Rugh Design

Clarity in Color, Perfection in Paint.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • About
    • About Laura
    • Portfolio
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Blog
  • Color Wheel
  • Color Consultation
    • Interior Color Consultation
    • Exterior Color Consultation
    • Color Question
    • My Book
    • Color Selector
  • Color Samples
  • eDesign
    • À la Carte
    • Bathroom eDesign
    • Bedroom eDesign
    • Kitchen eDesign
    • Dining Room eDesign
    • Kid or Play Room eDesign
    • Living Room eDesign
    • New Build eDesign
  • Shop
    • Cart

March 8, 2018 by: Laura Rugh

Color Wheel Update: Alabaster SW 7008

Alabaster SW 7008 Analogous color scheme

The Rugh Design Color Wheel

Just for a quick recap, we have been working on adding ALL of the Sherwin-Williams paint colors to the Rugh Design Color Wheel. So as the process continues, I wanted to highlight a color per week that stands out.

Peel and Stick Paint Samples
Discover today if Alabaster is right for your space!
[products ids=”36280, 36259, 36467, 37961″ class=”psblogpost”]

View all our Peel and Stick Paint Samples here!

Peel and Stick Paint Samples
Discover today if Alabaster is right for your space!
[products ids=”36280″ class=”psblogpostmobile” column=”1″ limit=”1″]

View all our Peel and Stick Paint Samples here!

So far, we have highlighted Drizzle (a beautiful green-blue color that will have you dreaming of the ocean in no time), Keystone Gray (a medium toned warm neutral “greige”), Urbane Bronze (a darker gray with a slight bronze undertone), Greek Villa (a subtle creamy off-white) and Amazing Gray (a go-to light gray).

Going forward you can find all of our Color Wheel Update posts here.

Alabaster SW 7008

Featured Color: Alabaster SW 7008

This week, I wanted to focus on the color Alabaster SW 7008. I decided to feature Alabaster this week for several reasons. For one, I just plain love this color. Second, I specify this color SO often that I wanted to highlight the benefits and reasons that make it one of my top go-to off-whites. There is a reason that Sherwin-Williams named this color the Color of the Year for 2016. Even though that was 2 years ago, this color is still going strong!

Alabaster SW 7008 Sherwin-Williams 2016 Color of the Year

Alabaster SW 7008 Sherwin-Williams 2016 Color of the Year

If Alabaster sounds intriguing and you want see what other colors and schemes could coordinate with it then check out the color schemes I believe will coordinate nicely with it.

I scoured the net and put together a Pinterest gallery of Alabaster. See it below and let me know which you like the most. If you have your own pictures send them to me and I will post them!

Where to use Alabaster SW 7008

Alabaster is categorized as an off-white with subtle undertones of greige/beige, which honestly reads more like a creamy and crisp warm white in both interior and exterior lighting. It is just “off-white enough” to not be super bright white and is ideal for a softer white look. I believe that is what makes Alabaster so popular, mostly for those that wish to have a white that will still pop against their wall color, without being too glaringly white.

Alabaster can definitely work as an overall main wall color. Especially if you are going for a more clean and modern feel in your home. This creates a crisp backdrop for color in furniture, drapery and other accents in the home. I love it on shiplap walls if you are leaning towards the farmhouse style. I mean, it’s in Jo’s kitchen, so it’s gotta be good, right?

Alabaster SW 7008 in the kitchen from The Harper House

Alabaster SW 7008 in Chip & Joanna Gaines’ kitchen from The Harper Home

Another area (besides the kitchen) that can benefit from Alabaster, is the bedroom. I love the idea of using Alabaster as a wall, trim and ceiling color as the foundation for a little girl’s room! Then, you can go to town on brighter colors and accents. In the inspiration picture below, they painted the doors a soft pink, which I totally dig. Alabaster is optimal to contrast against textures like rustic wood, as shown in the ceiling detail or for a hand-scraped wood floor.

Alabaster SW 7008 matched with wood panel ceiling from Addison's Wonderland

Alabaster SW 7008 matched with wood panel ceiling from Addison’s Wonderland

Even if you don’t end up painting your walls in Alabaster, it is gorgeous as a trim and cabinet color. It really is one of my top specified off-white color for this very purpose. I typically spec this color if the client doesn’t want to go bright, bright white and maybe has some selections that are a bit on the warmer side. Remember that Alabaster is creamier than a super white color, which makes it ideal! I love that it allows the wall color to contrast against the trim, while still keeping the look soft and subtle.

Alabaster not only shines for interiors, but it is lovely for exteriors as well. I have specified this color a ton for my Exterior Color Consultation clients lately. I had a client who wanted to paint her brick and I chose, you guessed it, Alabaster! Like I have mentioned in other posts, Alabaster comes out looking brighter on exteriors, so if you are really looking for a more creamy color for your exterior, look for a darker color that has more of a beige undertone. If you do, however, want a brighter white exterior, then Alabaster is perfection! You can see for yourself in this inspiration picture with gray shutters and an aqua blue door how spectacular it looks.

Alabaster SW 7008 as the exterior from Cote De Texas

Alabaster SW 7008 as the exterior color from Cote De Texas

If you are considering Alabaster, the best way to find out if it is right for your space, is to grab a Peel & Stick Paint Sample and test it out.

Our paint samples are handed painted with 2 coats of the real Sherwin-Williams color and are perfect for sampling color before you take the dive into gallons of paint. The Peel and Stick Paint Samples make it easy to have confidence in your paint color choice and will save you time, effort and money while testing colors in your space. Get started now with Alabaster!

If you are still having trouble deciding, contact me for a Color Consult to nail down the best color for your interior or exterior. I have a passion for color and love being able to help clients find the right color to make their home beautiful!

Leave me a comment if you have Alabaster SW 7008 in your home or would like to try it. I would love to hear from you! Also, stay tuned for the next featured color from the Color Wheel…

The Best of the Rest

Alabaster had the spotlight, but I also wanted to highlight a color from the Color Wheel update, Sticks & Stones SW 7503. I actually researched this color recently as I was considering it for an interior overall wall color. This client wanted a warmer, more saturated color. Sticks & Stones has a taupe undertone and is definitely a warmer neutral. If you like Balanced Beige, but want a darker color with a bit more brown to it, then consider Sticks & Stones! I also like the thought of using it for a trim color with off-white walls.

Sticks & Stones SW 7503 in kitchen from Back Porch Musings

Sticks & Stones SW 7503 in kitchen from Back Porch Musings

Check out the colors we updated on the Color Wheel this week below. Click on the swatch to see my color scheme picks!

  • Colonial Revival Gray SW 2832
  • Colonial Revival Stone SW 2827
  • Composed SW 6472
  • Connor's Lakefront SW 9060
  • Faded Flaxflower SW 9146
  • Rookwood Brown SW 2806
  • Rookwood Dark Green SW 2816
  • Rookwood Dark Red SW 2801
  • Rookwood Red SW 2802
  • Roycroft Brass SW 2843
  • Ruby Violet SW 9076
  • Sage SW 2860
  • Seaworthy SW 7620
  • Sheraton Sage SW 0014
  • Soar SW 6799
  • Sociable SW 6359
  • Spicy Hue SW 6342
  • Sticks & Stones SW 7503
  • Stolen Kiss SW 7586
  • Stunning Shade SW 7082
  • Sturdy Brown SW 6097
  • Tassel SW 6369
  • Tea Light SW 7681
  • Thistle SW 6283
  • Wondrous Blue SW 6807
  • Yarrow SW 6669
  • Yearling SW 7725
  • Zeus SW 7744

Hire me! Follow me!

If you are need of some color help check out my Interior and Exterior Color Consultation packages. I also have many different eDesign packages for all your interior needs. And yes, I did write a book.

Follow me on social media for more color and design inspiration!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Twitter

– Laura

The 7 Best Front Door Colors for 2018
Color Wheel Update: Light French Gray

Comments

  1. Betty says

    March 18, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    I love Alabaster too! The graphics you used to illustrate the color inspire me (almost) to change my walls!

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      March 19, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Thanks, Betty! You are sweet to comment. 🙂 Alabaster is a great option for a wall color if you are up for a change.

      Have a great week,
      Laura

      Reply
  2. Barb Datko says

    March 31, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    I just finished painting our family room/kitchen area Balanced Beige with Alabaster trim after reading your Color Wheel blogs.
    We have medium toned cherry kitchen cabinets and 15” cherry crown molding around the ceilings in both rooms. The walls and trim look great but I’m having a difficult time choosing a hardwood flooring color. I’ve read to look for contrasting colors. Any ideas? Love your site. Thanks

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      April 2, 2018 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Barb,

      Thank you! I’m so glad that the Color Wheel blogs have been helpful. 🙂

      I would look for a wood floor that has the same cherry undertone, but one that is a slightly lighter or darker. Mainly, keep the undertone the same, but try to add some slight contrast so that it doesn’t look too matchy-matchy. An example is going with a medium brown wood floor that does have some warmer red tones to it (similar to the cherry cabs and crown). I hope that helps you narrow down some choices!

      Thanks again for reaching out,
      Laura

      Reply
  3. Barbara says

    April 4, 2018 at 11:51 am

    Thank you Laura – I didn’t think this would be so difficult!
    Barb

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      April 11, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      I totally understand! Let me know if I can help through an A la Carte eDesign:

      https://www.rughdesign.com/product/a-la-carte-edesign/

      Thanks again!
      Laura

      Reply
  4. Vicki Lanford says

    August 12, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    I’m so happy I recently ran across your blogs as we are getting ready to have our kitchen cabinets painted. Especially happy to read your take on Alabaster for cabinets as it’s one of my top picks. Have you ever seen/ used Aesthetic White on walls with Alabaster cabinets? Wanting to keep walls in kitchen and adjoining rooms a lighter color but still looking for contrast to cabinets.

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      August 14, 2018 at 9:02 am

      Hi Vicki,

      Thank you! I do love Alabaster for cabinets. 🙂 Aesthetic White on the walls won’t have that much contrast against the Alabaster cabinets. Try one shade up from Aesthetic White, Accessible Beige, for a bit more contrast. Keep me posted on how it turns out!

      Thanks so much for reaching out,
      Laura

      Reply
      • Vicki Lanford says

        October 23, 2018 at 5:24 pm

        Just as a follow-up to my original question on a color to use with Alabaster cabinets. I decided to go with Agreeable Gray at 50% on the walls, cabinets are Alabaster and the trip is Pure White. I love it! With a white marbled quartz counter top the colors are great. Thank you so much for this blog, love following you

        Reply
        • Laura Rugh says

          November 16, 2018 at 8:50 am

          Thanks, Vicki!!

          Reply
        • Tonya says

          March 15, 2019 at 9:03 am

          Vicki – would you be able to share any photos? I have alabaster cabinets, and really love agreeable gray but trying not to pull out any yellows in the cabinets. Laura would like your take also!!!

          Reply
          • Vicki Lanford says

            March 15, 2019 at 7:15 pm

            Tonya, I don’t think I can. I can’t copy and paste a picture in this section, if there’s another way I’d be glad to do that.

          • Tonya says

            March 16, 2019 at 8:06 am

            Hi Vicki! Would you be able to send to my email? I would LOVE to see the alabaster cabinets and agreeable grey – Tcjunk2011@gmail.com

          • Vicki Lanford says

            March 16, 2019 at 10:30 am

            Sent 3 pix to you, remember this is agreeable gray at 50%

        • Deb says

          October 7, 2019 at 2:46 pm

          Hi Vicki, I know that I’m a bit late to this party but would you send pics to me as well? I am building now and looking at the world through a keyhole and making big decisions without the benefit of lights, furniture, flooring, etc. My ceilings are Alabaster tongue and groove and just today I tried Accessible Beige (too dark) and Accessible Beige at 50% (which I think is essentially Aesthetic White)…now I’m thinking about your Agreeable Gray at 50%. Thanks, Deb cavueuropa@gmail.com

          Reply
          • Vicki Lanford says

            October 8, 2019 at 1:55 pm

            I’m out of town until the weekend but will be glad to when I get home. I am loving the agreeable at 50%. Our bedroom is the full agreeable gray and it would just be too dark for some rooms that only get morning sun.

          • Deb says

            October 9, 2019 at 1:27 pm

            Thank you Vicki!

        • Delanie Doyle says

          November 27, 2019 at 2:26 pm

          I’m also super late….but so curious! I DO NOT want yellow…but my backsplash is making me choose a warmer white. Will you please share your photos with me too? I’m encouraged that you like your combo so much! delanieldoyle@gmail.com

          Reply
    • Vicki Lanford says

      May 19, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      Sent you an email from my Gmail account. Let me know if you don’t get it—showing pix of alabaster cabinets with pure white trim

      Reply
      • Kathleen Riehl says

        October 14, 2019 at 9:12 am

        Wow! You must be on to something Vicki!! Can you also send me pics of agreeable gray (50%) on walls, alabaster on cabinets and pure white on trim? Trying to see if there is enough contrast for an open space beach house walls and ceiling?

        Reply
        • Vicki Lanford says

          October 14, 2019 at 6:43 pm

          Kathleen, could you send me an email address so I can forward you the pictures of the agreeable gray at 50 percent. I’m having problems trying to upload to the blog.

          Reply
          • Kathleen Riehl says

            October 15, 2019 at 12:12 pm

            Sure!  Its kathoreal@yahoo.com  Thanks again Vicki!!!!

        • Vicki Lanford says

          October 15, 2019 at 10:09 am

          Would you mind sending me your email do I can send you a couple of pictures. I’m not able to attach them to the blog Please send to Vicki.Lanford@gmail.com

          Reply
  5. Colleen Christensen says

    August 23, 2018 at 9:16 am

    We are building and I need to choose an off white trim color for the exterior to go with my Triangle Brick Oyster Bay color with white mortar and grout. (it’s an off-white brick with blue/grays in it) The gutters and spouts are brown. The windows and garages are also brown (similar to Chateau Brown from SW). The roof is a gray/brown (Tamko Aged Wood) I’m having the hardest time finding a white for the exterior trim!!! Most are glaringly white. Our last house had Shoji White but I think that’s a bit too gray for the look I’m going for this time, mixing warm (brown) and cool (gray) neutrals. I’m leaning toward Alabaster but my husband thinks it’s too white. I do NOT want yellow tones. Your posts have been most helpful…. but I’m still unsure. haha. But what I would LOVE to know is, what color paint is on the shutters of the all white house in Texas you posted on this blog post? That gray is perfect for my house’s shutters, I think? Do you remember the color? THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      November 16, 2018 at 9:18 am

      Hi Colleen,

      Thanks so much for reaching out! Alabaster does get pretty white on exteriors. The best way to find out is to test a sample to see how it looks. You could even try Shoji White too. You may be surprised at how white it gets and could be the right choice! Keep me posted and let me know if you would like to sign up for an Exterior Color Consultation.

      I’m not sure what color the shutters are on the Texas house, but if you click on the link, you may be able to find out. Thanks again for reaching out and have a great weekend!

      Laura

      Reply
  6. Laura Rugh says

    October 1, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    Hi Jennifer,

    Thank you so much! I do think Alabaster can work on ceilings with Extra White crown molding. Keep me posted on your project and thanks again for reaching out!

    Laura

    Reply
  7. Jill Nicol says

    October 23, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Do you know the light pink color that was used on the little girls bedroom door?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      November 16, 2018 at 8:52 am

      Hi Jill,

      I’m sorry, I don’t, but you can click on the link below the picture and view the original blog to see if it’s there! Thanks so much for reaching out!

      Laura

      Reply
  8. Julie Graber says

    November 14, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    I’m trying to choose an exterior off white color for my home. It is in the country and resembles a farm house. I was thinking of Alabaster but I don’t want bright white. This color does appear warm and softer in some lights. I don’t have much time so I’m feeling stressed. Thank you so much!!

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      November 16, 2018 at 9:29 am

      Hi Julie,

      Alabaster can get pretty bright on exteriors, but the best way to find out is by testing it out. Let me know if I can help with a quick turnaround for your exterior trim color. I would love to help!

      Thanks for reaching out,
      Laura

      Reply
  9. Ben Chapman says

    January 16, 2019 at 11:36 pm

    We really like the look of black and white interior with some brown wood accents. Can you do alabaster with tricorn black? We were thinking Walls, trim, cabinets all in alabaster and the doors in tricorn? Our Build only uses SW.

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      January 21, 2019 at 11:35 am

      Hi Ben!

      Thank you for reaching out. I would love to help you with your design project! Please check your email for a discount code.

      I offer a variety of Interior Color Consultations, Exterior Color Consultations and eDesign packages for projects such as yours. If your needs fall outside the scope of the above then send me your question via my Color Question Consultation package.

      You may see examples of my work on my portfolio page.

      Thanks, Ben! I hope to hear from you soon!

      Laura

      Reply
  10. Tara Sutherland says

    March 5, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    This was so helpful!! We are painting our nursery Alabaster white. What color do you recommend for trim, doors (room & closet), and ceiling?

    I have read to use SW Extra White.

    Thanks for your help!!

    Reply
    • Laura Rugh says

      March 6, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Tara!

      I am so glad you found this post helpful!

      For help picking the right color for your trim and doors please check out my Interior Color Consultation packages in my shop and select Trim/Cab as your package.

      I would love to be your color consultant!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Johnson says

    August 21, 2019 at 5:11 am

    Hi Laura,
    What Sherwin Williams color is closest to BM Decorator White?

    Thanks,
    Jennifer

    Reply
    • John Rugh says

      March 10, 2020 at 6:39 am

      Hi Jennifer.

      Try Ceiling Bright White SW 7007 or Extra White SW 7006. They will not be exact matches, but look very close.

      Reply
  12. Nashville says

    September 11, 2020 at 7:17 am

    The Alabaster in your pictures looks gorgeous, but we have had such bad luck with Alabaster. We bought a house built in 2011, and the builder had used Alabaster for all the trim and doors. It was so different looking from room to room that we thought they had multiple colors of trim painted in the house. In some rooms it appeared a rich white, but in some rooms it was a sickly yellow. We ended up having to have every inch of the house repainted, including the doors, trim, ceiling, etc.
    We now have Pure White and it looks so much better. We just had our kitchen cabinets painted, and the painter mentioned using Alabaster as an option, and I think my husband and I might have visibly shuddered, lol. We have such bad feelings towards Alabaster now. We went with Snowbound for our cabinets and they turned out great.
    Crazy how Alabaster can look so fabulous in your pics and so dingy in our house!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Light French Gray SW 0055 Review | Rugh Design says:
    April 4, 2019 at 6:01 am

    […] Color Wheel Update: Alabaster SW 7008Color Wheel Update: […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Subscribe

Latest Pins

Peel and Stick Paint Samples

Wool Skein SW 6148 Peel and Stick Paint Samples

Categories

Privacy & Disclosure

Rugh Design is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

For more information visit our Privacy and Disclosure Page.

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Color Wheel
  • Color Consultation
  • Color Samples
  • eDesign
  • Shop

© 2022 · Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design · Privacy & Disclosure