Finally thinking about design ideas

[sponserv]

So I waited 15 weeks for my windows that were supposed to take 9 weeks. Foamed in, drywall up and taped, ready to paint and trim.

1. What are logical wall colors for my 30 x 50 shop? Intended use is car restoration and a wood shop basically splitting the space in half. My wife wants the walls white but I am not sure that's the best color for a shop. (I know its my shop....just don't ask. Happy wife happy life)

2. I am thinking about running 12" of diamond plate along the floor for trim so I can power wash floors, etc. Is 12" a good height?

Any other considerations?

 

[MR2FC]

Happy wife happy life

This isn't always true!

However, in this case she is probably correct. It's the best colour for light, and goes with any other colours or theme you may have in mind.

From my limited experience so far, it won't stay white for long anyway! Mine has things hanging up, brick dust from drilling holes in the walls, all sorts going on.

Paint it white, then make it your own with tools, cabinets, signs, more tools etc.

 

[duneslider]

I also like light wall color. I did a really light grey, looks white but if you hold white up to it you can tell it has a little tint. I just live with it getting dirty. My friend did his this way and put up thin galvanized sheet metal from the floor up 4 feet around the whole garage and his still feels bright but the 4' wainscot in metal gives it a lot of protection. I am cheap so I just used paint.

 

[MR2FC]

I like mine to look a bit lived in and used, because none of my family believes I do anything in there!

 

[Zeke]

Just not dead white. That will not seem right IMHO. Even respray of popcorn ceilings isn't plain white. Add some color. Around here the most popular interior trim color is called Swiss Coffee. You could do a gal of that to a gal of white if you want the brightest that is livable.

I think your wife is on the right track.

 

[KenC]

Another vote for very light colors. Off-white, light gray etc.

I wouldn't use diamond plate but there does need to be something there for the reason you stated and also to protect the drywall from the inevitable bumps. The thick PVC used on commercial kitchen walls would be better IMO. Waterproof, doesn't stain and show scratches as easily as shine aluminum, cheaper and easier to cut, glue too.

 

[racecougar]

Off-white, light gray, or something along those lines works well, IMO.

 

[rharman]

Just not dead white. That will not seem right IMHO. Even respray of popcorn ceilings isn't plain white. Add some color. Around here the most popular interior trim color is called Swiss Coffee. You could do a gal of that to a gal of white if you want the brightest that is livable.

I think your wife is on the right track.

@sponserv - Mine is a (slightly) creamy white same as the house interior. It's been fine for almost 30 years. Your wife is on the right track.

@Zeke - Remember the old days of Navajo White?

 

[CraigStu]

I like a very light grey. I was in one guys garage that was pure white. Felt like I needed to go get my sun glasses. A real light version of almost any color works. Tan would be my second choice, but blue, green, or ?? would work. As duneslider says, make it light enough that you almost have to hold real white up next to it to realize it isn't white.