Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color and How to Use Them

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

 

In the world of interior design, few decisions are as seemingly simple yet surprisingly complex as choosing the right white paint color. While white may appear to be a straightforward choice, the reality is that there exists a vast array of whites, each with its own unique undertones, nuances, and effects on a space. As an interior design firm, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect white paint color to enhance the beauty and atmosphere of your living or working space. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of white paint selection, offering insights and tips to help you make an informed decision.


Understanding the Diversity of White

Contrary to popular belief, not all white paints are the same. In fact, the spectrum of white paint colors is incredibly diverse, ranging from warm, creamy tones to cool, crisp shades. Understanding the underlying undertones of white paint is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic in your space.

Warm Whites: Warm white paints often contain subtle hints of yellow, red, or brown undertones, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These shades pair beautifully with traditional or rustic interior styles, adding a sense of warmth and character to any room.

Cool Whites: On the other end of the spectrum, cool white paints feature undertones of blue, green, or gray, imparting a clean and contemporary feel to a space. These shades are ideal for modern or minimalist interiors, offering a refreshing and serene backdrop for your décor.

Neutral Whites: Situated between warm and cool tones, neutral white paints strike a perfect balance, making them incredibly versatile and adaptable to various design styles. These shades are excellent for creating a timeless and harmonious ambiance, allowing your furnishings and accessories to take center stage.

Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color

  1. Consider Natural Light: The amount of natural light in your space can significantly influence how white paint appears. Rooms with ample sunlight may benefit from cooler white tones to prevent the space from feeling too harsh, while rooms with limited natural light may benefit from warmer whites to add warmth and depth.

  2. Test Paint Samples: Before committing to a white paint color, it's essential to test samples in your space under different lighting conditions. Paint swatches directly onto your walls and observe how the color changes throughout the day, from morning light to evening shadows.

  3. Complement Your Décor: Take into account the existing furnishings, fabrics, and finishes in your space when selecting a white paint color. Choose a shade that harmonizes with your décor elements, whether it's enhancing the warmth of wooden furniture or accentuating the sleekness of metal accents.

  4. Consult with Professionals: When in doubt, seek guidance from experienced interior designers or paint experts who can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. They can help navigate the myriad options available and steer you towards the perfect white paint color for your project.

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

 

Our Top 5 Favorite White Paint Colors

 

Benjamin Moore: Super White

Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.

 
Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck


 

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.

 
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: stone

Benjamin Moore: stone


 

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace

Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.

 
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore


 

Benjamin Moore: OC 151

Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!

 
Photo credit: benjamin moore

Photo credit: benjamin moore

Benjamin Moore: OC-151

Benjamin Moore: OC-151


 

Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!

 
Benjamin moore: Decorators White

Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

photo credit: benjamin moore

photo credit: benjamin moore


Embracing the Power of White Paint

In conclusion, the selection of white paint color is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of undertones, lighting, and design aesthetics. By understanding the diverse range of white shades and following these tips for selection, you can harness the transformative power of white paint to elevate your space with timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you're aiming for a cozy retreat or a contemporary haven, the perfect white paint color awaits to bring your vision to life.


 
 

Need help selecting paint colors, finishes, or environmentally friendly products?

 
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Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Our Favorite Decorative Hardware Right Now

Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.

 

Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.

Here are some of the pieces we are loving right now!

 

 

Modern Matter: Harrison Knob

Why we love it: It’s got texture, color, and character! We love adding metal accents to a make a design statement. Plus, it’s completely customizable; choose from eight gemstones and three different finishes. These vibrant colors are everything!

 

 

Modern Matter: Dogwood Custom Knob - Patina

Why we love it: This delicate looking flower adds a feminine and timeless touch to any furniture piece. While we absolutely love the patina, this knob is also available in three finishes and your choice of seven different semi-precious stones.

 

 

Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull - Polished Brass

Why we love it: These pulls are sure to add luxurious vibes to any room. We love mixing metals into our designs and we are totally here for this polished brass.

 
 
Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull

Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull

 

 

AUZ Design Studio: Small Pyramid Square Knob

Why we love it: These modern square copper knobs add personality to any furniture piece. The finish is so unique and the textured lines on top are subtle and delicate.

 

 

Rocky Mountain Hardware: Emerald Cabinet Knob

Why we love it: This crafted hardware has exquisite detail with a handmade look. Perfect for kitchen cabinets in a traditional or transitional design.

 

 

Rejuvenation: Kennaston Drawer Pull

Why we love it: The sleek design of these pulls adds chic interest. We love the mix of leather and brass! These would be the perfect addition to a sophisticated kitchen.

 

 
 

Need help selecting the perfect decorative hardware for your home? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
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Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow Design Inspiration, SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

our top 5 favorite white paint colors and how to use them

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

 

People often ask us “What’s the perfect white paint color?” This is a difficult question to answer, because it really depends on your space, surrounding elements, lighting, and the design goals you are trying to achieve. Paint color should be the LAST element you select in your design. There are thousands of paint color options out there, and they vary by hue (color), value (lightness to darkness by adding black or white), and intensity (brightness or dullness by adding the complement color). Whites are particularly tricky because they often have undertones of blue, green, yellow, and red that can affect the look of your space.

Picking the perfect paint color takes a trained eye to understand all of the elements in the space and how they work together harmoniously. So I like to rephrase this question to:“ What is the perfect white paint color for your space?”

With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.

 

 

Benjamin Moore: Super White

Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.

 
Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: Super white

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck


 

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.

 
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing

Benjamin Moore: stone

Benjamin Moore: stone


 

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace

Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.

 
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore

Photo Credit: Benjamin moore


 

Benjamin Moore: OC 151

Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!

 
Photo credit: benjamin moore

Photo credit: benjamin moore

Benjamin Moore: OC-151

Benjamin Moore: OC-151


 

Benjamin Moore: Decorators White

Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!

 
Benjamin moore: Decorators White

Benjamin moore: Decorators White

photo credit: benjamin moore

photo credit: benjamin moore


 
Sarah Schwuchow  Photo.jpg
 

Need help selecting the perfect paint colors for your space? Schedule a 2 Hour Paint Consultation with us today!

 
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ASID Illinois' Rising Star, 2019: Sarah Schwuchow

Congratulations to our Owner and Principal Interior Designer, Sarah Schwuchow, who was named as the American Society of Interior Designers Illinois Chapter’s Rising Star for 2019!

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Congratulations to our Owner and Principal Interior Designer, Sarah Schwuchow, who was named as the American Society of Interior Designers Illinois Chapter’s Rising Star for 2019!

The ASID Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging professional who has shown dedication to ASID, the interior design industry, and volunteer efforts & contributions to the design community.

Sarah joined ASID as a student member while attending the Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago in 2011 and was elected Student Chapter President the following year. Under her energetic leadership, the Student Chapter earned two nationally recognized awards: ASID Student Chapter of the Year, 2012 and ASID Community Service and Fundraising Project of the Year, 2012.

Sarah passed the NCIDQ exam in 2018 and is a Registered Interior Designer in Illinois. Later that year, she founded a committee through ASID Illinois to provide educational programming and study skills to design professionals taking the interior design certification exam (NCIDQ). She has enjoyed serving as a mentor to many design students and other emerging professionals. She also became a CIDQ Ambassador in January of this year.

Sarah will begin serving as the ASID Illinois Director of Communications this October, overseeing all communication functions of the Illinois Chapter. She is dedicated to the mission and values of ASID and firmly believes that design impacts lives and is passionate about educating the general public on the profession of Interior Design.


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SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

Know Your Finishes: How to Clean Your Faucet

Maintain your faucets by regularly cleaning them to keep your space looking bright and new for years to come! But before you bust out the bleach, make sure you know what’s safe to use and what to avoid.

Picture your brand new kitchen with a gorgeous matte black faucet. But after a few uses, you can tell it’s ready for a clean up. A clean faucet sets the mood of your kitchen or bathroom and can make all the difference in the appearance of your home. Leave it unclean for too long, and gunk and grime can build up, damaging the finish and dulling your entire space. Maintain your faucets by regularly cleaning them to keep your space looking bright and new for years to come! But before you bust out the bleach, make sure you know what’s safe to use and what to avoid.

“A CLEAN FAUCET CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE”

Know Your Finishes

Check with your manufacturer to find out the finish of your faucet and the best way to clean it. Certain chemicals and cleaning tools can scratch or dull finishes.

Many sink & shower fixtures can now be manufactured with antimicrobial technology built in to keep your faucets hygienic between cleanings. However, if improperly maintained, this coating can be damaged by harsh cleaners or abrasive brushes.

Things To Avoid

Industrial and abrasive cleaners, bleach-based cleaners, anything labeled “all-purpose bathroom cleaner”, heavy duty scrub sponges, rough cloths & brushes. These products can permanently damage the beautiful finish of your faucet and best to avoid them at all costs.



Safe Solutions

So, what is safe to use on your faucet? Simple dish soap and water is a good place to start. Use a soft, soapy cloth to gently wipe down the surface and rinse well. Dry with a separate cloth and buff until it shines.

If your faucet still looks dull or dirty, try using a mixture of white vinegar/water. Simply dip a soft cloth into the mixture and spot clean.

Hard water stains or lime and calcium buildup can be difficult or impossible to remove with a cloth, especially if left to accumulate. Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and baking soda. Simply wet the toothbrush, dip into baking soda, and scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Make sure you check with your manufacturer beforehand, but this method is safe for most finishes.

Chemical cleaners like Formula 409® Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner, Fantastik® All-Purpose Cleaner, Windex® Original Glass Cleaner are also great products to use on most faucets, but again, check with your manufacturer for a full list of approved cleaners.


Ask For Advice

If you are ever unsure if a cleaning product is safe, always ask the manufacturer before trying it. Your Interior Designer can also assist you in finding the right cleaning techniques for your particular faucet.


 
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Need help finding the perfect plumbing fixtures for your kitchen or bathroom? Schedule a design consultation today!

 

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