My top contenders were Anew Gray by Sherwin Williams, Drift of Mist by Sherwin Williams, and Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore. Drift of Mist and Pale Oak could technically be considered warm whites. All three colors have a hint of gray, which was my biggest struggle. I wanted a shade that wouldn’t feel cool or read as gray but instead offered a warm, cozy beige. I was determined to use one of these options, but something just didn’t feel right. I also felt a lot of pressure with this decision since I wanted to use the same color for all my interior doors, ensuring that the shiplap in the bathroom would seamlessly extend the color scheme throughout the house.

After multiple rounds of revisions to my fan deck, I began to feel hesitant. Although I have many years of experience and knowledge within the design industry, it is always helpful to consult with specialists who are experts in their area of design. Recognizing the value of connections, I reached out to a paint specialist for guidance. I’ve learned that making choices for others is often different from making choices for yourself, so it was refreshing to consult with another designer for a second opinion. After discussing my vision with my friend, she suggested a few colors that aligned with what I wanted to achieve. I ended up choosing one of her recommendations, which turned out to be nearly identical to Anew Gray but without the gray undertone! The winning color was Stone Hearth. This experience reinforced the idea that having connections with industry experts can save time and money in the long run, especially with something as tricky as paint selection.

For my final sampling test, I applied the color to a door and even dared to request a 75% color strength since my instinct tends to lean toward lighter shades. By the time we painted the doors and shiplap with the satin sheen I envisioned, the actual color was perfect!