We peeked at this beautiful new build home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design last spring, and this inspiring home is breathtaking at Christmas time! Paint Color Inspiration from a Charming Country French New Build spotlights a home with exquisite traditional architecture (those eyebrow dormers!) and lightened up interiors. The paint color story inside and out is perfectly understated, underbaked, and unfussy, and I’ll offer suggestions to get the look
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths.jpg)
Canadian Country French New Build: Inspiring Paint Color Ideas
Project: Maison de Lee (in Victoria’s South Oak Bay neighborhood); Builder: M. Knight Construction; Home Design: Zebra Group; Interiors: Jenny Martin Design
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/020-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Oh this home! It is known as Maison de Lee and won seven awards including Project of the Year.
“Aiming to incorporate traditional elements with an aged vintage quality, this project integrates detailed mouldings, rustic white-oak beams and soft arches, pairing them with unlacquered brass and natural marble specifically selected to age gracefully over time. The aesthetic was elevated with a restrained palette of natural tones.” – Jenny Martin
Classic White Paint Colors for a Country French Kitchen
For a similar look, turn to Benjamin Moore White Dove. (Not to be confused with Dove Wing or Dove White.) When you’re after a soft white that feels traditional and won’t change throughout the day, this color is a tried and true favorite.
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows-2.jpg)
Need encouragement to use white subway tile in a classic or country kitchen despite it being a common choice for backsplashes and accent walls? There’s a good reason it is chosen so often…good classic looks, vintage in feel, neutral, calming, and works with an eclectic range of designs.
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
Isn’t the wall of windows dressed with beribboned wreaths above a stunning feature? While I love real greenery, I don’t like the accompanying mess so realistic, high quality examples that will look good for years and years to come are smart choices:
![Inspiring rest quote by Cole Arthur Riley: Rest is an act of defiance, and it cannot be predicated on apology... #colearthurriley #restquote #slowlivingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/rest-is-defiance-we-will-not-be-owned-quote-cole-arthur-riley-this-here-flesh-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Should you paint the trim and cabinets BM White Dove as well?
You can definitely paint the cabinets the same color as walls (it will have a different finish such as enamel, urethane, or semi-gloss), but the color on the trim and doors should be the white color used in other areas of the home.
![Lacanche range in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/010-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-range.jpg)
If all the trim and doors in your home will be White Dove, then yes.
![Kitchen with gold hardware in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/019-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
White Shaker style cabinets with brass pulls are a traditional yet fresh choice and will still be relevant years from now. And isn’t the rustic wood island stunning with magnificent contrast to the counter stools?
![Pantry in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #pantrydesign #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-pantry.jpg)
Kitchen Design Tip: If at all possible, choose your countertop material and backsplash tile before choosing paint colors – it’s far easier to find colors that work harmoniously with them than if you choose paint colors first.
What Other White Paint Colors are Similar Options for Kitchen Cabinets?
There are plenty of off white paint colors beyond White Dove to consider for kitchen cabinets, but if you’re after a look like this French inspired kitchen, stick to cooler greyed-whites rather than colors with brown or yellow undertones.
![Arched door in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/008-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-1440x959.jpg)
F&B Blackened No. 2011, Valspar Swiss Coffee 7005-16, or Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (yes, plenty of whites don’t have “white” in the name!) are beautiful contenders.
Bringing in warm wood tones and metal hardware keep the look cozy and inviting rather than sterile.
![Wood open shelves in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #openshelves #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/018-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
I’m reminded I need a watering can in my life like the one above!
Country French New Build Paint Colors: White Exterior + Light Grey Accents
Even when a photo of a house exterior appears bright white, choosing the right paint color to emulate it for your own project can be daunting. That’s because white paint comes in a variety of shades with varying undertones and qualities that interact with sunlight and even a home’s geographical region.
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/002c-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
Your best bet is to sample many whites before deciding. Our sources indicate the exterior color is:
For similar whites to sample, look at Sherwin Williams Snowbound, Benjamin Moore Calm, and Farrow & Ball Strong White. (Remember the right white for you may have “gray” in the name, and the right gray may have “white!”
![Self-kindness, self-love and self-care quote about rest, productivity, and worth on Hello Lovely. #selfkindnessquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/self-kindness-quote-rest-productivity-recharge-worth-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Patio at beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/003-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
Here’s the exact color on the shutters:
For another idea for a low contrast light grey paint color for door, trim, or accents, consider sampling Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274.
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
For a bit more contrast with the white siding or brick, take a peek at Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray No. 242. This is a timeless, elegant, stunning grey with blue undertones that has a soft, Scandinavian feel.
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/002b-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
Bear in mind you can use it at a reduced saturation for a completely custom look that suits your home. (I used it at 66% for my kitchen cabinets and adore the color.)
![Exterior facade of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #houseexteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/001-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior-1440x961.jpg)
More Traditional Design Details to Inspire
Deep Open Shelving
I am still deciding whether to add shelves to our nearly finished kitchen. On the one hand, I like the idea of having them for seasonal decor. But I really don’t want to spend time dusting, and I have plenty of storage for dishes and everyday essentials.
![White kitchen in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/021-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-1440x961.jpg)
If we were to add shelves, I appreciate the heft of these shelves to hold books, serving pieces, and everyday items that aren’t just filler.
![Breakfast dining in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/009-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
![Funny tweet, relationship humor, and silly quotes on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/funny-tweet-before-married-always-right-relationship-quote-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Modern Vintage Style Created With Bright White, Neutrals & Oak
Light and medium stained hardwoods with white feels fresh yet nostalgic. While black and white soared in popularity over the last ten years, there’s something more traditional and country about incorporating wood tones instead.
![Island with counter stools in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/004-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
Do you like the absence of black in the kitchen? I didn’t paint our windows black or incorporate much contrast in our last kitchen either:
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
In contrast, modern farmhouse kitchens tend to have moments of high contrast with black and white. In this home, we do spy black on the door to the mudroom…
Tongue and Groove, Cubbies & Ladder in Mudroom
What dreamy storage space to keep a family organized!
![Mud room with built-ins in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #mudroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/007-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-mud-room.jpg)
Isn’t the ladder incredible?
Surprisingly Casual Comfort in a Music Room
Cozy, smallish sitting rooms seem to be disappearing from many new builds, but they have their charms. No formality here in this music room!
![Violins on wall in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/006-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-den-1440x961.jpg)
My own living room in the new house is small, and I choose to call it a sitting room. Instead of fancy chairs or fussy anything, it has laid back, California cool MCM influences like this home’s music room (above) and living room (below).
![Neutral living room in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/015-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-living-room-fireplace.jpg)
My own sitting room also features an accent window (don’t you love an oval!?!) which lightens the mood and keeps the room from feeling like a square box.
![Struggle and failure quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #failurequotes #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/struggle-quote-failure-bruise-tattoo-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Gentle Grandeur in the Foyer
What a serene entrance with natural woven accents, quiet color, and applied moldings.
![Staircase in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/005-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-staircase.jpg)
If you’re seeking white paint colors to sample to approach the look of this space, peek at Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, and Farrow & Ball All White.
Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
Luxuriously Elegant Custom Closet With Island
Is this the best part about a traditional style new build? When you’re building you can create the closet of your dreams!
![Custom closet in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/013-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-closet.jpg)
No new build for you? Sometimes you can carve out a closet if you renovate, and turning a small bedroom here at home into a closet/office/guest bedroom was a relatively easy tweak. Certainly not luxurious or as room as this beauty above, but see my closet upgrade here.
![Shop the Look of Hello Lovely's cloffice. #clofficeideas #homeoffice #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHOP-THE-LOOK-closet-cloffice-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Calm Bathroom Design Country French Home
The first thing that caught my attention about this bath is the lofty feel from high ceilings and all the windows.
![Clawfoot tub in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/012a-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-bathroom-clawfoot-tub.jpg)
A variety of tile including carrera installed in a herringbone pattern on the floor, staggered on shower surround, and subway inside the shower – create a more relaxed mood.
![Marble shower in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/012-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-bathroom.jpg)
With all the light, it makes sense to bring in plants!
![Just Add Houseplants: BH&G at Walmart Finds on Hello Lovely Studio. #houseplants #planters #terrariums](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/JUST-ADD-HOUSEPLANTS-walmart-bhG-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![White bath in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/017-jenny-martin-design-white-classic-bathroom-marble-vanity.jpg)
Applied moldings in the bath are so elegant, yes?
![White bathroom console sink in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybath #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/016-jenny-martin-design-white-classic-bathroom-marble-console-sink.jpg)
This was the mood board for our former primary bath:
![French country bathroom shop the look Hello Lovely Studio. #bathroomdesign #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #classicbathdecor #whitebathrooms #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-bathroom-shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-lookbook-banner.jpg)
And this week, we’re making decisions for our bath at the new house. The paint color will likely be Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. I plan to incorporate a vintage clawfoot tub (just the best bubble baths), marble tile, a pretty chandelier, and of course these favs:
![Shop the look: favorites in my bathroom! Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shop-the-look-my-bathroom-favorites-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Thanks so much for reading, and let me know if you have any other paint color related questions.
![Brené Brown quote about empathy, courage, boundaries and vulnerability on Hello Lovely Studio. #empathyquotes #selfkindness #brenebrownquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BRENE-BROWN-personal-growth-quotes-i-am-enough-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Beautiful new oldish house! What is the roof material?
Thanks!
Carol Platt
Author
Hmmmmm. They look like cedar shake, but I’m not sure.