Posted on December 19, 2023 by KylieMawdsley
AESTHETIC WHITE: THE BEST ‘NEW’ WARM OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOR
It can be darn hard to keep up with trends (for those so inclined). This means that when choosing a paint color, you shouldn’t just think about what’s TRENDY; you should also consider what’s VERSATILE.
What does this mean?
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Well, the more versatile a paint color is, the better it will flex into the next trend. It’s kind of like me at 45 – the more flexible I am NOW, the easier it will be to transition into my 50s. I figure my diet of white wine, Filet o Fish, and Cornuts is also helping with that.
Anyway.
If there’s ONE COLOR that’s popping up more and more in my Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube comment sections, it HAS to be Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White. You know I’m a sucker for flexible neutrals like Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, Ballet White, and Sherwin Williams White Duck, which is why I’m MORE than happy to welcome another up-and-comer to the paint color world.
Now, if you’re like my hubby, you might assume that based on this paint color’s name, that’s it’s white…never judge a color by its name.
If I judged & chose a color by its name, my walls would be painted Nacho Cheese & Red Red Wine.
Aesthetic White is an off-white paint color – not white at all – its LRV told me so.
While they’re still moving in, I can already see how gorgeous this space is going to look!
LRV is that magical number that EVERY COLOR HAS that tells you how light or dark it is (from white to black) on a scale of 0-100. I’d get into the nitty gritty of Aesthetic White, but I do have a full review of it at the end of this blog post.
Paint Color Ideas to Update Your 2000s Home
First off…
ARE OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS EVEN TRENDING?
HECCCCK YES. My Online Paint Color Consulting projects show me a distinct shift in tastes. Gone are the gray days, which are being replaced by light shades of greige and taupe. And while white still has its fans, the requests for warm shades of off-white have gone up drastically.
WHAT MAKES AESTHETIC WHITE SO VERSATILE?
Any color that can nod at various neutrals without 100% commitment to a particular ‘color’ (i.e., gray/beige/cream) or undertone (i.e., blue/green/pink) is a winner in my books. Aesthetic White satisfies this, along with a depth that’s versatile for a variety of spaces.
A few more warm off-whites
And it’s never a good idea to pick a paint color without comparing it to similar shades, so let’s see how Aesthetic looks with a few more popular shades of off-white…
Remember, colors look different from wall to wall – home to home.
While some of the above neutrals are more similar than others, the biggest shift is between Aesthetic White and Winds Breath. If you’re not sure which type of neutral best suits your home, sampling a variety like this is a great way to get started.
Why is the white paper there?
It’s not for labeling. If we put these samples on the existing yellow-hued paint color, most would look pinkish ‘in comparison’. It’s important to separate old and new (I do the same with my boyfriends – don’t tell Tim). It’s equally as important to use white paper when you have wood trim, as it helps you get an idea of the color’s depth (whereas white trim shows the contrast).
Learn how to sample paint colors properly HERE
A few other popular shades (not listed above) are…
- Benjamin Moore Creamy White
- Sherwin Williams Moderate White
- Benjamin Moore Maritime White
- Sherwin Williams Creamy
Sherwin Williams Moderate White in a cute guest bedroom.
IS AESTHETIC WHITE A FOOL-PROOF PAINT COLOR?
HECKKKK no – NO paint color is fool-proof; there will ALWAYS be situations where it won’t work. As it relates to Aesthetic White, here are its limitations…
- In a dark room, Aesthetic White can look a bit dingy and drab (improve your interior lighting!)
- In an OVERLY bright room, Aesthetic White will wash out, but so will ANY PAINT COLOR in and around this LRV range.
- Aesthetic White definitely doesn’t want to be partnered with off-white/cream trim; it needs a whiter approach.
- Aesthetic White isn’t always warm/beige enough for the beige/Tuscan tones from the early 2000s (this fab neutral is often better)
Left to right: Sherwin Williams Divine White, Aesthetic White, Egret White
Aesthetic White walls with warm white trim.
6 PART SERIES: Update Your 2000s Home
DOES AESTHETIC WHITE WORK ON WALLS, CABINETS, & EXTERIORS?
Aesthetic White can look awesome, but of course, it needs to coordinate well with the surrounding finishes. So, assuming things are lookin’ good on your end, let’s break it on down (no twerking, though – yes, Mom, I’m talking to you)…
What can Aesthetic White be used for?
- walls
- exteriors (siding and trim)
- cabinets – big win
- interior trim (although I don’t personally recommend it for the average home)
AESTHETIC WHITE AS A WALL COLOR
- Aesthetic White is a soft subtle color that often humors a room with a variety of interior finishes containing different neutrals (i.e., tiles/countertops/multi-toned carpets).
- With its higher LRV; Aesthetic White is a great way to lighten and brighten a room, especially for those who want to do so without going all-white.
- If your room is dark, Aesthetic White could look a bit dingy – make sure to improve your interior lighting and pay attention to those Kelvins!
In this next bathroom with muted natural light, look at how subtle Aesthetic White looks. While it has a passive warmth, it’s not NEARLY as warm as some of the other popular shades of off-white.
Also, notice how well it coordinates with the 2000s countertop! While this bathroom has Benjamin Moore Cloud White on the trim and vanity, I prefer a slightly less yellow-hued shade with Aesthetic White (i.e., Sherwin Williams Pure White).
In this hallway with beige/taupe carpet and orange-toned stained wood trim, the warmth of Aesthetic White shows up to the party much more…
The 16 Best Paint Colors With Wood Trim
Aesthetic White looks stunning in this next bedroom with Benjamin Moore White Dove trims and ceiling in this bedroom (White Dove is lightened by 25%)…
While Aesthetic White isn’t known for strong undertones, some see a wink of pink in their room, others see green undertones. The above room shows a flash of green, more so than any of the other images in this blog post.
SAMPLING AESTHETIC WHITE WITH PEEL & STICK
Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.
Plus, samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY.
GET YOUR SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK SAMPLE!
AESTHETIC WHITE ON PAINTED KITCHEN CABINETS
- Aesthetic White and its warm undertones can be a great choice for kitchens that don’t suit white cabinets (more common than you’d think – especially kitchens with granite countertops from the early 2000s).
- Thanks to its higher LRV, combined with the extra sheen of cabinet paint (satin or pearl), Aesthetic White can lighten the look of a previously dark kitchen without going too white/bright.
- If you want a bit more depth, check out Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige.
- Many of us (myself included) are updating our homes from the late 90s and early to mid-2000s. More so than white, versatile shades of off-white like Aesthetic White have shown up in many kitchens from these decades.
The 2000s Tuscan-style kitchen with an outdated granite countertop is pretty darn happy with Aesthetic White cabinets…
The built-ins in the open-concept family room (attached to the above kitchen), are also loving this warm off-white…
The 10 Best Off-White Paint Colors
Paint Color Ideas to Update Your 2000s Home (PART 1)
AESTHETIC WHITE AS AN EXTERIOR COLOR
Aesthetic White can be gorgeous as an exterior color, whether for siding or trim…
- On exterior trim, Aesthetic White is a bright but not WHITE look – not all homes suit white trim, yet going cream/yellow or gray can be risky.
- As an exterior siding/main color, Aesthetic White offers a bright look without the same starkness of white.
- The flexible neutrals in Aesthetic White often humor a wide range of stone, brick, and roof colors.
- Thanks to its depth and muted undertones, Aesthetic White is gorgeous on an exterior (especially with black windows) when you want the siding and trim painted the same color.
My next client painted their exterior and, understandably, weren’t happy with the results…
The dark brown was too harsh for their home – it had to go. However, they wanted to keep the trim color, as well as the gray-blue on the siding – they hired me to fix their home by suggesting a new shade for the brown shakes…
Aesthetic White is 50% darker
Aesthetic White to the rescue! While we tweaked it a bit to hit the right spot, it looks like a whole new home.
Picking Your Home’s Best Exterior Color: Does Exposure REALLY Matter?
If Aesthetic White doesn’t do the trick, you KNOW I’ve got more – check out the links listed below…
READ MORE
The Top 11 Warm Neutral Paint Colors That AREN’T BEIGE!
FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas
How to Update Granite Countertops
NEED HELP?
CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULT / E-DESIGN!
Chat soon,
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Wow, what a pleasant and total surprise to see a picture of my house (the hallway) as I was reading this article. I’m glad it wasn’t used as an example of what NOT to do! Haha
I have a house that was built early 2000s and nothing had been updated since it was built so it has very golden warm finishes/ orangey wood trim/ brown floor/ etc. I painted my whole house this color and I mostly like it, but can’t say I would choose the same color if I could go back in time. It’s not quite warm enough against some of the countertops and flooring and looks a bit “off” at times. When I first painted my house, I remember thinking it looked so gray and couldn’t image how this color could be described as a beige. Then again, I was comparing AW to a very golden yellowish color that was there before. In certain lighting and times of day, I love the way it looks. I like this color for my home and it suits it decently , but I wouldn’t say I LOVE it. I might choose Moderate White or, more likely, Natural Linen if I ever repainted again. Hope that helps someone!
Any pictures you could post? Your house, before being painted AW, sounds like mine (golden yellow walls, golden/orangey oak hardwood floors). Was thinking about AW with my existing SW Extra White trim.
I really like this colour! Definitely similar to the Ballet White I have throughout my main floor (which I discovered on your lovely blog and still love several years later – Thank YOU!!!)
Author
YES YES YES! These versatile warm neutrals warm my heart! They’re not into the gray trend OR the warm beige trend, but snugged perfectly in the middle.
Aesthetic white is what you recommended for our vaulted living room ceiling with Anew gray walls. Still love it!!
Author
WAHOOOOO, I’m glad you love it :).
Do you think Aesthetic White would be an appropriate trim color on a mountain home exterior with Rockport gray as the main color?
Author
I’m cautiously optimistic :). I say this because most times Rockport shows a pretty kind of muddy green undertone – Aesthetic loves this. But once in a while it leans a touch violet. I can’t say that would be BAD with Aesthetic, but not quite as pretty.
I used it in my kitchen with super dark gray/brown cabinets, marble counters, bleached oak floors and handmade “white” wall tile. It was the closest color to match the tile. Used it flat on walls & ceiling and semi-gloss for trim. It’s so beautifully changeable with the light but always looks right. As you say- bright white trim doesn’t sit well with it but changing the sheen/same color made it look lighter and brighter than the walls and the perfect trim color. I’m definitely off the gray train. Going with Westhighland white next in my living room and just painted the dining room Black Fox which I love for the brown undertone in it.
Author
Ahhhhh Lori, I LOVE the sounds of your palette! And I’m so glad you love Aesthetic White with your finishes (I also LOVE Black Fox and it’s brown undertones – gorgeous!)
I love all your ideas so much and find this site so helpful! I am currently renovating our lakehouse and am trying to find a very light and bright neutral color to paint the whole house. I have lots of light with southern exposure in our great room. I have pure white kitchen cabinets and pure white trim and doors throughout. I am really struggling with finding a wall color. I like alabaster, moderne white and aesthetic white. I don’t want it to look too beige and am a little worried about aesthetic white! Help!!
Author
I’m not sure what help I can give without seeing your space and its finishes!
Kylie, is there a wink of a green undertone or am I incorrect with that? I like the transition to warmer colors that is happening but I would probably make a bigger commitment than this color seems to make.
Author
You know, it’s a tough one. For every person who sees a tiny wink of green, someone sees a vague pink (which is the opposite)! It’s pretty responsive to its environment. OVERALL, between the 2 undertones, it’s a touch more likely to grab green, but it would be vague at very best (and still, could be there due to the surrounding trim/exposure/lighting/etc…
Interesting and thank you for the response!
This color was recommended to me by the SW color consultant. I got a sample pot and liked it on the wall. I used it in my dining room and with accessible bridge underneath the chair rail. Trim is Vaslapr ultra white, floors are a mahaghony. Room faces west with natural light from the door to the backyard. It opens into our kitchen which is super warm with cherry cabinets and dark grainate counter tops.
I must say- I may be regretting this ! The color looks too cool for me and there is not enough warmth in there for me. I was afraid of a yellow undertone, but maybe that is what I needed. :/ not sure what to do but live with it until I get regain the engery (and pocket money ) to paint again It looks better when all the lights are on and when it’s sunny, but on a drab day like today, it looks gray and flat. Overall I like the two tone contrast with accessible beige but I think the undertones may not be ideal.