color ideas
Western exposure. West-facing rooms are my favorite because they receive the afternoon’s orange-tinted natural light. Also, if your windows are perfectly positioned, you get a spectacular view of the sunset. For large rooms that face west, I often specify an off-white that has a slightly mauve undertone. It’s a great way to amplify the sun’s rays as they turn peach late in the day. A similar color to try is Everyday White from Sherwin-Williams.
In this transitional kitchen from Knocknock, deep green cabinetry fitted with warm bin pull hardware adds a punch of color, while the marble counters and traditional rug keep the overall look elegant and calm.
Simply White by Benjamin Moore “Simply White is a more modern, clean white,” Ben Leavitt of Fox Design Studio says. “It is a beautiful natural shade that works well with any gray tones.” In this space, Leavitt chose Simply White for the walls and ceilings, then painted the trim and doors in Thunder by Benjamin Moore for contrast.
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore When she’s going for minimalist style in a design, Chantilly Lace is a no-brainer for interior designer Genna Margolis. “It reads cool and it’s clean, crisp and simple,” she says. “Sometimes when people are fearful to go too white, they wind up choosing something with a yellow undertone, and it winds up reading yellow, making the room look more rustic.” The paint was the right choice for the peaceful, minimalistic look of this yoga studio Margolis designed.
Pure White by Sherwin-Williams “I love Sherwin Williams because they are very user-friendly and they provide large swatches to designers — not all companies do that,” Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony says. One of her go-to whites is the company’s Pure White. She used it on these cabinets in this kitchen. “I love this white because it’s on the brighter side for a white while still being warm
Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore “For white trim color, my go-to for years has been Decorator’s White,” interior designer Nikki Dalrymple of Acquire says. “It’s a true bright white that never disappoints. The undertone is so subtle that it never seems to fight with any chosen wall color.” In this lovely living room, the white on the millwork provides a clean contrast to the creamy tan hue on the walls. Wall paint: Monroe Bisque, Benjamin Moore
White Wisp by Benjamin Moore “All whites have some undertone. White Wisp has a very slight gray undertone that keeps it from feeling cold or icy,” interior designer Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs says.
Hide a bumpy wall Glass fibre wall covering is actually a textile made of glass fibre, with different textures and weaves. It is much stronger than typical wallpaper and can work quite well to disguise wall defects. It comes unpainted but can generally be painted up to 10 times, meaning longevity and flexibility. Some versions can withstand the moisture of wet areas, such as a bathroom or kitchen backsplash, as long as they’re painted with suitable paint. In kitchens, it’s advised to use a hard backsplash behind the stove and the glass fibre wall covering next to it.
The honey tones in this open-plan space are wonderfully restful, and the artwork adds to that relaxing mood. A simple print of gradated greys on one side and a cool-toned mountain peak on the other help create a tranquil atmosphere.
mix painted and stained wood
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