Last month I touted the calming effects of a white-on-white colour palette. Benjamin Moore has come up with a winter-whites colour palette that will make choosing the right white for your home an easy process.
As the temperature drops, and the snow levels rise, we are reminded of one of the most popular colours for interior spaces: white. To meet this demand, Benjamin Moore offers more than 140 shades of white with its Off-White collection to suit even the most exacting of tastes.
While white is one of the most versatile shades available to us, it can be surprisingly complex to choose the right white for your space. Sharon Grech, colour and design expert at Benjamin Moore, shares her tips on selecting that perfect shade of white.
Are you warm or cool?
To narrow down your options, think about what items you want to complement. Look around your room and determine if your existing window treatments, furniture or accent pieces have a warm (yellow or pink) or cool (blue or purple) undertone. Warm undertones pair best with creamier whites such as Deep in Thought AF-30 or Creamy White OC-7, while cool undertones work well with Classic Gray OC-23 and White Dove OC-17.
Once you've chosen your type of white, turn your attention to the undertone of the individual shades. To do this, layer one white paint chip on top of another. This will help to bring out the qualities of each colour until you find one that works. One may appear greyed or another too bright, for example.
White reflects light
Take your lighting into consideration when selecting the right white for a room. Do you have large windows that will showcase trees and vegetation? If so, those outdoor colours will likely reflect onto your walls. To help counteract this a bit, try a white with a hint of pink, which is opposite to green on the colour wheel. Seapearl OC-19 is a nice option that should neutralize the greening effect. The same can be done if you have green carpeting and/or upholstery.
Consider your architecture
For more traditional spaces, which may include elaborate moulding, built-in millwork, fireplace surrounds and other trim, consider using white to highlight those features and use a different colour on the walls. This will enhance the unique architecture and make a fireplace pop.
If your space is more modern or if you have art and photography on display, Distant Gray OC-68 is a crisp, contemporary white that will complement the angular lines of the space and your collection.
Layer up
Using multiple hues of white in one space with different finishes can create an elegant and layered look, making white anything but boring! Try Benjamin Moore Advance paint in high gloss on trim, millwork and doors, offset by a matte or eggshell finish on the walls for a big impact in both artificial and natural light.
Use white wisely
A white palette can be very relaxing and soothing in a master bedroom but may not be a wise choice in a bustling family room, especially when it comes to textiles. White in a bathroom will keep everything feeling fresh and clean and pops of colour can be added through towels and accessories when desired. White tiles in the bathroom and/or kitchen are a classic choice that is timeless. White accessories, like ceramic ware, lamps, vases, dish-ware and such are easy to include to a white-on-white decor without too much upkeep, versus say, white carpeting and upholstery.
Winter is a visually beautiful time of year. Try bringing that soft white palette into your home to provide a pristine, serene space. Use layering techniques to keep the décor feeling cosy and warm and add some texture for visual appeal. Highlight interesting architecture or add some if warranted. Panel moulding or ceiling medallions can work wonders to give a white decor additional visual interest. A stunning white chandelier in a bedroom or dining room can top off the look. (If you have a dated chandelier consider painting it in fresh white spray paint.) Update heavy, dark wooden furniture with white paint to bring a sense of lightness to your decor.
Additional tips for choosing the right shade and type of paint for your space are available online at BenjaminMoore.ca, @BenjaminMooreCA and facebook.com/benjaminmoorepaints.
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