White Dove, Our Favorite White Paint Color
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We recently renovated our Lowcountry home using White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore, a classic and timeless warm white paint color that we love.
In the world of interior design, finding the perfect paint color is similar to discovering a hidden gem. After experimenting with various shades, we stumbled upon a true treasure that has become the heart of our home—White Dove by Benjamin Moore.
In this blog post, I’ll explain the reasons behind our choice and how this warm and inviting white has made its way into every nook and cranny of our living space. This white paint color is perfect for living spaces, kitchens, and more. Keep reading to discover why this warm white is a designer favorite!
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
White Dove is a warm white that is unmatched, making it the ideal choice for our entire home. Its subtle undertones strike a perfect balance, without yellows or stark purple hues that we encountered with other white paint. If you’re looking for a cool and bright white, we have loved Chantilly Lace and Extra White.
White Dove has proven to be the perfect canvas for our home, creating an atmosphere that is not only inviting but also aesthetically pleasing. It is not overly sterile like most white paint. We love it paired with our kitchen and laundry cabinets in Accessible Beige.
I’m asked almost daily what colors we selected for our recent renovation. Through years of research and trial with error, I’ve narrowed down my favorite white paint colors. White Dove is the top of my list and when I selected it for my kitchen, I loved it so much that I used it throughout our home.
Paint colors can be tricky for a homeowner, read more of my favorite paint colors here and tips for selecting the best paint for your home.
The Best White Paint
One of the remarkable features of White Dove is its adaptability. We used this warm hue across various spaces in our home, each with a distinct purpose. From the living room to the laundry, ceilings, walls, fireplace, shelves, kids’ rooms, doors, and trim, White Dove has seamlessly meshed into our daily lives. Its ability to cast a warm glow without creating harsh shadows has made it a staple throughout our home.
Selecting Paint Colors
There are many things to consider when selecting a paint color, like undertones and sheen. The amount of light you have in your home and its source is also an important factor. I’m breaking down each of these next, and what you need to consider when selecting paint colors.
White Dove is beautiful when paired with the perfect beige color, Accessible Beige as seen in our kitchen remodel.
Warm vs Cool Colors
You’ll see the words warm, neutral, and cool used when describing paint colors. What do these terms mean in the world of color? When selecting paint colors, you’ll see these terms with the word “undertone.” Undertone is the underlying color of any paint that has been mixed with more than one color.
- Warm – Yellow, red, and orange
- Cool – Green, blue, and purple
- Neutral – Black, brown, grey, and white
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Paint Finishes
The sheen of a paint finish plays a crucial role in achieving the desired look and feel of a space. In our home, we carefully selected different finishes for various surfaces, enhancing the overall appeal of White Dove. You don’t need to pick two different colors for your trim and walls. Sometimes, just selecting a different finish in the same color creates a perfect color balance.
- Flat – Flat paint does not reflect light and has no shine. Most commonly used on ceilings and in low-traffic areas as it’s harder to maintain and clean.
- Matte – Little to no shine but more durable than flat finishes. This is my go-to for painting living areas and bedrooms.
- Eggshell – Low sheen but more durable than flat and matte paints.
- Satin – THE glossy finish you want if you want gloss. This low gloss is perfect for areas that want attention, like a shiplap ceiling or trim.
- Semi-gloss – Another popular finish for details, semi-gloss is definitely shiny with a durable finish.
- Gloss – Very shiny, this finish reflects light and has a glossy appearance. You’ll see this used for detail like box moulding and ceilings, but it also shows blemishes in the wall. It’s durable and easy to clean.
Paint Sheens in our Home
My go-to combination is to paint walls matte, ceilings flat, and trim details in satin. All of the plain walls in our home are matte. The shiplap, bookshelves, trim are all satin. With the exception of our kitchen cabinets, they are also matte from the manufacturer.
- Matte on walls: The matte finish on the walls provides a soft and velvety texture, creating a cozy atmosphere in our living spaces.
- Satin on shiplap: We opted for a satin finish on the ceiling with tongue and groove detailing, adding a touch of elegance to the overhead space.
- Satin on trim and doors: The semi-gloss finish on trim and doors not only elevates their appearance but also ensures durability and easy maintenance.
- Flat on plain ceilings: In areas with plain ceilings, a flat finish complements the simplicity of the design, maintaining a cohesive look.
Home Tour
Kitchen & Dining Room
Home Office
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Entry & Grand Foyer
Laundry Room
Primary Bedroom
White Dove by Benjamin Moore has undeniably become the soul of our home, transforming it into a haven of warmth and sophistication. Its versatile application, combined with carefully chosen sheens, has created a timeless aesthetic that we cherish every day. As you embark on your own paint color journey, consider the subtle elegance of White Dove—it might just be the missing piece to complete your home.
All images seen in this post are credited to Caitlyn Motycka Photography.
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