PAINT IS NOT CHOSEN CASUALLY (AND HERE'S WHY)

At our latest Sierra Design project, paint was not chosen casually. With knotty alder interior doors and ceiling planks, white oak cabinetry and oak floors, we already had plenty of wood happening. To keep things balanced (and not wood-on-wood-on-wood), we leaned into paint-grade cabinetry to let the stained elements shine without competing.

Yes, there are roughly a million paint colors out there, but these are the ones that made the cut, and why.

For the main living spaces, we used Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) on both walls and ceilings. It’s one of our favorite warm whites for a transitional home; soft, inviting, and never sterile. Because transitional design loves warmth (with a little mood), we layered in deeper tones where it mattered.

In the kitchen, the perimeter cabinetry is Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige an earthy neutral that plays very well with its neighbors. It pairs perfectly with the custom medium-brown stain on the white oak island, keeping the space grounded and balanced (peep

the photo).

The decorative kitchen hood is finished in plaster to match Benjamin Moore Baja Dunes,

which also appears on the dining room wall and great room fireplace. This touch of depth adds contrast against the otherwise light and bright main level.

In the laundry room, we went all in on Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe (a long-time favorite). Cabinets, trim, and vertical planks are all wrapped in this toasty warm gray, making a hardworking space feel like a getaway.

Finally, in the lower-level flex room, we added a little personality with Benjamin Moore Hale Navy on the media center and bar. It brings contrast, color, and just the right amount of playful energy against the warm white walls.

At the end of the day, every paint choice talks to the next and that’s the real secret.