Paint Colour Review: Sherwin Williams Greek Villa SW 7551

Greek Villa is a popular white paint colour for walls, trims, cabinets and more. Learn all about it with Kylie M Edesign, online paint color consultant. LRV, undertones and more will be discussed in this colour review video.
Kylie M is a paint colour expert, specializing in Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams best paint colour. DIY Decorating and Design blogger.
www.kylieminteriors.ca/
#sherwinwilliams #greekvilla #whitepaint #kylieminteriors #kyliemedesign #edesign #colourconsultant #diy #udpateideas #paintedcabinets #interiordesign #blogger #designblog #decoratingblog

[@BethLovison]

You are an absolute lifesaver! I was daunted by the task of having less than 24 hours to choose a white paint for a house that hasn't been fully built yet. (I only saw it with the wooden frame walls and partial drywall stage.) Not only that, I've only seen two photos of what the inside will look like...the cabinets and literally one plank of the flooring. Furthermore, the granite countertops were only described to me. On top of that, the house is across the country from me. I thought it was going to be impossible to choose a color...but then I found you. You were exactly what I needed. Before stumbling upon your videos I had it narrowed down to Alabaster and Greek Villa, but because of a few things you said in multiple videos (about all three colors) I changed my mind to Pure White. Then, to double check, I went to a Sherwin Williams store and looked at the three swatches and listened to what their expert had to say. I had told him early on in the conversation that the cabinets were going to be a medium-dark gray and the floor was a white-washed gray, so as I was comparing the swatches he set a gray swatch down and BAM!...there was no doubt in my mind I had to go with Pure White. The other two showed an obvious yellow undertone against the gray - blech! Had it not been for your videos I never would have considered Pure White. I am so very thankful for you and your informative and unique style of comparative reviews. And yes, I intentionally posted my comment on the Greek Villa review, because it's this one that led me to Pure White, particularly the parts where you said "if you have a lot of rich warm colors [which I will have] Greek Villa may be a little flat for them", and "if you have a lot of green landscaping outside" [which I will have].

[@pollywog92]

Thanks, Kylie! Your vids are always so helpful. There are just so many variables that influence a paint colour!!!!!

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

You're so welcome, Pauline, thank you for the comment! I also love your tartan pattern you have there ;)

[@faisal-ca]

Always look forward to your videos. I am making my own collection of colors for basement, trims and main house.

[@krama017]

Just painted our entire upstairs with a Greek villa, every room the color looks fine except the smaller bedroom. We have green trees not too far from the window so the entire bedroom looks green when the light is not on. Thankfully my husband likes it.

[@tricia8727]

Love your videos! ❤ I would love to know what you would recommend in whites for ceilings. I know there are a lot of variables in there, but maybe just a few suggestions for warm or cool house pallettes? Maybe considerations for ceiling height and wall to ceiling contrast as far as LRV differences? I know it's already sounding like a long video, but my struggle is real! 🤣 I can't be the only one!

[@tiffanysechrest9301]

I literally was looking to see if you ever reviewed this color just a couple days ago 🤗

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

I definitely see the green!

[@fatfullday]

I have greek villa in almost my whole house. I love it! Paired with white curtains, it is soft, warm but clean and bright!

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

I LOVE to hear that, feedback like this really helps others too, thank you :).

[@fatfullday]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint Channels like yours are SOO helpful in picking out the right colors. So thank you!:)

[@DarthakaLordvader]

what trim color did you go with

[@fatfullday]

@@DarthakaLordvader ours is a wood toned trim. kinda orange ish from the 60's

[@DarthakaLordvader]

@@fatfullday thanks

[@delknik]

Hi Kylie! Your videos have been so helpful in updating my interior paint colors. We have tan granite countertops that unfortunately aren’t in the budget to upgrade right now. We want to paint a neutral white or gray. So confused on what would flow with my kitchen?? PS we have an open floor plan that gets quite a bit of natural light...

[@teresacerna1612]

I have red/ brown with hint of yellow hardwood floors. I was told I need a cool tone paint to off set the red tones of the floor and that greenish undertone would help. So if this is true and I’m looking for a off white / should I use a white with green undertones to tone down the floor color? I hope this makes sense. ♥️ your videos!

[@3sons4fun20]

Definitely see the green undertones in the Greek Villa. Thank you for another informative video!

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Sweet! So many don't see it, so I'm glad to hear it's not just me ;).

[@Genny1992]

I see gray tones

[@effiepapaioannou9532]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint hi Kylie, do you think that could be a good thing if using SW White villa for cabinets & have sea salt walls in kitchen ? I have oak honey colored trims and light beige-mocha hardwood floors. Thanks in advance & wishing you happy new year!

[@lesleysmejkal3009]

Thinking of using Greek Villa for all trim, walls & ceilings. You mentioned it has a wink of green, if I use Greek Villa as my cabinet color with a sage green backsplash will my cabinets be green? Will have fantasy brown granite and dark stained island around it.

[@TheBeanHome]

Haha me happy to hear it will pick up green ❤❤

[@EMAV0818]

My 9yo twin daughters picked Greek Villa for their room independent of the other. I gave them each the fan deck and they picked the exact same white!

[@dreamie9868]

Haha your girls have taste! As a kid I would paint my room colours like purple and bright orange 🤭

[@EMAV0818]

@dreamie haha...thank you! I definitely would've chosen a color as well. I was very surprised. They know since they like different colors so it was best to go neutral and add pops of color.

[@LULC0759]

Have you done a review on SW Ivory Lace? Which one pairs on walls better with High Reflective trim...that or Greek Villa?

[@bddybdz]

What color trim is best with Greek Villa? I know another sheen works but would like a color that gives a nice contrast..

[@mssha1980]

Great Review! Can you do a review on BM Soft Chamois and Feather Down?!

[@bethcharles634]

My ceiling and trim is White Dove. Trying to determine wall and cabinet color. I like Greek Villa and Alabaster. Can you use these 3 together or what would you suggest?

[@bethshepard8074]

Hi, Kylie! I've just painted all trim with Greek Villa. It looks great. Id like to paint my cabinets now. My wall color is SW Cool Beige . What would you recommend?

[@saritak4315]

Hi Kylie! Can you also mention what trim or cabinet colours pair well with greek villa ?

[@gracehealey4216]

I just painted my whole downstairs this color. I was looking for a close match to BM swiss coffee, lightened. It’s gorgeous but you are right - it turns the wall opposite my backyard green as we have super close, tall trees. I think that problem will resolve when we take down that wall between our two rooms eventually. This color looks gorgeous most of the day and just absolutely dreamy on a cloudy day. I prob should have done pure white but alas, I hired a painter and we aren’t doing it over right now. Also adding my painter needed primer and three coats to cover a cool blue/gray underneath. would love complimentary trim / cabinet color recos other than continuing the greek villa. Also, curious what you think about finish. My painter insisted on satin but I often see eggshell/flat recommended on design blogs.

[@saritak4315]

There's no eggshell in Sherwin Williams. Satin is eggshell equivalent. Their official KZbin video also says the same.

[@averagejoefinance275]

What do you recommend for ivory trim so the trim doesn’t look so yellow?

[@ashleyphillips9657]

Love your videos! What wall color would you recommend painting if we have Greek Villa cabinets?

[@happygolucky2223]

Can you please create a video explaining how you know what undertones you have in a room?

[@Jackie-dy7qu]

Hi 💖, I was wondering which pink color from sw pairs better with Greek villa!? 💖 can you give me some recommendations please 🙏🏼!

[@tipepe1474]

Your review is great, thanks. I just purchased a brand new townhome, the entire place is painted with the Greek Villa color, when I first walked in it was super bright with a yellow tone which I am not really a fan of but when the lights are on at night it's not that bad. The place is currently empty, maybe that's why I feel like it's so bright, any idea what color furniture and what types of wall decors would go with the color wall? I planned on getting a gray sectional. When it comes to interior designing I am clueless lol

[@rubyoro0]

Makes more sense to paint to match furniture you love.

[@laurenfisher2470]

If I am doing Greek Villa on the walls and want a sugar cookie/creamy color on the cabinets, what would you recommend for the cabinets?

[@lindashrader6908]

I love your helpful videos. Would you be able to do a review of Reflection by Sherwin Williams please? Thanks!

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

It's actually on my to-do list! I have a bunch of videos in editing now, but once those are out I'll get on Reflection right away :)

[@monicaalves9156]

What is the white you used before alabaster?

[@trudyvaccaro1560]

So I could use a different sheen on the trim of Greek villa for the exterior

[@annieg7090]

I am looking to paint a nursery a warm white with an accent wall to look like the sky - Tradewind. I'm nervous that white nursery furniture won't work on white walls. Your thoughts on white nursery furniture against Greek Villa? It's a south facing room, but I do live in a Northern (almost Canada) climate.

[@ccr7187]

Hi there!!! I wanted your thoughts, do you think Greek Villa pairs well with Whirlpool, mountain air and jade dragon?

[@rebeccacotto2753]

How would Greek Villa pair with Caen Stone by SW?

[@natalien7628]

Which was the one before the last alabaster?

[@TheNlograsso]

Here's a crazy question for you: I'm a painting contractor and the whites are IN! The problem we're having is the warm whites that have a touch of yellow in them cover the mid-tone colors terribly...3 or more coats depending on what we're painting over. Let's use Kilim Beige as a color we're covering, or even Mega Greige. When we go on an estimate and the client says they are wanting an off-white color, but may not want to pay for 3 coats or a prime coat, I need an awesome off-white that has a touch (I mean TOUCH) of gray to it to enhance coverage. For example, we are doing a whole interior right now with Alabaster in SW Emerald Matte and are covering a color similar to SW Whole Wheat. Covers like crap! We brought in some BM Regal Matte and it covers better but still needs 3 coats. We even tried some BM Aura for comparison and it ALMOST gets it in 2 coats but still picture frames. So...if they like Alabaster/Creamy/White Dove or similar but don't want to pay for 3 or more coats, what would you suggest? The last one that gave us fits was SW Creamy covering a color similar to SW Tatami Tan...3-4 coats with Duration Matte. Any help would be smashing. My SW Rep says the new Emerald Designer covers better but they only have it in flat and satin right now, so that's usually out as we sell A LOT of matte sheen jobs.

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Oh Nick, I SO feel your pain. I did one room in BM Simply White and 6 coats later I was about to murder someone. I do know that asking the paint store to add a few shots of white to each gallon HELPS (some stores call them shots/drops/etc...). It seems most whites can handle about 4. It does shift the colour SO MINORLY, but helps with the coverage a bit. That being said, I have BM White Dove in a lot of my home and it was a 3 coater. AND YES, the new Emerald line sounds amazing and it SOUNDS like the coverage is wicked, but the sheens are limiting. I was 'told' they're bringing out an eggshell due to demand, but based on the fact they don't offer it in their other lines, I'd be surprised. The whole 'one coat coverage' is a pipe dream as the PERFECT conditions/colour needs to be used. Anyways. Okay, so in the off-white/soft white range, it's tough as the undertones come up SO fast. So, are you talking about a soft white/off-white gray to use as a 'primer' of sorts, for the 'white you want to use' to go over top of? If so, I'd want to hit the higher end of the off-white range, so it's got some reasonable tint for coverage, but not too much depth/co;lour. I'm thinking like the 80 LRV range, give or take? Even then, in the less expensive lines it's tough. The thing is, if this is used as a primer and the two top coats of white don't have good coverage themselves, you'll still have this 'colour' flashing through, mind you, it will be less obvious than a colour like Mega Greige/etc...am I talking too much? My brain just gets going, i LOVE questions like this. I would say BM Pure White (which is very much NOT Pure White) could be worth trying. It has a grayish cast (but DOES have undertones, as they all do) and an LRV of 80. As for SW, it's a bit more slim-pickin's as the undertones are stronger. I'd say SW Ice Cube with its LRV of 77 could be interesting, but there are some COOOOL colours in there for sure. I think those would be where I'd START though. I know it's hard when a client doesn't understand the intricacies of wanting white walls and doesn't want to pay more to USE them. But then they aren't happy when their old colour flashes through, which isn't your fault at all - white paints don't cover well! I hope that helps, and I'd be curious to know! Actually, one last thought would be to ask the paint store for their white base (ie: SW usually uses Extra White or High Reflective) and ask them to add a few shots of black to it. SW's black has blue in it, so you might get a bit of that, but again, maybe something to try).

[@TheNlograsso]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint Insane reply! Most appreciated! We have a note in our account at SW to NEVER use high reflective base! I know the beef it up with white trick, and I also am aware that SW black is really just a REALLY dark blue. In fact, I harp on my SW rep that they need a good packaged black that is actually BLACK and guess what? He said they should be coming out with a factory black Emerald Urethane soon which will be fantastic for interior and exterior use on trim, shutters, doors, built-ins, etc. You're on to something with BM Pure White or SW Ice Cube. I think SW Ice Cube would cover like a champ, but it's really just a very light gray isn't it? I'm telling you, it's the yellow cast that kills the coverage across the board! No, you're not talking too much, I appreciate the passion. I think you're fantastic and love your stuff. I'm sure you're slammed with work, but since I the E-Design thing really picked up with Covid-19, I'd like to be able to recommend you to my clients for color consults. Would you want that? We do about 900 jobs a year, and out of that probably 10% or so ask for color consultation...let me know what you think! I'm just a hack color consultant and have used your videos to help me quite a few times.

[@rachellemccord9518]

@@TheNlograsso great question and replies. Thank you they were very helpful. I’m actually applying Alabaster now and knowing it may take or more coats is helpful.

[@annieg7090]

Thank you for your question Nick, from almost a year ago; and than you for your answer, Kylie. I'm about to paint a dark office Pure White, Alabaster or Greek Villa. I will now consider that I may have to do many coats.

[@alanerpington5698]

That's the big weakness of Emerald: for a high-end paint, its covering ability is just plain crap! The Emerald Designer colors are better, but $$$. Try Behr Marquee in one of their one coat hide colors sometime for comparison.

[@jessicasilva-nm4fc]

Thanks for this awesome video! I’m struggling and need some help! I painted the top of my cabinets Greek villa and the bottom dark night (SW) I feel like I may have made a mistake with the Greek villa for the top. What color would you recommend for the walls? Would a bright white work?

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Hi Jessica! If it were ME, I would keep going with Greek Villa on the walls. If you do a brighter white, it will expose that bit of warmth/yellow in Greek Villa, unless that's what you want????

[@jripjrop9893]

what is the best neutral color for 2023/2024? Grey is out.

[@krodriguez178]

I'm looking for a warm and creamy white ...

[@LULC0759]

I’m seeing a pink cast to the Greek Villa sample I picked up….no green. Will it look pink on my walls? Facing North.

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Well, if there's one thing i HAVEN'T seen Greek Villa do, it's pick up pink - I'm wondering if it's more your lighting/exterior/reflection, as it shouldn't!

[@chelsearoberts9035]

Ugh, Greek villa is showing the brightest, whitest stark white on my walls and I bought two gallons of it. I’m hoping they will let me bring it back in to tint it a little. 😭

[@aprilclark4492]

what color is on your wall here?

[@jenniferburmesch1263]

I need help with picking a creamy white!!! I tried alabaster and it seems very very yellow. I tried Benjamin moore swiss coffee and it seems too gray! Should I try dove white?

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Hi Jennifer! In my own personal experience, I wanted a warm white as well. I settled on BM White Dove and NEVER looked back. The thing is, whites are THE HARDEST to sample as compared to any traditional white (like paper) they look OVERLY yellow. I loooooove White Dove and I'm not a huge yellow fan at all. My home has north and south facing light (mostly) and i love it in ALL of my rooms :). I really should do a new blog post showing it off!

[@jenniferburmesch1263]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint thank you!! Maybe I'll have to sample white dove. My floors are oak and my trim is also. So a tad of that orange. Is warm whites good for that?? Or do I want to use something whiter?

[@kellycgoodman]

Hi!! Recommendation on trim color for Greek villa? I painted white trim & now the walls look yellow & gross.

[@gracehealey4216]

What did you wind up doing

[@lexiworth5443]

I have Greek villa walls throughout my home and pure whit trim . It’s a bit stark

[@breezy_basil]

I have that Behr Ultra Pure white trim around my house . Which white goes with that stark white trim?

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Hiya! The great thing is that Ultra Pure White is one of the few whites that's quite flexible. I just wouldn't put another TRUE white with it, and go for something softer (ie: LRV lower than 90).

[@breezy_basil]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint thanks so much for your reply! I know you like White Dove- how's that for a match?

[@domiversaix5375]

Hi- love your videos! You warn us to be careful with using Greek Villa if some of the fixed elements have pinkish undertone- will the wall take on a pinkish hue? I want to paint my kitchen and upper cabinets Greek Villa, and my bottom cabinet SW Loyal Blue...but my countertops & backsplash are covered with a tan/taupe/mauve tile. Should avoid Greek Villa? Is Alabaster considered a more creamy white than Greek Villa? Thank you!!

[@OGCJ10]

How did that work out for you ?

[@MetalsForBrunch]

Greek villa has a tint of gray or beige in there. Im not sure I see the green you're talking about.

[@sherryjin6831]

Thanks for the information. I would like to ask your advice. I need to choose white color for my stucco, and can not decide: Greek Villa, alabaster, snowbound, etc. I can not use pure white because my neighbor has it. My indoor is pure white. What white should I choose for stucco? Stucco should be more bright white than indoor or less bright white than indoor? Thank you. Sherry

[@katieconstantine190]

Hi Sherry, I'm facing the same dilemma on stucco whites and I've researched for months seeking not just best color options but best paints options too! Thank goodness for Kylie's color reviews! This blog post helped me a ton too: cottonstem.com/the-5-white-exterior-paint-colors-we-tested/ And I also just wanted to mention that if you have traditional stucco (not EIFS) you might want to look into silicate paints since they chemically bond into the stucco and breathe and move with it so they last much longer and don't cause any cracking or flaking from vapor retention like acrylic paint can. This Italian company, Atova, doesn't have the best website but they'll color match to SW or BM colors and the good folks in their Chicago office have been so helpful: paintandplasters.com/silicate-mineral-silica-paint-hp/ I know the whole color matching thing is risky, but I figured I'd share my research, one stucco house owner to another. It's not easy making these choices! Best of luck!

[@JessicaYau10]

What color trim would you use with Greek Villa?

[@overcomer4226]

Greek villa

[@ashleyharden5288]

What did you end up using for trim?

[@misslee6788]

Hi Kylie I love watching videos. Would you be open to talking about how to paint north and south spaces visible and adjacent from each other? I haven’t really found much help anywhere. I hear about picking warm colors for north and cool color for south but never how to match paint so it looks the same or similar in both spaces. Or what to look for in choosing different paint in both spaces so that it flows. I’m confused be cause I have a north facing room and currently have Swiss coffee paint sample (after trying many others) and it looks great! But if I do it on south facing it looks weird like it doesn’t match. I have a lot of light there so everything looks warmer. My north and facing are both currently painted in Abalone Benjamin Moore and I absolutely hate it. Looks warm in south facing with almost greenish in some spots because of outside and on other side (north) it looks purple and cold even though I have two good sized windows on two walls 😣 ANY advice would help.

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Hi Miss Lee, while I don't have this exact question, if you hop onto my blog, I have SEVERAL articles related to exposure, including multiple exposures! www.kylieminteriors.ca/north-east-south-west-which-paint-colour-is-the-best/

[@DarthakaLordvader]

what trim color would work well with it

[@ashleyharden5288]

Did you ever get an answer for this? I'm wondering myself

[@DarthakaLordvader]

@@ashleyharden5288 no it may be in a more recent video but I haven't seen it

[@Ddiizzylizzy]

I missed the name on the second to last comparison,, you said it’s cool what is that color?

[@kellyhowell3467]

Came here to ask the same thing!

[@Ddiizzylizzy]

@@kellyhowell3467 right? 😆 no paint samples here in California anyways,,, so I ended up just painting my whole house Greek Villa by Sherwin Williams.

[@MESXPRES]

Same! That’s the one I want and she didn’t say the name. Kylie, please tell us!

[@Ddiizzylizzy]

@@MESXPRES tag me if she answers I’m still dying to know🤔

[@melissa4455]

Sherwin Williams Extra White

[@AJ-bi6ns]

Interesting SW sells Greek Villa as a "timeless white" vs "warm white"

[@KylieMInteriorsPaint]

Well, it can definitely be both! A warm white can definitely be a timeless white ;).

[@AJ-bi6ns]

@@KylieMInteriorsPaint Fair :) I think you have convinced us to switch to Pure White, we are planning to go with Agreeable Gray trim!

[@emilyperkins7322]

my kitchen is revere pewter, can i paint the cabinets greek villa?

[@gerrielliott7701]

Flour whiye

[@meats4eats210]

Really hard to concentrate on the paint

[@GeorgiasGarden]

Alabaster is SO overrated. Greek Villa is perfect.