Color Chronicles - White Sturgeon
Hello! I’m MK, the color specialist here at New Age Artisans. I’ve taken a bit of an unconventional path to get to this position. Before joining the incredible New Age crew, I spent over a decade as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Memphis, TN. I grew up in Memphis, graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!), and earned a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. While I loved my career as an Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner, I was never fully satisfied. I dreamed of a job that would allow me to put my artistic and creative talents to use.
That opportunity finally came when my husband and I relocated to Bozeman, MT. Through mutual friends, I was introduced to the Mistretta family, which led to an unexpected but exciting career shift. I like to think of it as a mid-life chrysalis, not so much a mid-life crisis. I joined the New Age Artisans team, starting out as a faux painter and plaster installer before moving into my current role as a color specialist. Now, I focus on custom color matching, consulting, and creating sample boards from our Signature Collection and beyond.
Here’s a behind the scenes peek at the custom color matching process. I start by creating a base formula and then I make adjustments by gradually adding pigments until the color is just right.
Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of the perfect fireplace hue for a cozy living room, a designer seeking a statement shade for a powder room, or an architect searching for the right finish to complement your vision, I’m here to help you explore the endless possibilities of our palette.
This blog initially began as a way to introduce myself and give a glimpse into my day-to-day work at New Age Artisans. But as often happens, the concept evolved, and I realized I wanted to offer something even more valuable: a series of posts dedicated to exploring the stunning palette of our Signature Collection. Consider this your behind-the-scenes look at our colors—a space to share inspiration, project stories, and insights into how these shades come to life in real-world spaces. From soft neutrals to bold pigments, each color has its own personality, and I’m so excited to share them with you.
I also want to involve you in the conversation! Check out the new 'Colors' forum in the 'Community' section of the Plaster Portal, where you can give feedback, ask questions, and chat about all things color. Now, let’s get down to business, shall we?
Color Spotlight: White Sturgeon (SC-502)
SC stands for Signature Collection, and 502 is the formula code for this color. When it’s a Tadelakt specific formula, you’ll see a “T" behind the number- SC-502T.
Color Family
Neutrals, Off-whites, Taupes; In the New Age Artisans Signature Collection, White Sturgeon is in the same family as Quartzite (SC-501) and Arrowhead (SC-500).
Why it’s hot right now
This color has the unique ability to match the tones in multiple types of wood, stone, and tile. It is versatile and timeless.
Pairs Well With
Light wood tones or creamy stone will give a breezy, relaxed feel. In contrast, darker wood, black metal, or slate tiles can enhance White Sturgeon’s moody undertones.
Inspired By
White Sturgeon was inspired by the freshwater fish of the same name. The West Coast native is large and has sharklike qualities- and a belly that is a really close color match to SC-502.
If you’re interested in visualizing this hue in your space, there are a few paint colors that are a close match. To get an idea of the tone, take a look at any of these paint chips from your local paint store: PPG “In the Buff” (1019-2) or “Legendary” (1019-3); Benjamin Moore “Mocha Cream” (995) or “Ashen Tan” (996); Sherwin Williams “Symmetry” (SW 9601); Farrow + Ball “Elephant’s Breath” (No. 229). While none of these paint colors will demonstrate the light reflection or true nuances of plaster, they will at least give you an idea of undertones, which can be hard to translate from the computer screen.
If you want a true representation of this color in your space, Plaster Portal members can order 6” x 6” sample boards from our Online Store. My favorite finish in this color is our Refined BLEND- I think it really shows off the richness of the undertones.
To see a larger sample in your space, try out our Sample Kit, where we send you the materials to mix up and create your own sample. We find a 2’ x 2’ sheet of drywall makes a great sample board, as it’s large enough to give a good representation of the finished product and small enough to easily move around your space.
Although we do our best to portray colors and textures online, evaluating a color sample in the unique lighting of your space is very important. What looks bright and cheery in natural daylight may appear dark and moody under a warm lightbulb. Remember to take your time with color selection and know we are here to help!
