Not All Paint Is Created Equal

Paint finish, texture, and depth dramatically change the feel of a room. While I work with many high-quality brands, Portola Paints is a current favorite for its stunning lime wash and Roman clay options, which bring organic texture and movement to walls—perfect for spaces seeking dimension and softness. Farrow and Ball is hard to paint with but Benjamin Moore is a dream to paint with and the Aura line is scrubbable!!

A Quick Design Rule: Paint Comes Last

In every project I lead, paint is selected last. Why? Because your palette should support key elements like art, rugs, or upholstery—not compete with them. Once these anchors are chosen, paint becomes the harmonious bridge that ties everything together. And remember: always sample in your actual space, across multiple times of day.

Best Paint Colors for Sarasota, FL

Sarasota’s abundant sunlight and blend of contemporary and tropical architecture call for nuanced, warm neutrals and coastal-inspired whites. These tones ground bright environments without feeling stark.

1. Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore
A creamy, yellowed white that reads warm without heaviness. Ideal for interiors with warm wood or smooth cement. Important: no bright white trim—use Swiss Coffee on all millwork for cohesion.

2. Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
A soft greige with yellow undertones—effortlessly elegant in sunlit rooms.

3. Blondie Lime Wash, Portola Paints
A buttery lime wash that layers beautifully in neutral coastal interiors.

4. Leisure Lime Wash, Portola Paints
Chalky and sun-washed—perfect for creating texture in beach-style homes.

5. Wood Ash by C2 Paint
A rich mid-toned greige with character. Excellent on exteriors or layered interiors with natural textures. Tip: skip bright trim—use this tone on all moldings.

6. Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams
A fresh, ocean-inspired soft blue-gray—ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms.

7. Summer Shower by Benjamin Moore
Crystal clear and light-as-air, this soft blue is a refreshing pale robins egg blue.

8. Masquerade by Little Greene
Warm and cozy, this is a dream for blackout-curtained bedrooms or media rooms.

9. Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball
A timeless, earthy brown. Use in dens, game rooms, or more traditional masculine spaces.

Best Paint Colors for San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s architectural variety—Victorians to sleek moderns—and its cool, gray-filtered light call for warmer, moodier neutrals that can soften fog’s blue cast.

1. Gem Lime Wash, Portola Paints
Creates a subtle, moody chalk finish perfect for layered interiors.

2. Half Moon Bay Lime Wash, Portola Paints
Soft and atmospheric—pairs beautifully with oak, linen, and vintage pieces.

3. Wood Ash by C2 Paint
A repeat favorite for a reason—it grounds eclectic San Francisco interiors.

4. Urban Living by Ralph Lauren (discontinued)
Still worth color matching—rich, versatile, and classic.

5. Avocado by Sherwin-Williams
Earthy and bold—beautiful in kitchens or studies paired with warm metals.

6. Darkside Lime Wash, Portola Paints
Adds instant sophistication—ideal for a dramatic powder room or bedroom.

7. Bancha No.298 by Farrow & Ball
A structured olive green with timeless appeal—stunning with walnut and gold.

8. Devonshire Green by Benjamin Moore
Fresh yet grounded—great for trim, built-ins, or exteriors.

9. Dragon’s Breath by Benjamin Moore
A rich, deep brown with charcoal undertones—luxurious and grounding.

10. Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball
Elegant and moody—perfect for dining rooms or library-style spaces.

11. Soul Mate by Benjamin Moore
An earthy red softened to a gentle pink hue.

12. In the Navy Roman Clay by Portola Paints
Bold and textured—an artistic take on a classic navy wall.

Best Paint Colors for Nantucket, MA

Nantucket’s historical charm and coastal chic lean into both timeless whites and rich, shadowy tones. Think whitewashed millwork, black windows, and warm navy or olive interiors.

1. White Dove by Benjamin Moore
The go-to white for New England homes with detailed millwork.

2. All White by Farrow & Ball
Clean, classic, and crisp. Especially good when paired with black accents.

3. Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
A soft transitional neutral—timeless and calming.

4. Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams
Pair with crisp white moldings or use monochromatically for depth.

5. Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball
Elevated and traditional—beautiful in intimate spaces or paneled rooms.

6. Bancha by Farrow & Ball
Green with gravitas. Works wonderfully in libraries or as an unexpected kitchen cabinet color.

7. Avocado by Sherwin-Williams
For a slightly retro but cozy pop of depth.

8. Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams
Great on exteriors, built-ins, or as contrast trim.

9. Shady Lane by Benjamin Moore
A dark, botanical green for moody spaces.

10. French Gray by Farrow & Ball
A misty, historical tone that suits Nantucket’s heritage charm.

11. Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball
Understated and watery—great in rooms with natural fiber rugs and oversized art.

12. Cromarty by Farrow & Ball
A chalky coastal sage—fresh yet sophisticated.

13. In the Navy Roman Clay by Portola Paints
Textured depth for dramatic rooms.

14. Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams
Use for trim, windows, or doors to create strong contrast.

15. Coriander Seed by Benjamin Moore
A golden undertone neutral that reads warm in cool Northeast light.

16. Soft Chinchilla by Benjamin Moore
A gentle, misty hue that adds elegance to bedrooms or baths.

Final Thoughts

Every region has a different soul and every home has different architecture—your home should exalt that. Whether you’re soaking up the Sarasota sun, enjoying San Francisco’s eclectic style, or embracing Nantucket’s timeless architecture, your paint palette can tie everything in your space together beautifully.

If you’re not sure which colors are right for your space or style, we can help. Rachel Blindauer Interiors offers expert color consultation services rooted in regional design knowledge and timeless taste.

Ready to Elevate Your Space?

Let’s choose colors that feel like home.
Book a design consultation with Rachel Blindauer Interiors and take the first step toward a space that reflects your lifestyle, taste, and locale.

Coastal Color, Brought Home