Fab Finds

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FAB FINDS

Shades of By Melissa Mauzy INSPIRATION

Choosing the right paint color can be like finding a needle in a haystack. With the continued trend of white and bright bathrooms in 2021, SLHL went straight to the source asking the top paint brands to share their favorite shades of white for the bathroom. If your space is ready for a fresh coat, check out these suggestions.

Aria (PPG1001-2) by

PPG: Aria is a light, true, icy white paint color with a gray-blue undertone. This cool white reflects light, making any small bathroom seem more spacious.

Swiss Coffee 12 by

Behr: A warm white with neutral undertone which gives it the comfortable appeal of a well-loved wool sweater.

Chantilly Lace Seapearl Horseradish Pure White

Chantilly Lace OC-65 by Benjamin

Moore: The always-popular Chantilly Lace OC-65 is a go-to for a bright, fresh, white bathroom paint color. As one of the cleanest white paint colors, it’s extremely versatile and pairs well with many different materials and flooring. Flip the script and go for a softer trim option like Dove Wing OC-18, instead of the classic bright white trim.

Horseradish (PPG1086-1) by PPG:

Horseradish is a creamy off-white. Its warm undertone will bring comfort and happiness to the space. Pair it with other shades of white and natural wood tones. Seapearl OC-19 Benjamin Moore: Seapearl OC-19 is a softer off-white paint color with the slightest wink of gray. It pairs well with warm wood finishes and a crisp white trim and ceiling. For a more modern look, try bringing in a deep, black accent or paint color like Black Satin 2131-10.

Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin Williams:

Pure White has no undertones. It creates a softness that keeps spaces feeling bright without being stark. It reflects light well, making a space seem lighter and brighter.

Designer Tips

Edited by Moe Godat

White paint can be a tricky endeavor for most people as there are so many different shades to choose from. In making a selection, you will notice blue, pink, yellow, gray and even green undertones that may not be noticeable in the paint store but will become more visible depending on the lighting in your room. Anne Marie Boedges, Anne Marie Design Studio.

Whenever I am asked what my favorite white is I reply, “It depends on the project.” The same color will look different on a front porch ceiling than it does in a west facing room. It also will appear different in different paint products from different manufacturers. It looks different in an eggshell or semi-gloss finish than it does in flat. How fine the titanium dioxide has been ground (which is the base for all paint) will also affect how the colorant reacts. I would advise you to seek an interior design professional’s help. The cost of the paint is small relative to paying a painter to paint and then repaint. C.J. Knapp, Yours By Design.

Choose the paint color last and be open-minded. What’s right for your friend’s house may not be what’s right for yours. When selecting any paint color, particularly in a bathroom, there are three important factors to consider: lighting, lifestyle and the surrounding elements. Lighting impacts these undertones significantly, so it’s really important to observe whether there is more natural or artificial light and to watch how the color changes throughout the day. Lifestyle can impact what sheen/finish to choose. If you have an active household, you may want to consider a satin/eggshell finish for easy cleaning. A matte/flat finish can provide a soft look in a household that is calm and tidy. Lastly, the materials used in the bathroom will reflect in the paint color as well. After taking these factors into consideration and choosing the paint color last, the result will be a seamless and beautiful space. Kristie H. Clinard, Walnut Lily Co.