Everyone wants to know the best white paint color for walls and trim – I get this question all the time!
You all know how much I like COLOR, but there is a place and time for everything. And on occasion, it’s the place and time for white paint on the walls and trim. This space felt choppy and small because of all the color shifts in the room. Notice all the changes, starting from the top of the photo and going down: yellow family room ceiling, white crown molding (in family room), green room header between family room and kitchen, yellow kitchen ceiling, white crown molding (in kitchen), green wall, white countertop, brown island, orange wood floors.
before
By painting the ceilings, trim, and walls out in white paint, we made the space feel open and larger. Now the same color (white) extends from the top of the photo all the way down to the dark island. Isn’t it much more pleasant and peaceful to the eye?
There are other whites I sometimes use, but
the best white paint color for walls and trim is Benjamin Moore White Dove.
It’s the perfect warm white – it has a very slight yellow undertone, but it isn’t discernable to most. It reads like an ever-so-slightly grayed white. Benjamin Moore White Dove is what we used in this space.
Another reason to use white paint on walls and trim is to downplay odd angles and architecture. Although the area beneath the stairs was a very efficient place to tuck in storage and a television . . .
before
it looks so much better when it isn’t outlined by all the green wall paint that was around it previously. The change in paint colors drew more attention to awkward angles, and now the best white paint color for walls and trim make the architecture less choppy.
The Decorologist
I hear designers speak of choosing two different whites in the same room – one for the trim and one for the wall. But do you want to know a shocking secret? When you use the same white paint in two different sheens (eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim), they don’t look the same! That’s right, the wall and trim in these photos are the same exact color, only in different sheens. Here’s the why: the higher the sheen, the lighter any color will appear. A shiny White Dove will read lighter and whiter than a flatter finish of White Dove. So in most cases, there is really no reason to do two different whites unless you are looking to get more contrast than this:
The Decorologist
You’ll notice we changed out that ugly ceiling fan. The previous window treatments blocked too much of the natural light, so we freshened the windows with new window panels and nixed the roman shades altogether. Here’s the before:
before
White is a great choice if you have a room with lots of natural light. I don’t typically use it in rooms with very little natural light, because it can look shadowy and dull. Fabrics with lighter backgrounds and metallics like polished nickel and wintergold lightened up this room, too.
We kept the slipcovered sofa and natural fiber rug, but found a fun coffee table to replace the heavy dark one from before. The new art looks more in keeping with the fresh, new look of the space.
Ok, I know you’re dying to see more of the fabulous kitchen. The homeowners upgraded their kitchen with white cabinetry and marble countertops several years ago, but a few tweaks were needed. The island pendants were super-small and dark:
before
I chose these oversized lantern style pendants to take the kitchen up a notch. My client and her husband were initially worried the lights would be too large.
after
They’re perfect, right??? Here’s the room from the opposite angle. Notice how all the changes in colors look choppy:
before
But not anymore! Everything blends beautifully in the best white paint color for walls and trim:
after
The darker fabrics are about to say goodbye:
before
To make way for white washable slipcovers and BARE windows. With no privacy or light control issues in the breakfast nook, we opted to keep things as light as possible and forgoing window treatments here.
after
Are you all confused now after reading the post dripping with sarcasm about Ben’s and Sherwin’s Color of the Year? Well, like I said before: there’s a time and place for everything, and this house proves it!
So now my clients are moving to a new house, and guess what color they have chosen for their main interior color? White Dove, of course. They must think it’s the best white paint color for walls and trim, too! The new owner made an offer after being the first person to view it after staging, and happens to be a famous author whose book was #1 on the New York bestseller’s list for OVER A YEAR! That’s all I can tell you about that, but let’s just say she thinks this beautiful house has some divine secrets . . .
If paint color fascinates you like it does me, there is SO MUCH TO LEARN about how to use it in your home and the homes of your clients. Let me rock your world with color in my new ONLINE color course – and be sure to check out all the 5-star reviews!!!
Once again, you nailed it in this space and in the entire home. Thank you for sharing your God-given talent with others….you are doing exactly what you have been called to do my friend, and it shows!
Awww, you are so sweet to say that – thank you for the ongoing encouragement, it means a lot to me!!!
That is the most incredible before and after, especially since it consisted almost entirely of simply painting the walls white. What a beautiful home. That coffee table is so cool. Where did you get it, if you don’t mind sharing?
Georgianna,
I found the table at Bliss Home in Nashville. Thank you for the compliment!
Thanks! I wish I could come to a staging class. It would be so fun to learn how to do this from you!
I’d love to have you, Georgianna! Maybe someday!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Thank you so much 🙂
If white can look shadowy in a room without a lot of natural light, what would you suggest if I want to keep a light palette? I have a north facing bedroom with small dormer windows and to be honest, every color I’ve tried on there has looked different dingy and shadowy including a light yellow. We have Brookline Beige in there now and it has never looked good even when it was in style! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
The only color that I’ve found that will “lighten” a dark room without natural light is yellow. I like Philadelphia Cream and Hawthorne Yellow (both Benjamin Moore)in spaces with limited light. My best advice is to add lots of artificial lighting in the way of lamp light and maybe sconces.
Lamps!
It’s been a minute (6 years), and I’m curious what white paint you would suggest now. I still live white dove… but there are soooo many to choose from!
GREAT example photos Kristie that clearly show the power of white!
Thank you, Lara! I love this house so much 🙂
As usual….perfection.
WOW!!! I love it. You do such beautiful work.
Could you do a post for the best white for an exterior paint? My house has charcoal roofing and vanilla bean ( which looks creme) painted brick. If I paint dove white will that be too light since it gets full sun? thanks!
Dee,
I like a whiter (vs. creamier) white on exteriors with a gray roof. Creamier whites are better with brown roofs. So I think you definitely could do White Dove on the exterior as long as there isn’t creamy stone or unpainted brick to deal with!
Kristie,
Thanks so much for the information. My husband is a general contractor and I am a real estate agent, decorator, laborer and more:) I also LOVE color and always have but I am on a “white” kick lately. I used a SW Alpaca (gray) on our last four projects and I think I am going to venture out and go “white” on our latest purchase to renovate and sell. The interior on this one is not near as open as the houses we build or renovate as I have no walls I can remove. I am second guessing myself on the exterior but I want to do a “creamy” paint on the masonite siding with black shutters, large black lanterns, etc. The roof is brown with some black in it. Do you have a suggestion on exterior color?
Simply gorgeous! I love the transformation.
Thank you, Cindy 🙂
Beautiful! Hard to tell though what color their cabinets are ?One question I have is; do you need to be careful of white dove walls against white stock cabinets? Is it ok to have white dove walls and a stark white or linen white stock cabinets?
Great question, and a very important one! The cabinets were a close match to White Dove – we tested whites against it to make sure it would appear to be the same white. If you have white cabinets, it is very important to choose a white that matches the cabinetry. If you don’t, the darker of the two whites will look kinda dirty and the brighter white will stick out (not in a good way). I always start with my client’s desires for the space, but I NEVER forget that the existing finishes are hugely important to the outcome. If your cabinets are too stark white, you can paint the trim in the room the same white. Then perhaps choose a warmer white for the wall. In another project, I used Chantilly Lace (a whiter white) for trim and Classic Gray (a warmer white) for the walls. Here’s a link to that: https://thedecorologist.com/heaven-on-earth-the-right-paint-colors-for-belgian-chic/
Gosh this post was from two years ago, but it’s resonating with me now! We’re painting our dreary beige walls and trim white. I’m thinking about White Dove for the walls and Decorator’s White for the trim and cabinets. Are they too close per your comment above? I’m really nervous about choosing the wrong combo. I want clean white trim (we have a lot of it in baseboards and molding) but a warmer white wall. Thank you in advance!
Jenifer,
It may work, but your walls will read yellowish in comparison to the Decorator White. One combo I do like that might fit your bill, would be BM Chantilly Lace for cabinets/trim and Classic Gray (reads like a warm white)for walls. Good luck!
Thank you, Kristie! I love Classic Gray but really want to go with white. I’ve been thinking (obsessing is probably more accurate) about this article (and re-reading the comments) and have decided to go with White Dove for trim, ceiling and cabinets as you’ve suggested! I feel good about my decision and really appreciate your advice! :))
Awesome, I think it’ll look great!
One final question I promise…Would you choose semi-gloss for the cabinets/trim over satin?
Depends on the look you want, Jenifer. Most people want a factory-finish look, so they go with satin. I prefer semi-gloss because it will better match the trim and looks less modern (I live in a historic home).
Hi Jenifer,
We are thinking of doing the same thing as you – BM white dove for kitchen cabinets, wall and trim, as we also want white on white. How did yours turn out??
WOW! We’re building a new home so you’ll be hearing from me in the fall!
Oh man!!! Drop dead gorgeous. All of it. The before and after pics are jaw dropping. It all looks so seamless. I don’t have enough natural light in my home to pull this off (and your tips on who can/should saved many readers from running out to the paint store lol) but I would if I could….Oh! I would!! Now I’m racking my brain to figure out how to make my kitchen/dining area look more cohesive. Great, inspiring, drool worthy post!! lol
Thank you so much, Robin! I love how paint can be so transformative!!
Absolutely a stunning and inspirational make over!
Thanks, Ginny – I enjoy your makeovers, as well! Have a great week!
Beautiful work again, Kristie, as usual! Thanks for generosity in always sharing to help us all live better and more beautiful lives! Helen
You are so sweet, Helen! Thank you for the encouragement 🙂
This looks so nice and what a transformation! We are about to paint and now I’m second guessing our choices. We thought it would look good to pop the white trim but now I’m wondering. Our home does have a lot of natural light. The color on the walls now is BM Navajo White with a bright white trim (don’t know the color). I’ve always felt like the Navajo was a little bland and too yellowish. We are looking at SW Simplify Beige or SW Sand Dollar. Any advice?
Yet another SO gorgeous project. I would have thought those lights would be too large, also, but they are PERFECT! Great job, Kristie, and thanks for sharing it. I learn so much from you!
Thank you, Carol! I love how large light fixtures make a statement, and these really took the kitchen to the next level!
Lovely job as always! Would you share where the source for pendant lighting in the kitchen?
Heather,
Those lights are from Graham’s Lighting in Franklin, TN.
One of my go to whites also! Especially for kitchen cabinets. The rooms looks so fresh and modern. Great job as usual.
These before and after photos are amazing! Feel and look so fresh and clean. Great job!
Thank you so much, Yolanda 🙂
What do you think about BJ White Chocolate everywhere? So far it’s just on trim & I’ve got a ridiculous number of colors that have got to go in order to get ready for selling.
Thank you for simplifying what can often be an agonizing choice, Christie. And I feel extra lucky, since you’ve featured my favorite, White Dove! I love the idea of using the same color, but in different finishes — genius! As a color lover, I’ve been through the stage (pardon the pun, lol) of painting each room a different wall color…but now I want more of a neutral backdrop with colorful art and accessories.
Hi Kristine, would you recommend white or ivory as a sofa colour against the white dove? Thank yiu for your beautiful work!
Heather,
These slipcovered sofas are a bit whiter than White Dove. Either is fine, so long as you repeat each of the whites you use a few times in the space. In other words, if the sofa is super white and the walls are off-white, make sure there are other things in the room that are super white and off-white, so that the mixing of the whites looks intentionally. I hope that helps!
One word: GORGEOUS!
You are awesome Kristie.
I love it so much I had to share this post with one of my staging clients who just bought a new house and loves the clean, crisp white look. 🙂
Thank you, Keti! I could move right in to this one 🙂
Great article, I am working on a plan for painting our fairly new-to-u- house. Your Essential Paint Color guide is invaluable! I’m ready to get some samples to test this week. I cannot wait to paint the trim – for some reason the people that built this house chose Rocky Road for all the trim, doors, laundry cabinets and mudroom lockers. It is so icky! Pretty much ANY white would have been a better choice.
advise to paint ceilings the same color too or lighter?
Same color, but in flat finish!
What if you have a lot of millwork and coiffured ceilings? What finish would you recommend as the ceiling is actually moulding as well?
All millwork/architecture would be semigloss trim finish. For a coffered ceiling, I’d do white, all-gloss, on the whole thing (no flat ceiling paint)!
Hey! Thanks for your post! I’ve been debating on doing this color in my dance studio and could not find any information about having two different white or one for the walls and trim. So just to verify, you painted the ceiling, walls, and trim ALL in White Dove? Just in different sheens (flat, eggshell, and gloss?). Thanks again! Looks fabulous!
Ashley, yes – all the same color, but in different sheens! Glad to help!
Is the ceiling in White Dove as well? If not, can you share the color, please. Forgive me if I missed in the article.
I’ve spent two months looking at the nuances of about six whites—and I keep coming back to White Dove.
I made the mistake of painting only a small sample on a wall in a couple rooms–and I just focused only on the undertone (as you mentioned can look a bit creamy in some lighting conditions)—and not the overall effect it would have on the room.
I see that BM changed the formula of White Dove in November of 2014. Not sure of the change—some say it was in response to some coverage issue (online there was mention of more yellow, less black)—but have you noticed any difference in the color?
Hey! BEEE-UUUU-TI-FULLLLLL!! Love it!
I read one of these comments and it sounds like you don’t recommend the all-white idea in a room with little natural light. Is that right? Also, my kitchen cabinets are a cream/towards pale yellow—would the white walls/trim work in there? Thanks! Jill
I’m going to paint my entire interior white dove, walls and trim.
Just talked with my painter, who thought eggshell walls and semi gloss trim using Regal BM in white dove are the sheens to use. I’m so hung up on choosing proper sheen for the walls and thought PEARL white dove walls and Semi gloss white dove trim would be better. Please help me get over this ridiculous indecisive detail.
Why am I stuck on deciding between Pearl and Eggshell walls? Because I’m afraid the Eggshell/Semi gloss might be too much of a contrast and Pearl/Semi gloss might give me too much shine in the walls.
Help!
Eggshell/Semi is my vote, Kim!
amazing. very good job. Pls can you give advice. I am painting a house off white and will want to know what fun colour I can use to add light in the sitting room area. pls what do u advice. thanks a lot
Hello!
Love this, I’m inspired! What is your take on Sherwin Williams Alabaster? Also, is the ceiling painted the same white as well? What type of finish? Thank you!
This room is gorgeous and just what we would love. I’ve seen so many great white rooms online and usually the paint color listed, but no one ever mentions the color/brand of flooring they use.
Could you tell me the flooring used in this room or one that would go along with this type of room.
Sarah,
These are the original hardwood floors from the 1940s.
I love what you’ve done with white. I’m currently having my kitchen cabinets sanded and prepped for painting. I want to paint the cabinets white. New granite counters are going to be grey/white-ish color. Walls are going to be a true light grey.
I’m stuck on choosing the right shade of white for the cabinets. Can’t decide between BM Chantilly Lace or BM white dove. I’ve been warned about going too stark white on the cabinets. But I don’t want the cabinets to look too yellowish or beigey either. Any advice you could offer would be immensely appreciated.
I have an easy answer for you – paint your cabinets the same paint color as your trim. If you don’t, one will look dirty in comparison to the other!
Hi, I’m so glad I found this site! I just booked painters to do dove white in all my walls, but I have white cabinets. My trim is simply white. So should I paint my cabinets simply white or is that too Stark? I saw an Instagram post of someone using Acadia white on walls of kitchen with white dove cabinets and white dove walls everywhere else. My house is open concept so I’m not sure how I’d do that. Totally stuck.
Do you use Benjamin Moore Advance paint for trim?
So much nicer, however, the darker lighting and (every day living) clutter in the before pictures contribute to a heavier feeling. Would be nice to see the clutter cleared in the before pictures to get a truer sense of change. That said, the rooms look fabulous in white.
Thank you for your comment! If you notice, the photos were taken at about the same time of day (you can see the light outside in both are similar). The reason why the room was darker is because of the heavier window treatments that covered the upper portion of the windows and because of the dark wall colors. The lighter colors of the walls, art, window treatments, and accessories made the whole space feel lighter than before.
I know I’m late to the party, but this room turned out gorgeous! In addition to the lighter accessories, I can’t help but wonder if you may have also changed the light bulbs. I often find that the coolness/warmth of light bulbs can make or break the look you’re going for… Were the bulbs addressed in this room’s redesign at all?
Hi Alison,
Thank you for the complement! I always address light bulbs! LED bulbs in Soft White are my favorite, and they help keep the wall color looking accurate. You’ll notice that no lights are on in the after photos, because artificial lighting of any kind alters the wall colors in photographs. Those amber glass pendants that were over the island certainly didn’t help either. But the wall/ceiling color changes made the most impact in this space. There was a lot of choppy color going on in there!
What about the color of the ceiling? Dove in flat?
White Dove in flat finish
Love the before and after! Can you tell me the fabric name you used for the pillow and curtains? I think they’re great!
hi Kristie, would your tip for painting the windows black,”macara tecnique”,look pretty with an all white dove painted living room as you described ? also… i was thinking of putting a saphpire colored sectional in the white dove living room, would that match or do you have a better idea? thank you!
The black eyeliner on the windows would look stunning with a room painted white. I’ve done it! I think a jewel-toned sofa would be gorgeous – just be sure to repeat some of that color in some art or fabric elsewhere in the room, and it should be lovely!!! Thanks for reading, Judy.
Could you tell me the paint company that makes Leeds Castle paint color -you posted on the LP siding company website regarding paint colors that go with gray roofs. Thank you. Love your website .
Hi Joyce,
The closest match to Leeds Castle is Benjamin Moore White Dove!
Hi,
Would you mind sharing the brand and name of the fabric used on the curtains?
Cindy,
These are only available to the trade – they aren’t retail, sorry!
I really enjoyed your post and what an amazing transformation! I learned more about color from this post than any other post I’ve read so far. I have been scouring photos and reading blogs trying to figure out what would give my home a more seamless look. My biggest concern is that I have wide oak trim throughout my home and it makes things feel quite “heavy”. I think I have narrowed down the wall color to BM edge comb gray. My doors are painted, not stained however which makes things even harder. Would you suggest painting the doors white dove or edgecomb gray? I don’t know how the white dove will look next to oak plus I’m also afraid there will be too many breaks i.e.. oak trim, white door, edge comb gray walls. Is there a rule for painting door and wall colors? I am hoping to eventually paint my kitchen cabinets white dove so I will be painting the ceilings white dove. I am also open for suggestions if you have any color palette ideas that compliment oak trim. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks a million.
What do you think about all sheens being eggshell? Ceiling, walls, trim. Bad idea?
Yep, bad idea. It’ll look builder grade if you do that. It’s the cheap, easy way to go and that’s how it will look – like you just spray painted the entire room the same. You need sheen variations for depth and dimension.
Getting ready to paint exterior of new construction home near the ocean and really want to go white on white. It has a blue roof and two cupulas with blue roofs. Do you think Dove white would work? If so what sheens would you suggest? also any sherwin Williams suggestions?
Ben Moore White Dove would be great – Sherwin Williams Pure White is similar. You don’t need to do different sheens on exterior trim and body – most painters do an exterior flat because the light reflecting off sheen can be glaring on an exterior.
I typically use eggshell for my walls but recently have started using flat since my walls have the “builder” texture on the walls. I don’t consider this textured look an upgrade and thought I should try to downplay it? I’m currently painting my bedroom back to white -with same white color on all trim work (semi) and ceiling(flat) . Then painting the bottom third of the wall in a flat black topped off with a white Chair rail (semi). So my question is to get the most luxury look and not builders, should I go back to using eggshell on the wall for both the black and white two-tone instead of flat? My room gets natural light that’s filtered through blinds and curtains. Thanks in advance:)
Hi!
Beautiful transformation! Do you have a source for the light above the breakfast room table? 🙂
Hi!
Beautiful transformation! Do you have a source for the light above the breakfast room table? 🙂
I am torn right now between Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Swiss Coffee. I am painting my entire house (interior) the same color…trim, walls and ceilings (in the different finishes of course). Most of my furniture and bedding is white or ivory/cream and my sofa is a deep brown. I also have some blues in my decor. I will have subway tile in my kitchen and hardwood floors throughout. Which of the two do you suggest? I generally lean towards a more creamy white which is making me think Swiss coffee but I still like white dove. I am so torn.
Michelle,
Since your choices are so similar and you are talking about whites, I suggest you buy a few pints of both – in both your trim and wall finishes, and test them on a wall/trim section in your home to compare the effect. Be sure to choose a wall in a room where you spend a good deal of time, opposite windows where the light typically comes in – and be sure to paint your test swatches on the same wall so that you are viewing the same lighting conditions for each. I usually suggest making up painted boards, but in the case of these two whites, I’d instead test directly on a two foot section of base molding and 2×2 section of drywall directly above the base molding. Good luck – I hope it turns out great!
After testing these I am still not sure. My biggest problem is the rooms we are in the majority of the day are west facing and really dark. Do you have a suggestion for another BM color to try in the white/off-white category? I’ve read you have to be careful in painting low-light rooms all white or off-white.
We are contemplating repainting our kitchen cabinets White Dove, but the trim throughout our house is BM Decorator’s White. Is there a way to mix the two without repainting all of the trim in the house?
Hi
I have a old railroad apartment in NYC. First floor, with very little natural light. I feel like a troll. I have one exposed brick wall. I am thinking painting brick wall white and all the others white except maybe one small
wall with bookcase on one side something that will pop. Calalenti (sp) red or something dramatic. Keep reading white makes rooms smaller but I am sooo tired of grey and beiges. Any suggestions? It can be artsy
funky suggestions too. Apartment has not been renovated in 30 years so paint job is my only hope.
I’m going to be doing my sunroom in White Dove eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim. It’s a narrow room with one long wall of windows, and the ceiling slants down towards the windows (so when you enter the room you are looking at both the ceiling and the shorter wall of windows). For this sort of visible slanted ceiling would you still recommend flat finish? Or keep it eggshell like the walls? It’s a full slant since the room is only 9 feet deep to begin with and the sunroom was attached to the house decades ago. My highest ceiling is barely 8 feet. =X
Maria,
I’d probably do eggshell on both the walls and the slants!
Thank you, I’ll go with eggshell! Feeling very inspired by this beautiful home! 🙂
Beautiful transformation!! 2 questions: my kitchen cabinets are painted BM Simply White. However all of the trim in my home is SW Dover White. My kitchen backsplash is more of a creamy ivory, so I did a corresponding color on the walls to match backsplash (can’t recall the BM color name). After reading your article, should I have done my kitchen walls in BM simply white to match cabs, or would that have made my backsplash stick out in a bad way?
Unrelated question: I am renovating a cape cod home with slanted ceilings on 2nd floor and I want to do an all-white (BM White Dove!) interior with black interior doors. Since ceilings are slanted on 2nd floor, just paint them the same sheen (eggshell) as walls?
Thank you so much!!
This is a beautiful transformation.
We just moved into a house and had most of the house painted a light grey called Miners Dust from Dunn Edwards. We are now looking to paint kitchen cabinets and deciding on colors. More than likely they will be white. Since the walls are the light grey which goes down to the trim, we are thinking of either BM White Dove or another white color from BM. The kitchen gets very dark in the late afternoon so definitely thinking of what would be the best contrast color. Appreciate your input. Thank you
Paula,
If you are doing white kitchen cabinet, they absolutely need to be the same white and finish as the trim in that room. Otherwise the cabinets or trim (depending which is whitest) will make the other appear dirty. If you don’t like your existing trim color, then paint in the same as what you choose for the cabinetry. Good luck!
Hello Kristie, I am so desiring for your comments about White Dove to be true but not finding it to be the case in my home that is being built. I am hoping you have explanation for what appears to be blue hue that is persistent on my White Dove painted eggshell walls in my new home. All walls of my ne to east facing rooms are showing blue tint all over the room and with the halogen lights used (since electrical is not finished) at night the same. I am seeing in nooks where there is no light, the beautiful full off white/cream you speak of and was anticipating thru out the home. What are your thoughts and should I stop our painters from painting?l!
Pamela,
Halogen lights have a blue cast, I would use soft white versions of LED bulbs so that doesn’t make the walls change color. As for natural daytime light, I’m not sure what could be going on. What part of the country are you in? Sometimes exterior colors (like blue skies and green foliage) can reflect their colors onto white paint, but it’s more likely that your paint is not mixed properly. This happens more often than you think, so I would check to make sure the mixed color is correct and matches Benjamin Moore White Dove exactly – dab the actual paint onto a paper swatch of White Dove, then blow dry with a hair dryer. Does it look exactly the same? I have never seen it go blue, and I have used White Dove so many times! I’m so sorry you are having trouble – let us know after you check the color match.
Hi Kristie, I finally decided on painting my living room, dining room and hallway in White Dove after seeing your pics. I have high ceilings and my windows are Cedar wood, I have a lot of Walnut and dark furniture with cream and light blue upholstery. Not sure if that matters but I’m wondering what colour and finish do I paint the ceilings and trim?
Thank you
On a south-facing room, will white dove look dingy?
Correction: in a south facing room, will the ceiling look dingy if I paint it white dove?
It won’t look dingy if the trim in that room is also BM White Dove. Don’t do ceiling White Dove unless your trim is White Dove!
Hello Kristie,
I’m painting my south facing living room, dining room and hallway in white dove.
My girlfriend says I should paint the trim, stairs and ceiling in white so I chose chantilly lace. Would you paint the face of the stairs in pearl and the trim in semi-gloss?
Chantal,
I would use the same finish on both the trim and stair risers, so semi-gloss all the way!
Hi Kristie, great article and very timely for me! I have had advice from a designer to choose a different shade of white to paint on the walls, but I am not entirely sure I like the suggested colors. The cabinets are Simply White, as will be the trim in the room. Colors suggested for the walls and ceiling have been Silver Satin and Ballet White. Ballet White seemed too dirty looking next to the cabinet color and silver satin is pretty, but am worried about it looking too cool in our west facing room. We had discussed White Dove as well, but she seemed to thing it wouldn’t provided enough contrast. Some added info, flooring is a medium warm toned luxury vinyl planking. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Karen, I’d suggest you go Simply White on the walls in an eggshell finish. Like you see in this room, painting the same color in a different finish will give you a bit of contrast – but you won’t have to worry about anything looking too dirty or too bright against the opposing white!
Beautiful. Did you use White Dove for the ceiling as well? What sheen did you use on the walls and the trim?
Hi Michelle,
Yes – I specified White Dove in flat finish for the ceiling. Eggshell on the walls, semigloss on the trim.
I saw your post and went with White Dove eggshell on the walls (looks amazing!), but we used Chantilly Lace on the trims (we really like the contrast) – we want to go with White Dove in flat for the ceiling – but in one of your comments you suggested not doing that unless the trims are also in Dove White (with a different finish). Would it look really bad if we still went with the White Dove (flat) for the ceiling?
Tay, I would instead go with the trim color in a flat finish – so in your case, Chantilly Lace! Keeping it the same as the trim color will give you a fresher look 🙂
Hey Kristie!! I am thinking about doing Dove white everywhere, does this include by Kitchen cabinets too? in the Semi gloss? So flat for ceiling, eggshell on walls and semigloss for trim AND cabinets? Thank you so very much!
Yes mam, that will be lovely, Lauren!
The transformation is simply stunning! I’m painting my kitchen cabinets in White Dove using Benjamin Moore ADVANCE. The entire room is White Dove – ceiling is flat finish, trim is semigloss, walls either matte or eggshell.
My question is what finish should I use on the cupboards – BM ADVANCE in pearl, semigloss or matte? I am curious as to which Benjamin Moore grey you would use on kitchen walls with White Dove cabinets. Would really appreciate any suggestions.
Lily,
I would suggest pearl or semigloss on the cabinets. Many people prefer the factory-finish look of pearl, but I like semigloss because then it perfectly matches the trim and cleaning is easier the higher the sheen. There are any number of grays you could do on the walls, if you prefer not to do White Dove there. I’d keep it light, though, so there’s not a ton of contrast. What kind of countertops do you have? It would need to complement the countertops, for sure.
This is just gorgeous. Such a transformation and it photographs so well!!
Did you use the wall paint on the ceiling as well or get a different white/finish for the ceiling?
Thanks, Brittany! Same white on ceiling, but in flat finish.
Hi Kristie. Thanks so much for sharing. The transformation is beautifully done. I am painting White Dove on walls, ceiling , and trims like you suggested. Was thinking of painting my kitchen cabinets Revered Pewter. Would you recommend this color or can you recommend another Gray for the kitchen cabinets. Also its been a challenge on the color to paint my brick fireplace in my all White Dove room. Countertops will be selected after i choose my colors. Would greatly appreciate any help.
Lori,
I recommend you choose your countertops FIRST. If you choose your cabinet color first, you will severely limit your countertop choices, which are much more limited than paint options – and more expensive! Start there, then choose your cabinet colors – I hope that helps!
Hi Kristie,
l love all your suggestions and comments. Now it’s my turn to ask you a question…………
i live in a townhouse that faces north and we get alot of the hot sun here in Florida so we have the tendancy to keep the blinds and curtains closed to keep the air from running all day. I have the Ikea white slipcovered furniture and my home is mostly blues & off whites. I LOVE SW White Dove however a lot of the time our rooms appear semi dark because we keep the windows covered during the hottest of months.
What are your thoughts about most of the house being painted in White Dove and would you do the trim and ceiling in the same color?
Have medium gray flooring and espresso cabinets in the kitchen can I still use White Dove? Have White Dove walls and trim in the adjacent family room. similar to the layout presented in your pics.
Absolutely, White Dove should work fine with your flooring and cabinets!
Stunning transformation!😀. I wouldn’t have known they were the same home/rooms! I want to repaint our small home (interior). I absolutely feel cheerful and peaceful in an all white home! I just don’t have the eye or skill selecting the right whites. I don’t want undertones of gray , yellow or red. I wouldn’t be concerned about a cool white in summers. But I don’t want the home to feel chilly in winter. I want the warm cozy feel for these Indiana winters! Our builder installed cabinetry is sort of an off white or light cream. I don’t See yellow undertones. But doesn’t mean they aren’t. I just know they aren’t a deep/dark cream. My concern is selecting a white that won’t look dirty or won’t make the cabinets look dirty, but still look like a nice light and airy fresh cozy kitchen. Not much light in winter bc the kitchen faces west of an open concept family rm/kitchen combo. The fam rm has a few south facing windows but the back of the house (these rooms) is blocked by the alley-loaded garage. Otherwise , these rooms would get nice southern exposure. Can you lend advise, please? There’s a north facing bedroom and 2 bathrooms that are causing me ‘paint stress’. The bathrooms bc one doesn’t have windows. And both have the same cabinetry as kitchen. Thank you so very much in advance. You truly have a gift!!🤗
Tess, you’ll need to get a bunch of white samples and lay them next to your cabinet white. Comparing those will help you see the undertones. If you see one lean yellow, or blue, or pink, then they have different undertones and you shouldn’t use it in that room. If you don’t see an undertone, they have the SAME undertone, and it’s a good one to use! I hope that helps – but if you need additional help, I provide phone/online consultations to clients across the country. Contact my office manager at [email protected] and she’ll let you know how that works.
In my opinion, one should paint crown moulding with a darker color than the ceiling to draw the eye upwards. This appears to make the ceiling rise. It makes room look bigger. And paint the trim the same color as or a lighter shade than the wall color to make the walls feel like they are receding.
Thanks for the post! My kitchen cabinets, trim, and walls are all BM Linen White painted several years ago. I love the look of walls and trim painted same color in different sheen. I now want to paint the adjoining dining room (they aren’t really open to each other but you can see into each room from the other) white on white as well, but the BM Linen White is really creamier than I want in the rest of the house. I can’t change the cabinet color so I’m stuck with Linen White in the kitchen. White Dove looks fabulous in the dining room, but I think it doesn’t transition well into the kitchen because Linen White is much creamier. Any suggestion for how I can continue with a white on white color scheme without going as creamy as Linen White in the rest of the house? Maybe mix some White Dove with Linen White to create a transitional color? Thank you!
I have same issue – all trim in house is BM Linen White. Want to paint walls White Dove. Will this work also?
HI.
I am new to decorating, but came across your site and loved it. I especially loved this room and am thinking about doing something similar in my kitchen (except I have dark cabinets). I love the curtains. Do you know where I could find these?
Thanks.
Sheri
Hi Sheri! The curtains are to-the-trade only. If you are interested, I can get you pricing. You can send me an email if you want more info: [email protected]
Hi Kristie, Happy New Year! Your article has been incredibly helpful, but I could still use your help in focusing in my selections. I am doing white walls, trim, cabinets, etc. in our home that we’re remodeling. I will also have a white brick fireplace in the living room with reclaimed wood mantel and shelves on the side. We also want to paint our outside brick white. Gosh, I never knew I loved the clean white look so much but also never knew there so many whites to choose from haha!! A designer friend suggested alabaster walls with snowbound trim and cabinets and said no semi gloss anywhere. Sigh, at first I was on board but now I’m not sure if I agree. I’d like a soft white color on the walls (not overwhelmingly white but a crisp white and not too yellow – I fear alabaster is a bit yellowy) and the a trim and cabinets that are just a shade brighter white so that they stand out and create some demension. I love love Simply White, White Dove and Snowbound but I’m just so torn on which whites to choose, which finish, ceiling finish, etc. Help!? 🙂 Appreciate any guidance you can provide as I’m currently feeling overwhelmed by all the various combos and finishes to choose from. Thanks!!!
Hi Kristie. I may have already asked this question but I need to amend part of it. Here goes.
I have Cambria Ironsbridge countertops. White Dove seems like a good choice but I’m having doubts as the kitchen is north facing. Afraid the cabinets might look a bit dirty. Is this still a good choice or would another Ben Moore work better?
Appreciate any help you can offer.
Marilyn,
I’m pretty sure I answered your question about what white to choose with Ironsbridge the other day, but I’m not seeing it here – did you delete it, by chance? I thought you were asking about wall color – are you now asking about cabinet color, and do you plan on using a different white for the walls and trim?
So, if I paint cabinets white dove, can my ceiling by Swiss coffee? My cabinets go go all the way to my ceiling
We’re using white dove on our walls with oxford white kitchen cabinets. The white is coming out looking yellow.
Zorah,
I always recommend using the same white on both cabinets, trim, and walls if you are doing an all-white kitchen. Mixing two different whites can be problematic and brings out the undertone of one or the other white, as you are clearly seeing! 🙁
Kristie… Wonderful article, GORGEOUS transformation, and amazing insight in the comments. I am still, however, stuck. Closing on a new home soon where the existing trim, kitchen cabinets & all builtins are White Dove (semi gloss). Love it! Going to stick with that, and paint the walls White Dove as well (matte). I am torn on the ceiling. The home is a small cape-style house with 7-8ft ceilings… I really want to brighten & open up the space and was thinking Simply White (or ceiling white) for the ceiling, but I’m worried that will make our White Dove walls & trims look yellow. On that other hand, I am worried white dove ceilings, trim & walls will feel like the rooms are closing in. Thoughts? Thank you SO so much!
P.S. where is that living room light fixture from???
Rachel,
White Dove in flat is the best thing you can paint those ceilings, I can assure you! There is simply no reason to go whiter on the ceiling, as White Dove will read lighter on the ceiling than on your walls. I would have no concerns whatsoever about the rooms feeling as though they are closing in (??), but would be more concerned that a different white on the ceiling would draw too much attention and do exactly what you mentioned: make the walls and trim look yellow. Best of luck!
I just had my oak cabinets resurfaced/painted white dove. I’m trying to find a gray color for the walls. I’m a bit overwhelmed with the many shades of gray. Any suggestions? Also, should the trim , chair rail, and baseboard be painted white dove? They are currently white along with the pantry doors. Thank you for your suggestions. Love your decorating eye!
Betty,
Yes, the trim should be the same color and finish as the cabinetry! I can’t speak to the gray for the walls, as it depends on your countertops, backsplash, etc. The gray should be light and tie in with the fixed elements, for sure.
So pretty!! I wish my Colorado home could take the white Dove like your home did. We have painted it recently on our new build. The kitchen turned quite yellow, to the point I had to paint entire Kitchen cabinets Decorators White. It looks so much better now. The countertop really changed how the paint looked, once they were installed, They are bright white Synergy quartz by Aurea I do love white dove for the warmness, but with our western exposure the yellow was too much.
Any recommendations, should I try white dove at 75%? Or, Chantilly lace, afraid too white. My ceiling is already painted white dove, Im hoping to not have to go to the expense to paint that again as well. Thank you!
Hilary,
Always take your cue from those countertops – it sounds like White Dove would not work with those because the base was so white. If Decorator White worked for you on the cabinets, that is what I’d suggest you use on your walls (except in eggshell finish). Using a different white simply complicates things and won’t feel cohesive. Like in this space, the wall color will read a bit warmer than the cabinetry because of the difference in sheen. Good luck on your new kitchen and home!
Hi Kristie,
This room is so beautiful. I have painted White Dove in our home, over the years, on all of our doors, trim and cabinets.(semigloss) I have even “white-washed” our fireplace brick with it. (Flat)
I’m considering painting the walls (eggshell) and ceiling of our living room with it as well. The ceiling is cathedral, so it’s pretty large and significant part of the room. Any advice on the sheen for the ceiling?
Thank you,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I would suggest flat/matte paint on the ceiling. A sheen on the ceiling will highlight flaws and any roller marks. I hope that’s helpful! Have a great weekend!
What color is the ceiling in this remodel? Is it also White Dove or just a normal ceiling white? Would you ever consider painting a ceiling White Dove if the walls and trim are also White Dove?
Im having the hardest time picking a white for the interior of house. Ive bought 15 sample colors and painted those squares you buy that have adhesive on the backs. In each room the color looks different and its making me crazy. I really need help. We just finished our kitchen and the new cabinets are the ivory color. Ive looked at Dunn Edwards desert sand and sand castle and light beige. My accent wall in master is birchwood. Nothing really works. Im desperate . I have hired painters for the 24th. Please do you have any suggestions?
Vicky,
I think at this point you may need to hire a good paint color consultant to help you get this right before you paint the whole house. It’s impossible to give you good advice without seeing what all you are dealing with in regard to your immovable features (flooring, countertops, cabinets, tile, etc.). Try googling the closest big city to you and the phrase: “paint color consultant” or “paint color expert.” Good luck, Vicky – I hope it all turns out beautiful!
Thank you so much Kristie for the advice. Is it ok to paint the house one color? I like the white dove and we are going to try it in the kitchen today.
Believe it or not there are no color experts anywhere near me. Thats sad. Could I send you a few pictures for you to look at?
Yes, it’s better to paint the whole house the same white than to choose multiple whites – that can end up looking like a mess!
Hi there,
I am a condo owner on a budget. My whole condo (a lot of walls run together) has Navajo White walls… and, the worst part… light sandy taupe doors and trim (darker than the walls). My vanities and cabinets are all that awful builder quality oak. The whole place feels dingy, especially with beige wall to wall, too. I am thinking about painting everything–walls, trim, doors, and cabinets White Dove. I have eclectic taste, with pine and oak antiques, contemporary-ish furniture, and a Tibetan wool rug that is rust, wine, terracotta, and a touch of mauve and plum. I am a painter, too, so will have a lot of landscape and abstract paintings on the walls. Generally, I want to lighten and brighten the place up and make it feel cleaner and airier. This should make it feel bigger, I hope, and provide a good backdrop for interesting colors and textures in furniture and accent pieces. Am I on a good track? I hope to one day add hickory engineered hardwood floors…
Sounds like you are on the right track! Painting those taupe doors and trim will make so much of a difference. White Dove is a great white to use all over!
That taupe trim and doors make me… sad. Whomever thought this was a good idea should be fired. It was done in all 60 units! Thanks for the support and guidance. Wish me luck!
The difference made by just painting is remarkable.
Which white would work best with antique white cabinets? Would you recommend BM White Dove paint when the kitchen cabinets are antique white?
Also the trim and doors are painted a dark brown, would it work to leave them brown with the new white walls?
No, Debbie – you will need to find an off-white that looks most similar to your antique white cabinets. Try to color match that and use it in an eggshell finish on the walls!
Hi Kristie, I recently found your blog and this post has been really helpful as I paint my house. I’m struggling with choosing a ceiling color when I have to “make do” with my trim color. We’ve painted our walls Pale Oak. I didn’t want to have a really bright ceiling and was thinking to paint it White Dove but the current trim is a brighter white. I feel like it’s looking (we’ve painited a sample on the ceiling) kinda choppy. I also wory that the White Dove may look dingy against the trim if we were to paint WD all over the ceiling. Should I just try to match the trim and have a brighter white ceiling? I would love to paint my trim but it’s not in the cards right now. Thanks for any thoughts you may have on this.
Sonia, your best option is to paint the ceiling the same color as your existing trim, but in a flat finish. It’s not a smart move to add in yet another color – even another white color – to the mix. I hope that helps!!!
Kristie, thanks so much for your response!!! Yes, I totally see why you suggest this.
I just discovered your blog and love. Could I paint my master bathroom white linen and do a white white for moldings, ceiling and the plantation shutters? I have two windows side by side in there. I am concern the trim may appear dirty. I could do trim and cabinets white dove if you prefer. Thank you.
Susan,
I suggest using the same white on walls and trim in the same room, just in different finishes. Semi-gloss for trim, eggshell for walls. The semi-gloss white will appear whiter than that on the wall. I hope that helps!
I’m considering this all white approach because I’m moving into a house with a ton of natural light and it’s white now and I love it. It just needs a refresh. Do you have a recommendation for a Sherwin Williams white since that’s what our painter prefers to use. And should the ceilings and walls be the same white? Or should there be slight variation?
People have such a hard time accepting painting the ceiling, trim, and walls all in the same color but varying the sheen levels. We have all heard “popping” ad nauseam when referring to high contrast paint choices. Stop that popping! It is completely unnecessary. This goes for putting that white trim on your red brick home too. The high contrast makes it look like a nursing home.
Look at this so called popping in the before pictures and compare them to her after pictures..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mark. We don’t always need things to “pop,” do we? lol
I love the all white look with Dove White. I would like to paint our walls White Dove eggshell and our trim White Dove semi gloss. However our ceilings are basic “white” and I don’t want to have to repaint them. Will the room look disjointed if the ceilings are white?
Depends on the exact white that’s on the ceiling. Ideally, White Dove on the ceiling in a flat finish is the best look.
This post is still relevant even though it has been circulating for years. I agree the after photos are lovely, but you’re comparing apples and oranges. In the before pictures the room is not tidy and the lighting is from dim bulbs rather than daylight used in the after pictures. One thing I have learned over the years is to install your lighting fixtures and led bulbs before choosing your wall color. I usually use 3000k, but some rooms require even brighter bulbs. I contend that a lot of white paints would look great with the lighting used in the after photo. Also have to say that the white slipcovers on the kitchen chairs are impractical and a little boring with the white walls.
I have wall panels and would like to paint the inside of the panels a slightly darker white than the white walls. Any suggestions for this type of thing?
I have vanilla bean cabinets In my kitchen by craft made. What is a good light paint color for my walls. Also, the kitchen walls connect to the dining and family room walls. I’m thinking of going with pure white because other colors do not look good next to the cabinets. Or the color looks good but the cabinets don’t. Thoughts?
This is a great post! What you are saying about making sure white paint matches up against each other so one doesn’t look dingy against another makes so much sense and can also be applied to countertops I think. We want to do Calacatta Laza quartz countertops and BM white dove cabinets, but I’m worried the cabinets will look too creamy/yellow next to the quartz? Thoughts? What can I use instead if so?
Hi Kristie! What a beautiful transformation! I’ve decided to paint my kitchen, walls and trim White Dove. Do you think I should also paint the island white dove or what would be a nice complimentary colour? Do you think bronze hardware will look okay, or should I pick a different colour hardware? I was looking at Top Knobs Ascendra pull in sable (it’s a really dark brown but it comes in many other colours). Our flooring is a wire brushed heritage white oak. Id like our home to look modern farmhouse.
Hi Jennifer, I’d suggest a different color on the island so that your kitchen doesn’t look too white and sterile. Of course, a lot depends on the colors in your countertop and backsplash, as well as the decor in adjoining spaces of your home. To stay neutral, you may want to go with a soft black color for the island and repeat the black in iron (or dark bronze that reads as iron)hardware. I hope that helps!
Thanks for your advice and quick response KristieI was just looking at Benjamin Moore colours. Have you used cheating heart or wrought iron before in combination with White Dove? Do you think I should put a colour on the walls instead of white dove? It’s not a huge space, it is a townhouse backing onto a ravine with big windows at the back. If I do a colour, it will be neutral such as Balboa Mist, but other recommendations welcome and appreciated. Thanks again 🙂
Hello Kristie! You have some great advice on here. We are painting our walls and trim white dove. We are also planning on painting the ceiling white dove but wondering if we should paint it 50% white dove so it doesn’t look darker than the walls? Thanks, Sandra
Sandra,
I don’t suggest doing 50% or 75% of any paint color, because you don’t really know what you’re going to get when you do that. You can get inconsistent results. Typically, colors look slightly lighter on the ceiling than they do on walls, but it depends on lighting. White Dove is light enough, no point trying to go lighter or else it looks like typical blah ceiling white! I hope that helps!
We have a great room open to the kithcen with white cabinets and white book cases and white crown molding. It was here when we purcahsed the house so I don’t know the color, but it is a very stark white. Shows off the trim well, but I hate the pale gold walls and want to go to white to brighten the area up, bu fear putting two whites together. I need help! I love the look of the rooms above, and remind me of a house I owned a few houses ago! Nancy
Nancy,
My best advice is to warm up your current white trim and cabinets and use the same color on the walls, as well (just like we did here!). If you can’t paint your cabinets and they are stark white, you may need to try to colormatch those best you can using a Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams fandeck and use that color on your walls in eggshell finish. Good luck!
Kristie,
I love what you have done with this kitchen. I have a painter that I have hired and I think he is getting frustrated with me, because I have not been able to commit to a color for my home. Right now we have a very Tuscan home with the brown mustard walls. I have large Coffee wood beams and floors and I want to lighten my home up with white paint. I want a creamy white that won’t have yellow tinge but not sterile either. My main problem is my counter tops in the kitchen. They are a super expensive onyx that have yellows, browns and creams. Do you think the Dove Wing or White Dove will work with this countertop?
wondering if the ceiling is also White Dove?
Wow! Love the before and after pictures, we are in the process of choosing a paint color and white dove is one of my favorites but the floors are concrete gray, what are your thoughts on that? Thank you!!
excellent visuals and photos. this is exactly what I needed to see for my own place. !!!
Great – I’m glad it was helpful, Brian!
Stunning after photos! This is the answer to the question I’ve been asking myself about different whites in trim and walls. Thanks so much!! Are the kitchen cabinets painted white dove as well? How do you feel white dove compares to BM chantilly lace? Thank you!!
Yes, cabinets are in White Dove. White Dove is warmer than Chantilly Lace. Chantilly Lace is a brighter white.
This is beautiful! I was looking for pictures that mixed white dove trim with bright white cabinets. I wasn’t sure if I made a mistake by not painting the cabinets white dove as well. Thanks for showing me it can be done beautifully.
You are so welcome, Lisa!
I have wood paneling walls in my great room and I want to paint them. While I am doing this project I want to paint the foyer, dining room and kitchen which all attaches to this same room. The trim in all of these others room have the wood stain, (stain around the doors, base board, and cabinets in kitchen. It has been suggested to me to paint the walls, trim and cabinets all the same color. I haven been trying to see examples of this but all that I have seen is white and I am trying to go with a beige/gray? I need some suggestions.
Susan,
I would NOT suggest painting your cabinets, trim, and walls the same beige or gray! It just doesn’t work the same way as the white look you are seeing. If you want to use a gray or beige for your walls, do a white on your trim and cabinets. I sometimes do offices, libraries, or paneled rooms in the same color on all, but that’s an actual color (like blue or green, for example) – not ever just beige or gray. I think that would look too dreary. Thank you for your question – I hope that helps!
Thank you so much! My house has the wood paneled walls and stain trim about the same colors as the walls! The great room has all paneled wood walls so I don’t think this would be good for this room So I was going to paint all the adjoining rooms (foyer, dining room and Kitchen) the same color. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around white trim (and I love white trim) but in my house I can’t visualize it. I am so confused do you have any suggestions?
Hmmm, sounds like you have some challenges, Susan. If you are interested in an online color consultation to help you nail your color palette, just email my office manager for more information about how to schedule an appointment with me via phone and online photos: [email protected]
What is the island top? Thank you
Carrera marble!
Great post! I want to update the horrible beige paint that currently colors my two story open concept floor plan. I love this suggestion of going with white (and adding bright color with accent pieces), but I have a white-ish carpet in addition to white trim already. Isn’t that too much white? What would you suggest painting the walls if I don’t want to change the carpet? I plan to use bright blue and gold accent pieces throughout my home, fwiw!
I like the tip on the secret of using the same white color but different sheen on walls and trim. My question is what sheen would I use on the ceiling? And would you also recommend the Dove white for the ceiling?
Your work is beautiful! What about the ceiling color? Just a flat version of white dove? Or do you recommend something different for ceilings (when going for an all-white look)? Thx!
What is the ceiling paint color?
hello,
can you help me? I am going with white dove (egg shell) on the wall and can’t decide on trip color. I go from Chantilly lace to simply white to white dove (all in semi gloss). White one should I go with?
If you read this article, you will know that I recommend using the SAME white on both the walls and trim. In this case, I used White Dove in eggshell on the walls, and semigloss on the trim! Good luck with your project!
Wow! This is an amazing transformation!! I’m lovin’ the curtains, too. Do you mind sharing the fab fabric you used? It’s gorgeous.
This is so lovely! I know this is an old post, but throwing this question out there… We are about to remodel an East facing kitchen and I’m wondering about using White Dove on cabinets, trim and walls. My fear is that it may look dingy in the shaded light of the afternoon, and wondering if I should do something with a little more color saturation (SW Creamy or BM White Down?) but fearful of veering too far in to the rich creams for fear of restricting my fixture choices or dating my kitchen down the road. Any thoughts? help! 🙂
Do you have a link for the curtains?
Hi Melinda, those curtains are to-the-trade only. I had them made for my client!
Thank you for the great article. I took away a lot from it. Two questions, please: 1.) Did you use Benjamin Moore White Dove in every photo shown? 2.) If you want a different brighter white for trim than for walls what pair of whites is your go-to? Or do you use different sheen levels of the same exact shade? Thank you for your help!
Hi,
Great transformation!!
So I have a California house on a hill top facing mostly south and west with huuuge long sliding window (sorta like Bosch’s glass house in the tv show Bosch, but bigger). My house gets blasted with sun at midday afternoon (open kitchen/dining/living design}. My floors and Tigereye slab modern rectangle fireplace are mid-tone brown and kitchen counter is a yellowish designy all natural stone counter top (looks like a modern painting with some splashed reds, light grays, etc)
My 80% semi transparent glass doors in this space are painted Chantilly Lace semi-gloss on its surrounding wood. And I just added crown moulding and wainscoting throughout the area to spruce up the bare walls.
So the question is how would you paint it (color & sheens)?…
I want a clean open, inviting “spacious* feeling (8′ tall ceilings). And I’d like the beautiful trim I’ve added to “pop” in a classy way. The strong sunlight I get will make all light colors above LRV 60 washed out anyways but I guess I have no choice in the matter as I don’t want *closed-in* darker drabbier dingier colors dirtying up the space when the sun is gone.
Since I have Chantilly Lace on the doors, maybe White Dove on walls/ceiling and Chantilly on the trim have enough complimentary contrast and could work well with my browns and yellows?….Or alternatively, Chantilly on the ceiling & trim and white Dove on the walls…. Or maybe something else that I didn’t think of?
I’m all ears on how to design this space and follow-up in the same manner in the bedrooms.
Thanks in advance!…
David,
I would suggest White Dove on the walls in an eggshell finish with Chantilly Lace in semi-gloss on the trim to provide that contrast (pop) you are hoping for. I prefer to paint ceiling in the same color as the trim – so Chantilly Lace in your instance – but in a flat finish (which hides flaws and roller marks). I hope that helps! 🙂
I agree about Benjamin Moore Dove White Paint.Im going to try it.I believe from the pictures it will bring my house out to look real good inside.
Awesome! Be sure to get the name correct, though – it’s White Dove OC17 (NOT Dove White!). Best of luck with your project, Russell.
If you home is not real light inside is White Dove still a good color choice?
Walls are white dove flat , baseboards, semi gloss. Should doors and hall linen closet be painted white dove semi gloss also?
Yes, semigloss on doors, too!
Great post! I found the tips on choosing the right undertones for white paint really helpful. It’s such a game-changer in making a space feel cohesive. Can’t wait to try out some of the suggested shades in my home!