Which white? Fashion had a big part in all things colour/ trends (right now, it’s all about the warm whites). But the right white really comes down to you, and what YOU want. But since you’re asking! Here's a few whites I like...
Our go to is Resene Alabaster, it's about as neutral as it gets, not too grey, not too cream, just right. It's a crisp white, so for rooms with loads of lovely light. Note, if using Resene Half Alabaster, you may need an extra coat, so you don't see through to the wall.
If you have a darker home, or want a white paint for a south facing room, we like a warmer white like Resene Bianca. I used this very successfully in a 1930s Wellington Bungalow. We used Quarter Bianca on the ceiling and trims, and Half Bianca on the walls. Yummy with this older house with lots of wood. Dulux Cardrona and Dulux Sandfly Point are both lovely warm whites, we have used and recommend.
Resene Blanc is another great white, perfect for south facing rooms. It seems to play well with many colour schemes. I've used it in different strengths recently. Eighth Blanc in a little girls room with its slight blush colour and in a separate project, Blanc as the main wall colour for a very grown up guest room paired with green blues and natural soft furnishings. Give Resene Blanc a try!
For a sharper more architectural look (think new build, square set ceilings, with modern trim detailing), Resene Black White is super popular, as is Dulux Mt Aspiring. Both of these are great on exteriors, and you can vary the strengths. Go a shade darker with your exterior whites than you think, as they will look lighter in the sunlight on your exterior.
If you have a mix of warm and cool tones in your room, try Resene White Pointer.
My best advice is to get A4 paint samples "drawdowns" from the paint shop or online. Move these around the rooms, at different times of the day to test the colour in the different lights.The paint companies also have some great "cheat sheets" about choosing white paint.
if you are still stuck, engage the experts - I contract to Resene as a Colour Expert and have the tools and skills to quickly work out the best neutral for your space and style.