Sherwin-Williams' July color of the month is a warm white paint that 'blends modern simplicity with traditional style'

If you're a fan of decorating with neutrals, then you'll no doubt love Sherwin-Williams' latest color of the month, a versatile warm white paint that's perfect for the summer months and beyond.

Named Heron Plume, Sherwin-Williams' July paint color evokes a tranquil feel and takes inspiration from California's coastal style. Below, we take a closer look at this timeless warm white paint, giving you some expert tips on how to incorporate it into your summer decor ideas.

'This month’s palette was inspired by the California coastal style which can be described as gentle, airy, and laid back, making Heron Plume the perfect shade to highlight,' says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'Heron Plume SW 6070 is a beautiful creamy white with the slightest touch of cool violet undertones that creates a balmy and untroubled air in any room due to its gentleness,' explains Emily.

While true white paints can risk appearing stark and too bright in the home, colors such as Heron Plume are gentler while still creating a light and airy look. It's for this reason that warm white paints are often a go-to choice for interior designer Kathy Kuo:

'I love warm whites because they can create this sense of coziness and this feeling of being safe, loved and nurtured in your space. There's nothing wrong with cooler whites if that's what fits well with your personal design sensibility, but they can sometimes feel a little stark or formal.'

How to decorate with Heron Plume

Warm white paints are some of the easiest colors to decorate with. They go with pretty much every interior design style and are timeless enough to endure the latest trend cycles. Plus, these soft neutral hues create a blank canvas that allows the rest of a room's decor to shine.

'Heron Plume is a beautiful and timeless warm neutral that you could easily work well as a wall color for just about any room – from the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom,' says Kathy. 'It's a lovely light hue that attracts light into the space without feeling like a super-stark white or a 'boring' beige. It has a lot of depth, warmth, and versatility.'

From traditional decorating ideas to California casual style, Heron Plume works in many spaces, but according to Emily, it comes into its own in bedrooms since it has such a calming quality.

'The inviting shade of warm white seamlessly blends modern simplicity with traditional style and is great for creating an effortlessly beautiful oasis of casual comfort, making it the ideal shade for bedrooms where homeowners usually want that kind of relaxing respite,' says Emily.

When it comes to deciding on the best color combinations when decorating with Heron Plume, Emily recommends greige tones to complement the paint color's undertones and lean into coastal decor ideas.

'Heron Plume pairs especially well with greige colors to create a clean backdrop for other elements of coastal style to stand out,' says Emily. 'Textured natural materials like jute and wicker mixed with layered wood tones will add depth and contrast while highlighting the organic, outdoor feel of the space.'

If you're looking for a timeless, cozy yet fresh neutral paint color to elevate your interiors with this summer, Heron Plume makes an excellent choice for any room in the home.

For more expert advice to master your white room ideas, we explain how to choose the best white paint here.