Dunn-Edwards Shares Tips on White Paint Shades

White Tone Tips from Dunn-Edwards

Designers and homeowners continue to favor white wall finishes for kitchens, dining rooms and living spaces. Dunn-Edwards Paints has more than 100 white shades in its color palette, but selecting the right white is important to achieving the dramatic look you want. Sara McLean, color specialist at Dunn-Edwards, said: "When choosing the perfect white, you'll want to consider three important factors. First is your home's lighting; second is where you live and third is architectural style." She noted that north-facing rooms tend not to have excessive natural light and require warmer whites to give the space a sense of vitality. Warm whites are colors with yellow, brown or even red undertones. Conversely, south-facing rooms receive more sunlight, so cooler whites with gray or blue undertones can help provide balance. "Paint large samples on the walls and make sure to live with them for a few days. You'll be able to see how the light reflects each color at different times of day," she said. Where you live has a major impact in terms of which whites should be selected for your home. Warm whites adapt well in northern climates with cooler, bluish natural lighting. In southern climates with warmer natural lighting, lighter whites can help create a clean, cool appearance. Your home's architectural style can also help narrow your selection for whites. Warm whites are ideal for traditional Spanish style and desert farmhouse homes. Tropical designs come alive with colorful and warm whites that reflect natural elements such as wood and bamboo in the room. For modern homes and Scandinavian designs, neutral and cool whites are ideal.