When deciding on what colour to paint a room, most people will look for a white or a neutral – and for good reason.
Whites and neutrals are easy to live with, go with almost anything and can be easily matched to other colours.
But here’s what most people don’t know. According to Colour Specialist Davina Harper, there is a whole range of degree and shades of whites and neutral – and choosing just the right tone can reap big rewards for homeowners.
“There are cool whites and warm whites, for example, and a whole range of neutral colours that, if you get them just right, make a big difference,” says Davina.
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Dulux Colours of New Zealand are famous for their large range of whites, naturals and neutrals, designed to work well in Kiwi homes.
Lounge image. Manorburn Half. Photo / Supplied.
“Most whites or neutrals can be described as being either ‘cool’ or ‘warm’,” she says. “As a general rule cool whites make a space appear larger, while warm whites make a space feel cosier.”
When it comes to cool whites, Dulux Ōkārito is the most popular colour in the Dulux range. It’s a crisp, versatile white that goes with almost anything, making it a timeless favourite.
Another popular cool white to try is Dulux Mt Aspiring (a soft white with a hint of black) or Dulux Manorburn Half (a very soft grey).
Meanwhile, Davina says warm whites have been growing in popularity over the past few years. Dulux Cardrona and Sandfly Point are both popular warm, creamy whites. Or for slightly softer warm whites try Dulux Cardrona Half or Southern Alps.
Dulux Cardrona. Photo / Supplied.
She says there are two other important things to take into account: “When choosing a colour, it’s vital to take into account existing colours in the room. Items that are more expensive or difficult to change like flooring, curtains or benchtops should all be considered.
“For example, if you have grey carpet or a concrete floor, opt for a cool white like Dulux Mt Aspiring or Ōkārito. If you have golden wooden floors or a cream benchtop, a warmer white like Dulux Cardrona Half or a soft neutral like Dulux Te Kaha could work well.”
The second thing to consider when choosing a white for your home is whether the room is north or south facing: “Cool whites tend to work better in sunnier rooms where there is plenty of natural light, while warm whites can help brighten south facing rooms that get less sun.”
Dulux Okarito. Photo / Supplied.
Ready to find your Dulux colour? Visit dulux.co.nz and order up to four free Large Colour Swatches to try on your walls at home or buy a sample pot. You can also browse through our gallery of inspirational images or use our Live Chat service to help you find your Dulux colour.
For more information and to order free Large Colour Swatches go to www.dulux.co.nz
This content has been created in partnership with Dulux.
