Looking over the rooms, I decide to go with a simple plan- a modern Colonial look with fresh versions of traditional colors, clean lines, and cheerful accents. Here's the color palette:
[caption id="attachment_6389" align="aligncenter" width="493" caption="This will be the entry color. I could use more colors to divide the space, but this fresh green will keep everything feeling wide open. I like that. I'm going to paint the front doors and all the trim on that wall in this color too. It's a great way to tidy up all the shapes and windows on this wall and draw the eyes towards the stair rail and chandelier"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6388" align="aligncenter" width="494" caption="I'll go with this softer green for the dining room. Green isn't usually my first choice for dining rooms, but this room gets plenty of light and using a similar color as the entry gives the rooms easy flow between each other. I'll have the ceiling painted off-white so the pretty white crown molding will stand out and define this room."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6392" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="When I first saw photos of these rooms, I thought I'd want the railing to be black, but when I actually got to the house, it was clear that the railing needed to be warm and quiet to keep this tall narrow space from feeling too crowded. How'd I choose this color you ask? CertaPro Painters was priming the railing in a light gray to get ready for black. But when I saw that color, I grabbed my paint deck and found this muddy stone color instead. Perfect!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6391" align="aligncenter" width="489" caption="Black is classic and I think I can use it to give the little heirloom dresser a strong silhouette. I'll use this for the chandelier too. The slender arms of the fixture will relate better to the Windsor chairs this way."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6390" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Every room needs a gorgeous color to add dimension to a quiet color plan. I'll use this to squeeze the country out of the red cabinet and push it more into Colonial look."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6398" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I'll bring in some heavy pale curtains for the dining room to dress it up a bit. I'll get long drapes and hang the curtain rod near the ceiling. The windows will look more dramatic and the wall will feel taller which will balance out proportions of the 2-story entry."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6399" align="aligncenter" width="311" caption="I have to change out that dated brass chandelier in the entry for a modern version of the classic lantern shape. I also prefer shades to clear bulbs in spaces like this because the lighting has to be easy on the eyes from all levels."]
[/caption]
That's basically it. Simple and to the point. This is a clean modern look with a traditional feel that works with the architecture of the house as well as the family who lives here. So, CertaPro will get started on the walls while I get shopping.
(ps. We're using Sherwin-Williams new Emerald Paint- I think it's the best no VOC paint on the market. I used it for the DIY videos too and was instantly converted)
