One of my top questions that I receive is about my wall paint color. I revealed a few probably a year ago, but never got through each room. I thought I’d let inquiring minds know through a series this week. Starting with my living room.
What you must know about color on a computer screen or in print is that it’s not true. You will need to see the color live and in your hardware store to really decide. I was super excited to find huge, square color swatches from Benjamin Moore that you can buy. I found them much easier than buying sample paints and painting a wall. Just take your heavy tape and tape the sample square to the wall. Leave it for a few days, walk past it a few times a day and see how you feel about it. Yes, I said “feel”.
The benefit from picking a neutral color is that you can layer out. You have not designed yourself into a corner by committing to a strong color. You can then have the freedom to pick an accent color that you love and will work with that type of room. As you can see, I’ve picked a duck egg blue. Shocker.
All animals need not coordinate with wall color. It is, however, the 100lb lab’s redeeming quality.
Another tip to keep in mind when choosing a color for a room is to make sure that it coordinates and makes a smooth transition to ALL THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOUSE. That means do not paint a dining room red and your adjoining hallway yellow. It will not feel right. If you love say, red, and want to use it then pick coordinating colors that will blend well. Red is a hard example for me, though, as I think we tire of bright colors more easily. I much prefer a neutral wall and then bring in your color (if you so choose) in fabrics and pillows. It’s less committal. And yes, I freely admit that I’m too practical to get too whimsy. Oh and re-painting a brightly- colored wall once you decide you need a change is not an enjoyable chore. Last thing I will say on the matter is let’s not get into that painting one accent wall in a room. That trend had it’s time and now it’s over.
When you’ve selected a color that doesn’t invade your senses too much, you are then able to freely move furniture in and out and change up what’s INSIDE the room without getting heartburn over it. Again, another reason to make your room colors flow – you don’t want to get stuck or limited. Trust me.
BLUE EGG BROWN NEST LIVING ROOM: BENJAMINE MOORE PALE OAK.
Tuesday: Kitchen/Family Great Room
Enjoyed your post. I agree about choosing colors that are more flexible and will stand the test of time. I can’t afford to change an entire room at once and like to be able to add or subtract things as I go. Congratulations on the article in Cottage Style. All the pictures are beautiful. Your screen to hide the TV is very clever.
I’ve just discovered your blog via YouTube and have really enjoyed exploring your site. Your home and furniture (and kids too) are beautiful! I totally agree with your philosophy on neutral paint – I once was into bold paint, and got tired of it very quickly. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Christen! Thank you for sharing your living room color. I did paint myself into a corner with a color I tried to like, since the painters did three rooms in it! I’ve been looking for a neutral that won’t be yellow either. I LOVE the 100 pound lab lounging on that beautiful chair! I have a yellow lab (my baby) and my daughter has her chocolate sister…their the best. Your daughter and the little orange kitty are very sweet too!
June 🙂
Christen,
I am totally having visions of snuggling down on that pretty wing back chair with the sheepskin on the back! Although your dog seems to think that’s his place. I suppose I could share…considering he’s a family member and all. And congrats on the magazine spread. That is so cool.
hahaha! you are welcome any time, marian! yes, kane will fight you for that spot 🙂
Did you find your paint color swatches on the Benjamin Moore website? I am having a hard time findinf them. All I can find are the paint samples. Where are they hiding those treasures?
Did you find your paint color swatches on the Benjamin Moore website? I can only find the paint samples. Where are they hiding those little treasures?
I found them at my local paint shop. Maybe call around?
Hi Christen,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. I love your paint colors and wondered if you would share the color of your trim?
I absolutely adore your color choices! I’d love to know what color you did for the trim and ceiling. Every picture of your home brings on complete relaxation. Thank you for the inspiration!
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different page and thought I should check things out.
I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.
Love, love, love your website, blogs and your home. You are absolutely talented. I do have to ask about your wall color behind your dining table, is that “Pale Oak” as well? it seems darker than the walls around it. Could be the lighting.