I'm not sure if this thread is still going? We just closed on a house in Aruba. We don't like the current color, at all! I've been trying to figure out the new colors, as I'm sending them blindly to our painters to start June 1st. I paid an online paint specialist almost $300 and I'm still confused. I've narrowed it down, and I will be getting all samples tomorrow. Maybe someone will have an opinion on the colors? Good, bad, ugly...I can take it! I'm uploading the current color of the house. Here's what I was thinking: MAIN COLOR/BODY: Wook Skein SW-6148 (a bit worried about a green or grey undertone-but looks gorgeous in photos), FRONT DOOR: Urbane Bronze. TRIM and GARAGE: : I have NO IDEA??? As far as the main house color, I don;t want basic beige, but I do not like grey either. I heard Wool Skein is a nice beige. Modern. I'm a little freaked out to make such a big investment without being sure!! HELP. I was thinking maybe SW Creamy for the trim and garage, but I'm confused after reading the posts. Thoughts?? Please....:)

Oh my. I would go light especially with the roof tile colors. The natural light in Aruba is bright. So you don’t want a bright white. The styling on this home is really odd. Not contemporary, not traditional, I wonder if a storm removed roof on circular turret and they didn’t want to spend money to restore? I will check on colors and be back later today.

Very interesting you say that. I was just telling my husband the same thing! I can't find ANYTHING on the internet resembling our home. Truth be told, we were not crazy about the exterior, but it was the last home on the golf course that had an ocean view, so we grabbed it. Do you think it was supposed to have a turret, lol?? I did speak with a designer who said it was a Mediterranean contemporary whatever that means...I was thinking it would look less like a submarine if we painted it a light cream color, maybe Accessible Beige or Wool Skein SW (it was recommended). Any help you can give me would be SO APPRECIATED!! We have to go with a SW color, since our painters work with them in Aruba. Thanks for your honesty and help. :)

Ok. I have used SW Accessible Beige (AB)in interiors many times. I think it is too dark for outside application if you want lighter brighter tone with that roof. I did an analysis of AB and another similar color but with a higher LRV rating (Light Reflectance Value. It is SW STEAMED MILK 7554. You can see by the colors’ DNA the two colors are similar in every respect except LRV. SM being 24% brighter/more reflective. But the natural light there is such a big consideration. But if you want lighter beige color I would get your rep there to make up sample boards and hold them up so you can compare and see color with roof. These colors are both in same Hue family so they will be warm/yellow but moving away from yellow toward green yellow hue family. I can’t imagine picking a color without being there! Do you have someone on the ground there to help?? So important.

I used SW Color Snap for these impressions. Nothing is completely accurate on Internet with colors but it might help you decide. So what do you think of these two colors?

Denise- I tried putting the colors on the house. Photo is so cluttered with other things hard to do but I think you can see the big picture of the two colors. Darker one is Accessible Beige, lighter one Steamed Milk.

You asked for honesty. If I bought a home in Aruba the last thing I would do it paint it in a mid western color palette. Isn't the entire idea to embrace the Caribbean lifestyle? With the bright sunlight and clear sky and lush greenery and bright flowers don't you think subdued neutral like Accessible beige or wool skein will look tired, dirty, dull?

I would go with Honied White or Summer White, Welcome White - something in the yellow, coral, peach families, something clean and clear.

I would keep trim in whites since windows are white. But I would paint garage door same color as stucco. A gray/blue would be nice o. Front door. Dark bronze color will disappear. Use brighter blue gray. Hope this helps. I might play with even lighter body but have to make us dinner right now.

Jennifer you make great points. That’s why I selected Steamed White. If we go too white that sun will whiten and it can be blinding.

Truth be told, we were not crazy about the exterior, but it was the last home on the golf course that had an ocean view, so we grabbed it.

Does your new neighborhood have a Homeowner's Association? If yes, I would verify if they have exterior color restrictions you need to follow which should be spelled out in the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs).

Good point Lori. But doubt it with existing color? Lol

Pastels was the first thing that came to mind for me ...i mean ...boring neutrals and island living just don’t go together in my mind...and faded pastels seem common too...

Good point Lori. But doubt it with existing color? Lol

Ya never know. I've seen some crazy $#!*.

WOW! I'm amazed that you all took the time to help me like this...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I'm absolutely changing my mind now. And, I am starting to agree, this decision may be too important to do over face-time. We may be better off waiting until they open the borders and test it directly on the house. Never thought of a blue door.

It is funny to imagine HOA having many restrictions with the current colors! Ha ha! But, good point, I'll definitely check. So, now I am going to break this down and look at brighter colors.

I'm SO happy I came here. I paid $300 last week, and Wool stein was the first choice, with Tricorn BLACK SW 6258 on the trim and garage!! This is why I was so confused! I can't imagine black on the trim. I thought it may be too heavy. The second choice the professional gave me for the main color was Urban Putty SW 7352 with Virtual Taupe 7039 for the trim. I thought taupe would not make the roof pop! And third choice, Windsor Greige. All of these would be pretty drab now that you brought me to a different perspective.

I can't thank you enough. This is the best decision I made, coming to this site!

with Tricorn BLACK SW 6258 on the trim and garage!!

That's insane for that climate. You'd have to check product warranties first. Unlikely you can paint either the trim or garage door that dark regardless of locale. However, black anything in Aruba is not a good plan.

I love the Steamed Milk color. When you put it next to Accessible Beige, it's so glaring how much better the brighter color looks. I'm going to do some research on trim colors.

Trim. Look at SW Extra White for trim but I would check white on window trim and get consistent with that. I would paint trim around garage door Extra White but garage door your main house color. Helps door visually disappear. After all, who wants to feature a garage door. Plus the eye sees white (perceived wave lengths) first so it draws the eye. I will pull up Extra White and Steam and compare their chroma values. Bbl

This is wonderful. I'm going will your suggestions. I noticed you're a designer. I feel bad, as I wish I would have hired you from the beginning. I have a long way to go...do you have a service which I can hire you for future projects? Thanks, again.

Yes, I do e-design and color consultations all the time. Just email me if you wish to chat at
Manganflo@gmail.com
Now here is analysis of SW Steamed Milk and trim color SW Extra White. You can pick up samples and try these out to see if you like the combo. Technically they work and in your Aruba light with ocean blues and sky blues, would be quite pretty. You could go creamier on your trim if you wish but then you would have 3 colors plus door and orange roof color. I also note the security wall is another set of colors.

I would guess that you have spent a fair amount of time in Aruba before deciding to purchase a home there. I am at a disadvantage because I have not been to Aruba (I am more nature than city, more rain forest than beaches)

If I close my eyes and think of Monteverde Costa Rica I see deep lush greens and bright reds and teals and pinks and snowy whites and rich woods. The colors of nature are amazing and the street art that depicts the nature is amazing. If I were buying a home in Monteverde I would want a cabin in the forest with a wall around the wrap around patio painted with flowers and iguana's and tropical birds and butterflies.

When you close your eyes and think of Aruba and what you love about Aruba what colors come into your mind? What colors are associated with the joy that your time in Aruba has brought to you?

Hi Denise, I am the OP of this thread and just wanted to tell you that I had the exact same reaction as you did-these same wonderful people on this thread helped me with trying to figure out SW Creamy and Alabaster...so I’d like to also say thank you SO MUCH again to everyone and to Denise, I’m so glad you feel so good about your new choices!!!

Thank you for putting this thread together! I didn't know what to expect from this site, and I'm blown away. I love all the passion and incredibly talented people. And, very good spirited. I love what Jennifer Hogan just wrote. I now have the vision of Aruba in my head, and it's making my choice clearer. Aruba is unique. It's not a lush island, and mimics the Arizona desert. There is sand and cacti everywhere. The sand kicks up and it's almost always windy. Some don't care for the environment, we adore it. We'd only been there 2 times before making an offer on a house. Love at first sight! With an emerald color sea. I never thought about closing my eyes and seeing the colors. I've been pretty stressed out about this decision, as it's expensive and I only have one shot. I am grateful for all of you!!! It's a dream that we can do this. Best to all of you! Stay safe!!

Funny! The light house looks like Steamed Milk and a lighter trim! Think sand and sea. We have visited Aruba twice and the first time, were shocked at how arid the island is. But it has a beauty all its own. Very exciting for you. So glad you stopped in here. I feel disaster avoided. I think postponing til you can get down there and test colors in the light there is very wise.

The ocean blue in this photo would be great on your front door. 🙂

Flo, I was thinking the same thing about the lighthouse! It's steamed milk! I went on your webiste, I'll be reaching out through that venue for the next project. You sure did save me on this one! :)

Denise, I love that you bought the property in Aruba. The photo of your new home is somewhat reminiscent of the Sugar Mills found in the Caribbean. We have visited the island and I love it there. Yes, it is very similar to Arizona where we now live.

Choosing to hire Flo for her e-desgn work and color consultations is a very wise decision. I also hired Flo a couple of years ago after she responded to my questions on Houzz about the renovation of our guest bathroom. She was incredibly helpful as she walked alongside me (virtually, of course) through the rest of our renovation projects.

Thank you Sylva! We're so excited! I'm thrilled to have found Flo today, and that she spent the time to help me. I felt it was a sincere desire to help at her core.:) It's nice to hear of your positive personal experience! Great to hear. I have 2 more projects I could sure use help with.

Awe. Thanks Sylva. You are a peach. A very smart peach. This woman is awesome. Her home is stunning. Such fun working with her and she is a professional corporate/personal coach as well so very talented person.

Wow! Thanks Lori. Appreciate your kind words.

E Evartt I have creamy in my tiny nook which is bathed in East ligh much of the day. I love it. I tested Alabaster on the wall first but I found it to be drab. I really like Creamy. It just has a bit more life to it.

@edie Strom, Thanks Edie-Ive asked everyone who has commended about having used Creamy whether or not they feel it looks "yellow" or has a yellow tone to it. . I know there is so much that affects the color, but just curious what you think. I'm on a quest for just a warm white. Not yellow. And my room is east facing also with a ton of light. I have been delayed somewhat in getting my house painted due to covid19 ......but looks like things are starting back again so I am going to make this decision soon and get the rooms painted.

I am going to chime in as a total NON expert, but for my kitchen, Creamy was a top contender but I have chosen Moderate White. I think it may be a bit darker or grayer but it's warm in my setting. (the walls are being primed as we speak). Just wanted to mention that as a potential

I've had some fantastic advice on this thread, and I'm hoping for a little more.

Flo Mangan suggested I paint the color Steamed Milk for our new house

Aruba house. I LOVE the color, but I just got off the phone with our painter, and he said I should use a creamer color due to the high winds and sands that kick off the golf course. Whiter colors need more power washing...so I found two colors and I can't find much at all on the internet because I think they are newer SW colors!

Has anyone heard of EAGLET BEIGE SW 7573 or ARRID SANDS HGSW3167? Both have a creamy yellow look, but Eaglet seems to be more beige than yellow...

OR if there is a better color that's a CREAMY/BEIGE with a hint of YELLOW undertone. I have been looking for 2 weeks, and I can't seem to find the perfect color. I do like ALABASTER SW 7008 for the trim, PURE WHITE SW was too white. And, I like either TRICORN BLACK 6258 SW or URBANE BRONZE x 150 for the door. Any advice would be so appreciated!

@denise

Flo suggested Steamed Milk and you love it.

The painter is saying you should have gone creamier - whiter colors need to be cleaned more due to the sand and wind.

To me what he is saying is that your color was too light.

Accessible Beige is a darker version of Steamed Milk.

Humm. Accessible Beige could work. Guess you have to get down there and see colors in real time and light. I am a bit skeptical of painter’s input. AB will be easier to cover that dark gray. But not sure how it will look in that light. If you choose warmer color the Urban Bronze is good choice for door and some trim.

@ E Evartt

It doesn't really matter how Creamy looks in anyone else's home.

I can easily demonstrate that Creamy has yellow undertones, it is a warm (yellow, orange, red) neutral vs a cool (green, blue, purple) neutral, but that doesn't even matter - as a green neutral is really warmer than a blue neutral and if you compare two yellow neutrals one will be cooler and one will be warmer than the other.

We can measure color attributes and we can separate the attributes to see where a color falls and more clearly understand the color.

Example of an analysis of Creamy's attributes

Creamy is a yellow gray white.

But the appearance of color changes based on the light that is being reflected onto the color and received by our eyes.

Even this can be measured and determined with the appropriate equipment - all far more expensive and complicated than the average homeowner can handle.

What can't be measured is the neurophysiological response that creates the sensation of color in our brains. The rods and cones in our retina's work in conjunction with each other and the firing pins don't always fire as we would expect. Our brains auto balance colors for us. Overstimulation of one group of color receptor cells can cause us to see colors that are not there.

https://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/jw/light/complementary-colours.htm

So we can study the color creamy and determine that in a well lit room with balanced light where there are no other colors and the color is being viewed by someone with normal eyesight, it will appear as a warm yellowish gray white.

But that does not tell us what color sensation will be triggered when we see Creamy in the context of your home with all of your finishes and altered by your lighting.

If the color sensation in your home seems too yellow you need to change the color or the surrounding color or the lighting to reduce the amount of yellow sensation being triggered by your brain.

If you haven't chosen a color yet here is a new option to consider SW Maison Blanche. I am not a color professional but I have researched a lot of paint colors in the past two years while building a new home. This color is a warm cream with a hint of yellow undertone when the West sunlight shines on it...if that is what you are looking for. And I agree with the comment earlier about the front door looking great in the color of the sea especially with SW Maison Blanche and the roof color.

@E Evartt dis you ever decide on a color? I’m Drowning in paint samples and none of them have worked! I also don’t want a stark white look or a yellow look,

or grey/green either. I just want a warm off white. Did you find your perfect color??

alabaster is a great soft white. not stark as Pure White but still is white. no yellow or green undertones, just very nice soft white.

@tandi2 I actually painted 3 rooms in Benjamin Moore White Dove and it is too "white" for me. I know so many love that color, but when I see that-i do not see any warmth in it at all. Compared to Chantilly Lace-yes-I see it there, but just not in my home. I have a lot of windows but also a lot of covered porches around my house so some of the light is blocked from that. White Dove just doesn't seem warm white to me, in my house. I have paused some of my house remodels just due to covid, - the painter I generally use isn't coming inside. I'm hoping when I get past the holidays, I can begin again. All that to say-I will be looking at Alabaster by Sherwin Williams and maybe Creamy. A friend used Ben Moore Swiss Coffee and it was gorgeous, -her house plan is a little more open than mine. My furnishings are all very neutral-warmer whites etc.

I am grateful for this thread and would still love to hear anyone's comments about paint colors they have used. @tandi2 I hope that you have luck in your color decision, please let me know what you end up going with!

I painted my north facing family room SW alabaster thinking it would be warm but not yellow. It is a very definite GREY in that north light. I also have tall evergreens in the backyard that influence the light. I want a warmer white but not yellow. In the past I have tried various “tans” that have ended up being either gold or just dirty looking. I want a paint color that brightens and lightens the space. Looking for any advice I can get!

@penn307 - I suggest trying a white that is off market, but matched well by BM.

The color is Devine Color Icing.

It is a bright white with a tiny amount of yellow oxide that gives it a warm orange yellow glow - just enough to make it not feel stark.

https://www.myperfectcolor.com/paint/76917-devine-color-v0101w-icing

@penn307 omg that’s so weird because SW Alabaster looks peachy in my house! I still haven’t found another review saying that to this day, and I’m so baffled when people say it looks grey/yellow. Its really grown on me and I like the vibe of it. now I’m painting the whole house either chantilly lace or simply white BM and they both look ver y stark next to the alabaster.

See how peachy the alabaster looks in comparison to the other whites? On the left is chantilly lace, center is Swiss coffee @ 75%, right is simply white BM.

@penn307 heres another photo in my dark hallway

i seem to be the only person who has a pinkish colored alabaster. It looks so good in some sunlight but normally it looks peachy.

Hi Samantha-did you buy your paint from Sherwin Williams or have it color matched elsewhere?

@Samantha Joslyn

It looks like you have BM Alabaster, not SW Alabaster

I have SW Creamy in a room and I love it!

@Edie Strom - I am trying to match an existing white and I think SW Creamy is the best match. Looking it up online, seems like a majority love it. What color did you use for trim?

The trim in my house at the time was oak. Creamy went really well with the oak.

@Edie Strom Most of my trim is white, but the dining and living room has that orange wood trim. We will probably stain it darker or paint it. I am thinking of using creamy in a different sheen or SW Greek Villa.