What holds this country-cottage color palette together is its soft, earthy quality and muted vibe. But unlike a cool coastal palette or a traditional New England color scheme, this country-inspired cottage look has a charming whimsy thanks to a touch more chromatic saturation.

Cottagecore Color Scheme

I’ve broken the palette into eight paint colors, starting with two flexible neutrals, a soft creamy off-white and a transitional beige. Next we come to the warm tones, which include a soft and airy light peach and softened yellow-gold. In the cooler tones, we have a couple of lovely nature-inspired greens and two chalky blues.

These paint colors can be used throughout the home for a cohesive feel when you move from space to space while allowing room for creativity and allowing each room to have its own personality. Complete the look with patern-on-pattern and textural elements.

Cottagecore Neutral Paint Colors

• Creamy by Sherwin-Williams: This warm and complex cream paint color is much softer and more relaxed than the stark whites of 5 to 10 years ago (I am looking at you Chantilly Lace.) Creamy has a buttery undertone and a LRV of 81, which gives it a nostalgic cottage vibe. It looks amazing on exposed rafters and shiplap.
• Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore: This neutral paint color from Benjamin Moore’s historical deck is a Goldilocks beige, because it is not too gray not too yellow. It sits comfortably in the middle of the beige zone but is light enough to feel modern. Use it for transitional spaces like halls and entryways.

Cottagecore Yellow Paint Color

Benjamin Moore Twisted Oak Path: There are dozens of yellows I could have chosen to feature (many of which I mentioned in my Yellow Kitchen Paint Color round up recently.) But I landed on Twisted Oak Path for its light LRV of 67 and its complexity. It is not too pastel (like the butter yellows of fashion fame) because it has earthy complexity. Use it for millwork, color capping and reverse trim.

Peach Paint Cottage Core Color Scheme

Adobe Beige by Benjamin Moore: While the name may make you think this is a beige paint color, don’t let that fool you. This selection is most definitely a peach paint color, and it is just perfect for a cottage core interior! It shares a muted softened quality with the other colors in this palette that helps it blend cohesively together. It is the perfect warm and welcoming shade to use for a living room, three-season room or breakfast room.

Do you love peach? Check out my complete line-up of peach paint colors.

Green Cottagecore Colors

• Benjamin Moore Windchime: This popular green paint color from Benjamin Moore’s Affinity deck is a light and nearly-neutral green to add into your cottage interoior. Use it for reverse trim or kitchen cabinetry and pair it with a creamy white for a soft relaxed vibe.
• Benjamin Moore Flora: This nature-inspired hue is a touch more watery green with a blue undertone to keep it cooler and less apple or olive. This shade of green is stunning on woodwork or walls. Layer lots of patterns and texture into the space to complete the look.

Blue Cottagecore Paint Colors

• Benjamin Moore Pearl: This gray-blue color from the Williamsburg collection has a green undertone which gives it a slightly more English country vibe than a cooler, more coastal blue. It is a great wall color or could be used for kitchen cabinetry. I think it would also be great color capped with another shade of blue.
• Sherwin-Williams Rain Cloud: This is the deepest valued paint color in the palette and offers a welcomed bit of contrast. It can be used as an accent color for furniture or to drench a space for a moody feel.

What is the difference between Cottagecore and English Country colors?

The main difference between the colors for cottgecore and English country interior design is in the saturation. English Country colors are brighter and have more playful intensity. Cottagecore as an aesthetic puts a strong emphasis on simplicity and a lifestyle rooted in nature. How this translates to color is the paint colors will feel more naturally pigmented than English country colors. Get my favorite English Country Color Scheme on Samplize.

How do you create the Cottage Core Aesthetic in Interior Design?

While the above paint colors are a great place to start, they are only part of the formula.

• Pattern: To complete the look, layer textiles with pattern throughout the home. When pairing patterns together, vary the scale and type of pattern, such as geometric vs organic shapes.
• Historic Details: Exposed beams, brick, stone and other building materials with rustic texture are a hallmark of cottage core. Mixing unique salvaged building materials and decorative items with patina into newer homes helps to create the feel of cottagecore too!
• Natural Texture: Decorating with natural fibers, like woven jute or sisal area rugs, hanging baskets or wicker furniture is a great way to add visual interest and add another cottagecore element to a space. Bringing nature indoors with fresh or dried floral arrangements and houseplants are another layer to consider adding.
• Antiques and Vintage: Antiques and vintage furniture are a key component in cottagecore interiors. Making sure that things aren’t too perfect or matchy-matchy comes naturally in interiors with antiques. New to antiquing? My friend Ann is a pro and can help teach you her vintage-finding ways!
• Wallpaper: Wallpaper even in small amounts (like in powder room or home office) helps to give the home a country cottage vibe. Look for patterns with historic charm and a soft vintage look.

8 Common Color Mistakes to Avoid in Traditional New England Homes

Historic New England Paint Colors That Just Feel Right For 2026

Picking The Best Home Color Combination: 5 Top Tips

Need help choosing the right color?
If you’re feeling stuck or want a second set of eyes, I offer Virtual Color Consultations to help you make confident, intentional choices for your home, wherever you’re located.

The post Cottagecore Color Palette appeared first on A Season For Home.

Home Color Combinations: Expert Tips and Tricks!

I get it! Choosing the perfect color combinations can feel overwhelming when designing your home’s interior. The colors you select will set the tone for each room and create the atmosphere you want to live in. Whether you’re working with an open floor plan, designing a cozy living room, or selecting paint for a small space, this guide will help you confidently navigate the world of colors. Here are five top tips to find the best home color combination. Here’s a line up of the tips and tricks I’ll be sharing:

• Why flow and cohesion are important.
• How to use tried and true color pairings for a harmonious interior.
• Why neutrals are the easiest part to mess up!
• Keeping chroma consistency is key!
• Why lighting makes all the difference.

Plus I will share some fun and fabulous pre-made color palettes to get your creative juices flowing!

TIP 1: Consider Whole House Color Cohesion and Flow

One of the most important lessons I learned from my mentor (and have seen how this plays out in real life during my color consultations) is that cohesion is very important. You probably already understand that, since you are researching color schemes!

The flow from space to space and the cohesive feeling of the combination of colors makes effortless flow. Like designing a capsule wardrobe, picking a whole house paint scheme relies on curating a selection of colors that all work together. That way the entire home feels cohesive.

The good news is, it will naturally narrow down all the choices. My advice is to start with one color you love and then build from there.

While the colors all need to flow, it is important to consider that every room in your home serves a unique purpose. Don’t forget that the color combinations you choose should reflect the room’s function and mood. In every home color consultation, I ask homeowners what the room is used for and how they want to feel in each room!

Tip 2: Use The Color Wheel To Make Color Choices

The color wheel is a fundamental tool for both interior design professionals and homeowners decorating their homes. It organizes colors into a circular format, showing relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

Ways to Use The Color Wheel To Create Your Home Color Palette

Understanding the color wheel will help you create harmonious paint schemes for your home.

• Complementary Colors: These are opposite on the color wheel, like blue and orange or red and green. They create vibrant, high-contrast combinations, ideal for spaces where you want energy and drama.
• Analogous Colors: These sit next to each other, such as blue, green, and teal. Analogous color schemes offer a soothing, cohesive look perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.
• Monochromatic Colors: Variations of a single color, such as different tones of blue, create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere.

Keep in mind, there are varying degrees of intensity of colors! You can use these elements of color theory while using an entirely low-chroma or dirty color palette to keep everything feeling muted and soft. More on this in the next section!

By leveraging the color wheel, you can experiment with different schemes to find what works best for your home.

Tip 3: Pick A Color Chroma and Neutrals That Harmonize

If you haven’t read up on chroma yet, you may want to read this post about clean colors and what that means. From there, you’ll be able to do the next step effortlessly!

In general if you like bright splashy colors, they go better with cooler less saturated neutrals. And the converse is true of the more muted shades you would find in New England-style interiors. These do well with creamy off whites and warm beige, tans and khaki tones.

Knowing this will help you craft your home color palette and pick your neutrals!

• Decide whether you like low chroma or high chroma and keep all the hues your palette within the same rage- don’t mix!
• From there, you’ll be able to pick your neutrals because vibrant and clean colors go better with whites, off-whites and grays.  

PRO TIP: If your room feels off, it may be due to the blend of neutrals in your palette. Most neutrals have a subtle undertone (for example, khaki has a subtle green undertone) and when mixed together they can clash, making the room seem off. Compare them side by side and if one feels oddly pink for example, you probably mismatched your neutrals!

Tip 4: Pay Attention To Light

Lighting dramatically affects how colors appear in your home. Natural light changes throughout the day, altering the way paint looks in a room. For example, light colors, such as light green, can appear washed out in rooms with a lot of natural daylight, while deeply saturated colors like royal blue can seem dull in artificial light. 

• South-Facing Rooms: These spaces get bright, warm light, making cool colors like soft blues and greens a great choice to balance the warmth. Pick main colors with a low to medium amount of saturation for a softer look.
• North-Facing Rooms: These tend to have cooler, dimmer light. Avoid cool undertone colors for these spaces. Warm colors, such as creamy yellows or terracotta, can help make these rooms feel more inviting. While exterior paint colors tend to get brighter when painted on a whole house, interior colors can darken, especially in North rooms. 
• Artificial Lighting: Consider how your light fixtures affect color. Warm light bulbs will enhance warm colors, while cool LEDs complement cool tones. Color experts recommend looking at the bulbs’ CRE and to opt for those above 90 for the best color rendering. 

Testing paint samples on your walls and observing them at different times of the day is essential to ensure you choose the perfect color.

Tip 4: Use Neutrals To Bring a Whole House Paint Scheme Together

Neutral tones like white, cream and beige are versatile and timeless. They serve as the foundation of many successful interior color schemes. I tell my color consulting clients that if they’re not committed to a particular color, its always safe to use a neutral on the walls and to add colors in pops in the form of furnishings, an accent wall, an area rug and accessories. This is called an Accented Neutral Scheme and it is relatively easy to create.

• White Walls: White walls provide a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with bright colors in your furniture and decor. Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White is a popular choice for its subtle warmth and peachy undertones. I love a warm white paint color or cream paired with wood and earth-tone textiles.
• Earthy Color Palette: Soft taupe and sandy beiges like Tapestry Beige, Ben Moore Muslin or Edgecomb Gray, and muted greens like Creekside Green or Nantucket Gray create a grounded, calming effect. Pair these with natural materials like wood and stone for a cohesive look.
• Layering Neutrals: Use different shades and textures within the neutral family to add depth and interest to a space without overwhelming it.
• Soften Contrast: While I love rich tones like dark green and dark blue they can create a lot of contrast. I used mid tone neutrals in my master bedroom to soften a high contrast paint color scheme. The light wall colors and dark wallpaper on the accent wall created drama. I was able to soften the contrast by adding a mid tone natural Belgian Linen duvet cover and neutral carpet to help bridge the gap. Another way to do this is to use a less saturated version of the same hue that is also lighter in value. For example, instead of a brighter red, try a rusty peach paint instead.

Neutral tones are particularly effective in open floor plans, where they provide a unifying backdrop for varying design elements.

Free Home Color Scheme

If you are looking for a jumping-off point, try one of these free color palettes I created. You can use them as a starting point and then tweak them to suit the needs in your home with your fixed elements and lighting conditions!

You can access them here. You can also get more tips on how to use these paint color schemes here.

Finding Your Best Home Color Combination

Choosing the right color combinations for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering the flow between rooms, understanding the role of light, and using tools like the color wheel, you can create a color harmony. Start by identifying your desired mood for each space and build your palette around those goals. Remember, every room has its own function and personality, so your color choices should enhance both. Whether you opt for a bold complementary scheme or a soft, monochromatic look, let your vision guide the way.

Neutrals remain a timeless choice for creating balance and cohesion throughout your home. They serve as a versatile foundation, allowing you to layer in color and texture through furniture, accessories, and accent walls. Don’t forget to test your selections in different lighting conditions to see how they truly look in your space.

With these strategies, you can confidently transform your home into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs, one thoughtfully chosen color at a time. If you do this right, you’ll also have the added benefit of moving furniture from one space to another and it will all work together!

And remember if all else fails you can do a virtual color consultation with me. Learn more about working with a color consultant here.

The post Picking The Best Home Color Combination: 5 Top Tips appeared first on A Season For Home.

Hi, I’m Katie Webster, the color consultant behind A Season For Home. I’m a trained color expert and I help homeowners choose paint colors that work with their lighting, finishes, and architecture, not just what looks good on Pinterest. My recommendations come from real-world use, client projects, and hands-on testing.

Pin this post to save this paint color review for later!

See Benjamin Moore Beach Glass 1564 on the Ben Moore website.

What Color Is Benjamin Moore Beach Glass?

Benjamin Moore Beach Glass is a low chroma blue paint color with a green undertone. When people search for Beach Glass BM or BM Beach Glass, they usually want to know if it leans blue or green.

Here’s the honest answer: it reads as a muted blue-green, but in most spaces it feels slightly more blue than green. When I analyzed it on a digital level, I found that it is technically a green base (see graphic below) but our eye doesn’t see it this way. Because it has so much gray in it, the saturation collapses and we see it as blue with a beautiful green undertone.

Sorry if that was too technical! In real life, what this means is it won’t feel too icy or overly pastel. It has that hazy, coastal quality that makes a room feel calm and settled.

If you want something crisp and clearly blue, this may feel too softened but don’t let the paint chip fool you. Compare it to other gray blues and you will see that it has plenty of character for most spaces. If you love colors that shift subtly throughout the day, Beach Glass Benjamin Moore is a beautiful option.

LRV of Beach Glass

The LRV of beach glass paint color is 49.7. That places it in the mid-range.

What that means to you and me:

• It reflects a moderate amount of light
• It won’t feel heavy in small rooms
• It can look deeper in low light or north-facing spaces

In bright light, it softens and looks airy. In dim light, the green undertones become more noticeable.

Where Beach Glass Works Best

In my experience, beach glass paint shines in more enclosed spaces. It feels grounding rather than expansive.

I especially love it for:

• I love a Beach Glass Benjamin Moore bedroom with linen, cream or white bedding and natural textures like jute or sisal.
• Bathrooms are the perfect place to add paint colors with a bit of personality. If your home has mostly neutral wall colors, beach glass is a perfect low-chroma hue to add to a smaller enclosed space.
• Dens or home offices with coastal or relaxed traditional vibes expecially with oatmeal colored textiles and layered neutrals

In large open-concept spaces, it can have too much character. For open concepts, I usually recommend a warm neutral and instead add colors like beach glass to rooms off of the main living area that are more contained by cased openings or doors.

The Best White Trim Colors for BM Beach Glass

Because Beach Glass has green undertones, the white you pair with it matters. Too stark and it looks cold. Too creamy and it looks dingy.

These are the whites I reach for:

• BM White Dove: a fantastic all-purpose white with a subtle warmth
• BM Pure White: a cooler grayed-out white that fits with the cooler nature of beach glass paint
• BM Decorator’s White: one of my favorite cool whites because it has enough gray that it doesn’t feel stark
• SW Dover White: a gorgeous option for historical homes and low light conditions
• SW White Duck: my go-to trim color for a softer tonal effect
• SW Creamy: this warm white has unbeatable yellow undertones that are perfect for New England coastal homes and to pair with low chroma colors

If you want a crisp contrast, go with Decorator’s White, Pure White or White Dove. If you prefer soft and cohesive, White Duck is beautiful. If your house is older or your room is dark use Creamy or Dover White. Read more about picking white for trim.

Color Pairings I Love With Beach Glass

One of the reasons I recommend Benjamin Moore Beach Glass is that it plays well with both warm and cool tones.

Here are some combinations that feel intentional:

• Khaki tones like Jonesboro Cream for warmth and balance
• Peachy neutrals like Georgetown Pink Beige for a subtle, flattering glow
• Soft gray navy like Black Pepper by Benjamin Moore for depth and contrast
• Deep teal like Yorktowne Green if you want a richer, layered coastal palette

It also looks beautiful with natural wood, rattan, and aged brass.

This color is a beautiful choice for an accented neutral color scheme. Pairing it with beige, cream and another accent from the above list is a perfect start for a soft beachy interior.

Pro Tip: Katie’s Wallpaper Picks To Go With Beach Glass

Many of my clients are asking about wallpapers in our color consultations and so I am anticipating that you’re wondering what wallpapers would go with Beach Glass. Today I’ve pulled two options for you:

Lewis and Wood Georgia in Gold Slate: Though it has clear inspiration from historical motifs, the scale of this pattern is giant which keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. See more info here.

Ronald Redding by York Courtyard in Neutral: This would be stunning above wainscotting in either an entry hall or dining room. See more info here.

Comparing Beach Glass to Similar Blue-Gray Paint Colors

If you’re considering Beach Glass, you’re probably also looking at other blue-gray paint colors. Here’s how it stacks up:

• BM Smoke is cleaner and more clearly blue. It feels cooler overall.
• BM Tranquility is more muted with stronger green and gray influence.
• BM Gray Mist leans more green and reads softer.
• BM Gray Cashmere is noticeably brighter and lighter.

Beach Glass sits right in that balanced middle ground. Soft, slightly green, coastal without feeling themed.

Should You Use Beach Glass Benjamin Moore in your home?

If you love calm, muted colors that shift gently with the light, Beach Glass Benjamin Moore is worth sampling. It’s especially strong in bedrooms and bathrooms where you want a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’d like expert help narrowing down your choices, I offer virtual color consultations where I guide you through undertones, lighting, and cohesive whole-home palettes. You can learn more about working with me through A Season For Home. Let’s make sure your paint choice feels right every time you walk into the room.

The post Benjamin Moore Beach Glass Paint Color Review appeared first on A Season For Home.

As a certified color expert, I spend most of my days helping homeowners sift through endless paint chips and talking them off the ledge of second-guessing (because trust me, we’ve all been there). But my love for New England color didn’t start in a color studio. I grew up in a home on the Historic Registry, surrounded by quirky charm and old-house soul. And later, during our own multi-year Vermont farmhouse renovation, I learned just how transformative paint can be. The right color doesn’t just change a room,  it makes an older home feel warm, grounded, and true to its bones.

Over the years, I’ve noticed I return to the same tried-and-true hues again and again. Not because I’m stuck in a rut, but because these colors work beautifully with New England architecture and light. They feel timeless, cozy, and instantly welcoming. Today, I’m sharing those five go-to colors with you, plus the color principles behind why they’re so reliable.

Photo Credit: Crisp Architects

What Paint Colors Are Best for a New England Home?

You might be thinking, Why would paint colors behave differently here? I promise, they do. New England homes come with a special set of characteristics that influence how colors show up on your walls. Here’s what makes this region unique:

• Cooler, softer natural light. Many of my clients, especially those in rural areas, also get strong green reflections from surrounding woods, fields, and mountains especially in the summer months.
• Antique or unpainted wood tones. Older homes often feature warm, rich wood that plays beautifully with some colors and completely clashes with others. Add to that slate tile floors in the mudroom and brick fireplaces, and you have distinct russet browns and reddish earth tones that must be considered when picking paint colors.
• Classic architecture. Colonial lines, farmhouse bones, millwork, and low ceilings give older homes charm but can also create darker spaces. The right paint color can enhance this character instead of fighting against it.
• Major seasonal shifts. Summer sun washes colors out; winter brings cool shadows that make some hues look minty, dingy or muddy. The goal is to choose colors that ride these swings gracefully.
• Bright whites can fall flat. If clean modern whites feel harsh, sterile, or oddly gray in your home, you’re not imagining it. Luckily, there’s a workaround.
• Timeless New England style favors earthy, desaturated color. Ou color palette in New England is rooted in Colonial Pigments. As a result, low-chroma colors (aka dirty colors) and historically inspired hues feel naturally at home here (and no, you don’t have to stick to the “Historic” fan deck to get the look!)

With that foundation in mind, here are the five paint colors I recommend over and over for New England homes.

1. Warm, Creamy Off-Whites

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but one of my most reliable creamy off whites that looks gorgeous (even in the darkest spaces) is Sherwin Williams Dover White. This is the white paint I go to again and again for ceilings, trim and white walls.

Sherwin Williams Dover White. Photo Credit: @hatcliffconstruction

Why We Love Dover White By Sherwin Williams

• One of the biggest mistakes I made when we bought our 1790s farmhouse was painting the walls of our dark dining room White Dove by Benjamin Moore. What I didn’t know was that certain white paints look terrible in dark spaces! Silly me, I was just trying to brighten it up.
• What I learned in my Color Expert Certification traing is that this is a common misconception. In fact, bright whites can look flat or dingy in low light, but creamy whites glow in dark interiors with small windows or porches overhanging. Warm whites with yellow undertones can even handle the cool northern light we get in the winter!
• Now I know that Dover White is stunning in low light rooms. It has the same high LRV (83) as White Dove but carries more warmth, perfect for darker New England rooms.
• It plays beautifully with antique furniture, patina-rich wood, and traditional trim.
• While it isn’t stark, sterile, or overly yellow it also feels classic, cozy, and quietly historic.
• I highly suggest considering a warm off-white like Dover White as a softer alternative for trim when you want white but not builder-basic white.

Best for: Trim, ceiling and anywhere you want to use white. It looks great in foyers, on kitchen cabinets, living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.

2. Soft Beiges, Taupes & Warm Greiges

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but I will happily admit that Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground is one of my most recomended paint shades when coming up with clients home color combination . I literally cannot count the number of clients for whom I have specified this creamy warm neutral beige paint color!

But don’t run away when you hear me say “beige” this is much softer and lighter than the beige paints of yore. This is much lighter and not as intensely yellow of the beiges of the early 2000s.

Neutral Ground on The walls with darker contrast trim in a mudroom. Photo: @buildingacasehouse

Why It Works

• Neutral Ground handles both summer’s strong directional light and winter’s cool blue shadows.
• A higher LRV (70) brightens darker homes with low ceilings and small windows.
• Feels grounding and warm during long winter months.
• Doesn’t clash with earthy fixed elements like brick and antique floors.
• A perfect backdrop for the muted greens, reds, and blues often found in historic New England homes. Having a workhorse neutral like Neutral Ground is key when using an accented neutral scheme for interior design.

Best For: living rooms, dining rooms, parlors, historic trim moments

3. Earthy Sage Greens

Examples: Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray (shown above in my office) or Sherwin Williams Grassland

Why It Works

• Soft, muted, low-chroma greens feel naturally at home in New England’s landscapes and historic architecture.
• Timeless without drifting into “colonial kitsch.”
• Beautiful for cabinetry, wainscotting, and even exterior trim.
• Adds color while keeping the overall palette calm and refined.
• Looks great with muddy and complex undertones of fixed elements like stone, brick and aged wood.

Best For: mudrooms, kitchens, libraries, guest rooms

4. Dusty Gray-Blues

When I meet with my clients before our color consulting appointments, I always make sure to ask what colors they are drawn to. Three quarters of the time the answer is often greens or blues. When I sift back through the paint schedules I have created, these dusty blues come up time and time again.

Examples: Brewster Gray, Wales Gray, Templeton Gray, Puritan Gray (all Benjamin Moore)

Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore is a perfect example of a New England paint color that can be used on walls, trim or accents and always feels timeless.

Why It Works

• All of these above mentioned blue gray paint colors have enough weight for traditional millwork but stay soft and livable thanks to gentle graying.
• These mid tones vibe effortlessly with historic wood, clear old-growth pine planks, aged oak, even yellow-leaning maple.
• Look New England coastal, farmhouse, or traditional depending on your styling.
• I love these colors for reverse trim in spaces with lots of ornamental woodwork.

Best For: Stairwells with tons of woodwork, bathrooms, bedrooms, mudrooms, breezeways, Federal-era home’s foyers and stately home offices.

5. Earthy, Desaturated Reds (Brick Tones)

While red is not a paint color that comes to mind for most people, earthy brick colored pigments are traditional early New England and always look at home in the classic homes of the North East. I use these red paint colors in moderation for my paint schemes. The key is to use them for a pop of contrast!
Examples: Benjamin Moore Audubon Russet, Walnut and Boston Brick

A rusty red bench in a mudroom gives a pop of contrast. Photo: @sanfordcollectiveinteriors

Why It Works

• Browned, earthy reds with warm undertones feel rooted and authentic, never costume-y like blue or purple-leaning burgundies. I love those that look like they were created using natural pigments.
• Provide the “pop” most color schemes need while still looking natural and historic.
• Perfect for unexpected moments of charm: interior doors, stair risers, a kitchen island, or built-ins.
• Echo classic New England barn reds and brick tones.

Best For: front doors, dining rooms, interior doors, built-ins

How to Choose the Right Color for Your New England Home

Keep these principles in mind as you narrow your options:

• Pay attention to light direction, it changes everything. North facing rooms and those with small windows or low ceilings get less warm direct light and the colors will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Consider your wood undertones, they’re part of the palette whether you want them to be or not. A lot of older wood floors and beams have orange tones which pair well with blues and greens but clash with taupes. Keep that in mind when you are picking your main neutral and your highlight colors.
• Look down. Your floors matter more than most people realize. As do the other fixed elements in your home including brick, stone and slate.
• Your personal style determines how muted or saturated you should go. While traditional New England colors are based on colonial era pigments, if you prefer a bit more saturation, the key is keeping it consistant throughtout your whole home palette.

The post The Essential New England Color Palette: 5 Foolproof Paint Colors for Classic Homes appeared first on A Season For Home.

My favorite thing about BM Ballet White OC-9 is that it lacks any bossy tonality or noticible undertones. I go to it over and over again when someone wants a paint color other than white, but doesn’t really want much color at all!

What Color is Ballet White Benjamin Moore?

Ballet White (OC-9) is a beautifully balanced, soft neutral that sits somewhere between an off-white and a light greige. It’s part of Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection, which includes some of their most versatile, designer-loved shades. Ballet White has a creamy warmth that gives it a gentle, inviting feel without trending yellow.

In natural light, it feels fresh and soft without being stark. In low light, I’ve noticed that it deepens into the gray side of its personality, while retaining just enough warmth to prevent it from looking like a gray paint color. In sunnier rooms it can lean peachy at times.

In my house I used it in our primary suite. Our bedroom is painted Benjamin Moore Natural Cream, and I used Ballet White which is a bit lighter, just in the darker hallway and dressing room. In my work as a professional color consultant, it is one of the Minimalist Paint Colors I turn to again and again for clients who don’t want to paint their walls white but who are looking for a bright neutral that won’t darken their space.

What is the LRV of BM Ballet White?

Ballet White has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 73.54, which means it reflects a good amount of light while still having enough body to show up clearly on the wall. Its color value is bright enough to keep a space feeling open and airy but not so light that it washes out. In other words, it’s the kind of neutral that looks intentional, not just “painted white.”

What Are Its Undertones?

Ballet White has warm undertones with a mix of beige and gray, and a very subtle hint of peach. It’s like a greige with a creamy twist. The undertones are soft and muted, which helps the color stay neutral and flexible. It rolls from lightly peachy to warm gray depending on the lighting exposure.

Notes About Lighting and Exposure

As with any paint color, lighting makes all the difference.

• In the winter, I have noticed a cooler green-gray tonality in the spaces in our primary suite (those that don’t have much direct light.) While I personally do not have Ballet White in North Facing spaces, I can surmise that without direct light, you’ll notice this cooler gray quality more.
• In our daughter’s East Facing bathroom, there is quite a bit of reflection that pulls out the warmth.
• When the setting sun hits our West-facing dressing room, Ballet White has a soft peachiness that feels lovely. In rooms with southern exporsure warm light brings out any paint color’s warmth.

If you’re using Ballet White throughout your home, these shifts in tone can actually be a strength. The color adapts beautifully to changing light, which is one reason it works so well as a whole-house color.

Whites to Pair with Ballet White by Benjamin Moore

Because Ballet White leans warm, it pairs best with softer, warmer whites rather than crisp, cool ones. A few great options include:

• Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17): a soft, creamy white that complements Ballet White without feeling too yellow. All of the photos in this post show White Dove trim and ceilings.
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005: This tried and true all-purpose white is a great match for Ballet White. I’ve included it in our Ballet White Color Palette below.
• Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): Slightly brighter and cleaner than White Dove, it’s perfect for trim if you want more contrast.
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45): adds a tone-on-tone warmth that feels cohesive and cozy.

Ballet White Color Palette

Ballet white is an ideal whole-house color! Use this Ballet White Color Palette to plan your home’s interior. It’s lovely for large open concept living spaces. Or use it in transitional spaces (like your foyer and hallways) and the accent colors for rooms off of the main space.

• Sherwin Williams Pure White: This softened white has a smidge of gray and warmth to it that goes with nearly every paint color. This is a beauty paired with Ballet White. It is crisp without feeling dated or stark
• Benjamin Moore Pashmina: Use this soft taupe in spaces adjacent to BM Ballet White when you want an enveloping coziness. It is great for a family room or home office.
• Benjamin Moore Brentwood: I love the way rich terracottas and low chroma reds look with Ballet White Benjamin Moore. Paint built-ins or cabinets in this russet color with Ballet White on the walls for a look with classic appeal. I’d encourage you to fins accessories in this hue as well to repeat this color through your space.
• Benjamin Moore October Mist: This softened green is a notch lighter than Creekside Green and appeals to those who favor lighter tones like Ballet White. October Mist and Ballet White would make a stunning combo in a kitchen!
• Benjamin Moore Puritain Gray: Don’t let the name fool you, this is a blue paint color without any vibrant saturation. It looks so good with reverse trim. You could also use it to paint furniture pieces in a bedroom painted Ballet White.
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal: Instead of a harsh black, opt to give your scheme depth with a little softness. I love Kendall Charcoal for its warmth while lacking any overt yellow tones.

If this paint color scheme isn’t perfect for you, but you love the idea of having a planned out cohesive color palette, make sure you download our 5-free color palettes.

How to Use in Your Home

Ballet White is one of those colors that truly shines as a whole-house paint color. It flows beautifully from room to room, creating a sense of continuity and calm. It’s especially well-suited for open-concept homes where you want subtle variation without sharp transitions.

As you map out your home’s color palette, remember that it’s important to create flow from room to room. Ballet White can help smooth this transition in any hallways or spaces where a more colorful hue would feel jarring. I like to use colors like this in hallways and large

It brightens a space and pairs well with warm wood tones, woven textures, or brass accents. This is the ideal color to use in an Accented Neutral Color Scheme. In bedrooms and living spaces, it provides the perfect soft backdrop for art and textiles without feeling flat or sterile.

If you have a vaulted ceiling, Ballet White is light enough to use on the walls and ceiling, which will help to avoid the patchy effect created by the angles where the walls and ceiling join.

Ballet White for Exterior

For exteriors, Ballet White reads as a creamy off-white. It won’t look stark in bright sunlight, and it maintains just enough warmth to complement both stone and brick. Paired with a crisp white trim and soft black accents like Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, it creates a balanced, classic look.

Ballet White Cabinets

Ballet White kitchen cabinets are a great option if you are thinking of white cabinets, but want something a little creamier or warmer. Pair the cabinets with marble-like quartz or natural stone countertops, light wood floors, and brass hardware for a lighter feel. To balance the brightness of the Ballet White you could opt for a darker countertop like granite or soapstone to offer contrast. If you love the trend toward a Cashmere Kitchen, defintely look at Ballet White as an option!

Similar Colors to Try

If you’re drawn to Ballet White but want to explore a few close alternatives, consider:

• Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23) – a lighter, cooler and whispy option that passes as white when color drenched. To see its effermal warmer character pair it with a stark white like Chantilly lace or a cool white like Decorator’s White.
• Benjamin Moore Natural Cream – Natural Cream is a touch darker than Ballet White and a good choice to paint in adjacent spaces with more natural light. This is a very popular color (for a reason) and another great one to look at for cabinetry.
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) – a comparable taupey greige paint color with considerably more depth.
• Benjamin Moore Winds Breath (OC-24) – similar softness, a bit less warmth. This paint color can look light gray in certain houses- but is a good shade to look at if you want a barely there look.

How to Know if Ballet White Is Right for Your Home

The best way to know if Ballet White will work in your space is to test it. Paint a few large swatches on different walls and observe how it changes throughout the day. Look at it next to your trim, flooring, and furnishings—these fixed elements will affect how the undertones appear.

If you’re looking for a color that feels calm, timeless, and elegant without being too white or too beige, Ballet White might just be the perfect middle ground. It’s one of those colors that quietly supports everything around it, and in my experience, that’s exactly what makes it so enduring.

More Warm Neutral Paint Colors

If you are researching neutral paint colors don’t miss these other color reviews.

• Benjamin Moore Tapestry Beige: This greige has a subtle touch of green
• Benjamin Moore Collingwood: This is a more gray option if Ballet feels too warm for you.
• Muslin by Benjamin Moore: A soft pink undertone gives this beige a bit of character without clashing
• Navajo White by Benjamin Moore: A popular cream paint color with peachy undertones
• Sherwin-Williams Wool Skein: A soft khaki with very little saturation.
• Smoky Taupe by Benjamin Moore: A mid-tone taupe without any brassy undertones. So if you like greige and taupes vs beige, this is one to look at. Consider it for additional spaces in your home if you like Ballet!

If you are still not sure, sign up for a one on one virtual color consultation with me!

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I have included five distinct paint color schemes to suit your individual style. The hardest part will be picking which one you like best! This collection includes:

• Soft and Cozy Whole-House Color Palette: These muted beachy tones are selected for those who want to embrace light, warm neutrals and ocean-inspired hues for a enveloping yet calming vibe.
• Timeless Color Palette: Perfect for busy families and homeowners who want a cohesive color palette to help make the home feel effortlessly put together without feeling trendy!
• English Cottage Color Palette: If you like a bit of personality and energy use this British Country-inspired color scheme to plan out your home’s interior design plan.
• Understated Elegance Color Palette: If you want a tried and true color palette that you know won’t feel tiresome lean into these softer shades.
• Grounding Color Palette: Based on earthy warm tones this grounding palette is perfect if you want to evoke a calming and centered feel in your home.

FAQs For Choosing A Color Palette

How To Use a Whole-House Color Scheme

Having an established color scheme is like having a road map for decorating your whole home. The key is knowing which paint color will work best in which room. Follow these four key tips to apply the color schemes to your unique home!

1. Pick One Or Two Main Colors: In each of these five color schemes you will notice I have included at least one soft neutral color. This is meant to be used for the main living areas and any spaces that flow from one area to the next. Commonly these include the foyer or entryway, main living room, stairwells and hallways. Painting these main spaces with your neutrals will allow you tons of flexibilty.
2. Use Darkest Colors For Accents: Use the darkest shades in the palette for cabinets, built-ins and accents. You can also use these colors to paint your woodwork and wainscoting.
3. Use More Vibrant Colors For Smaller Rooms: Bedrooms, home offices and bathrooms can take a bit of color. This works well when you have a door that can be closed or cased opening to demark where one paint color will end and another will begin.
4. Think Beyond Paint: The key to success is to repeat your colors throughout the space. Use your paint palette to pick out tiles, fabrics, art and furnishings and more! I take my paint chips with me when I shop to make sure everything goes together! Since all of your colors work together you can repeat the colors in other rooms and the whole house will feel collected!

Download The Free Paint Schemes

Now the hardest part: Deciding which paint scheme you want to use!

Here’s the link to download the free paint schemes. Once you decide which scheme you like best, you can order the large samples from Samplize to see how they will look in your space (see links below to each collection.) Don’t forget to test the paints in your space. And leave a comment below if you have any questions! I love hearing from you.

Order each collection on Samplize:

Soft and Cozy: Buy large scale sample sheets here

Timeless Hues: Buy large scale sample sheets here

English Cottage: Buy large scale sample sheets here

Understated Elegance: Buy large scale sample sheets here

Grounding: Buy large scale sample sheets here

The post Whole House Color Palette: 5 Free Paint Color Schemes appeared first on A Season For Home.

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Today’s paint color review will include loads of details about this subtle neutral paint color, including undertones, coordinating colors and white paints for trim, LRV and more! Read on to find out if this popular taupe paint is the right color to use in your space.

Looking for the perfect taupe paint color? Here are my 16 top taupe paint colors (arranged from lightest to darkest.)

Why I Love Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe

If I could go back in time, I would have painted our main foyer and upper hallway in Smokey Taupe instead of painting Collingwood. Our attached apartment was the last area in the house to be painted when we bought our Farmhouse fixer upper. For the color scheme, I wanted to decorate with chocolate browns, greens, cream and taupe. So I used Smokey Taupe on the trim in the living room with creamy off white walls and then reversed the scheme and painted the apartment bedroom walls Smokey Taupe with the white trim.

Once I discovered how gorgeous this taupe paint looks on the walls (and trim) I wanted a time machine to use it in the main house, which we had just painted a few months before! Here are a few reasons I love it and recommend it to color consulting clients.

• It is the perfect low chroma warm neutral with minimal undertones to use for accented neutral color schemes.
• The lack of undertones makes it perfect for someone looking for a minimalist paint color or folks who don’t want to add a colorful hue to their walls- but they do want a bit of warmth.
• I just love the way it adds dimension to our interior design and a touch of warmth without looking dated. Plus it doesn’t lean too pink like so many beige paint colors.
• It goes great with gray! So if you have leftover furniture and decor from the gray trend that you’re trying to meld into today’s warmer neutrals, taupe is your friend! I found a rug for the bedroom that has gray, taupe and cream in it to tie our existing grayish nightstands in with the warmer browns and cream.

What is Taupe Anyway?

Before we get too far into this paint color review, I want to define what a taupe color is. Taupe is like a blend of gray and tan. Taupe is similar to greige (which is a blend of gray and beige) but it is darker! If you’ve geeked out and read my Color Theory posts, I can say this and you’ll know just what I mean: Compared to beige, taupe is cooler, less saturated and intrinsically low chroma.

If that was like reading hieroglyphs, you can learn about color saturation, color chroma and color temperature next!

Undertone Of Smokey Taupe

The reason I love this color so much is that it barely has any undertone at all. BM Smokey Taupe 983 has the faintest amount of hue and is almost gray. That said, its parent hue is orange, which you can see in the image below, and where it falls in its degree of saturation.

While taupe is cooler than beige or tan, it is still considered a warm neutral. To illustrate this point, when set next to Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams, it is clear to see the warmth of Smokey Taupe.

While it is almost imperceptible, this color does have a whisper of pink in it. I have only noticed it in certain lights when paired with green (or other neutrals with green in them, like Tapestry Beige.) It is not unpleasant, and not as prominent as Muslin, another warm neutral paint by BM.

I originally found out about this light taupe paint color, by reading about how interior designers love it precisely because it doesn’t have any pesky undertones. The lack of strong undertones makes it a perfect warm neutral paint color if you do not like yellow or if you are looking for a warm neutral to go with gray furnishings (or floors.)

LRV For Ben Moore Smokey Taupe- 983

The LRV is 54.53 which means it is a mid-tone paint color. LRV stands for light reflectance value which describes how bright or dark a paint is. Pure white would be a 100 on this scale and true black would be 0.

What does all this “Mid-tone LRV” business mean in plain english? Well, if you look at the image above, you can see in our south-facing apartment bedroom that Smokey Taupe has plenty of body to handle direct light, without washing out.

In the image above you can see our Living Room in the apartment, where I used Smokey Taupe for the trim and millwork, and paired it with white walls (painted in OC-17 White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Even with lower light on the north side of the house, Smokey Taupe is still light enough to not feel too heavy or high-contrast.

FAQs for Benjamin Moore 983 Smoky Taupe

White Paints To Pair With It

Whether you’re doing reverse trim or contrasting trim, like I did in our apartment living room, or you want to paint your trim white and the walls Smokey Taupe here are some great whites to pair with it:

My current white paint color obsession is Whitetail by Sherwin-Williams and it is simply stunning with Smokey Taupe. They have the same undertone and so it is a match made in heaven! This is a great ceiling color too because it is nice and bright with an LRV of 86.

For a more subtle effect, with less contrast, use Sherwin-Williams White Duck for your white. It has an LRV of 74 so will have less contrast. It too has a very similar undertone so it will not have any off cast.

I used White Dove for my white and all of the photos in this post show what that pairing looks like. I used White Dove as my universal white for my whole house, so this decision was an easy one. It looks great and provides crisp contrast without seeming too cool.

Check out this collection of my favorite warm whites samples.

What Colors Go With Smokey Taupe?

This light taupe paint color is dreamy to work with for interior decorating because it goes with so many colors! Here are my top picks: Peach, Chocolate, Red, Navy and Green.

Now, it is important to pair it with the right shades of these hues! My rule is to pair warm neutrals with low-chroma colors. These are colors that are less saturated and have more complexity. So pick muted greens, understated navys, rich browns, and subtle terracotta or brick reds. Skip the jewel tones and clean bright colors and pair them with white and gray neutrals instead. Read more about how to pick a color scheme for interior decorating.

You can use these colors as inspiration for your decor, textiles and furnishings, or you can use them for a whole house palette. As I mentioned above these colors would make great accent colors, like for a kitchen island, or bathroom vanity!

Is Smokey Taupe Right For You?

Ultimately, you’re going to have to test out Smokey Taupe in your own home to make sure it works for you. You can buy a sample sheet of it on Samplize or a small pot of it and paint it on the wall. Look at the sample in all different lights and make sure you love it. If it is too dark or light, consider trying some of the other ideas I suggested above.

I love it because it is warm without being yellow or overly tan or beige. It is a light taupe akin to a deeper greige paint color, so it is perfect if you are hoping for the paint to disappear into the background and let the furnishings do the speaking. But it has enough value that it will keep your walls from looking blank!

If you are bugged out about unexpected undertones, you can feel safe with Smokey Taupe. It is expert tested and approved, that’s how I found it! And now having used it in my own spaces I can verify how great this paint color really is!

If you are still unsure, sign up for a paint color consultation online and I can help!

The post Smokey Taupe by Benjamin Moore: Paint Color Review appeared first on A Season For Home.

Color trends are Getting Warmer

As a color consultant, I need to stay on top of color trends and forecasting. Whether my clients want to follow the trends or not, it is important to know where the trends are going. Without a doubt, color trends are moving warm. Gone is the gray era and the White and Black farmhouse. Warm neutrals are here!

Interiors by (clockwise from top left ) DeVOL, Becki Owens, Amber Interiors Design Studio and Haldon House.

This shift to warmer neutrals and warmer shades is not just a blip on the social media feed, this warming of the collective palette is a macro trend that has been shifting for a few years and will likely endure about a 10 to 15 year tenure as most macro-trends do in the color world.

I am here for this trend in a big way! That’s why I wanted to talk about Navajo White OC-95 today. I used it recently in my home gym and know it’ll be a popular choice for my color consultations in the coming years.

Read this if you’re not sure what warm colors vs cool colors are?

Why Is Navajo White Benjamin Moore Popular?

While Benjamin Moore Navajo White (OC-95 also known as 947 and PM-29) has been a popular paint color for a long time, but it is about to get a whole lot more popular thanks to the shift to warm neutrals!

A living room painted Navajo White designed by Mariann Simon

What is the Undertone of Navajo White?

When finding the color undertone of a neutral or off-white paint color I first compare it to a gray and white paint without any strong undertones. Here you can see my control paint chips taped to the Benjamin Moore Navajo White wall.

In this example you can see the warm pinky peach undertone of the Navajo White.

You can see below where the hex code for this paint falls on a digital meter. It is in the orange family but because it is so pale it is more of a distant relative of orange.

You can see that the orange is on the yellow side so when someone tells you Navajo White has a yellow undertone they’re not wrong, but it does have a wee bit of red mixed into it which gives it a soft peachy quality.

This unique orange undertone is why Navajo White paint is so lovely compared to a strictly yellow-undertoned cream paint color.

Will Navajo White Look Beige, Off-White or Cream in my room?

The answer is it depends on two things: The light and and what color(s) you pair it with.

First, on the matter of Color Pairing. By now, if you have been following me here or on Instagram then you know that color is always relative to what’s next to it because our brains use the other color to calibrate.

With a clean white like Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore, the Navajo White will look peach.

But when we compare Navajo White to a more deeply saturated pink beige like Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams you can see that it is relatively pale and muted in comparison.

When compared to another popular beige paint color with pink undertones, like Muslin by Benjamin Moore, you can see the yellow in the undertones making it appear more creamy than beige.

And as to the lighting, it’s best to look at paint colors in natural light when trying to decide which to use. But I also recommend looking at the paint color at night too so you’re sure to love it all day and night. Your lightbulbs will make a big difference so when possible use bulbs with a high CRI (over 90.)

In the above photo, the light was quite diffused and it was a cloudy winter day so the light is on the cool side- this will affect the way all the colors look too!

What Trim Color To Use With Navajo White

My recommendation is to use Navajo white on all the surfaces. This will give you an allover creamy feel, but it won’t make the room seem peach. Adding white trim will make the undertones pop. Instead, vary the sheens, using a flat paint for the ceiling, eggshell on the walls and pearl or satin on the trim.

In this bedroom, by Crisp Architects, the walls are painted Ben Moore Navajo White and the stark contrast of the Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (and bright white bed linens) creates a strong differential. In this case the paint appears to be an ever-so-lovely peach to warm up this bright and airy space.

If you like the above look, you can go with Decorators White for the sharpest contrast. Other Benjamin Moore whites you can use for trim or ceiling are White Dove Oc-17, Cloud White 967 or Swiss Coffee OC-45.

Why I Love Navajo White

It was Navajo White to the rescue when we had a recent unexpected color quandary in our home gym. What happened was the unfinished maple hardwood flooring we ordered looked very different than that which I had seen in the showroom. It had a distinct pink color to it. We tried staining it, which helped it a bit, but in the end, the floor was much brighter than we had hoped for.

The rest of the adjoining spaces had Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee on the walls, but that looked very starkly white with the warm floor and creamy Greenbrier Beige HC-79 trim. So I knew I needed to go with a creamy off-white for the walls and ceiling.

After testing it out. We used BM Navajo White to paint the walls and you can see how it came out in these photos above and below.

One really important detail to note is we painted the ceiling with the Navajo White because I wanted the walls to look “white” so I avoided a bright white ceiling which would have made the peach undertones in the Navajo White more obvious. In other words, I didn’t want to have a pure white to throw off the eye-brain calibration. Without the stark white ceiling, the walls look white and it’s only the bright white in the posters that tips you off that the walls are so creamy!

Does Navajo White Work For Trim?

Yes! You can use Navajo White for a trim color, especially if your house is dark, like a lot of the homes in New England. As I explained in my tutorial about Mistakes To Avoid for New England Homes, which is basically a cheat sheet of how to deal with dark houses, I explain that yellowish undertones and creaminess in whites like BM Navajo White, BM Linen White, SW Dover White and SW Creamy is an important feature that helps the paint from looking sad and gray. But, the key is to commit to it, and not use any other white paint at all in the house. Otherwise, you’ll be able to see how peach it is by comparison.

That said, I would pick Navajo White in only a handful of cases because it has an orange undertone not a yellow undertone, and this can unintentionally clash with some colors. It would be stunning for a whole-house palette when pired with soft mid-toned beiges and creams SW Cream and Sugar, BM Manchester Tan, BM Carrington Beige. In all of these cases there is a low differential (something that is KEY to choosing the right trim color.)

What Colors Go With Navajo White?

If you are looking for ideas for coordinating colors for Navajo White, you are in luck because it goes with so many paint colors. I have pulled together a list of a few favorite coordinating colors for Navajo White.

• White: A longtime favorite of interior designers, Atrium White by Ben Moore is known for it’s wildly flattering pink undertone, this white paint would be a great option if you want a crisp contrast.
• Beige: Choose beiges from the gold beige or pink beige family and avoid greige or cooler taupe-based beiges. Some favorites are Ben Moore Greenbrier Beige and Crisp Khaki wich are warm yellow gold based beiges with a whisper of green in their undertones to keep them lower-chroma and complex. I also love a pink beige with Navajo White, but make sure it is not too overtly pink- Malabar by Sherwin-Williams is a favorite of mine.
• Green: Navajo White looks stunning with green. I like it best with warmer greens (those in the olive family) like Thicket, Urban Legend, both by BM. Or if you are going with a cooler green (a bluer one) make sure it is very greyed-out like Antique Pewter.
• Blue: Probably my favorite contrasting color for Navajo White is a deep navy (like Lead Gray by Benjamin Moore.) You could also use a blue-green like Greyhound or Brewster Gray for an accent color.
• Blackish Brown: I don’t love true black paints as a rule, and definitely not with Navajo White- it looks way too Halloweenish. Instead go with a moody-as-heck deep brown like Clove by Sherwin-Williams (a current favorite and one of their 2025 colors of the year.)
• Orange: If you love russets, peach tones, deep orangey brick colors and rustic orange tones, Navajo White by all means add them to a room painted with Navajo White. If using Navajo White as a whole-house color, you can color drench a smaller rooms (like a home-office or powder room) in a color like Mountain Hideaway or Firenze and the look will be so sophisticated!

These are just a few ideas, but in reality there are tons of others that would work too. Just keep in mind, it looks great with warmer colors and those that are either low-chroma or lacking saturation.

Sherwin Williams Navajo White vs Benjamin Moore Navajo White

Before I sign off, I need to mention an important thing. There is another Navajo White out there from Sherwin Williams. While these two creamy peachy colors are quite similar, do not use them interchangeably and make sure your painter knows which one you want! Sherwin Williams Navajo White is a little darker and pinker.

Key Takeaways About BM Navajo White

This is a great paint color to make your room feel warm and cozy because it is both distinctly warm but it is light enough that it can help keep your space feeling bright.

Use it with a white trim for a lighter alternative to a pink beige. For example, if you love BM Muslin, but it is too dark for you, go with Navajo White instead.

If you are somewhat color-averse but want to warm up your space, give Navajo White a peek. A hue like this is a great way to envelop your space with warmth without committing to a bold paint color.

The most important thing to note: If you want overall warmth but are afraid the room will look like it is painted peach or yellow, then I highly recommend painting the ceiling and trim BM Navajo White too. Or you can do a modern colonial paint scheme like I did and paint the trim a darker color.

That’s all for now, Happy Painting! If you’re looking for the perfect beige, don’t miss our Tapestry Beige Paint Review or read about Wool Skein by Sherwin-Williams.

The post Benjamin Moore Navajo White appeared first on A Season For Home.

If you love the way a calm, neutral interior looks, without a lot of busy colors and distractions, this post is for you! Today I am reviewing the top neutral paint colors for minimalist interiors. This paint color round up includes the best subtle greige and taupe paint colors. These all are warm, without feeling yellow, and range from nearly white to rich and a little moody.

At the beginning of all of my color consultations, I ask my clients to rate how comfortable they are with using color in their homes. On a scale of ten, I ask them to rate themselves, with one being only using white and off white and ten being like the bold use of colors and liking vibrant hues.

Today’s paint color round-up is for people who would answer one, two or three on that questionnaire!

So, if you want to find a barely-there neutral, and the idea of yellow walls makes you cringe, read on! Today’s blog post is all about the best neutral wall color for minimalists and people who don’t like a lot of color. Spoiler Alert: 90% of the time, the answer isn’t white. I’ll go over how not to end up with yellow walls by mistake. Plus you’ll learn which neutral is right for your furnishings. I’ll also share my six best paints for people who don’t like color on their walls.

What is an Accented Neutral Interior Decorating Scheme?

The Best Warm Neutral Paint Color For Minimalists

Here’s my list of the best warm neutral paint colors for minimalists. For this list I only selected paint colors with the following criteria:

• Warmth with no yellowness
• Light LRV (I picked colors ranging from 71 to 52 to give you some options)
• Low saturation and low chroma

Smokey Taupe by Benjamin Moore:

(LRV 54)This is probably the best true neutral I’ve used from Benjamin Moore and falls toward the darker end of my collection. In certain light, it has a touch of pink to it, but nothing like Muslin. Read all about it in my Smokey Taupe review.

Minimalist by Sherwin-Williams:

(LRV 52)This is a gorgeous paint color with more warmth than Slumber Sloth. Ironically, even though the name fits, it is the most saturated pick in this collection. It comes from the Sherwin-Williams designer series and plays well with greens and blues as well as earthy reds and browns.

Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams:

(LRV 58)There’s a reason this is the most popular paint color from the world’s largest paint manufacturer. It just works. It goes with everything and is so not offensive in any way shape or form. If you want your walls to be a blank canvas, this is your color!

Slumber Sloth by Sherwin-Williams:

(LRV 56) This color leans gray and is almost completely unsaturated while maintaining minimal warmth. This is a good option if your home has a lot of gray fixed elements and you are trying to gently warm the space up.

Wind’s Breath by Benjamin Moore:

(LRV 69.6)If you want a nearly white option, here’s your best choice. It’s the color to go with if you want a barely there neutral. To my eye this paint reads gray when I see in on the walls so make sure to brush it out before committing. It may not be warm enough for you!

Ballet White by Benjamin Moore:

(LRV 71.97.) If you are afraid to commit to a color on your wall, Ballet White is to the rescue. It is similar to Wind’s Breath but a little less gray and ever so slightly saturated. However, Wind’s Breath and Ballet White are very light in value so if you want a paint color that you’ll barely notice, Ballet White is definitely one to consider.

Buy Large Samples of this collection of Neutrals For Minimalists. (This is an afflilate link which means I will earn a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting my small business!)

How To Know Which Neutral Is Right For You

Here is your step-by-step process to pick your winning minimalist paint color.

1. Start with a few large sample of the colors you are deciding on. Then head to your local paint store and pick up a couple of small cans of your top choices.
2. Prep your surfaces.
3. Brush out the samples covering a large area (one foot square or larger.) When I brush out I try to find a place where I can isolate the wall color between two sections of trim. This way I can completely cover the color underneath and see what the new color will look like.
4. Don’t forget to do two coats. This makes a difference!
5. Let the paint dry. Drydown will affect the final color. Paint can lighten or darken as it drys, depending on its unique recipe so don’t judge it until it is completely dry.
6. Look at your brushouts at several times of day in all different lights.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Picking Paint Colors For Minimalist Interiors

Avoiding Sneaky Yellow Undertones

The majority of my color consulting clients who fall into the Minimalist category want to avoid yellow. And it is easy to be fooled by yellow paint masquerading as a neutral. This is a mistake I see out in the wild all the time.

A classic example of a yellow paint that someone could choose by mistake is “Timid White.” While you may indeed feel timid about picking a wall color, I assure you this is not the right color for you unless you like yellow.

So how do you avoid yellow undertones? If you are not sure if the neutral paint color you are considering is yellow, make sure to compare it to a pure white like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and a true neutral gray like Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray. You can do this on Plan Home or use paint chips. Just make sure to use natural daylight when analyzing paint colors.

Why White Is Not Always A Safe Choice

White is not necessarily a foolproof choice. White walls can be gorgeous in a well-lit house with big windows and tons of natural light. So if you have a brightly lit room and you want white walls, you have a green light from me!

However, if you do not have a lot of light, hold up! One of the most shocking things I learned in my training for becoming a certified color expert is that white paint is not a cure-all for a dark room. In my training, I learned that white walls in a dark space can make a room look sad and draw attention to the fact that it has bad lighting.

Take a look at how bad the white paint looks in my dining room which has almost no natural light. It looks so dingy!

Another consideration is white walls work best when a room is decorated with a lot of white fabrics, textiles and furnishings. If you have colored fabric on your furniture, pure white walls will look blank. It is key to repeat white throughout the space in multiple places and surfaces to make it feel cohesive.

So what is a minimalist to do if they do not have a ton of beautiful light or white furniture? Keep reading.

PRO TIP: You need to have plenty of natural light and white furnishings to pull off white walls.

If you want to find a warm white, check out my Warm White Paint Sample collection at Samplize (affiliate link.)

If you still need help, I am available for in person color consultations in Vermont and I also offer virtual paint color consultations for clients online. Sign up today!

The post Best Minimalist Neutral Paint Colors appeared first on A Season For Home.

Read on: I will go over all the ins and outs of color saturation and the number one mistake I see when homeowners make when it comes to picking paint colors. Hint: it has to do with saturation!

What Is Color Saturation?

Let’s talk about color saturation—the often misunderstood but incredibly important part of how we experience color in our homes. If you’ve ever brought home a paint chip that looked just right in the store, only to have it feel way too intense on your wall, there’s a good chance saturation played a role.

In this post, I’ll break down what saturation actually means, how it’s different from chroma (yes, they’re not the same), and why understanding it can help you feel more confident when choosing colors—whether you’re painting a room, putting together a mood board, or just trying to figure out why that “soft sage green” suddenly looks neon in your living room.

Definition Of Color Saturation: In plain English

Saturation refers to how intense or pure a color appears. High-saturation colors feel loud and full of life. Low-saturation colors are quieter and more complex. Neither is better—they just bring different things to a space.

As an artist, I describe it like this: The more of a single hue pigment you add to the base or paint medium the more you will increase the saturation.

How Saturation Affects the Feel of a Room

Color isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. And saturation plays a huge role in how a room feels:

• Highly saturated colors: In larger spaces, highly saturated colors can become tiring and seem unsophisticated or childish. However, in smaller amounts, like on accent walls or on furniture, these brighter hues can bring energy, playfulness, and boldness. Deeply saturated colors can work well in a powder rooms, in low lighting areas or featured in smaller amounts in kid’s space.
• Desaturated colors feel more sophisticated, subtle, and calming. They’re the go-to for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you want to chill out.

How To Avoid The Most Common Paint Color Mistake

The most common paint mistake I see is someone picked out a paint color by using a paint chip, but once it was on the wall, it was either way too bright or a totally different color than they thought.

The reason this happens is that paint chips are super deceiving! It’s not our fault. Our brains are wired to ignore subtle things and notice obvious things. It’s true! This being the case we go straight for the brighter colors and have a really hard time seeing subtleties in low-saturation paint. That’s how we end up grabbing a paint chip that is more saturated than we want.

To avoid this mistake, we have to trick our brains! To do this, we compare colors so we are able to pick up the underlying hues. Once our brains are attuned to the colors undertones, we can then more easily picture how it will look at a larger scale.

Case Study: Picking a Blue Paint Color

Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you wanted to paint your living room a lovely historical blue paint color. So you pull out the Benjamin Moore Historical collection and flip to the blue section. You spot “Whipple Blue” and think, oh that’s pretty.

Friends, do not paint your living room with this color. Whipple is more saturated than the look you really want. Trust me.

Whipple Blue Room

The problem is, when you see it on the fan deck, the Whipple Blue is making all the other colors around it seem gray by comparison. As I said, our brains are wired to do this so it is not your fault!

Instead, you have to look at much more grayed out colors and study them systematically. For example, look at Brewster Gray in the image below.

When we grabbed the fan deck we totally overlooked this color because our brains say “gray” not “blue.” Right?

Wrong: Brewster Gray is not gray my friends, it is blue. You can see this fact by comparing it to other colors. I’ll show you three examples:

Example 1: Compare it first to my favorite neutral gray, Repose Gray from Sherwin Williams. Here you can clearly see that Brewster is a blue with green undertones.

Example 2: Next, place it side by side with a color from the opposite side of the color wheel and you will see its true blue nature. Here next to Cappuccino Muffin the Brewster Gray appears like a dusty blue shade.

Example 3: You can also look at it compared to a similar color with a similar value and saturation but in a slightly different hue. When compared to a slightly greener color you can also tell how blue this paint is.

Above you can see how Brewster Gray appears when it is used in large amounts. It is decidedly NOT gray at all but actually a gorgeous historical blue color. Read more about Brewster Gray and see more photos of how I used it in my home.

Tips for Choosing the Right Saturation in Your Space

If you’re trying to figure out which version of a color will work best in your home, keep these tips in mind:

• Consider Low and Artificial Lighting. Our eyes are more sensitive to the nuances of color in natural light. Meanwhile, low or warm artificial light tends to limit the perceived spectrum. If you are only going to use a space at night (like a TV room or den) then test out a more deeply saturated paint color. This will compensate for the dull artificial light and give you the look you want, even if you mostly use a space at night.
• Exteriors Need More Saturation: Natural daylight washes out exterior paint colors. That’s why I tell my Color Consulting clients to test out a range of colors including a few shades darker and some that are more saturated. Try one of our favorite greens for exteriors.
• Watch for undertones. Even muted colors have a temperature—some lean warm (like a soft greige), others cool (like a dusty blue). Saturation and undertone work together, and getting the balance right makes a huge difference. Read more about color temperature here.
• Pair thoughtfully. High- and low-saturation colors can work beautifully together—but you want contrast to feel intentional. Try pairing a bold terra cotta with a soft, chalky pink rather than two almost-the-same tones.
• Think about the room’s function: Want energy and creativity? Lean higher. Want calm and relaxation? Go lower. But remember with highly saturated colors, less is more. Think feature wall- not color drenching!
• Call In The Experts: Hire a color consultant for a virtual color consultation. Paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Farrow & Ball often have collections that show the same hue across a range of saturation levels. These are goldmines for seeing how subtle shifts can change everything.

In Closing… Saturation Is the Secret Sauce

Color saturation might not be the first thing you think about when you’re choosing a paint color—but once you get the hang of it, it can totally transform how you approach color. It’s the secret sauce that makes a space feel intentional, harmonious, and, most importantly, you.

If you want more tips on reading paint chips, understanding undertones, or building a palette with confidence, stick around—or reach out for a virtual color consult. I’d love to help you see color in a whole new way.

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