You can’t go wrong with a traditional black-and-white pairing. This kitchen takes on a modern edge but maintains its charm.

Tried and True Neutral Paint Colors: From Light to Dark

  • May 10, 2021
  • Written by Kristin Dowding
  • Photography by Garden Gate Homes
  • Styling by Kara Christensen

Finding the right neutral paint color is arguably more difficult than finding a colored paint. You have to deal with undertones and lighting, and it seems the paint always looks different in your house than it did on the sample. We asked designer Kara Christensen of Garden Gate Homes, builder for our 2021 Project Home in Franklin, Tennessee, to share her favorite neutral paint colors with us to help guide you in your search.

TRUE WHITE

Oxford White by Benjamin Moore: The white paint makes the wood tones of the bench pop, and the shiplap adds texture so the wall doesn’t read flat.

White is the trickiest color on the neutral paint scale, as its undertones make a huge difference in its appearance. Oxford White by Benjamin Moore gives you a white that doesn’t skew yellow or any other color. “This is a nice plain white when you want just plain white,” Kara says.

 

CREAMY WHITE

Creamy white walls and cabinets bring a vintage vibe to this interior.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore: Creamy white walls and cabinets bring a vintage vibe to this interior.

If bright white scares you, White Dove by Benjamin Moore would be a great alternative for you. “This is my favorite white,” she says. “I’ve used this one for years and still love it. It’s a soft, creamy white without being too creamy.” This is a beautiful option for homeowners who want a vintage vibe in their home.

SOFT BEIGE

Not everyone likes a white kitchen, and these lower cabinets are the perfect neutral greige.
Pediment by Sherwin Williams: Not everyone likes a white kitchen, and these lower cabinets are the perfect neutral greige.

Have you ever heard of the color greige? Pediment by Sherwin Williams is the perfect example of it. “This is a soft beige, but a hint of gray makes it a stone-like putty color,” Kara says. “It’s a very natural color that harmonizes well with other colors in the room.” It’s a hard-working medium hue that will soften your interior and give it warmth.

CHARCOAL

The garage door catches your eye with its pop of dark charcoal against the white siding.
Benjamin Moore’s Graphite: The garage door catches your eye with its pop of dark charcoal against the white siding.

Like white, black has hundreds of variations in the paint world. If you’re not ready to try a true black, try Benjamin Moore’s Graphite. “This is a good strong charcoal color when you don’t want to go too black,” Kara says. “It doesn’t have the blue undertone that some charcoals have.”

DEEP BLACK

You can’t go wrong with a traditional black-and-white pairing. This kitchen takes on a modern edge but maintains its charm.
Onyx by Benjamin Moore: You can’t go wrong with a traditional black-and-white pairing. This kitchen takes on a modern edge but maintains its charm.

If you like the contrast that black brings to the table, go for it with Onyx by Benjamin Moore.

“This is a classic, deep black,” Kara says. “It’s a go bold or go home color that makes a statement in a room.”

 

Need more ideas? Here are some paint ideas for every room.

Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration! 

 

 

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