Sanderling, Color of the Month November 2026

As the crisp autumn air settles in and we begin spending more time indoors, our focus turns toward creating warm, grounded spaces for the holiday season. Sherwin-Williams’ featured Color of the Month for November 2026 is Sanderling (SW 7513)—a refined, complex taupe-beige that strikes the ideal balance between cozy warmth and modern simplicity.

If you are looking to update your home before hosting family and friends this winter, here is a professional painter’s guide on why Sanderling works so well, where to use it, and how to style it.

Living room wall painted in Sherwin Williams Sanderling SW 7513 warm taupe behind a fluted wooden credenza and cream accent chair — Sherwin Williams Sanderling (SW 7513) creates a rich, warm taupe backdrop paired with dark wood furniture and neutral upholstery.

What Color Is Sanderling (SW 7513)?

Sanderling is a rich greige-taupe with subtle creamy undertones. Unlike cold, sterile grays or overly yellow traditional beiges, Sanderling sits comfortably in the middle. It offers:

Adaptable Warmth: Adds depth without making a room feel dark or enclosed.
A Soft Foundation: Acts as a canvas that supports both minimalist contemporary decor and rustic, traditional woodwork.
Lighting Flexibility: Holds its character under morning natural light and evening warm artificial bulbs without turning muddy.

Living room interior painted in Sherwin Williams Sanderling SW 7513 featuring a light gray couch, two white accent chairs, and a modern chandelier — Warm taupe walls in Sherwin-Williams Sanderling (SW 7513) create an inviting living space paired with curved armchairs and warm earthy accents.

Best Places to Use Sanderling in Your Home

Living Rooms & Open Floor Plans
└─► Creates an inviting, cohesive backdrop that ties high-traffic family areas together.

Bedrooms & Primary Suites
└─► Delivers a calming, spa-like atmosphere perfect for unwinding during cold months.

Kitchen Cabinets & Millwork
└─► A sophisticated alternative to stark white cabinets when paired with warm brass or matte black hardware.

Home Offices & Libraries
└─► Brings a sense of quiet focus and subtle luxury to workspace walls.

Living room wall and built-in shelving painted in Sherwin Williams Sanderling SW 7513 featuring a secret bookshelf door opening to an adjacent room — Sherwin-Williams Sanderling (SW 7513) painted across built-in shelving and walls, featuring a hidden doorway opening into an adjacent terra cotta room.

Professional Color Pairings

As painting contractors, we recommend pairing Sanderling with high-contrast or harmonious accent shades to elevate your interior:

Color Role	Recommended Sherwin-Williams Shade	Why It Works
Clean Trim & Ceilings	Alabaster (SW 7008) or Pure White (SW 7005)	Soft off-whites provide crisp framing without harsh contrast.
Moody Accent Wall	Peppercorn (SW 7674) or Rock Bottom (SW 7062)	Deep charcoal and dark olive tones create rich drama.
Earthy Complement	Universal Khaki (SW 6150)	Coordinates seamlessly with lighter tan and stone textures.

Color Spotlight: Why Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166) is the Ultimate Light Neutral

Meta Description: Looking for the perfect airy neutral? Discover why Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166) was named February 2024 Color of the Month and how Paint Doctor’s Painting Service can bring it to life in your home!

If you’ve been searching for a wall color that feels bright and open without looking like a sterile hospital room, you’re not alone. Finding that sweet spot between clean white and oppressive gray can feel nearly impossible—until you meet Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166).

Selected as the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Month for February 2024, Drift of Mist is one of the most versatile, inviting neutrals on the market. At Paint Doctor’s Painting Service, our professional team has applied this timeless shade across countless homes, and it continues to be a client favorite.

Here is everything you need to know about Drift of Mist and how to use it to elevate your space.

What Makes Drift of Mist (SW 9166) So Special?

Drift of Mist is an off-white warm gray (often described as a light greige). It bridges the gap between modern cool tones and cozy warm tones, giving you maximum flexibility with your interior design.

Quick Color Specs

Color Code: SW 9166
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 69 (Light and airy, bounces natural light without washing out completely)
Undertones: Soft, muted green and gray with gentle warmth
Vibe: Calm, serene, and sophisticated

How Light Affects Drift of Mist

Like any great neutral, Drift of Mist is a chameleon—it shifts subtly depending on the lighting in your room:

South-Facing & West-Facing Light: Warm afternoon sunlight brings out its cozy greige undertones, making the space feel inviting and soft.
North-Facing Light: Cooler, indirect light highlights its crisp gray side, giving it a sleek, modern finish.
Warm Artificial Lighting (2700K–3000K): Enhances the soft, beige nuances, perfect for cozy evening relaxation.

Best Rooms for Drift of Mist

Because of its high LRV and quiet character, Drift of Mist works almost anywhere, but it truly shines in these areas:

1. Open-Concept Main Floors & Hallways

If you want a seamless flow from your entry to your living and kitchen areas, Drift of Mist provides a cohesive backdrop that unifies different spaces without overpowering them.

2. Bedrooms & Spa-Like Bathrooms

Pair Drift of Mist with crisp white linens, light wood vanities, and brushed metal fixtures to create a calming, hotel-inspired retreat.

3. Kitchen Walls & Custom Cabinetry

On walls, it lets white tile and dark stone countertops pop. On kitchen cabinets, it provides a soft, warm alternative to stark white, creating a custom, high-end feel.

Perfect Color Pairings

Pairing neutrals requires an eye for undertones, and Drift of Mist coordinates effortlessly with a variety of accent shades:

Crisp Trim Whites: Pure White (SW 7005) or High Reflective White (SW 7757).
Soft Earthy Accents: Sea Salt (SW 6204) or Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) for a natural, coastal-inspired palette.
Bold Contrast: Iron Ore (SW 7069) or Naval (SW 6244) for built-ins, kitchen islands, or interior doors.

Bring Your Dream Palette to Life with Paint Doctor’s Painting Service

While Drift of Mist is an exceptionally easy color to love, getting a flawless, smooth coat requires professional skill—especially with subtle off-white tones where prep work and finish consistency are key.

Whether you want to refresh a single room, repaint your kitchen cabinets, or update your entire home’s exterior, Paint Doctor’s Painting Service is here to handle every step of the process.

Flawless Wall & Trim Prep
Clean, Precision Edges
Premium Sherwin-Williams Paints
Free Consultation & Quotes

Ready to Refresh Your Home?

Don’t guess with paint samples—let our experts deliver the flawless finish your home deserves!

📞 Call Paint Doctor’s Painting Service today to schedule your consultation, 541-4973804

Trend Alert: Elevate Your Home with Sherwin-Williams’ Sashay Sand

If you’re looking to refresh your home’s interior with a color that feels both modern and timeless, it’s time to take a look at Sashay Sand (SW 6051). Celebrated as a standout Sherwin-Williams Color of the Month, this stunning shade is redefining how we think about neutrals.

As professional painters, we see a lot of paint colors. For years, cool grays and crisp whites dominated the scene. But lately, homeowners are craving warmth, comfort, and personality. Sashay Sand delivers exactly that.

Here is why this blushing neutral is capturing everyone’s attention—and how you can use it to transform your space.

What Makes Sashay Sand So Special?

Sashay Sand isn’t just another beige, and it isn’t a loud, bright pink. It sits perfectly in the middle: a sophisticated, blushing taupe-pink with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 49.

In plain English? It’s right in the sweet spot. It is deep enough to contrast beautifully against white trim, but light enough to bounce natural sunlight around a room, making spaces feel open, airy, and incredibly welcoming. It brings a “dreamy nostalgia” to a home, blending vintage charm with clean, modern minimalism.

The Best Spaces for Sashay Sand

While this color is incredibly versatile, our crew has seen it absolutely shine in a few specific areas of the home:

The Owner’s Suite: Bedrooms should be a sanctuary. Sashay Sand creates a calming, spa-like atmosphere that feels cozy at night and bright in the morning.
The Kitchen & Dining Area: Want a kitchen that feels warm and conversational? Pairing Sashay Sand walls with crisp white or deep earthy cabinetry creates a high-end, designer look.
Powder Rooms & Accent Walls: If you’re hesitant to commit an entire large room to a blush tone, a powder room or a feature wall is the perfect place to inject this sophisticated pop of color.

Designer-Approved Color Pairings

One of the reasons we love working with Sashay Sand is how beautifully it plays with other shades. If we were designing a palette for your home, we’d recommend pairing it with these Sherwin-Williams classics:

For a Clean, Classic Look: Pair it with White Snow (SW 9541) on the trim and ceilings to make the blush undertones pop.
For Modern Contrast: Combine it with Silver Gray (SW 0049) or Twilight Gray (SW 0054) for a stunning, balanced contrast between warm and cool tones.
For a Bold, Earthy Vibe: Bring in Cascade Green (SW 0066) on an accent piece or an adjacent room to ground the space in a nature-inspired aesthetic.

Why Professional Application Matters for Shades Like This

Colors with subtle pink, taupe, or beige undertones can be notoriously tricky. Depending on your room’s lighting—whether you have cool northern light or warm afternoon sun—Sashay Sand can shift characters throughout the day.

Furthermore, achieving a flawless finish with soft, elegant neutrals requires meticulous wall preparation, the right primer, and clean, sharp cut-ins along the trim. That’s where we come in. Our experienced team doesn’t just apply paint; we ensure the substrate is perfect so the color looks exactly as the designers intended.

Ready to Refresh Your Space?

Whether you’re completely sold on Sashay Sand or want to see how a physical swatch looks on your walls, we are here to help. Let’s bring a touch of warm, modern sophistication to your home.

Bakelite Gold

Beaver Believers welcome original oranges to their favorite spaces.

According to Sherwin-Williams, “Bakelite Gold is perfect for bringing character and warmth to a kitchen style that blends mid-century modern design with a timeless sensibility. Against a textured backdrop of aged, Alabaster brick, this happy hue grounds the modern-feeling aesthetic in a bright but earthy energy. A luxurious blue like Still Water pairs beautifully, creating a rich and intriguing contrast that pops in such a clean and simple space. The addition of bright brassy fixtures amplifies Bakelite’s shiny and positive attitude.”

Bakelite Gold offers a great element in Environmental Graphic Design.

An accent wall can bring game days in everyday.

Give us a call for some fresh upgrades for the next phase in your life, 541-497-3804.

Whatever Happened to Weekends?

We’ve all seen the “weekend warrior” ads—the ones that make a full-house repaint look like a fun Saturday afternoon project. But as anyone who has actually tried to DIY a living room knows, the reality often involves three trips to the hardware store, paint in your hair, and a project that stretches into next month.

When you hire a professional painting contractor, you aren’t just paying for the color on the walls; you are buying efficiency.

Zero Downtime for Your Life

Your home is your sanctuary, not a construction zone. A DIY project can leave a room unusable for weeks.

The Pro Advantage: What takes a homeowner four weekends to finish, our crew can typically complete in two to three days. We get in, we move the furniture, we execute the work, and we leave your home spotless—allowing you to return to your routine immediately.

Ready to reclaim your weekend? Let us handle the logistics, the ladders, and the clean-up. Contact us today for a quote and see how efficient your next home transformation can be, 541-497-3804

DIY Team Work

We know you can paint which is why we’ll save an accent wall or two just so you can satisfy your DIY.

You may want to consider having us paint the entire interior of your home and then you can add that accent wall whenever you want. You know how these projects can go.

Another advantage is that you can wait to select that accent color until you have selected your furnishings.

We got the tough part, you can take the fun part. 541-541-497-3804

Coral Island: February 2026 Color of the Month

“Capture the essence of sun-kissed style with a shade that’s equal parts soft and serene.”

Call us about painting your space in whatever color you choose, 541-497-3804

Color of the Year 2026

Sherwin-Williams calls Universal Khaki “Tailored & Timeless“

Find strength in simplicity with Universal Khaki SW 6150, an essential neutral was selected for its beautiful balance of livability and longevity.

This is a great time to transform your interior space. Give us a call at 541-497-3804

Full-Bodied Red

October 2025 Color of the Month: Borscht

“Where Casual Elegance Meets Striking Style: Filled with French-inspired opulence, Borscht evokes Parisian romanticism and harkens back to classical interiors that feel effortlessly chic. Equal parts artistic and intellectual. Practical and ornate. Composed and confident,” according to Sherwin-Williams

double doors in a deep red with with all trim in the same color — “Borscht brings the ‘wow factor’ to intricate interiors,” says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

About Borscht

Borscht is a sophisticated hue that works seamlessly with cooler neutrals, warm woods and a range of metallic accents. It’s prime for color drenching, brings eye-catching depth to decorative elements and an ideal candidate for gathering spaces like dining and living rooms, where comfort and character come together.

deep red living room walls with pure white trim and mantel

These colors go well with Borscht. As you can see from the photos, white works great as well.

If you are ready for a change to your interior vibe, give us a call 541-497-3804.

Northern Exposure

Here in the Willamette Valley mildew can form on the north side of houses due to the lack of direct sunlight, which keeps the surface cooler and moister. Less sunlight means slower evaporation, which helps the surface stay damp longer promoting mildew growth. Mildew mitigation is an important step when preparing to paint the exterior of your home. One solution? Wash with a solution of TSP.

stiff brush with long handle in TSP solution Paint Doctor's Painting instruction on mitigating mildew

Brushing TSP solution on north facing siding

Using garden hose to clean siding in preparation for paint.

TSP Safety

Protective gear: It’s a good idea to wear eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, and long sleeves and pants.
Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated, especially when working indoors.
Protect surfaces: TSP can damage some surfaces, including metal fixtures and glass. Use plastic sheeting to protect areas you do not want to clean.
Mixing: Add TSP powder to warm water, not the other way around, to prevent splashing. Typical dilutions range from 1/4 to 1/2 cup of TSP per gallon of warm water, depending on the job.
Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the surface multiple times with clean water to remove all TSP residue. If not completely rinsed, it can leave a white film.
Protect landscaping: If using TSP outdoors, take care to protect plants from runoff by hosing them down with fresh water both before and after applying the solution.