Big project. Complex layout. Lots of character and charm. Chestnut-color stained woodwork. Tall trees shading the property.
My clients D&E had been living with all-white walls in their converted carriage house for 10 whole years. Every room, hallway, and closet in their converted carriage house was painted a cool white.
The day came when D craved color on the walls. We started working together last fall.
D is in the science field, and she is just the type of person you want in a science field: exacting, precise, careful, thoughtful, intelligent, discerning and persistent. D takes her time when making decisions. There was no rushing or hurry in our process. Little by little her confidence in her “eye” grew and, although she began the process seeking a light tan or 2, a not-too-yellow cream and maybe a pale gold….well, you will see where we landed.
About the Light: since I hadn’t been born yet when this baby was built and was not reachable for advice about window placement, there are fewer south-facing windows than I would have installed. The light bulbs are under beautiful rosy/cream color glass shades on small and large lamps and sconces. Very beautiful, and very soft, lighting.
(UNSOLICITED ADVICE: In softly lit, north-facing, or shaded rooms, pale colors and off-whites can wash out easily and look barely there, or just sad. Take the color you love a shade or two stronger so it can be seen. Dark rooms often need more color than less.)
We chose 14 different colors to cover 14 spaces and several built-ins in the carriage house. I know, it sounds crazy! Fourteen colors should be too many! Every color was chosen from the Williamsburg Colors palette, so the colors are in a close relationship. They relate well and work together. I think this proves there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to color and paint and one’s dwelling place.
This carriage house has strong lines, architecture with integrity, and low light. It needed strong color and lots of it. Take a peek inside our several thousand square-foot 3-D painting:
Paint and Color 