Sep
11

Top 5 Friday: My Favourite Paint Colours

Yes, mine.  They're somewhat inline with what's prescribed in trend reports for fall, but are by no means endorsed by established gurus in the colour world.   I'm going to keep it short and sweet, because I can't really give a coherent design reason for why these five colours appeal to me... 

FYI, the headline names are made up colour names (paint manufacturers are welcome to rip off my linguistic acumen if they so please), and the photos are close to, but not exactly what my chosen colours will look like on your walls. 

Let me know what you think:

Rose Petal Salmon

Photo via The Lenoxx blog; actual suggested paint colour: SICO Pink Sandalwood 6075-31

Gorgeous.  That's all. I would like to defend this as a unisex choice, but it's Friday, and I don't think there's enough left in me.  But please husbands, consider it.  It's really nice.

Purple-y, Dusty Gray/Mauve

Photo via AppartmentTherapy.com ; actual suggested paint colour: Ralph Lauren Silver Chiffon
VM158

Pretty trendy right now, but I have to admit defeat.  I like it very much.  It just reminds me of the perfect fall sweater, or fluffy cashmere hat and scarf.  Put a nice wool suite on it and it can certainly work for the men folk as well.  Not sure if I would commit to a whole floor of a home as it may become passe in the next few years, but a room -- yes.


Gun Powder (not my most creative moment)
Photo via Martha Moments blog ; actual suggested paint colour: PARA Powder Horn p2107-02

Another trendy choice these days, but with more legs than its mauve cousin above. I don't even know if I could do a whole room in it -- maybe the bedroom, if it was on the small side (I've seen it done and it was fabulous) -- but an accent wall for sure.  It's just so rich and velvety.  Looks great with natural, rich woods as and lots of cozy, fluffy blankets.  If you've a very conservative palette, the drama on the walls will give your look some sophisticated oomph.

Seafoam Mixed with Light Lager 

Photo via Sweet as a Peach blog; actual suggested paint colour: SICO Coastal Breeze 6199-31

Great with vibrant colour accents (blue, especially, as is shown in the photo), and works particularly well with white trim.  If you're into French accents and have even gone as far as chateau trim on your walls, then this is simply the perfect colour.  Could be resplendent, or, could be clean.  In either case, it's instant richness.


My Whole House White

Photo via Emma's Blog ; actual colour: Benjamin Moore 925

Really, my whole house is painted in this, what I consider the perfect vintage white.  It's a bit creamy and really looks buttery in the swatch but actually, it's just warm enough to give your head space a nice, tranquil atmosphere to come home to.  We've lived with this paint colour in a few of our previous homes and I've not yet found reason to switch.  Unless, of course, my husband ok's the pink...  Oh, and I have to confess: I got this colour from House & Home Editor, Suzanne Dimma -- it's one of her faves. 


Top 5 Friday appears every Friday on Stylesheet.

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Comments:

Can pass on everything but the vintage white........which I have, also whole home. Mixed with cream, gold & caramel with green & blue accents, I could live with it many more years.

I like looking at different colored rooms, though, so keep 'em coming. Who knows when a new favorite may show up?

September 12, 2009 1:43 AM

 

I know - I like them in theory too... But that 925 just makes me eternally happy.

September 12, 2009 8:18 AM

 

What colour, for a kichen, Dining, Living Room combo, goes with maple cabinets, darker brown floor tile, and a granite counter tops that has, Beige, black, a rose tinge pinkish colour, and a caramel type brown  in it?  None of the above works for me on any level but neither does the dark walnut brown that the previous owners left me.  And to make it worse the room face East South East and in the morning when the sun is rising it looks like the doors of heaven are opening and asking you to walk towards the light.  

September 12, 2009 7:31 PM

 

Luv em all except maybe the first one as not a big fan of pink or anything that remotely that has pink undertones.     Re the Benjamin Moore 925 wud appreciate if you wud  share your opinion about possibly doing Kitchen Cupboards in it, the majority being pantry units in a Traditional style.

(Thanks Elana!)   -Brenda-

September 12, 2009 8:25 PM

 

Brenda - do it up!  Go for at least an egg shell finish though if you don't want a full gloss. Or actually, I think there's a level of shine between egg and gloss - do that one.  If you're not averse to oil, go with oil.  It's much better for ware.

September 13, 2009 12:24 AM

 

Adrien, I would suggest looking for the lightest colour in the granite counter top and painting it that.  Go on the cooler side as all your colours sound warm.  So nothing too caramel-y, but more on the mushroom side. You can't go completely cool, as it'll create too much of a contrast, but a light, neutral mushroom tone, one that works with your counter, is what I would do.   Get a bunch of swatches and hold them up to your counter in both evening and day light in your kitchen, and go from there.  You need to tie the room together with all the different elements and think of your wall colour as the common string.  A good way to look at is; the walls are probably the largest surface area in the space, and if you go with a colour that is too related to what is already prevalent - like the floor/cabinets - then it will be too matchy/warm/overkill.  You need to pull out a colour that is the least represented, but is still there in your palette, in order to complement but to not overdo.

I would stay away from any actual colour hues as you've way too much going on for that...

September 13, 2009 12:35 AM

 

Hi there, I painted my cupboards wheatsheaf ben moore colour ..amazing!

September 13, 2009 12:38 AM

 

Thank for the advise.  It always help if, like me, you get to the paint department and are overwhelmed by all the choices you have some ideas to fall back on.

September 13, 2009 11:11 AM

 

Thank you so much Elana for sharing your expertise.Shall definitely check into it.

With appreciation,   -Brenda-

September 14, 2009 9:29 AM

 

Hands Down my favorite neutral is "DuckDown" Debbie Travis (although i had the tint added to a different brand of paint). I have my entire condo painted in DuckDown and a crisp white. Its a soft, warmish grey and its beautiful.

September 14, 2009 10:28 AM

 

Jennifer, would this work with dark stained wood trim??

September 21, 2009 12:28 PM

 

My kitchen cupboards are painted cloud white and the ceramic floor is a beigie/whitish colour.  I would like to change the counter to a neutral colour and paint the walls.   What colour should I use for the counter and the walls?

Thanks.

September 26, 2009 10:05 PM

 

Just a quick note for mrsben, make sure that you do your homework as to preparation before painting your cabinets. Otherwise, all the work that you have done will not last well. The pros at a good quality paint store, Benjamin-Moore is excellent should be able to explain the process and supply you with the products needed. Painting cabinets is a wonderful, inexpensive make over if done properly.

October 3, 2009 12:05 AM

 
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