by Corey Morgan | Jan 20, 2023 | Color Consultations, Exterior Painting, Interior Painting, Paint Color Help
Is Chantilly Lace a Good White Paint Color
When considering the wide array of whites that are offered by top paint companies, Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65 has topped many a list and blog. Controversial as it may be, I will be discussing the distinct attributes of this color and why it’s probably the last color you should be painting on your home. Don’t fret though! I will offer other suggestions with explanations as to why the hues will function much better for you than Chantilly Lace.
Chantilly Lace High Light Reflectance Value
To begin, Chantilly Lace is Benjamin Moore’s whitest white. Initially this sounds perfect for achieving that crisp, bright white that many search for. However, if we look at the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of this hue we learn that it sits at 90.04 out of 100. That is an extremely stark white and it reflects nearly all the light that hits it. In direct sunlight it is sure to be an eyesore, even blinding. If you were to paint the inside of your living room with Chantilly Lace it would even reflect the colors of your furniture. So if you happen to have a red couch, for example, the room would pick up those pink tones.
Chantilly Lace Undertones
Chantilly Lace’s high LRV is partly due to the fact that it lacks easily identifiable undertones. That makes it quite unpredictable and there is a higher probability for Chantilly Lace to be sterile and cold. Most people want the color they see on the swatch to appear as true as possible. With the nature of Chantilly Lace, it is quite impossible for that to happen. Don’t shy away from the idea of having touches of yellow, green, or blue in your white undertones. The undertones are key to getting to a white that is balanced and will read true to your unique environment.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Preferred White Paint Colors
Whites that fare much better in direct sunlight indoors or outdoors include cool-toned Snowbound and Eider White from Sherwin William’s. Similarly, Benjamin Moore offers Oxford White and Paper White for similar blue-based whites.
The blue undertones in the white will help to achieve that fresh white color with a modern feel. If you want to opt for a timeless warm toned white, Sherwin Williams’ Dover White and Creamy will be better suited for the project. For Benjamin Moore, consider Mountain Peak White and Dove Wing. The addition of a bit of yellow goes a long way to make a home feel inviting and warm instead of clinical when it comes to the perfect hue of white.
Benjamin Moore Mountain Peak
Your Home Environment
Taking into account the current hue of your home will drastically change the amount of time you invest into your paint project. If your paint colors currently have pigment to them or are on the darker side, you will have to invest much more labor and much more paint to achieve full coverage with a color like Chantilly Lace. To make painting effortless, opt for a hue that has an undertone that can stand up to what’s on your home now. If your project is starting with a warm tone color, use Sherwin Williams’ Ice Cube or Benjamin Moore’s Vanilla Milkshake to assist in the transition. On the other hand if your project is beginning with a cooler tone, you can combat this by choosing whites like Benjamin Moore’s Moonlight White, Cloud White, or Sherwin’s Alabaster.
Conclusion
To recap, Chantilly Lace’s LRV, unrecognizable undertones, and light coverage makes it a very difficult color to work with. The environment drastically changes the look and feel of any color. That’s why it is imperative to take into account the direction your surfaces face, the amount of natural versus artificial light, and the fixed features or furniture and decor that will be in the space. Especially with whites, having a true paint sample to consider under all lighting conditions is the only way to make a well thought-out decision.
I hope this has given you a new perspective on a “favorite” white and insight on your color journey! For more color inspiration, visit our Instagram or learn more on colors HERE.
If you’d like to schedule a Denver interior or Denver exterior painting estimate you can do so HERE.
by Corey Morgan | Dec 15, 2022 | Color Consultations, Paint Color Help, Popular Colors
Sherwin Williams 2023 Color of the Year
Sherwin Williams 2023 Color of the Year is Redend Point! As 2022 comes to a close, we look to the new year and prepare for a season of healing, understanding, and unification. Sherwin Williams 2023 color of the year, Redend Point SW 9081, aligns well with these initiatives as it is all about personal wellbeing.
As a Denver exterior and interior painter, Kind Home Painting Company receives a lot of questions about the Sherwin Williams Color of the Year. You can find out if this years color is the right fit for you and your home by setting up a free painting estimate HERE.
Redend Point
Color can evoke feelings such as excitement, compassion and calmness. When thought is put into your paint color choices, it can reflect your best style and personality. Color is inspired by the things we wear, where we travel, the food we eat, the books we read, and the things we watch. Color has the ability to inspire, relax, and make you feel safe, yet playful. With such a great impact, it’s easy to see why color plays such an important role in our lives. As we reflect on the past year and what’s to come, Redend Point tells us that 2023 will be a year of rejuvenation and connection.
We were not surprised to see Sherwin Williams chose a neutral paint color, but admittedly we were a bit taken back by their choice. Redend Point SW 9081 is a medium beige with pink undertones. Redend Point is a lighter version of the red, orange Rockwood Terra Cotta SW 2803 that gained some popularity in 2022. When we look at this color we feel it embodies that effortless, earthy, free-spirited boho style. From a world traveler, to the rocky mountains, you can be sure to express your eclectic style through this neutral, earth toned hue.
Redend Point Exterior Painting
Redend Point also gives us southwest adobe vibes due to the raw clay-like coloring. We picture this type of exterior paint in desert climates where it can work with the natural landscape to blend in. Although we don’t anticipate this color being right for everyone, this earth-toned beige would work well as an exterior paint color on a stucco home. While Redend Point can work within the proper environment and neighborhood, we feel that it is best suited for interior spaces.
Redend Point Interior Painting
Your interior is sure to create some inspiration when visualizing this color in your home. Try Redend Point in a powder room, as an accent wall, in an office, child’s bedroom, or even your laundry room for a splash of color and change of pace. This color can really help any space feel cozy and welcoming.
When painting interiors, color gives you the ability to express yourself. When you add different color combinations it can provide an outlet to display your favorite treasures, trinkets, and memorabilia. You can complement any color with a textured rug, curtains, pottery, artwork, decor, and plants. We’d love to see this color paired with Sherwin Williams Rainstorm SW 6230 as an accent. You can create an impactful mood when mixing colors, but it must be done tastefully with many layers to harmonize mixed patterns and textures. This look is very on trend right now, so it’s a great way to venture out of the typical gray or white neutrals.
Whether your goal is to brighten up your space or make it feel more airy, you can neutralize Redend Point SW 9081 with different accents such as Ripe Olive SW 6209. We love the depth that Ripe Olive gives as it counteracts with the beige. The two colors really balance each other out. We also love the idea of using Sherwin Williams Polished Mahogany SW 2838 for added richness and a timeless look. The beautiful thing about painting is you can use your imagination and take risks. Remember, smaller spaces are perfect for trying out new colors. You can always change smaller accent walls and doors rather than painting your whole house again.
Cons of Redend Point
Some of the con’s we’ve heard about Redend is that this paint color looks similar to a beige band-aid. Remember, everyone sees color differently and there is no wrong or right answer here. It’s all about how the color makes you feel and how it pairs with your surroundings. You can do a variety of things to best balance the color without feeling too saturated or too bland. When considering this color we always encourage you to get actual paint samples.
Undertones and Paint Samples
Each paint color has undertones. When different lighting interacts with the paint it will pull out more of the undertones. This can change how it looks within a space. If you get actual paint samples from your local Sherwin Williams we suggest you paint the color on a big piece of posterboard. That way you can tape it up in a variety of places and see it in different light and surroundings.
Remember, lighting changes everything! In a North facing room your colors tend to look cooler and darker, while in a South facing room colors tend to look brighter. Light, shade, and different colored light bulbs will also affect your paint colors. Make sure to test your paint samples in different lighting to make sure you are happy with your colors!
Conclusion
Overall, Redend Point has the potential to bring some warmth and pep to your home. We think it is best suited for interiors, but can work well as an exterior paint given the right substrate and environment. This color pairs nicely with a variety of colors, so we think we will see some really creative uses of Sherwin Williams 2023 color of the year, Redend Point!
Be sure to like, subscribe, follow on our Instagram, Youtube channel, and Facebook for more home design tips. And if you are looking for more color help, be sure to check out Kind Home Painting Company’s Color Consultation services. Our Certified Color Consultants can help you best utilize Redend Point in your home! Thanks for reading!
by Corey Morgan | Oct 17, 2022 | Color Consultations, Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help
Our Favorite Fall Color Schemes for 2022
As Autumn rolls in, the fall foliage finally starts to arrive and those luscious summer greens turn to hues of gold, orange and deep reds. We are here to embrace the cozy earth tones and welcome a new season of comfort for your inviting exterior sanctuary. If you are painting your home before winter arrives, the fall colors may inspire your paint color choices. To help you with your fall color inspiration, we tapped our professional color consultant, Lexi, to dish out her favorite fall color schemes for 2022.
Here are our top four fall exterior color schemes we are loving in 2022:
Fall Color Scheme #1
If you want a medium brown for the body of your home, Nuthatch SW 6088 is a perfect choice. It is a grounding color that represents stability. It pairs beautifully with a deep brown roof for just the right amount of contrast. Since Nuthatch is a rich brown we want to brighten up the trim to add some interest to your color scheme.
We chose Nacre SW 6154, which is an off white with a tinge of greige as the undertone. As for accent color, we love a dramatic front door. For lovers of rich colors that pop, Merlot SW 2704 for you. Merlot is a deep purple with undertones of deep red. This color makes us want to cozy up right by a fire with our favorite book! This color palette is inviting and will be sure to bring you depth and happiness.
Fall Color Scheme #2
We are always here for a cool, earthy green to compliment the fall shades of gold, browns, and reds. We chose Sage SW 2860 out of Sherwin Williams Historic Collection. Sage is forever a timeless look. Sage represents wisdom, harmony, and nature.
Let’s add a little contrast and lighten up the trim with Natural Linen SW 9109. Natural Linen is a neutral that can almost look white when the sunlight hits it. Natural Linen is the perfect happy medium because it’s not too stark (like a true white) and not too warm, so it doesn’t look washed out. It’s polite without being too overpowering. We love it because it’s not overly saturated with green, yet muted down with the perfect amount of gray and a splash of yellow.
Fall Color Scheme #3
As we continue to see darker exterior paint colors trending this year, richer, deeper hues of browns are getting utilized. We love Virtual Taupe SW 7039 for its mixture of warmth and coolness. It is a medium brown with green and gray undertones that would pair perfectly with a lighter, neutral stone on your home. We chose Neutral Ground SW 7568 to help balance the robustness of Virtual Taupe. Neutral Ground SW 7568, just as it says in the title, is a neutral off white that can even be considered a greige.
Now for the accent, we are obsessed with Inkwell SW 6992. It is not your average black because it has undertones of a moody blue. Once you get up close and the light hits just right, you will see what we are talking about. We always encourage a strong front door, as it is the gateway to your beautiful home. We love Polished Mahogany SW 2838. It is a sophisticated and elegant color, and happens to also be in the Sherwin Williams Historic Collection. It is sure to be a showstopper that represents strength. If you are unable to get a natural mahogany door, we recommend this luxurious color to fill the gap.
Fall Color Scheme #4
To round out our list, we give you one of our favorite fall-inspired color schemes… Shiitake SW 9173 remains a favorite body color. It feels grounded, organic, and peaceful. It is a perfect neutral that can do both gray and beige. To give Shiitake contrast we chose a classic trim color, Creamy SW 7012. Creamy is great because it doesn’t have an overbearing yellowish undertone and it’s not too cool, which means it won’t create too much contrast. It’s smooth, silky, and here to be seen.
We chose Eastlake Gold SW 0009 for our front door accent color. It reminds us of a golden maple leaf that is not too saturated and not too dull– it hits just right, creating a cohesive flow for your favorite place! Golden hues create a feeling of divinity, luxury, and a warm welcome.
Best Fall Paint Color Schemes
Please keep in mind that there can be some changes to paint colors when applied. Virtual colors appear different, which is why we always recommend testing your colors, either by getting test samples or using a service like samplize (peel and stick samples). It’s always a great idea to see your colors on your exterior or in your interior space so you can see how they appear in different lighting.
We hope that these palettes will help keep you connected to Mother Earth with grace and style. The fun thing about these color schemes is you can always mix and match. They are everlasting and will remain versatile. Be sure to follow our Instagram for more ideas and color trends!
If you are needing Exterior Painting services in Denver, you can submit for a Free Estimate HERE. And if you need help with color selections, one of our talented Color Consultants would be more than happy to assist you.
by Corey Morgan | Sep 27, 2022 | Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help, Popular Colors
Most Popular White Paint Colors In 2022
If you’ve ever had the tedious task of selecting a white paint color then you know just how overwhelming it can be. You might think picking a white paint color would be simple, but Sherwin Williams alone has nearly 100 whites to choose from. That’s a whole lot of options so we put together this list of our most popular white paint colors in 2022 to help you narrow down your choices.
Alabaster
Starting off with a classic, Alabaster SW 7008 from Shewin Williams is tried and true. This is a very classic white that can be used on both interiors and exteriors. What we love about Alabaster is that it’s what would be considered a “true” white but it has a little bit of warmth in it. This helps it not feel too sharp or too cold. We always recommend this white color for clients that want a clean white to pair with natural elements or warmer features like brick, stone, and warm-toned roof shingles.
Alabaster SW 7008
Snowbound
If you like a little bit of a cooler look to your white, then you have to try Snowbound SW 7004. This is a perfect white to pair with cooler body colors like navy blue or the always popular blue gray. We particularly like to see this white used as a trim color on a home that does not have any brick or stone. It creates a clean, crisp finish that feels contemporary and bright.
Snowbound SW 7004
Pacer White
Pacer White SW 6098 is a newer addition to our most popular whites, but clients can’t seem to get enough of it. Pacer White is great for both body or trim colors and it brings a softer finish to the overall look. We really love to see this paired with other warm colors like greiges and taupes, because it adds contrast without sharpness. Pacer White does have a slightly yellow undertone, so if you want something a bit more modern then check out some of our other options below.
Pacer White SW 6098
Panda White
This is another great option to consider if you’re looking for a white body color. Panda White SW 6147 is quite similar to Pacer White, but has less yellow undertones and more of a red undertone. This helps bring a lot of warmth to the color scheme. We love to see this paired with a darker trim like Black Fox SW 7020. It’s a great way to achieve the modern farmhouse look without using a stark black and white color combination. Warmer tones like this make your home feel more welcoming and approachable.
Nacre
If you have red brick then you absolutely must consider Nacre SW 6154 as a possible trim color. We recommend this beautiful Sherwin Williams color constantly for our clients who have a predominantly warm red brick home; it can create a wonderful contrast without the sharpness of a white like Alabaster. The warmth of Nacre works harmoniously with the red brick to establish a unified and timeless look.
Shoji White
Looking for a modern and contemporary white that isn’t too warm or too cool? Shoji White SW 7042 is the perfect white for you then! Shoji has held it’s popularity for the last few years and we don’t see any signs of it slowing down anytime soon. This is a great option for both interiors and exteriors and is most commonly used as a body or wall color. It has a touch of warmth, and a slight touch of gray, which makes it feel very dynamic and allows it to work in a variety of spaces with many different features.
Shoji White SW 7042
How to Choose the Perfect White Paint Color
Our best advice when it comes to white is don’t play it safe. We see a lot of clients who take the easy way out and just ask for a “stock white”. Although these do exist, and in a pinch can be a great option, the whites with a little more pigment and dimension will provide better coverage. Plus, they’ll look more intentional and sophisticated. White colors do not have to be boring and choosing the right white paint color for your exterior or interior painting project can create a very interesting overall look. As always, we do recommend you pick up some samples to test your paint out before beginning your project.
For more color inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram. If you are struggling to find the right color for your project, we suggest you read a little more about Color Consultations HERE. One of our talented Color Consultants would be more that happy to assist you in choosing your colors!
by Corey Morgan | Sep 22, 2022 | Exterior Painting, Pro Tips
What You Should Know About Staining in the Fall
As summer cools down and fall weather approaches, the window of opportunity to take care of exterior painting or staining projects is closing. That window tends to close a little quicker for stains.
There are a few variables that can greatly impact the success of a stain project. Weather must be in your favor to complete any stain project. Stains are fairly reliant upon the correct temperature range and dry weather in order to cure properly. The type of stain can also play a role due to different temperature thresholds that are required for a stain to adhere and cure properly. This time of year is your last chance to complete that stain project before winter arrives! Keep reading to learn more about what you should know about staining in the fall.
Solid Stains Vs Semi-Transparent Stains
Semi-transparent stain
Stains provide an appealing look, but they also protect exposed surfaces. Typically, homeowners will stain decks, fences, pergolas, or the whole exterior of a home. The first thing you must know when approaching a stain project is what type of stain you are going to use. The two main types of stains most often used are solid stains and semi-transparent stains.
Semi-Transparent Stains
Semi-Transparent stains are likely what you think of when you think of stains. Semi-transparent stains preserve the natural wood grain while creating an appealing aesthetic. The wood grain will still be visible through a semi-transparent stain while adding an additional pop of color.
Semi-transparent stains are made to penetrate wood surfaces and bind with wood fibers. This helps to protect the wood and preserve it for longer. For that reason, it is typically better to use a semi-transparent stain on surfaces you may want to preserve for longer, such as your deck.
Solid Stains
It’s important to understand what you’d like out of the look of your stain. Solid stains are more similar to paint and will cover the natural wood grain. If you want the wood grain to still show, a semi-transparent stain might be better suited for your project. Solid stains do not penetrate the wood or bind with the wood fibers. Instead, a solid stain lays upon the wood surface more like a top-coat of paint. Check out the image below of a solid stain project.
Solid stain deck
You can see how dark and thick the stain looks in comparison to a semi-transparent stain. Solid stains are a more stylistic choice when it comes to stains. When done right, a nice solid stain can really elevate your outdoor space by adding to the overall aesthetic while matching nicely with your exterior paint.
Weather & Temperatures Impact on Stains
Weather and the temperature of your environment are crucial factors when completing a stain project. Each type of stain has a temperature range required to apply the product and allow proper curing. You should always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying a stain. Same goes for paint, but stains can be a bit more finicky!
Temperature Threshold
For both semi-transparent and solid stains the ideal range is between 50-90 degrees fahrenheit. If it is too cold, or there is rain/snow within the first 24 hours of applying a stain product, it will not adhere or cure properly. If it is too cold or too hot when applying a stain it can create spotty results and will be cumbersome to fix.
As mentioned before, solid stains are more similar to paints in their chemistry. For that reason, they have a wider temperature range that they can safely be applied. For a solid stain you can typically apply them all the way down to 35 degrees fahrenheit. Semi-transparent stains have a tighter window and you really should fall within that 50-90 degree temperature range.
We need to keep in mind that it may be a nice fall day around 70-80 degrees out, but once that sun falls, the temperatures drop. Your painter should be aware of the temperature drop at night. If the temperature drops below that 50 degree mark at night, your stain may not cure properly. This can be especially true here in Colorado where we can have quick temperature swings.
For this example we are using Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Exterior Deck Stain (Semi-Transparent & Solid).
Location Matters
How well your stain adheres to your surface can even be impacted by the location of what you plan to stain. For example, if you have a ground-level deck that’s located on a side of your home that receives less sunlight it won’t receive as much heat being in the shade.
During the fall, a shaded area may struggle to reach the ambient temperature that a stain requires. This will create a longer dry time and could increase the risk of your stain being impacted by moisture.
Conclusion
It’s vital that your painter is well aware of the proper temperature threshold that your stain requires for application. If it is too cold, your stain project will not adhere or cure properly. It’s always better to play it safe when applying stains! You can typically apply solid stains later in the year due to their wider temperature range. We recommend waiting for the proper weather to complete a stain project as opposed to rushing your project. If you have a stain project you’d like to get completed, Kind Home Painting Co. provides free estimates. For inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram page HERE.
