If you read our previous blog from August 11th, Top 5 Misconceptions of an Interior Designer, we may have cheekily mentioned that we are not the paint colour experts people think we are. We stand by that statement, but as clients often voice concerns about choosing paint colours, we thought we’d put out in the world the most used paint colours we select. That way, you can feel confident about your next paint job, or you can still give us a call; we’re always happy to help.

MAIN PAINT COLOUR THROUGHOUT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE

You may have heard the term “builder’s white” or “decorator’s white” (actually, there is a Benjamin Moore colour called that). This colour refers to a white paint with a hint of grey that we typically suggest for your main wall colour throughout. It helps keep your space feeling light, bright and airy, without going into the stark, clinical direction white can sometimes go. If you actually look at this colour compared to your ceiling or trim, or even when it’s in shade, it will look a lot more grey than white, so don’t be afraid of the name!

Stair case in a double height living room. Sherwin Williams Pure White — *Photo Credit: Ishot*

TRIM + DOOR PAINT: BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE

This is more your “clinical” white that you may be concerned of having throughout your home. This colour is great to use on your trim and doors to show the contrast of the walls and make everything feel clean and bright.

Barn door with Chantilly Lace paint colour from Benjamin Moore — *Photo Credit: Ishot*

KITCHEN CABINET COLOUR: SHERWIN WILLIAMS IN THE NAVY

We love that people are using punches of colour in the kitchen, instead of sticking with plain white. While white is classic and you won’t ever regret going that way, the colour cabinet trend is helping bring a whole lot of character to your home. Create contrast with light coloured backsplash and countertop and you’ll love the contemporary look.

Navy Kitchen cabinets — *Photo Credit: In View Images*

EXTERIOR FASCIA, TRIM OR DOORS: sHERWIN WILLIAMS IRON ORE

Many of our clients have been choosing to do a light and dark contrast on their exterior these days. The most popular being a white/ off white Hardie with black windows, fascia and front door. While we are sure you’ve seen this esthetic before on HGTV, it is definitely a timeless and welcoming look. The white/ off white tends to vary based on client preference as well as material used, the black we select is typically the same. Iron Ore is a neutral dark charcoal that really allows other colours and materials selected to “pop”.

Front Exterior of a home with black trim and door — *Photo Credit: Ishot*

If you follow along with our blog, you may have read the one from earlier this year titled “The Elements and Principles of Design”. In there we explained a little more in depth about the perception and preference of colour from person to person as well as the environment around the colour. For that reason, these may not be the colours for you or you may feel like you see different undertones than say the sales rep at the paint store or your partner. Either way, the best advice we can give you is before committing to a colour, paint a little patch on the wall, so you can see it from different angles and in different light. That way, it is less of a hassle to re-paint if you decide it’s not quite what you wanted.

Happy Tuesday!