We have lots of painting projects lined up in the near future. When we moved in, the house was pretty much in move-inable condition. Nothing really needed to be done. Not to say there were things that just didn’t work for us, or that we’d like to change, but for the most part it was perfect. The walls throughout the house looked to be freshly painted, but they were all WHITE. Well, okay, not exactly pristine-freshly-bleached-sheet-white; but white just the same. First came the livingroom because once our new entertainment center arrives [this Saturday] it won’t be easy to move. After much deliberation and so many trips to the paint store for yet another sample or paint chip that the owner greets me like an old friend, we finally settled on “Ivy Lane” by Benjamin Moore Paint. Milli liked it so well that she decided to wear it (see related article). It’s a lovely green with warm undertones and completely transformed the room. Don’t be afraid to use strong colors! Instead of closing the room in they tend to make them seem larger, yet cozier at the same time.

The sunroom (or Florida room as they call it here) was a bit harder to decide on. We didn’t want anything too green because of all the plants. Something in-between yellow and green was what we were striving for. The first 3 or 4 that I tried out just didn’t work. Too dark; too muddy; too green—uh uh, don’t like that one either. Hmm…the wall looked like an abstract painting with different sized, overlapping swatches of paint.  Here a swatch, there a swatch, everywhere a swatch-swatch! All the colors have the same tonal quality to them and they all go together. Gee, looks kind of interesting. Pretty, even. Think we should leave it that way? Nah, too trendy for this traditional-style house. Back to the store for yet another sample. On the chip this color looks too beige-ish, but on the wall—VOILA!—that’s the one! A nice greeny-yellow [or is it yellowy-green?].

So, yesterday I decided was the day to paint. Hey, when the husband’s away, the wife will paint! It took me most of the day due to all the cutting in that had to be done around the windows and sliding glass doors, but I’m happy with it. [And people wonder what I do all day when Rick travels?] I have to admit that I have never seen thirstier walls in my life! SLURP! One coat and they were still thirsty for more. It reminded me of Little Shop of Horrors [FEED ME!], only it wasn’t blood that they wanted, just paint. Two coats and I think they were sated. The walls are not textured either, so it shows every lump and bump from the drywall tape. Oh, well. Just adds character.

Benjamin Moore is just gonna love yet another plug for their paints. This one was “Beacon Hill Damask” from the Historical Collection. With all the light coming in from windows on three sides, plus the green of the trees outside and the green from the plants inside, it takes on a luminescence of its own. I don’t think you can see the true color in this photo, but it will give you an idea.
P.S. If you end up using any of the colors I’ve talked about here, mention my name and maybe I’ll get some kind of kick-back or something. Ya never know.