Ever get totally confused about white? It’s easy to disappear down a rabbit hole of opinions when it comes to interior decor; the right colours, the wrong. And white is no exception.
Working as a designer, assisting people to get the most out of their homes gives me huge pleasure and one of the most common ‘fixes’ in folks homes is to rid their space of that old favourite ‘Brilliant White’!
So, I thought I’d run through four favourites. Types of white that will work to bring light and sophistication to your home.
Brilliant white is used everywhere! What don’t I like about it?
Well, largely it’s the unsophisticated and over-harsh contrast its bright whiteness makes against any colour. It is used on ceilings and woodwork. It is cold and unforgiving, not fresh.
Instead how about ‘Chantilly Lace’, by Benjamin Moore. A true neutral. Softer than Brilliant White. It will compliment rather than fight other colours, softly bedding in against whatever you pair it with. If you paint a room, including ceiling you will have the freshest, lightest space. It will lift your spirits!
Now, quite simply I have next chosen two more whites: soft warmer white called ‘White Dove’ (pair it with warmer tones) and the delightfully cool ‘Paper White’, (goes with those bluer, cooler tones)! Both of these colours work well as paintwork and ceiling colours as well as being great main room colours - just define whether it’s warm or a cool tone you need!
Last, but very much not least, is my favourite ‘griege’, the beautifully soft ‘Sheep’s Wool’. Truly contemporary, neither too yellow (warm) or too blue (cold). This is the off-white that will look great in any space. Paint a whole room (yes, every surface) this colour and you’ll have the most sophisticated neutral you could wish for.
So, I’ve included a pic of real-life warts and all samples. There’s nothing like seeing the graduations in colour in the paint texture and the shadows in paper as it absorbs the paint, so I offer you nothing less! There’s very little integrity to the pre-generated colour sample ‘blobs’ that are in abundance online.
Do ignore the hand written Dove White description - it is definitely ‘White Dove’ that is sampled!
And you might of noticed the Benjamin Moore is the brand of choice here. No sponsorship involved! I was introduced to the range quite recently by a most excellent painter decorator and haven’t looked back. The quality and range of colours and finish is just fantastic. So, my I share this recommendation with you too!