From the classical to the contemporary, white walls have graced every kind of interior design project. It’s the color that offers a blank canvas, ready to showcase a designer's vision. When it comes to selecting the perfect shade of white, interior designers Ashley Ausland and Chloe Heath have their own opinions: They emphasize that not all whites work in every space and offer sage advice on finding the right one for your project.
Ashley Ausland, of Ausland Interiors in Hermosa Beach, California, is a staunch advocate for Benjamin Moore paints, with her go-to whites: Oxford White and Chantilly Lace. According to Ashley, the shades strike the perfect balance between softness and crispness, making them incredibly versatile. "They do not lean yellow or gray, nor are they too stark," she explains. "I've never had an issue matching stone with either of these colors."
In the world of white paints, "Simply White" has long been a favorite. However, Ashley provides a cautionary note: "It reads very yellow in comparison to other whites, and when you pair it with certain white marbles, it really can read yellow." Her advice is clear: "Always, always, always put up test swatches in multiple areas and check in on them during different hours of the day. Also, hold as many of the other materials next to the samples to make sure all is cohesive."
Learn more about Ausland Interiors and book a virtual consultation with Ashley Ausland here.
Chloe Heath, of Heath Interiors in Los Angeles, seconds the importance of swatching and testing whites. She explains, "When selecting a white paint, we always swatch multiple options on multiple walls in a house. Lighting changes the tone of a paint so much, so it's really important to see it in the space." She also recommends considering how the white paint interacts with other colors in the room.
Kitchens, in particular, often receive the white treatment. Chloe offers valuable insights for this area, saying, "If we are choosing white paint for a kitchen, we like to look at it next to the kitchen cabinetry paint or stain and floor material." Considering these elements together ensures a harmonious, cohesive look.
However, amidst the myriad options, there are some standout white paints that have consistently delivered outstanding results. Chloe shares her firm’s “tried-and-true” Benjamin Moore favorites: "Simply White, White Dove, Cloud White, and Swiss Coffee." These shades have proven themselves in a variety of settings and continue to be reliable choices for designers looking to create timeless interiors.
Learn more about Heath Interiors and book a virtual consultation with Chloe Heath here.
For her part, Julia Miller of Yond Interiors is partial to warm whites. “We often prefer warmer whites, to soften a space,” citing favorites like Farrow and Ball’s Shaded White, Farrow and Ball’s Schoolhouse White and Sherwin-Williams’s Swiss Coffee. “For us, it's all about the undertones. It's super important to look at the paint sample in-situ as you will see undertones the best. We always try to neutralize the undertones when selecting white paint, so knowing how it looks with natural light and the surrounding colors is essential.”
Learn more about Yond Interiors and book a virtual consultation with Julia Miller here.
Choosing the right white paint can make all the difference in achieving the desired atmosphere and aesthetic. The insights of these three designers, along with their preferred white paint choices, offer invaluable guidance for anyone looking to transform their space with the perfect shade of white. Remember, it's not just about the color; it's about how it interacts with the unique elements of your space, from lighting to materials. So, take your time, test those swatches, and find the white that speaks to you and your vision.
