Finding the Perfect White Paint for Our Kitchen

White paint can be deceptively tricky. What looks like a safe, neutral choice can turn too yellow, too gray, or just feel… off—especially in a space with tons of natural light like in our kitchen. We’re in Week 4 of the Spring 2025 One Room Challenge where we are giving our dining nook a refresh and this week my challenge is to find the perfect white paint!

The current white paint in the kitchen feels overly warm compared to the cool gray cabinetry and trim which is painted in SW Extra White. At certain times of the day it looks quite yellow. So while I’m updating our dining nook, my goal is to find a white that feels soft and clean, but not cold or clinical.

My Top White Paint Contenders (All by Benjamin Moore)

After way too many paint samples and late-night Pinterest sessions, I landed on three beautiful shades that are often used by designers (and for good reason):

1. White Dove

A soft white with subtle gray undertones. It has warmth, but not too much, and it feels timeless and cozy. It’s a classic for a reason.

2. Chantilly Lace

This is Benjamin Moore’s purest, brightest white. It doesn’t lean yellow or gray—it’s clean and crisp, which can be beautiful when you’re working with bright trim and natural light.

3. Simply White

A slightly warm white with a touch of yellow. It’s cheerful and inviting but can read a bit creamy in rooms with tons of sun, which is something I have to consider.

What I’m Working With

• Lots of natural light: The kitchen gets full sun throughout the day, so even a slightly warm white can look extra yellow.

• Sherwin Williams Extra White trim: It’s a bright, neutral white that doesn’t play nicely with overly creamy tones.

• Open sightlines: Since the kitchen connects visually to other spaces, I want a white that feels consistent and cohesive throughout the home.

My Process

I swatched each color on different walls—near windows, under cabinets, and in the corners where light shifts the most. Then I observed them morning to night to see how the undertones changed with natural light. Spoiler: they change a lot!

So… What’s the Verdict?

While I haven’t made a final call just yet, Simply White is the current frontrunner. It feels bright and clean without being too harsh or too yellow, and it complements the crisp Extra White on the trim and shiplap ceiling and walls of the nook. I’ll keep you posted when I make the final decision!

Pro Tip: Always Swatch First

Don’t rely on a sample card or what you saw on someone else’s wall. Test paint directly on your own walls in multiple areas and observe it at different times of day. Light, flooring, cabinetry, and trim can completely shift how a white behaves in your space.

If you’d like to see daily process, be sure to follow HomeSpunStyle on Instagram! And if you’d like to check out the other participants progress you can find them at the One Room Challenge Blog.

Happy Decorating!

Debra