Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color and How to Use Them

In the world of interior design, few decisions are as seemingly simple yet surprisingly complex as choosing the right white paint color. While white may appear to be a straightforward choice, the reality is that there exists a vast array of whites, each with its own unique undertones, nuances, and effects on a space. As an interior design firm, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect white paint color to enhance the beauty and atmosphere of your living or working space. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of white paint selection, offering insights and tips to help you make an informed decision.

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Understanding the Diversity of White

Contrary to popular belief, not all white paints are the same. In fact, the spectrum of white paint colors is incredibly diverse, ranging from warm, creamy tones to cool, crisp shades. Understanding the underlying undertones of white paint is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic in your space.

Warm Whites: Warm white paints often contain subtle hints of yellow, red, or brown undertones, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These shades pair beautifully with traditional or rustic interior styles, adding a sense of warmth and character to any room.

Cool Whites: On the other end of the spectrum, cool white paints feature undertones of blue, green, or gray, imparting a clean and contemporary feel to a space. These shades are ideal for modern or minimalist interiors, offering a refreshing and serene backdrop for your décor.

Neutral Whites: Situated between warm and cool tones, neutral white paints strike a perfect balance, making them incredibly versatile and adaptable to various design styles. These shades are excellent for creating a timeless and harmonious ambiance, allowing your furnishings and accessories to take center stage.

Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color

1. Consider Natural Light: The amount of natural light in your space can significantly influence how white paint appears. Rooms with ample sunlight may benefit from cooler white tones to prevent the space from feeling too harsh, while rooms with limited natural light may benefit from warmer whites to add warmth and depth.

2. Test Paint Samples: Before committing to a white paint color, it's essential to test samples in your space under different lighting conditions. Paint swatches directly onto your walls and observe how the color changes throughout the day, from morning light to evening shadows.

3. Complement Your Décor: Take into account the existing furnishings, fabrics, and finishes in your space when selecting a white paint color. Choose a shade that harmonizes with your décor elements, whether it's enhancing the warmth of wooden furniture or accentuating the sleekness of metal accents.

4. Consult with Professionals: When in doubt, seek guidance from experienced interior designers or paint experts who can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. They can help navigate the myriad options available and steer you towards the perfect white paint color for your project.

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

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Our Top 5 Favorite White Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore: Super White

Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.

Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck

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Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: stone

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Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace

Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore

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Benjamin Moore: OC 151

Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!

Photo credit: benjamin moore

Benjamin Moore: OC-151

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Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!

Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

photo credit: benjamin moore

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Embracing the Power of White Paint

In conclusion, the selection of white paint color is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of undertones, lighting, and design aesthetics. By understanding the diverse range of white shades and following these tips for selection, you can harness the transformative power of white paint to elevate your space with timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you're aiming for a cozy retreat or a contemporary haven, the perfect white paint color awaits to bring your vision to life.

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Need help selecting paint colors, finishes, or environmentally friendly products?

Our Favorite Decorative Hardware Right Now

Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.

Here are some of the pieces we are loving right now!

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Modern Matter: Harrison Knob

Why we love it: It’s got texture, color, and character! We love adding metal accents to a make a design statement. Plus, it’s completely customizable; choose from eight gemstones and three different finishes. These vibrant colors are everything!

Modern Matter: Harrison Knob with Malachite & Antique Brass Finish

Modern Matter: Harrison Knob with Amazonite and Gold Finish

Modern Matter: Harrison Knob with Lapis & Antique Brass Finish

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Modern Matter: Dogwood Custom Knob - Patina

Why we love it: This delicate looking flower adds a feminine and timeless touch to any furniture piece. While we absolutely love the patina, this knob is also available in three finishes and your choice of seven different semi-precious stones.

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Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull - Polished Brass

Why we love it: These pulls are sure to add luxurious vibes to any room. We love mixing metals into our designs and we are totally here for this polished brass.

Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull

Photo Credit: Modern Matter

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AUZ Design Studio: Small Pyramid Square Knob

Why we love it: These modern square copper knobs add personality to any furniture piece. The finish is so unique and the textured lines on top are subtle and delicate.

AUZ DESIGN Studio: Small Pyramid Square Knob

Photo Credit: AUZ Design Studio

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Rocky Mountain Hardware: Emerald Cabinet Knob

Why we love it: This crafted hardware has exquisite detail with a handmade look. Perfect for kitchen cabinets in a traditional or transitional design.

Rocky Mountain Hardware: Emerald Cabinet Pull in Silicon Bronze Light

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Rejuvenation: Kennaston Drawer Pull

Why we love it: The sleek design of these pulls adds chic interest. We love the mix of leather and brass! These would be the perfect addition to a sophisticated kitchen.

Rejuvenation: Kennaston Drawer Pull in Satin Brass

Photo Credit: Rejuvenation

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Need help selecting the perfect decorative hardware for your home? Schedule a design consultation today!

Our Design Process: Vignette at Artists Frame Service

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Ready to start your next project? Schedule a Design Discovery Call with us today!

our top 5 favorite white paint colors and how to use them

People often ask us “What’s the perfect white paint color?” This is a difficult question to answer, because it really depends on your space, surrounding elements, lighting, and the design goals you are trying to achieve. Paint color should be the LAST element you select in your design. There are thousands of paint color options out there, and they vary by hue (color), value (lightness to darkness by adding black or white), and intensity (brightness or dullness by adding the complement color). Whites are particularly tricky because they often have undertones of blue, green, yellow, and red that can affect the look of your space.

Picking the perfect paint color takes a trained eye to understand all of the elements in the space and how they work together harmoniously. So I like to rephrase this question to:“ What is the perfect white paint color for your space?”

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

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Benjamin Moore: Super White

Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.

Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck

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Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: stone

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Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace

Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore

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Benjamin Moore: OC 151

Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!

Photo credit: benjamin moore

Benjamin Moore: OC-151

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Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!

Benjamin moore: Decorators White

photo credit: benjamin moore

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Need help selecting the perfect paint colors for your space? Schedule a 2 Hour Paint Consultation with us today!

Designer Advice for a Smoother Remodel

If you’ve ever had your house, condo, or apartment undergo a remodel or renovation, you know how stressful it can be. Unforeseen circumstances are a dime a dozen, there are people in and out of your living space, and you’re expected to trust that everyone knows what they’re doing. We’re here to tell you that a remodel of your home, whether it’s a small or large project, doesn’t have to take years off your life! If you’re thinking of starting your next project, you’ve come to right place to get the best advice on creating a smoother remodeling experience for your home.

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1. Don’t Skimp on Quality Labor

Sure, your neighbor built his own fence ten years ago and is pretty handy with a hammer, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll be able to install your kitchen cabinets, that expensive backsplash you love, and your new carpet without a few (or many) hiccups. When it comes to renovations, it pays not to go for the discount labor.

A remodel, renovation, or refresh is a huge investment into your living space. The last thing you want is to spend a huge amount of time and money into work that you’ll just have to hire someone else to do over and correct. A quality contractor will also know building codes and regulations and save you a hassle down the road if you decide to sell your home or condo.

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2. Know Your City Codes and Condo Association Requirements

This is one of the most important things to do in the early planning stages of your project. Does you city require building permits, special variances, the use of an architect? How much will these fees cost you? Is your home a historic landmark? Will the renovations or remodel require city approval? Be sure to do your research; call your city or village office or visit their website to find out what you need.

If you live in a condo, you’ll need to contact your condo association office before you start any phase of construction. Many condos require any work done to your unit to be approved by a board. You might also be required to use a Registered Interior Designer or their provided building engineer. Some Condos require the use of union labor. You’ll also want to know things like how to move supplies in and debris out, whether or not there is a charge for the freight elevator, and if your contractors need certificates of insurance on file.

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3. Plan in Advance

The more you plan prior to beginning construction or renovations, the smoother your project will go. In order to plan effectively, you’ll need to really understand the construction and architectural constrictions of your space to know what is possible and what isn’t.

Work with your contractors and laborers to create a realistic timeline and make sure you include some wiggle room. Don’t start your project until you have a clear scope-of-work and budget established. Make sure to finalize selections and purchases of appliances or built-ins early in the project or before construction even begins to ensure that you have what you need before it holds up your project. The last thing you want is to need to do several last minute change orders to a project, which can cost you extra time and money.

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4. Be Flexible

Even the best laid plans can come crashing down around you. Be prepared to make tough decisions if a portion of your plan falls through or a selection you’ve made is suddenly unavailable. Timelines can also be pushed back due to things like weather and the availability of labor. Don’t set your project timeline so tight that you can’t be flexible if the unforeseeable happens.

One of the most important things to be flexible about is your budget. Don’t initially settle on a number that is at the very top of your budget. Chances are, unforeseen circumstances will create additional spending. This doesn’t mean you will definitely pay much more than you have budgeted for, but you won’t be stuck halfway through a project when you run out of funds and you only have half a kitchen. Do your research on the average price of a remodel for your area and quality of product you would like to use.

Another thing to consider is the time you will need to commit to this project. You may have to leave work early or take a few days off here and there to ensure that someone is home to let in contractors, laborers, or to receive deliveries. If this is not something you can commit to, consider leaving a lockbox outside your home for workers to gain access to your space.

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5. Be Prepared to Vacate Your Space for Awhile

If you’re remodeling a small portion of your house, chances are this won’t apply to you. Planning a full home renovation or a project that will affect your day-to-day life? Then definitely consider relocating for the construction phase. Living without a kitchen or with interrupted plumbing is not a sustainable existence and will save you and your family a big headache.

You may also need to consider storing some of your furniture and possessions for projects that include flooring or installation of carpeting, especially in a smaller space where the shifting of larger furniture is not as feasible. These costs should be worked into your budget and decided on well in advance (remember to plan and be flexible!) to save you additional stress.

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6. Hire a Designer!

Yes, yes, we’re an Interior Design Firm, so of course we’ll tell you to hire a designer. Trust us; we know what we’re talking about. A designer can help you create a realistic timeline and budget based on their experience of similar scopes of work, making sure you don’t get stuck in the middle of a project.

A designer can also save you time, energy, and money. They handle every detail, make sure the work is done right the first time, and can recommend quality products and laborers. Designers will even come to supervise work being done so you don’t have to worry about stopping your life and leaving work for deliveries, letting contractors in, inspecting quality of work, etc.

When you hire a designer, they take care of all the paperwork and contracts. No more headaches trying to negotiate with contractors and figure out complicated construction documents. The bottom line is that a designer is your advocate and will ensure that your project produces your dream space!

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Need help with your next home remodel or renovation? Schedule a design consultation today!