Jenny’s Tried and True Paint Colors
Picking a paint color is something that we get asked about constantly. We wish we could say there is an exact science to it, but the truth is- it can be hard! There is a fair amount of trial and error involved. Through the years, our founder Jenny has discovered some favorite paint colors that she has come back to time and time again. If you’re stuck on where to get started, we hope this post will give you some ideas and help you find a paint color that you love. We’re sharing Jenny’s tried and true paint colors for white/neutrals, dark neutrals, blues, greens, and our favorite warmer tones!
Before You Paint
While these are all colors that Jenny has used and loved, it is SO important to always sample your paints before committing to one! Paint a swatch and leave it up for at least 24 hours, that way you can ensure you are seeing the color in all different lighting. The paint can also become darker or lighter as it dries.
Another thing to consider is the sheen of your paint. We typically go with eggshell or flat for walls, and satin or semi-gloss for trim, cabinets. etc. (These are easier to clean than flat paint.) Last but not least, consider the texture of whatever surface you are painting. The same color will look very different on a textured wall vs. one that has a smooth coat finish!
White/Neutral
We probably get the most questions in regards to white paint, and all that we can say is not all white paints were created equal! Even the whitest of whites can pull different colors in different lighting, and when it is next to different finishes/decor. Jenny’s go-to white is Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace- she finds that it pulls the truest white most often. It’s the perfect white for walls, trim, cabinets, and more!
Walls - Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Trim - Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl
White paint can still provide visual interest when paired with slightly darker or lighter trim. In the above photo, the walls are lighter with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl trim. Below, we have the opposite effect with darker walls in Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace trim. We also used a neutral rug here to mirror the color on the wall!
We love the clean look a white wall provides with your favorite artwork hanging on it! If you’re looking for a great neutral to allow your artwork and accessories to stand out, you can’t go wrong with any of these favorites.
Dark Neutrals
Sherwin Williams - Black Fox
Dark neutrals are a great way to make a statement and create a moody look. Don’t let the term neutral fool you, there is a definite hue to all of these paints! They’re all fairly muted and will go with lots of different decor and finishes, hence us classifying them as neutrals! We love using dark paint on cabinets, doors, and accent walls.
If you like the hue, but not how bold a color is, you can also ask the paint store to lighten your color!. This adds more white into the paint without changing the feel of the color. It makes a softer version of the original shade.
Blues
A common mistake with blues is thinking they are all cool tones, which could not be farther from the truth! Blues either have a red base, causing them to lean closer to a purple, or a little more yellow in them, causing them to pull more green. Lighting will obviously play a huge factor in which way these colors lean- and it’s impossible to pick a favorite!
Blues are a favorite for many people and even within the blue family, there is such a range of tones. A darker blue like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy looks beautiful in dining rooms, kitchen islands, or feature walls. A lighter blue like Benjamin Moore’s Mount Saint Anne is perfect for bringing tranquility to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Greens
Cabinets - Pratt & Lambert Sierra Night
Green is very on trend right now, and we hope that never changes! Narrowing down this green list seemed impossible because there are SO many good hues to choose from. We promise that the ones that made this list will not disappoint! Green is a great choice for any room in your house from bedrooms and bathrooms, to kitchen cabinets!
Warm Hues
This warm collection was so fun to put together, because these are all colors that aren’t used as often, but are so, so beautiful. These warmer colors can brighten up a space and bring some unexpected color. They’re great for accent walls, furniture, or bathrooms.
Jenny’s Tried and True Paint Colors
We have been compiling this list of Jenny’s tried and true paint colors for years and we hope these tips help you narrow down your list of colors! From creamy whites, to moody blues and browns, there are so many good, classic choices that will stand the test of time & changing trends!
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