Jamie Davis has always been fascinated by color. The Los Angeles–based co-founder of Portola Paints has built an esteemed business by formulating distinct hues and finishes. “Whether it’s a photograph I’ve taken or a vibrant color in nature I’ve encountered, I draw inspiration from personal experiences,” he tells Business of Home.
Born and raised in the City of Angels, Davis grew up in a family of artists. His father, a high-end custom-home builder, exposed Davis to art and design at an early age and encouraged him and his brother, Casey, to pursue their creative endeavors. “Growing up, I used my dad's hand-me-down Nikon 35mm camera to develop and hone my photography skills,” he explains. “My brother, on the other hand, was enamored with mixing natural pigments to create different colors.”
In 1998, the brothers combined their artistic talents and launched Portola Paints with a then unique-to-market palette of authentic limewash paints composed of water, pigments and crushed limestone. “At the time, the design world was focused on faux finishes, simply because many people didn’t know about limewash,” he says. “We were actually the first company to not just bring, but also to manufacture, limewash paint in America.”
Today, the company offers more than 380 shades across multiple eco-friendly finishes, including its bestselling, zero-VOC Lime Wash, the plaster Roman Clay and the smooth Acrylic. “Not only does Lime Wash provide a beautiful texture; due to its high pH level, it also acts as a mild fungicide,” he says. “[Meanwhile], Roman Clay can produce a wide range of stucco and marble-like effects.”
All the brand’s paints are made by hand, and in small batches, using centuries-old pigment-mixing techniques at its headquarters in North Hollywood. New colors often emerge from conversations with designers, including Jake Arnold and Athena Calderone, when they can’t find an existing shade to meet their needs for a project. “We’re committed to creating new shades to help designers achieve the perfect hue,” says Davis. “We prioritize colors that not only address popular requests but also fill gaps in the larger market while still aligning with our distinctive aesthetic.”
Interior trends also impact upcoming launches. To meet the needs of the recent “quiet luxury” craze, for instance, the brand introduced an assortment of earthy neutrals, such as blushy beige Coda and the peachy La Conchita. “As we continue to grow our Lime Wash and Roman Clay offerings, we’ve shifted our focus to neutrals and deep, natural tones,” says Davis.
Currently hard at work on a fresh line of hues, Davis is also researching and developing a waterproof paint that can achieve a plaster-esque finish. “Portola Paints has always taken a boots- and ears-on-the-ground approach to product development, allowing our team to find gaps in offerings and make adjustments in real-time.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to establish storefronts across the United States, while continuing to explore new materials and formulas for sustainably made paints. “My mission is to develop products that truly help people curate spaces that enhance their well-being,” says Davis.
For more information on Jamie Davis, check out Portola Paint’s website or Instagram.
