How to choose a neutral color, plus the best neutral paint colors

[@Tammy-zr9zw]

Breaking down the color selection process into steps was really helpful. I truly didn’t know where to start. And categorizing your recommendations by undertone was brilliant! That makes it even easier for me. Thank you, again!

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnapowell777]

Yes, I took notes!🎉

[@jennbcousins]

I love the blue paint colour on your Millwork cabinets. Can you share what it is?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

It’s Britannia blue by Benjamin Moore!

[@jennbcousins]

@@homelikeyoumeanit Thank you so much!!!

[@elieteglaze2666]

I want to change the color on my entrance . My entire house is painted with grey

[@davidlines7]

Thank you for your videos. It was helpful distinguishing between green, pink, and orange beiges. I chose soft chamois to go with our ranch style, and I love the green undertones of soft chamois.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debrad5783]

I have SW Accessible Beige but have it mixed by Benjamin Moore. Their colorants are a little different and therefore it’s not as beige. I’ve been very happy with it. The house has a ton of natural light so that might make a difference as well. The trim work is BM White Dove. They play well together.

[@Calpkgal38]

Thank you for this video. I’m having the hardest time finding the undertone of my new sofa/chairs! What looked like cream/off white in the store doesn’t look that way in my north facing, very bright (two large bay windows) living room. The color of the sofa material is “white sand”, and I love blues. Flooring is oak, walnut color but faded to a bit of an orangey tone. I can’t believe how difficult it’s been trying to choose a paint color! I’m planning on ordering several samples from your list to see if they work.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Let me know how the samples turn out. Hoping you can find something that works!

[@eddit1051]

After watching your video I went to get a sample of Britannia blue and I absolutely love it for my kitchen cabinets. Now I am looking for the right white with the right undertones to go with it. I am looking at both white dove and swiss coffee. Please share your opinion. Thank you.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Swiss coffee is more than an off white and is actually a very pale gray. White dove is a true off white.

[@paulastrawser3363]

I couldn't find your code for samplize. Did you put one in the description? Thank you

[@lynnrussell9337]

Our new home build is almost ready to paint the interior..I’m leaning toward SW Alabaster. Which white should I use on the ceiling? Which white trim paint color will give a clean pop of white color, no undertone?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

You could go with SW high reflective white. that's a clean white with no undertone.

[@helenchatziier]

Thanks for the video! I would have a question - if we have a room that is dark (not a lot of light) and is relatively small, what kind of undertone shall we go for in a neutral? Would the green undertone appear more muddy and shall we go for an orange one? Thanks a lot!

[@zaraa.964]

Thank you, this is so helpful. Does one need to match the undertones in the colors in adjacent rooms for the spaces to go well together?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Ideally yes, but sometimes you can’t based on the fixed elements in each room.

[@nikkiayres418]

I have medium gray sofa and dark brown end tables and just a patio door for light what will be the best wall color is best also I have a chair railing around the whole room, and curtains what color

[@KarenSmith-o4m]

Great info. I am trying to decide paint for exterior. Have a bronze metal roof, windows that are vinyl white . Currently the walls are a beige and a brown trim. It is a bit Boring. Want to go with a lighter wall but maybe some color for the trim in a grayish color.

[@coastaldiva]

I have balboa mist in my breakfast area! Love it!!! I never get tired of it

[@fayejordan175]

Is it more white or gray?

[@coastaldiva]

@@fayejordan175 its more like a light griege. Will not make room dark

[@skeller61]

Thanks for explaining color choice in a systematic way. I was also glad you mentioned the LRV values. I noted most of them are in the 70s. I looked up most of the paint cards I brought home from Sherwin Williams and looked up their LRVs in the SW app and saw they were mostly in the 50s (like Beachcomber (SW 9617). The room I’m painting is small (~12x12), so I think my choices are too dark, and will be looking at lighter shades to open it up a little. Thanks for your help!

[@PureSpirit347]

This video was really helpful, thank you. I have a 100% wool carpet that cost a lot ( £72 per sq meter in a big room) IN A MID/DEEP BLUE with a touch of grey. I cannot change it but have inherited a beautuful regency sofa in pale washed out/muted gold and pale duck egg green stripes. Do I go for taupe/beige and with what under tone please? (blue/green) The room is south facing and bright. Thank you

[@shannonrevesz2136]

What do you do when you have open concept and have grey/ green in kitchen and yellow/ pink in living room? What undertone to you go with? Or do you go with one of those ninja colour changing colours with multiple undertones so it can blend?

[@coastaldiva]

Oh thank you for saying that gray is not out. I love gray paint but not everything in the room gray 😂 I live in florida and we do love the gray paints here quite a lot

[@darra-lynnrichards9239]

Please tell me what colour / brand the built-ins are behind you?!

[@susansimonson5280]

Love the video. Question - do paints with green undertones bring out the greens in the room? Likewise, do gray undertones bring out gray colors in the room? I'm trying to emphasize green in my room and don't want gray. Thanks.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Not really. You can mostly see undertones when you don’t correctly pair them with what’s already going on in your room. You might try Ben Moore wickham gray. It’s a gray with a blue and green undertone and can look green in some lights, especially if you decorate with green.

[@melodylucero4554]

I’m taking my home one room at a time. I just had the original hardwood floors in my master bedroom/closet. I decided to keep them natural with a satin finish. They are beautiful. They are red oak so red out was used to remove red and pinkish tones. I am leaning toward blues and taupe colors together. Not sure. I can send pictures. Can you help me?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Hi there! I sure can. I do virtual paint consultations all over the world. You can view my services here: homelikeyoumeanit.com/hire-me/

[@AndiS-dz4pq]

Thank you so much for this video, it’s super helpful.

[@lisapuckett1804]

How do I get the download?

[@Loboite]

Would like the tips list you have 11:31

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Here you are: thoughtful-composer-8448.ck.page/f461e22545

[@coastaldiva]

Not a fan of nimbus but love wickham and gray owl

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

I love them all for different reasons, but Wickham gray is my fav!

[@coastaldiva]

@@homelikeyoumeanit yeah you reviewed some great colors! 🩵

[@jillberinger2875]

Cheat sheet please!

[@joannestazio4495]

My neighbors painted their downstairs Nimbus BM 1465. It doesn’t really doesn’t have a blue under tone, more violet w/brown to ground it; it looks beautiful and neutral. It’s definitely is a warmer gray.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

I like nimbus because it's has such a subtle blue undertone compared to most gray-blues. However, you put this color next to a color like Edgecomb Gray and the blue in Nimbus will practically scream at you!

[@AndreaClark-e4o]

I just want to know the details about that gorgeous kitchen tile, please. Where can I find that?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Not sure of exact, but this is close: www.bedrosians.com/en/product/detail/cloe-ceramic/?itemNo=DECCLOBAB28G&moq=true&nbt=nb:adwords:g:20425540544:160585663428:668442886781&nb_adtype=pla_with_promotion&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=pla-294505072980&nb_mi=125657189&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=DECCLOWHI28G&nb_ppi=294505072980&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gadid=668442886781&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADDMho08zxcXVaX_iYfeyMXY7CKI2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsZSsyJKBiAMVfy3UAR0e2BDCEAQYASABEgLUdvD_BwE

[@emg2213]

Can you tell me the name of your cabinet pull from your blue cabinets right behind you? I’m getting white dove for my kitchen cabinet (after watching your videos) and want to match the hardware like yours. Thank you so much.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Hi there! The cabinet pulls and knobs are from top knobs in the honey bronze color. You’ll love white dove!

[@ciaobella8231]

I currently have Valspar Bistro on my ceiling and Ralph Lauren grey-beige on my walls. I am trying to select new paint for a new house but want something lighter than the RL grey-beige. I am trying to decide between Sherman/Williams Origami and Greek Villa. I love Greek villa but it seems a bit cold but it could be the small sample can that I purchased. Can I use Greek-villa on the ceiling and walls without making it look too sterile and cold?? Or should I use origami with bistro? Thank you in advance.

[@TamerShalaby-lq5nz]

Thank you for the tips, question what color pain is the cabinet behind you?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

It’s Benjamin Moore Britannia blue

[@rickspalding3047]

No sherwin williams gossimer veil?

[@proudrosemom]

It’s very gray blue when I compared it to others

[@rickspalding3047]

​@@proudrosemom ​@proudrosemom we decided on gossimer veil, and Greek villa for the trim. Looks great, it really depends on what light is cast on the paint. The sun makes is look very beige. Much lighter than agreeable gray

[@jacquelinealford4236]

Which shade of white is that on the wall in your background?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Benjamin Moore White Dove!

[@laurenbuksbaum9200]

My new build is almost ready and they need me to confirm paint and I’m having such a hard time! I’m leaning towards white dove or Swiss coffee for the entire interior. Pale oak for the master bedroom. Hale navy for the laundry room and front door. Do you have any recommendations?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

I love all of those colors, but with neutrals like all of them except Hale Navy, you do need to know what your furniture/fabrics are going to be (or at least a direction) to make a good decision. I do offer color consultations if you are interested: homelikeyoumeanit.com/hire-me/

[@nikkilovespink24]

When I paint samples directly on my wall versus on a piece of white paper they look completely. When I look at the colors side by side they still are drastically different ( put the painted white paper directly to the painted wall sample) Does that mean I need to prime my walls white first to get an accurate color? I love the paint on the paper but on my walls it looks horrendous. I have a cream wall currently. It seems like everything painted on top of it looks purple or blue even with 2 or 3 coats. Help!

[@ody2023]

The cheat sheet shows me nothing when I click on the link. Please advise? Thank you.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Try this: thoughtful-composer-8448.ck.page/f461e22545

[@ToriChiodo]

This was so very helpful. Thank you for the time and details you put in to this video :)

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Thanks so much!

[@greenberryhillfarm7965]

I have a two story foyer that gets lots of natural light. It is nw exposure. I’m going with modern cottage decor style. I do not want blue or pink undertones. Which white would you recommend?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

I’d love for you to think about whites that are richer like SW shoji white.

[@maureengutman3105]

Thank you so much for the insight into undertones and your personal favorites, this truly helps narrow the focus and hopefully train your eye to see the undertones. I have signed up for your cheat sheet but haven't received an email or a download . Does it normally take a while? Thanks again!

[@maureengutman3105]

Got it!! Apparently there was a problem on my end. I Tried my other email address and it popped right up. I am going with White Dove, which is already the ceiling color throughout the house. Thank you again!!

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Hi Maureen, have you received it yet--it's typically instant. Sometimes it can get into your junk folder. Let me know!

[@maureengutman3105]

Thank you for the response, the issue was on my end. My other email address worked right away. I am trying out White dove on the walls to match the ceiling, and I know this sounds crazy but iron ore for the dining room. I am going for a contemporary look. Fingers crossed!

[@rileyhalls9301]

Can you please let me know what the color of the light wall that is to your back during your intro of this video ?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

It’s Benjamin Moore white dove.

[@rileyhalls9301]

​@@homelikeyoumeanit Thankyou -both of the colors shown there are lovely!

[@katethegardener]

Can't go wrong with "Pale Oak" it is my go to colour.

[@katethegardener]

Love Pale Oak, have it in my home but it is not a neutral to me. It borders on beige.

[@loriann1795]

What color trim if using white dove on the wall?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

White Dove. Change the sheen. Most choose satin for trim.

[@JanetPesl]

Can accessible beige work on the exterior of a home?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Yes! It needs to coordinate with existing stone/brick and roof. It’s beautiful on the exterior!

[@emyelbert3041]

Can someone help me understand what the undertone means. When do I want to use each of the undertones? And what does the term muddy mean?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Here's a post I wrote years back that might help: homelikeyoumeanit.com/how-to-choose-paint-colors/

[@rebelliousraven]

I wish paint companies would label (code colors) as warm, cool, neutral and give the undertone blue, green, pink etc. I look at them on a white piece of paper ....its much easier to see the undertones.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Yes, looking at everything with a white piece of paper and comparing colors never fails!

[@yvonnewood5596]

What color is on wall beside blue cabinet please

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

BM White Dove

[@TessSola]

I'm painting my cabinets white dove and my island is a greenish corian. Will the Hamilton Blue be a good contrast to the cabinets or should I just paint it the same as the rest? Is there a color you would recommend for that island?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Are you asking if White Dove and Hamilton Blue would work well together? I say yes, absolutely! I would make sure to pull in the blue tones in your decorating for a cohesive look.

[@sharlenebozeman8994]

What two colors do you recommend for a gym where the equipment is black and red? I am considering Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. Also simply white Benjamin Moore and a Dark Grey Paint 'Iron Ore' by Sherwin Williams. What are your thoughts? It’s a fairly open and light room.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

In a home gym, I think you can have fun. I'd decorate the room to entice me to go in there more, haha! I'd pass on the Iron Ore walls, and vote for something more uplifting in this space. Chantilly Lace is a very stark white, which is fine if that's what you're going for, but it may seem a bit sterile in a gym, where it's more difficult to bring more warmth in. If you are set on white walls, perhaps have fun with the ceiling color or do a fun trim color. What about a warmer white (White Dove or Simply White aren't too yellow at all) and pair that with a pretty blue trim and baseboard color? Have fun with it!

[@sharlenebozeman8994]

@@homelikeyoumeanit Yes I have selected Dover white as an option. Thank you for your advice!

[@emiliehadlock3159]

Could you please share your beautiful flooring?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Sure, here is a link to our floors: znetflooring.com/mohawk-seaside-tides-sea-salt-oak

[@janicedahl3063]

I went to the link you provided and entered my email but haven’t received anything. Does it take a while?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Please check your junk inbox!

[@cindyhumphrey3065]

Help! SW in my town has closed. I heard they all closed.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

I didn’t hear this at all!

[@sarinacampo5705]

I buy at my local SW all the time…in WI…they have not closed

[@patriciaalbertson5183]

😮It's a nasty rumor 😮

[@poppylove3673]

If you are starting with needing to paint and furnish an entire 20 year old house, bare walls, no furniture, needing new fixtures and appliances, where do you begin? I’m thinking choosing a whole house paint, or shades that go together, help please… There’s medium dark hardwood floors on main floor, and carpet in bedrooms and hallway upstairs, that we want to replace with new vinyl planks(?) looks like hardwood, but holds up better than hardwood, having 2 golden retrievers! I’ve taken screen shots of model homes and pictures of home interiors, that I’ve loved, but not sure of exact names of paint colors. Where do I begin? Thank you so much! Love your channel! ❤

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Hey, do you have my neutral cheat sheet? That will help you get started if you don't have a direction. Besides that, if you don't have any furniture in place, perhaps decide what type of neutral you want, more of a beige, gray, cream, white or taupe and then how warm or cold you want the color to be. I do offer paint color consultations and can help you further if you are interested: homelikeyoumeanit.com/hire-me/

[@poppylove3673]

@@homelikeyoumeanit Thank you, I’ll look further into your services! ❤️👍🏽

[@rickspalding3047]

What blue is that behind you?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

BM Britannia Blue

[@stellateng7678]

Wish your camera can stay on the photo you show a little longer, instead just flashing it, and stay on your face. I can hear your comment perfectly, but really wish to refer to the demonstration photos.

[@FP65]

Agree!

[@AmandaE1964]

Just hit pause and you can zoom in if needed 😊

[@ItsMefromSnuffys]

Agreed

[@lesatremblay2242]

After watching your video and making a note that Gray Owl has Blue/Green undertones and was considered Coastal, I downloaded your cheat sheet and Gray Owl is explained as having Blue undertone, not Green?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

it has just the slightest undertone of green that I see. Nothing to worry about though. Overwhelmingly, it's a gray with blue undertone.

[@danarymarz5748]

How about an industrial rustic kitchen with brick, concrete and a steel gray/indigo cabinet😬

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

It's hard to make a recommendation without seeing photos, perhaps a very pale greige with a violet undertone? I do offer personalized paint color consultations if you're interested: homelikeyoumeanit.com/hire-me/

[@kassandramcpherson2839]

I’m trying to find a wall color that agrees with a huge brick fireplace. What did you end up deciding?

[@julieuthe7745]

I have grey LVP floors. I don't care for the grey. What color do you recommend to counteract the grey or what undertones should I look for? I want a beige or off white. Thank you.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Hard to say without seeing your space. You could choose to focus on other elements in the room and pull the neutral from those items. I do offer virtual paint color consultation if you are interested! homelikeyoumeanit.com/hire-me/

[@AndreaHolihan]

Cheat sheet please

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

here you go: thoughtful-composer-8448.ck.page/f461e22545

[@tessaharvey3839]

Cheat sheet pkease

[@sarinacampo5705]

I am having difficulty picking a neutral for my new kitchen….upper white cabinets with lower natural maple cabinets, white subway backsplash, Patriotic Calcutta quartz countertop…..I painted the living room and dining room Modern Gray but now I’m at a loss for the kitchen…ugh

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Would modern gray not work well for your kitchen or you are just looking for something different? your countertop reads pretty warm, which should work well with a color like Modern gray.

[@CindyDelgado-q7r]

Thank you for all your knowledge. I just bought a new home. I have a large good lighting bedroom and just bought a cream/beige color wood bedroom set. I would like to paint my ceiling or the crown molding a sky blue so I can feel like I’m looking at the sky, can you give me advice as to what color I should paint my wall the entire house is pure white at the moment.

[@roadracerqx893]

Looking for a beige/greige wall paint….our new tile is Pietre Ligure Avorio, a light tile with beige and gray tones…for now, we are down to SW’s White Sesame, City Loft, and Accessible Beige. We get a lot of natural light in a 2-story home, but worried Accessible Beige might be too dark for “whole house”. Any deep thoughts on “White Sesame” or “City Loft”? Trying to limit adding gray, as we don’t want a cool, harsher vibe 😅. Might save darker greiges for accents?

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Please consider checking out my online consultation services so I can have a closer look!

[@skunz1958]

Looking for neutral for low light rooms Getting my house ready to sell. Rooms are empty

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

Well you have a lot of options with empty rooms! Even though I don't agree with all white walls, buyers are very much into those right now. What about a soft greige that almost borders on off white? Perhaps Swiss Coffee or Classic Gray (both Ben Moore colors). If you have more "earthy" fixed finishes like terracotta tile, brown granite, etc, let me know, because you might have to go in a different direction.

[@skunz1958]

@@homelikeyoumeanit the carpet is a mixed light gray

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

@@skunz1958 Can you identify the undertone? grays have either purple, blue or green undertones.

[@skunz1958]

@@homelikeyoumeanit well, it’s definitely not green. I would lean a little bit more toward the blues.

[@homelikeyoumeanit]

You technically need a gray with a blue undertone then, but those are too cold for most buyers today. I’m going to suggest Ben Moore balboa mist. It works really well when you need a cooler toned gray.

[@gracegamboa1819]

❤❤❤

[@coastaldiva]

Love classic gray!

[@hermananilda3835]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼