Every shade of white you need
Probably the most requested advice I’m asked is for wall color help. It’s a challenging topic for a lot of reasons, but most daunting is the sheer amount of options out there. I also think most folks feel the pressure to pick an “actual” color, as opposed to a white or neutral. I think it’s because since you are putting in a lot of effort to plan, purchase for and style your space, you want your rooms to feel very intentional, and often white paint can feel like an after thought. We want our homes to reflect the hard work they require!
Source: De Rosee Sa
However, I believe white walls can definitely feel luxurious and intentional. A lot of rooms and styles benefit from a white backdrop to showcase other aspects of the space - like furniture, artwork and historic details.
With that said, as far as daunting selections go - white collections are a doozy. And the last thing you want to do is buy a flat or stock white and call it a day. So here comes the intention on our intentional interiors.
I know you know this, but I’m gonna tell you anyway - swatch your paints! This is especially important for whites, they reflect the most amount light and one shade of white will look totally different depending on room orientation and sun location (as well as time of day).
Source: Soho Home
I’ve listed below my go-to whites for wall color. For this exercise, I’ve selected from one supplier: Sherwin Williams, for simplicity and accessibility. They are in no particular order, since ordering them would require terms like “warm” and “cool” and I want to avoid these notions since, again, these will all pull both warm or cool depending on your sun exposure and lighting sources. These are simply the whites I have personally seen in action and have been very impressed by.
My final advice would be to avoid flat sheens for neutrals and whites. They deserve some dimension. Sherwin Williams offers a satin finish that I am a big fan of. Leave the eggshell for the ceiling and the semi-gloss for the casings and moldings.
SW Alabaster
SW Frosty
SW Pediment
SW Bit of Sugar
SW Gossamer Veil
SW Sanctuary
SW Egret
SW On the Rocks
SW Spare White
