If you’ve been wondering how to choose white paint for your home, you’re not alone. With so many shades available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming — especially when you want something that feels soft, timeless, and elegant.

In this blog post, I’m reviewing Dulux Whitsunday Island, a beautiful soft white with a gentle green undertone. I’ll walk you through how it behaves in different lighting, how it compares to other whites, and why it’s essential to test every white paint properly — especially when renovating.

What Kind of White is Dulux Whitsunday Island?

Whitsunday Island is a warm white with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 81. That makes it bright — but not the brightest white available. It has a very soft green undertone, which gives it warmth and depth, especially when compared to a pure white like Dulux Vivid White.

It’s perfect for creating a cosy, sophisticated feel in your home. It works beautifully in spaces with natural light, and it pairs especially well with greys and beiges that have green undertones.

How to Test White Paint Correctly

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is testing paint colours on the floor or using those tiny swatches. White paints reflect light differently depending on how they're placed.

Here’s how to test properly:

• Vertical surfaces = vertical paint sample (walls, cabinetry, doors)

• Horizontal surfaces = horizontal sample (flooring, benchtops, etc.)

Paint colours should always be tested in the position they’ll be used. That’s the only way to truly see how light interacts with them.

Where Does Whitsunday Island Work Best?

This soft white is ideal for:

• Bedrooms and living rooms (with the right flooring and fixed elements)

• Kitchens with green-undertone stone or cabinetry

• Feature walls (for subtle contrast)

• Weatherboard homes (if you want a very bright exterior finish)

Just keep in mind — exterior whites always appear 2–3 shades lighter due to natural light, so Whitsunday Island will look even brighter outdoors.

Pairing Tip: Create Contrast with Warm Whites

If you’re using Whitsunday Island on walls, consider a brighter warm white like Dulux White Polar Quarter for your skirting, architraves, and doors. This creates a subtle but beautiful contrast — both whites are warm, so they work together without clashing.

Undertones Matter More Than You Think

Your fixed elements will always dictate your paint colour. Before choosing white paint, you need to understand the undertones in your:

• Kitchen stone or benchtop

• Splashback

• Tiles or fireplace material

• Flooring

• Carpet and furniture

For example, if your carpet has a blue-grey undertone, Whitsunday Island may clash. But if it’s a green-grey, this white will likely work beautifully.

Natural Light and Direction

Light direction changes how Whitsunday Island appears:

• North-facing: consistent, slightly warm

• East-facing: warm in the morning, deeper green in the afternoon

• West-facing: richer in the afternoon light

• South-facing: cooler and softer

That’s why it's so important to test in your own space — don’t choose a white just because it looks good on someone else’s wall.

So, Is Dulux Whitsunday Island Right for You?

If you’re working with warm fixed elements (like green-toned stone, beige tiles, or warm timber), this colour could be a winner. But if your space leans more blue or cool-toned, you’ll want to explore other options.

Remember, don’t just pick a white you love — pick the white that loves your space back.

Want Help Choosing the Right White?

I teach all of this (and more) in my online course, Create Your Perfect Colour Scheme. It’s designed to help you confidently choose white paint, create a full home colour plan, and avoid costly colour mistakes.

🎓 Check out the course here → https://www.interiorsbystyle.online/colorscheme
📥 Or download my FREE guides: https://www.interiorsbystyle.com.au/free-resources