Can we agree PLEASE that a preference for peaceful white paint colors or neutral interiors isn’t an allergy to color or energetic pursuits? For me, preferences are about our diversity and authenticity. I don’t find white boring, but how friggin boring would life be if we all agreed on how all art should look?
Peaceful White Paint Colors
Since I’m self-aware, I know the mood I’m after at home. Soothing tones get me there. It’s a new year colored with new paint projects, and I help folks select paint colors every single day. Keep your gaze beyond trend reports about color stories the cool kids recommend. Experiment. Know thyself.
Farrow & Ball SLIPPER SATIN
Followers are still cray cray about this Los Angeles kitchen in a Spanish style home I shared many months back…
What a bonus that the designer shared the color on walls:
Here’s that peaceful white in a beautiful entry hall across the pond:
Sherwin-Williams SHOJI WHITE SW 7042
When you want a color for cabinets, walls, trim, or doors that is light yet cozy, here’s a warm, creamy white that borders on greige.
It helps to see the same color in various contexts.
On cabinets in this kitchen below, you can see the contrast of Shoji White with the white ceiling and backsplash:
In this bedroom context, you can see it with cool greys in a wash of natural light:
And suddenly this warm white looks bright and washed out on an exterior below.
While there are no rules, for exteriors, it is often helpful to stick with a white where the LRV (that’s the percentage of how much light is being reflected back) is less than 80.
Sometimes a too-bright white will feel less than welcoming in terms of curb appeal…but look how it can brighten an entry!
Benjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE OC-117
If you’re unsure where to begin in your paint sampling, Simply White is a designer favorite.
Don’t feel shy about mixing warm whites with cool whites such as white marble.
I’m always dreaming of sweets so what comes to mind is pound cake with a scoop of vanilla. Apple pie a la mode.
Simply White has worked for so many interiors, exteriors, and projects that its name simply says it all!
The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home.
BM Simply White and shiplap seem to go together like a snow on a white picket fence, and you’ll find plenty more examples on Pinterest here too. Need an idea for a high contrast neutral to use with it?
The Fox Group loves Simply White, and so much of their work includes architectural details such as paneled walls.
I can’t imagine being tasked with the job of choosing the perfect white for an area like this…so much work to ever change it!
Another White to Pair With Simply White
Psst. Need an idea for a cool white to contrast with the warm white you choose? In our last home, I painted the walls, trim, and ceilings BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151.
You can see a good amount of it here:
Walls were painted with a flat finish, and semigloss was used on the trim.
While it is certainly not always in order to paint trim the same white, we wanted ours to mostly disappear.
Our alder doors (left natural with no stain) contrast with the casings.
Brilliant Choice for an Off White: Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE
Have a Pinterest board reserved for paint colors? It can keep you organized.
Easiest way to see if a paint color is right in your space? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
A Few Favorites for Fans of WHITE
Find more calm whites RIGHT HERE.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
