From The Straits Times    |

Yes, there are 50 shades of grey, but there are also many shades of white.

Choosing paint colours can be a pain, especially when you’re confronted with a palette full of different shades that look nearly identical to you!

That’s why we asked paint professionals at AkzoNobel for some tips on choosing the right shade of white for your home.

“Although it’s hard to go wrong with a white base, picking the right shade of white does make a difference,” they say. “Look closely at a wall painted in a cool white and a wall painted in a warm white, and you’ll immediately notice that the two aren’t alike at all.”

WARM WHITES

If you want to create a welcoming atmosphere, choose warm whites that have a little red or yellow in them. These hues create a soft and relaxing atmosphere, so they are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.

North-facing rooms generally have weak, cool natural light, so you’ll need to compensate by choosing a warm white.

To make your living room feel cosy and welcoming, try using honey white or primrose white.

Warm mauve and lilacs are also wonderful relaxing colours. If you’re dreaming of having soothing bedroom ambience, choose a hue like violet white or blueberry white.

But if you’d prefer a warm, sunny look throughout the day, then pick a white with tones of cream and peach.

If you want your room to appear larger, then choose a white that tends towards a warm blue, perhaps with a hint of purple. Dulux Light & Shade paints would be a good place to start as it contains the Lumitec technology that reflects twice as much light as compared to normal emulsion paints, and is available in a lovely range of pastel-hued whites.

COOL WHITES

Cool whites have blue, grey or green undertones, making them look crisp and clean. For a serene, contemporary look, try using cool whites to create strong silhouettes and sharp lines. You’ll find that they also do a great job of showing off striking accessories and artwork.

South-facing rooms usually have plenty of strong light from sunshine, so you may find it helpful to choose a cool white that balances glare.

If you’re looking to create a lively atmosphere, choose a cool white with a hint of orange or gold. If you want to evoke a relaxing ambience, then add a little bit of calm green, such as sage, into your white.

Calm greens and blues are perfect for encouraging a good night’s sleep. If this is your priority, choose a white with a hint of teal or moss. But for a revitalising lift to get you out of bed in the morning, pick a white with a touch of gold, such as light caramel.

To make the most of a small space, it’s best to choose a cool white such as pearl or almond. Or for an understated, contemporary look, pick one with a touch of green or blue, such as cool duck egg blue.

Singapore’s favourite off-white shade is Dulux Wentworth White 90YY 83/036. 

All photos from Dulux

This story was originally published in Home and Decor. For more stories like this, head to www.homeanddecor.sg.

For more home decorating tips, check out 4 colour combinations for your home that will always look stylish

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