Below are my top three brands as well as a quick overview on what makes them so exceptional:
1. Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines
When I first heard that Joanna Gaines was coming out with a paint line, I sort of rolled my eyes. Figuring it would be a gimmick; just another opportunity to push the Fixer Upper empire and something that would sell only because her name is on it...
BUT BOY WAS I WRONG.
From the highly pigmented bold colors, to gently faded whites, there is an overall softness to this entire line, and the way it plays out in homes, is truly dreamy. There are not two colors in this palette that don't go together. Nearly every pairing is a perfect match (and how she did that, I have NO idea).
The Magnolia mixture is high quality, and a bit $$$$. For most clients I recommend selecting the Magnolia colors and mixing them in an Evolution by Miller Paint, mixture. Not to say that Evolution is cheap, but it offers a bit of savings for the same richness and quality of paint. Also, because Miller carries Magnolia paints, they know the exact mixture for these colors.*
*Side note: Please do not select colors from one brand, and take them to another store. Color matching isn't all it's cracked up to be.... More on that in a later post.
2. Evolution (previously Divine) by Miller Paint
This, stuff, rocks. Anyone who has ever worked with it knows the difference. Thick, creamy, and complete after only one or two coats (Standard paints take three or more). The brand was founded by a woman in Lake Oswego and has been a staple in the Pacific Northwest ever since. The name changed from Divine to Evolution, some years back (legal reasons, change of hands, something like that..) but many people still use the names interchangeably.
Similar to the Magnolia line, their colors blend seamlessly together and offer a sense of calm that I simply cannot put my finger on. While I often reach for the Magnolia paint deck first, Evolution is a close second, and I regularly offer my clients a blend of both brands (when working with multiple rooms).
3. Benjamin Moore
If I'm going to call myself any sort of paint pro, then I have to tell you about your new friend, Ben. He makes GOSH DARN GOOD PAINT, PERIOD.
I could do an entire post on what makes Ben Moore so great and why it's worth the money, but for now let's keep it simple.
Below are three main reasons why I would reach for Ben Moore:
1. Magnolia and Evolution don't have the color I need: As much as I love them, their colors are somewhat limited (around 150 in each line). While Ben Moore breaks the glass ceiling on color, and brings you color options by the thousands. It takes some real work to sift through, but when you need it, IT IS WORTH IT.
2. Exteriors: Ben Moore is the very best for exteriors (Evolution being a close second). Their premium paints are super fast drying, tested & proven to beat the elements (weather, life, etc.), and hold their color over time.
Plus, their Historical Collection offers my favorite colors for exteriors.
3. Bathrooms: Did you know that most paints are made with a bit of soap? Sort of odd, I know, but let's consider this: have you have ever seen streaks in your bathroom paint? Almost like your walls are sweating? It's not aggressive, but a line or few over time. Well, that's the soap in your paint, soaking up the humidity and dripping. Aura Bath and Spa is soap free and is the only paint worth it's salt, that's designed for high humidity environments.
Mind you, this stuff is pricey, so don't worry about using it in 1/2 baths, you only need it in spaces where there is a shower, tub, or sauna.
Note: I'm making an exception here on color matching: It's so important to have a sturdy paint in your bath, so feel free to take your evolution or magnolia colors over, so you may have them properly mixed for these rooms. The painters I work with all agree that Ben Moore has the best trained staff when it comes to color matching.
So there you have it, friends! My top three paint brands. If you have questions or need a paint color consult of your own, Reach Out!
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