Tag: #paintcolors

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Painting Your Cabinets: Professional vs DIY


Painted cabinets have been a trend for the past couple of years. It’s a great way to save money and also get a custom look. Most house painters today are telling their clients that they can paint their cabinets. However, there is a right way and a wrong way. Albeit more expensive, the best option for painting your cabinets is using a professional cabinet painter. This is a painter who only paints cabinets and has been doing so for 5 to 10 years. The cost can be double the bid from the house painter, but the difference will be the longevity of the paint job. A professional cabinet painters’ final result will be equal to a factory finish and could last up to 20+ years. A house painter’s job may last 2-5 years. 

Cabinet Paint Review: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

If you decide to use a general house painter or you want to paint them yourself, Sherwin Williams has – Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. For our test below we used the color “Cotton” only available in the Emerald line of paints. It is a soft off-white with neutral yellow undertones.

Steps for either the professional painter or homeowner to take using this product: 

Step 1 – Remove the cabinet doors and any hardware (mark which doors match which cabinets)

Step 2 – Clean all surfaces well with Krud Kutter to remove oil and grease residue.

Step 3 – Sand the surface. If your cabinets are wood with a poly top coat you MOST take the time to sand. If they are pre-painted it is also best to sand, even just a scuff-sand and especially if they are previously painted in an oil-based paint.

Step 4 – Prime – a MUST!: paint one to two coats of primer. We prefer a fast-drying, oil-based primer such as Zinsser “Cover Stain”. If you are painting over a dark wood or dark paint color it is best to use two coats of primer.

Step 5 – Paint. Paint your cabinet doors on a horizontal surface, not vertical. The secret to painting cabinets for the smoothest surface is using multiple thin coats of paint, using the recommended SW Mohair Blend roller and allowing 12 hours between coats. This may mean you need to paint three coats instead of two, but a thin coat will prevent runs, allows for some self-leveling, and when allowing the proper dry time between coats (very important), it should give you a stronger finish. 

Step 6: Replace Doors. Allow for “curing” (the time needed for the paint to harden, not just dry), before reinstalling the doors. This can be 21-30 days for best results.

The addition of new, cleaned or even painted knobs/pulls will complete the renovated look of your cabinets. If the cabinet hinges are visible you may consider changing those too. Check out Etsy.com for a great selection of unique products.

Results/Opinion: ACC’s Florence Jones found the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, semi gloss finish to be relatively easy to work with and the final finish was good. It is a reformulated Sherwin-Williams product, time will tell if it will create a hard durable finish that withstands the wear and tear of a kitchen. Flo’s kitchen has 50+year old wood cabinets which appear to have been painted several times with different colors. The original paint was oil based. The cabinets’ interior paint remains the original oil based paint; and since it gets the least wear and tear, not painting it was the best option for her. If your cabinet insides are in good condition and a color you can live with, you may elect to only paint the outside doors and cabinet face.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Heirloom Traditions
Amy Howard Miracle Paint


Cabinet Paints for True DIYers. There are several brands of paint on the market that are specifically targeted for DIY painters of furniture, including kitchen and bath cabinets. These include chalk paints (Annie Sloan, Debi’s Design Diary DIY, Dixie Belle) that require a wax or poly topcoat, and “all in one” paints that profess to need no top coat (Heirloom Traditions, Wise Owl, and Amy Howard All-in-One and Miracle paints). ACC’s Flo Jones and Susan Mintz have used all of the above products in their own homes and can attest to their ease and lasting nature. Florence painted her bathroom vanity and stenciled her floor using chalk paint and topcoats about 8 years ago. They still look great! Susan has used all the above products: chalk paints on her kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities; all-in-one paints for her furniture flipping projects. She has been very happy with all of them. Where there appears to be wear and tear over time, it is easily remedied with a light cleaning of the area, touchup painting and appliance of a topcoat. 

We recognize that each project is unique and larger projects may require the use of a professional painter with specific skills and experience.

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Pink is NOT just for Barbie!

Located in Port Townsend, WA

The color pink is having a “moment” due in large part to the success of the Barbie movie. Neon pink may not be your cup of tea.  But pink – and its siblings blush, rose and coral – have always had a fan base, and it’s easy to see why.  The hue evokes a reaction in most who encounter it – it can simultaneously be playful, relaxing, endearing and sophisticated. It can also be bold and energetic.  As we highlighted in an earlier blog (March 11, 2019), it has even been used in some prisons because of the calming effects of certain shades. Due to its ongoing cultural link to femininity, some people steer clear of pink.  Too bad!

Home accessory manufacturers have embraced the color. Interior designers use shades of pink as a neutral color. Benjamin Moore’s AF-260 “Proposal” is a favorite,  beautiful neutral of ACC’s Ashburn, VA  color consultant. Another ACC favorite is Sherwin-Williams SW 6301, Patient White (a blush, they didn’t want to call it pink!). Farrow and Ball also offers a variety of pinks that are bold, subtle or soothing. Not all pinks are the same and lighting and room orientation can be tricky when working with their varying undertones and intensities. Consult your local America’s Color Consultant to help you select the right one for your space.

Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu
Pink house in Scotland

Pink exteriors are found all around the world, and sometimes in unexpected places within the home.  We’ve included some examples here of the use of pink that make unapologetic statements of their own.  One thing is clear – at least to those of us who work with color every day – people who use pink are certainly interesting!

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Minimalism vs Grandmillenialism in Interior Design

Depending on your point of view, one might describe the other as “sterile” or “cluttered”. Both approaches are a reflection of the owner and can be beautiful if carefully edited. This month we’ll look at “grandmillenialism”. 

Cali Natural Modular Living Room Set from Coleman Furniture

The term “grandmillenial” with regard to interior design was coined in 2019 in a House Beautiful article regarding the aesthetic favored by many in their mid-20’s to late 30’s (millenials). Grandmillenial design is a resurgence of traditional and classic design combined with some modern elements. It encapsulates the comfortable feeling one may have felt at their mothers/grandmothers/even great-grandmother’s homes (hence the “grand”). The term also morphed into “granny” chic and some have denigrated it by saying it is all floral pillows and crocheted throws. But designers of this oeuvre incorporate elements of the following: collections (crystal, china, personal mementos); blue and white; toile, plaid & chintz; vintage brass; linen; ornate chandeliers; rattan/bamboo/wicker, needlepoint pillows; dark(er) wood furniture; and leather. This style tells a story about the person/people who live there. Their history is displayed in the gilt of a frame or the soft hand of the wood furniture.

There are also subsets of Grandmillenialism such as coastal grandma, and grandpa chic (use BH&G link below). There’s even an Italian grandmother aesthetic! This, according to Better Homes and Gardens, blends warm rustic colors, beautiful marbles, and artisan details such as wood beams, terracotta tiles and ornate glass chandeliers. In other words: a rustic elegance that has been curated over many years.

FLORAL AND CHERUB Wallpaper from Wallpaper Boulevard

What all the “grandmillenial” designs have in common is the desire to exude a feeling of warmth, security and casual comfort. They incorporate craftsmanship and the appreciation of all-wood furniture, which can readily be found in antique and used furniture shops – even Facebook Marketplace – as can the other items we’ve mentioned here. “See our blog on Recycled Artwork, October 2022.”

Many designers feel trends tend to have a 10-year life span. Farmhouse Style (think shiplap and distressed wood interiors, and board & batten exteriors with black window frames) has enjoyed a decade of popularity, so it’s time we’ll be seeing a design shift. Since grandmillenial design is based on classic, traditional styles with tweaks of modern elements, its components will not go totally out of style, rather just rise and fall with general popularity. 

Let your home speak to you – don’t be so quick to remove its previous owners’ embellishments or paint everything white. If yours is an older home, spend time appreciating its details and how to curate them or bring them back to life. If it’s a newer home, think about how you can make it feel warm, comfy and truly reflect you and yours. Be patient and build an interior history with objects of quality and those that “spark joy.” 

BHG.com – Grandpa Chic Is the Collected-Over-Time Look that’s Both Refined and Comfy

Want to name your house? Here’s a site to help: www.name-generator.org.uk/house

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Add Color With Landscaping

Color can be added to your home in many ways other than with paint. Evergreens and flowering trees and plants will enhance your exterior color choice. Evergreens come in a wide variety of greens from warm to cool. Flowering plants are available in every hue found on the color wheel. And the same principles apply to plants when creating a palette of colors for your home.


Do you prefer monochromatic color schemes or complementary colors? Are pastels your choice or do primary colors suit your tastes? Our expert paint color consultants can help you decide on the best approach for adding color to your landscape to complement your exterior. For a monochromatic choice, for instance, a nearby pink dogwood can inspire painting a front door in the same pink, which can be a surprising and beautiful choice. What if your exterior is yellow? Purple flowers would be the natural complement to your yellow exterior.

A gray blue exterior works well with a front yard of evergreens for an analog use of color. Blue spruce, or fescue grasses would look beautiful with lime green plants. The changing colors of a Japanese maple that turns scarlet in the fall would look gorgeous against a blue/gray structure.

Another approach may be the mass planting of one color of a species, such as the bougainvillea (seen in the photo below).

When shopping at your local garden center be sure to take photos of your house along with you – even from different times of year – to remind yourself of plant colors already established. This will help you make more efficient purchase decisions to build a gorgeous landscape for all seasons!

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Trends We See for 2022

This blog was included as part of a larger article on color trends on Redfin.com.

As people emerge from their COVID cocoons, we’ve seen one trend emerging that we expect will continue in 2022: people are going opposite!  Those with warm/beige walls are opting for cool grays, whites, and gray-greens. Those who have been living with cooler colors are opting to warm them up! Our clients that are in their forever homes are asking for bolder, brighter colors. They are not likely to follow suggested color trends. Clients who plan to sell in 3-5 years continue to opt for the lighter neutrals that work with their decor: Agreeable Gray, Sea Salt and Ancient Marble by Sherwin-Williams; Gray Owl and Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore continue their popularity streak. The beautiful gray/green shades that are being highlighted by paint manufacturers for 2022 are proving to be popular with clients doing a total reno or for new builds (October Mist-Benjamin Moore; Evergreen Fog-Sherwin Williams).

Another striking trend to emerge is the desire to add personality to one’s home through the addition of architectural elements such as wainscotting, coffered ceilings, and  “feature” walls created with furring strips in various patterns.  Many clients are also painting their stair railings and balusters a dark brown/black or deep gray color. Some are even trying out these dark colors on the window/door framing and moldings of a “trial” room. 

In sum, we have found that our clients are welcoming change and looking to stamp their individuality on their homes in many different ways, and are no longer afraid of color to do it!

Check out the full article on Redfin.com: Most Popular Paint Colors to “Swatch” Out For In 2022

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2022 Paint Color Trends -Green

Green Is In!  While the color green in its many shades is always a perennial favorite among ACC’s clients, this year the majority of paint manufacturers have selected a green as their Color of the Year.  As green represents renewal and growth and positively affects our physical health, we celebrate their selections:

Benjamin Moore – Make room for creativity with October Mist 1495, the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2022. This gently shaded sage quietly anchors a space, while encouraging individual expression through color.

Sherwin Williams – Evergreen Fog SW 9130, Soothing, subtle and a perfect shade to freshen up any space.

McCormick Paints – It’s time to Chillax. Our 2022 Color of the Year has an airy, soothing tone that is comfortable in a rustic, modern, or traditional space. This white has no boundaries, a timeless classic.

PPG – Olive Sprig PPG 1125-4 After a year of stay-at-home orders and too few IRL (in-real-life) moments in 2020 and 2021, homeowners, designers, architects and facility managers are craving authenticity, nature and meaningful human interaction after living in a mostly digital world.

Behr – Breeseway MQ3-21 – evokes feelings of coolness and peace while representing a desire to move forward and discover newfound passions.

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The “Perfect Paint Color” vs the “Perfectionist”

The America’s Color Consultants LLC’ tagline is “We Make Choosing the Perfect Paint Color Easy!”  With over 15 years of experience we’ve found the term “perfect” has proven elusive for a few of our clients.  Every so often we have a client who describes themselves as a “perfectionist.” Uh oh. While 99% of the colors selected with our client’s participation are, indeed, “perfect” and work for them, we sometimes can’t match a client’s perception. We educate our clients that many variables can affect what they see in a color as they seek “perfection.”  Here are some examples of what I mean:

Example 1: The client sees a color in a magazine and requests that shade for their space.  They are disappointed when they see it as an actual sample.  What went wrong?

Magazine use a CMYK printing process.

Answer:  Magazines are a printed medium and paint is a suspension medium of chemicals and pigments. Printed pieces can only try to get close to the same shade nuance. The client should use the printed color as an inspiration and starting point, but not have the color in the picture as the expectation. Paint color is influenced by many factors.

Example 2: The client uses a manufacturer’s online tool to select colors for their space, but when they put up samples, the colors are not the same. What gives?

Electronic devices use RGB color.

Answer – Much like the answer for Example 1, a computer is a different medium and consequently can only get close to showing you what the true color of the paint is. It can be a good starting point for seeing what a change of color can look like in full coverage of a space (vs a small chip or sample), but don’t expect the color you see on the screen to be what you see on your walls.

Example 3: The client wants the same paint color found in one room of their home painted in a different space.  They have the name of the paint manufacturer and color from 8 years ago. When a new gallon is purchased, it is close in color, but doesn’t look the same as the original room.  Why?

Paint uses pigment, diferent pigments are mixed to create the paint color.(color above SW 6425 Relentless Olive)

Answer – Paint can look a bit different in different spaces for a wide variety of reasons: The paint in the original space has dulled over time; The orientation of the room’s natural lighting (NEWS) and time of day of use and affect color perception; Manufacturers of paint change the base formula every 3-5 years which can affect color nuance; Calibration of the computerized paint mixers can be off/need cleaning; Human error at paint store (wrong code punched in); Sheen of paint affects color – pearl and matte finishes will appear differently in addition to all of the above.

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Goodbye to All White Kitchens

Say goodbye to the all-white pristine kitchen. Calming colors from serene blues to warm neutral greens are the upcoming color trends for 2021. Combining warm hues with bright pops of color is on the rise for 2021. After a year of being stuck at home, many people are choosing to update their living space to create a warmer and more sanguine environment. A cool grey paint in the kitchen matched with vibrant yellow accent furniture pieces elicits a vibe of positivity and warmth.

As color in the kitchen becomes more common, there may be an increase in popularity among homeowners with painting their cabinets green. Green is a combination between blue and yellow on the color spectrum and can work well with both cool and warm color palettes. Adding green accents in a grey painted kitchen can help bring the room to life and make it more vibrant. With industrial interior styles on the rise, green and other vibrant colors mix well with metal and wood elements. The days of having all white kitchens are behind us, as color makes its way back into the kitchen!

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The Four S’s of Paint Color

When working with clients to develop a color palette for their homes, I am often met with the sentiment “I don’t want my house to look like a clown house.”  These clients fear color.  As a trained artist and color expert, I use the four S’s to help them select what will be their ideal color solution.

Simplicity, Strength, Sizzle, Sophistication.  These Four S’s have been used for decades as the foundation in graphic design, interior design, architecture and most creative fields. In each category the S’s might differ somewhat, but the general idea remains the same. 

Simplicity – The simpler something is, the longer its life. When things are simple we do not tire of them as quickly. If you do not plan to paint for another 20 years, consider choosing this path. An example of this is a monochromatic color palette. Simple does not necessarily mean all white or beige.

Strength – This can mean something different for each person. For paint it means a bold, saturated paint color. 

Sizzle – Some people just like things that are exciting – colors that create energy. Complementary and analogous colors can also create this color energy.

Sophistication – In the paint world this can also be defined as classy, refined or elegant.

Sophisticated color does not shout at you, and does not stand in opposition to its furnishings. These colors usually fall into the mid-range of intensity.

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America’s Color Consultants Collection of Real Life Paint Colors

From Left to right: Bohemian Lace (HGSW-4052); White Diamond (BM-OC-61); Pure White (SW-7005); Alabaster (SW 7008).
From Left to right: Mindful Gray (SW-7016); Revere Pewter (BM-HC-172); Classic Gray (BM-OC-23); Collingwood (BM-OC-28).
From Left to right: Antique Glass (BM-CSP-695); Sea Salt (SW 6204); Borrowed Light (Farrow & Ball); Aleutian (SW 624l).
From Left to right: Full Moon (SW 6679); Napery (SW 6388); Behr P270-2 September Morning; Kilim Beige (SW 6106).
From Left to right: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048); Grizzle Gray (SW-7068); Stargazer (SW-9635); Lichen (Farrow & Ball). 
From Left to right: First Light (BM 2102-70); In Bloom (Magnolia), Dune Grass (BM 492); Behr RD-W14 Aria Ivory.

Sherwin-William paints are indicated as SW, and Benjamin-Moore as BM. 

Happy New Year!  It’s that time when all the new paint “colors of the year” have been revealed.  And there is a hue for everyone!  There are soft, muted colors, colors born in nature, bold colors, and dark, moody colors.  You can easily Google “Paint Colors of the Year 2021” and find links (and lengthy tomes) from all the popular paint manufacturers.  Some of these colors will prove to be trendy – lasting 4-8 years in popularity, and several will prove to be a fad – out of favor in just a year or two. 

Many of the shades you see among the major players were developed in coordination with the home decor and furnishings industry several years ago.  That’s why you find lots of items that “match” among those manufacturers in any given year.  The past several years have seen the continuation of the neutrals trend with the current favorite, gray, now moving from the cooler shades toward the warmer ones being referred to as “greiges”.

America’s Color Consultants often work with people who have had their current furnishings from “a few”  to “many” years and more often than not, want a refresh as opposed to a total home redo.  Consequently, we are working with fabrics and colors that are not currently “on trend.”

When a client wants a more “modern” color (currently meaning gray) we see which of the beautiful neutrals on the market will work best with their rugs, drapes, furniture, light sources, etc. Because grays are actually black and white paints tinted with color, there is a gray shade of every color. 

Over the past 15 years ACC has consulted hundreds of times with homeowners and small businesses and enjoyed the insights of national paint manufacturers and local paint stores, realtors and home owners. We have put together our first ACC Collection of Real Life Favorite Paint Colors (ours and our clients!).  A few are personal favorites and colors we would love to spec for someone with bold ambitions; others have proven to be very popular for those planning to sell their properties in a few years; changing from a bright to a neutral; and several are those colors that have proven time again to be both popular and tried and true for clients on the east and west coasts. 

Color is SO subjective and there are many factors that are considered when searching for a new paint color.  We never push our own personal preferences, but when asked we certainly offer them! Our job, of course, is to educate our clients, guide the process, and assist in identifying the color that makes them say “YES – that’s it!”  Experience, product knowledge and industry familiarity make us a valuable tool in your home improvement arsenal!

America’s Color Consultants Real Life Color of 2021 is Agreeable Gray (SW 7029).

While the name of this shade may elicit a yawn, and suggests it is neutral to the point of non-existence, nothing could be further from the truth, in our opinion.

This versatile shade of greige is happy to play with everyone.  A medium light shade, it has an Light Reflective Value of 60, so it reflects a fair amount of light, but won’t wash out, and looks great with white or natural wood trim.  It works well in any room with any furniture style and loves complementary earth tones. It can stand up to bold accent colors, too. It can comfortably be used in one room or the entire house. It has been a popular choice for all these reasons for the past 10 years with our clients and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.