Selecting the Right White or Gray Paint Color
BY JENNIFER ADAMS
Is it time to paint? There are thousands of colors to choose from, but why not keep it simple? Beautiful whites and classic grays are so current right now, and for good reason! Color can affect our mood dramatically. Colors can make us feel anxious, excited and agitated, or happy, peaceful and relaxed. Soft neutrals such as airy whites, off-whites and grays are calming, tranquil and soothing. That's why they are such a perfect foundation for your decor, no matter your style. Neutrals work especially well for your walls. Here are my tips to help choose just the right white or gray paint color.
Ask yourself: Do you prefer warm or cool colors?
Think about your personal preferences. Do you gravitate toward warm reds and oranges, or cool blues and greens? Both grays and even whites can have warm or cool undertones. Check to see if you can spot the undertones by holding up a gray or white paint sample to a piece of white paper. It may seem pink, green, blue or yellow compared to the white paper. Sometimes a paint sample isn't actually white or black at all, but a very pale or extremely dark color instead.
Collect a lot of samples.
Even though you're choosing paint, look at fabric and other items for inspiration. Your paint store can probably match any color you want! Tape the samples to the wall, and lay them out on a table. Look at the colors throughout the day, night and during all types of weather. Can you tell which ones have warm or cool undertones? Which samples call out to you?
Choose your favorites.
Pick three or four whites or grays, and paint a couple of large areas on your wall. Some paint stores sell little jars or packets of paint, and others will mix up a quart to sell. Paint part of a corner if possible, and an area next to window or door trim. Painting in multiple places will help you see the color from different angles at the same time. Remember to use a fresh brush for each color, or wait until it's cleaned and dry so the paint won't get diluted! You may even need to paint two coats to get a more accurate appearance, especially if your walls are a very different color.
Add contrast to your white and gray walls.
Utilize accent tones in different tones of grays, whites and textures. Mix dark and light colors, or try mixing warm undertones with cool accent colors, and vice versa. I personally love whites right now; all the walls throughout my house are white. But all white by itself can feel a little cold and not that interesting. For more contrast and drama, I added dark gray tones throughout my home with metal light fixtures and window frames. My area rugs and other accessories have charcoal gray tones. And because my two Labradoodles, Jaxx and Oliver, share my sofas, my upholstery is a textured linen grayish-white color for durability. This all adds contrast and interest against the white walls.
Get inspired!
Do you have a particular piece of artwork, area rug or another treasure you absolutely love and want to tie in? It could be anything, like an inspiring beautiful pattern on your bedding. Look at the neutral background colors of your favorite items. Choose your wall paint in your favorite item's background tone, but don't match it exactly. Contrast your walls a little darker or lighter, otherwise, the bed (or sofa, or throw blanket, or...) will bleed into the wall color!
Have a design dilemma? Jennifer Adams is an award-winning designer, TV Personality and author of "Love Coming Home." Send your questions to AskJennifer@JenniferAdams.com. A variety of Jennifer Adams Home products are available on Costco.com and in select Costco warehouses.