Tips & Tricks | Wall Paint

We are often asked about paint color and what colors are timeless versus on-trend. We’ve always said that paint is the least expensive, but creates the largest impact in a home. It is easy to do and more accessible than changing the furniture or doing a remodel. This week on Dear Alice, Jess, Suz, and Cori discuss all things wall and paint color. Starting with how, as a market, we are currently in a time of change, pivoting from cool gray tones to warm, organic ones. They share their favorite colors and tips for every home.

One of the first aspects is to truly understand what colors you are drawn to and allowing the time to see how those colors show in your space. Paint colors can change depending on sunlight and furniture, so having the time to see it in all aspects of the day and night is important. When repainting an entire home, we recommend picking a wall color to carry throughout the house. Think about if you like light and airy, neutral, or more saturated spaces. For the trim, we generally suggest a white trim, but love to break that rule in smaller spaces like a mudroom or powder bath. Because of their size, they are fun to go all-in, creating a high-design, moody look.

When we are working on a project, typically paint colors are one of the last things we pick out. We want to see what other textures, colors, and lighting will be in the space and then select paint. We do have favorites that we use time and time again, the first being Steam from Benjamin Moore (AF-15). It is a true, crisp white, styling well into homes with less natural light. We also love Snowbound from Sherwin-Williams (SW7004). It is a brighter white, perfect for trim and walls. One of our favorite of complimenting skin tones, Reticence from Sherwin-Williams (SW6064) is a showstopper. It is a white taupe, with a hint of tissue pink. We love how it looks in bedrooms, closets, and entryways.

For saturation lovers, we have to talk about dark and moody spaces. We generally recommend that these spaces have doors and can be closed off from the rest of the house, creating a special moment when inside. We love Seaworthy from Sherwin-Wililams (SW7620), a dark and hearty blue. We also suggest Bracing Blue from Sherwin-Williams (SW6242), a refreshing cool denim with gray undertones. When creating your own moody space, think about the colors you love, get a paint deck, and go towards the darkest shades of your choice. Make sure to try the samples out and see how they look throughout the day to be sure it is the perfect fit.

We love the major impact that paint can have on any space. To hear more tips from the podcast this week, listen to it here. To read more about creating moody spaces, read the blog here.