The Only White you Need

Dear Design Aficionados,

May I ask you a BIG favor? I have been given a challenge, and I need your assistance to accomplish it! Could you please help me double my subscribers of The Panache Life by inviting one or two friends and family to subscribe? I know I can meet this challenge with your help…pretty please. Thank you so much in advance for helping me!

Fran

Well, its been a whirl wind to say the least. So much has changed. We no sooner got down to our new house and had my daughters baby shower and we got a call at 1 am that her water broke. 2 1/2 hours later, baby Jesse was born! He spent 3 weeks in the NICU as Jesse was just a tad early. He has made it home and is doing fantastically. My Coastal Grandmother journey has begun.

My walls in my new home are white, so I am inspired to talk about white paint. Lets get started!

Did you realize that white has an undertone? It can be difficult to determine with out asking deeper questions. And you know I’m all about the questions.

The first question to ask yourself, “is the white cool or warm?”

Once you have determined whether it is cool you have two options. “Is it a true white or a blue white?”

If you have determined it is on the warmer side of the color wheel, ask yourself “it is soft or creamy?”

So you’ve guessed it, there are four undertones; true white, blue white, soft white and cream.

So, what’s my favorite white for trim?

I am especially fond of Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17. I use it frequently in my staging projects

The cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove, in a semi-gloss finish is gives this classic kitchen a timeless appeal.

Why do I specifiy White Dove?

I believe it brings a softness and warmth while still looking white making it very livable.

What trim paint finish do I prefer?

A semi-gloss finish on the wood trim in most rooms highlights the beauty while also being cleanable. In kitchens, bathrooms and the kids rooms I like a higher gloss paint. Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Semi-Glass (793) cures to a smooth, furniture-like finish, and its glossy look makes it one of the best paint finishes for these applications.

Why do I specify Benjamin Moore paint?

I’m so glad you’ve asked! It is a favorite of interior designers like myself not only for its beautiful colors, but also it is durable and fade-resistant, has superior coverage, expands and contracts with weather fluctuations and is rich in pigment.

Color Tips:

One

The best way to accurately determine the complex and true undertone of any white is to place your “white” swatch next to white computer paper. It will be revealed instantly!

Two

For a cohesive look in your home, I recommend using the same color on the trim. Another benefit is making touch-ups effortless. With kids and pets you don’t need to complicate things.