojoba (a bit warmer/lighter)
• Benjamin Moore Avon Green (quite similar)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF DRIED THYME

NEED HELP?

Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES – let me pick your colors for you! 

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ROSEMARY 6187

With its LRV of 14, Rosemary is darker than Dried Thyme. And when you compare it to other colors on this page, you’ll see it has a bit more green than some. However, compared to a more intense shade like Isle of Pines, Rosemary is pretty darn calm without being OVERLY dulled.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO ROSEMARY?

NEVER pick a paint color based on one sample alone. I’m a Color Expert, and even I take the time to compare shades – sometimes only one or two; other times, I throw five or six in there. COMPARISON IS KEY!

• Sherwin Williams Basil (more green)
• Farrow & Ball Green Smoke (cooler)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ROSEMARY

9. FARROW & BALL STUDIO GREEN No. 93

If you’re a diehard fan of dark green, look no further than Studio Green. This is a wickedly dark shade of green with a ton of black to ground it. This black is what stops Studio Green from looking like a more typical hunter green.

The LRV of Studio Green is 7.09. While it’s not black, it could act like a black-green in some low-light spaces.

The Best Blue Paint Colors from Farrow & Ball

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO STUDIO GREEN

In its epic darkness, Studio Green doesn’t have a ton of competition. But there are a few worth comparing it to…

• Sherwin Williams Rock Bottom (which I LOVE)
• Benjamin Moore Deep River

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF STUDIO GREEN

10. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EVERGREEN FOG

Even though Evergreen Fog was the Color of the Year two years ago, it’s still a popular choice. I love it so much that I used it at our lake home as an accent wall in the guest bedroom…

And look at how friggin’ STUNNING Evergreen Fog looks on this shiplap accent wall with Alabaster on the white finishes…

The awesome thing about using green on an accent or feature wall is that when trends or personal tastes shift, it’s an easier change than having to paint an entire room. And don’t worry whether feature walls are trendy or not; the right color in the right spot is ALWAYS at home.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO EVERGREEN FOG

Evergreen Fog holds such a special place in my heart that NOTHING compares. Okay, maybe a few do…

• Sherwin Williams Cornwall Slate (a bit grayer)
• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze (a bit cooler)
• Benjamin Moore Herb Bouquet (a bit cooler and lighter)

Learn more about Evergreen Fog in its FULL COLOR REVIEW!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF EVERGREEN FOG

11. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RIPE OLIVE 6209

Ripe Olive is a dark green, with an LRV of 6. However, even though it’s killer dark, this doesn’t make it black-green; a good whack of green still shows up at the party.

Being one of the darkest shades of green, you won’t get the full beauty of Ripe Olive if you have a dark space – Ripe Olive needs LIGHT to come to LIFE! Sure, you’ll see its color more than you will a green-gray like Grizzle Gray, but color needs LIGHT to come to LIFE!

Because I only use my clients or my own photos, I don’t have a good shot of Ripe Olive. Here’s Sherwin Williams’ visualizer version…

Ripe Olive and Shade Grown (previously mentioned) are often in the running for the same project and are on point with today’s green-inspired trends. While these two are similar in their intentions, Ripe Olive is darker, with an LRV of 6 (to Shade Grown’s 8). Ripe Olive also looks a touch more green/saturated compared to Shade Grown.

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO RIPE OLIVE

Comparing paint colors is the BEST way to find your best shade of green…

• Sherwin Williams Shade Grown
• Sherwin Williams Laurel Woods
• Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF RIPE OLIVE

12. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RETREAT 6207

Retreat sits in the slightly cool end of the green world. Along with its subtle blue undertone, Retreat has a dollop of gray, slowing it down.

I wish I had an interior photo of this color in action, but this lover-ly exterior will do for now…

Retreat is popular on exteriors and cabinets. And because it’s a bit more muted in its approach (a bit grayer than some other greens), Retreat is a hit for entire rooms – not just accent walls.

5 Steps to Picking Your Best Exterior Paint Color

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO RETREAT

Sometimes, a color isn’t JUST what you’re looking for. Finding similar colors that are lighter, darker, brighter, or calmer, is a great way to find your home’s best shade.

• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze
• Benjamin Moore’s Night Train (similar, but a bit more blue-green)
• Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF RETREAT

13. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NIGHT OWL

Sitting in the medium-dark end with an LRV of 13, Night Owl is more of a green-gray than a green. So, if you want the look of green without 100% commitment to COLOR, Night Owl could be your color (you could also explore Grizzle Gray.)

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO NIGHT OWL?

Being that bit more muted, it’s tough to find a great comparable. However, there are a few shades with similar intentions…

• Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (more gray)
• Sherwin Williams Pewter Green (more green)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF NIGHT OWL

14. BENJAMIN MOORE VINTAGE VOGUE 462

While Vintage Vogue isn’t very vintage, it’s SUPER vogue with its trendy approach to green. This striking shade of green has a touch of gray, but not enough to cut back the glory of the green.

The Benjamin Moore website says you can use Vintage Vogue instead of black or brown.

I wouldn’t.

With its LRV of 11.85, Vintage Vogue isn’t dark enough to replace grounding colors like black and brown. Also, its chroma (color) is strong enough that it won’t ACT like a neutral when sometimes a neutral is just what your room needs. In fact, black and dark brown are gorgeous partners to a green like this.

The 13 Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO VINTAGE VOGUE?

• Sherwin Williams Rosemary (a bit lighter)
• Sherwin Williams Shade Grown (super comparable)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF VINTAGE VOGUE

15. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PEWTER GREEN 6208

Pewter Green is DESTINED to be one of the most popular shades of green. With its low LRV 12 and subtle gray backdrop, Pewter Green says EVERYTHING that green needs to, without feeling like you’ve been smacked in the face by a frozen Shamrock.

While I don’t have any great residential shots of Pewter Green, here it is in a commercial space…

Pewter Green makes for a dramatic accent wall – winking at Hunter Green without looking 1990s.

5 Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pewter Green

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO PEWTER GREEN?

Again, you’ll never get a perfect match, but it’s still important to sample and compare!

• Sherwin Williams Retreat (lighter)
• Sherwin Williams Thunderous (warmer)
• Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue (greener)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF PEWTER GREEN!

And last but not least…

16. BENJAMIN MOORE BACKWOODS 469

Backwoods and Vintage Vogue are SUPER similar. The big difference is that Backwoods has a little bit more of a green backbone, but that’s not to say that either is subtle about it.

With a wink of warmth, Backwoods is a great green for a north-facing space, as it can help balance that cool light – more so than a green-blue would.

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BACKWOODS?

• Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue, for sure (it’s darker than Backwoods)
• Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest (a touch greener)
• Sherwin Williams Basil (a cleaner-looking green)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF BACKWOODS

READ MORE

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pewter Green

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

How to Choose The Best Green Paint Color

The Best Green Paint Colors (Light & Dark)

The 9 Best Front Door Paint Colors

NEED HELP CHOOSING  YOUR PERFECT SHADE OF GREEN?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting packages! 

Chat soon

The post The 15 Best Medium to Dark GREEN Paint Colors appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Choosing a white paint color for cabinets or trim can be a HARROWING experience. This is especially true if you aren’t starting from scratch and have to coordinate with existing, and possibly outdated, finishes. So, I’ve narrowed things down to a few of my fave, ‘go-to whites’ that should be white up your alley.

I ONLY use photos from my Online Paint Color Consulting clients to show you the most accurate versions of these colors.

1. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC 17

White Dove is one of my TOP suggested shades of white paint color for cabinets, trims, doors, ceilings, AND walls!

Why?

Some whites are too stark or cold for the average home’s countertop and backsplash. Other whites are too warm. White Dove is the middle ground between too white and too warm with a passive approach. So, while it acts like white, it’s not stark nor overly creamy.

White Dove is also a great option if you want white walls, trims, and cabinets – all the same color. Its warmth and LRV suit various exposures and finishes, offering a softer approach than Pure White and Chantilly Lace.

These cabinets look a bit warmer than usual as the painter used a lacquer-based paint…

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE DOVE

It’s important to COMPARE whites when looking for your best shade. A white can look pretty darn neutral UNTIL you compare it to another, at which point it’s easier to see the undertones and temperature. Just remember, there are no MATCHES between brands – each white will have its own undertones and uniqueness.

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Sherwin Williams Greek Villa

White Dove uppers, Benjamin Moore Antique Pewter lowers 

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF WHITE DOVE

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005

Pure White is fantastic and one of my FAVES. This super popular white sits between White Dove’s warmth and Chantilly Lace’s simplicity. Pure White IS a warm white, but it’s one of the most subtle warm whites on the market.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

ARE THERE COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO PURE WHITE

Welllll, not really – like White Dove, Pure White is really a creature unto itself. This doesn’t mean there aren’t some great colors to COMPARE with, as some countertops need more warmth than Pure White offers, but no other white is really ‘the same.’

• Benjamin Moore White Dove (which is a bit warmer)
• Sherwin Williams White Snow (which is brighter)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF PURE WHITE

3. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC 65

Chantilly Lace is a classic, timeless shade of white. While it does have a touch of softness to it (which we know about thanks to its LRV of 90 – if it were a true white, it would be a higher number), Chantilly Lace acts like white without being stark or cold.

Many people find TRUE whites a bit too stark for their cabinets or trim – and they can be, depending on the surrounding finishes. Chantilly Lace is popular because it gives a cleaner contrast with finishes (compared to softer, warmer whites), without being edgy or harsh. This is because while Chantilly Lace ‘looks’ pretty darn white, it has a wink of softness to it!

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CHANTILLY LACE

NEED HELP? Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES – let me tell you what to do! 

4. BENJAMIN MOORE CLOUD WHITE CC-40

While Cloud White isn’t one of my TOP 3, it’s a great option for kitchens that need a more obvious warmth. Cloud White can look like a real white UNTIL you place it next to a real white (like paper or my butt cheeks). If you didn’t know yet that it’s that type of blog – now you know (wink wink).

Cloud White has a subtle yellow/creamy undertone with a grounded neutral base, making it less stark than a traditional white. However, if you already have ‘white’ trim, appliances, or windows, you WILL notice the difference.

See more Cloud White here: A Maple Kitchen Makeover with Cloud White

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CLOUD WHITE?

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster – just a wink softer and creamier
• Benjamin Moore Simply White. It has the warmth, but it’s cleaner and brighter, so the yellow can show up at the party a bit more

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CLOUD WHITE

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER 7008

As it relates to the BEST paint colors for cabinets, Alabaster is the softest, warmest white. This is one reason it’s a hit with my clients who have homes from the 1990s and early 2000s, as it tends to suit many finishes from these times.

See my client, Jenna Christian’s beautiful home and style HERE. 

Alabaster has an LRV of 82, so while it’s white, it’s a soft, dark white. Will it ‘act like white?’ Yes, as long as your idea of ‘white’ is, soft, gentle, and warm. However, if you put Alabaster with a whiter shade of white (i.e., GE Cafe white appliances/most white subway tiles), it will look softer and almost creamy in comparison.

Alabaster trim with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray walls – notice how soft and subtle the trim looks.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO ALABASTER

• Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White
• Benjamin Moore White Dove

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ALABASTER

LASTLY, there is one color that’s not on this list, but it should be, or maybe it WILL be, in the near future…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE SNOW 9541

White Snow is a new shade of white that’s only available in Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer’s Edition (along with eight other NEW shades of white). Because it’s new, and it’s not EASY to sample other than through Samplize, I haven’t had any clients use it (yet). It’s also the MOST expensive line of paint they carry – but damn, does it have a beautiful finish.

White Snow is awesome. It looks like white and acts like white, but it isn’t stark like true or cold whites or overly warm like some other shades. It could be GREAT in a variety of kitchens and I can’t wait to see it in action!

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE SNOW

I highly recommend comparing White Snow to several other shades. Noticing the difference between whites is what helps you see which one your interior finishes gravitate towards.

• Benjamin Moore Simply White is similar, but a bit warmer
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is similar in depth, but not as warm
• Sherwin Williams Extra White is BRIGHTER and whiter

FULL Paint Color Review of White Snow

WHY IS WHITE SNOW SO HARD TO SAMPLE?

You can’t get paper chip samples, sample pots, or quartz of White Snow made (Sherwin should REEEALLY remedy this). This means that aside from Samplize, the ONLY way to see White Snow in action is to purchase a full gallon. At $125 CDN, that’s a huge stretch for the average person. Sampling needs to be EASY.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of White Snow

READ MORE

SHOULD You Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets White? And Which White is Best?

The 3 Best Off-White Paint Colors for Trims, Walls, and More...

3 STEPS: Choose the Best White for Your Cabinets, Trims, or Walls

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

Not sure which white is best for your kitchen cabinets? 

Check out my affordable Online Color Consulting!

Chat soon,

Kylie M E-Design, Interiors and Decorating     Online, Virtual Paint Color Consultant     Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams specialist

Originally written in 2017, updated in 2019

The post The 5 Best White Paint Colors for Cabinets appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to the gray paint colors, Sherwin Williams has ALL the bases covered – light, dark, warm, cool, and WAY more than 50 shades of it to boot.

However, MORE doesn’t necessarily make your job easier. It’s like going to the liquor store and seeing wines from EVERY FRIGGIN COUNTRY – how’s a girl to CHOOSE? Just give me the most POPULAR one and a straw, and I’ll be a happy lil Ginger. I’m just joking; I’ll take a funnel instead #savetheturtles.

So, to make YOUR life easier, I’m here to break down Sherwin William’s best gray paint colors based on my Online Paint Colour Consulting services – THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

And BTW, with home design and paint colour trends shifting WARMER, you might be surprised to see a blog post dedicated to gray – don’t be. While paint colour matters a lot for RESALE, when it comes to loving your home, it’s about choosing colors you LOVE to live in. And if these colors happen to be gray – REGARDLESS OF TRENDS, you need to fill your lil gray boots!

THE BEST LIGHT, WARM GRAY PAINT COLOURS

Because it’s the most popular depth in the gray world, we’re starting at the LIGHT end of things…

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS REPOSE GRAY 7015

Repose Gray has an LRV of 58, so it’s a bit darker than my magical LRV number of 62, giving it a bit more visual weight than the average light-depth gray paint colour. And while it does have a VERY subtle violet undertone, it can also pick up a wink of green or EVEN blue.

While Repose Gray might be popular with all y’all, PERSONALLY, it’s not my fave.

Why?

Well, I find it a bit unpredictable with its undertones and a touch too heavy – but it’s not ALL about me (not all of the time, anyway), and obviously, MANY disagree!

Be sure to check out its FULL colour review to learn more (but finish this blog post first, there’s more to come!).

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

YOUTUBE COLOUR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLONNADE GRAY 7641

Close on the heels of Revere Pewter is Colonnade Gray, and that’s because they are QUITE similar to each other, both in LRV and undertones.

Colonnade Gray has an LRV of 53, so it has a touch more depth than Revere Pewter. Another difference, although it’s a subtle one, is that Colonnade Gray is a BIT grayer and flashes a touch less green.

Depending on your exposure and interior finishes, this more passive approach to a green undertone makes it slightly more likely to grab a wink of violet or blue.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray

YOUTUBE COLOUR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CITY LOFT 7631

With its extra wink of warmth, City Loft is sitting on the edge of warm gray and taupe. And being a slight taupe means City Loft has a gentle violet (sliiightly violet-pink) undertone.

This soft shade is a gentler approach to gray than the previous options. With an LRV 70, City Loft hovers between the off-white and light-depth paint worlds.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams City Loft

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY 7029

I just HAD to sneak this one in – I couldn’t help myself! Agreeable Gray is REALLY more of a greige-taupe. However, it’s a greige that leans PRETTY HARD into gray, especially if you have north-facing light. And HOT DAMN, is it ever popular!

How to Update Wood Trims

Agreeable Gray has undertones that are more flexible than a 10-year-old gymnast, making it a BIT unpredictable (somewhat like myself and Repose Gray), but THESE undertones tend to be FAR more passive, making it an awesome option in my books.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

YOUTUBE COLOUR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALPACA 7022

Alpaca isn’t one I use as often in my Online Color Consulting. This warm gray works for some spaces, but its increased violet undertones can be a bit much if you’re sensitive to these undertones. However, some finishes, including countertops and tiles, demand this extra hit of violet, so check it out carefully.

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Alpaca

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GOSSAMER VEIL 9165

Gossamer Veil is a muted, foggy shade of warm gray. With its subtle warmth, could Gossamer Veil pass as a greige? In some rooms, yes.

As for undertones, Gossamer Veil has a warm, earthy green undertone. However, while it WILL show up to the party, it’s more like a whisper than a full-color commitment.

This next photo shows three of the colors listed in this blog post, including Colonnade Gray…

Keep in mind that how a color looks in DIRECT natural light like this differs from how it looks in indirect light…

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DRIFT OF MIST 9166

Drift of Mist is like the lighter version of Gossamer Veil. With a similar earthy, warm green undertone, Drift of Mist is a warm gray that COULD pass as a greige in some lights but tends to stay as a subtle warm gray. These two differ because Drift of Mist is lighter, with an LRV of 69, whereas Gossamer Veil’s LRV is 62 (right on my magic number!).

NEED HELP? Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DORIAN GRAY7017

With its LRV of 39, Dorian Gray sits on the HIGH side of the medium range. So, while it’s not as light as the previous options, it’s still a contender for well-lit rooms.

But, just like Repose Gray, Dorian Gray can shift its undertones. Sample it CAREFULLY to make sure it does what you want it to.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

9. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MINDFUL GRAY 7016

When I’m looking for a soft, moody, warm gray, the FIRST color that comes to mind is Mindful Gray. With an LRV of 48, Mindful Gray is in the light-medium depths, so it has a bit more visual weight than its lighter version, Repose Gray. However, it’s JUST as sneaky with its unpredictable undertones of green and violet, so sample carefully!

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray FULL Paint Color Review

10. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EGRET WHITE 7570

Egret White is one of my FAVORITE hybrid colors, hovering between the warm gray and the taupe worlds (catering a bit more to taupe). With some of the most SUBTLE undertones, Egret White is becoming more popular as trends shift warmer.

Sherwin Williams Egret White Paint Color Review

But we’re not done yet! As a bonus, I’m including FOUR of Sherwin’s best DARK, warm shades of gray…

THE MOST POPULAR MEDIUM & DARK, WARM GRAY PAINT COLORS

Once we hit the darker end of warm gray, we start running low on options.

Why?

Well, as these colors get darker, many of them pick up an extra hit of violet, green, or brown, taking them away from their original purpose – warm gray.

However, I do have a few hues that could work for you!

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVETAIL 7018

Not ALL popular gray paint colors are light and soft! In fact, grays with more depth are SUPER popular regarding kitchen cabinets, front doors, exteriors, and feature walls, which is where Dovetail comes into play.

Dovetail is a SOLID medium-depth warm gray with VERY minimal undertones. While it can slightly nod at green or violet, even that’s an overstatement. You’ll also find that Dovetail’s LRV of 26 makes it hold up better in super bright rooms as well as on exteriors.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Wiliams Dovetail

YOUTUBE COLOUR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Dovetail 

SAMPLIZE peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

• Samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on the location.
• They’re more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling.

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GAUNTLET GRAY 7019

When it comes to dark, warm gray paint colors, it’s hard to beat Gauntlet Gray. While others go a bit too warm and dabble in the greige-green range (Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, which is TOTALLY badass, but anyways), and others flash green (Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray) – Gauntlet Gray hits it RIGHT on the mommy-daddy button.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

YOUTUBE COLOUR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ACIER 9170

Being a lighter version of Dovetail, Acier has similar tendencies. HOWEVER, whereas Dovetail holds its undertones closer to its chest, Acier is a warm gray that’s slightly likelier to flash a wink of green at you.

Sherwin Williams Acier trim

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MINK 6004

Mink is a BEAUTIFUL rich shade of warm gray – so rich that it could ALMOST pass as a taupe. This is because Mink has an extra bit of brown and an earthy violet undertone.

5 Steps to Picking Your Home’s Best Exterior Paint Color

And there are WAAAAY more grays out there – especially once we hit the COOL end of the gray world – but I have a WHOLE different blog post for those bad boys! In the meantime, check out these helpful articles…

READ MORE

The 12 Best Whole Home Gray & Greige Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best WARM GRAY Paint Colors

The Best DARK Gray Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams

The Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore

5 Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

4 Ideas to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Virtual Paint Colour Consulting packages!

Chat soon,

The post The Top 10 Warm Gray Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’ve ever tried to pick paint colors for a north or east-facing room, you’ll know what it’s like to bang your head against a wall, chug a vat of wine like a Viking, and scream at the world, begging for friggin’ MERCY. However, creating a welcoming and well-balanced room will be much easier once you understand your room’s needs.

And guess what?

White paint colors aren’t that hard to pick when you have a lil Ginger in your back pocket (I pinch upon request). While you might see hundreds of whites on display, most of these can burn in a pit of disappointment, because that’s how you’ll feel if you use them in your home. Truth be told

Only a SMALL HANDFUL of white paint colors is worth looking at.

Okay, maybe two handfuls (which is what Tim calls me).

But before we understand which whites are best, let’s do a little refresher on east and north-facing light/exposures. Remember, I’m not just here to show you what you can do via pretty pictures; I’m here to TEACH you how to make the best choices for you and your home! And I know many of you have south, or west-facing rooms, or rooms with multiple exposures – don’t worry, we’ll discuss these in another blog post.

NORTH-FACING ROOMS…

• Rooms with northern exposures have a cool gray cast, and because EVERY GRAY HAS UNDERTONES, we aren’t surprised to see a subtle blue here and there.

• North-facing rooms are the COOLEST-looking rooms in a home. And I don’t mean cool like ME in Converse and skinny jeans; I’m talking COLD like Tim’s ex-girlfriend’s heart.

• These spaces don’t get any sun throughout the day. Even if a northern room gets a secondary hit of south/east/west, it’s the DOMINANT northern exposure calling the shots.

• They can look more flat and dull compared to rooms with hits of sunshine, especially if the amount of natural light is limited.

This is a great example of a northeast-facing room with a warm white paint color, and it should be great – it’s our old house!

EAST-FACING ROOMS…

If your east-facing room has a good shot of southern or western light, you might select its colors based on what best suits a south-facing room. This is because enough of these types of lights help offset eastern light’s flatness. However, if your room has dominant eastern exposure (or northeast), here are some points to consider…

• Like northern exposure, eastern light can be flat and drab, but only in the afternoon
• While east-facing rooms can be bright in the morning, it’s not a yellow-orange-pink warmth like southern or western sunshine (which leans that much warmer in the afternoon)

I love to show RELATEABLE & REAL homes, so I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality/range of pics I need, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

THE MANY TYPES OF WHITE PAINT COLORS

What’s the difference between a good white and a bad white? (I prefer Pinot Gris myself.) How do you know which white is right and which white is wrong? And why does it matter – isn’t WHITE WHITE? HELLLLS no.

There are 5 MAIN TYPES OF WHITE. However, this blog post focuses on THREE in particular – cool, true, and warm. If you aren’t sure which type of white you hope to use, you may want to read the linked blog post before going any further. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

Now, starting with COOL white paint colors…

COOL WHITE PAINT COLORS IN EAST OR NORTH-FACING ROOMS

In the wild world of whites, there are a few popular ones, including Sherwin Williams Extra White, Benjamin Moore Decorators White, Benjamin Moore Super White, and Sherwin Williams Ceiling Bright White.

If you paint a room with northern or eastern exposure a COOL white paint color…

1. The room will look even colder than it already does; you’re giving it a double-whammy (not to be confused with Tim’s favorite Friday night move, also called ‘the double-whammy’). While east-facing rooms will brighten up with a vague warmth in the morning hours, in the afternoon, you’ll be left with chalky-looking walls.

2. Cool northern light can glorify any cool undertones in your white paint color.

I mean, each to their own, but DAMN THAT’S GONNA LOOK COLD!

You might hope to see photos of my north-facing client’s homes painted in cool whites, but I don’t have many.

Why?

Because I RARELY advise it. And if I do, it’s for a pretty specific reason. For example, I have a client who wanted a ‘whole home’ white paint color, and because her home is primarily SOUTH-facing, we chose the cool white look of Benjamin Moore Super White. Luckily, the only space in her home that receives north-facing light is the entryway, in which Super White looks a little lackluster. Sure, it’s still a stunning space, but I’d be turning that light on for some passive warm light.

Now, look how different Super White looks in her south-facing dining room…

• FOYER: Super White looks NOT-so-super white as it picks up a gray cast, with a dull, flatness (chalky).

• DINING ROOM: Super White looks WARMER than its roots suggest via the warmth of the south-facing light. In fact, the cool approach of Super White is adding some balance to the warm southern rays. This has Super White looking more warm and welcoming.

This shows how the same paint color can look DRASTICALLY different via opposing light sources and why choosing your white carefully MATTERS!

Now, let’s chat about TRUE white paint colors…

TRUE & BRIGHT WHITE COLORS IN NORTH OR EAST-FACING ROOMS

True and bright white paint colors are among the most popular, second to warm whites. These whites include Sherwin Williams High Reflective White, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, and Behr Ultra Pure White.

Because true whites don’t have an allegiance to being warm or cool, they’ll pick up what their environment is throwing down. This means that in a north-facing room, a true white could look pretty darn cold and quite similar to a cool white.

In an east-facing room, true or bright whites could generally look ‘white’ in the morning with a bit of softness to them. However, your white walls could look flat and chalky in the afternoon.

This isn’t to say a color like High Reflective White can’t be GORGEOUS; it just needs the right exposure and surrounding finishes…

Again, you won’t see many photos of this application because it’s not usually advised. This doesn’t mean YOU can’t do it; it’s just not a common choice simply because it doesn’t add balance to an already cold-looking room; it weighs the scales heavily to one side.

As shown in this next room, while Sherwin Williams High Reflective White has a super high LRV and is quite a genuine white, it’s not for every room, and usually benefits from a wee bit of sunshine (don’t we all…).

The redeeming feature of true white paint colors in north-facing rooms is that once the sun goes down, you’ll be left with the original white you wanted, a simple one that will be affected by the Kelvins of your interior lighting, which is easier to control.

CAN YOU PAINT A NORTH OR EAST-FACING ROOM A TRUE WHITE?

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is the only white that’s CLOSE to true white that I would consider for a north or east-facing room. This is because Chantilly Lace has a touch of softness, while still ‘acting like a pretty legit shade of white.’ All other true whites are too cold for this cowgirl.

However, if you really want a cool, crisp look, you might like a clean white or one with a hint of gray or cool undertones. And, in fact, there is the odd duck who LOVES this look – that cool combination of northern exposure and stark or cold white paint gives an icy, edgy look (I hear Elsa is a big fan).

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

However, I’ve found that when I have Color Consulting clients who’re (the apostrophe in that word is important) looking for a nice white for their north-facing room, they’re usually looking to lighten and brighten. They want to add life without adding color, coldness, OR overwhelming warmth.

And the BEST way to do this is with THE RIGHT WHITE!

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Are you confused yet? Have another glass.

THE BEST SHADES OF WHITE FOR NORTH OR EAST-FACING ROOMS

If you ask ME (which you kind of are), the best white paint colors for a north-facing room are WARM WHITES, as they help balance the cool light coming into the windows (we’ll check out the shortlist in a minute.)

Sherwin Williams Pure White  / Western Exposures Photography

Another important note is that cool northern light will STILL LEAN a warm white towards the cooler side. This means your warm white won’t look as warm as it would in another room with a warmer exposure.

I’m going to hit that baby one more time…

Cool northern light will still lean a warm white towards the cooler side. This means your warm white won’t look as warm as it would in a room with warmer exposure. 

However…

a) the warmth of the white can help balance the cooling effect of northern light, often creating a great happy medium, balancing the scales

b) you have flexibility based on how WARM the white is that you choose – the warmer the white, the more it will counteract the effect of cool northern light

In this next room, Pure White looks considerably warmer in a room with decent southern light…

However, notice how the warmth falls back in a room with cooler lighting…

1.  If you don’t like warm whites, choose a white that’s only slightly warm, knowing that the gray-blue of the northern light will cancel out a lot of the warmth, making the walls look cooler in the process, but not ICY cold like a true or cool white would. When natural light isn’t in play in the evening, you’ll choose the KELVINS you want to get the desired look.

2.  If you like warm whites, you might want to lean into a slightly warmer white than not, knowing that the northern light will try to pull it to the cool side. The warmer your white is, the better it will counteract the cool gray-blue light.

Now, the above information is really the meat n’ potatoes of this blog post – are you ready for the GRAVY?

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005

I LOVE PURE WHITE – wait, was that my inside voice? Trust me, there are MANY things I say that should be kept inside my head, right, Mom? Anyway.

If you’re having a mental battle between WANTING a clean, crisp white and understanding that it could hold your room back visually, Pure White could be a PERFECT choice. Remember, you WILL lose a lot of its already passive warmth, but at least it won’t look ICY cold like a true or cool white will.

CHECK OUT THIS WHOLE HOME IN PURE WHITE!

In a north-facing room, Pure White WILL lose most, if not all, of its warmth. HOWEVER, what makes this an interesting option is that some of you don’t want an ‘overtly warm white’; you just don’t want a cold icy one. For this reason, Pure White could hit the spot.

Pure White will look gorgeous in a space with morning eastern light – not overly warm, just simple. In the afternoon, it will lose much of its warmth, just like in northern exposure. PERSONALLY, I’d choose a warmer white, but it’s NOT ALL ABOUT ME (not all the time, anyway). I’m just here to show you the options and what they might do.

Pure White has an LRV of 84, so while its name might suggest a BRIGHT white, it’s considerably soft. However, if, like me, you want to add some visible warmth to your east or north-facing room, Pure White MIGHT not be warm enough, in which case, keep on reading…

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

YOU MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER

• Benjamin Moore Oxford White (personally, I think Pure White is WAY prettier)

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF PURE WHITE

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER 7008

Alabaster is a lovely, warm white paint color. However, if you’re HOPING for ‘legit’ white walls, it’s a bit farther away than the others. This is because Alabaster has an LRV of 82, so it has a bit more meat on its lovely lil bones. Along with this meat is a soft cream base (cream being a yellow color with neutral added to calm it down).

In a north-facing room, Alabaster has the warmth to offset that cool gray light. Could your walls look a TOUCH creamy? That’s open to perception. However, if you’re looking for a softer approach to white, Alabaster could hit the spot.

This next photo shows Alabaster with true white trim. If you want Alabaster to look warmer and creamier, partner it with a white like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. However, if you want it to look like a ‘soft, warm white,’ make sure you paint your trim the SAME as the walls, as this makes Alabaster’s undertones look more subtle.

In this next kitchen, the cabinets, trims, and walls are all Alabaster, creating a simpler, seamless, and less creamy look…

In an east-facing room, Alabaster will look smooth like butter (without as much yellow) in the morning light, and again, its warmth will take away some of the dullness of afternoon eastern light.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

The reception of my client’s office – Eddins Counseling

Alabaster is on the built-ins, and fireplace surround

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF ALABASTER

YOU MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER

• Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
• Sherwin Williams Cotton

3. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17

White Dove is a WICKED gorgeous, warm white. It’s a soft white, not a bright or true one, with a beautiful warmth that does a great job counteracting cool gray-blue northern light without going overly yellow as some more dominant warm whites can.

As for White Dove in east-facing rooms, its warmth helps offset the afternoon light’s flatness. It also happens to look GORGEOUS in the east-facing morning light.

White Dove doors and trims with Benjamin Moore Ballet White walls

White Dove has an LRV of 83.16, so it’s definitely in the white range, just on the lower end of it. This means that your walls won’t be crisp and clean, but will have a gentle warmth (I have it in my own home).

Not sure what LRV is? It could SAVE YOUR PAINT-LOVIN’ LIFE – check it out here.

In this next space, I worried we’d get a lot of green reflecting onto the walls from the exterior. Instead, White Dove is holding itself quite well on the walls, trims, and ceiling…

This next room gets an equal balance of north and south-facing light, and look at how AWESOME White Dove is at humoring both…

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF WHITE DOVE HERE! 

YOU MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER

• Sherwin Williams Cheviot
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White, which is a bit warmer, lighter, and creamier than White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, which is VERY comparable to White Dove

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

Now, let’s count what we’ve got here…

THREE GREAT shades of white to choose from, SIX alternatives (for backup)

As I mentioned earlier, only a HANDFUL of white paint colors are worth looking at (for ANY room or project). And from these nine white shades, I bet you can narrow it down further based on how much warmth you want to be left on your walls once the northern or eastern light has done its job.

WANT MORE WARMTH?

There’s a good chance that even with the soft, warm whites mentioned above, you’re still not getting the warmth you want to see on your walls. If so, you may want to explore the following warm white and cream paint colors…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CREAMY 7012

Creamy is one of my true loves. But FULL DISCLOSURE…I also love Ryan Reynolds (or Gosling), white wine, Moana, Cornuts, AND…Creamy, which is actually an off-white, not a white.

That’s right, Creamy is an off-white paint color, which means it has more junk in its truck – junk in the form of a creamy base. BUT HOT DAMN, IT’S PRETTY!

If your room has south-facing or afternoon western sunshine, Creamy could be MORE than you’re looking for – not just in color, but in depth. However, its lovely creamy warmth is a great way to balance cool light coming in north-facing windows or that flat afternoon eastern sunshine.

FIND ME REVIEWING THESE WHITES ON YOUTUBE TOO! 

SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVER WHITE 6385

Dover White offers a legitimate commitment to cream, meaning you’ll see more yellow. Remember that the more yellow you go, the harder it can be to transition your style down the road, should you do a color like Dover White on your walls AND your trims and doors (read more about this here).

In this next photo, at the very top, as well as the baseboard, you can see a strip of white trim that’s brighter than the Dover White walls – this helps you see how warm Dover White is. If I were to use Dover White on my walls, I would do this, rather than using it on my walls AND trims (just for versatility – I don’t want Dover White trim.)

WHITE PAINT COLORS & DARK ROOMS (REGARDLESS OF EXPOSURE)

While white will brighten up ANY space, even a dark one, don’t expect it to save the day…

If you have a dark east or north-facing room or dark hallway (shown above), white can be a great choice…as long as you have a great interior lighting plan. If you don’t, you MIGHT want to look at colors with more color or chroma. Adding COLOR to the walls of a dark room, regardless of its exposure, can be a great way to give it personality.

White paint colors in a dark room, without enough interior lighting, often look like cheap primer.

So, there you have it! Of course, there are MANY more awesome colors to check out, but hopefully, these whites get you pointed in the right direction.

READ MORE

The 5 Most Fool-Proof White Paint Colors

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Choosing White Paint Colors

The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors

Color Review: Benjamin Moore Simply White

The 3 Best White Paint Colors for Cabinets

The Best Paint Colors for East-Facing Rooms

LET ME PICK YOUR PAINT COLORS!

Check out my Online Color Consulting packages! 

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2017, MASSIVELY updated in 2023

The post The 3 BEST WHITE Paint Colors for North or East-Facing Rooms appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I get asked about off-whites ALL the time, the most common question being, ‘I was thinking of using this off-white paint colour. Are there any sneaky undertones I should know about?’ You bet there are!

Splashes of blue, touches of purple, hints of green, or even PINK – off-whites are DARN hard to choose. And whatever happened to the ease of builder beige anyway? I’m just joking; NOBODY wants builder beige to come back.

Before we get into the guts n’ the glory, let’s talk about off-whites and why they are such a bugger to choose. And if this is your first time to my blog – the Ginger likes to hear herself talk (or type). Consider yourself warned.

OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS

Regarding LRV, it can be tricky to know where the cut-off is between white, off-white, and light. Are you not familiar with LRV? You should read this blog post; it will become your best friend (or I will, one or the other). And while 60-70 is the magic LRV range for almost any room, when it comes to off-white, its LRV range sits between 73-82 (approx). In this range, you’ll find off-whites that are light and bright but will still show some contrast with standard white trim.

Off-white colour = higher LRV = more light reflection. This means that if the light that’s shining on your wall happens to have a ‘colour’ to it, your walls can pick up on that. For example…

• if you have a TON of green outside your window (grass/trees), your off-white walls might pick up a hint of green

• if your porch floor is painted red, your off-white walls might look a tad pink as the red is reflected on your walls AND the high LRV of your walls reflects it back

And then there’s exposure (north/south/east/west facing), which ALL have their own colour quirks. Add all these things together, along with the needs of your furnishings and your personal tastes – let’s just say that off-whites are tricky.

See ALL of this beautiful bathroom here

And THAT’S why we’re having our lil chat today, as I’ve pulled together some of my fave off-whites and some comments on a few more of today’s most POPULAR off-whites. These colors are relatively neutral, but that doesn’t mean they’re fool-proof (as there are no fool-proof neutrals). It all depends on your home, exposure, furnishings, interior finishings, and, of COURSE, personal tastes, but they’ll at least get you started!

1. BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY OC-23

Classic Gray is a warm gray in the off-white range. It’s on the edge of the off-white range, winking at the light depths. This means you’ll see a good degree of contrast if you choose a reasonably white color for your trim.

Any gray (even warm ones) will have blue, purple, green, or a mix of those undertones, and Classic Gray is no exception (read more about that here). Classic Gray favors a very (very) mild purple undertone. This undertone doesn’t always show up to the party, but it’s quite passive when it does. It can also flash slightly warm violet (violet-pink) vs. cool violet (violet-blue), but I’ve never seen it lean totally pink (whereas the comparable Pale Oak can); it’s just a slightly warmer violet.

And, as usual, I’m being anal. You might look at this colour and think, ‘Good Lord, what IS she talking about – this color is NEUTRAL?’ – it’s that subtle. I just don’t want you to be surprised once it’s on your walls!

WHY IS CLASSIC GRAY SUCH A POPULAR WARM GRAY PAINT COLOUR?

• Classic Gray has an LRV of almost 75, so it’s in the off-white range, but really has a bit more body than most
• in some lights, Classic Gray can look quite taupe and can easily be considered one (taupe being warmer than gray)
• while Classic Gray FAVORS gray, it never looks icy cold like traditional gray paint colors
• with its subtle warmth, Classic Gray is MORE likely to last longer than some of the other gray paint colors

Sherwin Williams Pure White cabinets, Classic Gray walls

WHAT PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO CLASSIC GRAY?

If Classic Gray doesn’t hit the spot, check out Benjamin Moore Gray Mist. It’s an off-white (heavy off-white) that’s a greige, so rather than having the subtle purple of Classic Gray, it has a wink more warmth with a touch of green, cream/yellow.

You might also like the approach of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, which is similar to Classic Gray but has a bit more depth and body to it.

FULL Paint Colour Review: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

Benjamin Moore’s Best Gray Paint Colours

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK SW 7010

I LOVE White Duck, as it’s the perfect blend of cream with a tan/gray base to calm it down. If you like cream walls but don’t like yellow, White Duck could be the hybrid you’re looking for.

Having used this colour in my brother’s house (not shown above, pictures are coming soon), I’ve seen firsthand how it shifts from a beige-greige blend (but never definitively gray or beige) into a really subdued, neutralized cream—mad love. I’ve also seen firsthand how lucky he is to have me in his life. True story.

WHY IS WHITE DUCK SUCH A POPULAR OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOUR?

• White Duck has an LRV of 74, so it really is on the border of off-white and light, offering CONTRAST with trim without visual WEIGHT
• it’s great if you’re looking for a warm, but not OBVIOUSLY beige, gray, or creamy neutral
• like Aesthetic White (coming shortly), it’s one of the few options with no obvious undertone to wrestle with
• in the above photo, White Duck is shown with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray cabinets – a super wicked combo
• it’s a great choice for a north, east, west or south-facing room

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams White Duck

WHICH PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE DUCK?

If White Duck is close but no cigar,  several other colors have a similar approach, but with a few tweaks…

• Sherwin Williams Shoji White
• the ever-gorgeous Benjamin Moore Ballet White
• Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White

Often, these subtle shifts make one color perfect over another.

3. BENJAMIN MOORE SILVER SATIN OC-26

Silver Satin is the grayest of the bunch, a soft, slightly warm gray. And while it’s not my PERSONAL fave, due to its non-committal warmth, it has a decent following. HOWEVER, it also has a sneaky undertone to consider…

Remember, every gray will have an undertone, and Silver Satin favors a very slight purple hue. If you like the general look of Silver Satin, but want your walls LIGHTER, Benjamin Moore Calm has a similar approach (and I get nervous about it for the same reason – not warm enough and a bit…too…purple.)

SILVER SATIN’S LRV & A LITTLE MORE

• Silver Satin has an LRV of 76, so it’s sitting pretty in the off-white range
• because it’s a warm gray, Silver Satin will come up a bit warmer in a south-facing room, but gray out more in northern light
• Silver Satin looks pretty with Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on trim work

FULL Paint Color Review of Silver Satin

Dunn Edward’s Faded Gray is very similar to Silver Satin

WHAT PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO SILVER SATIN?

A good comparison/alternative would be Sherwin Williams Toque White, which is just a touch warmer. I also like Eider White, which you’ll learn about shortly. However, I prefer the subtle approach of Silver Satin to BOTH of those paint colors.

Click HERE or on the above image to see the available packages!

SAMPLIZE offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY; depending on the location
• they’re more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

Save money on paint samples with SAMPLIZE HERE

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CREAMY SW 7012

Creamy is definitely one of my favorite warm off-white paint colors that’s NOT beige or gray! However, if you’re looking for a legit shade of cream, it’s not that either!

I’ve had many clients say they love cream, but don’t love yellow. So…(awkward moment) cream IS yellow; it’s just yellow with a neutral base added to it, and that’s JUST what you get when you choose Creamy. The neutral base calms it down, so it’s more of a neutral/cream and less of a colour/yellow.

WHY IS CREAMY ONE OF THE MORE POPULAR CREAM/OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOURS?

• Creamy has an LRV Of 81, which is an UBER fab off-white depth, on the lighter side of it, creating a lower contrast look with white trim
• it looks good with Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Cloud White trim (more whites HERE)
• Creamy has enough warmth to be OBVIOUS without being obnoxiously yellow, especially compared to more standard cream paint colors
• it’s beautiful on walls, but don’t be tempted to put it on trim or cabinets unless your kitchen really calls for it!

WHICH PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO CREAMY?

If you’d like something with a wee wink more colour, look at Benjamin Moore Timid White which is just slightly less neutral/more creamy yellow (also check out Benjamin Moore White Down). If you want a lighter shade, more in the WHITE range, check out Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Dover White.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Creamy

The Best Cream Paint Colours: Benjamin Moore

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AESTHETIC WHITE 7035

Aesthetic White is a soft, light beige in the off-white range, but it’s not just any old beige…

Many popular beige paint colors have a slightly golden, yellow-orange undertone to them. Aesthetic White DOES have some warmth, but it’s nicely subdued by a wink o’ gray.

The above photo shows the Aesthetic at its warmest. The photo below shows it at its grayest…

WHY IS AESTHETIC WHITE A POPULAR BEIGE PAINT COLOUR?

• Aesthetic White has an LRV of 73, so it’s another on-the-border colour, but I still find that it gives a fab off-white look with no obvious green/purple/blue/colour in it
• it looks beautiful with Sherwin Williams Pure White on trim work
• It’s nice for a north-facing room for a neutral, but not particularly warm NOR cold look
• with the way trends are leaning, Aesthetic White is set to be a VERY popular paint colour

North, East, South, West: Which Paint Colour is the Best?

The Next IT Color in the Paint World (and it’s not white OR gray!)

Here’s a good shot showing Aesthetic White with a few other off-whites (and Sherwin Williams Pure White)…

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White: Paint Color Review

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MODERATE WHITE 6140

With trends leaning warmer, expect more of this beautiful beige coming your way! Moderate White is an off-white beige with a gentle orange undertone, popular in homes with abundant beige finishes, including carpet, tiles, and countertops.

WHY WILL MODERATE WHITE BE POPULAR IN THE COMING DAYS?

• Trends are leaning warmer, away from gray, and closer to the beige end.
• Moderate White has muted undertones that suit a WIDE range of interior finishes.
• It’s a MODERN take on the heavy rich beiges from the early 2000s.
• Another beauty is Benjamin Moore Maritime White, found HERE.

Sherwin Williams Moderate White: Paint Colour Review

READ MORE

Sherwin Williams Origami White: Paint Color Review

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray and Greige Paint Colours

Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Egret White

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours

The 3 Best Warm White Paint Colours

LET ME PICK YOUR PAINT COLORS FOR YOU!

Check out my E-Design!

Chat soon,

First published in 2019, awesomely updated in 2023

The post The 6 Best Off-White Neutral Paint Colors: Undertones & More appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Is Swiss Coffee the best white paint color for YOUR home? Let’s find out.

There’s no doubt that Swiss Coffee became popular thanks to Studio McGee. However, just because a color looks great in a professionally designed home, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for YOUR home. Or maybe it is, but you won’t know until you COMPARE it to other options.

This is why we’re spending some one-on-one time (or maybe one-on-five) with Swiss Coffee and five other popular shades of white. We’ll learn how they’re similar and different, and why they MAY or may not be the best whites for your home!

BUT FIRST, let’s do a little refresher on Swiss Coffee…

SWISS COFFEE SUMMARY

Swiss Coffee is a soft, warm white paint color. It has an LRV of 81.91, which means it’s NOT a bright white…at all, and actually winks at the off-white world with a come-hither look.

As for undertones, Swiss Coffee has a subtle, muted, creamy undertone. Cream = yellow. However, tucked deep inside this yellow is a touch of green.

Are you going to notice this green on a large scale? Possibly not. However, if you partner it with anti-green finishes, you might be in for a surprise. This is also a risk if you already have a lot of green light coming through your windows via grass, nearby landscaping, or trees.

Now, without further ado (what IS ado anyway?), let’s see how Swiss Coffee compares to the other top shades to see if it’s JUST the right white for you…

SWISS COFFEE vs. SIMPLY WHITE

If you’re considering Swiss Coffee and Simply White for your walls, cabinets, or trim, you’re considering two different types of white. But is EITHER the best white for you? Let’s find out…

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES

• WHICH WHITE IS WARMER? Simply White is warmer than Swiss Coffee as it has a less neutral base, calming it down. The warmth in both of these whites comes in the form of a yellow undertone; Simply White’s can be a bit more noticeable.
• WHICH WHITE IS BRIGHTER & WHITER? Simply White has an LRV of 89.52, making it a brighter white. Swiss Coffee is a soft white with a lower LRV of 81.91.
• Both whites are popular in ‘color-drenching,’ where the walls, cabinets, trims, and ceilings are all painted the same color.
• Both whites are reasonably versatile when partnering them up with other colors, although Simply White is MORE flexible.
• Neither white is a hit with marble or today’s most popular white quartz countertops – there are better whites for these finishes.
• Simply White can be a bit too yellow for some south-facing rooms or those with warm afternoon western sunshine. Swiss Coffee will look warm in these spaces, but because of its mild yellow undertone, it can be a bit softer looking than Simply White.

Benjamin Moore Simply White trim, Collingwood walls

MORE PHOTOS & INFO: FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF SIMPLY WHITE! 

SWISS COFFEE vs. CLOUD WHITE

Cloud White has been kickin’ it a looooong time in the white world due to its flexibility with finishes from the 90s and early to mid-2000s. HOWEVER, it’s fallen in favor in recent years due to its more noticeable warmth. Let’s find out more…

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES

• WHICH WHITE IS WARMER? Cloud White is warmer than Swiss Coffee with a slightly more noticeable creamy yellow undertone.
• WHITE WHITE IS BRIGHER & WHITER? Cloud White has an LRV of 85.05, parking it FIRMLY in the white range. This makes Cloud White look whiter than Swiss Coffee, whose LRV borders on the off-white range.
• Neither white is particularly popular with today’s trendy quartz countertops and are usually toooo yellow for the average marble surface.
• Both whites are options when coordinating a home with Tuscan-inspired finishes.
• Swiss Coffee can be a bit better for a south-facing room or room with warm afternoon western sunshine as it has less yellow in it. However, neither would be my first or second choice.

MORE PHOTOS & INFO: FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF CLOUD WHITE! 

SWISS COFFEE vs. CHANTILLY LACE

As far as the wild world of whites is concerned, Swiss Coffee and Chantilly Lace are living on different continents. Let’s find out how these two compare…

NEED HELP? Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING – let me make it easy for you! 

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES

• WHITE WHITE IS WARMER? Swiss Coffee is warmer than Chantilly Lace. When you compare the two, Swiss Coffee looks a bit dirty and almost creamy up against Chantilly Lace’s cheerful approach. This doesn’t mean it’s not the best for your space, but it’s not a remotely bright or clean white.

DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE 5 TYPES OF WHITE?

• WHICH WHITE IS BRIGHTER & WHITER? By a LONG stretch, Chantilly Lace is brighter, whiter, and cleaner-looking than Swiss Coffee. This is because Chantilly Lace has a higher LRV of 90.4, putting it closer to the TRUE white world (and actually IS Benjamin Moore’s brightest white).
• Chantilly Lace is more popular and versatile regarding white quartz countertops and marble finishes, whereas Swiss Coffee can be a bit too warm/muddy.
• If you have a north-facing room, the warmth of Swiss Coffee offers a bit more balance compared to Chantilly Lace. This being said, neither is my first or second choice.
• Neither Swiss Coffee nor Chantilly Lace are the first whites I think of when considering a home with Tuscan-style finishes or most older-style granite countertops.

MORE PHOTOS & INFO: FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF CHANTILLY LACE

SWISS COFFEE vs. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER

We’re comparing apples to apples when looking at Swiss Coffee and Alabaster. Let’s see what sets these two whites apart…

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES

• WHICH WHITE IS WARMER? Alabaster is warmer than Swiss Coffee with its notable creamy yellow backdrop. This isn’t to say that Alabaster is TOO creamy for what you might be looking for, but Swiss Coffee could be a better choice if your space is sensitive to yellow undertones.
• WHICH WHITE IS BRIGHTER & WHITER? Alabaster is a soft, warm white – Swiss Coffee is a soft, warm white. With only fractions of a point between them in LRV, neither white is noticeably whiter than the other.
• Because of its subtle, but sneaky yellow-green undertones, I suggest Alabaster 10x more than Swiss Coffee in my Online Paint Color Consulting.
• Alabaster is a popular choice in Tuscan-style homes and those with finishes from the ’90s and early 2000s; however, Swiss Coffee shows up too!

Sherwin Williams Alabaster with Evergreen Fog shiplap

MORE PHOTOS & INFO: FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF ALABASTER

SWISS COFFEE vs. WHITE DOVE

This is an easy one. If you want to know which white is the most popular between White Dove and Swiss Coffee – it’s White Dove.

Why?

I’m so passionate about this topic that I wrote an entire blog post about it. The long and short of it is that White Dove has more predictable undertones than Swiss Coffee.

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES

• WHICH WHITE IS WARMER? Both whites are warm, but Swiss Coffee tends to look a bit warmer than White Dove, with its slightly more noticeable yellow undertone.
• WHICH WHITE IS BRIGHTER & WHITER? White Dove is whiter than Swiss Coffee, which is shown via their LRVs of 83.16 and 81.91 (respectively). With this lower LRV, Swiss Coffee is closer to being an OFF-WHITE than White Dove.
• Both whites are often considerations when updating granite countertops and finishes from the 90s and earlier 2000s.
• Neither white is especially popular with white quartz or marble-look countertops. This is because of their soft and subtle warmth.

MORE PHOTOS & INFO: FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF WHITE DOVE

READ MORE

Sherwin Williams Pure White vs. The 10 BEST Shades of White

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. The Most Popular White Paint Colors

Is White Still Trendy on Walls, Exteriors, & Cabinets?

NEED HELP CHOOSING YOUR BEST WHITE?

Check out my ONLINE PAINT COLOR PACKAGES! 

Chat soon,

The post BENJAMIN MOORE SWISS COFFEE vs. THE TOP 5 SHADES OF WHITE appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When choosing the best white paint color for your walls, cabinets, trims, or exterior, COMPARISON is the most important part of your color-picking journey!

Why?

Comparing similar colors helps you see…

• shifts in UNDERTONE
• changes in TEMPERATURE
• differences in DEPTH (did you know there are 5 types of white!)
• which white best suits your home’s finishes, including countertop, tile, existing colors, etc…

Comparing whites is where I lean into my obsession with Samplize Peel & Stick. Sampling paint colors with wee paper squares from the paint store is like sampling wine from a thimble. It barely wets your whistle, and you often purchase an expensive bottle of wine that you don’t even like (but will drink anyway). The same can happen with paint – you buy that expensive gallon and paint your little heart out, only to see it’s the wrong color.

COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE!

Sherwin Williams Pure White in a south-facing room

Undoubtedly, you’ve come across Sherwin Williams Pure White in your sampling adventures as it’s one of the best. However, you won’t know it’s the best shade for your project until you COMPARE it to the other top whites. In fact, you might even end up changing your mind and finding a better option!

But before we start, when finding your best white, you must understand the basics of LRV (I am a bossy lil thang). Here’s the meat n’ potatoes of it… (if you want gravy & butter, that’s HERE).

EVERY paint color has an LRV number on a scale of 0-100. 0 is black, and 100 is white. This number tells you how light or dark a paint color is. This matters a LOT with white, seeing as there are 5 types to choose between.

Never choose a white paint color without knowing and understanding its LRV – says me.

The LRV of white paint colors that are useable in your home ranges from approx. 81-94. Intrigued? You should be; it will rock your paint-pickin’ world – read about it HERE.

Sherwin Williams Pure White walls, trims, doors, & ceilings

This is an INFO-HEAVY blog post, giving you the deets you need with less muss n’ fuss. If you’re just here for the pretty pictures (I feel you), check out each color’s FULL COLOR REVIEW (links throughout). 

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE

Pure White and White Dove are two of the TOP whites I recommend in my Online Paint Color Consulting.

Why?

Many homes suit SOFT whites over bright whites. From there, it’s a matter of how much warmth is needed. Some homes need a SUBTLE warmth, which is what you find in Pure White and White Dove.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & WHITE DOVE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84. White Dove’s LRV is 83.16. Pure White is WHITER and brighter than White Dove (only by a wee wink), making them both SOFT whites.
• Which white is WARMER? White Dove is WARMER than Pure White, giving it a slightly creamier look, although it’s still not the warmest white by any stretch of the imagination.
• White Dove is best for north-facing rooms as its warmth can add balance. Pure White can look good, but don’t expect it to add much balance or coziness.
• Pure White is more popular for south-facing rooms than White Dove. South-facing rooms have warm light, and some people find White Dove leans a bit TOO warm in this light.
• Tuscan-style homes (travertine, beige finishes, etc…) can look good with the subtle warmth of White Dove, whereas Pure White isn’t always warm enough.
• They’re both EQUALLY as flexible, but there are situations where one is a better choice. For example, Pure White is often a better choice with today’s popular white quartz countertops, whereas White Dove is sometimes a BIT too warm. On the other hand, White Dove is often better suited to softer, muted earth tones than Pure White.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of White Dove

Benjamin Moore Ballet White walls, White Dove trim, and wainscoting

KYLIE M’S FAVE

My FAVE white has to be Pinot Gris. Oh, wait, different topic (we all have our vices – mine include wine, white paint, and white sneakers). I can’t even decide between these two as it depends on the use. I mean, that applies to ANY white, but I interchange these two so often. PERSONALLY, my fave is Benjamin Moore White Dove. For my average client? Proooobably Pure White.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. ALABASTER

Pure White and Alabaster are rarely in contention for the same project. While they’re both soft whites, Alabaster has a much more noticeable warmth than Pure White’s passive approach.

Please remember, your computer screen can skew how these colors look; they look DIFFERENT in real life! 

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & ALABASTER SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is the whitest? Pure White and Alabaster are both SOFT WHITES; however, with its LRV of 82, Alabaster is softer (darker) and borders on the off-white range. Pure White is definitely a white, not an off-white, because of its LRV of 84.
• Which is the warmest? Alabaster is WARMER than Pure White with its creamy backdrop.
• Alabaster is a popular shade of white for many of the older-style granite countertops, whereas Pure White CAN be a bit too white for some. Pure White is more often used for today’s trendy white quartz countertops.
• In south-facing rooms or those with western afternoon sun, Alabaster can look even warmer/creamier. And while Pure White will also pick up some warmth, it’s not as strong as Alabaster. Pure White is usually better for southern spaces (read about exposures HERE).
• As for northern light, Alabaster is one of the best whites as its softer, creamier approach adds some warmth to a space that can otherwise be a titbit nippy!
• If you have a Tuscan-style home (travertine tile and beige tones), Alabaster is often a good shade to try. Pure White isn’t always warm enough.
• Alabaster is LESS likely to suit finishes such as marble and many of today’s popular white quartz countertops.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster walls

KYLIE M’S FAVE

Between Pure White and Alabaster, it has to be Pure White. Sure, Alabaster has its place, but Pure White has WAY more flexibility for the average home due to its decreased warmth. DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER; if Alabaster is your white and it’s working, that’s all that matters!

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

3. PURE WHITE vs. EXTRA WHITE

While Extra White is a bit brighter/whiter than Pure White, they both have very (very) subtle approaches to warmth (especially Extra White). Of the two, Pure White has a more noticeable warmth without being creamy.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE PURE WHITE & EXTRA WHITE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Extra White’s LRV is 86, making it WHITER than Pure White’s 84.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is WARMER than Extra White, although neither is exceptionally warm (Extra White is only fractionally so).
• Extra White and Pure White often compete for the same spot regarding cabinets and trims. Pure White wins for walls and exteriors.
• Of the two, Extra White is MORE likely to act like a ‘true white’ but is less likely to suit warm interior finishes.
• In north-facing light, Extra White can look a bit ICY COLD (Elsa is a HUGE fan). Pure White won’t add much warmth, but it’s definitely a softer, less stark approach.
• Pure White is more likely to suit today’s popular white quartz countertops than Extra White.
• If you have south-facing light or a room with warm afternoon western sunshine, Extra White and Pure White are both nice choices. Both will look warmer/more yellow in south-facing or afternoon western sunshine. Both will fall flat in the morning western light.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Extra White

Sherwin Williams Extra White

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

It’s not even a competition. Pure White – almost every time. I like its passive warmth and its flexibility. Sure, Extra White is flexible, too, but NOTHING like my Pure White.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Extra White

4. PURE WHITE vs. CHEVIOT

Being the new kid on the block, there isn’t much info on Cheviot. And while I covered it in a mass-color review, it deserves a spot in the limelight (without the green undertone – get it?).

I love comparing Pure White and Cheviot, as previously, Sherwin Williams didn’t have a GREAT color in this particular LRV. That’s right; Cheviot comes in lighter and brighter than Pure White.

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PURE WHITE & CHEVIOT

• Which is the whitest white? While Simply White (coming next) and Cheviot are VERY comparable, Pure White and Cheviot vary in their LRVs,  84 and 89 (respectively). This makes Cheviot a BRIGHTER white.
• Which one is warmer? Cheviot is WARMER than Pure White, although, with its increased brightness, this isn’t always as noticeable as it would be in a softer white like Alabaster.
• Cheviot has a slightly more noticeable yellow undertone, but its approach is still VERY muted.
• If Pure White isn’t warm enough and Alabaster is too dark/creamy, Cheviot can be a nice shift into a brighter but still warm white.
• While Pure White is likely the better choice with today’s popular white quartz or marble-look countertops, Cheviot could suit a few.
• Cheviot could be pretty with a Tuscan-style home with warm-toned finishes. Pure White might not be warm enough.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Cheviot

KYLIE M’S FAVE SHADE

Oooo, this is a hard one (that’s what she said). Cheviot could be a big deal if it were available in Sherwin William’s more affordable lines AND if they had easy-to-get paint chips in the store. Right now, the only way to see this color is to get a gallon (yes, a FULL GALLON) or a Peel & Stick sample from Samplize.

The Top 9 White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Emerald Edition

5. PURE WHITE vs. SIMPLY WHITE

Pure White & Simply White are both popular shades but tend to suit slightly different projects. While both are WARM whites, Simply White has a noticeable yellow undertone and a higher LRV, meaning it’s whiter/brighter.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & SIMPLY WHITE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is the whitest? While Simply White and Cheviot are quite comparable, Simply White and Pure White are different types of white. Simply White’s LRV is 89.52, to Pure White’s 84, making Simply White a BRIGHTER white.
• Which is the warmest of the two? Simply White is WARMER than Pure White, as it has a more noticeable yellow undertone compared to the passive nature of Pure White.
• These two colors often compete to be on trim work and cabinets.
• Pure White is slightly more flexible than Simply White due to its decreased warmth.
• Simply White is a popular shade for Tuscan-style homes with warm-toned finishes (but it can sometimes be a stitch yellow). Often, Pure White isn’t quite warm enough (but it never hurts to try).

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Simply White

Sherwin Williams White Duck walls, Simply White fireplace surround & trim

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

I love Simply White; it’s a classic. However, Pure White is often a safer and softer bet with its decreased yellow undertone and slightly softer approach. It really just comes down to what best suits your finishes.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Simply White FULL Paint Color Review

NEED HELP? Check out my ONLINE COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES – let me make it easy for you! 

6. PURE WHITE vs. CLOUD WHITE

If you compare Pure White and Cloud White, there should be a clear winner. Cloud White is a warmer, creamier white than Pure White. And while Pure White is warm, it’s fractional in comparison. Where they’re the MOST similar is in depth, which you’ll learn about next!

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO SHADES

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84, and Cloud White’s LRV is 85.05, making them VERY similar in depth! This means both whites are SOFT whites.
• Which is warmer? Cloud White has a much more noticeable creamy warmth than Pure White, which can seem a bit dingy in comparison. (This doesn’t make it bad, though; it’s just less yellow!)
• Pure White is a FAR superior choice with most white quartz countertops. Cloud White is popular with some of the older-style granite and laminate countertops.
• Cloud White is best for north-facing rooms, where the light is cooler/grayer. Cloud White will look warmer and creamier in south or west-facing rooms, so make sure you love a yellow undertone (personally, it goes too creamy yellow for me). Pure White doesn’t have much warmth in north-facing rooms, but it depends on what you like (I personally like to see more warmth, i.e., White Dove). On the other hand, Pure White offers a nice balance to south-facing or western light without going as creamy as Cloud White.

North, East, South, West, Which Paint Colors is The Best?

• Cloud White is often the best white for a Tuscan-style home with warm-toned finishes (but it can sometimes be a stitch yellow). Pure White is often not warm enough.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Cloud White

Benjamin Moore Cloud White walls & trim

KYLIE M’S FAVE WHITE

Cloud White has been kickin’ it longer than Messi (for you soccer fans). However, I can’t say it’s been quite as successful, as it’s often a bit too yellow for the average interior finish. This is why, of these two popular shades, Pure White is ma boo.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Cloud White Paint Color Review

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE vs. SNOWBOUND

Pure White and Snowbound are similar in depth, with only a point difference. Where they differ is in undertones and intentions.

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & SNOWBOUND SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

When comparing Pure White and Snowbound, you’re comparing apples to oranges. Sure, they have a similar shape, but BOY, do they taste different!

• Which is whiter? Pure White’s LRV of 84 is darn close to Snowbound’s slightly lower LRV of 83. This makes Pure White BRIGHTER than Snowbound.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is warmer, with a passive undertone; Snowbound has a warm gray and violet touch. However, in some lights, I’ve seen it flash violet-pink and even a wink creamy (check it out in its Color Review).
• I often recommend Pure White as a whole home color (cabinets/walls/trims/ceilings/doors). I NEVER recommend Snowbound for this due to its unpredictable, but most often, violet (#violent) undertones. Snowbound can be GREAT for a single room but isn’t great for a whole home.
• Snowbound is finicky about its color partners, whereas Pure White is VERY flexible.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Snowbound

Sherwin Williams Snowbound walls

KYLIE’S FAVE SHADE

It’s not even a question – Pure White trumps Snowbound 99% of the time.

Snowbound isn’t predictable or versatile enough to be relied on for a ‘whole home’ application, even if it’s just all the trim work. Pure White is flexible and accommodates a wide range of colors.

PHOTOS & INFO: Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Snowbound

8. PURE WHITE vs. DECORATORS WHITE

Decorators White and Snowbound have a LOT in common. Pure White and Decorator’s White? Not so much, but comparing the two with Peel & Stick helps you see some important differences. Remember, comparing colors helps you see the undertones/temperature/depth in each color – things that are hard to see when you only look at one or two colors.

DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PURE WHITE & DECORATORS WHITE

• Which is whiter? Pure White has an LRV of 84, and Decorators White’s LRV is 82.68, making it DARKER than Pure White (but it’s still a white).
• Which is warmer? Pure White is a subtle WARM white; Decorators White is a subtle COOL white.
• Compared to Pure White’s warmth, you’ll see a flash of violet and gray in Decorator’s White (cooler than Snowbound’s violet undertone).
• Decorator’s White isn’t a great choice for trim as it will limit your wall color options. Pure White is a wicked choice as it’s flexible.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Decorators White

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White on the walls – stock white trim

KYLIE’S FAVE

Again, Pure White for the win. Decorator’s White has its place, but it’s usually on a single-use basis (i.e., the walls in one room). Its undertones don’t leave Decorator’s White a lot of room to accommodate other colors.

PHOTOS & INFO ON DECORATOR’S WHITE: Full Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White

9. PURE WHITE vs. CHANTILLY LACE

Pure White and Chantilly Lace often compete for the same spot on cabinets, walls, trims, and exteriors. Unfortunately, Chantilly Lace gets a bad rap for not getting as good coverage (although I have a tip to help). There are also a few other features that set these two shades apart.

Again, these color images can look different on your particular computer screen. They often look DIFFERENT in real life! 

HOW ARE PURE WHITE & CHANTILLY LACE SIMILAR & DIFFERENT?

• Which is whiter? Chantilly Lace has an LRV of 90.04, making it considerably WHITER than Pure White at 84. This makes Chantilly Lace a bright white and Pure White a soft white.
• Which is warmer? Pure White is WARMER than Chantilly Lace, but don’t get yer knickers in a knot as it’s one of the LEAST warm of the warm whites.
• Chantilly Lace and Pure White can look great with today’s popular quartz countertops and many marble or marble-look countertops. Neither is popular with granite countertops unless it’s black granite or one with cool colors.
• Chantilly Lace and Pure White are great ‘whole home’ white paint colors, often used for walls, trims, ceilings, doors, and exteriors.
• Neither color is used in Tuscan-style homes (with a lot of beige).
• Chantilly Lace will look WHITER and less warm than Pure White. However, it’s not quite as stark as High Reflective White. I would say that both whites are EQUALLY as flexible and I don’t have a clear fave between the two – it all comes down to the surrounding finishes and their specific needs.
• If your room has northern light, both colors have equal opportunity. HOWEVER, neither will offer a tangible warmth. If you’re looking for a bit more softness and warmth, you will need a warmer shade of white.
• South-facing light and western afternoon sunshine can be roasty-toasty! And while Pure White is a warm white, it has a PASSIVE warmth and doesn’t lean too warm in these exposures (this IS open to perception). Almost any white will pick up yellow in these warm exposures, but the COOLER your white is, the more balance it will add. As for Chantilly Lace, it can be gorgeous in these lights, again, picking up a warm hue without looking overly creamy.
• If you want more balance in a room with a warm exposure, you might consider a cooler white paint colour (make sure you love it at night too).
• Pure White is more likely to suit a white countertop than Chantilly Lace (but there are ALWAYS exceptions).

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of Chantilly Lace

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace cabinets

KYLIE’S FAVE SHADE OF WHITE

Now THIS is a tough one. I’ve used both colors a lot, but more so Pure White. It really depends on the home with this one, but my heart miiiiight just be with Chantilly Lace, and NOT just because she has a pretty face.

PHOTOS & INFO: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Paint Color Review

10. PURE WHITE vs. HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

I have such mad love for both these colors; however, like Chantilly Lace, High Reflective White also has a bad rap, but for a different reason – IT’S SO DANG HARD TO GET!

However, if you love it as much as I do, and read this blog post, things should turn out well.

As for how Pure White and High Reflective White compare, let’s take a peek…

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of High Reflective White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White walls & trims

SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE & PURE WHITE

• Which is whiter? High Reflective’s LRV of 93 makes it one of the WHITEST whites on the market. It’s a true white compared to the soft white of Pure White’s 84.
• Which is warmer? While Pure White is WARMER than High Reflective White, don’t forget that Pure White’s warmth is still suuuuuper passive.
• Pure White is often a better choice with a white quartz countertop, although it depends on which one it is. Both colors are contenders with a wide range of marble finishes.
• High Reflective White has NO warmth but isn’t icy cold. Pure White has a passive warmth.
• If you have northern light, Pure White will add a touch more softness and warmth (but you might still want an even WARMER white)
• Both colors are interesting options in a space with southern light or afternoon western sun. However, HRW will be a bit cleaner in flat morning western light.
• Pure White is more likely to suit white quartz countertops. However, BOTH whites have been known to humor varying types of marble finishes.

WHICH WHITE IS THE WARMEST WHITE?

Of the above shades, Simply White, Cheviot, and Cloud White are the WARMEST white paint colors

Benjamin Moore Cloud White on all white surfaces

WHICH WHITE IS THE COOLEST?

Comparing the top 10 white paint colors shows us Benjamin Moore Decorators White is the coolest. However, you could also throw in Sherwin Williams Ceiling Bright White, which didn’t make the top 10 list.

Decorator’s White is at the bottom

WHICH WHITE IS THE MOST POPULAR?

Benjamin Moore White Dove leads the list for cabinets, walls, trims, and exteriors, followed closely by Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Pure White.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

WHICH WHITE IS THE BRIGHTEST & WHITEST?

High Reflective White is the whitest of the above shades of white, followed by Cheviot and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Chantilly Lace. However, if you’re looking for more, there are a few other super white whites that we didn’t look at today.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

READ MORE

Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. Swiss Coffee, Pure White, Alabaster, Greek Villa & More

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee vs. The TOP 5 Shades of White

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

Full Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

The TOP 5 Almost Fool-Proof White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

GET AN ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTATION WITH KYLIE M, COLOR EXPERT! 

Chat soon,

The post PURE WHITE vs. THE 10 BEST SHADES OF WHITE (Alabaster, Extra White, & More) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Black has been a popular choice for faucets, light fixtures, and hardware for several years now. But is black still TRENDY or is it on the way out? Is black TIMELESS or is it just a fad?

The answer isn’t easy.

If you ask me (which you are, by the way), black is still a good choice. While it’s TRENDY on some surfaces (bathroom fixtures, door hardware and kitchen faucets), it’s TIMELESS on others. While its popularity is SLIGHTLY waning in certain styles of homes, it’s going strong in others.

What does this mean?

There was a time (like in the last five years) when you could go into any newly built ‘average‘ home and find black on EVERY SINGLE metal finish, top to bottom. And while you’ll still see a lot of it, many builders and homeowners are shifting their sights back to the brighter end of things – polished nickel, chrome and a dab of gold here and there.

HOWEVER, go into any ‘modern farmhouse style‘ home, and black (and gold) are still going STRONG. I don’t see this trend abating until the modern farmhouse trend itself starts taking a BIG back seat (it’s taking a small one right now).

Right now, would I do an ENTIRE HOME in black metal?

HECK no. 

When designing or renovating a home that can last through various trends/owners, you need to consider VERSATILITY and FLEXIBILITY. So, let’s look at the WHAT, WHY, and HOW to see what might work for you.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR METAL FINISHES

YES, black is still trendy for metal finishes in a home. However, for the sake of future trends and owners, you should make a PLAN for your metal finishes.

Why?

Because not only do you want there to be a purposeful flow from room to room, but you also want to make sure you protect your investment so that it holds its esthetic value as long as possible.

This is even MORE important if you have a home that isn’t built to be a specific style of home, i.e., an authentic farmhouse or mid-century modern style home.

Why?

When it comes to homes that are/were BUILT to be a very particular style (i.e., a mid-century home), it’s more about what suits the home’s style and what’s authentic to it. In other words, trends matter much less.

This DOESN’T apply to a home that is STYLED to look mid-century or modern farmhouse, but fundamentally, ISN’T that particular style.

Why?

Because if you take away the decor and some design features, it’s a regular home, one that’s styled based on current trends or a homeowner’s personal tastes. Insert new trends or new owners, and it can be hard to transition from the last ‘best thing since sliced bread’ into something new.

Giving yourself some FLEXIBILITY with your metal finishes, rather than committing to one finish EVERYWHERE will give you (or a new homeowner) flexibility in the future. 

How do you give yourself flexibility when it comes to metal finishes? You make a plan, starting with mixing metals.

WHAT? Do you mean you can use different metal finishes throughout your home? 

You bet your root scootin’ booty you can! Try to stick with the 80/20 rule overall – 80% one, 20% another (this topic is a blog post unto itself).

THE BEST METAL MIXES

Since our focus today is on black finishes, let’s see which metals it can accommodate…

• BLACK & GOLD
• BLACK & OIL RUBBED BRONZE
• BLACK & POLISHED NICKEL
• BLACK & CHROME

In today’s market, you can do ANY OF THE ABOVE combos without pigeon-holing yourself. 

Long story short (as usual), black goes with everything. However, the same can’t be said of the other finishes. Don’t even TRY to talk me into oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome as a great combo – woooof. Polished nickel/chrome and gold? You do you, boo, but I’ve NEVER been a fan.

In fact, many of us moved into homes built in the 90s, only to find a home FULL of shiny brass/gold. And what was the next metal finish trend in the early 2000s? There were two, actually, polished nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. And did either of these mix well with GOLD?

HECK to the NO.

Hellooooo 1998!

This means that if you didn’t want your 1990s home to be sitting in design purgatory as you updated your home bit by bit, you had to change ALLLLL of your metal finishes at the same time. That’s some serious coin.

The difference with black is that it TRANSITIONS well with other metals, and in fact, ALL metal finishes. This means you can mix and match now AND later with no flames licking at your heels.

And while there’s no fool-proof plan that will last through every trend or every homeowner’s tastes, giving yourself some room to move is a smart choice.

BTW, my blog is 100% powered by my E-design clients and their photos. Thank you to everyone for sending them in – you make my colourful little world go round! 

However, I’d like to take a minute (seriously, nothing I say takes just a minute), to focus on bathrooms…

THE BEST METAL FINISH FOR BATHROOMS (TO STAY TRENDY & TIMELESS)

No matter the trend cycle or century, chrome is a clean and simple approach for a bathroom and the one that’s MOST likely to appeal to the masses.

Sherwin Williams Pure White

Bathroom fixtures are the BIGGEST PITA to change. For this reason, I would stick with what’s timeless and simple and NOTHING is more timeless than chrome; whether you personally love it or not. And I SURE AS HECK wouldn’t do a mix – STICK TO ONE FINISH in the bathroom. Mixing finishes in a small space like this (ie. black faucet/light and chrome shower fixtures) can look poorly planned and disconnected unless done CAREFULLY by a professional.

Almost EVERY choice is timeless in this space – smart money! 

And again, don’t get me started on gold and chrome; this is a trend I NEVER understood, not in the 90s and not now (as it’s somehow been resurrected – SACRILEGE!).

HOWEVER, If you really want black fixtures in a bathroom and are WORRIED about trends, consider black for your smallest bathroom – ideally a powder room, as it has the least fixtures (same goes for gold).

Benjamin Moore Super White

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

But you have to admit, this looks pretty fab too…

And hey, don’t kill the well-intentioned Ginger messenger; I’m just trying to help. Heck, we just built a home and I did black in TWO BATHROOMS, which leads to our next topic (because I don’t stop talking in real-life either).

THE EXCEPTIONS

As mentioned earlier, some homes are exceptions to the rule because they’re ACTUALLY a particular home style. For example, a home that’s a farmhouse that’s ALSO decorated in ‘farmhouse style’ is authentic. A home that’s decorated in a mid-century style that’s ACTUALLY a mid-century style home will withstand the test of time MUCH better as it relates to trends.

Take this next room, for example. While cream and beige were NOT trends when this photo was taken, they look good because they suit the home (one of my FAVE clients ever).

The Best Beige Paint Colours for Today’s MODERN Home

In fact, if a particular finish in these homes HAPPENS to be trendy, it’s more incidental than purposeful.

This is one reason why I wasn’t afraid to do all black in two of our bathrooms at our lake home…

Benjamin Moore White Dove & Sherwin Williams Network Gray

The vanity came with this hardware – I’ll be changing it to black

4 Ideas to Give a Small Bathroom Some Personality! 

Because it’s a lake home, there’s more flexibility and forgiveness given to things that may/may not fall outside of what’s trendy. I also did a lot of shiplap and even painted some surfaces GRAY. In other words, I went for a few trends that are ON THEIR WAY OUT. However, because it’s a lake home, certain choices will ALWAYS suit it, regardless of trends. 

Simply put, some looks transcend the trend cycle because they authentically suit the home.

I’m also a big believer in loving the home you live in, and if you have the luxury of being able to CHANGE things that become outdated in the future, then why not do what speaks to you?

PRACTICE MODERATION ON A LARGE-SCALE

One of the many things I love about this next bathroom is the CHOICES my client made in hard finishes…

This is a GREAT mix of transitional & modern farmhouse that will transition easier in the future! Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

• all of the hardware is currently TRENDY and SUITS the subtle modern farmhouse style of the space
• take away the shiplap and black fixtures and you still have TRANSITIONAL BONES that can be shifted into the next trend

Because practising moderation doesn’t just apply to metal finishes, it applies to EVERYTHING. If you don’t commit too hard to one particular trend/colour/style, you leave yourself open to easier and more affordable changes in the future.

SUMMARY OF THE BEST METAL FINISHES FOR TODAY’S MODERN HOME

If I could only pick ONE METAL FINISH for each of these areas with LONGEVITY in mind, this is what I would choose…

• MAIN LIGHT FIXTURES: black
• FIXTURES IN SECONDARY ROOMS (not including bathrooms): BLACK or SILVER (chrome OR highly polished nickel)
• KITCHEN FAUCET: polished nickel
• HARDWARE ON CABINET DOORS: polished nickel
• INTERIOR DOOR HARDWARE: black
• EVERYTHING IN A BATHROOM: chrome
• EXTERIOR LIGHTS: black

READ MORE

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4-Part Series

The 11 Best Warm Neutrals That AREN’T BEIGE!

How to Update Oak Cabinets WITHOUT Paint

Are Gray Paint Colours Still Trendy for Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors?

Is Beige Back? Is Beige…dare, I say – TRENDY?

Are White Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors Still Trendy

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

Chat soon,

The post Is Black Still a Trendy Finish for Lights, Hardware & Plumbing Fixtures? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

In the words of the great Leonard Bernstein, ‘I feel PRETTY and WITTY and GRAAAAAY!’. Okay, so maybe it was gay, not gray, but either way, I’m feeling pretty AND witty. And since I’m feeling so darn good, it’s a good time to do some deep-diving into the world of gray.

Other than white, gray is hands-down, one of the HARDEST paint colors to choose (to which many of you might say that ANY paint colour is hard to choose), but seriously, gray is a bugger.

Why is gray such a pita (pain in the…)? Because it’s a chameleon, and no matter WHICH gray you choose, it will shift itself on a wall-to-wall basis. That’s right, JUST when you think you’ve landed on THE gray of your dreams, it goes and changes colour.

So, without further ado, let’s get this color party started…

4 TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR BEST SHADE OF GRAY

If you want to embark into the wild world of grays, these five tips should get you well on your way. If you’re stuck, I have a great Online Paint Color Consulting service (it’s also super fun).

1. KNOW YOUR ROOM’S BEST & WORST UNDERTONES

Gray will have undertones of either blue, green, or purple. You might not want ANY undertones. Or maybe you like one or two of them, but not the others.

Well, guess what, Buttercup? What your room needs is MORE IMPORTANT than what you need. Or, you can prioritize your own tastes and potentially have a clashing hot mess of a space – you do you, boo.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter with granite countertops

However, while SOME GRAYS commit pretty hard to one particular undertone, many grays will flex their color muscles depending on the following:

• Time of day (position of the sun).
• Your room’s exposure.
• The temperature of your light bulbs.
• Exterior factors, i.e., green grass/shrubs, a red brick wall close by, etc…
• Interior finishings such as a warm wood floor or a forest green sofa.
• The actual ‘recipe’ of the colour (what colors are blended together to create it).
• Your PERCEPTION. While the colour itself is NOT subjective (it is what it is), how it’s PERCEIVED can vary from person to person!

Benjamin Moore Shoreline is a great example of a gray that CAN’T decide which undertones it wants to flash – purple, blue, green; it’s happy to show you ALL of them. It’s a GREAT example of gray and it’s (ahem) ‘flexibility’ (said slowly and painfully using air quotes).

You might even think those walls are three different colors, but they’re ALL Shoreline!

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray is equally as unpredictable, as shown in this foyer…

However, MANY grays are similar to Shoreline and Repose Gray in that their surrounding environment easily influences them.

But here’s the trick…

The more COMMITTED a color is to its undertone, the LESS LIKELY it is to grab the others. So, if you purposefully want to avoid blue or green, find a gray that commits to violet.

A gray like Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist COMMITS to violet.

If you DESPISE violet undertones, choose a gray that heavily favors blue and green. Not that they won’t EVER flash the other undertone given the right circumstance, but they’re WAAAY less likely to, due to their particular undertone commitment.

Do your research and sample a range of grays. See which undertones coordinate with your bossiest finishes (i.e., countertop, tile, fireplace stone, etc…). And while you’ll want to consider your room’s exposure and your personal tastes as well, you should prioritize what your SPACE needs.

2. BE PATIENT WITH YOUR GRAY SAMPLES

You’ll be greatly disappointed if you expect your gray to look the same on every wall. IT WILL CHANGE AND IT WILL HAVE UNDERTONES. I promise. As shown in the previous examples, gray will flex itself more than a 10-year-old gymnast, not just from home to home, but from WALL TO WALL!

Once we accept a paint color’s limitations and tendencies, we can let go of things a bit and breathe a little easier.

Sample and compare a minimum of three shades of gray. Move them to different walls at different times of the day (always place your samples next to either trim, tile, stone, etc… never just floating in the middle of the wall). The key is to find a gray that you ‘generally like on every wall, at least 75% of the time’ while trying to avoid the specific undertones that you don’t like.

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

3. DECIDE HOW LIGHT OR DARK YOU WANT YOUR WALLS TO BE

Whether you love a light, fresh gray or a dark, moody one, your room will also have its preferences based on its existing finishes. The great thing is that unlike undertones, which need to cater HARD to your interior finishes, your personal tastes can also play a big part in your final choice.

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

But before you dive in, you might want to learn about LRV. LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. Every paint color has an LRV number on a scale of 0-100, with 0 being black and 100 being white.

Once you know the LRV range you want, finding colors within that range will be much easier!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Colors With LRV

Aside from each paint color’s LRV number, here are some other considerations…

• Consider a darker shade of gray if you want your room to be cozy and intimate.
• Light grays are great for a bright, modern approach. They’re also the ideal depth for ‘multi-room’ gray applications (where multiple rooms are painted the same color).
• Cool, north-facing rooms usually suit a WARM GRAY over a cool gray.
• Warm, south-facing rooms or those with western afternoon light, often benefit from a cool gray, but can also handle warm ones.

Just keep in mind, based on current trends, gray is going OUT, and warm colors are IN. If you aren’t worried about trends, hit gray as hard as you want. However, if trends or RESALE are in your mind, you might want to paint gray in moderation or consider something warmer.

4. SAMPLE YOUR GRAY THE RIGHT WAY

Of the colors you’ve already explored, you might have already FOUND your room’s perfect shade of gray – you just discarded it because you didn’t sample it the RIGHT WAY!

• Your existing paint color WILL skew your perception of your new samples – you must separate old and new with white paper/posterboard between them.
• You need LARGE SAMPLES and should never rely on the small paper chips from the paint store.
• NEVER pick a sample based on how it looks at the paint store – look at it in your home.
• Don’t just hang your sample in the middle of the wall and expect it to look perfect. Place it next to trim, backsplash, stone, etc… to see how it relates to its surrounding finishes.

In fact, read this… How to Sample Paint Colors the RIGHT WAY

THE TOP 10 SHADE OF GRAY TO GET YOU STARTED…

Which gray paint color is the most popular can depend on which DEPTH you’re looking for and what you’re painting – walls, cabinets, or exteriors. However, these ten colors should get you started…

1. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
2. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
3. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
4. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist
5. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
6. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
7. Sherwin Williams Light French Gray
8. Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
9. Benjamin Moore Silver Satin
10. Benjamin Moore Collingwood

READ MORE

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

The TOP 10 WARM Gray Paint Colors 

How to Update a Gray Room

The Best Warm Neutrals That AREN’T BEIGE! 

NEED HELP?

Check out my  E-design & Online Paint Color Consulting packages! 

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, AWESOMELY UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2023

The post How to Choose Your Room’s Best Shade of Gray appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Are you looking for THE perfect, dark, moody shade, or perhaps the finishing touch to your alfredo? Look no further, as Behr has knocked it out of the park (or out of the kitchen) with Cracked Pepper.

I always get nervous around this time of year as the top brands release their Colors of the Year. THANK GOODNESS Behr has started this color party off with a BANG with Cracked Pepper, followed by the NOT so bangable Sherwin Williams Persimmon (HGTV Home’s Color of the Year).

Colors of the Year should excite and inspire. They should be approachable and APPLICABLE to the average home on at least ONE paintable surface. Check, check, and…check.

So, let’s look closely at Cracked Pepper and see if it’s what color you’ve been looking for…

BEFORE WE GET STARTED…

To show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality photos I need or the RIGHT photos, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS CRACKED PEPPER?

Cracked Pepper is a hybrid of sorts, sitting in between black and dark gray. You might even call Cracked Pepper a SOFT black paint color – not crisp, not sharp, but more muted and gentle while still giving an overall ‘blackish’ look.

If you have a room with a TON of natural light, sure, Cracked Pepper will grab a bit of that and look a bit softer and more like an uber-dark gray. However, toss this bad boy in a more moderate or lower light space, and you have a beautiful shade of soft black on your hands.

What’s the difference between Cracked Pepper and a REAL BLACK?

It all comes down to LRV…

WHAT IS CRACKED PEPPER’S LRV?

Cracked Pepper has an LRV of 8. LRV stands for ‘Light Reflectance Value,’ which helps you determine how light or dark a paint color is. And while an LRV of 8 puts Cracked Pepper DARN CLOSE  to the black range, it’s a few points shy. You might not notice this until you compare it to the other blacks like Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (LRV 3) and Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 (LRV 4.65). This difference in LRV separates the TRUE blacks from the SOFT black.

That’s right; Cracked Pepper is a soft black paint color as it’s not as dark or sharp as other popular shades of black.

Want to learn more about LRV? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES CRACKED PEPPER HAVE?

To say that Cracked Pepper has violet-blue undertones would be a massive overstatement. In fact, in a world where colors with an LRV in this range tend to have noticeable undertones – Cracked Pepper is shockingly and impressively neutral (and it takes a lot to impress me).

I haven’t had any clients use Cracked Pepper, so I took one of their images and used BEHR’S visualizer to see how it looks – I LOVE IT. A little tweak to the toss cushions and this color will feel right at home.

Sure, toss Cracked Pepper on your home’s exterior with south-facing or afternoon western sunshine, and you might see a weee wink of violet pop up. However, on the average home, Cracked Pepper reads like a VERY (very) dark charcoal gray or a soft and subtle black.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH CRACKED PEPPER?

Because of its striking depth and lack of obvious undertones, Cracked Pepper is reasonably flexible as to white paint colors.

• BEHR Ultra Pure White would be my first choice
• Sherwin Williams Pure White for a softer contrast
• BEHR Polar Bear, for some playful warmth

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

IS BLACK PEPPER A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

Black Pepper is as good on siding as it is on steak. Black Pepper’s depth makes it a gorgeous choice for exterior trim or a front door (as long as it suits the surrounding finishes). And if you’re a fan of the current ‘all-black exterior,’ Black Pepper should be in the running as it offers a slightly softer approach. In particular, notice how it contrasts with black windows (assuming you have them, if you’re going for the black-o-black look).

How Your Home’s Exposure Affects Its Paint Color

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

IS CRACKED PEPPER A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS OR ISLANDS?

While not every kitchen can pull off black cabinets, MANY kitchens are itching for a black-inspired island. Make sure the flecks (usually granite) or veining (quartz) in your countertop suit Cracked Pepper’s subtle, stormy backdrop. Some countertops need a slightly green undertone, in which case, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore could be a better choice.

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Island & Bathroom Vanities

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH CRACKED PEPPER

Because Cracked Pepper is so dramatic, you can overdo it quickly. If your walls or an accent wall are painted in Cracked Pepper, it’s good to have a few accent pieces (decor/toss cushions/etc.) that also pick up on that soft black.

Another way to tie in a dark shade like Cracked Pepper is to do black door or cabinet hardware or light fixtures with a black metal finish.

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH CRACKED PEPPER?

You know I’m a Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore kinda gal – Sherm and Ben have been my boy toys for a long time. And while I do dabble in Behr and Farrow & Ball, I always revert back to my boys when I’m looking for my tried and true hues. This is why I’m referring to these brands and BEHR with the suggestions below…

BLOBS are just basic representations of the colors listed

• soft, warm grays with violet undertones
• moody, medium-depth, or darker grays with violet undertones
• medium-depth MUTED cinnamon-inspired shades, such as Benjamin Moore’s Giant Sequoia’
• some shades of taupe that lean more into gray than beige
• a gentle terra cotta-style hue such as BEHR’S Terra Cotta Urn
• green-grays like Sherwin William’s Evergreen Fog or the gentle look of BEHR Green Balsam or Incognito (mad love)

WHAT OTHER COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CRACKED PEPPER?

Comparing paint colors is the BEST way to choose the one that best suits your home’s finishes and OOOO boy, do I have some beauties to share with you!

And remember, more so than paint pots, SAMPLIZE Peel & Stick samples are the best way to compare colors. Sadly, Behr doesn’t work with Samplize, but these other brands do.

• Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (review HERE)
• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (review HERE)
• Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (review HERE)

WHAT’S THE HEX CODE & RGB FOR BEHR’S PEPPERCORN?

If you’re looking for the RGB values for Cracked Pepper PPU18-1, they’re 76,77,79. The HEX CODE IS #4C4D4F

READ MORE

The 6 Best Behr Light Gray Paint Colors

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog: Color of the Year 2022(and still my fave!)

The 8 Best Black Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post BEHR’S CRACKED PEPPER: 2024 Color of the Year appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’re looking for the PERFECT shade of warm gray, you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place (drink the Koolaid, it’s goooood). Trends are shifting away from cool grays and simple whites into something softer and warmer. And while some are leaning toward beige, many are still on the gray train – they just don’t know which station to get off at!

But aren’t all grays COLD? I mean, they are GRAY.

HECK NO! There are three main types of gray that I deal with in my Online Paint Color Consulting…

WARM GRAY PAINT COLORS

Warm grays are by FAR the most popular shades. With subtle violet or green undertones, these light grays are most often found on walls and cabinets.

Benjamin Moore Rodeo: Paint Color Review

STORMY GRAY PAINT COLORS

Stormy shades of gray are often classified (scientifically) as WARM GRAYS, but to most people, they look ANYTHING but warm. This includes shades like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl and Stonington Gray. Stormy grays can flash blue, green, or violet undertones, whereas warm grays won’t have blue undertones.

Stormy gray paint colors are popular on walls, exteriors, and cabinets. Darker stormy grays, in particular, are popular on kitchen islands.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray: Paint Color Review

COOL GRAY PAINT COLORS

As for legitimately COOL grays, they’re only popular in the dark end of things – the light, cool, and icy grays aren’t floatin’ many boats. As for undertones, the most popular cool grays cater to blue-violet, with the odd green popping up here and there. Of course, some grays show little to NO undertone, but this doesn’t mean your exposure, light bulbs, or interior finishes won’t encourage them otherwise.

Benjamin Moore Steel Wool, shown on the lower walls in this entryway, is an example of a popular cool shade of gray (violet-blue undertones)…

Benjamin Moore Steel Wool Paint Color Review

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A GRAY IS WARM, STORMY, OR COOL?

1. Cool and stormy grays often have a blue undertone but can also have violet (violet-blue) or green-blue

2. Warm grays cater to a green or violet undertone – no blue. If you see dominant blue, this is more about the surrounding environment (exposure/bulbs/etc…) than the color itself.

3. The best way to SEE the above undertones is to COMPARE grays to each other – order 6-8 grays of a similar depth and butt them up to each other (vertical on the wall, with white paper surrounding them – NEVER on your existing wall color).

• Notice how the ‘color’ changes from one color to the next.
• Does one seem ‘more violet/blue/green’ compared to another? You’re looking at a stormy or cool gray if you see more blue.
• Does one seem warmer or cooler than another?
• Do any shades look muddier or earth-toned compared to others? These could be your warm grays.

4. Visit Kylie M Interiors, Online Paint Color Consultant

Now, if you’re ready, we’re focusing on warm shades of gray today because they’re the most popular of the three groups. As for depth, the top dogs sit in the off-white, light, and light-medium ranges (find the best DARK gray paint colors here).

BENJAMIN MOORE’S POPULAR WARM LIGHT GRAY PAINT COLORS

Remember, just because a color is POPULAR doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your walls, cabinets, or exterior. Make sure the undertones of your chosen gray suits your interior finishes – every gray has undertones!

1. BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD OC-28

Collingwood is a light warm gray with a soft violet undertone. Some grays can flex with their undertones – not this one. Collingwood commits to its undertones without being overbearing. In fact, these violet undertones suit more interior finishes than gray-green undertones.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood

Regarding popular shades of gray, Collingwood has been a hit with my Online Color Consulting. Warm violet undertones are more likely to suit the average interior finish than blue or green. From there, it’s just about how WARM you want it and how obvious or subtle!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF COLLINGWOOD

2. BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY OC-23

Classic Gray is another warm gray with a violet undertone, but it’s lighter than Collingwood and a bit more violet-pink.

Why violet-PINK?

Because Classic Gray has a little extra warmth, and with that warmth comes a wink o’ pink (fractional, at best)! And while Classic Gray can be tricky on cabinets due to its depth, it’s SUPER popular on walls.

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray FULL Paint Color Review

Classic Gray is also a hit in the home staging world. It offers a hint of color, without being overwhelming. And while many people SAY they don’t love violet undertones, I’m always surprised to see how many really do once they see them in the right color!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CLASSIC GRAY! 

3. BENJAMIN MOORE REVERE PEWTER HC-172

Revere Pewter is amazeballs. Despite considerably warmer trends, Revere Pewter (and Classic Gray) are still strong due to their soft warmth and subtle undertones. But unlike the previous three shades, Revere Pewter has an earthy green undertone. It also has a bit more depth than the others, bordering on the light-medium range, with an LRV of 55.

The above bathroom is about as warm as Revere Pewter looks (and is likely being helped out by lower KELVIN bulbs). This next photo is a more ‘typical’ shot of Revere Pewter in action…

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

In recent years, Revere Pewter has been a top choice for exterior siding, interior walls, cabinets, and even trims! I used Revere Pewter on my interior doors and kitchen cabinets. While this color choice will limit me in the longterm, I’m sure lovin’ it for now.

This next photo shows my client’s home with Benjamin Moore White Dove and Revere Pewter on the door…

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF REVERE PEWTER

4. BENJAMIN MOORE CUMULUS CLOUD 1550

Cumulus Cloud isn’t as popular as the previous four shades.

Why?

There are two main reasons…

1.  Most people want a lighter, softer approach when choosing a warm gray with a violet undertone. With its LRV of 52.31, Cumulus Cloud is light-medium in depth and not as suited to darker rooms or hallways.

2. Cumulus Cloud has flexible underrtones. This means that while it can grab a subtle violet, the odd wink of green pops up (as shown on the left side of the above photo). The less committed a color is to ONE undertone, the more likely it is to pick up a range. This makes Cumulus Cloud not as popular because many finishes need more commitment to a particular undertone.

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOUR CONSULTING, COURSES & E-BOOKS!

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CUMULUS CLOUD

5. BENJAMIN MOORE BALBOA MIST OC-27

Balboa Mist is similar to Collingwood in its overall approach and popularity. As for depth, Balboa Mist is lighter than Collingwood, but darker than Classic Gray, making it a great happy medium between these two shades.

Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist FULL Paint Color Review

Balboa Mist ALSO has a violet undertone that can show up to the party a bit more, especially in north-facing rooms, but again, it’s an undertone that suits many interior finishes. As for temperature, Balboa Mist is definitely a warm gray, but you’ll be hard-pressed to have it lean very far into taupe, and definitely not beige.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLES OF BALBOA MIST!

6. BENJAMIN MOORE LIGHT PEWTER 1464

Light Pewter is similar to Balboa Mist (#3), with the main difference being TEMPERATURE. While both are warm grays, Light Pewter isn’t quite as warm as Balboa Mist. And while you’d be hard-pressed to have it look super COLD, it can look a titbit nippy in a north-facing room.

But like Balboa Mist, Light Pewter has a violet undertone. In comparison, Balboa Mist can look sliiiiightly violet-pink (the pink being not dominant at ALL).

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF LIGHT PEWTER

Photos found online and/or taken by professionals sometimes distort the color from how it really looks and often aren’t EVEN the right color! I’m proud only to show photos provided by myself or my Online Paint Color Consulting clients. This way, I KNOW that what you’re looking at is the actual color – Thank you for sending your photos in; you make my colorful lil world go round! 

7. BENJAMIN MOORE NIMBUS 1465

Nimbus is like a slightly darker version of Light Pewter. With its LRV of 59.4, Nimbus parks itself in the slightly darker end of the light range.

And while Nimbus has its place, it seems more people fall for Collingwood’s similar but slightly warmer gray approach.

And like most of the others on this page, Nimbus also has a LOVELY violet undertone. While it’s not suuuuuuper subtle, you also won’t feel like Barney did a jig on your walls.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Nimbus

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF NIMBUS! 

8. BENJAMIN MOORE SILVER SATIN OC-26

Silver Satin is an off-white warm gray – similar to Classic Gray but not quite as warm. It’s because of this reduced warmth that of the two shades, Classic Gray is the more popular choice.

As for undertones, Silver Satin can flash a wee willy wink more violet compared to the previous violet-inspired shades – sometimes a BIT too much, but it depends on the finishes you’re coordinating with and your tolerance level – you might find it JUST perfect!

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Silver Satin

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF SILVER SATIN

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

WHAT COLORS GO WITH WARM GRAYS, IN PARTICULAR, WHITES?

While it depends on the warm gray you choose, they often like white paint colors with a more passive warmth, not too much yellow. Brighter, more classic shades like these TOP 5 whites offer a bit more contrast and a slightly cleaner approach.

As for actual COLORS, tons look great with warm gray. While it can depend on the exact depth and undertone of the shade you’re coordinating, start with muted shades of gray-blue, darker gray-greens like Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, and classic navy blues like Hale Navy.

WHICH WARM GRAY PAINT COLOR IS ‘THE’ MOST POPULAR?

According to Samplize, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray is the most popular shade of gray. However, it’s not MY favorite as I don’t trust it to do what I need it to (read its review to learn more).

Sherwin Williams 10 Best WARM Gray Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter cabinets – see the full project HERE

As for Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter is the top warm gray shade, followed closely by Classic Gray. This is interesting as Revere Pewter’s green undertone is a bit less likely to humor the ‘average’ interior finish. Regardless, Revere Pewter’s popularity has been strong for years; I even have it on my kitchen cabinets!

HOW DO YOU MAKE GRAY PAINT LOOK WARMER?

The gray trend had us doing gray-on-gray…on gray. It can be tough to transition out. Here are a few tips…

• If you have warm trim, it could make your gray look cooler than it really is (opposites attract). Consider a more moderate shade of white. This won’t stop your walls from looking cool gray, but it won’t ENHANCE them like a warm, creamy white will.
• Try lowering the KELVINS of your light bulbs. This small change can shift the undertones of your gray but also offers more warmth than the brighter or cooler Kelvins.
• Add warm accent colors using toss cushions, decor, and area rugs. Even plants and wood tones can help a cold gray room look more inviting!

FOR MORE TIPS, READ THIS: How to Make Your Gray Walls Look Warmer

READ MORE

Are Gray Paint Colors Still Trendy?

Sherwin Williams 10 Best WARM Gray Paint Colors

Sherwin Williams City Loft: Paint Color Review

What Are the BEST TRUE Gray Paint Colors With NO Undertones?

The 12 Best Light Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

 STOP STRESSING; START PAINTING…

KYLIE M’S ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES

Chat soon,

The post The 8 Best Warm Grays from Benjamin Moore appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Thinking of painting your exterior, cabinets, or walls and not sure which neutral is best? Looking for a shade with a bit more meat on its bones? Let’s see if Graystone is the color you’ve been searching for…

WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS GRAYSTONE – GREIGE OR GRAY?

Graystone is a WARM paint color. While it might look gray, Graystone straddles the line between warm gray and GREIGE. This means that Graystone can shift how it looks based on the EXPOSURE of your room.

If you have a north-facing room, Graystone will surely lean into gray but should never look cold or icy. If you have southern or afternoon western sun, Graystone can pick up a bit more of its greige warmth without leaning ANYWHERE near the beige end of things.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

WHAT’S THE LRV OF GRAYSTONE?

Graystone has an LRV of 30. With this LRV, Graystone is a solid MEDIUM depth warm gray/greige paint color.

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

If you have a dark room, Graystone could look a bit drab and flat – you NEED adequate and quality interior light for it to look its best. On the other hand, in a super bright room, Graystone’s lower LRV helps it hold up to intense light, not washing out as much as lighter colors will.

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

The Best DARK Paint Colors for a DARK room

WHAT ARE GRAYSTONE’S UNDERTONES?

Graystone has a subtle GREEN undertone which ebbs and flows depending on its surrounding finishes, the sheen of the paint, the interior lighting situation, and the room’s exposure.

In the above photo, notice how the strong hit of natural light takes quite a bit of the muddiness out of Graystone, lightens it up, and looks LESS GREEN than in some other spaces.

Here’s Graystone on the OTHER side of the same room…

Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart door, White Dove trim

SAMPLING GRAYSTONE WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY, depending on the location

• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF GRAYSTONE

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES BEST WITH GRAYSTONE WALLS?

Graystone is reasonably flexible, thanks to its warmth and depth. So, while these are my fave shades of white with it, there are many more that will work!

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colours

The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colours

IS GRAYSTONE A GOOD EXTERIOR COLOR FOR SIDING OR TRIM?

Whether it’s for siding, stucco, shutters, or trims, Graystone can be amazeballs. But as with any paint color, it’s VITAL that you make sure it’s the right color/undertone for your stonework, brick, roof, and any other exterior features.

Graystone shutters

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS GRAYSTONE A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS OR AN ISLAND?

With greige being a popular cabinet color, Graystone has the POTENTIAL to be a great choice. However, even if you fall madly in love with it, it HAS to suit its surrounding finishes, including the countertop, backsplash, and flooring. Sometimes, Graystone has a WINK too warm green undertone for many of the popular quartz and granite countertops.

The Best Paint Colours for Kitchen Island & Bathroom Vanities

The 4 Best Gray & Greige Paint Colours for Kitchen Cabinets & Vanities

WHAT PAINT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO GRAYSTONE?

Comparison is one of the BEST WAYS to choose a paint color. There will always be variations between colors and brands (in depths and undertones). Comparing with Samplize can help you land on the right shade for you and your home.

• Sherwin Williams Pavestone
• Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray
• Benjamin Moore Metropolis
• Sherwin Williams Dovetail

Graystone on walls

Remember, if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, you won’t get an exact match (no matter what they tell you). Read THIS first.

WHAT COLORS LOOK GOOD WITH GRAYSTONE?

Being a greige paint colour, Graystone will be sensitive to colors that are cooler and LIGHTER than it. Instead, here are some of my fave considerations…

• lighter greige paint colors with a subtle green undertone
• some soft and subtle off-white paint colors (warm, not cool)
• some stormy gray-blue blends (with depth)
• VERY muted beige and tan paint colors
• darker shades of greige

READ MORE

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Pavestone

The Best DARKER Taupe & Greige Paint Colors – Benjamin Moore

The Best DARKER Taupe & Greige Paint Colors – Sherwin Williams

The Best Paint Colors for Cabinets, Vanities & Islands

Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post BENJAMIN MOORE GRAYSTONE: Paint Color Review appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Is your fireplace mantel being eaten alive by framed photos, candle holders, and that old brass clock? (oh, you are so busted…)

It’s time to crack the whip and get your mantel into shape with a few little things we decorators call steps or friendly guidelines. These guidelines have been created to keep those of you in check who think the mantel is a platform for everything small, shiny, glass, and papery, with a wick, that holds flowers and that doubles as a photo frame, cheese grinder, as well as a keepsake from that trip to Mexico in 1974.

So, I have a challenge for you…

TAKE IT ALL OFF, BABY!

That’s right, I want you to take every single little thing off of your mantel, grab a glass of wine, and start reading!

Please keep in mind, I rely 99.9% on my Online Colour Consulting client’s photos for examples, so I make do with what I have! Please be kind if things aren’t perfectly magazine-ready!

STEP 1: PLACE YOUR FOUNDATION & ANCHOR PIECES

Every good mantel display will have a foundation and an anchor(s).

FOUNDATION PIECE

This is the piece that goes on the wall above the fireplace and can be one of the following:

• television
• mirror
• artwork
• oversized wall clock
• 2-3 pieces of layered/staggered artwork
• metalwork

If you choose artwork as your foundation, remember, it will set the theme for your space. For example, if you have a beach-themed piece of artwork, your room will end up being beach-themed, as dictated by your key piece. Style is one thing, but an actual theme can be limiting. If you choose artwork, think abstract if you want flexibility.

You also want your foundation piece hung at the right HEIGHT! Read HERE for tips on that (this link’s also in the READ MORE section at the end of the blog post if you just want to keep reading for now).

ANCHORS

A mantel needs one or two anchor pieces. The anchor piece is the KEY piece on the mantel that ISN’T the foundation piece that catches your eye the most, usually via its size/bulk.

If you use one anchor piece, it often goes in the middle or on one end. If you use two anchor pieces, you would use one on either end of your mantel. You can also use DIFFERENT ITEMS as your two anchors using BALANCE. For example, you could put a vase with flowers on one end of the mantel and two smaller candleholders on the other with a small decorative item in front of them – as long as their visual weight is similar to that of the vase.

IN GENERAL, WHAT DECORATIONS DO YOU PUT ON A MANTEL?

• candleholders
• smaller artwork
• decorative box or container
• stack of books
• vase with/without flowers in it
• plant
• mantel clock
• home decor pieces

In the above display, the candle holders are the anchors – everything else on the mantel is secondary. However, consider how the visual FLOW would be if you were to reverse the position of the candle holders, so the tallest was to the inside, and the shorter was to the outside; the energy would flow into the rest of the room, rather than into the center of the mantel!

A mirror or clock is more unisex when it comes to decorating as it will allow you to change your theme seasonally – or even weekly if you’re OCD like me! (Oh, I make it sound so thrilling, don’t I…) Accessories are fun, easy, and affordable to change, whereas foundation pieces tend to involve a bit more money, so they don’t get changed as often.

Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige

In the above photo, the TV is the foundation piece, and the two plants/holders are the anchors, creating a SYMMETRICAL display  (which you’ll learn about shortly).

In this next photo, you’ll see a great foundation piece with two anchors and one filler in the middle (and another example of balance). I might just reverse the candle positions, putting the short one on the outside and the tall one on the inside.

Next up, the balance between the two wood candle holders/candles and the vase/branches is great (I might just trim those branches back a wink on the right side)…

If you don’t have a foundation piece and anchors, buy them; you’ll need them!

BTW, if you need a QUICK brush-up on terms, check this out…

The 3 Main Rules of Accessorizing and Decorating: A Quick Read

STEP 2:  CHOOSE YOUR COLOR PALETTE

When choosing a colour palette, consider the following elements…

• The colors in your foundation piece. If your foundation is simple (i.e., framed mirror), look to your room and fireplace surround (tile/stone) for inspiration.
• Texture (branches, plants, woven items, wood, fabric, books).
• Sheen (vases, frames, accessories).
• One or two main accent colors that visually connect with items in the rest of your room.

Whether inspired by your foundation piece, fireplace brick/stone, or other accents in your room, choose a palette that works with your space. If you have a versatile foundation piece, you can change your color palette seasonally or whenever you get your period, if you’re like me.

STEP 3: CHOOSE BALANCE OR SYMMETRY

People often think that symmetry and balance are the same things. In fact, while they have the same ‘end result’, they each go about it in very different ways.

SYMMETRICAL MANTEL DISPLAY

A symmetrical mantel, if divided in half, would have the exact same thing on the left as on the right – so not only will both sides ‘visually’ be the same, but they will also visually ‘weigh’ the same.

Aside from the small detail on the right, the mantel above shows a symmetrical and simple mantel display, the same as the photo below…

While it isn’t a mantel, this next photo shows a symmetrical display with the two lamps and filler piece in the middle…

The waiting room at Eddins Counselling

A BALANCED MANTEL DISPLAY

This next photo is a great example of a balanced arrangement with the foundation piece and anchors in place…

See this lovely country home here

A balanced mantel, if divided in half, would have different things on the left and right of the center, so the two sides will LOOK different from each other, but the ‘visual weight’ of these items will be comparable to each other. This means one side won’t look heavier than the other regarding accessories and colour/texture placement.

(Visual weight means that items might be different from each other in size and colour, but they carry the same ‘visual weight’ so that one doesn’t appear stronger than the other)

STEP 4: CREATE DECORATIVE TRIANGLES

When accessorizing your fireplace mantel, try to make decorative triangles. These triangles will encourage your eyes to take in the display in a way that appears effortless, with a seamless flow.

There are TWO types of decorative triangles you can create…

THE MAIN TRIANGLE

The main triangle creates the overall flow of your arrangement as a WHOLE, as your eye will take in the top and general outer edges of each main piece.

Your main triangle has a peak with two sides. In this next example, the peak is at the top of the artwork, and the two sides go down to the two arrangements. To encourage the triangular shape, you COULD reverse the placement of the candlesticks (still keeping them on the left side of the mantel, though), so the short one and the books are on the left, and the tall one is on the right as right now, your eye travels INwards to the center of the mantel, rather than following the natural line of the triangle shape.

SECONDARY DECORATIVE TRIANGLES

Secondary decorative triangles establish flow on the lower corners of your main triangle. An effective secondary triangle might be made up of the following:

• One taller item is placed at the back.
• One medium-height item is placed on one side of the tall piece.
• One short item is placed on the other side of the small piece.

As shown in this example above, the left-hand side is an awesome secondary triangle using the anchor pieces, whereas the vase is a single anchor that speaks for itself!

STEP 5:  FILL IN THE BLANKS…SLOWLY

Sometimes, all a fireplace needs are its foundation and anchor pieces. Add items slowly and see which ones ADD to the display and which add too MUCH. Consider stacking, layering, groups of three, and triangles when placing your items – less is often more, especially with mantel decor!

Let’s break down this next mantel, to see how we could improve its flow…

There are some GREAT bones in place here, but I DO see room for improvement without buying anything new!

• Keep the clock where it is; it’s awesome
• Keep the vase/branches where they are; just move them to the right about 3 inches
• Leave the speaker; in the real world, we do need to accommodate things like this!
• Move the candlesticks/candles to the right (approx 5 inches from the right edge/side)
• The framed photo behind the candlesticks, move it so that it’s to the LEFT of the candlesticks, acting like a layered backdrop
• Take the ANTIQUES sign away. It’s too big and adds too much visual interest. I’d take away the vertically framed photo as well
• Move the horizontally framed photo to the right of the vase; its frame flows better overall than the other one. You could TRY placing the vertical one behind and slightly to the right of the horizontal frame, but I think it would be too much
• Put a small decorative item in front, between those two pieces
• Notice how the sage green of the florals ties into the candles – awesome, this is what I want to see!

And when it comes to mantels, you can try REVERSING everything. Take a photo of your mantel all done, and then swap everything to the other side and see how it feels; you might be surprised how it changes the flow of things!

THE BIGGEST MANTEL DECORATING TIP

Do you want the BEST TIP for adding home decor to your mantel?

Aside from learning how to decorate your mantel with the above tips, go on Pinterest and search mantels, mantel decor, fireplace decor, etc… I’ve found this to be the BEST way to get the look I want, by seeing a fireplace display I like and mimicking it with my own pieces or newly purchased ones.

Sometimes, NOTHING but a foundation piece is the best choice of all! 

HOW TO ADD HOME DECOR TO YOUR MANTEL (ACCESSORIZE)

STEP 1: Place your foundation piece first and anchor pieces second

STEP 2: Choose a colour palette that gets you excited, and that reflects your style and tastes

STEP 3: Decide whether you want balance or symmetry

STEP 4: Create decorative triangles (one main one and two or more small ones)

STEP 5: Fill in the blanks…carefully

READ MORE

The Right Height to Hang Artwork Above Anything – Including a Mantel!

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Home

5 Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

How to Decorate a Bookshelf: 4 Guidelines to Follow

Need Help? 

Check out my E-Books and Online Color Consulting Services

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2015, updated in 2023

The post How to Decorate & Style a Mantel: 5 Easy Steps appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to the best shades of white, you’re choosing between five types and HUNDREDS of options. Where do you even START?

Right here.

I’ve spent countless hours reviewing the TOP shades of white for you. And today, we’re checking out one of the new shades from Sherwin William’s Emerald Designer Collection – White Snow.

BEFORE WE GET STARTED…

To show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. Because this is a NEWER COLOR, I don’t have great examples of it. HOWEVER, I do have some great comparisons and images for you to check out. 

IS WHITE SNOW A WARM OR COOL SHADE OF WHITE?

While it looks pretty darn white at first glance, White Snow is a warm white.

How do I know this?

I’m not just good looks, you know (wink wink). When I’m learning about a paint color, the FIRST thing I do is compare it to other, similar colors (which we’ll do more of shortly). Sure, I could look up the scientific base of this color and nerd out on you, but I keep things pretty meat n’ potatoes around here.

Being a warm white, if you have a south-facing room or a room with warm afternoon western sunshine, White Snow can pick up a bit of this warmth and look WARMER. However, in north-facing light, White Snow isn’t REALLY warm enough to add balance – you need a warmer shade of white if you want a softer look in a northern room.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a soft, warm white – great for a north-facing space

Can I Paint My North-Facing Room White?

WHAT’S WHITE SNOW’S LRV?

The LRV is one of white’s most IMPORTANT features as it lets you know HOW WHITE it is. White Snow has an LRV of 90, making it a bright white (there are five types of white).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting services – let me make it easy for you! 

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES WHITE SNOW HAVE?

While White Snow is a warm white, it’s BAAARELY warm. So, while a nugget of yellow is hiding in there, it’s not a color that shows up at the party. White Snow’s SUPER subtle approach becomes more obvious when you compare it to a similar white with more warmth, like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White.

Benjamin Moore Collingwood walls

These two shades are VERY comparable, but you’ll see a more noticeable yellow in Simply White (its subtle, but stronger than White Snow). White Snow doesn’t have noticeable undertones/colors; it has a more passive softness.

Again, if you have strong southern light or afternoon western sun, your walls can pick up some of this yellow-based warmth and further warm up White Snow, but this is hard to avoid with almost ANY bright or soft white color.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

SAMPLING WHITE SNOW WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK paint samples are AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

Your peel & stick samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY

Get your Samplize PEEL & STICK SAMPLE

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH WHITE SNOW?

If you’re using White Snow on your walls, trims, cabinets, or ALL of the above, they should all be the same white. Mixing and matching whites can create a hot mess of clashing undertones. There’s RARELY a reason to layer whites unless you’re a glutton for punishment or want to expose the undertones in one white or the other.

White Walls, Trims, Cabinets: Do They All Need to Match?

SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE

IS WHITE SNOW A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

While Sherwin William’s has exterior paint in the regular Emerald line, they don’t in the Designers Collection, which is the only product you can get White Snow made in. In other words, you can’t paint your exterior White Snow.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster is another gorgeous shade of white! 

However, if you want to do your exterior trims or doors in White Snow, they do have an exterior product for these surfaces! White Snow is great if you don’t want a cold white color on your exterior trims or doors. While it DEFINITELY ‘looks and acts like white,’ it’s not stark or icy.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS WHITE SNOW A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?

Choosing the best shade of white for your cabinets comes down to which one best suits your countertop and backsplash. More often than not, these surfaces cater towards a slightly softer white. HOWEVER, there are times when a brighter shade of white is needed, in which case, White Snow could be a great fit.

The trick is to compare 4-5 shades of white. Notice the shift between brightness and temperature. See which one flows best with your interior finishes (btw, the backsplash matters MORE than the countertop when coordinating).

How to Choose the Best White Paint Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE SNOW?

Now, THIS is where we get to have some FUN!

I love comparing colors; comparison is the KEY to finding your home’s best shade! Let’s see what we’ve got here…

WHITE SNOW vs. PURE WHITE

Pure White is among my top whites, as it works with so many colors. And while it’s SIMILAR to White Snow in that it’s a ‘white,’ a few key features set them apart…

• WHICH WHITE IS BRIGHTER & WHITER? White Snow is the whitest of the two thanks to its higher LRV of 90, whereas Pure White sits at 84 (making it a soft white).
• WHITE WHITE IS WARMER? Now, this is a tough one that you could refer to science for. Why? Well, they’re hard to compare as they’re different TYPES of white. Overall, White Snow comes across as cleaner than Pure White, which can make it look a bit warmer, but it’s also BRIGHTER, which can enhance this effect.
• WHICH ONE IS BEST WITH WHITE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS? The average white quartz will likely suit Pure White over White Snow. Even though quartz can LOOK white, the base color is usually a soft white that’s better suited to a soft white paint color.
• CAN EITHER WORK IN A TUSCAN-STYLE HOME? Heck no, you’ll need a warmer white for that.

Pure White cabinets with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray walls

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

Because Pure White is SO popular, it has its own special breakdown (yes, I do play favorites – I do it with my husbands, too). The rest of these comparisons are a bit more simple.

WHITE SNOW vs. EXTRA WHITE

Extra White has an LRV of 93, making it WHITER than White Snow. Even though there are only three LRV points between them, this is a pretty big difference in the wild world of whites. As for warmth, Extra White can look COLD compared to White Snow.

Both Extra White and White Snow can work with the right white quartz; just note whether your countertop looks dingy, gray, or yellow compared to your chosen cabinet color. As for the other end of the spectrum, Tuscan-style homes with finishes like travertine don’t suit whites like these and prefer warmer shades.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Extra White

WHITE SNOW vs. ALABASTER

Just as with Pure White, we’re looking at two different types of white when comparing White Snow and Alabaster. Alabaster is a soft white…a very, VERY soft white. With an LRV of 82, this is as dark as white gets before it becomes off-white. Long story short, White Snow is whiter than Alabaster.

As for temperature, Alabaster has a soft, almost creamy warmth to it, whereas White Snow is a cleaner, MUCH more subtle approach to warmth (so subtle it’s hard to tell).

REALLY, if you’re choosing between White Snow and Alabaster, wondering how they’re similar, you should be comparing/choosing between different shades of white.

Why?

It would be rare that these two whites are fighting for the same project as they suit different types of finishes.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

WHITE SNOW vs. SIMPLY WHITE

Ahhhh, now we’re comparing apples to apples. White Snow and Simply White are similar as they have comparable LRVs (White Snow 90 / Simply White 89.52). This means they’re both BRIGHT whites.

Simply White trim and cabinets

The big difference is that Simply White is warmer than White Snow, with a more noticeable yellow undertone. BUT (Kardashian-sized), just because it’s more noticeable doesn’t mean it’s overwhelming – sample both and see which sits best with your finishes and lighting.

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

WHITE SNOW vs. CHANTILLY LACE

I LOVE Chantilly Lace and it’s a great comparable to White Snow thanks to their similar LRVs (White Snow 90 / Chantilly Lace 90.04).

Where these two whites are different is in temperature. When you compare the two, Chantilly Lace will look a bit COLD compared to White Snow, which is warmer. Now, this doesn’t mean that Chantilly Lace is a cold white – it’s not; it’s just cooler-looking than White Snow.

Both whites could work with some marble tiles and countertops and ‘some’ white quartz countertops. Again, get your samples and see how they look compared to your finishes. Do your finishes look off-white/gray/cream compared to these whites? Do these whites look a bit YELLOW compared to your cool-toned finishes? SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE!

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

WHITE SNOW vs. SNOWBOUND

White Snow and Snowbound are two different types of colors entirely. Sure, they’re similar as they’re both white, but that’s where the similarities STOP faster than me passing a Starbucks.

Snowbound has an LRV of 83, so it’s white…ish. The thing is, Snowbound has a TON of undertones, including violet, and pink, and it can even flash yellow – this is all wrapped up with a bit of gray. Oooof. This is why Snowbound is rarely my fave for cabinets or trims; it’s WAAAAAY too fussy. White Snow is a more traditional approach to white, making Snowbound look off-white in comparison.

Compare the Snowbound walls to the white door – this is how NOT WHITE Snowbound is! 

Do you want my personal opinion (I know you do)? While Snowbound has its place on a small scale (i.e., a single room), I would never use it on a large scale in my home (as a trim or cabinet color) as it will limit future paint color choices.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Snowbound

WHITE SNOW vs. HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

So far, White Snow has been one of the WHITEST whites on this page. This isn’t the case when you compare it to High Reflective White. High Reflective White has an LRV of 93, making it Sherwin William’s whitest, most true white (a few more true whites are HERE). With its lack of undertones, High Reflective White is a great comparison to White Snow, as you’ll see how they’re similar in their general approach, but HRW exposes the weeee tiny wink of warmth hiding in White Snow.

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

When comparing the two, I love how High Reflective White shows HOW NEUTRAL and subtle White Snow really is. Sure, it has fractional warmth, but if you put a standard warm white with High Reflective White, the yellow undertone pops more (i.e., Simply White).

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH WHITE SNOW?

If you have White Snow on your trim or cabinets, it suits MANY wall colors – there are few that it can’t handle. The question is, how much CONTRAST do you want? If you want a slightly softer contrast with your walls, you might explore Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore White Dove instead. Check out Extra White or High Reflective White if you want the MOST contrast.

As for particulars, White Snow trims or cabinets suits wall that are…

• any shade of gray, light or dark – any undertone
• greige and taupe can be great
• blues, greens, and violets can be gorgeous
• any MANY more shades, tints, tones, and hues!

HOWEVER, where you want to be careful is with shades of cream-yellow. White Snow isn’t as friendly with stronger creams and shades of yellow – these prefer a stronger yellow-based white.

The 5 Best White Paint Colors for Cabinets (and trim)

HOW DO I GET A SAMPLE OF WHITE SNOW?

Rather than offering you an assortment of ways to sample White Snow, here are the ways you can’t…

• Sherwin William’s doesn’t carry paper chip samples of White Snow in-store
• You can’t get White Snow mixed in a sample pot – it needs to be made in the Emerald Designer paint.
• Unfortunately, Emerald Designer paint isn’t available in quartz for easy sampling either.

This means that aside from Samplize, the ONLY way to see White Snow in action is to purchase a full gallon. At $125 CDN, I don’t see that happening very often, making this a tough color to make popular!

READ MORE

Sherwin Williams 9 Best White Paint Colours: EMERALD DESIGNER’S EDITION

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

Is White Still Trendy on Cabinets, Walls, & Exteriors?

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post Sherwin Williams WHITE SNOW 9541: Color Review appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Do you hate buying sample pots of paint? Me too. I have a leaning tower of Piza made of sample pots in my garage; most are 3/4 full and never to be touched again.

Long story short, I will never buy a sample pot again, not when there’s Samplize.

As you guys know, I don’t promote many brands other than my fave paint companies. I’m also not constantly recommending new products or junk from Amazon to make affiliate money – that’s not how I roll. So if I’m recommending a product OTHER than paint, you know I truly love it.

In a previous blog post, you learned how to USE Samplize to pick the best paint color for your room. This blog post is about the FUN stuff, both the FAQs, and the fiction!

Samplize is a peel-and-stick paint sample company. It will change how you sample paint colors, saving you money, time, and stress.

But with something ‘new,’ there are always questions, so let’s jump in and see what we’ve got.

IS SAMPLIZE LEGIT?

Samplize is 100% legit and friggin’ awesome. I won’t risk my reputation on a company that isn’t the real-deal.

In fact, Samplize has changed the way I do my work, giving me a more full-bodied, effective Online Color Consulting service.

HOW DOES SAMPLIZE WORK?

Long story short (a novelty for me; you know I love to hear myself talk), Samplize gives you the BEST representation of each brand’s paint color via a peel-and-stick paint sample.

STEP 1: Hop online to SAMPLIZE and order the colors you want (I usually order 6-8 within a range, so I have some comparables).

STEP 2: Assuming you don’t live in bum hump nowhere, your samples will be delivered to your front door in 1 DAY. If you do happen to live in the ever-lovely bum hump, it will just take a few more days (nobody said I was classy, and if they did, they’d be lyin’),

STEP 3: Peel the paper backing off your sample.

STEP 4: Starting at the top, place your sample on the wall and slowly press it down using the side of your hand to remove any bubbles.

STEP 5: Stand back and take a look at your sample. Once you’re ready to see it on another wall, peel it from the top down and repeat STEP 4.

ARE SAMPLIZE PAINT SAMPLES ACCURATE?

Short of buying a quart or gallon of paint in the exact line/sheen of paint you’ll use for your project ($30+), Samplize ($5.95) is HANDS-DOWN, the most accurate representation of each brand’s colors.

Why?

Because Samplize applies two coats of the ACTUAL PAINT from each brand, using only their mid and high-end lines.

Here are the lines of paint that Samplize uses…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS/SAMPLIZE PAINT LINES & SHEENS (FINISH)

• Super Paint (satin)
• Duration (satin)
• Emerald (satin)

BENJAMIN MOORE/SAMPLIZE PAINT LINES & SHEENS (FINISH)

• Regal Select (Eggshell)
• Aura (Eggshell)

FARROW & BALL/SAMPLIZE PAINT LINES & SHEENS (FINISH)

• Estate Emulsion

PPG/SAMPLIZE PAINT LINES & SHEEN (FINISH)

• Prominence (Eggshell) 

You’ll find more detailed info with my answer to the next question…

The less I do of this, the better (and yes, I do have a cute tooshie). 

WHY DOES MY SAMPLIZE SAMPLE LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE ACTUAL PAINT?

There are two instances where your Samplize sample might not match what’s in front of you.

COMPARING SAMPLIZE TO PAPER CHIP SAMPLES OR THE FAN DECK

Paper chip samples, including those in the fan deck, are the LEAST accurate representation of a color.

Why?

Because they’re printed, and the printing process can vary. Samplize uses the ACTUAL PAINT from each company, which means you get the ACTUAL COLOR – not the printed version. This means that Samplize is the more accurate of the two options.

COMPARING SAMPLIZE TO THE ACTUAL PAINT YOU’VE APPLIED ON YOUR WALLS

If you’ve done two coats of paint (one coat doesn’t count), and notice that it looks different from your Samplize sample, there’s a VERY good reason for this.

As you’ve learned, Samplize uses the ACTUAL paint from each company. However, the paint companies have trouble offering the SAME COLOR as you shift between a) their different lines of paint, and b) the different sheens.

Paint is finicky. Even paint companies struggle to get a consistent color between the different lines/finishes they carry.

Let’s say you get your Samplize sample and love the color. You decide to save a little money and get it in contractor-grade paint…and it doesn’t match your Samplize sample. This can happen. To get the closest match to your Samplize sample, you’ll want to stick with the lines of paint they use.

And remember, how a paint color looks can shift based on the SHEEN of the paint, so leave a little room for this in your noggin’.

Check out SAMPLIZE HERE and have some color fun! 

CAN YOU REUSE SAMPLIZE SAMPLES?

Samplize samples EASILY peel off the wall and can be moved to other walls as often as you like! If for some reason you want to keep your samples, leave them on their paper backing and stick them to the wall with a piece of tape (they don’t return to their paper backing easily). I do this as I constantly reuse my samples in my Youtube color videos (which will soon be redone in my NEW STUDIO SPACE!).

This next photo shows how I compare my samples…

Get YOUR Peel & Stick sample of Edgecomb Gray – one of my TOP recommended warm neutrals! 

White paper is a must-have (or poster board). Taping it behind/beside your samples is a GREAT way to see how the colors look. If you take the backing off your peel-and-stick samples, tape some white paper around them.

While the blue tape is a bit distracting, this next photo is another great example of having white paper around the samples…

This next image shows why the white paper surround is SO important…

YOUR OLD COLOR WILL AFFECT YOUR PERCEPTION OF YOUR NEW COLOR

Sure, sticking your sample right on the wall is great to see how it’s DIFFERENT from your old color, but your old color will also affect your PERCEPTION of the new color. Notice how much better Gossamer Veil looks with a white surround (it also shows you the general contrast with white trim). Sure, the above example is from a sample pot, not Samplize, but it’s the IDEA that I want to share with you.

How to Sample the RIGHT WAY with Samplize

In this next photo, it would be much easier to see the difference between these two shades if a) they were butted up to each other, and b) if they were surrounded on three sides by white paper, with the fourth side butting up to the tile.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE TO SAMPLIZE?

Paper chips or fan deck samples are not an alternative – hard no.

This is ridiculous – size does matter, if you know what I’m sayin’

The BEST alternative to Samplize is to buy a quart of paint in the exact line of paint and finish you’ll be using for your project. Keep in mind that most quarts run from $25-$40. You’ll also want to account for a roller/tray or brush.

Samplize is $5.95, and you’re done.

At the end of the day…

1. Never judge or choose a paint color based on how it looks on the small paper chip samples or in the fan deck.

2. Leave a little wiggle room for variation, as this will happen between the brand’s different paint lines.

3. Avoid sample pots, as they’re made with the lowest quality paint.

4. Use Samplize to narrow your options. If you’re concerned, before slapping paint on the wall, buy a QUART of paint in the exact line/sheen you’ll be using and make sure you’re still 100% happy. Really though, Samplize should do the trick.

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing White Paint Colors

How to Create a Timeless Home: 4-Part Series

Samplize Peel & Stick: A Real-Life Review

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES! 

Chat soon,

The post SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT COLOR SAMPLES: FAQ’S, Tips, & Ideas appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

With gray falling out of style, we’re shifting to the WARMER end of things, including colors like Sherwin Williams City Loft. But will it be the next IT color? We’ll see!

To show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use my own photos or those from my Online Color Consulting clients. 

IS CITY LOFT GRAY, GREIGE, BEIGE, OR TAUPE?

City Loft DEFINITELY isn’t beige – it’s not warm enough. It’s also not greige as it doesn’t have a green undertone. HOWEVER, City Loft is a bit of a hybrid as it sits in between the warm gray and taupe worlds – catering more to taupe than gray.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

WHAT’S CITY LOFT’S LRV?

With its LRV of 70, City Loft offers a nice subtle balance between light and off-white depths. With this LRV, City Loft can wash out in an overly well-lit room – you’ll need a color with a lower LRV to prevent this (or blinds). HOWEVER, notice how it shifts as the day progresses, as overall, it’s a great option for the average room.

As for exposures, City Loft does well in a north-facing room as it offers a bit of warmth to offset the cool gray-blue northern light. On the other hand, it’s not SO warm that it makes a south or west-facing afternoon look like an easy-bake oven.

Notice how the ceiling is painted the same color as the walls for a seamless look.

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

The Best Paint NUMBER for Your Home – 62

The Best LIGHT Paint Colors for a DARK room

DOES CITY LOFT HAVE UNDERTONES?

YOU BET YOUR BOOTY, JUDY! Undertones are hard to avoid, especially in the warm gray and taupe worlds.

City Loft has feather-light earthy undertones of violet and pink (a blend). However, they’re gentle enough that the average person isn’t too bothered, and they happen to suit a wide range of interior finishes. If you’re sensitive to these undertones, you might find them a bit much, but compare City Loft to other shades to see where it sits (we’ll chat about similar colors shortly). 

This next photo shows City Loft with maple cabinets (with a pink undertone). Notice how well City Loft coordinates, considering this is as strong/warm as I’ve ever seen it look…

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors & Undertones

SAMPLING CITY LOFT WITH PEEL & STICK

SAMPLIZE peel-and-stick paint samples are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

• Samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY, depending on the location.

• They’re more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE OF CITY LOFT!

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH CITY LOFT?

City Loft’s best white partner is Sherwin Williams Pure White. Pure White is a soft white (NOT a pure white) and contrasts gently with City Loft. However, there are a few more that work just as well…

• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

3 Steps to Picking the Best White Paint Color

IS CITY LOFT A GOOD COLOR FOR THE EXTERIOR OF A HOME?

City Loft has undertones to suit various facades, including stone, brick, and asphalt roofs. HOWEVER, its higher LRV can look washed out with even half-decent natural light. Be sure to partner it with a clean white trim color to increase the contrast. On the other hand, if you have black windows or prefer a more seamless look, painting the siding and trim the same color can look wicked pretty.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

IS CITY LOFT A GOOD COLOR FOR KITCHEN CABINETS?

City Loft is often in the running, as off-white cabinet colors are popular. However, while its undertones can suit a range of finishes, watch that they don’t appear too colorful.

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Cabinet Colors

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO CITY LOFT?

While no colors will be exactly the same, a few shades have similar intentions, including…

• Sherwin Williams Egret White
• Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
• Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

City Loft with Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate accent wall on fireplace

WHICH PAINT COLORS GO WITH CITY LOFT?

Thanks to its slightly higher LRV and subtle warmth, City Loft has a wide range of color partners.

• warm grays and taupes with similar undertones (that are darker than City Loft)
• blue-green blends (must be a bit darker than City Loft)
• darker blue-gray blends
• shades of gray with blue-green undertones
• muted shades of green, like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
• darker navy hues like Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

Sherwin Williams 10 Best WARM Gray Paint Colors

COMPARING TOP WARM GRAY SHADES

CITY LOFT VS. AGREEABLE GRAY

City Loft and Agreeable Gray are similar in that they can pass as a warm gray or taupe. HOWEVER, that’s where the similarities stop. Agreeable Gray is darker than City Loft, with an LRV of 60. Agreeable Gray has more flexible undertones and can grab a vague violet or green, whereas City Loft isn’t likely to grab green.

Agreeable Gray could be your shade if you want a color with a bit more depth and flexible undertones. However, this flexibility comes with a bit of unpredictability, so sample carefully!

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray painted island, trim, and board and batten

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

CITY LOFT VS. DRIFT OF MIST

City Loft and Drift of Mist are similar; both are soft, warm grays bordering on the off-white range (higher LRVs). However, the big difference is that while City Loft caters to a violet-pink undertone, Drift of Mist is more likely to grab a vague green.

You might find that a color like City Loft is more likely to suit a range of interior finishes. Drift of Mist, with its vague green, can sit a bit off with the average finish, unless it happens to have similar undertones – SAMPLE & COMPARE!

Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist

CITY LOFT VS. AESTHETIC WHITE

City Loft and Aesthetic White are warm, earth-toned paint colors. However, whereas City Loft caters to the warm gray and taupe end, Aesthetic White has a beige backdrop, giving it a slightly more noticeable warmth. Aesthetic White is also a true off-white as it’s lighter than City Loft by three LRV points.

With color trends leaning warmer, Aesthetic White could definitely be the next ‘IT COLOR.’ However, of the two, City Loft could be a BIT more likely to suit the average home’s finishes.

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White Paint Color Review

READ MORE

The Best Light Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray Paint Color Review

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

Laminate Countertops & Why They Rock

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

The post SHERWIN WILLIAMS CITY LOFT 7631: Paint Color Review appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If I had an extra twoonie (being Canadian) for every one of my clients who wanted to ‘de-beige’ their Tuscan-vibe home, I’d still be doing what I love – I’d just have some serious coin jingle-janglin’ in my pockets.

And while beige is starting to trend again, there are MANY of you still trying to DE-BEIGE your beige-on-beige home – and it isn’t always an easy transition.

So how do you update a beige home? How do you add gray, greige, or taupe when your home is top-to-bottom beige?

You keep reading…

First of all, DID YOU KNOW that beige is coming back? That’s right; beige is said to be the ‘gray of 2023’. In fact, I have blog posts talking about these new, modern beiges…but they’re not what you’re here for.

Second, because beige is coming back doesn’t mean you must love it. And as I alluded to above, I consult DAILY with clients desperate to add some balance to their beige-on-beige homes.

And like them, you might’ve lived with beige SO long that it’s actually coming back in style. 

So, if you’re ready for a fresh start with a cooler approach, I hear you and am here to help.

1. THE BEST GRAY, GREIGE, & TAUPE PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH BEIGE

If your home is beiged-out, there’s a moderate chance you can paint your walls a cooler color. However, it might not be the cool color of your dreams.

Why?

Beige finishes are fussy about their color partners. Often, my clients try to integrate the WRONG cool colors when the right ones are just a few tweaks away (that would be tweaks, not twerks, you crazy animal).

And while I’ve written a detailed blog post about this exact topic (read it, it’s awesome – and yes, I am a bossy lil thang), the gist is that…

Warm finishes don’t love being partnered with colors that are cooler and lighter than them.

Suppose you’ve been looking at colors like Benjamin Moore Collingwood, Gray Owl, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, and Agreeable Gray. You like these colors, but the finishes in your home don’t agree with you. In this case, they probably aren’t working because they’re not dark enough for your finishes.

This might not be what you want to hear, my dear, but if your current beige finishes are staying-put, AND you want things to look good, you may want to adjust your expectations (said with love, kindness, and a splash of wine for liquid reinforcement).

This backsplash is orange-pink beige.

FUN FACT: Many of my clients refer to their ‘warm-toned finishes’ as being cream or tan. MOST of the time (i.e., 9o+%), these ‘warm-toned finishes’ are actually beige with orange-pink undertones.

When choosing your new paint color, the best place to start is with LRV. While it depends on your home and its particular finishes, a great LRV to start with is 55. If you don’t know what LRV is, it will ROCK your world more than Dwayne Johnson.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Colors Using LRV

And without getting into which UNDERTONES best suit your particular blend of finishes (as most people have more than one beige finish to accommodate), check out the following:

• Sherwin Williams Argos
• Sherwin Williams Requisite Gray
• Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray
• Benjamin Moore Silver Song (review coming soon)
• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (definitely hit and miss)
• Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige
• Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray