Ocean’s Palette: Translating Shells into Sherwin-Williams Shades

My inspiration for the blog post: seashells

Smell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly

Into the mystic

Van Morrison - Into the Mystic

I have always been a stargazer, sunset seeker and blue sky lover; the color in nature is my design muse. My first job out of college was as the art teacher in an elementary school and I loved taking the children out to the grass and teaching them how to see the sky through the leaves of a tree.

During the years when I designed giftware and in my interior design work, folks often comment on my color sense.  The secret is to memorize the color combinations of nature - the blue of a desert sky filled with floating white clouds, the hues and variations of colors on the wall of the Grand Canyon and how important the light changes those colors. It is as if the great painter who created all of the world, that we get to witness, had a ginormous paint box and knew exactly how to coordinate the great variety that makes up the world.  You just can’t go wrong with a color combination that nature gives you. 

Gathering shells at sunset, Myrtle Beach, SC

In the early spring I had the rare opportunity to walk the beach in South Carolina.  Rare because I live in Tennessee, home of mountains, green forest, lakes and rivers, but no ocean.  Everyday, I walked the shore of  the Atlantic, feeling the foamy water against my bare feet. As I walked, I collected the tiny shells that washed ashore.  The right side pocket of my jacket filled each day with the little treasures and the sand that clung to them.  Their colors are so muted - warm whites and creams to soft pinks, grays, sandy taupes and rich purple and deep blues inside. 

My journey to the sea renewed the color bank in my mind and heart - blue skies that you only get at the beach and the clouds - bright white on the sunny days, while heavy and deep gray on the rainy ones.  Color is everywhere at the sea including: the sky, the water, the warm tans of the sand, the birds, shells and the seagrasses along the dunes. Back in my room, the growing collection of shells that coordinated so well with each other, inspired me to research what Sherwin-Williams paint colors I could find to duplicate the calmness and richness of nature at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

In our fast-paced, digital-heavy world, creating a space that feels calming, grounded, and rejuvenating is more important than ever. The natural world offers an abundant palette of colors and moods that can transform your interiors into tranquil, balanced sanctuaries.

A favorite subtle “Life at the Beach” color trio.

So, how do we bring nature inside?  It can all be achieved with a bit of paint, accent pieces and artwork.  Color creates a mood.  How do you feel in a specific room?  How do you want a space to feel?  Try your colors at different times of day and lighting. 

Here are some Sherwin-Williams colors that closely resemble some seashell hues in my collection:

Warm Whites & Creams (like common clam or oyster shells)

1.        Alabaster (SW 7008) – A warm, creamy white with a soft, natural glow.

2.        Greek Villa (SW 7551) – A light, airy white with warmth, ideal for shell-inspired themes.

3.        White Flour (SW 7102) – A soft white with a slightly warm undertone.

Calming palette for any room

Blues of sky and sea

1.      Auqa-Sphere (SW 7613)

2.      Endless Sea (SW 9150)

3.      Sea Salt (SW 6204)

4.      Majestic Purple (SW 6545)

Mood board for calming bedroom and bath

Soft Pinks & Corals (like conch or scallop shells)

1.        Romance (SW 6323) – A delicate, peachy pink with a coral undertone.

2.        Intimate White (SW 6322) – A light, blushing pink with warmth.

3.        Faint Coral (SW 6329) – Subtle and soft coral reminiscent of pink-toned shells.

Charleston, SC - Beautiful combination of blues, greens, and historic architecture

Beiges & Taupes (like sand dollars or more neutral shells)

1.        Accessible Beige (SW 7036) – A versatile warm beige with gray undertones.

2.        Natural Linen (SW 9109) – A soft neutral that mimics the color of sun-bleached shells.

3.        Canvas Tan (SW 7531) – A warm tan that pairs well with beachy palettes.

Interior Design by Joan Greene Studio

Grays & Cool Tones (like abalone or polished shells)

1.        Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) – A popular greige (gray-beige) that mimics the subtle tones of polished shells.

2.        Repose Gray (SW 7015) – A cool, muted gray with hints of warmth.

3.        Silverpointe (SW 7653) – A silvery gray with a delicate sheen, like an pearlized shell interior.

4.        Pavestone (SW 7642)

All the elements and the drama of the universe

I marvel at the brilliance of creation. Most late afternoons the sunset glows through the transom above my front door and I feel lucky when I am home to see it.  I open the front door and look toward the west and feel so glad to be alive to see all that nature has to offer.  Out my back door is the little garden that I planted and fight the weeds for the very ground.  All this glory is a lesson that I carry every day into my work, to illuminate the strength and beauty of each space and to look to nature for the answers to design. At the end of the day, the goal is always a welcoming and warm space that encourage people to grow, to rest and to enjoy.

Curl up with a good book and dream of the sea.

Stay turned for more paint colors inspired by the forest, trips to Africa and the world all around us. If you are painting and need help to decide, we do color consultations both in the greater Nashville area and virtually.  Just need a discount on Sherwin-Williams paint? Contact me, for 30% off your paint. Happy to share!

Recreate the Look

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Lacking any seashell inspo? These books are full of gorgeous, vibrant photos sure to help you overcome the lack of in-hand crustaceans.

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Bring a Bite of the Beach

The inspiration for the blog. Recipe below.

Savannah Crab Cakes

Shared by JoanGreeneStudio.com

1 Tablespoon Butter

1/2 cup of chopped celery

1/2 cup of chopped onion

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

1 pound of fresh crabmeat

1 egg, beaten

3 Tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 Teaspoon of chopped parsley

1 Teaspoon of fresh dill

Method: In a small skillet,, melt the butter. Add the celery and onion and sauté until vegetables are transparent. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, add the crab, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs and all of the other ingredients and mix gently. Form cakes into 2 inch patties. Do not compress too much. Coat with the remaining 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Fry in oil for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Makes 6-8 patties

Want to get that “Beachy” vibe in your home? Contact Joan Greene Studio, Nashville, TN. for a paint color consultation or virtual meeting.

•    All photos ©2025 Joan Greene

•    All Mood Boards by Joan Greene Design Studio