I am officially a paint snob, and it’s all Sanders’ fault. When we first started painting our house, I giddily skipped around the corner to Home Depot and completely denuded their paint sample wall. I mean, I took every. single. sample. While I ended up choosing one of their colors for my bathroom (which was a HIDEOUS and GLOSSY macaroni yellow mistake that got painted over not once, but twice), I couldn’t find a color for my kitchen or bedroom to save my life. I must have bought 30 samples (no lie!) and every one of them skewed red or blue or looked muddy or garish — I’m sure many of you have had the same frustrating experience with paint. Dragging my heels in defeat, I drove the extra two whole miles to Benjamin Moore after reading countless blogs’ shining praise of their paint and color selections. That’s where I met Sanders.
Sanders has this crazy encyclopedic knowledge of color that he started accruing way back in 1997 while working for Benjamin Moore, and he’s now the manager of South Austin’s Hill Country Paint. If you tell him a color name, that man can give you the number. He helped me pick several different shades for my house, and remembers every color I’ve even chosen. In short, even though Benjamin Moore’s paint is more expensive than Home Depot’s, Sanders has saved me a lot of money and time. He even talked my cheap ass (and Karly’s) into buying the $50 a gallon Aura paint, and I will never buy another paint again. It covers like a dream, and it even smells delicious (low VOC rocks!). Do I sound like I get my paint for free? I don’t. It’s just good paint.
The power of paint to transform a space is divine, and since I first met Sanders I’ve painted almost every room in this house, so we’ve seen each other relatively frequently. When Karly and I started this blog, we told him about it and Sanders is now one of our oldest readers. He still reads it every night, and can recite all of our adventures in detail (which is slightly unnerving, and reminds me that I need to be more careful about what I write). So I promised Sanders that as soon as we had more than 5 readers, I would make him TOTALLY FAMOUS by interviewing him.
When the day finally comes, I walk in and ask if he’s ready, and he says he’s so nervous he couldn’t sleep last night. I laugh because I’m pretty used to Sanders telling me what’s what in his kingdom, and it’s mildly entertaining to see his swagger a little diminished. But as soon as we sit down to talk paint, he’s all cool, calm and collected business again. I tell him that a lot of interior designers are currently painting spaces black and ask him what he thinks about that. (photo via Living etc.)
He looks a little bemused, pointing at himself in his black shirt, and stutters slightly, “W-w-wellllll….” It’s pretty clear he doesn’t like the idea, but to say so goes against his first priority, which is to give the customer what he or she wants. He goes on to say that he wouldn’t personally paint his home black, and certainly not black black, but maybe a “shade of black. It’s a personal choice.” I ask him if he thinks dark colors make small spaces look smaller, and he says, “Dark colors are fine for small spaces. The right tone of color works for a certain unique space. You don’t have to stick to whites and pastels. Dark colors can lend masculinity and power to a room.” He does say that natural light is helpful for a small, dark space, “because light is your ally,” and also to stick to “small scale, sleek furnishings” so that the room doesn’t feel too heavy and oppressive. I ask him to pick a black color palette, and this is what he chooses.
I then ask him about white, since it seems overwhelmingly to be the most popular paint color in all the decor magazines. (photo via Living etc.)
He frowns a little and hesitates. Nope, not white, either — although he is careful not to say that explicitly. He says that if you have great architecture and lots of light, white can be good, but again, not pure white. “Off white is rich and soft.” I ask for his favorite whites, and this is the palette he chooses:
By the way, if you buy the Aura paint and you’re painting a light color over a light color, you can probably get away with only one coat if you’re a good painter. It worked for me in several rooms, it looks good, and I saved a lot of time and paint. But sssshhhhhh, don’t tell Sanders, ok?! His favorite thing to say is “Two coats! two coats!”
Alright, I say, how about gray? His face lights up. A string of happy expletives tumble out. Mothereffing yes! Yes, gray is good! In fact, Sanders knows many of them by heart, including the ones I have chosen for my house (Abalone and Silver Fox, as well as Karly’s Harbor Gray). “Gray is neutral, but not boring. It’s versatile.” (photo courtesy of Jeffrey Bilhuber)
If you’ve ever tried to pick a shade of gray paint, you know how hard it is. Nothing is quite pure gray. Sanders points to all the undertones in the different shades, and stresses the importance of choosing a gray that looks good in your personal space. “The biggest mistake people make is not buying samples. Everyone’s light is different and paint changes in the environment it’s in.” I ask him if people often come in complaining about their paint selections and he says, “No. It’s ’cause I make sure they get a sample.” That and Sanders is a color matching wizard, capable of choosing something great to match the rest of your house, or custom mixing the shade of your dreams. Here are his picks for grays:
As we chat, Sanders eats his lunch and we reminisce about how we became friends. For some reason, early on he asked me where I was from and when I told him it was Texarkana (a tiny town at the corner of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana), he said he had lived there for several years, too. We spent the better part of an hour laughing about how craptacular T-town can be, and we’ve been pals ever since. There’s nothing like bonding over harrowing times, to be sure. I ask him about his son, who is now three months old, and his face is downright beatific. “He’s growing and changing and adapting to his new world.” It’s obvious that his son is the apple of his eye, and I ask him what colors he painted the nursery. He tells me that he has light wood floors and this is his household color palette:
And I imagine that his house looks something like this, with a shot of lime in the baby’s room:
(photo via The Style Files) Very cozy, right?
Since so many people are pretty clueless about the nuances of color, I ask him how he might help a person who has no idea what they want. “I would ask them about their favorite foods, you know, places where they might go to vacation, what their interests are.” What about the whole psychology of color theory, where red is hungry, blue is soothing, etc? Sanders shakes his head and says, “Different strokes for different folks. People should have unique colors. The Dewey Decimal System of color is not the way to go. It’s an outdated idea.” What about the idea that you choose colors that look good on you, so you always look good in your environment? He shakes his head again. Another string of verrrrrry funny expletives, and I start giggling. A browsing customer looks my way and I try to take it down a notch. “You don’t need to choose colors that look good on you, but clothing choices may reveal fondness for colors. You don’t have to keep the staus quo, though.”
I go on to quiz Sanders on some technical stuff and things, so here is Sanders’ Wisdom, from him to you:
For walls, matte or glossy: MATTE. Definitely.
Even for bathrooms: Yes.
What about for trim: Glossy, and oil will give it that extra kapow ZING. (insert hand motions here)
What kind of paint do you use for concrete floors: For low sheen, use paint grade concrete stain, which is not a true acid stain. For an opaque paint, use latex Porch and Floor paint (also good for wood floors). For a glossy finish, use an oil base paint.
Can you paint tile: Yes, but you MUST use a 100% acrylic primer. Then you can cover with any paint, but the primer is the key.
How about a bathtub: No. You need an epoxy paint for that.
As we finish up, I thank Sanders for his time and expertise, and he gets all nervous again. “Don’t bash me, ok?” Don’t worry, Sanders. There’s nothing to bash!
THANKS SANDERS!
This write up is running long, so tune in on Thursday to see Sanders’ picks for the hottest new color trends. His palette is so on point, Elle Decor UK is currently running some of the same picks. I promise it will be the super antidote to fall and winter’s dreary, gray days.
Related posts:
Thanks and welcome, blinkblue.
Sanders is fantastic, and if he picks a color for you, just go for it!
I am totally posting your article on their Facebook Page and sending it to Mary Hoffman one of their Color & Design Specialists. Bravo!
Wow, thanks Julie Anne! It’s really all Sanders. He seriously has one of the best eyes for color I’ve ever seen, and he’s a nice guy to boot.
This guy Sanders sounds great and it is great to have some someone like him to help you. I work for Ben Moore as well and Aura is like no other paint out there.
I LOVE Ben Moore paints. I use nothing else. Sanders sounds like a catch! I used several of his recommendations in my new photo studio (prior to reading this post) Yeah, Sanders!
What an awesome post! Thank you so much for doing so much leg work for all us DIY painters:) This is getting bookmarked and referenced on my blog for my readers. Thank you again!
This was soooo helpful, I’m trying to pick a gray for my great room… it’s not as easy. I have my BM fan deck out with all the colors Sanders recommended marked! Wish I had a Sanders at my BM
We have had the same amazing experience with Sanders here in Austin! He’s the best! I’m glad to see he’s getting the fame he deserves.
Sanders ROCKS! I am a big fan too. When I walk through the door tho he usually starts to giggle. I’ve there a lot and he always asks what my latest project is. He is awesome!
Fantastic interview! How fun! Sanders…I need your help, PLEASE! What color white would you paint our cabinets with green galaxy granite? Then what shade would you paint the walls? Yellow? Gray? Gray can look dirty. Looking for a warm, welcoming, cozy feeling.
Thank you so much for your time!
What a great article! Thanks for sharing. Sanders has such a wealth of knowledge.
Sanders is the best! He picked the perfect color for my kitchen cabinets and is helping me with the rest of my house. And the fact that he is just a cool guy makes iteven better.
I drove from San Antonio to meet Sanders today, and was completely blown away with his gift for color. I would never have met this great and talented guy if not for your blog. Thank you so much! I’ll send pics of the exterior of my house when it’s done.
Yay! So glad to have made a love match for you, Hillary! Sanders really is the mostest.
I recently discovered Sanders! He is a true professional and an amazing resource….plus he is a cool dude!
I wish Sanders would come help me pick paint for my house!!!! I’ve picked so many bad colors it’s embarrassing. I love his color palates…I want more!
I love gray, and my dinning room will be some shade of it. I would love to see Sanders color picks of gray with light hues of green…and yes he’s in tune with the paint.
I am now in love with Sanders too!!! But I live in NYC. Does anyone know of a “Sanders-equivalent” here or in Brooklyn? (Not that anyone could truly match him, from the sounds of it!)
I wish I could find an expert like Sanders in Colorado! Picking paint colors is an art!!!I have a sister-in-law in Austin – may have to visit and pop in to see him! I am considering Benj. Moore’s November Rain for my living room/foyer/den. I love gray/blue/green combos. Can anyone suggest a pale gray blue that I could paint a room adjacent to the November Rain?
Hey Cathy, send your sister in. Trust me — well worth the consult!
Great post! Would you please ask Sanders which white would be good for a ceiling in a green room? And in a room painted in Ben Moore Sleepy Hollow? Thanks a million.
If only my paint guy was half as friendly, unfortunate he’s not even half as knoledgable!
I love this guy, he has restored my faith in customer service & my desire to get back to my multiple fail paint project!!!
What a great knowledgeable guy. I wish he was worked at my local store. Lucky you!
Article is fab!! Sanders is amazing and I need his advice on trim paint. I am soo overwhelmed by all the white options, and while in Texas myself…cannot make the trek to see Sanders in person. The whole house is a gut job and will be reprinted in taupe and gray neutrals throughout.
All advice welcomed!! Trim needs to go throughout the house and on kitchen cabinets.
Can Sanders duplicate himself and live in Dallas, too? Well, this might just be my excuse for a road trip to Austin.
Thanks for this article!
After reading all about Sanders I had to call him up! I am having a terrible dilemma in our matser bedroom and bath. I am hoping he can solve this problem and get us the perfect paint!
We are Having to move into an on campus house where I teach. Our stuff is mo=:stly African art/sculptures, Cuban and Brazilian art. The house is old and h=:as dive white trim. I need a color to tell the painters to paint the downsta=:irs which is living room and dining room and staircase. The house is being r=:enovated so all I know is that there is medium oak floors. What’s a safe col=:or to go with our decor without knowing much about the house??:Our couches are leather olive green , kilim zebra rug, and dining is Ike’s dark brown/black woo=:d long table.=20:I don’t wanna have to repaint right away when I get there so I’m trying to g=:et a safe choice for entire first level (all open)that will complement our style without being able to get=
in the house with swatches!!! There isnt even lighting yet so i cant go in but they need my colors by monday in order to paint for me! Kitchen will be jalepeno pepper and dove white. Help …. Please!:Thank you Kindly,:Melissa;
Go with Abalone Mist mist it is a neutral tone of warm grey not cool..
Hi i am from mexico and i want ti renovate my living room painying the walls and chainging some accesoris i can not chainch de fornitures so would you please help me? I like grey
Well I certainly wish I had Sanders in Dallas!! I hv painted my house soo much I’m sick of painting yet still not happy with the color palette. Disagreements with hubby so I end up getting neutrals and very light at that !! But Sanders sure does sound AWESOME!
At the end of your Sanders interview you made the following statement: “This write up is running long, so tune in on Thursday to see Sanders’ picks for the hottest new color trends. ” I can’t find this additional post. Does it exist?
http://design-crisis.com/?p=177
It’s an old post, but here you go!
Just pinned this for reference in the near future. Wish we could have a Sanders at the BM here in Franklin, TN. Thanks for sharing!!
…For further Information click here…
[...] What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link on your host? I want site loaded up as fast as yours lolhttp://comerciovirtua.com.br [...]…
thank you so much for sharing this! Oh how I wish I had a Sanders! Here’s a question for him. My husband is colorblind (red/green only he claims) so every color I bring home he doesn’t like because he thinks it’s something else! (ie – the blue/grey bathroom hubby thinks is purple!?) Has he run into this before? does he have any advice for picking colors?
Hi Need your input repainting my office. New Choc. brown shag carpet Light cream moldings. What do you suggest for Wall paint. Restoration hardware Light Silver Sage, Silver Sage or Stone? Or Valspar La Fonda Boulder or Tag Sale Lined. There is 1 window in room the light is good.
Thank you for your help
Steven
Help! I used Revere pewter SW and it looks cold to me. I would like a warm grey. Would abalone be a nice warm grey for a family room? Thanks! I previously painted the family room with cape Hatteras sand and hated it. Its way too cold so I went to revere pewter which looks wonderful in our master bedroom but in the family room it sort of goes cool blue in day light. Could you recommend some warmer greys?
Can’t believe I just ran across this on Pintrest! I am painting my kitchen living and dining room and was thinking about Grey. Now I have allot of choices! Are they still “in” … .? Love Sanders!!!
Ok can Sanders come to Columbus??? He is amazing. I really could use his obvious talent. Grey & whites are my favorites. And yes Black is my favorite color to wear. (I’m from NY) so go figure. I am going to use his palettes for my spring/ summer redesign