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 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.

While white is the most timeless (safest) choice for kitchen cabinets, many have fallen in love with the softer approach of off-white and light-depth cabinets. And while they come with their challenges, non-white cabinets have taken over our Instagram feeds as the ‘go-to’ colors for kitchen cabinets.

And of these more subtle warm neutrals, there’s one color that my Online Color Consulting clients have been craving – Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray.

While some see Agreeable Gray as a considerably warm gray, it’s more of a greige-taupe. This flexibility, combined with a MINIMAL undertone, means that Agreeeable Gray is THE hot color for kitchen cabinets.

WHY?

When coordinating wall colors with cabinet colors, it’s ideal if at least 20 LRV points (or more) are in between the two colors. With an LRV of 60, Agreeable Gray partners with a few off-whites, soft whites, bright whites, and colors in the softer end of the medium range (-40 LRV). But don’t get me wrong, while this versatility is good, you still have to pay close attention to depth and undertone – the world is NOT your colorful oyster.

But that’s an entire blog post unto itself…

The Pros & Cons of OFF-WHITE Painted Kitchen Cabinets

So, let’s jump in and see if Agreeable Gray is THE paint color you’ve been looking for…

AGREEABLE GRAY KITCHEN CABINETS: PALETTE #1

In this first home, you’ll see Agreeable Gray cabinets, partnered with Sherwin Williams Snowbound on the walls and Iron Ore on the island…

Why does this combo work?

Snowbound has an LRV of 83, making it a soft, warm white, and 23 points away from Agreeable Gray’s LRV of 60. But not only does the LRV difference make these two great coordinating colors, the undertones fit well together.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Colors Using LRV

AGREEABLE GRAY KITCHEN CABINETS: PALETTE #2

In this next kitchen, while the backsplash is TBA (I have the photos somewhere, I need to find them!), you can see how Agreeable Gray coordinates with Sherwin Williams Pure White…

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Agreeable Gray

SAMPLIZE offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Plus, samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY (most locations).

Pure White has an LRV of 84, making it one of the best shades of white with Agreeable Gray cabinets. Also, notice the EVER-lovely Urbane Bronze on the island. Being a warm greige with a green undertone, Urbane Bronze is a goooorgeous coordinating color with Agreeable Gray and the White Macaubus quartzite countertops.

The 5 Most Fool-Proof White Paint Colors for Your Home

AGREEABLE GRAY KITCHEN CABINETS: PALETTE #3

This next home is one of my faves, as not only is it gorgeous and homey, it was done on a BOX O’ WINE BUDGET (a girl after my own heart). As shown below, I’m sure this kitchen was designed in the early 2000s, with medium-toned wood cabinets and a beige laminate countertop (the oak floor is more mid-90s)…

My client and her hubs put blood, sweat, and beers into this kitchen, using Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray as their cabinet color…

And I would love to tell you all about the ‘painted tile backsplash, salvaged marble countertop, and price tag of $3500’, but I’ll let this blog post tell it all.

So, what do you think? Is Agreeable Gray the cabinet color for you? Or do you need to explore MORE off-white and light-depth options?

READ MORE

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

The Best Whole Home Gray & Greige Paint Colors

How to Create a Timeless Home with Personality

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING & COURSES! 

Chat soon, 

The post The BEST Light Greige Cabinet Color: SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to updating a kitchen or bathroom with cream cabinets, it’s not just about looking for the best paint color (you’ll find a link to them in this blog post); it’s about understanding WHY it’s the best.

This is why I’ve compiled a collection of the most COMMON questions I get asked in my comment section, on Instagram, and on my YOUTUBE channel.

So without further ado, let’s get this cream-inspired color party started!

CAN I PAINT MY WALLS WHITE OR OFF-WHITE WITH CREAM CABINETS OR TRIM?

Hard no. You can stop looking; you can stop agonizing – that magical color doesn’t exist (insert wine here). It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at a warm white or a true white; NO white will work, no exceptions (sorry).

Why?

• If you partner your cream cabinets (or trim) with a white, your cabinets will look MORE YELLOW in comparison. If this is okay with you, fill yer boots, but isn’t usually the desired look.
• If you partner your cream cabinets with an off-white paint color that’s the SAME COLOR as your cabinets, you risk some seriously clashing undertones – the two colors will be fighting for the same color slot.

Take a look at this next photo. You’ll see a range of warm off-white neutrals partnered with very creamy cabinets. Notice how much richer and more yellow the cabinets look compared to these warm off-whites…

Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White, Divine White, White Duck

Don’t worry; the above samples weren’t intended to be ‘coordinating wall colors’ – they were for a different project; I’m grateful as they came in handy for this blog post as a great example of what DOESN’T work!

Now let’s try to partner cream cabinets with a warm white or two…

This first example shows Sherwin Williams Antique White cabinets with a sample of Benjamin Moore Cloud White, a WARM white paint color…

While it never hurts to TRY, notice how much more yellow the cabinets look IN COMPARISON to a warm white – examples like these are important to see! It’s one thing to have cream walls and white trim; it’s a WHOLE ‘nother thing to turn that around. With this client, we were TRYING to humor a warm white, but it was a hard no.

And here’s Sherwin Williams Creamy, a warm off-white on Antique White again…

LOOK AT HOW GOLDEN YELLOW THOSE CABINETS LOOK IN COMPARISON! I mean, sometimes you don’t know until you TRY, but once you’ve tried and it doesn’t work, it’s time to move on (I tell this to Tim every Friday night).

Remember, just because you don’t want to hear it doesn’t mean it’s not true (said with love, wink wink).

THE EXCEPTIONS

1. If you’re among the lucky few who have cream cabinets that are on the HIGH of the off-white range (LRV of 80/81), you can get DARN CLOSE to soft white on your walls, as you’ll want to repeat your cabinet color on the walls. For example, Sherwin Williams Creamy is on the border of white/off-white. When a color like Creamy has this high LRV, it’s slightly more likely to act like a soft, warm white than an off-white, making it a GREAT choice for walls & cabinets (& trim).

2. If you have darker/heavier/more yellow cream cabinets or trim and are dead-set on having off-white walls…

I suggest painting your walls and cabinets the same color; there simply isn’t another choice in the off-white range.

That’s right, keep things simple and seamless; let the shift in sheens do the work for you. Even if this color is more yellow than you want, you can’t always get what you want when you have cream cabinets. If there were a BETTER CHOICE – I’d tell you, I promise. You can TRY lightening your cabinet color by 25% to get a slightly lighter look. It won’t make your cabinets look less yellow, and if it were me, I’d stick with the same color.

HOW DO I MAKE MY CREAM CABINETS OR TRIM LOOK LESS YELLOW?

When it comes to cream cabinets, it’s not about making them look less yellow – they ARE a yellow hue paint colour. And if this is your concern, it’s more about not making them look MORE yellow.

It’s hard to turn cream into something it’s not – and it’s not white. Of course, you have a WAY better chance of a muted look if your cream color has a high LRV (which we’ll learn about shortly). However, short of that, you HAVE cream-yellow trim.

1. DON’T USE AN OFF-WHITE THAT ISN’T AN EXACT MATCH TO YOUR CABINETS

An off-white or light-depth paint color that’s the same depth or lighter than your cream cabinets will make your cabinets or trim LOOK MORE YELLOW…

2. AVOID COOL COLOURS

Walls painted in a cool paint color (i.e., gray or blue-green) will make your cream cabinets or trim LOOK MORE YELLOW in comparison…

Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray – BEAUTIFUL combo, but that yellow sure lights up! 

The same applies to greige and taupe. While these are warm paint colors, they’re ‘cooler than’ cream.

3. PAINT YOUR WALLS THE SAME CREAM COLOR AS YOUR CABINETS OR TRIM

This is a tricky one, as the flow to adjoining rooms with WHITE trim can be tricky, but sometimes you can’t hit EVERY need with one color. When it comes to paint colors and design in general, you have to do what suits the room itself first and then work out from there.

Sometimes soft and simple is best – Benjamin Moore Navajo White

In this next example, my clients have Sherwin Williams Antique White cabinets…with a glaze on them. The glaze makes it SUPER TRICKY to work with as it tweaks the original color and intensity.

Their original goal was to find a warm white, but it just wouldn’t work with these cabinets. By eliminating other potential options (i.e., beige), we landed on Antique White, 25% lighter, which is as CLOSE to white as we’ll get!  Even though the match isn’t 100% and varies from one side of the wall to the other, they got the brighter look they were going for!

Sometimes when the ideal world doesn’t exist (the ‘ideal world’ usually being white cabinets), it’s about finding the NEXT best thing.

This next kitchen has VERY creamy-yellow cabinets, and the best solution is cream walls. This being said, while cream cabinets are often the best choice for particular granite countertops, if starting from scratch, we’d choose a cream with less yellow in it…

4. STICK WITH WARM, MUTED NEUTRALS

Neutrals in a light-medium to medium depth are your BEST shot at reducing the look of your cream cabinets. But remember, cream cabinets ARE cream cabinets, and short of painting them a more flexible white, they are what they are!

This last point isn’t one my E-Design clients usually want to hear, but it works.

CAN I PAINT MY WALLS GRAY OR GREIGE IF I HAVE CREAM CABINETS OR TRIM?

YES! But let’s be honest; it’s never that straightforward…

Warm colors rarely love being partnered with COOLER colors that are the SAME DEPTH OR LIGHTER than them. 

I want you to inscribe that on the annals of your soul (I’ve been made aware there are two ‘n’s in annal, duly noted). And while things change as warm colors get DARKER, if you’re anywhere in the white to medium range, tread carefully.

The #1 Secret to Coordinating Warm & Cool Paint Colors

Warm colors will only tolerate colors that are COOLER than them if they’re DARKER than them.

And I’m talking about a good 20+ LRV points or more (it can vary depending on HOW YELLOW your cream is). By the way, I don’t mean just COOL colors; I’m talking about colors that are simply ‘not as warm as‘ the color they’re being partnered with. If you look at WARMER options for your walls, you can sometimes bump down to 15 LRV points difference.

Once you memorize that magical tip, your paint-pickin’ life will be SO…MUCH…EASIER (you’ll learn about LRV shortly).

This dining room has Sherwin Williams Creamy on the trim. Because Creamy is ALMOST a white paint color, it looks wicked gorgeous with Chelsea Gray walls. It also helps that Chelsea Gray is significantly darker than Creamy, so they don’t come close to competing in depth…

As shown in this next space, the walls are too cool and too light for the creamy off-white warmth of the trim and cabinets…

Even if the LRV were lower, this cool-toned paint color doesn’t SUIT the surrounding finishes. The above is a great example of someone who wanted a certain color on their walls, regardless of whether it made sense.

Pick paint colors for the home you HAVE, not the home you WISH you had.

Let’s look at cream cabinets (similar to Sherwin Williams Antique White) with Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray and Popular Gray. These two colors are 15 and 11 LRV points (respectively) lower than Antique White.

These weren’t options I loved, but my client wanted to try them, and sometimes you just don’t know until you try! 

Notice how Worldly Gray (left) sits a BIT better than Popular Gray (right). HOWEVER, neither are any screamin’ glory. While Worldly Gray is ‘better,’ it’s still very questionable and makes the cabinets look darn warm in comparison. I’m always happy to humor clients when they want to TRY something like this, as sometimes they need to see for themselves why it doesn’t work.

In this next photo, my client had cream trim (colour unknown). LUCKILY, it wasn’t a super dark OR super yellow cream, meaning we had a bit more flexibility. Even then, we had to darken Edgecomb Gray by 25% just to increase the LRV between the two colors and get some kind of play between them…

What’s LRV & why do I need it? 

If you’ve been drinkin’ my wine-spiked Koolaid for a while, you’ll know how IMPORTANT LRV is in the paint-picking process. Here’s the gist…

Every paint colour has an LRV number on a scale from 0-100.

0 is pure black, and 100 is pure white. 

The closer a paint color’s LRV is to 0, the closer to black it is. 

The closer a paint color’s LRV is to 100, the closer to white it is.

As it relates to the different depths, here are the approx. Ranges for our purposes here today…

• WHITE PAINT COLORS: 82 – 94
• OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS: 74 – 81 (average cream cabinet depth is 72-78 LRV)
• LIGHT DEPTH PAINT COLORS: 55 – 73
• LIGHT-MEDIUM DEPTH PAINT COLORS: 40-54

If you’re unfamiliar with LRV, PLEASE take a few minutes to check out this article; it will be SO worth it and show you WHERE TO FIND the LRV of paint colors.

In this next kitchen, in between the cream/yellow hues of the cabinets, pink undertone in the countertop, and white window trim, it’s a TRICKY one. However, it has some beautiful bones!

cre

HOW DOES KNOWING MY PAINT COLOR’S LRV HELP ME CHOOSE?

To find paint colors that look good with your cream cabinets or trim, you’ll want to start with colors approximately 20 LRV points LOWER than your cream colour (I said 15 earlier, but that’s a stretch). This is why it’s SO IMPORTANT to nail down which cream you’re dealing with (or as close as possible).

The closer the two paint colors are in depth, the more they’ll compete. You need APPROX. 20+ LRV points between your cream cabinets/trim and your wall color.

WHAT COLOR WALLS GO WITH CREAM OR OFF-WHITE CABINETS (OR TRIM)?

I swear, when I read online info, it’s like some advisors pull colors out of their…well, out of thin air. One site says, ‘blue, taupe, white, gray.’ Seriously, thanks – I’ll pass on pretty much all of those.

In reality, this is a HUGE topic. SO BIG that I’ve dedicated an entire blog post to it, which you can check out below…

READ MORE

The Best Wall Paint Colors for Cream Cabinets & Trim

The 6 Best Off-White Paint Colors

The 13 Most Popular Cream Paint Colors

The Best Warm Paint Colors that AREN’T BEIGE! 

The Best Off-White & Light Depth Kitchen Cabinet Colors

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY EXPERT ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING PACKAGES! 

Chat soon,

The post HOW TO UPDATE CREAM OR OFF-WHITE CABINETS & TRIM: Common Questions appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I’m a huge fan of wood cabinets (especially oak). Unlike melamine, thermofoil, and veneers, wood cabinets are almost always SOLID wood. And with real solid wood comes real potential.

Potential for what, you might ask?

Firstly, the potential for ‘hard wood‘ jokes (always a personal fave). Secondly, there’s a lot of updating potential, regardless of the century your cabinets were installed in. For example…

• an updated look via paint (which you can learn about HERE)

• a fresh finish with a more modern stain

• a facelift with hardware, decor, and wall paint colours that suit your wood stain

And while I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about painting/staining oak cabinets to update and add value, today we’ll talk about everything BUT that.

Are you ready, Betty?

1. UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES

I talked about hardware in this blog post, and today, I want to expand on those ideas with a few quick case studies…

BLACK HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

Black is HANDS-DOWN, the top choice for updating wood cabinets. However, if you have FULLY exposed hinges (in other words, it’s not just the little edge showing), it’s a hard no from this cowgirl. Exposed hinges, especially ones that are in high contrast to your wood finish, can look harsh and show the age of the cabinets (as modern cabinets have hidden hinges).

For the scale of these cabinet doors (below), I would love to see handles with a bit more thickness and fewer curves…

In the above photo, notice how the new white subway tile backsplash and updated countertop give NEW life to the original oak cabinets – MAD LOVE!

This next kitchen has ALL of my heart…

Really, the only things I might change would be to find light fixtures that aren’t hanging on chains and maaaybe a subway tile backsplash in a muted neutral that matches the countertops. But even as-is, I love it.

While this next kitchen has all the original features (likely late 80s), the coordinated hardware and light fixtures help the space feel pulled together and purposefully designed. To REALLY update this space, here are a few ideas…

• Paint the island a colour that complements the countertop and surrounding wood finishes – the red stain is a bit off.
• If the pendants are staying, choose a chandelier with fewer curves. While the look suits the pendants, fewer curly cues would be better.
• Even better, I’d love to see black hardware, modern pendants in a black finish, and a coordinating chandelier.
• Brighten the walls with a modern beige paint colour.
• Budget allowing, I’d LOVE to see a subway tile backsplash, which is one of the BEST ways to update a kitchen with oak cabinets and granite countertops.

POLISHED NICKEL HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

Polished nickel is in HOT second place to black, especially if you want a slightly more modern approach that coordinates with stainless appliances.

These next cabinets are gorgeous in their orange-red glory, but if it were MY home, here’s what I would do…

• I’d paint the cabinets (sorry #notsorry). HOWEVER, it would hurt me as the wood IS so darn pretty (it’s just overwhelming with the floor).
• But because painting wasn’t an option with this client, I’d put a rug on the floor (a washable one) to get a bit of a visual breather between the wood floor and the cabinets.
• Try black hardware and see which is better (I don’t mind the polished nickel, but I am curious to see black).
• Paint the walls so they don’t compete with the cabinets as much.
• Add a subway tile backsplash.
• Remove the single pendant.
• Add a striking, larger piece of artwork on the wall beside the back door, creating a focal point.

ANTIQUE BRASS HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

If you’re looking for a low-contrast look, antique brass is a beautiful finish with oak cabinets, but it’s definitely tougher to pull off unless you have mad style (think Studio McGee) and the right cabinets (shaker style). The bonus is that most oak cabinets (if they have their original hardware) have hinges in this finish, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

OIL-RUBBED BRONZE HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

Oil-rubbed bronze is another beautiful finish with wood cabinets but is usually better with oak than cherry or maple (depending on the stain colour).

However, of the four finishes, oil-rubbed bronze is usually the LEAST modern-looking.

To UPDATE this next kitchen without painting the cabinets, I would change the light fixtures for sure, going down to two slightly larger ones and capping off the middle one. I would also update the backsplash with a creamy beige subway tile.

GOLD OR BRASS HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

While gold and brass are POPULAR finishes these days, they aren’t always a hit with wood cabinets.

Why?

Gold/brass is usually a yellow-toned metal finish, and some cabinets are too orange/red-toned for this yellow-gold look. Aged brass (antique brass) is often a better fit, but both can be considerably more expensive than black or polished nickel.

2. ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINET DOORS

Adding glass to a few key doors will relieve some of the visual weight of the wood and add reflective value to your kitchen (which is great if you have a dark kitchen and keep tidy cupboards). And of course, you could hire a cabinet company to do this for you, but with a bottle of wine and a saw, you might be AMAZED at what you can accomplish (it’s how I trim my toenails).

Seriously though, want to know how? Confessions of a Serial DIY’er has a great ‘how-to’ as does my gal Tamara over at Provident Home Design.

3. ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH

Whether you have an outdated backsplash or none at all, adding a well-chosen tile will do WONDERS for your wood cabinets!

The most popular, timeless choice would be subway tile with either white grout or grout that coordinates to your wall colour/countertop. This works well when partnered with a neutral white, gray, or black countertop.

This next kitchen looks right on-trend with its cream subway tile backsplash and warm white walls…

A few budget-friendly update ideas would be…

• paint the pantry door a darker accent color
• add a bit of interesting decor, like branches/leaves in the large vase
• considering pendants with a fabric or solid white shade as they offer a softer light
• find some upholstered stools in a darker fabric (dark green-gray would be pretty, as it would contrast the warm woods)

This next kitchen shows oak cabinets with exposed hinges…

My client took this photo mid-project, so excuse a few funny spots.

My client added a new countertop and white subway tile with contrasting grout to subtly jazz things up.

As shown in this next photo, you could also consider travertine. While travertine gets a bad rap, I’m a huge fan, and with the coming warm trends, you just might see it coming back! I also love the polished nickel hardware – a simple complement to the warm wood tones, whereas black would’ve created more contrast and been a bit harsh with the organic look of the travertine.

This next photo shows how adding hardware, a modern countertop, and a new subway tile backsplash can lighten, brighten, and update wood cabinets. I know a LOT of you would paint these bad boys, but other than the exposed hinges, LOOK at the bone structure of these cabinets – gorgeous!

To finish this up, I would replace the yellowed phone jack and put something pretty in the open cabinet

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your HOME

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4-Part Series

This next kitchen is a great example…

• White quartz countertops.
• Modern marble tile backsplash.
• New black hardware.

And all of this was done without changing the cabinets or the original tile floor!

If I were to suggest one BIG thing, it would be to remove the wood valance over the sink. Valances like this cut back on the quality of light and date a space to the 80s.

4. USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR

Using unified home decor with a consistent colour palette can help update a kitchen or bathroom with oak cabinets. The more colors and metal finishes you add, the more cluttered it can make a room look.

BLACK, WHITE, CREAM, BROWN, & GRAY HOME DECOR

Neutrals and simple, classic colors are a great way to update wood cabinets. Rather than contrasting the wood with a colour like blue or green, neutrals keep things simple and modern while still adding visual interest.

COPPER-COLOURED HOME DECOR IN KITCHENS

Copper is a beautiful complement to oak cabinets with its earthy, rich metal finish. Whether it’s canisters or small decorative pieces, adding copper can help to simplify and unify your cabinets and decor, as copper tends to have the same warm undertone as some oak finishes.

UPDATED FURNISHINGS

This next kitchen shows how the right furnishings finish a space. Wood stools would be overwhelming, considering all the wood already in this space.

If I were to suggest a change, I might choose stools that are just a bit less fancy – still upholstered, but with more simple lines and no nailhead details (and seriously, I’m just being picky for the sake of showing you ideas/options) – this space really is beautiful. And the artwork? PERFECT!

GREENERY IN KITCHENS

Generally speaking, too much colour isn’t great for wood cabinets. However, adding some greenery and keeping things simple is a GREAT way to add energy to the room without overwhelming it.

While I might add a bit more decorative love to this next kitchen, the right bones are in place, and the photo shows how even a wink of green adds LIFE (this home was getting ready for staging, so it was kept simple)!

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

I also believe that CLEARING THE CLUTTER is a great way to update wood cabinets. Simplify your space and let the products do the visual work for you. Wood cabinets (especially oak) have a grain that can add visual interest/clutter to a space.

Let’s look at this next photo…

Although the simplicity is alright for home staging, I have a few suggestions that would respect the owner’s need for simplicity while adding a decorative touch…

• add simple, repetitive decor pieces in those upper glass cabinets (i.e., coordinating bowls/vases/stacks of plates)

• remove the knife holders as they’re hangry-looking

• add a plant or two to complement the warm tones and add some energy! Even just one in the corner with the blender would make a BIG difference

• use a nicer utensil holder with some stainless utensils

• add a decorative soap dispenser

4 Tips for Picking the Best Subway Tile for Your Backsplash

In this next photo, while the backsplash diamond pattern isn’t terribly modern, the cabinets have great bones and a totally workable stain. If the countertops were cluttered, this space would have WAY less appeal. The use of greenery keeps the accessories in this room well-connected and complementary to the maple cabinets.

How to Update a 1990s Home

If the above owner wanted to take things a step further, they could consider the following:

• Add a soft, warm, creamy white subway tile. White would be too stark with the flooring and countertop. I would do a soft, light beige-ish grout to define the tile layout.

• Replace the pendant lights with clear glass ones that are slightly larger and more updated. I’d probably take it down to three lights and cap one.

• Find upholstered stools to break up the wood a bit and add some softness and texture.

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

5. PAINT…JUST A LITTLE

Okay, so I’m a big fat liar, I know – slap me with a wet noodle. However, this idea doesn’t involve painting ALL of your cabinets – just some of them, and it’s too good of an idea not to share!

By choosing a few key places to paint, you can give your kitchen an updated look and give the oak something to play off.

The 6 Best Paint Colours for Bathroom Vanities Are ALSO GREAT for Kitchen Islands! 

I’m in LOVE with this next kitchen with its cherry wood cabinets. And while this approach isn’t for the faint of heart, remember, sometimes wood needs something to PLAY with to come into its full glory!

Not sure if you should even CONSIDER painting your cabinets? Take my fun QUESTIONNAIRE to see what your kitchen says!

Of course, there are MANY different kitchen layouts, so it can be challenging to say, ‘Always paint these cabinets and leave these ones wood,’ but here are some ideas to get you going…

• paint only the upper cabinets

• paint only the lower cabinets

• if you have a pantry-style cabinet in the kitchen, paint it as well as the uppers OR lowers

• paint the island

• if you have a unique range hood or desk area, paint it

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

ARE HONEY OAK CABINETS COMING BACK IN STYLE IN 2023 & 2024

This year, we’ve seen more wood cabinets, particularly white oak, emerge. In the coming years, expect to see more wood, even some mid-depth stains.

As for honey oak, in particular, it’s all about the grain and the stain. Some honey oak cabinets are muted; if they have a shaker or non-cathedral-style door, there are ways to update them.

However, some oak cabinets are heavily grained and have a strong yellow or orange stain on them, making it harder for them to look trendy or updated.

The cabinets in this next kitchen have GREAT bones, but in terms of being modern (if the homeowner were concerned about that), the strength of the orange stain is a bit strong. This being said, there are still ways to make cabinets like this work!

Want more?

5 Ideas to Update Oak Cabinets – (PART 1 in series)

Budget-Friendly Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets (PART 3)

The 16 Best Paint Colors to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets or Trim (PART 4)

The 16 Best Paint Colors to Coordinate with Wood

Should I Paint My Cabinets or Leave Them Stained? A Questionnaire

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

Need HELP?

Check out my E-Design and Online Color Consulting Packages 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2018, FULLY UPDATED IN 2023

The post How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint (PART 2) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Did you know that painting your front door is one of the BEST ways to add curb appeal to your home? And in ONE AFTERNOON, you can take a ho-hum door and turn it into something that gets your neighbors talking – for less than a hundred dollars!

However, with thousands of colors, it can be hard to figure out which colour is best. That’s why you have me (insert happy face here). You can hire me via my E-design to give you the TOP 3-4 colors for YOUR front door, or you can check out these fab options below…

1. Best Front Door Color – Burgundy or Red

Burgundy is a great choice if you want visual interest without committing to the intensity of a real vivacious red. Brick red is a slightly more modern take on burgundy, with red coming in as the colour with the most vibrant personality!

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

• Check out Benjamin Moore’s Sundried Tomato. It’s close to being red but has enough of a burgundy/grounded base to keep it calm and collected.
• Another fave is Benjamin Moore Dinner Party, more of a rich, dense red.
• Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy is a more typical burgundy than those with stronger brown, purple, or orange undertones.

If you’re looking for a more ravishing red (check out my profile photo – wink wink), these next colors should get you on the right path. Keep in mind, while red is one of the most popular choices, it isn’t always the smartest one. Your home has to suit red (or a tweaked version of it); otherwise, it will look out of place.

I gave my E-Design client (above) four beautiful front door options, and Sherwin Williams Chinese Red was the winner.

• Benjamin Moore Caliente is a gorgeous, sumptuous red, one of my faves for real personality.
• For a red with a bit more RED, check out Sherwin Williams Poinsettia. It’s not quite primary red, but it’ll give that impression.

BTW, 99.9% of the photos on my blog are from my E-Design clients; thank you for sending them in; you guys rock! 

2. Best Front Door Colour – Navy Blue

Navy blue is a wicked choice for a front door. Blue can be rich and classic or fun and fresh, but it’s the more traditional navy blue paint colors that are a hit with today’s homeowners.

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

• Sherwin Williams Naval is a handsome fellow and the perfect complement to almost any siding. Naval sits on the slightly cooler end of the blue scale (compared to some navies with a smidge of green in them).
• Sherwin Williams Cyberspace is a dark navy with a decent gray undercurrent.
• Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue has a bit more gray and appears slightly ‘softer’ than Naval.
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. Oh haaaale yes! It’s hard to go wrong with the classic look of Hale Navy.

And while there are about half a dozen more navy blues that I could rattle off the top of my head, those are a few of my FAVES.

3. Best Front Door Color – Teal / Blue Green

Whether looking for a farmhouse or a beachy look, there is nothing like a fresh, modern teal paint colour for your front door! Teal is a mixture of blue and green – and not always an even mixture. Some teals lean more on the blue side, while others lean more green.

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

Today’s popular teals also have gray in them, keeping them in check and not so ‘day-glo’.

• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue is one of my fave blue-green-gray blends. Whether you prefer the lighter version, Palladian Blue, or the darker Stratton Blue, this blue-green range is a wicked choice for a front door.
• I can also be talked into the likes of Sherwin Wiliams Peacock Plume for a bit more colour.

Looking for something a bit spunkier?

• You’ll find that Benjamin Moore Mexicali Turquoise is a vibrant, lighter, brighter front door colour.
• Benjamin Moore Cool Aqua and Sherwin Williams Aquarium are teals with a bit more spazip! (spazip being a super technical term).
• If you like a green-blue with a slightly vintage feel, Benjamin Moore Hazy Blue might be for you! 

And, of course, the darkest of the teals – Benjamin Moore Yorktowne Green. Not for the faint of heart, Yorktowne Green is a gorgeous blend that’s flexible and easy to live with. It would look stunning in a woodsy environment with cedar siding.

The Best Blue Green Paint Colours for Your Front Door

NEED HELP?

Check out my AFFORDABLE & FUN Front Door Paint Color Package – let me pick your colors for you! 

4. Best Front Door Color – Green

There’s something about a solid dark green that seems to work on a LOT of homes.

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

The above front door is Sherwin Williams Night Owl. Another beauty is Benjamin Moore Mohegan Sage or Sherwin Williams Rock Bottom for a stronger, striking look.

This next home was oooookay with its blue front door…

But I knew the siding colour (Benjamin Moore Dragon’s Breath) would be WAY better suited to a lil’ chartreuse, which also satisfied the owner’s desire for something a little OUTSIDE the box!

Benjamin Moore Chartreuse was the PERFECT choice to take things up a notch!

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Please check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

5. Best Front Door Color – Black 

Black is bold and is a great way to make a statement on a large or small home. It looks especially fabulous when paired with a crisp white trim.

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

And while black is a classic in the fashion world, it isn’t a ‘sure’ thing on a front door. Some homes look too intimidating with a black door – particularly ones that don’t have enough natural light around them.

• Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10. Yup, just black – clearly, a rocket scientist named it.
• Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Iron Ore are beautiful black choices. Tricorn Black is bolder and more striking, whereas Iron Ore is slightly softer.

Black doesn’t always suit homes with river rock or ledge stone detail or front doors that are under the heavy shadow

6. Best Front Door Paint Color – Gray & Charcoal

Gray and charcoal are a hit with homeowners these days and, with their varying undertones, suit a HUGE variety of homes.

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

• I have MAD love for Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray, a slightly warmer, deep charcoal. See how it jibes with the black trim and the river rock feature wall in the above photo.
• For a softer look, check out Sherwin Williams Dovetail, the slightly lighter version of Gauntlet Gray.
• You can also check out Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, a medium-dark charcoal with a MINOR green undertone. Kendall Charcoal is also a big hit for a more striking look, like the darker version of Amherst Gray.

I also love the SUPER PASSIVE approach of Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10, shown on this next front door…

7. Best Front Door Paint Colour – Yellow & Gold

Yellow and gold can look warm and welcoming on a home. Just remember that yellow reflects much more light than most other colors, so when choosing a yellow, make sure its intensity suits your home and your personal style (in other words, err on the side of caution when choosing ‘intensity’). 

The above samples are just approximations of paint colors

• Sherwin Williams Rayo de Sol is a rayo of sunshine!
• Benjamin Moore Stuart Gold is a rich and stately gold color. Not too yellow, not too orange – juuuust right!
• Sherwin Williams Classical Gold, Gambol Gold, and Bee are also beautiful, brighter choices.

8. Feeling brave for your front door?

My client Mark wanted a front door that was a little different from the rest. I threw some beauties at him, and he settled on Sherwin Williams Knockout Orange!

And while orange won’t suit MOST homes, it was the PERFECT choice for his home and the palette he decided on (see the whole project here).

This last one is just for fun, as I don’t HAVE a violet-inspired front door section yet, but this one was TOO pretty not to include.

Before the rusty red wasn’t BAD, it just wasn’t connecting enough with the stone, whereas Sherwin Williams Darkroom hit JUST the spot…

The TOP 6 HOA-FRIENDLY Front Door Paint Colors

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

WHAT’S THE BEST FRONT DOOR PAINT COLOR?

The best color for your front door is the one that suits your siding, roof, stone, brick, walkway, and surrounding landscape. There is no ‘universally best’ front door paint color.

SHOULD THE FRONT DOOR BE LIGHTER OR DARKER THAN THE HOUSE?

Most of the time, the front door is darker than the rest of the house, although there are exceptions, especially when it comes to dark gray homes.

WHAT FRONT DOOR PAINT COLOR IS BEST FOR RESALE?

As long as it PERFECTLY suits the home it’s on, blue is one of the best colors for resale.

SHOULD THE FRONT DOOR & BACK DOOR BE THE SAME COLOR?

HECK NO! While they CAN be the same color, they can also do their own things.

WHAT COLOR DOOR MAKES YOUR HOME LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE?

While it’s MORE important that your front door suits the surrounding finishes/environment, black is seen as a classic black shade for expensive-looking homes.

READ MORE

Painting the INSIDE of Your Front Door

The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colours for Cabinets, Feature Walls & Front Door

The 7 Best Teal & Navy Blue Paint Colours for Your Front Door

Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR front door?

Let me help with my Online Paint Colour Consulting services! 

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2021, UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2023

The post THE 9 BEST FRONT DOOR PAINT COLORS appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to painting any type of cabinet, there are SO many awesome colors to choose from! But in particular, vanities and islands offer GREAT opportunities for some serious PERSONALITY.

Why?

Because it’s easier to commit to something a bit different and ‘out of the box’ on a smaller scale vs. a large scale project like an ENTIRE KITCHEN, which can be costly to redo in five years if you’re tired of the color (or five months if you’re like me).

However, personality doesn’t always come in the form of a wild and wonderful color; many neutrals add interest to a room without tipping the scales. We’ll be touching on some of these days, AS WELL AS, a few wicked, wonderful brighter, darker shades of green.

But why does this blog post focus on gray, greige, and green only?

Some of the most popular shades of gray have green undertones; others are balanced between the two colors and are open to perception. As for greige, greige is neutral with green undertones (whereas taupe has violet undertones). For this reason, partnering these three colors in one blog post makes sense, so you can decide which DEGREE of green you want to see!

However, there are a few great gray options that don’t have any green undertones at all! 

And a HUGE thank you to my E-design and local clients, for sending me their ‘after’ photos – I couldn’t do this without you!

THE BEST GRAY VANITY, CABINET, OR ISLAND COLORS

Gray is a great way to add interest to a bathroom or kitchen without going over the top. And while light gray cabinets are no longer trendy, dark grays, especially those with interesting undertones, are still going strong.

As for the grays listed below, most have either a little or a LOT of green in them.

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ROYCROFT PEWTER 2848

If you like a gray that’s a bit of a chameleon, look no further than Roycroft Pewter. With its unique blend of blue and green undertones, Roycroft Pewter is a unique take on gray due to its undertones, which can shift between green and blue depending on your PERCEPTION and surroundings.

Roycroft Pewter has an LRV of 13, making it a medium-dark color. And don’t expect those undertones to sit passively, as they will DEFINITELY show up to the party!

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Roycroft Pewter

LRV & Paint Colors: The Ultimate Guide You Need to Read

2. BENJAMIN MOORE CHELSEA GRAY HC-168

Chelsea Gray is a solid, medium-toned gray that has been a fan fave for years. And while it’s FRACTIONALLY warm (you’d hardly know it), it acts more like a standard charcoal and can sometimes pick up a SUPER  vague green undertone.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

3. BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS CC-546

Metropolis is a beautiful medium-toned WARM gray (almost taupe), with a subtle purple undertone – that’s right, there’s not a wink o’ green to be found in this bad boy! When it comes to homes built in the early 2000s, particularly those with granite countertops, Metropolis is a popular choice as it often suits the TYPE of gray found in these finishes.

See the AWESOME before and after of the above bathroom HERE

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis

4. BENJAMIN MOORE AMHERST GRAY HC-167

Amherst Gray is similar to Chelsea Gray but is darker, and the green undertone in Amherst Gray can sometimes show up just a wink more (depending on the products you partner it with and your lighting/exposure).

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GAUNTLET GRAY 7019

Gauntlet Gray is one of the darkest, warmest grays available. As some warm grays darken, they pick up too much brown – not Gauntlet Gray. While it has some warmth, you’re still left with an overwhelmingly GRAY paint color.

As for undertones, Gauntlet Gray is flexible between green and purple, meaning it doesn’t commit to either. If you’re nervous of ANY undertone and hope for that ever-elusive ‘gray with no undertones,’ Gauntlet Gray (and Dovetail, listed next) could be as close as you get.

This next kitchen is still being completed, but is a great shot of Gauntlet Gray…

The 9 Best Benjamin Moore Gray Paint Colors

FULL REVIEW OF SHERWIN WILLIAMS GAUNTLET GRAY HERE 

And remember, when you’re choosing the best gray paint color for your vanity, you need to pay CLOSE attention to the needs of your tiles and countertop. Find out which undertones you’re working with and coordinate your gray paint color from there! Every gray will have undertones, and you’ll want to ensure they partner up!

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVETAIL 7018

Dovetail is like a lighter version of Gauntlet Gray. This means that it’s also a warm gray with flexible and non-committal undertones. As for LRV, Gauntlet Gray sits at 17, whereas Dovetail is a good dose lighter at 26, putting it in the medium depths.

Sherwin Williams Dovetail Paint Color Review

7. BENJAMIN MOORE KITTY GRAY 1589

With its blend of green, blue, and gray, Kitty Gray is a great way to make a statement without going over the top with color. This is because while Kitty Gray does cater a bit more to green, it’s heavily grounded by gray, and has blue mixed in for moderation.

Compared to the others, Kitty Gray is DEFINITELY more colorful, without dipping right into the green pool.

THE BEST GREEN COLORS FOR VANITIES, CABINETS, OR ISLANDS

Whether it’s a green-blue blend, emerald-inspired, or leaning into the mossy end of things, green is definitely one of today’s more popular cabinet colors!

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EVERGREEN FOG 9130

If you’re looking for a more subtle take on green, Evergreen Fog is a medium-depth green with just the right amount of gray to calm it down without taking away the ‘green’ of it. As for temperature, Evergreen Fog doesn’t lean overly warm or cool, giving off a more ‘smoky’ look.

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ISLE OF PINES 6461

Isle of Pines is a gorgeous green. While it winks at the Kelly Green end of things, it’s not as intense and is more emerald-inspired.

The 8 Best Green Paint Colors

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RIPE OLIVE 6209

Ripe Olive is a dark shade of green with a rich undercurrent. When it comes to cabinets, Ripe Olive offers a commitment to green without going anywhere NEAR Kelly or Emerald Green.

As shown in this next kitchen, Ripe Olive’s LRV of 6 is striking with off-white quartz countertops. And sure, you see GREEN, but it’s not punchy…

4. BENJAMIN MOORE SALAMANDER 2050-10

Salamander is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular green paint colors for cabinets, color-washing, and front doors. This dark shade of green has a slightly cool tone (green-blue) and a reasonable saturation, meaning it’s not just dark (with an LRV of 5.72 ), but it’s also reasonably colorful.

Remember that you should never pick paint colors based on how they look horizontally or at an angle. ALWAYS place them 100% vertically so you can see how the light (natural and artificial) bounces off them.

Here’s Salamander and a few other popular shades of green (again, they should be totally vertical)…

The Best Medium & Dark Green Paint Colors

THE BEST GREIGE COLORS FOR CABINETS

Greige is another great choice and can sometimes work better than gray if you’re trying to transition out of the beige end of things. I say ‘sometimes’ as some bathrooms just CAN’T pull off gray or greige – it all depends on the existing finishes and what they can tolerate!

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS URBANE BRONZE 7048

Urbane Bronze is a WICKED gorgeous, super dark greige paint color. Some of my Online Paint Color clients see the green undertones and love them; others don’t see them at all – it just depends on the surrounding environment and your perception.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze

The 4 Best Gray and Greige Paint Colors for Cabinets and Vanities

2. BENJAMIN MOORE KINGSPORT GRAY HC-86

Kingsport Gray is an awesome medium-toned greige paint color, planted nicely between gray and beige with an allegiance to beige/brown over gray.

However, while some greiges commit hard to their green undertone, Kingsport Gray comes in way more muted, so the green isn’t noticeable unless you partner it with finishes with an opposite (purple-pink) undertone.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS KEYSTONE GRAY

Keystone Gray is one of my top greige paint colors for cabinets. While it’s similar to Kingsport Gray, it’s a bit lighter and less warm. It also has SUPER passive undertones that are hard-pressed to flash any green at all.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray

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 BUSINESS DAY
• they’re considerably more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY

If you want light or off-white depth cabinets and love the subtle greige look, it’s hard to beat Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. IN FACT, I wrote an entire blog post on it!

Agreeable Gray is a light depth greige with an LRV of 60. And while this might be a bit darker than you had in mind, remember that the sheen of cabinet paint (satin) can make a color look a bit lighter than expected. Check out Agreeable Gray in this beautiful kitchen…

Agreeable Gray has flexible undertones. While there’s a touch of green in it, it’s so subtle that it rarely shows up to the party in a big way. On the other hand, it also doesn’t flash overly green or violet, either!

We did Agreeable Gray in this budget-friendly kitchen remodel…

READ MORE

The Best White Paint Colors for Cabinets, Trims or Walls

Farrow & Ball’s 10 Best Blue Paint Colors

How to Choose the Best White Paint Color for your Cabinets

The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Cabinets, Islands, Front Doors & More

The Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

LET ME PICK YOUR BEST COLORS FOR YOU!

Check out my Online Color Consulting packages; I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN JULY 2019, UPDATED IN 2022

The post The Best Gray, Greige, & Green Colors for Bathroom Vanities, Kitchen Islands, or Cabinets appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When it comes to paint and wine, whites are DEFINITELY the hardest to pick. Does this chardonnay go with my sofa? Which white paint color best suits a steak dinner? While I can’t answer these particular questions (and am personally not that fussy, I’ll drink wine with Kraft Dinner), I can answer almost ANY question regarding the best white paint colors for you and your home!

And hands-down, the most COMMON question I get asked on my Instagram feed and Youtube channel is…

‘Do my walls, trim, & cabinets need to be the SAME WHITE paint color?’

The short answer is YES; the long answer is a bit more complicated. The thing is, not all whites are created equal – they have undertones. This means that one white can potentially make another look dirty, yellow, pink, blue, etc… in COMPARISON to another. However, you’ll have some flexibility depending on which TYPE of white you plan on using or currently have on one of your surfaces. But the question is, do you REEEEAAALLLY want flexibility, or do you just want to humor the crazy lil Ginger, make your paint-pickin’ life MUCH EASIER, and use the same white on everything?

Oh, you are a GLUTTON for punishment…I like that about you.

First, let’s make a list of what this general topic covers:

1. If you have WHITE CABINETS and want to paint your trim and/or walls white as well

2. You have WHITE TRIM and want to paint your cabinets and/or walls white as well

3. You’re starting from scratch and want to use TWO or more whites in your room

4. If you have WHITE CABINETS & TRIM (and I pray they match each other) and you want to paint your walls white as well

Long story short, if you plan on using white on MORE THAN ONE SURFACE in your room, this info applies.

But before we start (seriously, I don’t stop talking in real life either, this stuff LIGHTS ME UP LIKE A FIRECRACKER!), I have one more important point to make…

Regardless of what you read below, if you decide to mix and match whites, your BEST chance will be to use a TRUE WHITE on trim/cabinets and a white with a lower LRV on the walls – don’t do it the other way around unless you’re a hardcore pro, and even then…don’t do it. 

BTW, you might expect to see some amazing photos of mix & match whites in this blog post – tough luck, Chuck. Because I ONLY refer to my Online Paint Color Consulting client’s homes and RARELY recommend mixing and matching whites, you won’t be seeing any glorious combinations. Instead, you’ll see examples of each TYPE of white being used to its best advantage on a whole range of surfaces.

IF YOU HAVE ‘TRUE OR PURE WHITE’ TRIM OR CABINETS

If you have TRUE white trim or cabinets (i.e., Sherwin Williams High Reflective White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace), it will be easy to paint your walls a different type of white if you’re so inclined (learn about the 5 TYPES OF WHITE).

TRIM & BENCH: Sherwin Williams High Reflective White WALLS: Stonington Gray

WHY?

As mentioned earlier, white paint colors have undertones…except for TRUE WHITES.  Because true whites don’t have undertones (or at least nothing obvious to reckon with), it’s easier to embrace bright or soft whites without worrying about clashing undertones. But don’t just assume the white you currently have on your cabinets, trims, or walls is actually WHITE. Go to your local paint store and grab that brand’s WHITEST WHITE and bring it home to compare to your white – you might be pleasantly (or NOT so pleasantly surprised) at what you see!

If it turns out you DO have a TRUE white on an existing surface, should you choose a different white for another surface in your room, it would need to be a SOFT white or bright white (as explained in the 5 types of white).

WALLS, CEILING, TRIM: Sherwin Williams High Reflective White GRAY WALLS: Stonington Gray

WHY?

Well, you don’t want to paint your finishes two different TRUE whites; it doesn’t make sense (you may as well use the same white, silly). Instead, you’ll choose a bright or soft white that suits the finishes in your room. Just remember, in partnering bright or soft whites with a TRUE white, the true white will EXPOSE your other white’s undertones. Oftentimes, ‘white’ only LOOKS white until you compare it to a TRUE white.

SUMMARY OF TRUE WHITES

If you have a current surface that’s a TRUE WHITE, it’s best to paint your walls the same white for consistency and flow. HOWEVER, if you’re okay with seeing the undertones of a particular white, then you can choose a bright or soft white for your walls – make sure its LRV is lower than your current white and the undertones suit your room and its finishes!

The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors

3 STEPS to Pick the Best White Paint Color for Your Room

IF YOU HAVE COOL WHITE TRIM OR CABINETS

If you have COOL white trim or cabinets (i.e., Sherwin Williams Extra White or Benjamin Moore Decorators White), I would HIGHLY SUGGEST using the same white on your soon-to-be-painted surface.

Benjamin Moore Super White

WHY?

If you use a TRUE white, your trim or cabinets could look icier and cold and MAYBE even a wink blue or violet in comparison.

If you use a WARM white or BRIGHT white, your trim or cabinets are even more likely to look that bit more colorful and your warm white could look YELLOW in comparison. Opposites attract and make each other stronger.

SUMMARY OF COOL WHITES

If you have trim, cabinets, or walls that are painted a cool white, choosing a different white is a risky business. I recommend painting the SAME white and letting the shift in sheen do the work for you rather than messing around with undertones.

Want to learn how to pick paint colors for your own home or even OTHER PEOPLE’S homes? I’ve got just what you need…

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AVAILABLE ONLINE PAINT COLOR COURSES

IF YOU HAVE WARM WHITE TRIM OR CABINETS

If you have cabinets or trim that are currently a WARM WHITE (i.e., Sherwin Williams Pure White, Alabaster or Benjamin Moore White Dove, Cloud White) and you don’t plan on changing them and REALLY want white walls, GUESS what you’re choosing? WARM WHITE BABY!

Benjamin Moore Cloud White (north-facing light)

WHY?

Well, just as with cool whites, if you partner BRIGHT, COOL, OR TRUE white walls with warm white trim or cabinets, the new white will make your warm white look that bit…more…creamy. I’ve found that MOST people with warm white trim or cabinets don’t want to enhance them and would rather calm ’em down and blend ’em in. Hands down, the best way to blend them in is to literally…blend them in.

For example, take a look at this lovely kitchen below. You could say this kitchen is ‘white’ and quite lovely at that…

You’re looking at Benjamin Moore Cloud White, a soft, warm white with an LRV of 87. To look at this photo, you might see the casual warmth of Cloud White without being overwhelmed by the yellow undertone. HOWEVER, take a look at this same room with one wee adjustment…

Sherwin Williams 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors

How does it look NOW? Cloud White doesn’t look as warm as it can when there’s no obvious WHITER white to compare it to. However, adding a TRUE or COOL white (two back doors) can change your perception of Cloud White and its visual temperature! Remember, the degree of yellow/warmth hasn’t changed from photo to photo, but it appears ENHANCED by the comparison.

(My E-design client hired me to choose colors for her two back doors. I just filled in the doors via computer in the first example and am eagerly awaiting her REAL after photos!)

HOWEVER…

I normally wouldn’t partner WARM and COOL whites together, nor would I pair a TRUE white and WARM white unless the TRUE white were on cabinets/trim. However, there are a few warm white combinations that are doable AS LONG AS your trim/cabinets should be a lighter white than your walls. This means the cabinets and trim should have a higher LRV than the walls.

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Benjamin Moore Oxford White and Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Sherwin Williams Pure White and Sherwin Williams Alabaster are okay, too, although I wish PW had a BIT more warmth

But remember, JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD…

(which is my passive-aggressive way of saying I STILL recommend doing the same white on ALL surfaces)

SUMMARY OF WARM WHITES

If you partner COOL white walls with WARM white trim or cabinets, you’ll have yellow trim/cabinets and blue walls – CONGRATS! If you have warm white trim/cabinets and paint your walls a bright or true white, again, you’ll ENHANCE the color of your trim/cabinets rather than complementing it.

Please check out SAMPLIZE peel-and-stick for samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

IF YOU HAVE CREAM CABINETS OR TRIM & DESPERATELY WANT WHITE WALLS

This blog post can be heart-wrenching for those who have considerably warm white or cream cabinets/trim (i.e., Sherwin Williams Dover White, Antique White, Creamy, or Benjamin Moore Navajo White)  and DESPERATELY want to add some REAL white to their room. Just because you WANT white doesn’t mean your HOME does. If this is you, insert wine and funnel ‘here’ or at least read the info below first.

You can’t get ‘cream’ or a creamy white without yellow, which means your cabinets have a yellow hue to them. And this yellow MIGHT look subdued right now, especially if your cabinets and trim are painted the same color (they help to blend each other). HOWEVER, what happens if you partner your warm-toned cabinets and trim with cleaner, brighter white walls? Your previously subtle (or not) creamy cabinets/trim will look MORE YELLOW as they’ll have a whiter white to be directly COMPARED.

In the above photo, these cabinets COULD look more subtle if a) the trim were the same color, and b) the walls were painted a more suitable color. HOWEVER, between the paint color on the walls and the white trim, the warmth of the cabinets is much more obvious ‘IN COMPARISON.’ And heck, the above cabinets aren’t even overly creamy!

The comparison shows the difference between colors, so if you WANT to exploit your cream cabinets, fill yer lil yellow-hued boots. But remember, depending on which warm white/cream you currently have, a brighter white won’t just make it look more yellow; it could also make it look dirtier in comparison – wooooof.

In this next example, while I can appreciate why the homeowner wants to avoid painting their trim the same cream as the cabinets (Sherwin Williams Antique White), by AVOIDING THE CREAM, they’ve actually created a hot creamy mess, which isn’t doing their home or our eyeballs ANY favors…

However, the above situation isn’t as clear as it seems. Sure, it’s easy to say, ‘They should just paint the cabinets the same color as the trim,’ but the thing is, the TRIM isn’t the best color for the granite countertop and travertine tile backsplash. Sometimes the foundation of a room just isn’t solid enough to make the right move forward, or at least not in the direction a homeowner wants to go. Sometimes, saving your money is best until you can make larger-scale changes.

DECORATE FOR THE ROOM YOU HAVE, NOT THE ROOM YOU WISH YOU HAD

SO, WHAT DO YOU DO?

I know these might not be the answers you want, but the answers you want could have you ending up with a butt-ugly room. You came here for my honest advice, wit, and charming personality…riiiight? Sometimes the answers you don’t want to hear are the best solutions for your HOME until you’re ready to make larger-scale changes OR adjust your preferences/expectations.

1.  If you’re keeping your cream cabinets, I highly advise having cream trim. From there, choose paint colors that suit your cabinets and trim. Depending on which cream you’re dealing with, you aren’t likely to paint your walls gray – even greige or taupe will be a stretch. Realistically, you’re looking at the WARMER end of things – cream, beige or tan. If you can’t handle these, it might be time to paint those cabinets or accept that your cabinets/trim and walls might clash, but at least you’ll love your wall color (gag me with a spoon, but I forgive you).

The 12 Best Beige & Tan Paint Colors 

In this next photo, because the trim and mantel are a soft white/light cream, the owners were best off choosing a NON-WHITE for their walls; it looks beautiful! Even if they’d WANTED white walls, it wouldn’t have looked good.

2. If you’re keeping your cream cabinets and, come heck or high water, are painting your trim white, well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Remember that even though your new white trim will likely be quite friendly to various colors, your cream cabinets still run a very tight ship.

3. If you’re keeping your cream cabinets and want brighter white walls, we’re no longer friends unless we both suddenly fall in love with yellow, potentially dingy-looking cabinets.

Nuff said.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK…

IS IT OKAY TO PAINT MY TRIM THE SAME COLOR AS MY NON-WHITE WALLS?

If you have an off-white or light-depth paint color on your walls, YES, it’s totally okay to do the trim and walls the same color, with a few exceptions (i.e., white kitchen cabinets). This creates a low-key low look and can make a room look bigger.

DO I PAINT THE CEILING THE SAME COLOR AS MY WALLS & TRIM?

It depends. If you’re using white, yes, I recommend doing the same white on walls, ceilings, and trim. If you’re doing an off-white/light depth color and have textured ceilings, I would do a lightened version. Or, I might rethink painting my trim the same color (depending on the home). However, if you have a flat ceiling, it’s way better suited to being the same color as the walls/trim.

HOW DO I FIND MATCHING TRIM PAINT OR MATCH WHITE WALLS TO TRIM?

Take off a piece of your trim and take it to several paint stores to have them professionally color-match it. Go with the brand that gets it the closest. Remember, there can be a shift in how a white looks based on the SHEEN (as trim is often satin or semi-gloss and walls are often matte/eggshell).

WHAT COLOR SHOULD THE TRIM BE IF THE WALLS ARE WHITE?

If your walls are white, the trim should be the SAME white, just in a different sheen. While it can be trendy to paint your trim a non-white, like greige, taupe, or gray, it’s a trend. It will have a longer life in OLDER homes, but for a more modern home, it will eventually be dated.

READ MORE

6 Questions to Ask BEFORE You Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets WHITE

White Dove vs. 10 Popular Shades of White (Cloud White, Simply White, & More)

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors

Sherwin Williams 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors

Should You Paint Your Cabinets White or Keep Them Stained? A QUESTIONNAIRE! 

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING & COLOR COURSES! 

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2021, AWESOMELY UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2023

The post WHITE PAINT COLORS: Walls, Cabinets & Trim – Do They Need to Match? appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Looking for your PERFECT white paint colour? I bet I’ve got it.

And while there is no fool-proof white, some whites have a WAY better chance of working than others. These magical whites are the ones I recommend ALL THE TIME in my Online Paint Colour Consulting because they DO THE JOB.

WHY IS THERE NO FOOL-PROOF WHITE?

There are MANY reasons, including:

• YOU. What I think is a fool-proof white, you might find too warm (I prefer my white slightly chilled if you know what I’m sayin’). Now the question is, which one of us is the fool? BTW, it’s probably me – it usually is.

• EXPOSURE. White paint colors will change how they look based on the EXPOSURE of a room. This means that a white that looks warm in your south-facing room could look too cold in your north-facing room.

• REFLECTION. Because white paint colors have high LRVs, they reflect colors from their surroundings. This means that a white that looks PERFECT on your kitchen cabinets might pick up a green hue from the grass outside your living room window or pink from your bright red sofa.

• INTERIOR FINISHES WITH OPPOSITE NEEDS. It’s not about which white YOU love; it’s about the white that suits your interior finishes. And with such a WIDE range of finishes,  warm to cool, bright to neutral, there isn’t ONE WHITE PAINT COLOUR that will make every surface happy.

This is especially the case when remodeling, as we often want to update SOME, but not ALL, of the finishes in our home and often pick finishes with different needs. Different needs mean different whites.

Just remember…

You need to pick paint colors for the home you HAVE, not the one you wish you had. 

The Ultimate Guide to Picking Paint Colors USING LRV

But as mentioned, I’ve got some WICKED gorgeous whites that will definitely give you the best shot possible at satisfying you AND your home…

1.  SHERWIN WILLIAMS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE 7757

While High Reflective White isn’t MY favorite white (I lean a bit warmer), nor is it the fave of Sherwin Williams paint store employees (long story), it works SO WELL in today’s modern home!

WHY IS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE SO POPULAR?

• It’s one of the WHITEST WHITES on the market with its HIGH LRV (read more HERE if you’re curious…once you’re done reading all of this).

• It’s nice for a home with multiple exposures, AS LONG AS you’re okay with it looking cool in north-facing light.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of High Reflective White

HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…

• More modern homes with cooler preferences (suits many marble finishes).

• Any home that caters to the slightly cooler end of things.

• Balancing south-facing light or warm afternoon western sunshine.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

MY YOUTUBE Video Review of High Reflective White

2.  SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005

If you ask me, this is it – the white paint colour with the BEST CHANCE of humoring your home and many OTHER HOMES on a large scale. Why?

Pure White is a soft white. Whether it’s a newer home or a renovation, soft whites often have the best chance of suiting a MULTITUDE of interior finishes with slightly different needs – this white is more flexible than a ten-year-old gymnast. HOWEVER, I’ve found that many of my clients want a brighter, whiter approach, even when Pure White could do SUCH A GOOD JOB. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about your home (in the ideal world, both of your wants/needs collide, but that’s often wishful thinking).

Follow me on INSTAGRAM! 

If you’re unsure which white your home loves, you may want to read up on The 5 Types of White Paint Colors.

Get your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of Pure White

WHY IS PURE WHITE SO POPULAR?

• While it’s a soft white, Pure White isn’t OVERLY warm or creamy.

• Pure White is a nice choice for a home with multiple exposures. It will lean warmer in southern light and afternoon western sun, but so will ANY white. If you have northern light, it will lean cooler without going LEGIT icy cold. And, of course, there are east/west facing rooms, but they change so much throughout the day, it’s usually about adjusting your interior lighting and expectations.

PURE WHITE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…

• New construction or homes built in the last 5-10 years.

• MUTED warm interior finishes (it’s a hard no with the Tuscan finishes of the early 2000s)

• Cooler interior finishes, as long as they aren’t TOO icy cold/light. Remember, any cool finish will make Pure White look that bit warmer in comparison.

• Many of the popular quartz countertops. On a small scale, it can look too warm for many of these countertops but often turns out PERFECT on a large scale (undertones in whites are tricky this way).

If your home’s features aren’t listed above, this doesn’t mean Pure White WON’T work (although it might not); it’s just that I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

MY YOUTUBE Video Review of Pure White

3. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

Coming in a HOT third place is Chantilly Lace. For all of you ‘bright white’ lovers out there, this will be more up your alley (along with the previously mentioned, High Reflective White).

And yes, I WISH I had more ‘after’ photos of Chantilly Lace. I rely 100% on my E-Design clients for these, and not everyone is comfortable sending them in., Also, some of the photos that show up just aren’t clear/bright enough for me to use, so I make do with what I’ve got!

WHY IS CHANTILLY LACE POPULAR?

Chantilly Lace is a great way to get a white look without looking sharp or harsh. HOWEVER, if you partner it with warmer-toned products, it WILL look harsh ‘in comparison.’

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Chantilly Lace! 

CHANTILLY LACE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…

• New construction or homes built in the last 5-10 years.

• MUTED warm interior finishes (it’s a hard no with the Tuscan finishes of the early 2000s).

• Cooler interior finishes.

• Suits many of the popular quartz countertops.

If your home isn’t listed, this doesn’t mean it WON’T work (although it might not); I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Did you know that 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

4. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17

While this might not be AS popular with today’s modern homeowner (who tends to lean brighter), White Dove is a hit with many homes as its softness appeals to a lot of interior finishes.

WHY IS WHITE DOVE SO POPULAR?

Like Pure White, it’s a SOFT white, but it has a bit more creamy warmth WITHOUT being overly yellow. Of course, this can be open to perception, but that doesn’t change what it is at heart.

If you’re more of a Sherwin Williams fan, Alabaster has a SIMILAR approach.

WHITE DOVE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…

• Homes built in and around the early 2000s (warmer interior finishes).

• Warm interior finishes* in general (but not OVERLY creamy/yellow ones).

• Some cooler, stormier-looking gray finishes, as long as they aren’t ICY cold. Keep in mind, cool finishes will make White Dove look a bit warmer in comparison.

*The more yellow/cream a surface is, the less happy it might be with the more POPULAR, GO-TO whites. You may need to hit the warm off-white/cream range if these whites don’t work. 

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of White Dove

Again, if your home’s features aren’t listed above, this doesn’t mean White Dove WON’T work (although it might not); it’s just that I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

MY YOUTUBE Paint Color Review of White Dove

5. BENJAMIN MOORE CLOUD WHITE OC-130

We’re kickin’ it OLD SCHOOL with this one (sans Will Ferrell). Cloud White has been popular for almost as long as Swiss Coffee (although Swiss Coffee makes me a bit twitchy, and I WAY prefer Cloud White). Why has it been around for so long?

Cloud White is a great choice when you need a white that’s just a bit warmer…

Why might you need a warm white like this? It might not be because YOU love the warmth of it (fewer people do), but there sure are a lot of homes that love it…

WHY IS CLOUD WHITE SO POPULAR?

• It has a soft warmth without being OVERLY yellow. That being said, it can be too warm/yellow for many cool finishes.

• It’s got some serious street cred with the older population. That’s a generalization, but I see it ALL the time in my work.

• It’s a nice transition out of cream tones without going too stark/harsh.

Benjamin Moore Cloud White walls

CLOUD WHITE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…

• Homes that were built in and around the early 2000s (warmer interior finishes).

• Warm interior finishes generally, even ones that lean a bit more cream.

• Cooler interior finishes, as long as they aren’t ICY cold. Keep in mind, cool finishes will make Cloud White look considerably warmer in comparison.

Get your PEEL & STICK sample of Cloud White

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White

MY YOUTUBE Review of Cloud White

And while there’s a whole WHACK (whack being a technical term) of white paint colors out there, these five should get you WELL on your way to finding the best white for you and your home.

THE WHITE PAINT COLORS THAT ALMOST MADE THE MOST POPULAR LIST…

• Benjamin Moore Simply White (sometimes it’s just a WINK too yellow)
• Benjamin Moore Super White (Chantilly Lace is just more versatile)
• Sherwin Williams Extra White

If you want to compare a wide-range of white paint colors, I highly recommend checking out my FAVE WHITE PAINT COLOR BUNDLE…

Get the FULL BUNDLE of White Paint Colors!

WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR SHADE OF WHITE?

Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin Williams Pure White are the two best, most popular white paint colors.

WHAT WHITE PAINT COLOR DO DESIGNERS USE?

There’s no SINGLE shade of white that designers use exclusively. Every white is chosen specifically for a room and its needs – in fact, there are 5 different types of white paint colors.

ARE WHITE PAINT COLORS STILL IN STYLE FOR 2023 AND 2024?

You bet. White will always be the most popular choice for trims, ceilings, and doors, but white walls and exteriors should still be kickin’ it strong. This being said, they are on the end of their cycle as we see softer, warmer colors showing up.

READ MORE…

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK: FAQs, Tips, & Ideas

Should You Really Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets White? Which White is Best?

The WHITEST White Paint Colors

The 9 Best White Paint Colours: SHERWIN WILLIAMS DESIGNER EDITION

Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best White Paint Colors

Sherwin William’s 4 Best White Paint Colors

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

Chat soon,

The post The 5 Best ALMOST FOOL-PROOF White Paint Colours for Your Home appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Many kitchens need more than just paint to be brought up to date, especially those with cathedral-style cabinet doors. And although I love to sweep in and save the day with the PERFECT paint color (I’m putting my superhero cape on as I type), sometimes, my best advice is to do NOTHING until a larger-scale project can be tackled.

Why do cathedral-style doors make an update more challenging?

Often, it’s not the cabinets themselves; it’s the combined effort of the cabinets and their surrounding finishes, including…

• outdated tile or vinyl flooring
• older-style cabinet hardware
• outdated laminate or granite countertops
• exposed hinges – screws and all
• a backsplash that’s often outdated and mismatched to the countertop

Don’t get me wrong; the above finishes aren’t in EVERY kitchen with cathedral-style cabinets. Many of these kitchens have had a ‘few’ updates over the years, giving them flexibility for further improvements, including paint. But even without any updates at all, some kitchens can STILL BE SAVED; they’re just more challenging (insert wine ‘HERE’).

However, when a kitchen like this one hits my to-do list, I get DARN EXCITED and don’t have a glimmer of doubt! Why? Because there are some FANTASTIC bones for me to work with. Add in a little color magic and KLC, and this kitchen will have a whole new lease on life.

Let’s take a closer look at what made this kitchen such a pleasure to work with…

• the flooring isn’t a strong stain color
• the countertop and backsplash are updated
• while the doors are cathedral style, with the flat edge on the top, they have a slightly more modern look (compared to traditional cathedral-style cabinets)
• even if the doors WERE a more traditional style, even with a DOUBLE-cathedral (a curve on the top and bottom of the door), this space would have potential
• the hinges are exposed but only partially
• the paint color on the walls and trim work for the space (but would be a relatively easy fix anyway)

The homeowner was also open to the idea of doing something a little bit different, implementing a two-color palette, with the upper cabinets different from the lowers.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at this beauty…

I’m as proud as a new Momma, and my face LIT UP when these photos showed up in my inbox – I’m always SO grateful when clients send them in. This is even MORE the case when there’s good natural light, and the decor is well-appointed!

By the way, not every kitchen can pull off a two-color palette this well. Luckily, the layout of this space and the style of the cabinets lend themselves very well to this bit of extra personality.

Again, look at the unbridled POTENTIAL…

It’s so much easier to appreciate the beauty of a kitchen when you see where it came from, which is why the BEFORE photos are just as important as the AFTERS!

4 Tips & Ideas to Jazz Up a Simple Subway Tile

There’s also a built-in china cabinet in the dining area that was begging for some color! Sure, we could’ve painted it white to match the upper cabinets, but the lower cabinet color is SO much more interesting!

UPPER CABINET PAINT COLOR (& TRIM)

Because Benjamin Moore White Dove was already on the trims, it made sense to use it on the cabinets. Mixing and matching whites is RARELY a good idea, and most times, it’s best to repeat what already exists (as long as it works).

Should Your WHITE Walls, Cabinets, Trims & Doors All MATCH?

LOWER CABINET PAINT COLOR

As for the lower cabinets, you’re looking at the GORGEOUS Benjamin Moore Antique Pewter, a warm green with a nice dose of greige to calm it down.

The Best Benjamin Moore Green Paint Colors

WALL PAINT COLOR

The walls are Benjamin Moore Maritime White, one of my FAVOURITE off-white beige paint colors (and it’s great on cabinets, too!).

If you’re curious about the flooring, countertop, and backsplash, my client was kind enough to provide me with the details for you!

• FLOORING: CORETEC CALYPSO OAK
• COUNTERTOPS: CAESARSTONE FROSTY CARRINA
• BACKSPLASH: ARTIC WHITE MARBLE (SIMILAR ONE HERE)

READ MORE

Before and Afters: A Painted Wood Kitchen Cabinet Remodel

The 11 Best Warm Neutral Paint Colors That AREN’T BEIGE!

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Kitchen

How to Create a Timeless Home: 4-Part Series

NEED INSPIRATION FOR YOUR KITCHEN?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING

Chat soon,

The post A CATHEDRAL-STYLE KITCHEN CABINET UPDATE appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to update your kitchen, have I got a treat for YOU!

This early 2000s kitchen had some GREAT bones; wood cabinets, granite countertops, and travertine tile. However, the combination was dark and heavy, and not that inspiring to cook in (personally, no kitchen inspires me to cook – insert Door Dash HERE).

And while I wouldn’t say this kitchen was FULLY Tuscan-inspired, many of its finishes nod at that particular trend with a ‘come hither’ wink…

But before we get into the good stuff, let’s have a little chat…

HOW THE KYLIE M. BLOG WORKS

For those of you who are new, and as a refresher for those who’ve been drinkin’ the Ginger-infused Koolaid for years, I run this blog on a ‘come as you are‘ basis.

This means that your home doesn’t need to be perfect for me to help you.

My hundreds of blog posts also mean that you can learn how to LOVE your home, from the comfort of your home – you don’t even need to put pants on (pants are highly overrated anyway).

And while I’ve worked on MANY brand-spanking new homes, and love doing so, my FAVORITE HOMES are ones just…like…yours. 

Sure, in the high-design world, one could argue that in a kitchen like this one, EVERYTHING needs to go – flooring, countertop, backsplash. HECK, why not bulldoze some walls while we’re at it…

And starting with a blank slate is fine and dandy when you’ve got the inclination and a healthy budget. However, even if you have the money, it doesn’t always make SENSE to rip out perfectly good surfaces; not when you haven’t exhausted all avenues. And what’s the most AFFORDABLE avenue?

PAINT!

Don’t get me wrong, there are some homes that NO paint color can save; I’ve advised MANY clients to save their money until they can make more foundational changes. However, this kitchen HAS beautiful finishes, they just need some visual support.

The main challenges in this space were the visual WEIGHT of it and the combination of finishes – nothing a little paint can’t help! 

When spending time with a home via my Online Color Consulting, there are many thoughts going through my mind, including, ‘…does Ryan Reynolds wear boxers or briefs?’ Let’s be honest, I don’t think about this JUST when I look at someone’s home, it’s a constant thought. Who knows, maybe he goes commando.

ANYWAYS, let’s carry on…

1. CAN MY CLIENTS HANDLE A LARGER CHANGE?

Whether they LOVE their existing finishes or don’t have the budget to replace them, replacing countertops, backsplashes, and flooring isn’t always an option – even just painting the cabinets takes money and time, both of which not everyone is flush with!

2. ARE THE EXISTING FINISHES WORKABLE IF THEY HAVE THE RIGHT VISUAL SUPPORT AROUND THEM?

The kitchen in this blog post has some great workable finishes. Are they modern based on today’s standards? No, but not every home HAS to be. Also, this doesn’t mean they aren’t pretty in their own rights and well-suited to the homeowners.

3. IF WE ONLY PAINT THE CABINETS, IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT – WILL IT BE ENOUGH TO TURN THIS SPACE AROUND?

The reality is, some spaces need more than just paint, and any money spent on paint won’t move the kitchen forward. In this case, it’s best to save money until a larger project is manageable.

As for this kitchen…

LET’S GIVE IT A LITTLE KLC!

Drumroll, please…

My jaw DROPPED when my client sent these photos. It’s like a whole new kitchen and the only difference is PAINT (and some well-chosen light fixtures).

Also, notice the tile floor. While it’s not terra cotta tile, it shares many of the same orange-pink hues. Combined with the yellow in the countertop and shades of beige in the travertine tile backsplash, it’s a challenge to coordinate with – good thing I love challenges.

But let’s be honest, a combination like this can make it DARN HARD to choose paint colors.

Some kitchens were never meant to have painted cabinets – they were designed to suit wood cabinets. 

When working with finishes like these (popular in the 1990s and early 2000s), white is often too stark.

WHY?

Many kitchens were originally designed to suit wood-stained cabinets – not painted ones. So when I have clients who are pining for a beautifully updated white kitchen, I often have to break it to them that it’s not a good idea and could make their existing finishes look OUTdated rather than UPdated. There are many exceptions to this, but if your space isn’t accommodating any of the paint samples you’re looking at, this could be why.

If white is a hard no, bumping into a flexible off-white is often a doable choice. But this depends on the flexibility of two things – your existing finishes and YOU. Sometimes we have to let go of what we ‘want’ in order to find what our space ‘needs‘.

MOVING ALONG!

The Best Off-White Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

As discussed earlier, the tile floor in this kitchen DEFINITELY has its limitations, but the real focus is the BACKSPLASH, as it’s on the same vertical sight line as the cabinets. It’s important to make the backsplash happy FIRST and then work down from there.

While the backsplash isn’t ALWAYS the priority when choosing cabinet paint colors, it is in a kitchen like this, as the backsplash takes up such a large vertical space – it’s the kitchen’s focal point.

Now you’re probably wondering what paint colors we chose. Are you thinking of some beautiful soft warm white? Benjamin Moore White Dove or Sherwin Williams Alabaster, perhaps?

Nope.

You’re looking at the EVER-lovely, Benjamin Moore Maritime White – a gorgeous off-white, flexible BEIGE paint color. That’s right – beige. We did the same color on the walls as well, and a 50% lighter version for the trims.

Should You Keep Your Cabinets Stained or Paint Them? A Questionnaire

In the above photo, notice how the dark island, Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss, helps tie in the black stainless steel of the appliances, which otherwise, could be too high contrast. These appliances weren’t going anywhere, so tying them in was important.

What Colors & Countertops Go With Black Appliances

Not only does the painted island help the appliances feel more at home, but the dark cabinet hardware and light fixtures do as well…

And how did we end up with these paint colors? Of course, you guys know I love my SAMPLIZE. 

READ MORE

A Cathedral-Style Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Maritime White

6 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Update Ideas

The 6 Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

5 Ideas to Update Your 1990s Home

ARE YOU READY TO MAKEOVER YOUR KITCHEN?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR PACKAGES

Chat soon,

The post BEFORE & AFTER: PAINTED WOOD KITCHEN CABINET REMODEL appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

When choosing the best paint color for your kitchen cabinets, it can be a tough call between what we love NOW and what will be timeless for the long term.

RIGHT NOW, off-white and light depth cabinets are trending. And I’m not talking about the cream cabinet colors of the early 2000s (which were also trending at one point). I’m talking about warm gray, greige, taupe and even TAN kitchen cabinets. And holy cannoli, are they beautiful. But just because something is trendy and beautiful, doesn’t make it a smart choice for every home.

And just so you know…

90% of my clients who chose creamy off-white cabinets back in the early 2000s (or have moved into a home that has them) WISH they’d chosen white instead.

Now let’s take a look at some pros and cons so you can see whether NON-white cabinets are a good choice for you…

WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO PAINT YOUR CABINETS A LIGHT PAINT COLOR

Many of my E-Design clients are looking for the PERFECT off-white or light depth cabinet color, and I have NOOOO problem with this. It’s important to love the home you live in and if you want light cabinets, I’m going to give you the most GORGEOUS light paint color possible.

KYLIE M E-DESIGN / RICK PHARAOH PHOTOGRAPHY

Here are a few great reasons why you might choose an off-white or light depth paint color for your cabinets…

• you’ve always loved light-depth (non-white) cabinets; they’re your jam
• you’re not a fan of white cabinets (I mean, who likes versatility anyway – wink wink)
• you play on staying in your home and aren’t concerned about resale or MASS APPEAL
• your budget can accommodate a change of cabinet color for when trends change and you want to SELL your home
• you have the budget/energy to change your cabinet color should your PERSONAL TASTES change and you want to mix things up
• they’re the best choice considering your existing finishes (often the case when updating a home but keeping some finishes)

Let’s take a moment to focus on a few of the above points…

MASS APPEAL

If you’re planning on staying in your home and DON’T plan on changing your style, you do you, boo. HOWEVER, it’s important to keep resale in mind, and when it comes to resale, MASS APPEAL matters. This doesn’t mean your home needs to be boring, but it DOES mean that your KEY FINISHES NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE. Light depth paint colors on cabinets (whether they’re cream, gray, taupe or tan) aren’t very flexible. In fact, they’re challenging at best (coming from someone who HAS light depth cabinets).

Colors in the medium range have MUCH more flexibility compared to their lighter cousins

I know there are many of you who will disagree with the above – and that’s okay. I’m not telling you NOT to paint your cabinets a light color; I’m just giving you some things to consider.  Remember, I’m preaching to the choir – I have light-depth cabinets!

SOMETIMES, OFF-WHITE IS THE BEST or ONLY CHOICE

Based on existing finishes, some kitchens don’t suit white cabinets and better suit a wood stain or a non-white. In these situations, a light color (usually cream, greige or beige) can come in darn handy; often saving the DAY.

MANY of the kitchens and bathrooms that show up in my inbox have granite from the early 2000s. These types of granites often better suit NON-WHITE cabinets. And while white would be more timeless and flexible, because off-white SUITS the space and its existing finishes, it’s the best choice for the existing conditions.

This kitchen doesn’t WANT white cabinets – it needs a good off-white

Now that we’ve covered some of the pros, let’s dive into the CONS of non-white or wood cabinets.

WHY YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO PAINT YOUR CABINETS A LIGHT PAINT COLOR

Whether you’re considering cream, warm gray, greige, taupe or tan, off-white cabinets are a TREND. This means that no matter how much you love them, they will have a shelf-life (pun intended).

• They’re trendy NOW, which means at some point they WON’T be trendy. At some point, these non-white cabinets could be as unpopular as the glazed cream cabinets from the early 2000s are now.
• They’re TRICKY to coordinate with, which we’ll be talking about in detail shortly (insert wine here)
• It’s ALL in the undertones and it can be tricky to coordinate off-white undertones with countertops and backsplashes for a WELL-DESIGNED look. The undertones of your cabinet color will LIMIT your choices as it relates to future paint colors, countertops, tiles, decor, etc… (whereas a well-chosen white or wood stain has fewer limitations).

And while there are WAY more reasons why you SHOULD paint your cabinets off-white, I want to focus on the MOST IMPORTANT consideration…

WHY OFF-WHITE/LIGHT PAINTED CABINETS ARE TRICKY

When it comes to creating a COLOR PALETTE, it’s about contrast, undertones and purposeful layering. I have MANY Online Paint Color Consulting clients who say they want ‘off-white or light depth cabinets AND off-white or light depth walls‘ – no can do, Sue…or Stu.

As it relates to walls & cabinets, a room can only handle ONE painted surface in the off-white/light range – cabinets OR walls.

When it comes to painted cabinets and walls in THIS RANGE, your cabinets have already taken up that ‘color slot’ as it relates to depth – the position has been FILLED. If you want another color on your walls (a non-white) you need approx. 20+ LRV points between them. This, along with the shift in sheen/gloss between walls and cabinets, will offer more balance.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Colors Using LRV

In the above photo, while the sample on the right is LIGHTER than the other two, by the time you have the cabinets and walls painted, it will all look more or less the same – there isn’t enough of a shift in DEPTH/LRV. If this is REALLY the look you’re going for, you may as well stick with the same color and have it lightened/darkened for a minor shift.

In this next example, my client had tried using Sherwin Williams Repose Gray with her Revere Pewter cabinets…

They’re competing for the same color slot.

As you can see, they’re competing for the same position – a position only ONE of them can fill. And because they’re a similar depth (similar LRVs), but different TYPES of grays, they don’t work well together – their undertones clash. For this approach, they’re best off painting the walls the same color as the cabinets (which I don’t suggest) or choosing something with a more noticeable shift in depth.

The 5 Best Off-White Paint Colors

If you have white cabinets, you can paint your walls ANY depth – even wood cabinets are reasonably flexible. And depending on which white you choose, you can choose almost any COLOR for your walls. And while I’ve got some great solutions below, off-white cabinets will limit you in the long term should you EVER want walls that are similar in depth to your cabinets and hold you to SPECIFIC undertones/types of colors.

SO WHAT ARE THE BEST PAINT COLORS TO GO WITH OFF-WHITE CABINETS?

Ahhhh, this is a blog post unto itself, which is linked below!

READ MORE

PART 2 – The 8 BEST Off-White & Light Depth Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Greige Paint Color for Cabinets – Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

Before & After: Painted Wood Kitchen Cabinet Remodel

Should You Paint Your Cabinets or Keep Them Stained? A QUESTIONNAIRE

The 16 Best Wall Colors for Cream & Off-White Cabinets & Trim

6 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Painting Your Cabinets White

How to Pick the Best Paint Color For Your Cabinets

The Best Gray & Greige WHOLE HOME Paint Colors

Chat soon,

NEED HELP?

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING!

Chat soon,

The post THE PROS & CONS OF OFF-WHITE/LIGHT DEPTH PAINTED CABINETS (PART 1) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

If you’ve been looking for that perfect white paint colour for your walls, trims or kitchen cabinets, I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that white is a force to be reckoned with. If you’re not at that point yet, once you have 20 different shades of white slapped on your walls, are elbow-deep in a wine bottle and are ready to toss said bottle at the wall, I’m sure you’ll jump on board the crazy train!

So, I’m here to de-mystify whites for you. That doesn’t mean you’ll know exactly which white is best for your room and its particular needs (reading this can help), but it will help you figure out which whites you DON’T want based on their undertones.

Above all else, here’s the most important thing to know – white is THE most reflective colour. What does this mean to you? It means that white LOVES to mess with you. It will take colours from its surroundings and flash them on the walls – giving you a colour that you maaaaybe hadn’t bargained on, for example:

• if you have a lot of green/trees/grass outside your window, one or more of your walls might look slightly green

• with northern exposure, your walls might look more gray-blue toned

• If you have southern exposure, your walls might look softer and warmer, even creamy

• furniture that’s a particular ‘colour’ (ie: red/blue/green/etc…)  can reflect onto your walls

• warm-toned bulbs will make your white will look warmer (picking the best KELVINS for your paint colour)

And THEN it will all change at night when the sun goes down. Really? Yup, and the ONLY thing you can do is make the best-educated decision you can based on what you learn here.

So, I’ve chosen sample blobs (super technical term) to give you a general idea of what you can expect to see. Remember, these are just computerized blobs, so don’t get yer’ knickers in a knot if a colour looks too colourful/yellow/gray/blue/etc…instead, hop into your local Benjamin Moore store to see the samples in REAL-life.

1. BENJAMIN MOORE SUPER WHITE OC-152

LRV 89.09 (learn more)

Super White is very subtly cool white. But even with this slightly cool vibe, the overall look is simple, clean and great for modern spaces.

Above, BM Super White. Below, BM White OC-151

THE BEST ROOMS FOR SUPER WHITE

• If you have a south-facing light, Super White is a great way to balance the warm light without tipping TOO yellow (as it will pick up some of the sun’s warmth).

• Rooms with warm western afternoon sunshine also suit the slightly cool approach of Super White, just make sure you like how it looks in the morning hours too!

WHERE NOT TO USE SUPER WHITE

• If you want a stark bright white. The slightly lower LRV of Super White makes it softer than some others, but the cool tone helps it look white and crisp, but there are BRIGHTER whites.

• With any surface or finish even REMOTELY related to a warm Tuscan style.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Super White

2. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17

LRV 83.16 (PREVIOUSLY 85.38) (learn more)

White Dove is a soft, warm white paint colour. It has a warm creamy yellow undertone that’s WELL grounded with a neutral base to calm it down. While some don’t love the bit of yellow in White Dove, most find it acts like a passive warmth, not an actual ‘colour’.

White Dove accommodates many different paint colours because while it’s a warm white, it has a slight neutral base bringing the warmth down. It doesn’t come off as creamy and warm as Cloud White, but also isn’t as clean as Chantilly Lace (both coming shortly). White Dove is a soft white, so it won’t act like white, but a softer warmer version of it.

THE BEST ROOMS FOR WHITE DOVE

• No matter what your exposure is, White Dove is a great option, knowing that it WILL look a bit warmer in southern light and flatter in northern light (as will any warm white).

• It’s a starting place for homes with warmer cream, beige or tan finishes (meaning you wouldn’t want a WHITER white).

WHERE NOT TO USE WHITE DOVE

White Dove only acts like a TRUE white when it’s not compared to a LEGIT bright white and is in the right lighting conditions.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

3. BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE OC-117

LRV: 89.52 (PREVIOUSLY) 91.7 (learn more)

Simply White has a yellow undertone, making it a warm white paint colour. This undertone can be subtle at times, acting more like a true white, but partner it with a cool tone and it can show up a bit more to the party.

Simply White is a great, slightly fresh, warm approach to white. Its yellow undertone is noticeable, but isn’t always obnoxious – adding a touch of life, without too much ‘colour’. It’s a popular choice for kitchen cabinets if you want a bright white, but not stark look, but is touch-and-go with marble because of the yellow in it. Simply White can act like white (in the absence of a ‘real’ white), but watch out for its warmth if you aren’t a fan of yellow-whites.

THE BEST ROOMS FOR SIMPLY WHITE

I rarely refer to Simply White in my Online Paint Colour Consulting. Why? Because I can usually get the job done BETTER with Chantilly Lace, Cloud White or White Dove. Why? Because the yellow in Simply White is that BIT more noticeable.

But, this doesn’t mean Simply White isn’t the best white for you and YOUR home. If you’re looking for a BRIGHT white, not a soft white and have northern light, it can be a fabulous choice!

WHERE TO AVOID USING SIMPLY WHITE

• If your walls are a stronger blue, green or violet.

• It’s okay with grays with those undertones, but not always great with more crisp, clean cool colours – UNLESS you love the play of that warm/cool contrast.

• I’m also hesitant in south-facing rooms as the warmth of the southern light can really jack up the yellow in Simply White.

Shown here with Benjamin Moore Collingwood

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

4. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

LRV 90.04 (PREVIOUSLY 92.2) (learn more)

Chantilly Lace is a lovely white that’s one of the WHITEST white paint colours (it’s only beaten by two others!). It has no noticeable undertone, making it neither warm nor cool, which also means it’s SUPER susceptible to responding to the colours in its environment.

Chantilly Lace is a simple, clean choice if you’re looking to use white. It can be a bit chilly for a north-facing room as it will reflect some of that cool gray-blue look, however, in a south-facing room, it can have a beautiful soft warmth to it. It’s often referred to as the best ‘whitest white’ paint colour.

Chantilly Lace is a great white for a super hot sun like you’d find in Hawaii as the sun will warm up your white considerably! 

If your trim and baseboards ‘seem’ to be white (but you don’t know what colour they actually are) Chantilly Lace might be a good match. There’s also Benjamin Moore White OC 151 which is just slightly grayed-out compared to Super White, but still pretty damn white.

THE BEST ROOMS FOR CHANTILLY LACE

• Rooms where you want a fresh white paint colour that acts like white without being icy cold (although it could look this way in cold northern exposure).

• It’s HUGELY flexible with a WIDE variety of paint colours, so if you have rooms in multiple colours, this could be your white paint colour.

WHEN TO AVOID CHANTILLY LACE

• If you’re looking for a soft warm white, this isn’t it, unless you look at it in the late afternoon in western sunshine.

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

5. BENJAMIN MOORE ATRIUM WHITE OC-145

LRV 87.04 (learn more)

If you’re looking for a white paint colour with a pink undertone, this will be one of your BEST shots at it. Atrium White isn’t one of the more popular white paint colours and this is BECAUSE of its undertone. Because of the TYPE of pink it has, Atrium White is a slightly WARM white, not a cold one.

Atrium White is the ‘prettiest’ of the bunch with its weeee willy wink o’ pink! Atrium White will generally act like white in the absence of a real white, but watch out, if you have yellow or green tones in the room it can activate the pink – and not in a good way!

THE BEST ROOMS FOR ATRIUM WHITE

Personally, I’ve only recommended Atrium White one time (in over 7000 consults). Pink is a hard undertone to accommodate when it comes time to outfit your home in hard and soft finishes, as well as coordinate with other paint colours.

Long story short, the BEST room for Atrium White is…

• a room that already has finishes with pink undertones

• for someone who LOVES pink undertones

WHEN TO AVOID ATRIUM WHITE

All the time. Just joking, kind of, but actually, yes. Unless you NEED a pink undertone or LOVE a pink undertone, don’t do it.

6. BENJAMIN MOORE DECORATORS WHITE

LRV 82.68 (PREVIOUSLY 84.69) (learn more)

Decorator’s White is a popular white paint colour with its subtle undertones of gray and violet (violet-blue), making it a COOL white paint colour.

Decorators White might look like a pretty ‘white-white’, but it’s just a flash on the cool side with a touch of gray and blue-purple undertones. Decorators White will act like white when partnered with cool wall colours, but against ‘white’ you’ll see that shadow in it.

THE BEST ROOMS FOR DECORATORS WHITE

When you want with a subtle cool, but not overly STARK vibe.

WHEN TO AVOID DECORATORS WHITE

With its undertones and lower LRV, I wouldn’t recommend Decorators White for cabinets, trims and doors unless you ALWAYS want to live in the cooler end of things (specifically violet-blue).

Read more…

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White

Can I Paint My North Facing Room White?

SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on the location

• more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

7. BENJAMIN MOORE CLOUD WHITE OC-130

LRV 85.05 (PREVIOUSLY 87.35) (learn more)

Cloud White is one of the BEST warm white paint colours from Benjamin Moore. With its soft cream (yellow) undertone, Cloud White offers warmth without being ‘colourful’ as it has a neutral base to calm it down.

Cloud White won’t act like white as it has more warmth to it. However, for those wanting a softer approach, it can be a GREAT choice for cabinets, walls, trims and more.

Cloud White on the left, compared to the slightly softer White Dove in the middle

Cloud White is one of my fave whites when I don’t want a typical clean white and crave something more subtle.

In this next photo, compare Cloud White to the white trim – this is a great way to see the creamy warmth in Cloud White compared to a more standard shade of white…

Can I Paint My North Facing Room White?

THE BEST ROOMS FOR CLOUD WHITE

• When you want a relatively versatile white that works well with earth tones, warm paint colours and some cool colours.

WHEN TO AVOID CLOUD WHITE

• If you don’t love warm whites.

• If you love CLEAN-looking whites.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Cloud White

8. BENJAMIN MOORE SWISS COFFEE OC-45

LRV 81.91 (PREVIOUSLY 83.93) (learn more)

Swiss Coffee is a popular white paint colour, due in part to Studio McGee using it in their own home – but this doesn’t mean it’s best for YOURS.  Swiss Coffee is very comparable to White Dove, not just in LRV, but in a general approach. HOWEVER, the difference between the two is that Swiss Coffee is slightly more likely to pick up a wee tiny touch of green.

THE BEST ROOMS FOR SWISS COFFEE

• Swiss Coffee’s passive warmth makes it a great choice for any exposure, knowing that it WILL look that bit warmer in southern light and flatter in northern light (as will any warm white)

WHERE NOT TO USE SWISS COFFEE

• I would be less inclined to partner Swiss Coffee with finishes that have a pink or taupe undertone, as I would worry about the undertones bouncing off each other a bit
• if I have a choice, I’ll choose White Dove over Swiss Coffee EVERY TIME – I find it more predictable

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colours

The 4 Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colours

White Kitchen Cabinets: 3 Palettes to Create a Beautiful White Kitchen

How to Choose the Best White for your Kitchen Cabinets

Not sure which white is best for your home? 

Check out my E-design & Online Color Consulting Packages – I’d love to help! 

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2018, awesomely updated in 2021

The post The 8 Best Benjamin Moore WHITE Paint Colours appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Do you love your wood cabinets? Or maybe you don’t but you have to live with them regardless of whether it’s a love or hate relationship. Either way, I’ve got you covered with the BEST ideas to update your wood kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or built-ins.

However, writing it all in one blog post would be exhausting for both of us (#insertwinehere). Instead, you have FOUR articles to peruse that are full of budget-friendly and actionable ideas to update your cabinets.

What will you be reading about? 

• the best WALL paint colors to complement wood cabinets and trim
• how to update wood cabinets by PAINTING them
• the best HARDWARE to update wood cabinets
• update the surrounding hard finishes in your kitchen, including COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASHES
• HOME DECOR inspiration for a kitchen with wood cabinets

AND MORE!

So, without further ado…

PART 1 – 5 IDEAS TO UPDATE OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

Whether you want to paint your cabinets or refresh the room around them, this blog post is FULL of fun ideas!

5 Ideas to Update Wood Cabinets – PART 1

PART 2 – 5 IDEAS TO UPDATE WOOD CABINETS WITHOUT A DROP OF PAINT!

This one is for all you hardwood lovers out there – myself included!

Ideas to Update Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint – PART 2

PART 3 – THE BEST HARDWARE TO UPDATE OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

When it comes to a well-decorated home, it’s alllll in the details…

The Best Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets – PART 3

PART 4 – THE 16 BEST PAINT COLORS TO UPDATE WOOD CABINETS, FLOORING, OR TRIM

I’ve saved the BEST ’til last! Find out which paint colors will update the look of your wood cabinets, flooring, furniture, or trim with these 16 GORGEOUS shades!

The 16 Best Paint Colours to Coordinate With Wood Cabinets, Trim & Flooring

READ MORE

The Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colours

5 Easy & Affordable Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

The Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

NEED HELP?

Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting packages! 

Chat soon,

The post HOW TO UPDATE WOOD OR OAK CABINETS: 4-PART SERIES appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Oak cabinets – you love ’em (if you’re a man) or hate ’em (if you’re a woman). And yes, I’m generalizing, but I encounter the same gender divides again and again, especially when helping clients update homes with wood finishes. However, it’s oak cabinets that are usually the divorce makers.

And while many designers can’t WAIT to get rid of oak cabinets, I’m a big fan. Sure, some of them need a complete overhaul, however many oak cabinets from the 1980s and 90s are solid gold. Not only do these workhorses stand the test of time in STYLING (those with hidden hinges & simple door profiles), it’s only after 30-40 years of wear and tear that they need some love (kind of like me, wink wink). I’ve seen modern kitchen installations that have barely made it past five years.

However, whether I look at wood cabinets, trims or furniture, I often refer to my favorite saying…

‘just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good’.

This means that if your wood cabinets are fugly, worn out, or mismatched with other finishes, they won’t be adding value (emotional or monetary) to your home.

There’s a HECK of a lot of orange and pink going on here – and check out that wood grain! 

But before we get into the guts n’ glory of this blog post, you need to figure out what style of cabinets you have…

CABINET DOOR PROFILES

Figuring out which door profile you have can help you make the best choices moving forward.

I know the top right isn’t oak, but it’s the best example of a flat panel with a shaker-style frame

TOP LEFT: shaker style with raised panel

TOP RIGHT: shaker style with flat panel

BOTTOM LEFT: double cathedral

BOTTOM RIGHT: single arch

Are your kitchen cabinets cathedral, arched or shaker style? Shaker style is great as the look transitions to modern styles quite easily. On the other hand, a cathedral or arched style is difficult. Even if you decide to restain your cabinets a lovely finish, they might STILL look outdated as it’s the style that’s dated.

Now let’s talk about some solutions…

1. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – RESTAINING

This article is about ‘updating’ your oak cabinets, not about ‘returning them to their former glory’ – or lack thereof. Therefore, when I mention stain, it’s with the idea of changing and updating – not resurrecting.

RESURRECT: keep the old golden oak and refresh it with a fresh coat of golden oak stain and lacquer

UPDATE: add value to your home with cabinets that are modern and updated

While these next cabinets are GORGEOUS, the red stain isn’t an updated look…

With their muted, more natural stain, these next cabinets are PERFECT as they are…

These cabinets add HUGE value as they look totally updated and are suited to the home!  

If you want to update your home, restain with a darker, more modern stain color OR sand things down completely and opt for a lighter, more natural stain (no strong orange/yellow/red hues). Most home buyers (if you have resale in mind) are looking for the more subtle approach offered by a neutral wood tone, OR they want painted cabinets (usually white).

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore feature wall

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU RESTAIN YOUR WOOD CABINETS

• Are you thinking of staining them a lighter color than they currently are? Lots of blood, sweat and beers.
• Or maybe you want to stain them a darker color? Still takes lots of work, but it’s easier than going lighter.
• Stay away from the strong yellow, orange and red hues as they will not look updated unless you still live in 1990 (helloooo sponge paint!).
• Choose a stain depth that best suits the surrounding finishes and potential target market (if selling is in your future).
• If you want to refinish your cabinets properly, you’ll need to sand them down entirely. You can play around with Gel Stain, which ‘can’ go over existing stains. However, even professionals have a hard time getting a consistent and quality look that doesn’t wear off (it’s not penetrating, it’s sitting on top of the old finish).

2. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – UPDATE YOUR HARDWARE

More often than not, cabinets from the 80s and 90s don’t have hardware (handles or knobs). While functionally it’s not a big deal as you can still open them, decoratively it’s like you’re missing the last piece of the puzzle.

Transitional style hardware is great and works ESPECIALLY well with cabinets with a shaker door profile. For cathedral-style doors, you’ll want to choose hardware with slightly softer lines (#9, 10,12), nothing too tubular or sleek.

To view/purchase the above hardware, please visit the links in this blog post here: The Best BUDGET FRIENDLY Hardware to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

And of course, there are always knobs…

To view/purchase the above hardware, please visit the links in this blog post here: The Best BUDGET FRIENDLY Hardware to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

3. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – ADD CROWN & A VALANCE

Crown molding isn’t just for ceilings!

Crown molding is the ‘crown’ that sits on top of your cabinets – not to be confused with the crown molding that attaches to your ceiling line. The valance is the strip of wood (approx. two-three inches) that’s attached to the bottom part of your upper cabinets. It increases the visual height of your cabinets, gives them a custom profile, and allows them to hide under-cabinet lighting.

These two features take your cabinets from looking like builder basic – to custom-made.

While adding crown molding and a valance isn’t easy-peasy to do, ESPECIALLY with older wood stains, it’s manageable for the average homeowner or a semi-capable handyman.

Click HERE or on the above image to view available packages

4. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – FILL IN THE BULKHEAD

NOTHING makes basic cabinets look more custom than a filled-in bulkhead. And while you can do it with proper cabinets (ideally), you can also save a LOT of money and even DIY it with some well-placed MDF and decorative molding.

My client (below) did just as described above, giving her arched oak cabinets a whole new look…

My next client did the same, although the look is a BIT more natural as the space between the cabinet/ceiling isn’t as tall…

As for this next kitchen, believe it or not, my client updated it for LESS than $3500 – bulkhead and all. She even hand-painted her Zellige-look tiles!

 A Budget-Friendly FULL KITCHEN Makeover!

5. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – PAINT

You had to see this one coming.

Why?

For wood cabinets that have seen better days, paint is a GREAT way to update and modernize them. Many men (and some women) will say, ‘but it’s wood; YOU CAN’T PAINT WOOD!’ and this is where I hand them a scotch on the rocks and calmly repeat my previously mentioned mantra…

‘just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good.’

And they will still BE wood – they will just be painted wood.

These next cabinets didn’t have any redeeming features…

• the stain is too dark and red and clashes with the flooring
• the door profile is dated

And while my client opted for new doors, she saved money by keeping the cabinet boxes and having them all painted the same beautiful white…

See the FULL REMODEL HERE

And HUGE thanks to all of my E-Design clients who send in their after photos. I rely 99.9% on these and couldn’t do this blog without you! 

You can also consider a happy medium by leaving some areas wood while painting others, as shown in this next beautiful kitchen…

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze on cabinets, Graystone walls

WHY IS IT GOOD TO PAINT WOOD?

Well, it’s good for resale. Generally speaking, traditional golden oak cabinets appeal to those 70 and older. If that’s your target market, then keep them stained and call it a day. However, if you’re looking to appeal to a younger and more modern crowd (69 years and younger), you’ll want to consider painting them.

I know your hubby is cursing my name right now and polishing his darts – and you’re checking the birth date on your driver’s license and yelling, ‘HONEY, SHE JUST CALLED ME YOUNG AND MODERN! But seriously, if you have resale in mind, you might want to put paint at the top of your to-do list.

See the FULL PROJECT HERE

Undoubtedly, this next kitchen has MUCH more personality than it used to. And while this might not appeal to the masses, if you’re staying in your home, don’t be afraid to embrace a bit of COLOR!

The Best Green Paint Colors

Still not sure whether to stain or paint your wood cabinets? Take the QUESTIONNAIRE! 

A FEW CONSIDERATIONS WHEN UPDATING OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

SHEEN LEVEL

EXPOSED HINGES

If you have exposed hinges, make sure the finish of them matches your handles/knobs – no mix-and-match hardware finishes allowed!

HARDWARE FINISH

Polished nickel and black are the most popular hardware finish, hands down (read more HERE).

CONSIDER KNOBS ON THE DOORS, PULLS ON THE DRAWERS

If you currently have handles on your cabinet doors, consider filling in that hole and installing knobs instead. Using two different types of hardware on your cabinets creates a custom look (see hardware HERE).

THE GRAIN OF YOUR WOOD (OAK IN PARTICULAR)

The shinier your paint finish is – the more the grain of your oak will show. If you can have them professionally sprayed, go for it. This will give you the best chance to reduce the amount of grain you see. While you CAN take the time to fill in the grain to get a more seamless approach, it’s a biiiig project.

APPLIANCE COLOR

If you have white or black appliances, you’ll need to figure out which color makes the most sense regarding contrasting with the appliances (black appliances with white cabinets) or blending them in (white appliances with white cabinets). I can help! Black appliance owners HERE. White appliance owners HERE

THESE are some gorgeous wood cabinets!

Want more?

5 MORE Ideas: How to Update Oak Without a Drop of Paint (PART 2)

Budget-Friendly Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets (PART 3)

The 16 Best Paint Colors to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets or Trim (PART 4)

READ MORE

The 15 Best Paint Colors to go with Oak / Wood

Are Gray Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors Still Trendy?

How to Pick the BEST Paint Color for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Gray and Greige Paint Colors for Cabinets

Not sure what to do with your kitchen?

Check out my Online Decorating and Color Services 

Originally written in 2016, awesomely updated in 2022

*This post may contain affiliate links that I have carefully selected, meaning if you purchase an item or sign up for a service through a link in this post I may receive a commission.  These programs are a big help to me to be able to maintain this blog. Thank you in advance if you find something you are interested in and choose to purchase with these providers.

The post 5 Ideas: How to Update Oak or Wood Kitchen Cabinets (PART 1) appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Not sure which paint finish is best for your surface? Once you figure out your needs, it can be easier to figure out which sheen is best (excluding Charlie, he’s a hot mess).

For example…

• you sometimes get small scuffs on your walls = you need wipeability

• you have four kids, three dogs, two gorillas and a donkey in your home, and you need a Hazmat suit to wipe down your walls = you need washability

• you have textured or damaged walls = you should consider sheen

In this photo, there are four different paintable surfaces with different needs

First, I’ll give you a quick n’ dirty summary. HOWEVER, please take the time to read the rest of this blog post as it has IMPORTANT information and considerations!

BEST PAINT FINISH FOR CEILINGS: flat

BEST PAINT FINISH FOR TRIMS, DOORS & MOULDINGS: satin

BEST PAINT FINISH FOR WALLS: matte or eggshell

BEST PAINT FINISH FOR CABINETS: satin

BEST PAINT FINISH FOR PAINTED BRICK: eggshell

Now, let’s learn a little about what you can expect in SHEEN or GLOSS from the above finishes!

BTW – there is variation in percentages between finishes, brands, and lines of paint – these are approximate numbers. 

FLAT FINISH PAINT

0-5% gloss

Flat paint has little to no sheen. Because of this, it’s usually not washable or even very wipeable. Some higher-end brands have some luck with basic washability (Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin Williams Emerald), but I’m sceptical over the long-term for high-use areas. I’ve found the only TRULY WASHABLE paint is Benjamin Moore ScuffX.

MATTE FINISH

5-10% gloss

Matte paint can have a 5-10% gloss finish, making it slightly more washable, but still not as durable as a shinier finish.

EGGSHELL FINISH

10-25% VISIBLE SHEEN

An eggshell finish is similar to that of an actual eggshell, not flat, not shiny – kind of in-between.

SATIN OR PEARL FINISH

25-35% VISIBLE GLOSS

Satin or pearl is the next step up from eggshell. Satin/pearl has a reasonable amount of sheen to it without being as glossy as a semi-gloss.

Satin finish (and glossier finishes) can slightly brighten and enhance color compared to flat and eggshell finishes (due to light reflectance).

SEMI-GLOSS FINISH

70-85% VISIBLE SHEEN

This one has some kick to it with a sheen level that will reflect light back into your room.

The white barn door is shinier than it needs to be

HIGH GLOSS

85%+ VISIBLE SHEEN

This is the full meal deal in the sheen world. A high gloss finish adds drama, and impact and has supreme washability. I usually find it to be way more than is necessary and prefer satin or semi-gloss.

The sheen on this door is so strong; it’s distracting

However, the sheen is irrelevant if you buy crappy paint. The better quality your paint is, the more durable your finish should be  – a la moi

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at what you could use in your own home.

THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR TRIMS, DOORS & MOLDINGS

SATIN/PEARL

Hands down, satin is the most popular finish for any type of trims, doors and mouldings. Why is it so popular? It’s washable without being overly glossy.

• old homes look fabulous with a semi-gloss trim but can easily handle a satin finish

• newer or modern homes tend to suit a satin finish

• shiny finishes can expose flaws, so make sure your trim is in tip-top shape – the same with your painting skills

• the photo above shows a satin finish

The 3 Colors I Would NEVER Paint My Trim or Cabinets

The 10 Questions You Need to Ask BEFORE You Hire a Painter! 

THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR THE CEILING

FLAT

In 99% of cases, a flat finish is best for a ceiling. Why? There are a few reasons…

• you don’t want your ceiling reflecting light back at you, and shinier finishes are reflective

• ceilings are often textured, and a textured finish will be enhanced with shiny paint, as will any flaws

What Color Should I Paint My Ceiling?

THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR WALLS 

MATTE OR EGGSHELL

When it comes to walls, there are many considerations…

The best paint finish for walls that are in great shape – matte or eggshell

• If your walls are smooth, in good condition, and you don’t have kids or dogs, you can definitely consider a quality matte finish.
• If your walls are smooth, in good condition, and you DO have kids, dogs or a spouse with Dorito fingers, you may want an eggshell finish. A great alternative is ScuffX in matte finish as it’s far more washable than the average paint (it’s the only paint I’ll use in my home in the future).

The best paint finish for walls that are damaged or uneven – matte or eggshell

• As mentioned earlier, I highly recommend ScuffX. And no, I don’t get paid anything to say that (I pay myself in Starbucks, white wine and personal high-fives) – I just love its washability and overall finish.
• Any sheen will expose flaws on your walls. While ScuffX matte has a particular sheen at a certain ANGLE, its overall look is very muted.
• However, if you have kids/dogs/spouse/gorilla, you may need to sacrifice that low sheen for some wipeability with eggshell (IF you aren’t using ScuffX).

The best paint finish for heavily textured walls – matte 

• The great thing about textured walls is that the texture will help disguise any fingerprints, smudges, etc…
• If you’re worried about washability, you can use eggshell, but it will slightly enhance the look of your textured areas. Again, check out ScuffX (yes, I am passive-aggressive).

If you’re painting your walls a dark color – matte

• If you’re painting a medium or dark-toned color (feature wall or whole room), it can look garish with too much sheen (there are few exceptions). Ideally, you would use a washable matte finish (this doesn’t apply to cabinets – only walls).

BTW, the only eggshell finish that is REALLY different is Behr’s, which is more like a satin finish (I would use it for furniture or trim, not walls, personally).

THE BEST PAINT FINISH FOR KITCHEN CABINETS, VANITIES & FURNITURE

SATIN

I’ve yet to meet a semi-gloss or high-gloss cabinet that I love UNLESS it’s on a flat panel cabinet in a more modern setting. Satin is almost ALWAYS the best finish for cabinets (some brands refer to it as ‘Pearl’.

In the above photo, look to the left of the island to see the sheen level of Benjamin Moore Advance – satin finish. Check out more of these painted maple cabinets.

• A satin finish is great for washability, without reflecting my purdy lil face back at me. I have done some furniture pieces in semi-gloss, and they looked sharp but were too reflective. Again, the shinier the paint is, the more you will see flaws, so if you’re painting your own cabinets, satin will have a bit more forgiveness than semi-gloss for a less-than-perfect job.

Should you really paint your cabinets white? And if so, which white is best?

Painting Kitchen Cabinets: How to Pick the Best Color

What’s the best way to sample paint colors?

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out soon to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• 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

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

The Best Paint Finish for Your Front Door

SATIN

When it comes to the front door, satin is usually a safe bet. Why?

• Direct natural light can expose flaws such as dents, scuffs, brush and roller marks. Add a glossy finish to this, and it’ll be a hot mess.

• Dark colors in a glossy finish can be a bit garish if not suited to the home.

• Flat or eggshell finishes can look chalky on the front door and aren’t washable enough for the wear and tear that doors get.

• Satin finish on the front door is my fave. Wipeable, classy – not glassy.

What are the Best Paint Colors for My Front Door?

The Best Paint Finish for a Brick / Stone Fireplace

EGGSHELL

Brick can look abrasive when shiny, yet dull when flat. For this reason, I like eggshell for a brick fireplace (more than satin).

• If you paint your brick a dark color, eggshell finish looks best.

• If you’re painting your brick a light/white color, eggshell or MAYBE satin.

5 Easy Fireplace Update Ideas

A few more tidbits…

• The more coats of paint you put on, the more sheen you will get. What looked eggshell at TWO coats can look shinier at FIVE!

• The quality of your brush and roller matters DESPERATELY! Invest well.

At the end of the day, it’s up to YOU as to which finish makes the most sense. Talk to your local paint store as they can be a wealth of knowledge and may know a few tips particular to your region.

Well, that about covers it! If you’re considering hiring a painter, I highly recommend you read this: The 10 Questions You Need to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Painter!

Get 3 Paint Colors Custom-Picked for You and Your Home

Kylie M Interiors Online Color Consulting

Chat soon!

READ MORE

The Dreaded Popcorn or Textured Ceiling: Info You Need Before You Scrape

Don’t Hire a Painter Before Asking These 10 Questions

The 12 Best WHOLE Home Paint Colors

Originally written May 2017, updated 2022

The post The Best Paint Finish for Walls, Ceilings, Trims, Doors & More… appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

(partner post to ‘The Best Paint Colors for the Outside of Your Front Door’ )

Other than ceilings and bodies, doors are often the most ignored paintable surface in a home. I’ve had clients repaint their ENTIRE HOME without giving a second thought to the inside of the front door – leaving it in all of its ‘factory white’ glory.

So, that’s why today, we’re going to talk about why you SHOULD paint your door, as well as a few color considerations!

DOORS IN YOUR HOME THAT CAN BE PAINTED

DOOR #1  THE FRONT DOOR, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE ANOTHER DOOR CLOSE BY

In our previous home, the entryway had three doors that all looked the same and were all shut 95% of the time (front/garage/suite). This was a great reason to single out the main door and paint it a key color. Regardless, even if your door is lonesome, it deserves a little TLC (or KLC if you hire me to help you pick a paint color!).

DOOR #2   A BACK DOOR LEADING OUT TO YOUR YARD or GARDEN

A back door (not including a sliding door) that leads out to your garden/backyard can be a great place for a dash of color!

DOOR #3   LAUNDRY ROOM OR OFFICE DOOR

With laundry doors often being located in central areas, it’s okay to add a little love to at least make them interesting! Same with office doors, which are often near the entryway of a home.

This next door would LOVE a lil’ color…

DOOR #4   A PANTRY DOOR IN YOUR KITCHEN

If you have a pantry door in your kitchen that stands out compared to your cupboards (ie, you have colorful/wood cabinets and a white pantry door), you could paint your pantry door to reduce the level of contrast.

DOOR #5  ALL OF YOUR INTERIOR DOORS

If you’re not a fan of white doors, don’t be afraid to add a little color to your life!

Do the interior and exterior of the door need to be the same color?

Absolutely not! Just think, if the exterior of your door is already painted and the interior is white, then there’s ALREADY a difference – and a high-contrast, drastic one at that.

What’s the best way to sample the paint colors below?

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out soon to grab paint samples – stop there! Please check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• 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

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

How to Pick the Best Color For Your Door

• Choose an accent color that suits the interior of your home. Accent colors tend to be in the darker range (like the last one or two colors on a color strip.) You can repeat an accent color that already exists in your space OR choose an accent color that complements/contrasts your home.
• If you aren’t a fan of dark colors, there are some mid-tone colors and neutrals that work too!
• Look at the permanent features in your space for inspiration. If you have tile, linoleum, brick or stone, there should be some color inspirations that will help tie your door into the scheme of your home
• Consider the temporary inspirations in your space, like your wall color, furnishings, textiles and artwork
• In the ideal world, while they don’t need to be the same color, the interior should coordinate well with the paint color on the exterior of the door

THE BEST PAINT COLORS FOR THE INSIDE OF YOUR FRONT DOOR

Remember, just because you LOVE a paint color doesn’t mean it will suit your room. Refer to your surrounding floor, furnishings and general decor style to ensure your home can pull off the look you want!

The above blobs are just approximating some of the colors listed below

THE BEST NAVY BLUE PAINT COLORS FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR

• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – a rich navy blue that isn’t too primary toned
• Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue – navy blue with a weee wink o’ green in it
• Sherwin Williams Cyberspace – a more toned-down approach to navy blue
• Sherwin Williams Naval – another gorgeous navy option

THE BEST BLUE-GREEN OR TEAL PAINT COLORS FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR

• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue – a beautiful blue/green/gray blend
• Benjamin Moore Caribbean Teal – a slightly darker blue-green blend with some gray to calm it down
• Sherwin Williams Peacock Plume – a stunning blue-green with some gray
• Sherwin Williams Cloudburst or Grand Canal – striking, stronger teal paint colors
• Sherwin Williams Festoon Aqua – a bit lighter and brighter!

The Best Blue-Green Paint Colors

The 7 Best Teal and Navy Blue Paint Colors for Your Front Door

THE BEST BLACK & CHARCOAL PAINT COLORS FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR

• Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10 – hard to go wrong if you’re looking for black (find more blacks in this blog post re: exterior door colors)
• Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray or Chelsea Gray – medium-toned charcoals with a touch of green
• Sherwin Williams Dovetail or Gauntlet Gray– soft, warm gray paint colors
• Benjamin Moore Metropolis – a warmer gray compared to Dovetail
• Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray – a darker gray-green blend, or the lighter version, Cityscape

The Best Paint Colors for a Kitchen Island (similar options to the door)

OTHER FUN, DIFFERENT OR MORE COLORFUL PAINT COLORS FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR

• Benjamin Moore Coral Reef – a beautiful coral blend between orange and pink
• Benjamin Moore Hodley Red – a beautiful rich burgundy color
• Benjamin Moore Incense Stick – a deep purple with an earth-toned base
• Sherwin Williams Sommelier – see more gorgeous red and burgundy paint colors here
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – nothing wrong with going neutral! (FULL REVIEW HERE)

If you didn’t see it above, I DO have an awesome blog post re: the best paint colors for the OUTSIDE of your front door, where you’ll find some equally as gorgeous options and more pretty pictures to check out!

The Best Paint Colors for the OUTSIDE of Your Front Door

READ MORE

The 7 Best Navy and Teal Paint Color For Your Front Door

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your Home

How to Pick Exterior Paint Colors in 5 Easy Steps 

Need help? 

Check out my E-Design & Color Consulting Packages! 

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017, AWESOMELY UPDATED IN 2022

The post The Best Colors to Paint the Inside of Your Front Door appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

It’s time to get your tighty-whities on because TODAY, you’ll learn to pick the BEST white for your cabinets or walls! But, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me save you a LOT of time, energy, and sanity by saying this…

If you already have something painted white in your room, i.e., trim or cabinets, and are NOT repainting it, I would HIGHLY SUGGEST that you paint, whatever it is you want to paint, the exact same color. 

Mixing and matching whites is RISKY business as one white can EASILY make another look dirty/warm/cool/etc… Therefore, if you already have a white surface in your room that you don’t plan on repainting, it’s best to stick with it. However, if you don’t know the color name of your white, take a cabinet door/piece of trim to the paint store and have them color-match it for you.

If the white you currently have on trim/cabinets/whatev’s doesn’t actually SUIT the room, you need to be prepared to paint it a new, more suitable white to match your other finishes. If you don’t have a solid paint foundation, you won’t get where you need to go.

Now, moving along to the guts n’ glory of this blog post…

STEP 1   FIND THE WHITE THAT’S ALREADY IN YOUR ROOM

If you’re painting your existing home, chances are, there’s already a surface in your room with white on or in it. In this case, this white is your GUIDING WHITE, and you don’t want to stray off its path. For example, if your countertop has a warm white, you’ll want to choose a warm white paint color – not a true or cool one.

Where might you find an existing white?

• TRIM (the number one shot caller)
• COUNTERTOPS
• TILES
• STONE OR BRICK
• FABRICS (ones that you’ll have in your home for a loooong time)

In this next photo, you can see how the original warm white of the cabinets is TOO warm for the cool tones of the marble backsplash and countertop – the backsplash should’ve called the shots. The taped-up sample shows a MUCH better partnership. Because the countertop and backsplash are permanent surfaces, the white paint color needs to be chosen to coordinate with them.

BTW, if you want white walls and already have white trim or cabinets (that you aren’t repainting), your VERY best bet is to do the same white on the walls.

Again, mixing and matching isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you’re building or designing a room from scratch and haven’t CHOSEN any finishes yet, you need to decide the TYPE OF WHITE you want and then let your decorative choices work off of that.

STEP 2   FIGURE OUT THE TYPE OF WHITE YOU HAVE 

There are five types of white. Figuring out which TYPE of white you have, or want to have, is the next step.

THE 5 TYPES OF WHITES IN PAINT COLORS & FINISHES

Regarding the 5 types, this doesn’t just refer to paint colors; it’s also a guideline for the types of whites you may (or may not) have in your finishes. I go into much more detail in this blog post, but the info below will get you started…

1. WARM WHITES

Warm whites aren’t stark and clean; they look softer and often have slightly lower LRVs. Two examples of popular warm white paint colors are Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and Sherwin Williams Alabaster (these are both warm soft whites).

This next countertop might look pretty darn ‘white,’ but it’s a soft, warm white that’s in love with its Benjamin Moore White Dove walls.

The 3 Best Warm White Paint Colours from Benjamin Moore

2. COOL WHITES

Cool whites aren’t used as often as they aren’t flexible or foolproof. You’ll find that most cool whites look fresh and a bit ‘icy.’ And remember, if you want to learn MORE about the 5 types of white, read THIS. Benjamin Moore Decorators White is a popular cool white (cool soft white).

Decorator’s White is on the bottom

The most common cool white is the white of appliances.

3. TRUE WHITES

True whites are pretty…darn…white, sitting at the top of the LRV range (approx 93, give or take). These whites can be a bit stark, so use them wisely and rarely with overly warm cream/yellow colors. The most commonly used true white is Sherwin Williams High Reflective White and Behr Ultra Pure White. True whites are often found on white subway tile backsplashes, but even then, some of those can be a wink warm!

One of my FAVE client bathrooms, with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on the walls, chosen for the COUNTERTOP

Countertops often contain warm whites vs. true or cold ones. Tiles often hold true or warm whites and are more rarely cool. Whites found in stone and brick can vary from warm to cool to true! 

The 5 WHITEST White Paint Colours

4. BRIGHT WHITE

Bright white paint colors hover around the 88-90 range and include colors like Benjamin Moore Simply White and Chantilly Lace.

When it comes to bright whites, you can have WARM bright whites and COOL bright whites. (although there are fewer of the latter.) That’s right, a combination of TWO of the five types of white!

5. SOFT WHITE PAINT COLORS

Soft white paint colors have more moderate LRVs, averaging around 85, give or take. Again, the full blog post hits all the details. Soft white paint colors include the most popular whites like Sherwin Williams Pure White and Benjamin Moore White Dove.

Soft white paint colors can be soft and WARM or soft and COOL, combining two of the five types. Warm soft whites are OFTEN found in interior finishes such as countertops and tiles.

Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best White Paint Colours

Sherwin Williams 4 Best White Paint Colours

WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND HASSLE WHEN SAMPLING PAINT?

Check out SAMPLIZE peel-and-stick paint samples.

• 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 needed for traditional paint sampling

• they’re more eco-friendly!

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

Now that you know the basics of the 5 types of white, let’s chat about where to look for them.

ARE YOU STARTING FROM SCRATCH (BUILDING OR RENOVATING)?

When designing a room from the ground up, you’ll either want to choose a main finish and see what type of white it has in it – this will be your GUIDING WHITE and the one you’ll use on trims, walls, cabinets, etc…

The countertop is the BEST finish to start with if you haven’t chosen anything yet. After that comes backsplash, floor tile, wood floor, etc…

Alternatively, you can decide which TYPE OF WHITE you want in your home (SOFT WARM whites being the most popular), narrow down your options to one favorite, and then choose finishes to coordinate with your white.

ARE YOU WORKING WITH AN EXISTING SPACE?

If you already have an existing finish, see if it has white in it. If it does, your home has picked your white for you! This white can be in a countertop, tile, stone, brick, or fabric.

Choose the white that suits the home you have, not the home you wish you had.

In other words, if the white that best suits your home is warmer than you like, you should really listen to your home. If you go with your personal tastes over the needs of your home, it ain’t gonna look good.

On the other hand, if your room doesn’t have a single finish with white in it, you can either…

a) Take cues from the white trim/needs of the adjoining rooms; this way, there’s flow from one space to another. Only change whites from one room to another if you absolutely HAVE to. It’s best if all of your whites match.

b) Tune into the needs of any surfaces that don’t have white in them but might have warm tones (look at warm whites) or cool tones (check out true whites, subtle warm whites, or maaaybe a cool one*).

*The reason why I hesitate with cool whites is that they aren’t flexible in the long term, as they only suit cool colors. In this case, it’s best to go with a true white or a slightly warm one.

NOT SURE WHAT YOU’VE GOT? COMPARE COMPARE COMPARE!

You might be thinking, ‘Hey, crazy pants; all whites look white to me!’ If you aren’t sure which type of white you’re working with, the BEST way to figure it out is by COMPARING IT TO A TRUE WHITE as well as other, similar whites.

Comparison is one of the BEST ways to see the undertones/temperature of a white paint color.

By placing real white against your white, it should be easier to see which type of white you’re working with and ensure you’re on the right path.

• If you’re looking at Benjamin Moore’s whites, compare them to Chantilly Lace, as well as a few other whites.
• If you’re checking out Sherwin William’s whites, compare them to High Reflective White, as well as a few other whites.

However, if you’re looking at other brands, you can still use these two whites (or find out which white is the BRIGHTEST, truest white in your chosen brand).

Comparing this countertop to a real white (such as the hanging towel), we see that it’s slightly soft and warm.

THOSE TRICKY OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOURS

Off-whites might fool you into thinking they’re whites, but they have more softness and depth. These off-whites are usually on the warm side but are occasionally a super light gray/cool colour. Sherwin Williams Alabaster is CLOSE to being an off-white with its low LRV of 82. Sherwin Williams Creamy, with its LRV of 81, takes baby steps into the OFF-WHITE range and won’t be as bright as traditional whites. Once you hit the likes of Maritime White, Aesthetic White, and Maritime White – you’re nowhere near the white world anymore.

Not sure what LRV is? It will BLOW your paint-lovin’ mind; read all about it HERE!

In this next photo, you’ll see a beige bathroom tile. If you put a stark white or cool white with this, it wouldn’t work. However, this photo is here for ANOTHER reason…

If you wanted to paint the WALLS in the above room a white paint colour, it wouldn’t work as the tile can’t support white walls (not enough dominant white in the tile) – they would come off too stark and disconnected. HOWEVER, there’s more flexibility given when you’re painting ONLY trim. Whereas a bathroom like the one above won’t suit white walls (it prefers off-white), there’s forgiveness given when it comes to trim as trim is often EXPECTED to be white. From there, it’s just choosing the best white to suit the finishes in the room (in this case, a true white or subtle warm white).

The 5 Best Off-White Paint Colours

Sherwin Williams Designer Edition NEW White Paint Colours

STEP 3   PICK YOUR WHITE PAINT COLOUR

You should now be able to go to the paint store knowing which type of white you’re looking for. Personally, I’m a pinot gris fan myself, but I’ll settle for a nice chardonnay.

I’LL BE INCLUDING A TON OF LINKS TO THE BEST WHITE PAINT COLOURS AT THE END OF THIS BLOG POST – BUT KEEP READING FOR NOW!

Remember, a VERY COMMON place to find an EXISTING white is on trims that are already painted. As mentioned earlier, if you already have an existing white surface that you DON’T want to paint, I would suggest using this SAME white on your soon-to-be painted surface. If you are building and have chosen white cabinets, I recommend painting the trim, ceiling and doors the SAME white.

If your existing trim/cabinets/etc… white doesn’t actually suit your room and its hard finishes (countertop, tile, etc…) I suggest NOT using it as your GUIDING WHITE, in which case you’ll pick the RIGHT WHITE and paint ALL the white surfaces this colour – NO MIX N’ MATCH WHITES!

BTW, you’ll find HELPFUL LINKS to blog posts on the BEST WHITE PAINT COLOURS shortly, but first…

Tips for picking a white paint colour when you don’t have an existing one 

If you don’t have anything white in your room that you have to work with, you’ll want to look at the neutral colours in your room for guidance. Whether it’s countertop, tile or carpet, the colour of your hard surfaces will help to guide you towards the right white. The exception to this is wood flooring which is far more flexible with regard to whites.

Get a look similar to this with Sherwin Williams Network Gray and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

IF YOUR EXISTING SURFACES ARE LIGHT OR DARK GRAY, BLUE, GREEN OR VIOLET WITH NO OBVIOUS WHITE IN THEM

While you can create an interesting and dynamic look with soft, slightly warm whites, to keep it simple you’ll want to check out clean whites or slightly cool whites.

IF YOUR EXISTING SURFACES ARE IN THE GREIGE OR EARTH-TONED FAMILIES

Take a look at warm white, soft off-whites or sometimes true whites.

Get a look similar to this with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray and Benjamin Moore White Dove

IF YOUR HARD SURFACES ARE IN THE WARMER RANGE – BEIGE, TAN, CREAM, YELLOW, ORANGE OR RED

You’ll want to look at warm whites, sometimes true whites (situational).

If you’re still not sure which white you’re dealing with, narrow it down to the two white groupings that seem the closest and bring samples home.

MY TOP 3 WARM WHITES

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE

Pure White is one of my faves. It’s pretty darned white with only a weee fraction of warmth in it. If all else fails and I can’t figure out what the heck white I’m dealing with, this is usually my go-to.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White

BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE

White Dove is a soft warm white that’s similar in depth to Pure White.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE

Simply White is a popular choice for a BRIGHT warm white.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

MY TOP 2 TRUE WHITES

SHERWIN WILLIAMS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE

High Reflective White is pretty darned white, not warm, not cold – just white.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE

Chantilly Lace is my FAVE true white with just the TINIEST wink of softness to it.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

MY TOP 3 COOL WHITES

SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTRA WHITE

Extra White will absolutely act like white, but a more ‘fresh and cool’ version of it – without being an actual colour.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Extra White

BENJAMIN MOORE SUPER WHITE

Super White is also pretty damn white. It can stretch itself JUST slightly cool…but barely.

(I also like BM Oxford White for a simple, but not overly bright white look)

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Super White

BENJAMIN MOORE DECORATORS WHITE

Decorators White is another nice pretty darned white colour that nods toward cool undertones.

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Decorators White

READ MORE

How to Pick Paint Colours When You’re An OVERTHINKER (OR HAVE ANXIETY)

The Best Paint Colors to Go With GE Cafe Matte White Appliances

Benjamin Moore White Dove vs. Cloud White, Pure White, Chantilly Lace, & More

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Painting Your Cabinets White

Not sure which white is best for YOU and YOUR home?

Check out my affordable and fun E-design and Virtual Paint Colour packages! 

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, COMPLETELY UPDATED IN 2021

The post 3 STEPS: Choose the Best White for Your Cabinets, Trims, or WALLS appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

It can be DARN tricky to pick the right white for your kitchen cabinets, because it’s not just about what YOU want, it’s about what your KITCHEN wants, and kitchens can be pretty finicky.

I have MANY E-Design clients who are desperate for a white kitchen, either a brand-new one or via painting their existing cabinets. However, they don’t always have the finishes to SUPPORT a white kitchen. Maybe they have a particular beige tile flooring or black appliances* that they don’t plan on changing. Maybe the rest of their home has wood trim and doors or other finishes that just won’t suit a fresher look in the kitchen. Whatever it is, I often have to break it to them that white would not be their kitchen’s best friend. And nothing breaks bad news better than a glass of wine and a slightly manic Ginger, right?

It’s important to take a close look at a) if your kitchen and home can visually support a white kitchen and if it CAN, then, b) choosing the white that suits the rest of your finishes and furnishings and not just choosing the white that suits your fancy.

You need to choose a cabinet color that actually suits your HOME, not just your personal tastes

So, to help save at least a BIT of your sanity, I’ve got some great tips to help you decide not just if white is right for your home, but which type of white you should be looking for!

1. Which type of white suits your countertop?

In the ideal world, the surfaces in your kitchen are all well-coordinated and will suit a particular white (and if they don’t, you may have a bigger project in your near future). For this question, take a good look at your countertop and figure out which TYPE of white it has in it (we’ll get into what to do if you don’t have any white shortly).

Does your countertop contain a clean crisp white or a warm white/off-white/cream?

CLEAN WHITE COUNTERTOPS 

If you have a clean white in your countertop, you’ll want to look at clean white paint colors for your cabinets, in other words, ones that have little to no color/tint in them. You’ll want the whites to flow so that they are the same TYPE of white. Bring paint samples home. Do they seem a bit more yellow/blue/pink than the white in your countertop or do they really blend in with the existing white?

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

WARM WHITE, OFF-WHITE OR CREAM COUNTERTOPS

If you have an off-white or warm white in your countertop, then you’ll want to look at warm white paint colors for your cabinets. It’s also important that the undertones suit each other. So, if the white in your countertop is warm with a touch of yellow – your cabinet’s white should follow suit. If the white in your countertop is warm with a touch of orange or red, there’s a good chance it’s actually an OFF-WHITE, not a white, which means you may have to head into the warm off-white range (there aren’t great whites with orange/pink undertones).

While many try to squeeze this next early 2000s granite countertop into a white palette, it will only DATE the look of the countertop. Instead, a soft off-white is a MUCH better approach (as shown)…

Are Off-White or Light Depth Painted Cabinets the Best For YOUR Kitchen?

See more of this project HERE

Not quite sure WHICH type of white you have? Read this – The 5 Types of White Paint Colors

My countertops don’t have white in them, what now?

If neither your countertops nor backsplash have white or off-white in them, then what color family are they in? Are they warm or cool? Shades of gray, brown, or a bit more colorful? These are all things you need to consider before choosing your cabinet’s best white.

GRAY COUNTERTOPS 

Of course, here is where anal Kylie comes out and says that you also need to consider whether you have WARM grays or COOL grays, as well as considering their undertones. Cool grays often prefer true or cool whites, whereas warm grays often prefer true or warm whites (are you exhausted yet? Wine helps). And don’t worry, I’ll be introducing you to some GREAT white paint colors shortly!

See more of this beauty HERE

GREIGE COUNTERTOPS 

Shades of greige tend to suit a slightly softer white, not TERRIBLY warm or creamy, but definitely not a stark white or a cold one. And of course, there are exceptions based on personal style/specific color, I’m just here to get you on the right path!

See more of this project HERE

And remember, there’s a WHOLE WORLD of great paint colors that might suit your kitchen even better than white as shown with this kitchen island below…

BROWN, NEUTRALS or EARTH-TONED COUNTERTOPS 

If your countertop is in the warmer, earth-toned end of things, then you’ll want to pick that up with your whites and choose soft, warm whites or even off-whites (examples coming up shortly).

See more of this makeover HERE! 

COLORED COUNTERTOPS

If you have a cool color that is dominant in your countertop (ie: blue/violet/cool green), you’ll want to choose a true or slightly cool white that suits that particular color/undertone (the odd cool colored countertops suits a warm white).

If you have a WARM color that is dominant (ie: yellow/orange/red), then you’ll want to pick a warm white that picks up on that particular color/undertone – and there is NO warm countertop that will prefer a cool white over a warm one. Examples of warm and cool whites are coming up shortly!

And please don’t be overwhelmed, these are ALL things that I consider when I do my E-design consultations, so if you’re struggling, you know who to holler at (well, you know who to email – I never answer my phone). I also have a super-effective SEARCH FUNCTION and more articles for you to learn from!

2.  Will your backsplash look good with white cabinets?

In the ideal world, the backsplash would coordinate with the countertop which would coordinate with the floor – but this isn’t always the case. Backsplashes are a TRICKY one and it’s so easy to just miss the color connection.

I recently did an E-design with a client who had a GORGEOUS home and wanted a white kitchen and it was DARN hard to get give it to her. What her COUNTERTOP wanted in a cabinet color was a warm white or off-white. What her crisp clean white subway tile backsplash wanted was a crisp clean true white paint color. AND, because she wanted to keep the backsplash AND it’s on the same vertical sightline as the cabinets (meaning it connects quicker with the cabinets than the horizontal countertops), we had to humour the backsplash BEFORE the countertop.

So, while I suggested the best white for the situation and what she was asking for, I STRONGLY SUGGESTED a few other solutions that would ‘bridge the gap’ a bit more. In her case, it made more sense to choose a medium-toned warm gray that suited her countertop AND her backsplash. And while it might not be the white kitchen she had in mind, it would look better in the long run. And let’s be honest, in the ideal world she would get a new backsplash (or countertop), but in the REAL world, sometimes we have to work with what we’ve got!

This next kitchen is another example of a client who was hoping for white cabinets. But as far as the backsplash, countertop and flooring were concerned, it was a HARD no.

Instead, I suggested saving her money by keeping the cabinets as-is. Once she’s ready to remodel the kitchen (in a few years), she could then create a nicely balanced palette from scratch. In the meantime, a more suitable paint color on the walls and updated light fixtures would make a HUGE difference to this space, giving it a fresher face.

And this is NOT an anomaly – I see this ALL the time. White subway tile is SUPER popular and just like choosing the best white for cabinets, you also have to choose the best white SUBWAY TILE for your countertop, and so often, the default ‘white subway tile’ is used when something else might be a bit better.

3. Is your existing trim color going to work with your new white cabinet color?

A lot of my clients hope to keep their current trim color when painting their cabinets (the less painting the better). However, it can be a HOT mess once you start mixing whites and I’m a HUGE believer (understatement) in having whites consistent in a room, which means it’s BEST if your trim matches the cabinets. So, you have two choices…

1. See whether your trim color is the best color for your cabinets. Assuming the trim color was chosen to suit the countertop and backsplash, it should work for the cabinets as well. This is the IDEAL situation.
2. HOWEVER, I’ve found that not enough attention is given to trim and it’s OFTEN the wrong color for the room. In this case, you may want to choose your new cabinet color and then paint the trim this color as well.

The reason why this matters and why your trim and cabinets should be the SAME white is that one white can EASILY make another white look dingy/yellow/green/cool/etc…in comparison. This might not seem like a big deal, but if you’re even REMOTELY sensitive to these things, it’s friggin’ horrendous.

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

4. Does your home even SUIT a white kitchen? Maybe not…

This is a big one (that’s what she said…). Does the rest of your home SUIT a white kitchen? Can your KITCHEN support white cabinets? (FUN QUIZ HERE!)

Not every home suits a white kitchen for a variety of reasons including furnishings, existing hard finishes and SO much more, which we’re getting into next…

5. Do you already have a whole lotta wood – trim, floor & more?

If you have a home with a lot of wood trim/doors/built-ins, white cabinets can be tricky. You DON’T want the kitchen to be the only white thing in the area, it needs something else (other than the ceiling) to visually support it…something such as trim, home decor and furniture pieces. It’s SLIGHTLY easier to pull off an off-white/cream kitchen with wood trim, but a ‘white’ kitchen might not make sense on the large scale.

If you have a whole lot of WOOD in your home, you’re going to have to work hard to make a white kitchen feel at home! 

If you stand in the rooms that are ATTACHED to your kitchen, would they all flow if your cabinets were white? Do you have enough white in your other rooms (ie: trim/built-ins/decor) to support a white kitchen?

The Best Paint Colors for Wood Trim

6. Do you have any other major considerations?

BEIGE WINDOWS

If you don’t have windows in the kitchen, this isn’t as much of a problem, but if you have beige windows, then white cabinets are probably a no-go. There ARE exceptions depending on the countertop/backsplash you choose, but it’s a tough sell. Beige windows can look dingy up against white cabinets and the overall approach will appear poorly coordinated.

BLACK APPLIANCES

This one is picking up on that little * that you might’ve noticed way earlier. Some people don’t mind the look of white cabinets/black appliances. Personally (and decoratively), I find it WAY too high contrast for a kitchen, unless PARTICULAR things are in place (which I’ve covered in this blog post).

A two-tone kitchen is a GREAT example of a happy medium with black appliances

BEIGE APPLIANCES

Beige appliances are a SUPER tough sell with white cabinets and it’s basically a hard-no. I would rather you spend your money on new white/black/stainless appliances so that down the road, you can paint the cabinets whatever color you (and your home) want.

EXTERIOR FLOW

If you stand outside and then walk in, would a white kitchen feel WEIRD compared to your exterior? Maybe you could consider a WARM white, but not a cool/crisp white? This is often the case with exteriors that have earth tones/warmer colors on them vs grays and cool tones. And again, window color can play a BIG part.

This is the exterior of our new home. Does it look like a ‘white kitchen’ kinda house to you? HECK no.

Don’t worry, our exterior will look DRASTICALLY different come Springtime when we get some fresh paint on it!

The Best Cool or True Whites for Cabinets

• Benjamin Moore White
• Benjamin Moore Super White
• Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Sherwin Williams Extra White (links below)

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

And while I could go into morbid detail about these colors, you could also read these…

• The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors (the details on the above colors listed)
• Sherwin Williams 4 Best White Paint Colors

The Best Warm Whites & Off-Whites (creams) for Cabinets 

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White
• Benjamin Moore White Down
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Benjamin Moore White Dove

Benjamin Moore White Down (see more of this project HERE)

Sherwin Williams Alabaster

SAMPLING CABINET PAINT COLORS WITH SAMPLIZE 

Samplize is BY FAR the easiest and most affordable way to sample paint colors, however, they come in an eggshell finish. It’s important to note that cabinets are almost ALWAYS painted in a satin finish. This slightly enhanced sheen can slightly lift and brighten colors.

Here are just a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in approx. 1 business day, depending on location and country
• at $6.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE 

CHECK OUT SAMPLIZE HERE! 

READ MORE

The Pros & Cons of Off-White & Light Depth Painted Cabinets

The 4 Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore 8 Best White Paint Colors

The 3 Best White Paint Colors for a North-Facing Room

Benjamin Moore 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors

Not sure which white is best for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets?

Check out my E-Design services – I’d love to help! 

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2018, UPDATED IN 2021

The post 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets White appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I’ve talked a lot about oak cabinets, white cabinets, appliances, and wine – all in the same sentence, but I’ve YET to touch down on the best paint colors for a kitchen island or lower cabinets. And while this idea isn’t for EVERYONE, there are some brave souls out there who want to add some personality to their kitchen but don’t necessarily want it on a LARGE-scale (ie: ALL of their cabinets).

Now, if you go onto Pinterest or Houzz, you’ll find no shortage of ideas for what color to paint your island or cabinets, and we’ll touch on a few of my faves below, but…

just because you CAN paint your island a different color, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

This is why today, we’re not just chatting about some of the best paint colors for your island/cabinets, we’re also going to look at some pros and cons.

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The Pros to Painting Your Kitchen Island or Lower Cabinets a Different Color 

1. A PAINTED ISLAND CAN CREATE A FOCAL POINT & A FOUNDATION FOR A ROOM

Painting your island a different color from the main cabinets can be a great way to ground your space and create a striking focal point, especially if you have light colored tile/vinyl and white cabinets.

2. A PAINTED ISLAND OR LOWER CABINETS CAN BREAK UP A WOOD-ON-WOOD LOOK

While some kitchens can pull off the wood-on-wood look, it can be a bit much if the floor and cabinets are EXACTLY the same OR have different undertones. Breaking things up with a colored island/lower cabinets can add a nice shift while giving the countertop/backsplash an opportunity to be pulled into the palette.

In the above kitchen, there was a HECK of a lot of wood grain going on. Painting the HUGE island a dark, grounding color (Sherwin Williams Cyberspace) was a great way to slow things down and give the space a solid foundation for the remaining wood to really dance (and you all know how I love to make wood dance)!

3. YOU CAN NOD TOWARD THE CURRENT TREND WITHOUT HAVING TO PAINT ALL OF THE CABINETS

Painting ALL of your kitchen cabinets a trendy paint color can be a risky choice. However, nodding towards the trend by painting ONLY the island is a great happy medium without a 100% commitment to color on a large scale.

This is also an important consideration if you want to sell in the next 5-10 years. Chances are, whatever trend you commit to will be gone, or on its way out and could affect your resale value.

4. IT’S MORE AFFORDABLE TO CHANGE IF YOU GET BORED OR TRENDS CHANGE

Painting kitchen cabinets is an expensive project and not every budget can accommodate this kind of investment. Painting the ISLAND is not only more affordable to do NOW, but it’s also affordable to change down the road if you get bored (or on a monthly basis like me).

It’s not just about paint colors either! Painting the MAIN cabinets white (for example) and partnering them up with an island or lower cabinets in a wood stain is a popular idea, as shown in these next photos. Both of these kitchens were created from scratch, so doing the island a different color/stain was easier to incorporate vs doing a remodel using existing products.

The Cons to Painting Your Kitchen Island or Lower Cabinets a Different Color

1. A PAINTED ISLAND/LOWER CABINETS CAN MAKE A KITCHEN LOOK TOO BUSY

If you have two different countertops, painting your island a different color from the main cabinets can add to the busy-ness, unless things are very carefully coordinated. It’s a bit easier to do if your island has a butcher-block countertop and wood flooring, as that would eliminate a few products that need to be cross-coordinated, but if you have tile/vinyl flooring and two different countertops, things can look really cluttered really fast.

Even though the above kitchen had some great bones in place, painting the island a different color wouldn’t have ADDED to the look, it would’ve cluttered it up.

2. IT CAN OVERWHELM A KITCHEN THAT ALREADY HAS ENOUGH GOING ON

Wait, didn’t I just cover this, just in different words? Anyway, it’s a good point to make…again.

Multiple cabinet colors can be too much of a good thing if you already have some interesting features happening in your kitchen. In this photo below, painting the island a different color would have cluttered things up and taken away from what is already a gorgeous space!

3. IF YOU DON’T PICK THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR, IT WILL BE A HOT MESS

Picking the best paint color for your kitchen island isn’t just about picking the color you WANT to paint your island, it’s about picking a color that ties into your existing finishes – including the floor, countertop, backsplash and main kitchen cabinets.

4. IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT BLEND AND BALANCE OF DEPTHS, YOU COULD SET THE ROOM OFF-BALANCE

Not every kitchen was designed to have an island in a different color. Some spaces need the consistency of ONE cabinet color due to the depth of the walls, backsplash, countertop and main cabinets.

For example, in this next space, while a darker island would’ve looked ‘okay’, the balance down the center of the room, considering the stately stone fireplace and dark sectional, would’ve been pretty strong, whereas the white island added balance.

Read more: The Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors

5. IT’S TRENDY

It’s as simple as that. Right now, painted islands are popular…but so are crop tops and shorts that show off your bum cheeks (hey, I would if I could). Like any trend, it’s only a matter of time before painted islands or lower cabinets aren’t as popular and when it comes time to sell, your choice could devalue your home.

4 PART SERIES: How to Create a Timeless Home

And now, let’s get this party started…

Colors are just example blobs, not direct references to actual colors

1. The Best NAVY BLUE Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets (or Island)

• Sherwin Williams Cyberspace
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
• Benjamin Moore Ocean Floor

When it comes to my Online Color Consulting, navy blue is definitely the top choice when it comes to painted islands and lower cabinets. However, there are MANY kitchens that can’t visually support ANY type of blue, so make sure it makes sense for YOUR space and its finishes!

See more of this project HERE

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

Shown above, BM Ocean Floor is wicked gorgeous with Cloud White main cabinets

While there are ALWAYS exceptions, in order to paint your island or cabinets blue, your kitchen would ideally have:

• white or wood cabinets
• a countertop that has blue in it or is white/gray
• it’s flexible towards many tiles/linoleum products, it DOES love wood floor too!

Read more…

The Best Blue-Gray Paint Colors

How to Choose the Best Blue Paint Color

2. The Best GRAY Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets (or island)

• Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray
• Sherwin Williams Dovetail
• Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
• Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Coming in a hot second to navy blue would be gray. Choosing a neutral is almost ALWAYS a better choice than a color if you’re worried about resale value, as you’re more likely to appeal to a wider range of buyers. And gray is HANDS-DOWN the most popular neutral choice for a kitchen island/lower cabinets, but that’s not to say it’s the easiest…

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and Amherst Gray

BTW, because I rely 100% on my Online Paint Color Consulting photos, I don’t always have a good shot of the color suggested, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great contender! 

Every gray has undertones. It’s important to make sure the undertones in your countertop, flooring and backsplash (if they have gray in them) jibe with the undertones of the gray of your cabinets. Some of the more POPULAR quartz and marble countertops lean towards a soft purple or blue-purple undertone, so you’d want to pick a gray with those same undertones. If you choose the wrong undertones, you’ll have a HOT mess on your hands that can only be fixed by repainting.

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Dovetail

When it comes to painting your island or lower cabinets gray, there is a LOT of room to move, but there are a few limitations…

• if you have warm-toned countertops, there aren’t many gray paint colors that are going to look good
• if you have beige tiled flooring, again, there are few grays that will work
• gray cabinets look good with MANY of the most popular white paint colors, but NOT always as good with overly warm or creamy ones

The Best Paint Colors for a Bathroom Vanity (or any cabinets)

3. The Best TEAL or BLUE-GREEN Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets (or island)

• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
• Sherwin Williams Gulfstream
• Sherwin Williams Riverway (mad love)
• Sherwin Williams Peacock Plume
• Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (FULL REVIEW HERE)

I LOVE TEAL or blue-green kitchen islands…but there sure aren’t many kitchens that can visually support these colors, unless you’re starting things from scratch and can include them from the get-go (and I’m eagerly awaiting some of my client’s after photos to show you how pretty they can be!).

And while a LEGIT GREEN isn’t popular for kitchen cabinets, neutrals with green-inspired undertones sure are!

Let’s look at this cutie-patootie little before and after…

By pulling into the colors in the backsplash tile and the flooring, we were able to give this lovely little home some great personality for a FRACTION of the cost of a new kitchen.

This next kitchen had the standard granite and backsplash tile from the early 2000s and a fresh coat of paint gave the kitchen a whole new lease on life!

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray

While there are ALWAYS exceptions, in order to paint your island or cabinets green or teal, your kitchen would ideally have:

• white or wood main cabinets
• white, black or gray countertops OR butcher block countertops, although there are a few exceptions
• there are also a few granites from the ’90s and early 2000s that can work well (update ideas for that era HERE)
• white subway tile or a tile with green/teal in it that is the same type of green/teal as your island color

The Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

In this next example, the yellow stain of the maple cabinets clashed with the orange-red tone of the wood flooring, but after, it’s a whole new kitchen!

4. The Best BLACK Paint Colors for a Kitchen Cabinets (or Island)

• Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10
• Benjamin Moore Jet Black
• Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
• Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (which is more of a navy-black blend)

Ooooo, I do love a black island and it can be a great way to tie in black appliances if you aren’t ready to shift to white or stainless steel.

Here’s another gorgeous kitchen with painted cabinets and a striking darker island…

And one more, just because it’s so fun…

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

While there are ALWAYS exceptions, in order to paint your island or cabinets black, your kitchen would ideally have:

• black or gray in it
• a butcher block countertop
• white or wood cabinets
• wood flooring or tile/lino that can easily accommodate a sharp color like black

And of course, I HAVE to mention Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze. Not only is this awesome color the “Color of the Year for 2021”, but it’s also the color on my own kitchen island!

See the whole space HERE

READ MORE

The 3 Whites I Would Never Paint My Kitchen Cabinets

Should You Paint Your Wood Kitchen Cabinets? A Questionnaire

Painting Kitchen Cabinets: How to Pick the Best Paint Color

Not sure what the best paint color for your island or cabinets is?

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

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2020, UPDATED IN 2021

The post The 4 Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands or Lower Cabinets appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

I like to keep close tabs on my Google analytics, you know, the things that tell me about ‘who is looking for what’, and it seems like a HECK of a lot of you GALS are looking for photos of Ryan Reynolds in the nude…AND teal and blue front doors!

Ask and ye shall receive! And sadly, while there will be no photos of Ryan in his full glory, there are some fabulous teal and blue front doors for you to drool on instead.

A beautiful dark, grayed-out teal – you’ll see more of this below

Some blues have a slight purple undertone, others are pretty ‘true-blue’. But as soon as we start mixing green in we step into the Wild World of Teal, so take a peek and see which is your fave!

And one more thing…I’ve given you a range of colors that would give a ‘similar look’ to the photos shown. To see the paint colors suggested click on the name, but to see what they REALLY look like (as the computer always buggers it up) hop into your nearest paint provider.

A dusky blue-green front door

Blue-green front doors can be soft and subtle or punchy and fun, depending on the look you’re going for!

A great place to start is Sherwin Williams Riverway or the slightly more green Benjamin Moore Caribbean Teal and from there you can add more gray if you want an even more muted look. It all depends on what your siding, stone, brick and roof can visually support.

To get the above look, check out the likes of Sherwin Wiliams Still Water.

A softer farmhouse-style blue-green front door

This beautiful blue-green is a subtle nod toward a beachy theme and quaint enough for farmhouse country style as well!

For a look like this check out Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue or Sherwin Williams Rainwashed, both are beautiful, soft, blue/green blends with a passive gray base.

If you want to add a touch more color, check out Sherwin Williams Waterscape!

A bright or dark teal front door

Add a dose of FABULOUS to your curb appeal with this teal. Now that being said, not every home could handle a color like this. Your stately brick home might look slightly out of place with a bright bird’s egg blue front door. However, if you have a white, gray or yellow home then this might be just the color for you!

 A good comparison would be Behr Soft Turquoise P460-3 or Benjamin Moore Mexicali Turquoise 662 which has a touch more green in it.

 Also, check out this post…The BEST Paint Colors for the Front Door (a rainbow of color choices!)

Get a look like this with Sherwin Williams Briny SW 6775 or Behr Precious Stone.

Click on the above image to see the available packages, INCLUDING the front door! 

A striking or subdued navy blue front door

Not every home can pull off navy, so if you’re tempted, you might want to check out a more soft, subtle version before you dive in too deep!

Sherwin Williams Cyberspace is a GORGEOUS complement to yellow siding – or almost ANY siding color, really!

Sherwin Williams Web Gray is a VERY subdued look with a solid gray base to calm it down…

But if you want to jack things up a bit more, I’ve got some gorgeous navy blues for you, just make sure your home really SUITS a navy blue front door!

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy or Sherwin Williams Naval are great nods to navy without going too nautical! You can also check out Sherwin Williams Cyberspace which is a more grounded, neutral navy with a decent charcoal base or even SW Sea Serpent, which is wicked beautiful.

Read more: The Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Cabinets, Island, Front Doors and More! 

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Cyberspace

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

IMPORTANT DETAILS

READ THIS or kick yourself in the butt later if you don’t! 

• Paint colors often look slightly lighter than you think they will on an exterior because of the effects of natural light. It’s hard to see how natural light will play off of that wee tiny chip, so make sure to get tester pots and paint up some LARGE sample boards
• JUST because you want a certain color on your door, doesn’t mean your home will look good with it! Every home has its BEST paint color, which might be different from what you had in mind. Take a look at your siding, stone, brick, roof, trim and landscaping before biting the bullet!
• If your door is under an overhang and heavily shadowed, lean toward a color that is ‘slightly brighter’/more colorful so that the shadows don’t swallow it up
• If your door gets extreme bright sunshine on it, don’t be afraid to pick a color that is a tad darker and a tad brighter than you think you need. Extreme natural light can wash out a color

Not sure which front door color is best for you and your home? 

Check out my E-design and Color Consulting Packages 

READ MORE

The Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Cabinets, Island, Front Doors and More! 

What Are the Best Paint Colors for a Front Door?

E-Design: A Front Door Goes from Formal to Fabulous! 

The Best Teal & Blue Paint Colors for Your Front Door!

The Best Paint Colors for the INTERIOR of Your Front Door

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017, UPDATED IN 2021

The post 7 Best Teal & Navy Blue Front Door Colors : Benjamin and Sherwin appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Hands-down, gray is the most popular colour for cabinets these days (with navy blue coming in a hot second), but how on EARTH do you pick from all of those grays? Warm gray, cool gray, blue- gray, greige-gray, green-gray – HELLS BELLS! Thank goodness you have your own personal decorator tucked in your back pocket (and don’t worry, I don’t pinch…unless you ask nicely).

Today we’re going to look at three of the best gray paint colours for cabinets and vanities. And there are TONS more that I’d love to explore with you, but these four are a great place to start your search…

1. BENJAMIN MOORE AMHERST GRAY HC-167

Amherst Gray is a solid, medium-toned charcoal paint colour with an LRV of 17, so it has some weight behind it.

Like ANY gray, Amherst Gray can AND WILL pick up undertones from its environment. But generally speaking, it will look like a nice, medium-toned charcoal paint colour that doesn’t have that typical taupe-purple undertone that a lot of today’s grays have. However, it can grab a wee wink o’ green at times.

And while this is a fireplace surround, not a cabinet, it’s a GREAT example of the undertone that can pop up in Amherst Gray…

This next photo shows how neutral Amherst Gray can look, but don’t be fooled, it USUALLY picks up a more green than this…

See how wicked it looks with stainless steel appliances? Just agree with me, Tim says it’s easier that way (wink wink).

See more of this project HERE

AMHERST GRAY CABINETS WORK GREAT WITH

• whites
• grays with a very vague green undertone
• some tan, beige and greige paint colours
• stainless steel appliances

PAINT COLOURS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO AMHERST GRAY

• Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, slightly lighter
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, a wicked dark charcoal
• Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

2. BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS CC-546

Metropolis is for those of you who want to take a slightly softer, warmer approach to painting your cabinets. I wouldn’t go so far as to say Metropolis is a SUPER warm gray, but it’s definitely warmer and more taupey (taupey not being a real word) than Amherst Gray. Metropolis has an LRV of 23.

Metropolis can look gray, without the cool edge.

See the before and after photos of this project HERE

This is the bathroom in our previous home with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray on the walls and Metropolis on the vanity.

METROPOLIS CABINETS WORK GREAT WITH

• slightly warmer grays, but nothing TOO greige
• soft whites and some off-whites
• stainless steel/polished nickel

PAINT COLOURS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO METROPOLIS

• for a touch less warmth, check out Sherwin Williams Dovetail
• you can also go a bit lighter and softer with Benjamin Moore Escarpment

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location

• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

3. BENJAMIN MOORE KINGSPORT GRAY HC-86

Sure, it says ‘gray’ but this one really is more greige than anything as it sits in between gray and beige – slightly favouring the warmer side of things.

If you’re looking for a warmer neutral, this one could work well for you. Kingsport Gray does the job of being a diehard ‘neutral’ with more warmth and softness than the previous options.

Kingsport Gray is shown below with a beautiful (and affordable) Formica countertop. A soft and subtle way to neutralize a space, while giving a bit of personality.

The NEW Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

KINGSPORT GRAY CABINETS WORKS GREAT WITH

• warm-toned countertops
• cream and off-white paint colours
• almond tub/toilet (more here on that tricky topic)
• bone or almond coloured kitchen appliances

PAINT COLOURS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO KINGSPORT GRAY

• I love the slightly grayer approach of Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray
• Sherwin Williams Mega Greige is also pretty, sitting a bit lighter than Keystone Gray

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray

Benjamin Moore’s Best DARK Taupe & Greige Paint Colours

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GAUNTLET GRAY SW 7019

Gauntlet Gray is a wicked dark gray with a slightly warm, but VERY vague purple undertone.

GAUNTLET GRAY WORKS GREAT WITH

• a lot of popular quartz countertops
• tile floors that have a mix of warm gray and beige
• some beige and tan paint colours

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

PAINT COLOURS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO GAUNTLET GRAY

• while Sherwin Williams Dovetail doesn’t have the same DEPTH, it is a similar-looking colour, just a bit lighter

READ MORE

Sherwin Williams 8 Best Dark Gray Paint Colours

How to Pick the Best Paint Colour for Your Cabinets

The 10 Best Gray and Greige Paint Colours by Sherwin Williams 

Paint Colour Review: Sherwin Williams Web Gray

The 4 Best Paint Colours for Your Kitchen Island or Lower Cabinets

Wondering which gray is best for your kitchen or bathroom? 

Check out my affordable Virtual Colour Consulting Packages!

Originally posted in 2017, updated in 2020

The post The 4 Best Gray & Greige Colours: Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Vanities appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

(Painted or Unpainted)

Few things strike fear into the heart of a homeowner like a popcorn ceiling. That lumpy, bumpy, cottage cheese surface (reminds me of one of my body parts) that was popular from the 1950 to 80s is undoubtedly the least popular ceiling finish and can be a bugger to deal with.

Now usually I’m all unicorns and lollipops when it comes to decorating and updating, but I’m not here to blow rainbows up your toosh (sad but true), so I’m going to tell it like it is…and it ain’t always good. Will it be worth it in the end? Sure. Just be prepared for some challenges along the way.

TIP 1   IT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS

Before 1989* (so I wasn’t even born yet…uh-huh) asbestos was a common ingredient in popcorn ceilings (and many other household products). Nasty stuff. There are home kits you can buy to test for asbestos (here), but it is NOT something to mess with if you don’t know what you are doing. If it were me, I’d spend the money on a trained professional who can do the test properly and safely.

(*Some sources say 1989 some say 1979/1980 – I like to be on the side of caution)

Check out this article here if you want to read more on that topic… How to Handle a Popcorn Ceiling That May Contain Asbestos

TIP 2   DON’T EXPECT A SMOOTH LANDING

Do you know why popcorn ceilings were created? They aren’t just for acoustic value, they were also created for lazy drywallers and builders who were overjoyed when they discovered that they didn’t have to be as precise with their finishing as the popcorn finish would hide all of their sins.

Often, you will see seams, pockmarks and other flaws that were previously covered by a chunky layer of popcorn

TIP 3   EXTRA LIGHT = EXTRA FLAWS

If you have a good dose of direct natural light coming into the room, this will highlight any bows, seams or patches – so you better hope your drywaller was a stickler for detail…

TIP 4   IF IT’S BEEN PAINTED, BETTER CROSS YOUR FINGERS

I’m always amazed at how many popcorn ceilings HAVEN’T been painted. I mean, it’s been upward of 50 years and the damn thing is still in its sprayed-on state – WHO DOES THIS!? So, if you decide to scrape the popcorn off and are lucky enough that your ceiling is unpainted – consider yourself blessed.

Not sure if it’s been painted? Here are a few tips…

• Unpainted popcorn ceiling (or textured ceiling) often looks slightly 2 toned, where the base of the ceiling is slightly drier looking and the popcorn looks slightly different.

• Take a wet cloth (after you’ve tested for asbestos) and wipe an area that is tucked away – in other words, don’t do this in the middle of the room. If you wipe the ceiling and the popcorn wipes off (which means it’s absorbing the water), then it isn’t painted. If it doesn’t wipe off, you may be in for a fight.

Take a wet cloth and wipe your ceiling, if it comes off, it hasn’t been painted. If it doesn’t come off, you may be in for a fight

Now, why do I say cross your fingers? Well, you’d better hope that it scrapes off easily. It is quite possible that you will need a heavy-duty stripper (usually chemical base), rolls and rolls of plastic and tape and it will likely include huge chunks of your drywall. And remember, a patched flat ceiling will be VERY noticeable if it’s not fixed by a professional – you may be good at drywalling, but I bet you’re not that good.

By the time you are done turning off the electrical, hosing your ceiling down with a potentially toxic stripper, scraping, drinking, patching, swearing, sanding, painting, etc…you may have decided that maybe you should’ve just re-drywalled the damn thing and called it a day. I’ve also read that you can try vinegar and water – call me a sceptic, but, I bet it’s not that effective PARTICULARLY if it’s oil paint.

So what’s the moral of my story? If it were MY home (and I do love ‘do-it-yourself jobs’ and have a hate-on for popcorn ceilings) this is how my priorities would fall…

1.  If it’s unpainted, HELL YEAH I would try scraping it and cross my fingers that the ceiling was in ‘reasonable’ shape when I finished. I would then hire a professional to make it smooth and level or learn to live with an imperfect surface.

2.  If it’s painted, I’m on the fence. I would either grab a large tub of butter, a salt shaker and EMBRACE the popcorn or I’d dive on in and cross my fingers. Worst case scenario? It doesn’t go well and you have to put up new drywall or use some sort of planking/paneling to cover up the mess – either way, at least you won’t have popcorn anymore! (read more here re: drywall install)

And yes, I will be doing a blog post re: other great ways to cover up popcorn or textured ceiling. In the meantime, check this out… How to Plank a Popcorn Ceiling

POPCORN CEILING REMOVAL – HOW-TO’S

• Great instructions (and hands-on advice) for how to remove a popcorn ceiling – Rain on a Tin Roof
• How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling – Today’s Homeowner
• How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling – Bob Vila style
• A well-laid-out case for covering a popcorn ceiling with new drywall – Family Handyman

Are you a glutton for punishment?

• How to Remove PAINTED Popcorn Ceiling – This video in no way will prepare you for the blood, sweat and beers that are coming your way.  Youtube video

So there you have it, no rainbows, no unicorns – just plain old common sense.

Chat soon!

READ MORE

How to Paint Rounded or Bullnose Corners

How to Paint Two-Storey Walls – The Best Tip You’ll Ever Get

What Colour Should I Paint  My Ceiling?

The Best Paint Finishes for Walls, Ceilings, Trims and More

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017, UPDATED IN 2020

The post The Dreaded Popcorn or Textured Ceiling – Info You Need Before You Scrape appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

While this blog post refers to the wood trims of the ’70s & ’80s, the color ideas are also FAB for older homes with dark trim work.

With a focus on updating the oaks and maples of the ’90s, it’s easy to bypass the dark wood trims and doors of the ’70s and ’80s. Oh, those were the days…shag carpets, avocado-colored fridges and macramé plant hangers. Wait, isn’t some of this back in style again?

Do you think it’s the color of your trim that is the problem? Think again…

• With its two-inch width, the SIZE is 1970s, not the stain color. In fact, some of the most amazing homes have dark wood trim – but it’s thicker, more substantial looking and often a finer quality wood. In other words, don’t curse the color, curse the size. Once you get three+ inches, things start looking better
• Painting your dark wood trim from the ’70s would help modernize your home, just keep in mind it would STILL be narrower than the modern style of white trim work
• And if you’re reading this blog post, I’m assuming that painting your trim is out of the question for financial, labor-intensive and marital reasons (oh those hubby’s…)

The above two photos are great examples of trim that is wider than the ’70s and ’80s versions

So, while there isn’t much we can do about the size of your wood (wink wink), there’s A LOT we can do with what’s around it (I’d say we could enhance your wood, but that might be crossing a line…)

As shown above, BM Revere Pewter

Before we begin, stop thinking of your trim as a ‘wood/stain’ and start thinking of it as a COLOR (brown). That’s right. If you blur your eyes to block out the grain, it’s easier to see the COLOR of your wood and you can then decorate accordingly around that.

BTW, I rely 99.9% on photos from my E-Design clients, so you’re seeing REAL homes with REALISTIC budgets. 

1. BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE OC-9

Ballet White is a soft, warm, subtle way to complement your dark wood trim or cabinets. While Ballet White has a cream base, it nods lightly at greige, meaning the traditional yellow hue found in most creams is GREATLY reduced.

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO BALLET WHITE FOR COMPARISON

One of the most IMPORTANT parts of choosing the best paint colors is to COMPARE them to other similar colors…

• Benjamin Moore Navajo White, which has a bit more creamy warmth to it
• Sherwin Williams Shoji White, which is very similar to White Duck but has a wee wink o’ green in it
• Benjamin Moore White Sand has a similar look with a bit more body

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Ballet White

2. BENJAMIN MOORE GRAYSTONE 1475

As shown in this next photo, while the trim is a soft white, it’s easy to see how STUNNING Graystone looks with the warmth of the wood doors. Its slightly warm gray/greige approach adds some balance to the warmth of the wood without making the room look cold and uninviting…

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO GRAYSTONE FOR COMPARISON

• Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray can be stunning, especially with darker woods
• If you want a bit more depth and drama, Dovetail is a great choice

The Best Darker Greige & Taupe Paint Colors – Benjamin Moore

The 10 Best Gray and Greige Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BALANCED BEIGE 7037

Balanced Beige is one of my favorite light-medium beiges. Its popularity comes from the fact that rather than having a typical beige-golden look, it actually leans just slightly into gray-taupe. It’s quite similar to Accessible Beige, another personal fave.

As shown below, Pavilion Beige is similar to Balanced Beige but has a touch less taupe in it…

FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige

SIMILAR PAINT COLORS TO COMPARE BALANCED BEIGE WITH

• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige has similar intentions but a lighter approach
• Sherwin Williams Loggia is QUITE similar, just a small shift in undertones
• Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth is a beige-gray with a bit of a taupe backdrop

Things to consider when you have dark wood trim…

• A room with a medium-dark paint color and dark trim needs adequate lighting to bring things to life. It also needs to be lightened and brightened via accents and decor so that there’s contrast, reflective value and visual interest. If you ignore these topics, things may fall flat and heavy.
• While warm beiges and browns like the ones shown above can look awesome with dark trim, heavier chocolate browns can blend in and leave your room without much definition or contrast.

Don’t forget about choosing the best color for a north-facing or south-facing room!

4. BENJAMIN MOORE REVERE PEWTER HC-172

When it comes to POPULAR neutral paint colors, it’s hard to beat Revere Pewter. So it’s no surprise that it not only looks great with white trim but with wood trim as well!

And a HUGE thank you to all of my E-Design clients who send their photos in, you make my colorful lil world go round! 

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO REVERE PEWTER FOR COMPARISON

• Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray
• Benjamin Moore Rodeo
• Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK 7010

White Duck is an off-white cream that is heavily sedated by a beige-gray base, which calms down the yellow (very similar to Benjamin Moore Ballet White).

The 5 Best Off-White Paint Colors: Undertones and More

When using light and bright paint colors like creams and off-whites, make sure your home décor can visually support a high contrast look. Without getting into too much detail, you need other high-contrast items in your room that mimic the contrasting combo of your trim/walls.

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE DUCK FOR COMPARISON

• Sherwin Williams Shoji White is its kissin’ cousin
• Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White (shifts out of yellow)
• Benjamin Moore Ballet White

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams White Duck

6. BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD OC-28

Collingwood is one of my FAAAAVE warm gray paint colors with its soft, subtle violet undertone. This particular undertone can be a beautiful complement to many dark wood finishes.

And while there is NO shortage of grays in this range, when it comes to DARK wood trim, I usually prefer light grays that lean into a violet undertone, more so than blue or green undertones (learn all about gray undertones HERE).

GRAY PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO COLLINGWOOD (FOR COMPARISON)

• Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist is similar to Collingwood but lighter
• Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray can be pretty with some darker wood stains

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood

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

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location
• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NATURAL TAN 7567

With its subdued, grounded look, Natural Tan is a nice way to get a warm look, without committing to stronger yellow, orange or red undertones.

TAN PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO NATURAL TAN

• Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground is a pretty tan inspired color with a soft creamy backdrop
• Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan is quite comparable
• For a wink more depth, check out Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Natural Tan

REMEMBER, the depth of an off-white or light color would be more noticeable with clean white trim. Dark trim tends to make light colors look LIGHTER than they would with white trim.

In the above photo, compared to the white crown molding, you can ‘see’ the color a bit more, whereas, against the dark trim, it’s a bit more difficult to figure out what the undertones are.

A FEW MORE POINTS TO PONDER

• The lighter your paint color is, the more high contrast your room will look. High contrast can make a room look slightly smaller and more cluttered, particularly if you have a LOT of doorways and windows. While you can remedy this with other elements, it is something to be aware of
• Light, neutral and warm can also mean ‘cream’. Now cream and off-white are BEAUTIFUL complements to dark wood, however, HEAVY creams are not. Let me rephrase that, they ARE beautiful complements if you like a more traditional look. However, it can be a heavy and almost murky look if a) your room doesn’t have enough natural light b) if you don’t have modern enough décor and c) if you’re going for an ‘overall’ modern style.

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SEA SALT 6204

You can also dive into the slightly colorful range by choosing grays with decent undertones such as blue, green and violet.

Sea Salt is an awesome green-gray, but it’s a bit of a NINJA, so be sure to check it out closely HERE.

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SEA SALT FOR COMPARISON

• Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
• Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (mad love)

The 8 Best Blue-Green Blend Paint Colors

Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

9. BENJAMIN MOORE COVENTRY GRAY HC-169

While a lot of people lean into lighter grays with dark wood trim, choosing a gray with a bit more meat on its bones can be a stunning complement to warm wood tones.

Coventry Gray is a soft, stormy gray with VERY passive blue (slightly blue-green) undertones. As shown in this photo below, it offers a nice balance to the warmth of wood tones…

PAINT COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO COVENTRY GRAY FOR COMPARISON

• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (for a lighter approach)
• Sherwin Williams Silverplate
• Sherwin Williams Tinsmith

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

Things to think about…

• Generally speaking, the more ‘color’ you add, the less modern your room may look. Now this isn’t a bad thing as it can also look more vintage and have more personality than a neutral color
• The more color you add, the more you may complement your dark wood, meaning your wood could stand out and ‘pop’ more. Read more: The 15 Best Paint Colors to Coordinate with Wood
• Medium tones can be FABULOUS with dark trim, but you will need to add white/off-white elsewhere to add some contrast to your space, otherwise, things can feel too dull and heavy.

I hope I’ve helped to enhance your wood (a girl can dream!) and lower your stress level!

READ MORE

How to Mix and Match Wood Stains and Undertones

The Best LIGHT Greige & Taupe Paint Colors

Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint!

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray and Greige Paint Colors

The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colors

Not sure which color is best for you and YOUR home?

Check out my affordable Online Color Consulting Services!

KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN, E-DECOR AND ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING SERVICES    SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS

Originally written in 2018, awesome updated in 2020

The post The 9 Best Neutral Paint Colors to Update Dark Wood Trim appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Painted (and stained) Cabinets: Before and Afters (and a BONUS project!)

I know how much you guys love your before and afters, so I figured it was time to show a few of my recent ONLINE PAINT COLOUR CONSULTING projects!

Now, I didn’t have enough good clear photos of each project to do up a blog post (I rely 100% on my E-design clients for their after photos!), so I figured I’d do a mixed post, which will also give you a whole whack of ideas to think about for your own home – it’s like a 3 for 1 deal!

PROJECT 1  PAINTED OAK CATHEDRAL CABINETS, GREEN GRANITE COUNTERTOP, AND TRAVERTINE BACKSPLASH 

BEFORE: You know, I didn’t mind the orange tone of these cabinets too much, they did coordinate nicely with my hair, but I was happy to hear that my client was ready for some fresh paint on them as they weighed down the kitchen quite a bit and kept it tucked firmly in the late ’90s…

AFTER: The kitchen is SO much fresher and brighter with the soft white uppers and lowers!

BEFORE: The island needed a little face-lift to modernize the look of the green and peach granite and the travertine tile backsplash…

AFTER: LOVE me some SW Grizzle Gray on the island! The kitchen now has some personality and a whole new lease on life!

And thanks to my clients for sending these after photo along as interior photos can be a REAL bugger to get just right – ya done good.

PROJECT 2   PAINTED MAPLE RAISED CABINETS WITH GREEN GRANITE COUNTERTOP 

BEFORE: Between the oak flooring and maple cabinets, there was just too much warm-on-warm for those green granite countertops and backsplash.

And you might notice that these first 2 projects have granite with green in them. This was a common trend in the ’90s and early 2000’s as admittedly, warm woods and green DO play well together, however, it’s about a) how much of one thing there is and b) the long-term limitations of committing to a colour in permanent surfaces, whereas neutrals tend to last longer.

AFTER: It’s like the room gave a GREAT big sigh of relief…

The new cabinet colour is SW White Duck, a really pretty warm, slightly greige/cream off-white. And notice how the floor and the countertops/backsplash balance each other off and play with each other, whereas before the room was heavily weighted into the warm family.

The Best Off-White Paint Colours

The Best Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets

PROJECT 3   CATHEDRAL STYLE OAK CABINETS PAINTED WARM WHITE!

For this project, I don’t have a FULL kitchen ‘before’ shot because it was from the realtor’s listing and I don’t have permission to use those! But, I have a few random shots taken by my client…

BEFORE: Again, that good old golden oak and cathedral style doors that were prolific in the ’90s. For this project, I had the warm-toned countertops and flooring to consider, as well as the travertine tile backsplash…

AFTER: Seriously, this kitchen just makes me SO stinkin’ happy! And look at how they filled in the bulkhead area for a full-height cabinet look – love it.

We went for BM Cloud White on the main cabinets, a warm white – a wink warm for the floor, but right on point for the countertop and backsplash. Sometimes you can’t 100% satisfy ALL of the surfaces, and you have to prioritize things based on how they visually connect.

Read more: Our Painted Kitchen Cabinets – No More Maple! 

BEFORE: The island…yup, good old oak. And let me say that I am a HUGE fan of oak on cabinets and flooring, in fact, I redid our family room/bar area in oak (stay tuned for that one). However, it comes down to the stain and grain for getting a look that steps out of the ’90s and into a more modern style.

AFTER: Seriously? Seriously. I love this island. We went with BM Ocean Floor, a gorgeous blue that works it’s magic with the beadboard detail.

And I say ‘we’ as in the ‘Royal we’, as what I do is suggest a variety of options to try, based on the finishes in my client’s home and their personal tastes. From there, it’s my client who chooses the one that they love the most! I think this is a REALLY important part of the process for a sense of ownership and pride! And of course, if they can’t decide and need a 2nd opinion to finalize their choice, I love giving my two-bits.

And guess what? There is oooooone more project. But THIS time, my client wanted to KEEP their beautiful oak cabinets and was looking for some paint colour/countertop/backsplash ideas to update things…

PROJECT 4    Oak Cabinets – Stained with New Backsplash and Countertops

Now, you might be thinking, ‘Kylie, I thought you just drank wine and consulted on paint colours all day?’ Well, back in the day (like last year) I did consult on hard finishes like countertops and backsplashes and loved it. Flash forward to this year where my lil’ self is bustin’ her butt just to get through all of the online paint colour consultations that I had to limit what I had to offer.

However, I’m HAPPY to say that I will be reintroducing the countertop option in the near future!

Now, back to this ‘au naturel’ ginger-inspired beauty (no, not me – the kitchen). My client’s package included paint colour for the walls, island, backsplash ideas and countertop options…

BEFORE: It had great bones with raised panel door style and crown moulding.

AFTER: Seriously…what a game-changer for this kitchen.

BEFORE: That’s a WHOOOOOLE lotta wood (that’s what she said).

AFTER: Painting the island was a great way to break up all of the wood without taking away too much.

BEFORE: Super heavy looking and the products aren’t doing ANY justice to that beautiful oak!

AFTER: With a fresh new warm gray paint colour, backsplash and countertop, this kitchen has a WHOLE new lease on life – I couldn’t be happier (because it’s all about me – don’t forget it).

Read more: Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas for Your Kitchen and Bathroom

So, there you have it! I hope this has gotten the creative juices flowing! If you want more, see the links below to more articles on great ways to update oak/wood cabinets!

Not sure how to update YOUR oak or maple cabinets?

Check out my Online Color Consulting packages!

Chat soon,

READ MORE:

5 Ideas to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT Paint! 

4 Ideas: How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

The Best Hardware to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, Granite and More! 

The post E-DESIGN: 3 Painted Oak & Maple Kitchen Cabinet Projects appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

After my blog post re: The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors, I received TONS of emails and comments asking for the same thing in Sherwin Williams. Oh, you are a demanding bunch (and that’s why I love you…)!  Seriously though, it’s via your comments that I get some of my BEST blog post ideas!

Sherwin Williams has some pretty wicked whites, so the chances of finding the perfect one for you and your home are pretty good – especially when you have me in your back pocket (btw, I pinch).

As you’ve probably discovered, whites can be a real bugger. Not only do you have to think about which undertones are hiding in them, but they’re also HUGELY susceptible to picking up reflections from the environment, such as:

• Green grass or landscaping outside the window
• Warm-toned woods (flooring/cabinets/ceiling)
• Feature walls
• Strong colored furniture or drapes
• Light bulb temperatures or the color of glass on light fixtures/shades

So, what is a girl (or guy) to DO? Check these out…

1. Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005

Pure White is one of my FAVE go-to whites, but it’s not a STARK CLEAN white, it actually has a warm softness to it. Not enough to make it creamy or yellow, but enough to remove the crisp edge that many whites have.

On the large scale

Looking at the tiny sample, Pure White can look a bit flat. On the LARGE scale, Pure White will act quite similar to white, just not as crisp/clean/icy as some others. 

A bit more about Pure White

• Pure White is beautiful for cabinets if you are going for a ‘white’ kitchen. It won’t be warm enough if you are looking for a softer, warmer white (in which case, you might check out Alabaster, which is coming up soon or one of these warm white paint colors)
• If you are using it on your walls, you might want to do the trims/ceilings/walls all the same color, but in different sheens
• In a north-facing room, this color will lose its warmth. In a south-facing room, it will warm up slightly, as its roots suggest
• Pure White is a fabulous trim/door/ceiling color and can be used with warm or cool colors
• With an LRV of 84, Pure White is a SOFT white, not a stark or clean one (the more tint there is, the lower the LRV number goes – read more here)

Read more: FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Pure White

Want something a bit softer? Check out Sherwin Williams Snowbound.

2. Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006

Extra White is said to be Sherwin Williams most WHITE white as it’s a bit cooler looking (I might beg to differ, there’s a different one that wins in my books). Extra White is a BIT finicky as to the type of paint colors it wants to be partnered with and prefers the cooler end of things vs warm tones.

On the small and large scale

On the small scale, you’ll see a tiny tiny flash of cool-blue, but on the large scale, it’s more of a soft white with a slightly cool gray cast to it.

And I would LOVE to show you some photos of this fab color, but rely 99.9% on photos from my Online Color Consulting clients and I haven’t had good clear after shots of an Extra White interior yet.

However, I DO have another one of Extra White on exterior trim…

A bit more about Extra White

• Extra White is great for cabinets if you want a crisp, modern contemporary look for your cabinets, doors, trims and ceilings
• In a north-facing room, Extra White will go THAT MUCH MORE cool-toned and icy, which is great if you’re going for that look, but can be pretty darned cold visually
• In a south-facing room, the warm light can help to balance out the cool tones a bit, making things level out slightly, but will revert back to cool at nighttime unless you have warm bulbs
• If you are using it on your walls, you might want to do the trims/ceilings/walls all the same color, but in different sheens
• Extra White has a slightly higher LRV than Pure White – 86 (LRV blog post)

Read more: FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Extra White

Click on the above image to see my E-DESIGN packages!

3. Sherwin Williams High Reflective White SW 7757

If you ask some of the peeps at SW, they’ll tell you that Extra White is their most ‘white-white’, but if you ask ME, High Reflective White is PRETTY DAMN WHITE (and it’s all about me, so…). I don’t see that flash of warmth OR that flash of cool, making it versatile and easy to work with if your home sways from warm to cool tones throughout (Pure White is also flexible like this). The only tricky thing is that SOME paint stores don’t carry it – I have no idea why.

On the small and large scale

High Reflective White is pretty…darned…white – with only a WINK of softness.

A bit more about High Reflective White

• Looks like me when I moon my friends – high…reflective…white (which I would NEVER do Mom, I swear)
• This is THE brightest white Sherwin Williams has – LRV 93 – holy freakin’ moly! The closest in Benjamin Moore is Chantilly Lace
• This is fabulous for a white kitchen

FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Can I Paint My North Facing Room White?

 How to Choose the Best White for Your Kitchen Cabinets

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• Samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location
• At $6.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needing for traditional paint sampling
• If you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

4. Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008

Alabaster is stunning, especially if you’re looking for a softer, warmer approach to white…

Alabaster on trim and wainscoting

Alabaster on kitchen cabinets and trim. E-design Kylie M. Photo via JR Photography

On the small and large scale

Alabaster WON’T act like white on the small OR the large scale.

It will hint at white but really is a softer look. Not quite off-white, but certainly getting there. It has a warmth to it that’s grounded by a neutral base so it isn’t overly creamy.

The lovely reception area of Eddins Counseling

SW Alabaster with BM Gray Owl walls. Notice the creamy warmth of Alabaster against the cool of Gray Owl

Alabaster is also beautiful on exterior trim if you want a softer, creamier look compared to a traditional white.

Read more: FULL COLOR REVIEW of Sherwin Williams Alabaster

A bit more about Alabaster

• Alabaster is a soft warm, but not overly yellow white
• In a south-facing room, the warmth will absolutely rise up, without getting too yellow
• In a north-facing room, I worry that Alabaster on the walls could look a bit drab/flat
• Alabaster has an LRV of 82, so it has the most tint of the bunch, but it’s still soft and subtle

BTW, did you know that Sherwin Williams has some BRAND-NEW WHITES? Learn all about them HERE…

SHERWIN WILLIAMS DESIGNER EDITION WHITE PAINT COLORS

And you know, I had three other paint colors that I was going to chat about – Whitetail, Snowbound, and Ceiling Bright White, but they just didn’t fit in- they didn’t have enough flexibility or mass appeal (which is why I rarely refer to them in my E-designs). The above options are whites that I refer to on a DAILY basis as they can satisfy any NUMBER of paint colors, surfaces and rooms!

Not sure which white is best for you and your home? 

Check out my E-design and Online Color Consulting 

Chat soon,

READ MORE

The 3 Whites I Would Never Paint my Trim or Cabinets

The 8 Best Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors

How to Choose the Best White for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The post The 4 Best White Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

The 3 Wicked Whites of the West

When it comes to picking a white paint colour for trims, doors and cabinets, there is a fiiiiine-line between what is flexible and what is most definitely not. Would you rather have a white with the flexibility of a 10-year-old gymnast or a white as flexible as an 80-year-old armchair aficionado? Personally, I’d rather have a white that is in the form of wine – in ma belly.

SW High Reflective White

And I know you’re just shakin’ in yer boots right now hoping that your white trim isn’t on the hit list…and it might be. In fact, I can just imagine some of the comments I’ll be getting from readers who have ‘said whites’ and LOVE them. And I agree, there are some homes that can pull off these whites fantastically! But THIS blog post is about long-term flexibility, about choosing a trim/cabinet colour that will work EASILY with a variety of products, styles, changing tastes, etc… So, I’m not saying these particular whites are BAD, they are just a bugger to accommodate.

BM Cloud White with BM Gray Owl walls

The whites I’m referring to have too much yellow in them. I rarely come across whites that are too blue, green or purple (only because they aren’t used very often) – it’s always the warm whites that throw things off-whack in a design plan.

If these whites look good now, that’s GREAT, but should you want to change decorative directions, you could have a big problem on your hands.

You see, there are many fantastic warm whites that are flexible and also happen to be some of my FAVE paint colours. They don’t even come CLOSE to being too cream or yellow, they are just ‘subtle and warm’. They suit warm colours, cool colours and a wild range of neutrals. Now the buggery colours that I’m going to reference are ALSO warm – they just aren’t as subtle about it. The stronger yellow in them reduces their flexibility and won’t let them accommodate a whole whack of colours – which is snobby designer speak for ‘lots’.

SW Pure White with BM Classic Gray walls

So. You’re probably wondering what’s so WRONG with choosing these colours for your cabinets or trim, what’s the big deal? WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? These colours are setting the STAGE for wall colours, finishes, furnishings and accents. They’re the framework to your walls, windows, cabinets and floors, they’re the starting point for any successful colour scheme. If these colours are limiting, you’ll have a FRACTION of the choices you might have had had you used a more flexible white.

So what ARE these white wonders you ask? Let’s take a peek…

1. BENJAMIN MOORE NAVAJO WHITE OC 95

I’m not even sure why Navajo White is even on the TABLE as an OPTION for trim or cabinets as it isn’t white – yet I deal with it ALL the time in my E-Design. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an AWESOME colour for walls, but when it comes to other surfaces – it’s not so hot.

BM Navajo White walls

At the beginning of any E-Design consultation I ask the question, ‘do you need a trim colour suggestion or do you have an existing trim colour that you’d like me to work with?’ When Navajo White or Creamy (coming up next) are mentioned, I make a mad dash for the wine cabinet and grab the nearest funnel, anticipating the glory of explaining why these colours are hard to work around and probably WON’T work with the owners desire for gray or greige walls.

In the above photo of the home office, look at the colour of the small window trim vs the crown moulding – that’s the difference between Navajo White and a more flexible white. The thing is, when we buy a home, we’re rarely walking into a perfect slate and in this case, the owners weren’t all too excited about having to paint ANY of the trim. So, it was about finding a happy medium between what worked best for both trims AND the homeowner – and I think we did it! However, if there wasn’t any of the Navajo White trim, our options would’ve opened up CONSIDERABLY.

‘Whites that have too much yellow in them will be harder to work with short-term AND long-term’

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CREAMY SW 7012

Oh, I’m going to be burned at the STAKE like a wicked lil’ Ginger witch, but seriously, please don’t choose Creamy for your trim or cabinets. If you already have it and it’s working for you, then kudos, however, if you’re starting from scratch choosing trim/cabinet colours – you may want to look elsewhere for your perfect white.

Why? It has too much yellow in it. If you ever dream of having anything but warm-toned beige walls, this colour and the likes will be the BANE of your existence. If you are considering RESALE and want a trim colour that is flexible to accommodate a range of neutral walls – don’t do it.

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

In the photo of the stairwell below, you’ll see SW Creamy on the WALLS and BM Cloud White on the trim – right where they belong! Of course, everything washes out with sunlight, so you’ll want to see the contrast where the baseboard/wall meet to see the shift.

In the photo below of the hallway, you’ll see Creamy and Cloud White again. Had we put Creamy on the TRIM, we wouldn’t have been able to do that fantastic feature wall colour – no way Jose.

Navajo White and Creamy are off-white, bordering on light. They are best suited for WALLS – not trim, not doors and definitely not cabinets. Are there exceptions? Heck yes! There’s the odd granite/backsplash combo that just BEGS for warm yellow-based colours like this – that actually NEED them. HOWEVER, they’re few and far between.

Read more…

Paint Colour Review: Sherwin Williams Creamy

HOW to Choose the Best White for Your Kitchen Cabinets

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ROMAN COLUMN SW 7562

Again, Roman Column has tooo much yellow to be flexible. Unless you’re Big Bird.

Oh, did I say 3 worst whites? I meant 6…

4. BENJAMIN MOORE COTTON BALLS OC-122 / 2145-70

Cotton Balls ALWAYS slays me as while it might LOOK like a lovely fresh warm white, it has a little nugget of yellow-green in it. THIS COLOUR WILL LIMIT YOU SO HARD – please stay away if you can. If you already have it, you WILL have to make some serious accommodations on your walls as Cotton Balls isn’t super flexible.

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ANTIQUE WHITE SW 6119

Antique White is another white #notwhite that is super popular – personally, I LOVE it…on walls. However, it’s awfully warm for mass appeal and tricky if you want to go outside of the warmer beige range and into the gray/greige or cooler range.

The above client hired me to work WITH the Antique White trim work. And while Antique White was on the island as well, I suggested she paint the island to help cut back on the AMOUNT of Antique White in the room and ALSO to accommodate her style (based on the photos of her furniture in her previous home). But even then, it was SUPER hard to get her very far outside of the beige world – it was more about an adjustment in undertone than a huge shift in colour. The current wall colour (Macadamia) was just a bit too green for the warmth of her travertine flooring. In her E-Design consultation, I gave her some new options to consider as well as a few thoughts re: the island, just to reduce the amount of yellow-cream in the room.

There IS one white that I wouldn’t necessarily PICK for trim or cabinets, but if it’s already in place, it’s a bit easier to work around than most of the others and that colour is…

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVER WHITE SW 6385

In the photo of the living room below, you can see how Dover White works with BM Collingwood walls. While Collingwood would prefer a more subdued white, it does work.

Read more: Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Dover White

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTRA WHITE SW 7006

Don’t believe everything you read (unless I type it), as Extra White is anything BUT extra white (kind of like Benjamin Moore Decorators White)! With its LRV of 86, Extra White has a slightly softer white approach and some darned coooool undertones. If you love grays, blues and other cold colours, Extra White might seem super appealing. However, if you EVER want to change into something even slightly softer, Extra White will limit you as it ONLY likes cool colours.

High Reflective White

I also think there are WAY better whites that will bounce more off of cool paint colours, colours like Sherwin Willams High Reflective White and other SUPER WHITE white paint colours.

Read more: Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Extra White

Now, you probably want to know which whites I DO love, the whites that are warm – but flexible. Well, that’s a blog post unto itself and you’ll find it RIGHT HERE!

Not sure which white is best for YOU and your home?

Check out my E-Design packages – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

READ MORE

The 8 Best White Paint Colours: Sherwin and Benjamin

The 4 Best White Paint Colours: Sherwin Williams

How to Pick the Best White for Your Cabinets and Trim

KYLIE M E-DESIGN     ONLINE, VIRTUAL PAINT COLOUR CONSULTING    SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS BEST PAINT COLOURS

The post The 3 Whites and Off-Whites I Would NEVER Paint my Trim or Cabinets appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.

Ask Kylie:  Will My Painted Maple Cabinets Really Last?

LONG story short, yes. However, we’re not friends because you enjoy my short stories…

When we bought our home 4 years ago, I knew that the maple cabinets wouldn’t be sticking around for long. They were in great condition, but just weren’t ma’ jam.

And yes, they were wood, which was lover-ly and all, but they weren’t MY type of wood. Also, buddy who owned the house before us thought he was a rocket scientist of engineering and on EVERY DRAWER front, behind the handles, he actually screwed in (with 4 screws each) metal construction plates for an authentic industrial vibe. And while you can’t really see the GLORY of them in this photo, let me tell you that they were good from far, but FAR FROM GOOD!

This meant that removing them (which was happening stat) would leave 4 holes in each drawer front, so regardless, I had some grunt work ahead of me either staining or painting.

And besides, if you’ve been drinkin’ my Koolaid for a while, I have a phrase you’re probably familiar with, so repeat after me,

‘Just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good’.

And once they were slathered in 3 glorious coats of primer and paint they still WOULD be wood – they just wouldn’t be so darned fugly.

We hired a pro painter to do the job for us (Delea of Details Painting) so that we could have everything properly prepped and sprayed. Because while I’m a fan of painting oak cabinets DIY style – I would never paint maple cabinets myself.

Why? Oak has grain, so it’s more forgiving for brush marks, roller lines, errant hairs – jazz like that (because most homeowners don’t spray). Maple is so damn smooth, there is literally NO room for error as you will see everything, it’s like white spandex.

MAPLE CABINETS MUST BE SPRAYED BY A PROFESSIONAL. For reals.

So, let’s go on a little photo journey together (who’s bringing the wine?).

Again, the kitchen before…I have no words…

And here it is after Delea worked her magic (I might have done a few things as well…)

See the original before and afters here

See how lovely it looked back then?

Well, guess what…it still looks lovely! Yes, there’s the odd tiny chip (not many though) and some very minor wear, but in all, I’m SUPER impressed with how it all looks 2 years later.

The island is virtually flawless and next to the sink cabinet, it gets the most wear and tear. In between bashing the vacuum head into it and going in and out of the various drawers and cupboards (these are high use cupboards) you’d think they’d have taken a beating – and they have.  However, there is LITERALLY one…little…spot.

Will Painted Maple or Wood Cabinets Chip?

Yes, they will. But this can be said of ANY painted wood or MDF. The question is ‘how MUCH will they chip?‘

The main cupboard doors are looking great – some very minor wear on a few edges and a few weeee tiny little chips (like where the corner cabinet knob repeatedly hit the cupboard next to it as shown below).

Had I done this myself, I can guarantee they wouldn’t be looking like this. I’d be seeing roller and brush marks everytime light hit them. I’d be seeing bleed-thru where I didn’t clean the wood well enough prior to painting. I’d be seeing chipping, lots of it because undoubtedly, I wouldn’t have sanded and primed things well enough to last the long-term. Painting kitchen cabinets is not a ‘fun little job’. It’s an investment in the aesthetics of your home and should be done to LAST – you get what you pay for (so I highly recommend paying for it)!

Read more: 4 Ways to Update Wood Cabinets

Here’s the cupboard holding our plates and bowls. On the inside edge of the doors, a tiny bit of wear, but really, hardly anything relative to how much these doors are opened and closed.

The sink cabinet (naturally) is the one that shows the most use. And EVEN THEN, pretty damn good. A few chips above the knobs, but in all – FABulous. Why? Because I had a professional do it. Our home is an investment and it is WAY too nice to do things half-ass way.

You can see where the door frame meets the panel insert (above). When the cabinets were painted this was sealed up with paint, but naturally, with expansion/contraction, this has opened up. This is normal. I’ve heard of painters putting caulking there, so that when things move, the paint doesn’t, but PERSONALLY, caulking isn’t a tight enough job for me – it would be IMPOSSIBLE to not get big goobers in the corner and nappy edges, especially not on maple where EVERY flaw can potentially be exposed on its smoooooth surface.

1 year ago we ALSO did the bathroom vanity (I say ‘we’ like I actually did something – it was all Delea). And 1 year later it is ACTUALLY flawless.

See the original before and afters here

Long story short…

I’ve seen manufactured cabinets NOT hold up as well as these. I’ve seen brand-new painted maple/MDF cabinets hold up JUST as well. I’ve seen WOOD cabinets look more worn out as doors start to dry out and the stain rubs off (albeit after 3-4 years).

And the REAL question is – would I do it again? Would I paint over solid maple cabinet doors? HELLS YEAH I WOULD!

Need HELP? Thinking about painting your cabinets?

Check out my affordable E-design and Online Paint Color Consulting!

Chat soon,

READ MORE

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5 Ways to Update Wood Cabinets Without Painting

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The post Our Painted Maple Cabinets – 2 Years Later appeared first on Kylie M Interiors.