Cream

The color

Cream is a satin paint in the off-white family, applied to Paint Grade Maple. The undertone is soft yellow, like warm paper rather than stark white.

In north light, which is cool and even, it settles into a quiet butter white. South light brightens the door face, and in direct sun it reads close to clean white. Under warm LEDs around 2700K it deepens and softens. At 3000K it stays closer to true.

What to pair it with

Honed marble with gray veining keeps the palette calm. Soapstone gives a darker counter with real contrast.

For metals, unlacquered brass and aged bronze suit the yellow undertone. Polished nickel cools it slightly.

On the floor, wide-plank white oak in a natural finish is an easy match. Black-and-white tile brings sharper definition.

Where it works

Prewar co-ops and brownstones in Manhattan and Brooklyn are a natural fit, especially in north-facing galleys that need warmth. On Long Island, it suits shingle-style and colonial kitchens with large south-facing windows.

It is available on TKG Inset doors including Sutton, Clinton, Bleecker, Perry Metal, Crosby and Gramercy Bevel. Compare profiles on the door styles page.

Care and durability

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, then dry. Skip abrasive pads and ammonia cleaners, which dull satin paint.

Wipe splashes promptly near the sink and range. Maple moves slightly with the seasons, so a hairline at a joint can appear in dry winter heat. Touch-ups are straightforward. See more on the finishes page or contact us for a sample.