How often is it that you get confused picking the right pastel or an off-white for your home?
Maybe some are too warm, and some might be too cool?
Some don’t go with your oak cabinets, and some might feel overwhelming when used in a south-facing room?
So, what to do?
Well, in that case – here is another color review of a warm pastel that is not extremely light and at the same time – might end up cozying up your space!
However, undertones are something you need to play a bit with.
Most of my clients are confused with those slight pinkish or greenish undertones that reflect at certain times of the day!
And that’s why you have to be very careful about picking the best pastel/off-white for your home.
Don’t worry!
I’ll give you what you need to know here – for Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground!
So, long story short – this neutral paint color aligns with the warmer undertones and has a slight greige undertone.
Unlike the other off-whites, this one feels comparatively darker in rooms with excessive natural light.
But before we get into those details – let’s first talk about the details and specifications!
Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground SW 7568 Details and Specifications
Now here is a little advice – always read through the color specifications before choosing it for your home!
Because even though the color feels lighter on the screen – it may be actually quite dark on your walls.
(Visiting the nearest Sherwin Williams store wouldn’t be a bad option too)
However, if you want to avoid that mess – just simply go through the basics of a paint color that will help you determine if the color is a must-use or not!
So, first and foremost, let me introduce you to the concept of Light Reflectance Values or the LRV’s that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value at the back of the Sherwin Williams paint swatch!
Here, in this case, the LRV of Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground is 70.
And that means it is pretty light-toned – well, almost an off-white! (Greater the value, lighter the paint)
Now, if you want to try out Neutral Ground on your walls ahead of time, you can easily with a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize. Give them a try now!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 226
Green = 218
Blue = 202
HEX Value = #e2daca
Now that is enough with the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this off-white and pastel Sherwin Williams paint.
How Does this Color Feel in a Space?
Do you know the best characteristic?
Well, this color is not as warm and creamy as SW Alabaster and not as cool and crisp as SW Extra White.
It somehow falls on the verge of warmth with a major sense of balance that keeps your space look upright!
So, Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground will absolutely make your space feel calm, welcoming, and attractive at the same time.
Furthermore, due to its lighter tone and slightly creamier appearance, it further tends to make your space seem larger and expanded but at the same time, cozy.
So, for all the northern states and colder regions – this color is a great option for your home as it tends to add a warmer vibe to make your home feel cozy at all times.
When using in the interiors, I recommend painting the north-facing and south-facing walls in this particular color – the reason being obvious balance!
You can also use this paint in the east and west-facing rooms since the paint is not too warm to get all uncomfortable!
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light plays some role here – however, you have to be extremely careful!
Using a lot of warm-yellow and yellow saturation lighting with definitely makes you feel uncomfortable.
So, I recommend incorporating tones of warm whites and some places white to neutralize the overall effect!
And when it comes to natural light – the color is bound to feel extra lighter in such cases.
On the other hand, with the absence of light, it may still not appear darker – so you’re good to go, both ways!
Want to see what Neutral Ground looks like in your own living space?Pick up a wall sample now from Samplize!
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground is a soft tan-toned creamy off-white color that may look slightly greige or green in various lighting conditions.
But this warm pastel definitely offers a win-win solution since it’s a perfect balance of dark and light and also cool and warm.
It’s generally easier to pair this color with other notable hues, fabrics, and palettes.
Just remember to play around with the swatches in various rooms to know the true hue!
To name a few, you can best pair this color with cool midnight blues, warm taupes and greiges, clean whites, darker sage greens, and darker mauve and blush.
In terms of metallic accents, choose this color to go with satin or antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black.
Here are the following two color palette suggestions – monochromatic and coordinating!
Monochromatic Color Palette
The complementary colors for the monochromatic palette are as follows –
- SW 7531 Canvas Tan
- SW 7532 Urban Putty
- SW 7533 Khaki Shade
This monochromatic palette is ideal for modern farmhouse and Japandi interior design styles.
It’s warm and calming and will definitely bring wonders indoors!
You can also add clean whites to break the monotony and further add tinges of matte black in the form of hardware and lighting fixtures.
Decorating with pampas grass is a must-recommend!
Contrasting Color Palette (Cool)
The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows –
- SW 7005 Pure White
- SW 9177 Salty Dog
- SW 6171 Chatroom
This cool-toned palette neutralizes the warmth of SW Neutral Ground and rather makes an enchanting experience indoors.
You can add satin brass or matte black accents to this palette in the form of lighting fixtures, artwork frames, and furniture frames.
This palette is ideal for modern farmhouse, coastal, and modern design styles.
Contrasting Color Palette (Warm)
The complementary colors for the contrasting palette are as follows (warm) –
- SW 7008 Alabaster
- SW 6108 Latte
- SW 6207 Retreat
This warm-toned palette is ideal if you’re craving an Earthy and natural look in your home.
Introduce sage greens (whether in the form of plants or accent paint) to bring a sense of nature into your home.
You must play with matte black lighting fixtures for the utmost versatile appeal.
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- SW 7029 Agreeable Gray (see my paint guide on this one here!)
- SW 7504 Keystone Gray
- SW 2735 Rockweed
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – SW Extra White or SW Pure White in itself makes a great option!
SW Neutral Ground Vs Similar Colors
There are tons of other alternatives to replace Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground!
However, now that you know the secret – they might either differ in undertones or reflectivity.
So, regardless of that – the two colors closely related are SW 6140 Moderate White and SW 7011 Natural Choice.
Let’s see how they differ.
Neutral Ground Vs Moderate White
Both these colors have quite some significant differences.
SW Neutral Ground tends to have beige and yellow undertones whereas the latter can be seen to have slightly orange undertones.
I wouldn’t recommend this paint with oak cabinets and walnut hardwood floors.
With an LRV of 74, this color is slightly more lighter than the former!
Order a stick-on sample of Neutral Ground and Moderate White to see what works best in your home.
Neutral Ground Vs Natural Choice
Sharing a lot of similarities with the former, SW Natural Choice is something I would definitely suggest.It is so pure and pretty that you would want to have more and more of this off-white in your home.
It has an LRV of 73 – thus, makes a great backdrop statement while making your room look larger and airier.
You can check out my complete guide on SW Natural Choice here.
Since digital screens can be deceiving, I highly suggest you get some actual samples of these two colors from Samplize. Buy here!
Coordinating Decor
Now comes one of the best topics to talk about! Yes, materials, fabrics, and color palettes for your home.
Now that we have discussed the complementary paint colors, it’s time to discuss the materials and fabrics that well coordinate.
If you’re looking for a modern farmhouse and Japandi look – it’s best to pair with the various shades of wooden textures (darker) to create a complementary style.
On the other hand, if you intend to add this color to coastal and contemporary style, don’t hold back from styling with rustic white woods, rattan, wicker, and jute.
In terms of metallic accents, you can either choose matte black, antique brass, or oil-rubbed bronze!
Here are the links to the furniture that work well with SW Neutral Ground –
Here are the links to the flooring that work well with SW Neutral Ground –
Here are the links to the decorative accents that work well with SW Neutral Ground –
Where to Use Neutral Ground?
To achieve a perfect balanced warm touch, this color is probably one of the best options to be used anywhere and everywhere in homes.
Whether it is the hallways, bathrooms, kids rooms, nursery, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, exteriors, or even the bedrooms – you can use it everywhere!
Especially for the interior design styles such as Modern Farmhouse, Scandinavian, Modern, Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Bohemian, and Shabby Chic, this color would be good to go!
Try avoiding it in Coastal and Caribbean-style interiors since it can offer a very warm appeal.
Let’s see where and how to incorporate it in your home.
Neutral Ground in Living and Dining Rooms
Why not?
You can either paint all the walls in this color or choose a bold and dark shade like brown and warm gray to create an accent!
Pair it with lighter upholstery and wooden (oak and walnut) toned textures to further complement the palette.
You can also choose to go sleek by picking tons of glass and metals to create an amazing backdrop!
Also, if you have staircases and railing – try to prefer wooden molding ones here.
Last but not the least, add ample mirror pieces and plants to invite positivity and a wholesome vibe!
Using in Bedrooms
If you like the feel of warmer bedrooms – you should definitely have this color!
Trust me – there is nothing better than calm and serene bedrooms.
Furthermore, add matte black lighting fixtures in the form of table lamps and pendant lights to add an eye-catchy accent.
When it comes to duvets and fabrics, try to choose more subtle hues with cotton and linens to further brighten up your room.
Neutral Ground in Kitchens
Lighter kitchens are the best!
And especially if they have a taste of monochromes.
So, you can pair it with chrome or nickel-finished fixtures, oak or stark white cabinets, and lush hardwood floors.
Furthermore, you can also use white-veined marble or black glossy granite to create a stark contrast!
Using in Bathrooms
In the bathrooms, SW Neutral Ground must be used on all the walls! If you have wall paneling, choose SW Pure White to pair!
For the vanity, you must pick the shades of wood and matte black pull handles to go with the overall vibe of your bathroom.
Lastly, don’t forget to style with your favorite pieces of indoor plants!
Using on Exteriors
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SW Neutral Ground on the exteriors will make a warm and soothing appeal.
You can choose to paint the exterior walls in this color and further pair with shades of gray or black on the entryway door and roof.
For the window trims, frames, and moldings – you must choose a black paint color like SW Tricorn Black.
On the other hand, if you intend to use this color on the entryway door, consider a darker color for the exterior walls.
This creamy color further looks off-white and yellow under certain outdoor lighting conditions.
How to Best Sample This Color?
Here’s my favorite tip when it comes to testing out a color like Neutral Ground – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
This little company has nailed down the best way to sample colors much more easily. Simply stick on a 12″ x 12″ square instead of having to get a small can of actual wet paint on your walls.
For a few bucks you get a big enough sized sample to evaluate anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like.
It’s temporary, so move it around and test location and lighting options.
Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in Neutral Ground?
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!
Barbara
Sunday 24th of July 2022
I am looking for a neutral for living room, dining room, and kitchen. Facing south west, wall to wall windows sw side. Lots of white cabinets on two walls in kitchen. Black and light grey quartz counters and island. I am looking for a cream colour for all walls. What would you suggest in SW or BM. Thank you for any suggestions
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 20th of October 2022
SW Shoji White is a wonderful creamy color! Even SW Dover White wouldn’t be a bad idea.
You can choose from Sherwin Williams Shoji White or Creamy if you prefer off-whites. To add depth, you can choose an accent wall in SW Cyberspace or SW Naval!
Nancy Bernard
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
Would westhighland white work as a trim color with neutral ground? Thank you.
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 20th of October 2022
No - I wouldn’t recommend that! Please choose from SW Pure White or SW High Reflectance White!
Lisa
Thursday 30th of June 2022
I have a lot of trim work in my home. The trim, doors, bookshelves, and plantation shutters are all Neutral Ground. I'm looking to lighten up my walls (currently a medium toned tan) without repainting the trim. What color would you suggest?
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 20th of October 2022
You can choose SW Canvas Tan for the walls to lighten them up and yet allow the trims to be even lighter with SW Neutral Ground.
Carisa
Friday 3rd of June 2022
Thank you for sharing your review. How does this color work with furnishings that have reddish color? Cabinets, flooring and leather…
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 20th of October 2022
Furnishings with a red base may generally not work quite well with this color. However, you can always create a balance with the help of introducing blues and whites to the palette - in the form of fabrics and furnishings.
Dana E
Tuesday 22nd of March 2022
Thank you for your review! I'm getting ready to paint my house neutral ground with SW Pure white for the trim. Do you have color that you think would go well for cabinets? I was going to go white, but I think Pure white would be just too white and not sure about mixing different whites. And do you think Edgecomb gray would go in the bedrooms? There's just not a lot of info on this color and I'm happy to have found your review.
Nishtha Sadana LEED, WELL AP
Thursday 20th of October 2022
So, I highly recommend that you choose SW Pure White on the trims as well as the cabinets! Another color than a true white will simply confuse the vibe. In the bedrooms, yes, BM Edgecomb Gray would work amazingly!