Selecting Paint with Confidence💯
Paint is the most straightforward way to achieve a design update. Choosing the right color or collection of colors can refresh your home, elevate a space, and create a desired look and mood.
While paint is typically more economical than other types of wall coverings – like wallpaper, paneling, and plaster finishes – it can still be a significant part of your renovation budget. Here are a few factors and steps you can take when considering paint to choose confidently and avoid mistakes:
Get Inspired!
Do the colors of your garden make you smile? Do you find the hues of a sunset on the beach peaceful and calming? Gather photos of colors and color combinations you enjoy.
Search Pinterest for paint color ideas, then create your own Pinterest board and save your favorite colors and color palettes. There is a proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) images online, so be sure to look for rooms painted in actual paint colors. The paint colors are oftentimes cited in the description or Pin notes.
Search the Internet using terms like, “best white paint colors for a contemporary living room” or “best neutral paint shades for interior walls.” Make note of the names and brands that appeal to you.
Review design blogs, websites, and decorating magazines. Paint colors are either listed on the page or may be found in an index.
Explore various paint brands’ websites and take advantage of their inspiration tools. For example, Sherwin Williams website provides you with a Color Visualizer and allows you to search Color By Room.
Benjamin Moore’s website provides Paint Ideas that allow you to browse By Project, By Design Style, and By Lighting.
In addition to searching by color or design inspiration, Farrow & Ball’s website, in the “Paint For Your” section, enables you to search by paint application and surface (e.g., interior walls & ceilings, interior wood & metal, interior floors, exterior walls) and even has a curated collection for Traditional Historic Properties.
The World of White Paint
White paint is desirable in any design plan as it gives a room the feeling of freshness, airiness, lightness, and cleanliness. Choosing which white paint may be one of the toughest choices to make. The number of hues of white paint is estimated to be more than 1,000, but in reality there are infinite variations within the color white. Paint companies offer a broad assortment of whites to provide the versatility needed to meet all design aspirations. They do this by adding tiny amounts of other colors that give white a different undertone.
When choosing a white paint color, consider whether you want an overall cool or warm appearance and mood. Compare paint samples, taking note of their undertones and view samples on the wall – in different rooms and different spots in each room – to see how the color looks depending on the lighting conditions – natural and artificial – and during different times of day.
To help you navigate the world of white paint and narrow the field, here’s a list of tried-and-true whites that meet a variety of design styles and will add brilliance, light, elegance, or calm to any project:
COOL
· Sherwin Williams Extra White (SW 7006) – a pristine, fresh hue of white that can read a bit blue under cool lights or in darker rooms
· Sherwin Williams Modern White (SW 6168) – pure with cool undertones, for that squeaky clean white kitchen
· Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) – a bright, pure white with subtle grey undertones that creates a clean canvas
· Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (CC-20) – a crisp, slightly cool and modern white
· Benjamin Moore Paper White (OC-55) – a hue of white with gray undertones that works particularly well with gray-veined marble and stone
· Benjamin Moore Snowfall White (2144-70) – icy, crisp, and cloud-like, this hue beautifully reflects natural light
· Benjamin Moore Super White (PM-1) – a bright, cool white that allows everything else to pop
· Farrow & Ball All White (#2005) – a pure, standout white
· Farrow & Ball Strong White (#2001) – a cool white with light gray undertones that give spaces a modern feel
· Clare Fresh Kicks – a clean, modern white with no undertones
· Clare Snow Day – a bright, cool white that doesn’t feel cold or sterile and pairs great with cool tones
WARM
· Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) – cozy, warm and soft white that isn’t too bright
· Sherwin Williams Antique White (SW 6119) – a warm and creamy, light taupe hue
· Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) – clean and warm without detracting yellow undertones.
· Benjamin Moore Atrium White (OC-145) – creamy and relaxing with a faint touch of peach.
· Benjamin Moore Calm (OC-22) – soft gray undertones lend this hue warmth and elegance
· Benjamin Moore Dune White (968) – a warm tone of white with muted gray-green undertones
· Benjamin Moore Ivory White (925) – creamy without being too yellow, a luxurious hue to drench a room in (i.e., walls, ceiling, and trim)
· Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) – a true white that is warm and cozy
· Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) – a crisp, modern white whose creamy undertone reads warm rather than cold
· Farrow & Ball Pointing (#2003) – a warm ivory with a soft glow
· Farrow & Ball School House White (#291) – a soft, off-white that exudes old-world char
· Farrow & Ball Wimborne White (#239) – a chic white with a touch of yellow that gives it a clean, modern glow (Pro tip: consider this paint in high-gloss for an elevated, sophisticated look in lieu of a lacquer paint.)
Limewash and Mineral Paints
If you’re looking for a “healthy” paint or something more eco-friendly, consider limewash and mineral paints. Composed of natural materials and colored with mineral pigments, these paints bond to your walls through a natural process that results in a breathable, anti-microbial, anti-mold, and hypoallergenic finish. They are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harsh chemicals, making them an eco-friendly choice. Unlike traditional paints, limewash and mineral paints resist flaking and peeling, and make for easier touch-ups. They’re highly durable and UV-resistant so they stand up to wear-and-tear well and won’t fade or discolor.
Limewash creates a soft, slightly chalky matte finish with the illusion of movement. Depending on your décor and furnishings, this can lend a rustic touch or an air of sophistication to your space. Mineral paints can be applied to create unique textures and finishes that cannot be achieved with traditional paints.
A few drawbacks – mineral paints typically have a higher price point compared to traditional paints and because of the use of mineral pigments, the color selection may be limited. Because of the bonding process, they are not suitable for flexible surfaces prone to movement. Also, application can be difficult. DIYers should be aware there is a learning curve to limewash and mineral painting. A skilled professional who is practiced in the specific techniques can achieve the desired finish.
Order Paint Samples
Gone are the days when the only way to test colors was to actually brush swatches of color on your walls. Several paint companies provide large size paint samples on paper or peel-and-stick paint samples for a quick color test that is easily moveable and removable.
An interior designer can help you order multiple sample cards that are much larger than the 2x3 swatches available at paint stores. Or, you can go online and order paint samples from most paint companies’ websites. Then, strategically place the samples on your walls in different places to see how changing light will alter the look of the paint color.
Also, paint colors may appear differently as they’re paired with furnishings in similar, complementary or contrasting colors. For example, a yellow sofa will amplify the yellow undertones in a cream or ivory paint color or blue curtains may cause a clean white to look even cooler. You’ll want to consider your furnishings when selecting paint colors. An interior designer can create a design plan that enables confident selection of the perfect paint colors to achieve the mood, look and feel you desire in your space.
If you’re looking for a very specific color, many paint manufacturers offer color matching services. Check your preferred paint brand’s website for color matching tools and guidance on the type of sample you will need to provide. If you’re still not finding the right match, there are also companies that will blend a custom paint if you have a color formula, e.g., Hex code, RGB.
Paint finishes
Flat/Matte: with no gloss, this finish is great for hiding surface imperfections and underlying colors; shows no streaks or flaws. Not good for stain resistance so best used in rooms with minimal traffic, where the activity is more formal.
Use cases: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, ceilings, exteriors
Eggshell & Satin: with minimal glossiness, this finish provides a soft, low-luster look. Medium durability makes it suitable for most rooms in a home.
Use cases: bedrooms, kid’s rooms, family room, hallways
Satin: with a luster that flat paint does not offer, this finish offers good coverage and high stain- and scrub-resistance. A good choice for high traffic, busy spaces.
Use cases: living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, hallways, cabinets, baseboards, casings, exterior siding, furniture
Semi-Gloss: rich and shiny, this finish has even more stain- and scrub-resistance than Satin and can withstand frequent cleaning; however, the luster can make surface imperfections more noticeable.
Use cases: kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, doors (interior and exterior), trim, baseboards, casings, windows
Gloss/Lacquer: with the shiniest finish comes the best performance and long wear when it comes to stains and scrubbing, making it perfect for high traffic areas and high wear-and-tear surfaces. The shiny finish will show drips, streaks, and flaws. A highly skilled painter is recommended.
Use cases: exterior doors, cabinets, trim, banisters, shutters, window casings, ceilings, furniture
Top, left to right: Flat and Eggshell. Bottom, left to right: Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Create a paint schedule
Your interior designer can develop a detailed specification schedule for you and your contractor to follow. This schedule will assign paint by room (color, brand, number, and finish). This schedule allows the painter to order the right paint, in the right finishes, and in adequate quantities for each room. It also eliminates errors by instructing the painter which surfaces (e.g., ceiling, wall) and architectural elements (e.g., mouldings, wainscoting, baseboards) get which colors and finishes.
We hope this guide will relieve the stress of making paint selections and enable you to confidently consider painting for updating, upgrading, and elevating your room or entire home. You can download a copy of this guide here.
If we can be of help and you’d like to work with us, get in touch. We look forward to hearing about your project!
