We are really close to finishing my long-awaited eBook on white: White is Complicated, A Decorators Guide to Choosing the Right White (above). We plan to release it in the Fall.
It’s funny, at first I was sure this book would be shorter than How to Choose Paint Colours: It’s all in the Undertones, but it’s just as big and maybe with your help, even a little bigger?
I didn’t know how much I had to say about the colour white until the book was finished.
Here’s what you will learn:
You’ll learn how to tell the difference between one white and another.
You’ll learn the guidelines for choosing whites and how to create a classic look in your home – a look that stands the test of time.
You’ll learn how to use white to create a look that says “current” rather than “dated.”
You’ll learn how to diagnose the existing whites in your house and immediately trim an unmanageable number of whites down to a short list of a few.
You’ll learn four main categories for white and how to use this knowledge to choose the right white for your space.
You’ll learn enough about the supporting fixed elements (also referred to as hard finishes) in a white kitchen or bathroom to make your choices quicker and simpler.
HOWEVER, we need your help. Before we finalize everything we need to make sure we have covered all the most important lessons to learn about the colour white.
That is where you come in. Please take a few minutes to answer this super-short survey, composed of three questions.
The most important question is ‘If you could ask Maria one question about the colour white, what would it be?’
Everyone who participates in the survey will be entered into a draw to win a set of 25 large sample boards of Sherwin Williams essentials, the best greys and whites (Value $167). This set of boards is designed to be purchased along with the white eBook so that you can be sure you’ve chosen the right colour.
Thanks so much, have a great weekend everyone! xo Maria
Maria, I’d love to help but I clicked on the link(s) and got an error saying “This form can only be viewed by users in the owner’s organization.
Try contacting the owner of the form if you think this is a mistake. Learn More.”
Thanks for your patience everyone, the survey is now working!
Please comment on the photos in the new ebook. I have the previous ebook and learned so much but had trouble understanding if the photos were a good example of the principles or a bad example. Just a short comment on each would help explain what the photo represents. Thanks
Yes, yes ,yes please!!!❤️
Oh yes, I heartily agree as well’
I was unable to access the survey. It said I “needed permission.”
It looks like you need to give permission to fill out the form in your survey
Your form is not currently working- but my main question would be: I use white for the trim in my home. How can I make sure I pick the “right” white to go with my paint colors? Is there a formula?
Runner up would be: How can one use white with little ones in the house? It seems like a recipe for fingerprint disaster.
In case you need the question quickly, as form not working – mine is…
How can you combine a cream leather couch (in living room) and white leather dining room chairs (in dining room) together? The 2 items are approx 15′ away from each other in an open concept room. So you can often see both items at once. Thank you!
I need permission to fill out your form!
This form was created inside of Maria Killam.
Thus truth speaketh the survey in the end.
Can’t wait to get your new book. Have a great weekend Maria!
Will the price of your new e-book be about the same as your previous ones?
After I filled out the questionnaire I thought of many more questions.
I can hardly wait for your new book! I answered the questions and entered the draw. I sure hope you consider covering my questions and concerns about choosing white in some form or fashion in your new book. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.
Can I get your e-book now (unfinished) I need to make my paint choices in August for the painter to start in September in our new home.
Thanks. Anne
I was able to fill out the survey, and think it went through to you..Also hoping you will cover the questions, in future posts:). Thanks!!!
Congrats on your upcoming book, Maria! I’ve used How to Choose Paint Colors over and over and look forward to getting your book on choosing white paint. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
I had no problem with the form yesterday (Friday).
Love the cover photography!
Can’t wait for the new eBook! Am gonna be one of the first to buy it!!!!!
How do I get your free ebook (unfinished )?
It’s not free and won’t be available until it’s ready. Sorry about that. Maria
The survey worked fine for me. I can’t wait to see the new book!
i was able to complete the survey but when i hit send there was no indication that it went through…any way you can check on this?
I just submitted my questions via the survey and everything worked just fine.
Can’t wait to see this new e:book in fall.
Thank you.
Maria,
Soeaking of white… painted cabinets,
Can you address the problem of the cracking at wood joints that is evident with painted cabinets
The cabinet maker I used discouraged me to get painted cabinets. It is more prominent in climates with a distinct summer and winter due to heating in winter causing dryness and shrinking and humidity in the summer when the cracking wil not be as evident
It is the look of real wood, from a sales rep and a 16-year cabinet shop owner. Your guy probably doesnt want the complaints.
MDF which is usually compressed under 45 PSI doesn’t usually shrink and expand with the changes in humidity.
Wood is real material and shrinks and expands with the weather, then the paint cracks at the joint. Mitred corners will be longer (hypotenuse of a triangle from geometry and the Pythagorean formula) and show the cracks more.
I have a door that I can’t get to open without yanking when it rains, and my front door is currently giving me a problem, even without the rain. It’s a natural material and it’s Mom Nature.
Another question about about white cabinets.
I have been told the same thing as Fran has. NO WHITE cabinets. Not only because cracking but because it is considered a “dated” look and the upscale high end kitchens now all have dark preferably cherry cabinets. I am told it will not stay clean and a painted look is cheap. I love the look of a white kitchen but friends and contractors advise not to do it and I will regret it. Maria is one of the few design experts who recommend white cabinets instead of the dark cabinets in kitchens that are so popular.
Well my question for you would be WHO is giving you this advice? Are they design professionals? Look in shelter magazines that are full of high end kitchens? Are they cherry? No. I’m just sayin’.
I think it is people who are behind the times and see the rich dark wood as upscale, expensive and updated. I agree with you Maria. When I look on blogs and shelter magazines I see beautiful white kitchens and they appeal to me as classic and timeless. For me that is the ultimate in “upscale.”
I will say though when I read comments on various blogs discussing this subject it seems the majority people prefer the darker cherry or walnut and dislike the white cabinets. It is controversial to say the least, we all have our preferences.
I just saw a newly remodeled kitchen with cherry cabinets, yellowish granite and pinky beige tile. She loves it. To me it doesn’t look right – the eye of the beholder and all that. That is why your blog and books are so valuable.
Look at new construction websites in major cities and you will see new trends in kitchen design. New York, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles. The major developers in these cities have teams of the highest end designers and you will be able to observe their choices through photos and renderings. My new kitchen (in Boston) has white but also pale wood lower cabinets. It is done in the context of the city and the building. It was done by a nationally known designer and probably has a life of about ten years before it looks dated.
Hi Bill, my white eBook will be a resource for how to choose a white period. Trends will continue to move forward for sure but anyone moving into a dated house will need to paint something white even if it’s just the trim.
Maria
I’m really looking forward to your book! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my ceilings and cupboards looking the way I want them too.
Can’t wait for your new book Maria! I too will be one of the “firsts” to sign up to buy it. I would even go on a “pre-sale, pay now, receive when out” list!
I’m so looking forward to your new book! We moved a few months ago, and even tho my kitchen cabinets are old, they’re painted white, and look so much better than my last oak ones (which were much newer).
I am from Europe. Are your e-books useful to us as well? Since we do not for example use Sherwin Williams colors?
If you buy my current eBook and would like to receive all the colour chips that correspond with the book, for an additional $50, we will send them to you. This way you will have them to compare to your paint fan deck as my system is completely transferrable to any other paint system. Email [email protected] if you’d like to take advantage of this.