White Paint and Other White Necessities

I have to admit a secret of mine...I am a white SNOB - okay now you know my innermost secret.  I use only white candles, white dishes, white towels, white flowers (although I have been known to buy colored tulips), and white sheets. Nothing is more classic than white.  White dishes set off the food on them perfectly.  I cannot have a good sleep on anything other than white sheets, and white candles and white towels are absolute.

In interiors I love how white highlights good architecture, and any object in the room that has "good bones." White walls are a good backdrop for objects d' art and paintings that are placed in the room - white walls give focus to the lines of the items that are juxtaposed in front of them. 

Painting a room white can make it have surprising depth. When I design an all-white room I use several different shades of white to bring out the architectural details, or I layer the space with strong forms in different tones and textures of white and then use some strong color contrasts to outline and bring the white into focus.   My all time favorite white color is - Benjamin Moore paint Cloud White. It is a very soft white and easy to live with. It has a chameleon effect - taking on the colors of what is set next to it and changing in tone at various times of the day.   Not every white is snow white. Try using whites tinted with: ivory, cream, antique white, and palest beige, blue and yellow. An interesting fact on the popularity of white is that Benjamin Moore has over 140 whites to choose from. 

To maximize the light in a room I chose a paint with a semigloss finish rather than the latex matte finish more usual on walls. The "chalkier" matte finish absorbs light; the semi-gloss is more reflective.

Some of my favorite whites I use are are from Benjamin Moore: Cloud White, Simply White, Ballet White, White Dove, White Linen and Designer White.

 
 
 
 
 
Photo Credits from top: 1 & 2 MLK Studio via All the Best, 3 JK Hotel Milan, 4 David Schefer, 5 Helen Hennie, 6 Trevor Tondro, 7 Jennifer Post, 8 Jennifer Post, 9 Jennifer Post,
10 Ptithabibi Morocco, Towels

Patricia Gray is an award winning Interior Designer in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog™

15 Top Posts on Color Trends

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Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009

Benjamin Moore Paint and The Color Orange

 

Benjamin Moore Paint and the Color Orange

Orange is a color that is mentally stimulating as well as sociable. Colorists say that it can be used it to get people thinking or to get them talking. What a good color to use in a dining room, library, or child's room.

I purchased this bouquet of Parrot Tulips this weekend while I was shopping at our local market. I was stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes hit upon them. Of all the myriad of flowers on display, these definitely jumped out at me and have been my inspiration for this post.   These flowers will sit on my desk this week and it is my intention that they will enhance my creativity. I hope you find these pictures stimulating.

Hermes orange is a word that conjures up an image in one's mind.
Who would not love to have a lacquered ceiling the color of a Hermes Box like this room that Jeffery Bilhuber has created.

    

Benjamin Moore Paint 2013-30 Jeweled Peach
Try orange with a dash of fuchsia.
EKB Interiors, Pieces

 

Benjamin Moore Paint 2013-20 Orange Nectar
I love the shots of Orange in this otherwise White Room. Notice the skirted table in the background.
Donovan, Elle Decor

 

per·sim·mon (pər-sĭm'ən)

Sometimes only the color of a fruit can conjure up images of a color. Persimmon is one that vividly brings to mind a
whole range of the color orange. How friendly and inviting to paint an entry foyer in this color.
Antonia Hutt, Tom Scheerer

  

Benjamin Moore Paint 2171-30 Adobe Orange  is warm and vibrant
Antonia Hutt, David Hicks

Benjamin Moore Paint  2166-40 Soft Pumpkin
Antonia Hutt

 

Benjamin Moore Paint  2015-30 Calypso Orange
Mecox Garden

The oranges of India via Rangdecor Blog

Benjamin Moore Paint Mandarin Orange
Burnham Design, Jayson Home and Garden

Benjamin Moore Paint Outrageous Orange
KWID, David Hicks

blood orange (n.) A sweet orange having pulp that is red or streaked with red
Francis Elkins, David Hicks

 

Benjamin Moore Paint 2170-20 Tropical Orange
David Duncan Livingston, David Hicks

Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design. 
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© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009