Paint is a very personal choice, but in interior design, it’s one of the last things I select. It’s much easier to match paint to a rug or pillow than the other way around.
But here’s the thing: with new builds or remodels, the contractor wants the paint color upfront. So, what do you do? Well, if you’ve hired an interior designer, defer to them.
If not, good luck! But stick around; I have a few tricks to share.
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The Importance of a Design Plan
When building, renovating, or refreshing a space, you need a design plan. The earlier, the better. Collect samples of all the hard finishes and upholstery you plan to use, ensuring the colors are cohesive and tell a story.
I love color and once had a home with different colors in many rooms. I’ve also had homes where I used neutrals for the walls and let my art, rugs, and furniture provide the color.
Navigating the World of Neutrals
Neutrals are tricky. There are hundreds of whites, creams, and beiges. How do you choose? Start by determining the undertone. An interior designer who is a True Color Expert™ can choose the right color for your room.
But let me give you some basic advice on neutrals. There are categories of whites:
- Blue White (works beautifully with Carrera marble)
- True White
- Off-White
- Cream
When we decide to go darker and warmer, we turn to Complex Creams and Greiges.
When we decide to go darker still, we turn to Beiges and Grays.
There are categories of both beiges and grays:
- Pink Beige
- Yellow Beige
- Orange Beige
- Green Beige
- Green Grey
- Violet Grey
- Taupe
The bottom line: figure out the undertone and stick with it unless there’s a second or even third undertone in the room. In that case, choose the best undertone to bring the whole room together.
My Favorite Neutral Paint Colors
My favorite Blue White – SW Extra White
Extra White (SW 7006)! This is my go-to for a crisp, clean look with just a hint of blue undertone. It’s perfect for spaces with lots of natural light, as it keeps things feeling bright and airy without being stark.
I recently used it in a client’s kitchen with white cabinetry and dark wood floors – the subtle blue in the paint played beautifully off the cool tones in the veining of their marble countertops. It’s a classic choice that adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
My favorite True White – SW High Reflective White
High Reflective White (SW 7757) is truly the brightest white in the Sherwin-Williams deck. It’s perfect when you want a clean, modern feel, especially in a space with ample natural light.
In this kitchen, the white walls and cabinets practically disappear, allowing the warm wood floors and brass hardware to take center stage. It’s a great example of how a simple, true white can create a backdrop that lets other design elements shine.
PRO TIP: this is my go to for ceilings the majority of the time.
My favorite Off White – SW Greek Villa
Greek Villa (SW 7551) is a wonderful off-white with a touch of warmth that makes a space feel instantly inviting. It’s incredibly versatile and works well with a variety of design styles. In this entryway, Greek Villa on the walls provides a soft, neutral backdrop that allows the architectural details and textures to shine.
The warm undertones in the paint complement the wood floors beautifully, creating a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want the brightness of white but with a bit more depth and character.
My favorite Cream – SW Dover White
Dover White (SW 6385) is my go-to cream when I want to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and just a touch luxurious. It has a subtle yellow undertone that adds a hint of sunshine, even on a cloudy day. In this bedroom, Dover White on the walls creates a serene and calming atmosphere.
It pairs beautifully with the natural wood tones and soft textiles, giving the room a cozy and sophisticated feel. It’s a perfect choice for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where you want to create a sense of peace and tranquility.
My favorite Greige – SW Shoji White
Shoji White (SW 7042) is my absolute favorite greige. It’s the perfect blend of warm and cool, making it incredibly versatile and easy to work with. In this entryway, Shoji White creates a serene and sophisticated backdrop, allowing the pale oak-look tile floors and the subtle gray of the doors to really pop.
It has just enough warmth to prevent the space from feeling sterile, while still maintaining a sense of calm and spaciousness. This is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a neutral that’s both stylish and timeless.
My favorite Pink Beige – SW Patience
Patience (SW 7555) is a beautiful, understated pink beige that adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any room. It’s a sophisticated neutral that works particularly well in spaces with lots of natural light.
In this living room, Patience creates a calming and inviting atmosphere, complementing the soft textures and neutral furnishings. The subtle pink undertones add a hint of romance without being overly feminine, making it a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas.
PRO TIP: many beige carpets have a pink beige undertone. if you use a yellow undertone wall paint, the carpet will look pink. This is a great time for Patience to shine as neither the paint nor the carpet will look pink when they’re used together.
My favorite Yellow Beige – Navajo White
Navajo White (SW 6126) is a classic for a reason! This warm, inviting yellow beige is like a ray of sunshine for your walls. It has a subtle, earthy undertone that adds a touch of coziness without feeling too dark.
In this living room, Navajo White creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complementing the creamy white sofa and golden accents. It’s a versatile choice that works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces, adding a touch of personality and warmth.
My favorite Orange Beige – Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca (SW 7571) is a gorgeous orange beige that exudes warmth and sophistication. It has a subtle richness that makes a space feel both inviting and elegant. In this living room, Casa Blanca adds a touch of drama without being overwhelming.
It pairs beautifully with the warm wood tones and neutral furnishings, creating a cohesive and stylish look. This is a fantastic choice for those who want a neutral with a bit more personality, perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, or even bedrooms.
PRO TIP: this is a great wall color for those of you with orange wood floors as it tones down the orange.
My favorite Green Beige – Wool Skein
Wool Skein (SW 6148) is a lovely green beige that brings a touch of nature indoors. It has a soothing, earthy quality that creates a sense of calm and tranquility. In this bedroom, Wool Skein adds a subtle warmth to the walls, complementing the soft textiles and natural wood tones.
It’s a versatile neutral that works well in a variety of spaces, from bedrooms and living rooms to hallways and home offices. If you’re looking for a neutral that feels both grounded and sophisticated, Wool Skein is a wonderful option.
My favorite Green Grey – Heron Plume
Heron Plume (SW 6070) is a truly unique green gray that adds a touch of understated elegance to any space. It has a calming, almost spa-like quality that makes it perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
In this room, Heron Plume creates a serene and restful atmosphere, allowing the crisp white trim and warm wood floors to stand out. It’s a sophisticated neutral that works beautifully with both cool and warm tones, making it a versatile choice for any home.
Sticking with neutrals, especially in fixed finishes, keeps your home timeless. You can then bring in all the color personality with the soft finishes.
There's More to Neutral Color Palettes Than Sad Beige or Sad Grey
Selecting the right neutral paint involves more than just choosing a shade. It’s about understanding undertones—the subtle hues beneath the main color that influence how it appears in different lighting and alongside other colors. Recognizing these undertones ensures a harmonious and cohesive design.
Without this knowledge, a seemingly perfect neutral can clash with existing décor or create an unintended ambiance. By familiarizing yourself with undertones, you can make informed color choices that enhance your space’s aesthetic and feel.
To help you further, I’ve created a curated collection of neutrals, available as a free download. Get it here 👇🏻
I hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of how to use neutral paint colors in your home. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!
