Why White Paint is a Staple in my Toolbox

Photo | DCI Studio

Some will say that white paint is boring and uninspired. I LOVE color but sometimes, white can be the best and most appropriate choice.

We have been working on a great deal of coastal and modern projects over the past few years. I am still a fan of light greys and blues but a crisp white will always freshen up a space and let us play more with colorful accessories or accent pieces, letting them take center stage while the white envelope anchors the space. 

White Walls as the Perfect Backdrop for Color in your design

When designing my Miami apartment, which was an incredibly light-filled space, I opted for white walls in all of the public areas.  While I chose to paint a vibrant blue on the feature wall in the guest bedroom, the rest of the space screamed for white.   We selected a great deal of chromatic artwork and accessories, and the white envelope played the perfect supporting role in this design solution. Personally, I am a huge fan of Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore for walls. For trim I love super white and for ceilings, my go to is always Ceiling White. I also love the quality of Farrow & Ball Wevet and Sherwin Williams Pure White.

Photo | DCI Studio

Selecting the right white

Recently, we were reviewing white paint color options with a client for her primary bedroom on the bay on the south shore of Long Island.   She was dizzy with the variety of whites available.  Some are cool and crisp, while others are warm and softer.   As a designer, it is your responsibility to find the perfect pairing that works with both natural and electric lighting and the palette of materiality that will live in the space.

Feeling inspired to repaint? Click HERE to view Elle Décor's story on the 50 top white paints for 2022.