Photo File
Or, I am often asked, which white should I choose for my trim and/or cabinets?
Photo File
So I would like to share with you some designer tips I have learned over the years that you can use when you are looking for that perfect white for your home.
Look at Decorator’s White Int. Rm. for a warm white with yellow undertones; Linen White Int. Rm. has a warm beige undertone; and a cool white will have blue/gray undertones such as White Diamond OC-61. An easy way to see the white undertones, is to use a large sample of Decorator’s White to put white samples next to help determine the underlying colors.
If you have white walls or cabinets, I suggest do not paint the trim the same shade of white. You want the contrast between the two whites for architectural interest. Again, sample the whites next to your existing white. Also, I like to use different finishes for more of a contrast which I wrote about here: Would you like that Shiny or Flat? Flat is usually used for the ceiling, an eggshell finish on the walls and a gloss or semi-gloss on the trim.
You can use several tints of white in a room, but keep them in the same color temperature, either all warm whites or all cool whites.
If you are going to use white for your ceiling, be sure to use a ‘warm white’ if your walls are painted in a warm color, including red, yellow or orange. I recommend to use a ‘cool’ white if your room is painted in cool colors, such as blue, green or violet.
Cloud White OC-130 seems to be the top ‘white’ choice for designers. It is also one of my favorites because it is so soft and works so well with other colors. Other whites I love are White Dove OC-17 , Linen White, Int. Rm, (a soft ,yellowy white) and Chantilly Lace OC-65 (a white, white). Here is a picture below I am redesigning where we used White Dove in a semi-gloss finish for her white cabinets. Just a beautiful white!
Be sure when you are painting your cabinets white, such as White Dove, your back splash and counter tops should also be white, gray or black. If you are using a white with a yellow undertone such as Acadia White OC-38 on your cabinets, your counters and back splash should be a more of a creamy color such as browns, beiges and creams shown in photo below.
File Photo
Comments? Any questions?
If you need help choosing whites for your home, contact me today.
Kelly Bernier Designs
