Nothing says cool and calm like a white coat of paint on just about anything from porch wicker to picket fences. But with so many options, it’s a tricky color to get right. So we asked five of our favorite Southern interior designers to share their favorite hues for inside and out.
Amanda Lindroth
Southern by way of: Lyford Cay, Bahamas
“My favorite white at the moment is Benjamin Moore White Water Bay OC-70. So many buildings here in the Bahamas are pink and this white has a subtle pink undertone that’s perfect for both interior and exterior applications.”
Andrew Howard
Southern by way of: Jacksonville, Florida
“Benjamin Moore White Diamond OC-61 feels incredibly fresh and doesn’t get creamy or buttery in any way like some whites tend to. When you look at it, you can see the slightest shades of blue and grey, and it works perfectly on wood walls or trim. I never paint sheetrock walls a bright white because they feel just primed and unfinished, but any type of millwork or cabinets in this color works perfectly.”
Betsy Brown
Southern by way of: Birmingham, Alabama
“Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 has two things going for it that work together to create a bright and sunny feeling: a very high light value and a slightly warm tint. It makes a room feel like sunshine pouring in.”
Jan Showers
Southern by way of: Dallas, Texas
“I love White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore. We painted my daughter’s interior that color in her Harbour Island house. The reason I’m fond of it is that it has warm undertones.”
Jen Langston
Southern by way of: Charleston, South Carolina
“Wevet No. 273 by Farrow & Ball is fresh and versatile with a hint of gray. All colors derived from nature look amazing with it. Truth be told, it reminds me of the hull of my boat!”
