Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint colour expert. Thanks! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/lrv-paint-colours-and-you-light-reflectance-value That gray that had a wink of green in it – the green might almost entirely disappear. I do find it so strange sometimes how the paint store employees aren’t all on the same page. When you mix a paint color, you start out with a can of white base paint, and you drop a certain number of other colors into it. The 9 Best Benjamin Moore Paint Colors - Grays (Including Undertones). For example, if you would like your ceiling to be quite a bit lighter than your walls, but with the same undertones, you could lighten your wall colour by 75% – or even more, depending on how light you want your ceiling to be. ANYWHO- what level contrast do you like to see between walls and trim or cabinet and trim? The best and most affordable way to do this is to take your paint chips to H.Depot (Behr and CIL sample pots). However, it still will reflect some light, as shown in this next photo…. No, ma’am. Oh man. Now curious if I should paint the ceiling and trim white or an off-white or something else? Thanks! Your email address will not be published. https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/category/tips-ideas/home-staging-ideas/, Thanks! (There’s already plenty of black on the range and refrigerator to “ground” the light colors.) https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/category/tips-ideas/home-staging-ideas/, https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-for-east-facing-rooms/, https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-for-west-facing-rooms/, https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/. Learn how your comment data is processed. That gray with a green undertone might look a weee wink more green – OR you might lose a touch of the green. They looked at me dazed and confused. The family room photo is a really good example of how it looks on the walls. I think it’s lovely! And this is true…but kind of misleading. Hi Charlene, I’m so glad you found the tips helpful! Hi Deb! Argent (1322) Source: Pratt and Lambert. However, paints that are mixed from a full bodied white paint, such as Behr Ultra Pure White, have so much white pigment in them that the addition a few more ounces of additional white will make no significant lightening of the color. As for the undertones, it’s hard to say as that area is south facing, compared to the north facing area that I have Creamy in (where it isn’t darkened). Stonington Gray is the “perfect” color in my eyes, but it is darker than what I want for our house with less natural light. I am trying to determine if I would be better off lightening Stonington Gray or trying to find a new lighter color (BM Paper White?) With our family room I don’t know if lightening the color is best or just a different lighter gray. I have 7 large painted boards on the wall and once I narrow down what I can and cannot live with if we don’t sell I will contact you since we have some time before we find out if the company will make it through or not. On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors. It’s going to be hard to decide which ones of all the gorgeous colors to paint our kitchen with. However, like any colour, if it’s not given any light, it won’t reflect a thing. In the end, I pretty much have the same color and hue…no difference. As for a great ‘general’ colour, a lot will depend on your exposures, flooring and all that jazz, but I would definitely look at BM Edgecomb Gray, BM Ballet White, SW Accessible Beige and SW Agreeable Gray. Thanks to you I’ve been able to trim my 30-item long list of whites to 5, and have progressed to the point of buying sample paint cans to test on my actual walls with my RV in its actual, hot position. I can appreciate big jugs, but am of the firm belief that you don’t need a JUG of paint to find the right colour – you need a ‘sample pot’. There are other things to consider of course, like countertops, exposure, etc… but off of the top of my head, I’m not seeing an issue , Happy Holidays! ?‍♀️ I’m waaaay to anal about color to be making these decisions myself. Are you having trouble finding the perfect colour? I am wondering if you have a gut idea if lightening BM Stonington Gray by 50% would be enough if I’m trying to get a little lighter than the depth of BM Wickham Gray (lrv 69)? I used BM Cloud White with Creamy, just a soft, warm white – they sit really nicely together. Check out my affordable Online Decorating, Design and Colour Consulting Services. How do I know if they did this correctly. If you think black can't be neutral, think again. And yes, I do think it’s funny that our sun directions are reversed, I always have to remember that! This is very helpful for me as I’m in the process of choosing a colour to paint my re-worked laundry space. For example, mixing red and white gives you pink rather than a lighter red. Here’s the paint color in our kitchen: But it appears darker there than it is. The color is sophisticated while making the space feel lived in and unfussy. Pewter is a beautiful colour. It has depth and interest and maybe isn’t AS dark/plain as you thought it would be. I may be a wee bit biased having a ginger-headed daughter ! I have been calling it the man cave, but it will be our primary living room. While you should be able to see the subtle shift on BOTH examples, it is easier to see it in the 2nd example. Thanks, Hi Brooke…hey, I think we’ve chatted before Okay, so I left you a comment on a different post that I want you to check out re: some workable neutrals for ‘mass appeal’. Is classic gray pink at times? I have an open plan, but the gray rock wall fireplace is on the inside wall, with the dining area (2nd floor) directly on top of it. ~Kylie. but I’ve run out of time …crappers. I do have blog posts for both east and west facing rooms and yes, that is common! But just LOOK at the glory of it on the right! Ooo, from a lovely gal named Jenn at Lavish Olive Studio on Etsy – please let her know that you saw it on my site so she knows it worked! Really though, let’s say you hire me for E-design and you want a nice dark gray with subtle undertones for a feature wall. One of the best ways to bring more light into a room is with a high-gloss paint color, and a ceiling is the perfect spot to experiment with this design choice. “I’ve been using Light Pewter since the dawn of time and I consider it a secret weapon in my arsenal of paint colors. In the photo showing the doors with BM Revere Pewter 50% darker, what are the wall and trim colors? You ARE a crazy ginger and we love you! Please just ask if you would like to borrow any of my images (with full credit) and I’m sure that I’ll be happy to oblige. Certainly buyers don’t want an all white house or an all dark house but a mix. It changes the color and it can look chalky rather than lighter. I have Artigiano subway tile backsplash the color is Tremiti Sand, kind of a taupe tan with a praline mortar. The only issue I have is that, at some points in the day, the Revere Pewter takes on a green cast that I don’t care for, and have no idea why. It’s an open floor plan so everything is pretty much connected. If you read my last article on LRV and why you should NEVER choose a paint colour without it, you’ve probably got the main idea down pat, which is…. Color: La Fonda Olive by Valspar Paint. I ended up lightening up Revere Pewter by 75%. At 40-50% you will notice more of a shift. (3) Would there be enough contrast in it’s darkened version using Alabaster trim? Thanks to this particular post scads of pieces from your other posts have fallen into place. Here are 2 sample boards with a white border between them…, And here are the same 2 sample boards without anything between them…. Learn how your comment data is processed. There is a lot of discussion about how north facing and south facing affect LRV. Neutrals are anything but boring. Everything. I also have this post here…actually, I’m going to link to the whole SECTION as you might find some other good tidbits! I painted them on poster boards according to your recommendations. This will let you choose a colour on its own merits, without it being directly compared to another. "Using very light colors is a sure way to make a space feel and appear bigger. Every paint colour has what I call a ‘recipe’. Or what circumstances cause you to decide to prime other than dark colors. My husband’s company is not doing well and we may have to move. Regardless of your exposure, the quality of light that you have in the daytime will change in the evening when you only have interior lighting. This can not only make the colour look slightly lighter than you thought it would, but it can also enhance the underlying colours in it, bringing them more to the forefront. 1 decade ago. Basically, on a larger scale, you see that the colour looks different than you thought it would. I absolutely and undoubtably find your info the best. He gave us an example of a paint color being 10 drops of yellow, and 10 drops of black. The colour rises UP and brightens, so you can actually see the ‘colour’ of Cyberspace, rather than a slightly blackish colour as shown on the left. (It’s ok, think positive!) I feel like I need something in between…. Again, this can vary depending on how much black is in the recipe. Thank you for visiting my paint colour blog, I'm glad you're here! I will say that as much as I liked the color, I was worried about the LRV. So, if your paint colour starts at an LRV of 60, 25% lighter can make it approx. Thinking about the project is now FUN instead of worry & dread. It means that you can’t make assumptions. Next, look below the bar code on the label for the color code, which is usually marked by 2 digits are letters listed above or next to the words "exterior paint colors." To which I say, ‘Okay, so if you were to make a cookie recipe and wanted to make less, you would reduce each ingredient in the recipe by 25% and you’re telling me it wouldn’t make a difference?’ OF COURSE IT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE, YOU WOULD HAVE LESS COOKIES! It all looks so good together! West Facing Room: https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-for-west-facing-rooms/. And it does. Also check out Balboa Mist by BM if you are green sensitive. Select one of these neutrals to set the perfect foundation for pops of a favorite vibrant color … Because it pairs well … 25 . Gray Paint Colours: The 3 Undertones You Need to Know. If you are putting colour on one wall and want the 25% lighter version on another wall, you WON’T notice the difference. Testors' ¼ oz. Basically this means when mixing a color you start with your base, which is white. The floors are very pale gray-white vinyl wood-look planks that read greige around midday. It’s also much more environmentally friendly. My dining room behind the kitchen is Colonnade gray. Hello! When you are lightening or darkening a paint colour, you are removing (or adding) the same amount (eg: 25%) from each colour in the recipe. Look at it on all wall spaces and at different times of the day. A glossy ceiling finish reflects light well, and it adds an unexpected element to a room. I’m just not sure how they translates on the wall…, So, 4 points would make a difference – a subtle difference, but when you’re tweaking things it can be just the right touch! So, the colour that looked PERFECT on a moderately lit wall will wash-out ENTIRELY on a well-lit wall. *There are some colours that can’t handle more depth, simply because the paint can won’t have room for that much additional paint – but with most you’ll be just fine. Do you think SW silver strand, Ben Silver Fox or Harbor gray are too much for resale? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These colour recipes tell you what is in a colour and how much of it there is. Of course, this can shift based on HOW much light its given and WHERE the light hits and and and…there are a lot of variables. I have since painted the rooms each color and the colors are what I expected. You might also see a subtle shift in undertones, but you’ll still be working with the bones of the original colour. Check it out and let me know. I never really understood LRV before. With its diverse range of undertones and ability to pair seamlessly with other hues, this color proves why it is a standout among designers.A rich midnight evokes a more reflective feeling suitable for a home library while a glossy aquamarine exudes just the right amount of energy within a living room. My question is: Does an LRV value difference of 2-4 make a difference? BUT (a big one), ALL of the above changes at night time. The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colours for Cabinets, Islands, Front Doors and MORE! If you’re worried about that, then go back to SW and BM – problem solved! Do you do consults on photos? If I’d gone 50% darker, I would’ve been taking a bit of a risk as not just the DEPTH would change, but the ‘colour’ of it as well. But not too dark and suffocating. I’ve decided to test eggshell Alabaster and White Duck (Sherwin Williams) for my walls. I’ve already finished white cotton canvas slipcovers for all my upholstered furniture, and plan to make simple , white cotton rod-pocket curtains for all the windows except the HUGE west-facing one. If you really want to do it yourself, add white. However, 75-90%+ can be a great way to create a tone-on-tone palette with either your trim and/or ceiling. People DO tend to respond more emotionally to slightly stronger colours, more so than safe neutrals, so a bit here and there won’t hurt! Thanks for all you do–and what you’ve done for me. Hi Jill, if it were me I would lean toward all warm bulbs just to counteract that cool light a bit , Hi Kylie I just came across your blog. They’re coming soon! Luckily, it is a bit easier than a north/south and there should be some options that humour both exposures nicely. Remember, with shadows, ceilings usually look significantly more shadowed than the walls, even if they are all the same colour. By having both options you can look at a colour without interference from another (middle photo) and compare 2 colours directly to see how much they differ (right photo). However, when you lighten a colour by 50%, you are MORE LIKELY to notice a shift in the way the undertones advance or recede. she has other blogs about it. Our top 50 colors include a variety of neutrals which span a full spectrum of shades and hues. That gray that seems too dark might be perfect once it’s, That beige that seems just a bit too light might be bang-on once it’s, More simple colours are made of up approx. We have CWood in two upstairs bedrooms and BMist in ensuite and basement bathrooms. Hi Dana, yes, the odd time, Classic Gray can flash a WINK pink. I tried to figure your links out for paint color help. Well wish me luck I hope it turns out well! The 4 Best White Paint Colours: Sherwin Williams, Sherwin Williams: The 10 Best Gray and Greige Paint Colours. This 5 part series with amazing tips and tricks will be delivered FREE to your inbox! That’s BM Edgecomb Gray 50% lighter (I love playing with colour in my own home) with BM White Dove on the trim! I’d like 1 pot ‘as-is’ and I’d like one pot lightened by 25%.’, If you would like to darken your paint colour, here’s what you say…, ‘Hi, I’m being directed by a maniacal ginger to darken my paint colour. Lightening up the walls of an unfinished basement with paint helps to protect them from moisture and mildew and makes it easier to spot moisture and mildew when they occur. And here’s Steel Wool, 25% darker in our dining/kitchen upstairs (south-facing with good lighting)…. Love this kitchen to pieces. ~Kylie, Friend Kylie! collonade gray by SW is closest and has LESS green, Collingwood by BM is another option which has much more taupe in it so NO green. Good luck if you haven’t gotten around to painting yours yet & if you have, I hope you like the way it turned out! I love Wrought Iron for an accent wall in our home on the stairs landing and powder room. Well, I’ve seen it in action literally THOUSANDS of times now and I think I’ve finally figured it out. Love your articles–so informative and helpful, and I get a giggle or two! Love your videos. If I were to paint these room over (don’t tell my husband! I’m thinking of darkening agreeable gray by 25% for my kitchen/living room and entry hallway. Well, that was somewhat of an epic novel, but the info should be pretty darned straightforward. NOt often, but of the 3 it can – same with Pale Oak though. Anyways, the look of your natural light (especially east/west/south) will shift throughout the day, which means that your wall that was DAY-GLO in the morning, could look perfect in the afternoon. North, East, South, West – Which Paint Colour is the Best? For MY personal use, I use the LRV to determine the ‘general depth I can expect a paint colour to look in a room with an adequate amount of light – not dark, not obscenely bright’. Pick a colour, lighten or darken it, paint a board – get ‘er done. 25 Dreamy Kitchens With Neutral Color Palettes. This is my second comment on one of your posts in an hours time you helped me choose paint for our current house and I have loved Wool Skien! This is why you can paint walls in an entire home with identical floors/trims the very same color but (with whites/off whites) the paint will change colors in every single room if the lighting/exposure is different – which in 99% of homes of course, the exposures are different. 25% lighter/darker is for an ‘overall change’, not as a way to play with depths from wall-to-wall. Well… this is what I have come to realize: the more depth of color there is, the more color there is to appreciate. Hi Donna! So, let’s get back to the main idea here in simple terms…, ‘You can keep the taste of the cookies while tweaking the recipe to suit your needs’. 1 0. Lightening a paint colour by 50% seems to result in an approx. Cheers! Know that depending on its LRV, it may look slightly lighter or slightly darker once its on a larger scale. "Another way to make a room feel bigger is with the paint finish. Who doesn't love an airy, neutral kitchen? How to Lighten Paint for the Perfect Color - Within the Grove But you’re not here for science, you’re here for the ‘user-friendly’ end of things (wink wink). I too have been struggling with Collingwood vs Balboa Mist for my open concept main floor with North, West, and East exposures and 10 foot ceilings and oodles of natural light. When twerking tweaking colours and comparing them directly, the best way to do this is to put the colours directly next to each other, without the white border separating them. Thanks for your blogs. I think I’ll buy the exterior package for your help. Unless you have an absolutely epic lighting plan, you will undoubtedly have some shadowed walls and corners. Best Black: Magnolia Fine Black. Visually, 50% will take you ‘approx’ 1/2 way between your original colour and the next colour down on the strip. That is my computer generated angst. Thinking all the other walls (open concept) might be chantilly lace. SHOP THE COLOR Great information, thank you for all your efforts posting your knowledge! I have two bedrooms with northwest facing 6 ft. wide windows and am considering Creamy for those rooms to lighten and brighten them up from my current Softer Tan, which in my opinion is too dark in those rooms, and especially in the windowless jack and jill bathroom connecting them. We are in New Zealand, so have to reverse the north/south points, but I have a north facing room with natural light streaming in from an external glass door. Any colors you would suggest? (Left – Agreeable Gray / Right – Repose Gray). It’s dark as a real cave at the moment but faces floor to 2nd floor windows with oak wood floors, stairs and everywhere else, We also have 3 semi underground bedrooms, that all have one window, facing west, but with basement like windows that show the underside of the big back deck and rocks! So here’s what usually happens…, YES! 8-10 point shift. Paint colors for a south-facing room can be fun. You will not HAVE the same colour. If it didn’t reflect light, it wouldn’t look lighter where it does. I’ve got a modern two story open living room with a wall of North facing windows. Some might argue that the colour matching is not close-enough. I’ve been told that you get a more accurate colour in the larger sample pot vs the smaller ones, but I’m yet to see a difference between the 2. 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