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ATTENTION: Benjamin Moore Lovers!

By
Home Stager with Stage it First

I love to pick people's brains about anything staging related. I find myself using favourites over and over and I would like to branch out a bit.How do you make your color selections?  Some of my favourite colours are Benjamin Moore. I like to use these colours in my staging projects and I have these colours in my own home. If a client wants to use a less expensive version of the same colour I will colour match the BM paint chip. But I must say I love BM. My favourite paint finish is the Ulti-Matte.....Yumo (Rachel Ray)

Tiramisu CC-486 Biscotti CC-488 Chocolate Fondue CC482 Grey Wisp CC670.

Colours I find myself using alot are Smoky Taupe CC490, Ranchwood CC500, Buckhorn CC510. Notice a correlation here? If you have a BM Designer Classics Colection Fandeck you will see that those colours that I love are all on the same chip.

 I love Gray Wisp CC670, Smoky Green CC700, and Mount Saint Anne CC710. Those are some pretty smoky greenish/blue greys. Very nice for bathrooms and bedrooms. I like using a combo of blue and browns. I also like Muslin CC110, Barely Beige CC140, Dijon CC210, Ginger Root CC274 and Sisal CC304. Some reds I love are Sundried Tomato CC62, Maple leaf red 2084-20. I recently used Maple leaf red with Buckhorn. Very Dramatic.

 

I don't shy away from colour just because I'm staging a house. I like to add a dramatic flair if its called for. If all homes staged were beige it would be too boring. Branch out when it comes to colour selection.

What are your favourite Benjamin Moore Colours? Let's broaden our home staging horizons by sharing great paint selections.

Comments (172)

ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA
I'd love to see some photos of rooms with those colors identified under the photos.  I have a new listing where the kitchen is light blue and the rest of the house is light pink.  I told the owner I felt like it was a perrenial baby shower and we don't know yet if it's a boy or a girl.
May 24, 2007 03:02 PM
Cindy Richter
Interior Motiv Home Staging - Flower Mound, TX
IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager
Well, I have to say, I've only used it once.  But absolutely loved it!  I tend to use Sherwin Williams.  Have you heard of the paint scents?  I thought it was BM but not sure.  It's paint that you can add scents too.  I wanted to try it
May 24, 2007 03:11 PM
Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
I don't have a lot of experience selecting colours (colors to the Yanks in the lower 48, Alaska and Hawaii).  I use Parker on my own home.  It works fine.
May 24, 2007 03:31 PM
Kimberly Uksik
Independent - Pickering, ON
Home Stager - Durham, Toronto, On.

Kathy,

You have picked some of my favourites from Benjamin Moore.  I get a better price at ICI paints though so tend to use them more.  They can colour match most manufacturer's paint.  They also have a great selection of colours.  They also have a finish like the ulti-matte called ceramic matte.

~Kimberly~

May 24, 2007 11:06 PM
Maureen Graziano
Third Eye Home Staging - West Islip, NY
American Traditions paint from Lowes is excellent quality.  They will match any color and costs about 22 dollars per gallon.  It is a great alternative to the more costly paints!!!!
May 24, 2007 11:24 PM
Anonymous
Dee
I love American Traditions...no roller splatter....
May 24, 2007 11:36 PM
#6
Toronto's 2 Hounds Design: Decorating + Staging
2 Hounds Design + Home Staging - Toronto, ON

Too funny, I logged on to blog about using colour when staging!

My favorites are the Farrow & Ball colours. I use them in all of my own homes. I'm hoping to get painting my son's new bedroom furniture this afternoon. It will be in F&B's Railings.

 

May 25, 2007 02:33 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

We don't have a Lowes in Canada. Too bad. I would like to try the American Traditions. I don't think I have seen it here before.

Dane: I also like Farrow & Ball but they too are a more expensive paint like BM. I think for staging purposes most people want to keep costs to a minimum and so they usually colour match the paint chips. I actually don't mind Behr from Home Depot. The colour choices are not as nice but again you can colour match. In my own home I choose to use a better quality of paint.

Ardell: I am going to post some pics of the befores and afters. Actually I am trying to get them together. I am so bad when it comes to organizing my digital photos and downloading them from the camera. I have been having problems with my camera recently and I am looking at buying a new one.

Cindy: I have heard of the paint scents, but just in passing and I can't remember where.

May 25, 2007 02:02 PM
Connie King
Sevierville, TN

I love Benjamin Moore Devon Cream and Rich Cream for great neutrals.   Can't go wrong with neutrals for staging homes.

Oct 09, 2007 10:53 AM
Janine Willis
SeniorMoves, Inc. - Memphis, TN

Love Benjamin Moore! It has the consistency of pudding so no drips. And the colors are so saturated, it doesn't take multiple coats. 

I like Philadelphia Cream and Blond Wood which is a nice camel color.  A friend of mine has her dining room in Olive Branch which is a sage-y taupey green and a really nice color.

Great topic.

Oct 09, 2007 05:32 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Connie, Janine: Thanks for including your favorites! I wish it was easy to paint, I would find myself changing the colours every month.

Update: We now have a Lowe's in Canada!!! Maybe I can try some different paint brands now.

Happy Painting!

 

Dec 13, 2007 05:51 AM
Cindy Lin
Staged4more School of Home Staging - South San Francisco, CA
Host, The Home Staging Show podcast

I love Benjamin Moore's new Aura line, it's just beautiful and dries within the hour AND ECO FRIENDLY! Saves a great deal on labor!

Cheers,

Cindy 

Dec 13, 2007 08:12 AM
Ann Krewson
A.L.I. Designs, Inc. - Houston, TX
A.L.I. Designs; Staging Houston Homes; Allied Member of A.S.I.D.

Kathy,

Do you guys have C2 paints up there? This is a great paint company because the paint deck is made up of actual samples of all their colors. I use this company all the time.

Ann

Dec 14, 2007 04:27 AM
Anonymous
dana shaw
I wanted to share a great site with you especiailly if you love Benjamin Moore.  They offer a mini-can to test color in every color not just the limited selection available  in the little 2oz jars.  They also let you browse colors matched from other brands such as Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart and almost 100 more companies and get them made up in Benjamin Moore.  They can also modify colors lighter or darker if you feel a bit off.  www.myperfectcolor.com 
Jan 25, 2008 12:26 PM
#14
Jo Potvin
Design To Market LLC - Cincinnati, OH
Home Staging Cincinnati - Design To Market
We still recommend Porter to our clients because it is good quality and lower price.  However, for those of us in the states, I was recently told that Lowe's has the Benjamin Moore colors loaded in their computers so you don't have to color match.
Jan 25, 2008 12:42 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Cindy: I haven't really been in the paint store lately so I haven't seen the new Aura line. I will have to check it out.

Ann: I have just been introduced to the C2 colours at our local SIF Roundtable. There is a seminar planned for sometime next month but unfortunately I won't be able to attend. Everyone is raving about the C2 paint. There aren't any stores in my area that carry it, hopefully soon they will be closer.

Thanks Dana: I will have a look at the site.

Jo: I don't know if we have Porter in Canada. Where do you get it? Lowes? We do have Lowes up here now, so if it is there then I will check it out. Thanks for the tip.

 

Jan 26, 2008 02:07 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging
Ardell: Here is a picture of a room I did with Buckhorn and Maple leaf Red.Buckhorn Maple leaf red
Jan 26, 2008 02:17 PM
Julianna Hind
eXp Realty - Tacoma, WA
REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
I just did a 4 hour color consultation yesterday with all Benjamin Moore. 12 different colors. Color sets such a nice atmosphere in room! It would be hard to pick my favorites though, becasue I love different color combinations and how they make me feel!
Jan 26, 2008 02:23 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Julianna: That is why I love doing what we do. I can't change my own paint all the time so I am able to let my creative juices flow by helping others to make colour selections.

Jan 26, 2008 02:49 PM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"
Those colors sound yummy.  I like "Chilled Chardonnay"  it's a great Benjamin Moore color too.
Jan 26, 2008 03:48 PM
Teresa J. Ramey
ReDecorating with Style - Florence, SC

Kathy

I am such a Benjamin Moore fan!  My second choice is Behr.  I really love an eggshell finish. My all time favorites in Benjamin Moore is Natural Wicker and Pearl Harbor.  When I meet with my clients I carry my Benjamin Moore samples and Sherwin Williams.  The Behr sampler is too heavy, so it stays home :)

Jan 26, 2008 04:00 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

I will have to look for chilled chardonnay Cindy, I haven't seen it. What is the number? Is it in the Designer Classics fan deck?

Teresa: Behr is a good paint option for homeowners. It is a good quality and the price is right.

Jan 27, 2008 02:46 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

Kathy,

Good question, all I know is it is new. I'll have to find out.  I saw it in a room.  It actually does looked like a glass of chardonnay!

Jan 27, 2008 02:18 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Cindy: I looked in my fandeck and can't find it. It must be very new. I will go have a look at my local BM dealer.

 

Jan 28, 2008 02:16 AM
Debbi Callander
Magick Home Makeovers - Mississauga, ON

Dane: Yes we do have a Lowes in Canada - it's almost open - passed the store a couple of days ago, on Caledonia I think. 

 

Jan 28, 2008 03:04 AM
Margaret Ann Innis
Decorate To Sell - Merrimack Valley Real Estate Staging - Andover, MA
Real Estate Staging - MA & NH

I work with builders and they love the brown tones - they just don't know they are brown tones!  LOL - they think it is "builders beige!"  And, my favorite flipping realtor loves oatcake by Behr paint.  

Graphic:  pitanga - new color for playrooms!

Jan 28, 2008 04:07 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

That's funny Margaret, builders beige. The graphics on here is a fantastic source for colour names...lol batoko...new colour for bathrooms.

Jan 28, 2008 04:48 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"
Kathy, now that's just weird, I couldn't find it either.  I don't know what the deal is.  I'm gonna call BM and ask them.  Maybe it's a US color only?
Jan 28, 2008 04:18 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging
Keep me posted Cindy
Jan 28, 2008 11:55 PM
Paula Gaull, IRIS
New Leaf Redesign - Marblehead, MA

Hello All...

Yikes! My very first post on ActiveRain! A little bit scary...but here goes...

I work with Benjamin Moore a lot--and most of the painters I work with seem to prefer it...some of my favorite colors include: Putnam Ivory (looks very rich/velvety) and a really lovely green called Lewiville Green. Love them so much, I used them when I painted my own house recently. Oh...and that's Deep Rose in the  bookcase niche. Wow! What a difference! Before and Afters are below--but don't think the pictures do it complete justice.

 

Hallway Before

 

Hall After

Jan 29, 2008 03:49 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Paula: Beautiful job! I love how you pulled the colours out of the bench seat. It looks great. I like the punch of colour in the niche too.

 

Jan 29, 2008 04:18 AM
Christine Trebendis ~ Rooms Revealed
Rooms Revealed - Brentwood, TN

Dear Kathy,

I have compiled a list of the paint colors recommended by stagers, redesigners and decorators that I have read about in either an article or forum post. Every time I hear of a great color, I add it to the list. I have only used some of them myself, so I am not here to make any recommendations, but I would be happy to share it with everyone. 

      

Most Popular Paint Colors:

BM's HC-6 Windham Cream ~ the perfect color for staging because it is a very subtle yellow that feels very neutral, very warm and works with a lot of colors.

Sherwin Williams:

6106 Killim Beige

6107 Nomadic Desert

6119 Antique White (trim)

6121 Whole Wheat (walls)

6123 Baguette (fireplace insert)

6125 Craft Paper (brown d/r)

6128 Blonde

6129 Restrained Gold & (Benjamin Moore) 2004-20 Chili Pepper go very well together

6135 Ecru

6163 Grassland

6211 Rainwashed ~ seaside green

6212 Quietude ~ seaside green

6219 Rain

6226 Lanquid Blue

6228 Refuge      

6258 Tri-Corn Black

6327 Bold Brick (red d/r)

6381 Anjou Pear ~ may be too yellow

6387 Compatible Cream

6388 Golden Fleece

6390 Bosc Pear

 

Sherwin Williams:

6414 Rice Paddy ~ modern green

6415 Hearts of Palm ~ modern green

6421 Celery

7039 Virtual Taupe

7533  Khaki Shade

7694 Dromedary Camel

 

Benjamin Moore:

HC-6 Windham Cream, soft yellow.

HC-9 Chestertown Buff

HC-25 Quincy Tan

HC-26, Monroe Bisque, (sandy-beige) one of my favorites

HC-29 Dunmore Creme 

HC-34 Wilmington Tan

HC-42, Roxbury Caramel

HC-44 Lenox Tan

HC-68 Middlebury Brown

HC-90 Crown Point Sand in my living room, this is a very nice tan with a hint of green.

HC-92 Wheeling Neutral

HC-98 Providence Olive

HC-114 Saybrook Sage

HC-115 Georgian Green

HC-116 Guilford Green

HC-119 Kittery Point Green

HC-120 Van Alen Green

HC-140 Prescot Green which is more of a blue green but very good looking.

HC-146 Wedgewood Gray

 

Benjamin Moore:

224 Grecian Gold ~ walls in model master

430 Landscape

541-Veranda View

542 Cornstalk

1053 Sierra Hills

1093 Fresh Water ~ Trim in model master

2080-20 Confederate Red

2106-10 Java

2143-40 Camouflage

2144-40 Soft Fern

2162-60 Mystic Beige

2165-60 Dark Beige

 

Benjamin Moore:

AC-3 Texas Leather

AC-6 New Chestnut (Brown)

Recently, I staged an older home and used

AC-16 Kentucky Haze for the master bedroom and

AC-17 Sea Pine for the master bathroom.  

 

Lowes:  American Tradition:

3002-10A Warm Buff - Nate Burkus painted whole house (satin)

                 Swiss Coffee - Nate Burkus painted kitchen cabinets (semi-gloss)

 

Porter:

6833-3 Diana Gold

6868-2 Raffia Gold

6705-2 Beige Chiffon

 

Behr:

300F-4 Almond Toast

3A5-4 Anamite (green)

3A5-5 Olive Sheen (green)

ICC-60 Brown Bread

180D-6 Mineral Red

 

Glidden:

        - Water Chestnut (flat)

 

 

 

 

Jan 29, 2008 09:58 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging
Thanks Christine for sharing all the colours. Can't wait to check them out.
Jan 29, 2008 10:59 AM
Tammy Trenholm
Redfin Corporation - Haymarket, VA
Associate Broker - Real Estate Agent
My partner and I usually use Sherwin Williams, love Restrained Gold and a host of others.  We have also found a few Bennie Moore colors we like.  Thanks for the suggestion on pairing RG with Chili pepper, I will check it out!
Jan 29, 2008 11:28 AM
Deborah Broughton, We Stage Homes.Com, Inc.
We Stage Homes.Com, Inc. - Fernandina Beach, FL
Kathy, The secret to my color success is a class that JoAnne Lenart-Weary and Cindy Stefanik offer. It's called Color with No Regrets. If you love color, you will love this class! It works so well, they have a patent pending(and I can't tell you about it). You can check it out at: "Color With No Regrets"
Jan 29, 2008 02:11 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging
Thanks Deborah, I will have a look.
Jan 30, 2008 11:46 PM
Leslye Cushing
Creative Room Makeovers - Fredericksburg, VA

 

 I also reccomend JoAnne Lenart-Weary's color class. Even if you think you have a pretty good sense of color, this class now can explain what colors go together and why. Wow! it makes life easier. It boils down to a formula that takes about 3 minutes and it works.....Leslye

Jan 31, 2008 01:59 AM
Leslye Cushing
Creative Room Makeovers - Fredericksburg, VA

 

 

Chilled Chardonnay is an older color of BM. I think now they have a different name for it. Ask your BM dealer and they can show you this color. It is beautiful. I have used it several times.

Jan 31, 2008 02:05 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Thanks Leslye: I did check out the website for Joanne Lenart-Weary's color class and it looks like it is only availalbe in the states. I am located in Canada so I might have to pass this one up. I did notice something about a webinar, so I will have to read more about that. Perhaps that is something I could do. Thanks for the tip.

 

Jan 31, 2008 03:20 AM
Sveta Melchuk
Home Staging Montreal (HSM) - Montreal, QC
www.home-staging-montreal.com

I love BM colors as well and recommend them to clients. I recently attended their marketing show in Montreal to announce the new trends for 2008 - bravo!  They certainly know how to appeal to the marketplace. 

I tell clients that they can have them matched wiby other brands, if they prefer.  I do vary somewhat depending on the client's home but I also have my «tested» and «true» colors.  Here they are: 

CC248 - French Vanilla

CC216 - Butter Milk

CC220 - White Sheaf

CC160 - White Rock

OC85 - Mayonnaise (when nothing else seems to work)

Just recommended a couple of new colors - will see how it will turn out - 2165-50 jasmin and 2165-70 pecan butter - one color for the wall and the second for the moldings..

Feb 16, 2008 01:21 PM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

A few favorite Ben Moore colors of mine are Powell Buff and Stone House. 

Both are warm and rich yet fairly neutral for staging.  Both work great with greens, reds and browns.

Cathy Lee    www.cldesignservices.com 

Feb 16, 2008 02:55 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging
I'm not familiar with Powell Buff, but I do like Stone House too. It's a nice neutral color that works well with many other colors.
Feb 18, 2008 11:20 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

fyi Benjamin Moore colours are different for Canada and the U.S...you can call BM to have them give you the equivalent in each country......hope that helps!

 

a Canadian living in the US

Apr 28, 2008 07:44 AM
#43
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Thanks for the heads up regarding colour differences in the US.

Apr 29, 2008 02:51 PM
Irene Woodworth
Color and Redesign Academy & Redesign Boise - Garden City, ID
Color-Redesign-Staging, Trainer & Motivational Speaker - Idaho

Hi Kathy,

I love benjamin Moore Paints!  They are great.  My husband and son also use them exclusively in our Custom Interior Painting.  Thw quality is unbelievable.  Did you know that there is Titanium in the Benjamin Moore formula.  It stands up to 15 years of non fading quality.  Others may fade in time, not Benjamin Moore.

As far as Colors go, since it is very personal with homeowners, it depends on their color personality and choices.  Also, depending on the light and use of the room, we select our colors accordingly.  I am a huge Color Fan and Educator.  It is fun to do a variety of colors in the various homes we stage, redesign and do colors for those that are selling or staying.  Lots of fun and nice that we have such choices at our disposal.

 

May 02, 2008 02:27 AM
Hope Designs
Hope Designs - Bolton, ON
Hope Designs, Toronto’s Award Winning Home Staging

Hi Kathy:

Benjamin Moore paint is awesome, definately my personal fav. and actually the only paint manufacturer I have ever used, personaly and professionally.

My own home was recently sided in Maibec siding (natural wood siding from Quebec) and they allowed us to customize all of the siding and trim using Benjamin Moore colors that we choose, the house looks great and they guarantee the paint for something like 30+ years.

 

 

May 02, 2008 10:36 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Irene: I didn't know that about the Benjamin Moore paint....titanium. It definately has staying power. We just repainted our home to sell and I only needed to use one coat to recover the old paint. Because I used the ulimatte it was even possible to touch up after 4 years.....no demarcation lines!

Lori: I love Benjamin Moore paint however I would like to try the new C2 paints. I hear they are really good as well. I haven't been able to attend the seminar yet but hope to in the future.

 

May 04, 2008 10:33 AM
Hope Designs
Hope Designs - Bolton, ON
Hope Designs, Toronto’s Award Winning Home Staging

Hey Kathy:

Actually I have never heard anything re: the C2 paints (other than from reading on AR). The seminar sounds like a good idea.

Also, have you worked with the new fan deck from BM, I received it with my "box o colors" from BM but havent yet used any of the colors.

ps. i bookmarked your blog, some great colour advice for future jobs...

May 04, 2008 01:18 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Yes I like when other people give their fav's. They are tried and true colours. Of course colour is very subjective....Thanks for stopping by Lori.

 

May 08, 2008 04:24 AM
Jim Minkey
ReMax Today - Foster City, CA

I just found your great post here and had to comment. I've actually become superstitious about using Benjamin Moore's Monroe Bisque on listings of mine that I have staged. It works like a charm and every time I've used it the house has sold quickly and I always get a ton of positive feedback from people who come into the open houses. I actually wrote a post on my own blog about it, along with a picture of a staged room featuring Monroe Bisque. It amazing to me that a paint color could make such a difference! Here's the post:

http://fostercityblog.com/category/is-staging-worth-it/

 

 

May 09, 2008 08:33 AM
Shobha Vyavahare
stagewithme, Greenville, South Carolina - Greenville, SC

American Tradition is great, also Valspar paints from Lowes are good too, I have used them in my home to neutralise some of the rooms, coverage is great.  Thanks for sharing so many colors I will keep them in mind for the next job.

Shobha

May 09, 2008 09:15 AM
Paula Gaull, IRIS
New Leaf Redesign - Marblehead, MA

Hi!

I'm looking for a recommendation on a good BM sage green color for a kitchen I'm staging...

Homeowner had a proposed pallette done by a color consultant--and she recommended Clarkesville Gray (HC-102) for the kitchen (but called it a sage green, which I'm not really seeing). Other colors on the first floor already include Putnam Ivory and Lenox Tan...

I'm thinking the Clarkesville Gray looks too brown and would like to suggest that she changes the kitchen color (hasn't painted yet) to Nantucket Gray (HC-111)...has anyone used this color before? It looks more sage-y to me...Kitchen has white cabinets and counter.

I'm also recommending Silver Marlin (2139-50) for the dining room on that floor--hopefully it won't look too washed out...but I think the room is already kind of dark, and I think the blue/green/gray of this color will coordinate nicely, instead of going with another brown based neutral.

Need to get back to the client ASAP, so any quick comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

May 12, 2008 06:53 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

I love Beach glass CC 606. I think it's more sage than Clarkesville Gray but you would have to check it in your light. I think it will blend beautifully with the Putnam Ivory and Lenox Tan. Silver Marlin and Beach glass look beautiful together so I don't think that would be a problem. Can you see the dining room from the kitchen? Let me know how it turns out. Post some pics!!

May 12, 2008 11:01 AM
Anonymous
Paula Gaull

Thanks Kathy, for the recommendation! That's a great color--in fact, I might suggest it instead of Silver Marlin for the dining room--its a little richer. The kitchen and dining room are separated by a small hallway that's Putnam Ivory

May 12, 2008 11:26 AM
#54
Michelle Hall
Century 21 Hecht - Denver, NC

I love clarkston grey - it is a classic color.... a greenish-gray. 

May 12, 2008 01:23 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

I think she was looking more for a sagey green than a grey. But it is a lovely colour too.

May 12, 2008 01:27 PM
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
Feature This Real, Estate Staging & Curb Appeal Concepts

Try viewing Wetherfild Moss (hc-110) for a rich sage, and Rosemary Sprig (2144-30) for a cooler one.

Ben Moore has different names and numbers for US and Canadian colors, and some colors are exclusive to certain countries. You can view and compare both US and Canadian Colors at www.colorcharts.org.

Wethersfield Moss                                            Rosemary Sprig

 

I work part-time as a color consultant for Ben Moore. These are the two colors of sage that we sell the most of, by far.

Best of Luck,

~Michelle

www.featurethisdotdotdot.com

May 12, 2008 01:44 PM
Anonymous
gloria

Looking for a benjamin moore pretty lilac for a large room My daughter who is 6 wants a lilac.

I need help ... any suggestions.  Thanks

Jul 24, 2008 01:51 AM
#58
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
Feature This Real, Estate Staging & Curb Appeal Concepts

Purples are great to work with...easy on the eye, and and if you chose the right shade... it will have longevity.

Consider:

BM Pale Iris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 BM Lavender Mist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or for a color with the most longevity,

BM Piano Concerto

This color can easily "grow up" with the child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May I also suggest you choose a trim that has gray undertones, to soften the look further. My weapon of choice with these colors would be Floral White, or Tapestry Beige. Too crisp of a white might not transition well as she ages. All three colors shown are paired with Tapestry Beige.

Good Luck with your decision!

~Michelle

www.featurethisdotdotdot.com

 

Jul 24, 2008 05:49 AM
Laura Yazge - The Styled Interior LLC
The Styled Interior LLC - Suwanee, GA

I started business years ago as a faux finisher (still do it for the right client).  It taught me a lot about color.  American Traditions and Behr are great quality for the price.  And the Benjamin Moore colors that start with HC are historic colors.  I use them a lot as they are time proven and for some reason people seem at ease with them.  Enjoy!

Jul 25, 2008 09:15 AM
Sue Shockley
Setting the Space - Plymouth, MA

We have just painted our design center and we used winds breath for the trim and stonehearth for the walls.  They are lovely neutrals.  Thanks for sharing on your favorite paint colors.  It is nice to see what others are using and what paint colors work well in room.  Beach glass and fieldstone are another favorite of mine.

Jul 25, 2008 03:06 PM
Joyce Zdenek
Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty & Joyce's Interiors - Hopkinton, MA

Great post, I'll have to come back and take note of all the colors others use.

Lately I have used the C2 brand.  They are a bit more expensive, but well worth it.  The color chips are true to color.

In my last two design projects, I used the combination of:

Kalahari

Thatch

Monaco

Wonder if others also use C2 besides Benjamin Moore, which I also use a lot.

Joyce

Jul 25, 2008 11:30 PM
Anonymous
Julie

I found that Thatch (C2) is a bit too orange for me, even though a decorator recommended it to go with my dark wood cabinets in my kitchen AND dining rm.  Monaco is gorgeous as is Riff.

Aug 27, 2008 09:41 AM
#63
Paula Gaull, IRIS
New Leaf Redesign - Marblehead, MA

Hi there,

Looking for a bit of guidance and help--We're renovating a kitchen and putting in a custom made island with a rustic pine top--I'd like to paint the body a vintage green to contrast with the white kitchen cabinets and the wood top of the island...but I need to find the right green--the granite we have is kind of a green/black/gray combo (looks like dark green or soapstone), so a green with too much yellow won't work...does anyone have a suggestion or experience with a nice Ben Moore (the cabinet place can use Ben Moore instead of their standard milk paint colors) vintage green color that won't go too yellow on me?

 

Thanks!

Paula

Sep 01, 2008 03:36 AM
Alexandra MacGregor
REPUBLIC - Dallas, TX

I'd like to hear your favorite Benjamin Moore colors for bathrooms. :-)

I like Quiet Moments and Beach Glass but I'd like some other recommendations so I can branch!

Thanks! :-)

Sep 23, 2008 04:08 PM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Paula: Could you post a picture?

Alexandra: I love Beach Glass. I think it depends on the rest of the space. It's too hard to  just pic a color out of the blue without basing it on the rest of the home. Flow etc... I have used everything from grey to blue to greens and taupes. There have been some great suggestions on this blog already. Why not give some of those a try! Cheers. One tip... yellow is very unforgiving in a bathroom. Makes the skin look terrible.

Oct 02, 2008 11:18 AM
Andy Capelluto
International School of Staging - Seattle, WA

FYI  Benjamin Moore also features great promotional events for stagers and designers.  I recently attended a wonderful 'tea' where one of their educators discussed current trends in paint colors.  It's worthwhile contacting them and asking to be added to their list of 'professionals'

Oct 02, 2008 02:24 PM
Jill Schmit
Micoley & Company - Green Bay, WI
ABR, ASP, GRI

Kathy,

This was great information. I am new to staging, and the favorites lists and photos are very helpful. I'm a huge fan of the BM line, and am glad to hear to many good things about it from others. Keep the pictures coming! Thanks.

Oct 02, 2008 02:30 PM
Anonymous
Lauren

Hello,

I'm trying to replicate this look from the Pottery Barn catalog, using their BM color called Atmospheric in my dining room with Super White trim:

http://www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse/bm_fall/index.cfm

My question is: my kitchen connects to my dining room and although I love the dark Atmospheric color in the dinig room, I do not want to carry it into the kitchen. I'm looking for a neutral light color for the kitchen (a faint white or beige) that will complement the Atmospheric color. I need to paint kitchen cabinets and the kitchen walls. Not sure if the walls and cabinets should be the same color or different? Any recommendations would be helpful. I have all stainless appliances and the kitchen countertops are a beige color with flecks of brown.

Thank you,

Lauren

Nov 03, 2008 05:45 AM
#69
Anonymous
Lauren

Hello,

I'm trying to replicate this look from the Pottery Barn catalog, using their BM color called Atmospheric in my dining room with Super White trim:

http://www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse/bm_fall/index.cfm

My question is: my kitchen connects to my dining room and although I love the dark Atmospheric color in the dinig room, I do not want to carry it into the kitchen. I'm looking for a neutral light color for the kitchen (a faint white or beige) that will complement the Atmospheric color. I need to paint kitchen cabinets and the kitchen walls. Not sure if the walls and cabinets should be the same color or different? Any recommendations would be helpful. I have all stainless appliances and the kitchen countertops are a beige color with flecks of brown.

Thank you,

Lauren

Nov 03, 2008 05:45 AM
#70
Margaret Gehr
Chicagoland Home Staging LLC - Naperville, IL

I love BM clarksville gray HC102 - Looks great on the wall in almost any light. (reads green even though looks grayish on swatch) Looks good w/white or wood trim.

Also like BM Manchester tan HC-81, I'm so tired of yellow based colors its a very neutral biege with a hint of green, looks great with white or wood. Very fresh and clean looking. I find owners like this if they like white walls. I often add an accent wall.

Like BM Bleeker beige HC-80 - A cool biege that reads khaki on the wall, reminds me of a pottery barn colors with out being so dark.  This also looks good with different kinds of trim.

Find myself using more BM smokey taupe (classic collection) Most often in living rms

BM Shaker beige with Lenox Tan accent - almost anyway

Brookline Beige HC-47 - looks ugly on the swatch & great on the wall especially with black or brown accents.

 

 

Nov 03, 2008 03:07 PM
Brenda Harmon
Century 21 Beal, Inc College Station, Texas - College Station, TX

Kathy,

We are remodeling an old restaurant for our home.  I saw a magazine that had BM Merlot Red for the cabinets and was thinking of that.  What does everyone think?

Nov 03, 2008 10:33 PM
Wendy Casey
A-List Home Staging & Decor - Surrey, BC

A rich neutral is BM #CC-90 Natural Linen. We have found that it looks great in any light.

Nov 07, 2008 03:51 AM
Kathy Somers
Stage it First - Toronto, ON
Stage it First Home Staging

Sorry I missed all these posts! Hope you all figured out what colours to use. I have been extremely busy these last few months and haven't had a chance to blog or check my posts.

Cheers!

Kathy

Dec 24, 2008 05:58 AM
Anonymous
Tony

Hi all,

A painter here.  I have found your insights very helpful as I look to be painting my own house very soon before it goes on the market. 

Just thought I would throw out a link that I frequently use for matching colors between manufacturers.

www.colorcharts.org

Dec 28, 2008 08:34 AM
#75
Anonymous
Zorica

I just painted a bedroom using Benjamin Moore's Saybrook Sage HC-114 - a grayish green.   Wow - it's turned out to be beyond my expecations.  The color is stunning against white trim.  Gorgeous texture - no splatter or drips.  Great coverage.

I'm inspired to keep painting the rest of my house!

Dec 28, 2008 02:10 PM
#76
Phyllis Pafumi
ReStyled to Sell Home Staging New Jersey - Old Bridge, NJ
ReStyled to Sell Staging Homes NJ

I only use BM and my faves are Chestertown Buff and Blondewood and Golden Chenille. If you read my latest blog you will see I also used Jackson Tan. Just love all these neutral rich colors.

Thanks for all the other recommendations as well.

Phyllis Pafumi

Dec 28, 2008 02:55 PM
JoAnne Lenart-Weary
The Decorating and Staging Academy and One Day Decorating - Waterford, PA

Someone suggested I add my two cents to this thread since my name had been mentioned here. First of all, I love color and thanks to so many for sharing favorites.  I love BM,SW, C2, ICI, Dunn Edwards, and the colors of the Devine Paints as well.  (not as easy to get) 

The Color with No Regrets System we developed was created as a simple to use scientific process that helps select color with more than a good eye for color.  Our system involves a numerical approach to color based on the color wheel.  I have been teaching a "at Home" version which is a Live Webinar series and have had people from many places taking the class.  (including Canada)  Any questions, I am happy to answer them.  JoAnne

Mar 09, 2009 01:59 PM
Anonymous
DebbieB

I love that I've discovered this blog!  Thank you all so much for the tips.  I am very much painting-impaired, but am getting very tired of living in a white and beige house for 15 years, so I'm going out of my comfort zone and adding color!  Hope someone knows the answer this one.  Our entire house was painted using a Kelly Moore paint before we moved in.  Would it be better to do a color match and continue using Kelly Moore (so it doesn't peel, my biggest problem when I've painted in the past over paint I haven't known the source of), or would it be safe to change to a Benjamin Moore paint?

Mar 13, 2009 04:31 AM
#79
Anonymous
Wendy

I am painting my bath(took down wallpaper), it is a large long bathroom with a corner very raspberry whirlpool tub with skylight above, the toilet is raspberry also. The trim is oak & the tub is enclosed in oak. I am looking fora warm grey, any suggestions? TIA Wendy 

May 12, 2009 01:17 AM
#80
Anonymous
Brenda

This is a wonderful site!  I envy all of you with a sense of style and eye for color.  I have been desperately seeking some opinions on color, I think I may have struck gold with this site!  I am trying to dress up a foyer of a split entry home, no easy feat.  I have BM soft fern in the entire entrway.  The enormous wall that goes from floor to ceiling, I was going to cut in half with some molding, and would like to paint below the molding a color that would go nicely with the soft fern.  I would like dramatic and bold, but from reading the posts, maybe a rich neutral is the way to go?  Any and all ideas most welcome! Many, Many Thanks! Brenda

Aug 02, 2009 10:42 AM
#81
Anonymous
Cathy

Great Blog ! Thank you for all of the info. Can you provide a contact number or email for Claudia Connor? I really need someone to help with paint color choices. Thanks

Sep 04, 2009 09:06 AM
#82
Anonymous
Dorothy

Wow, great site.  Love BM paints.  I find they are durable and apply really nicely.  I have a small business in Montreal called Creations and Stuff by Me.  Reclaimed chic is what I do.  Recycle, recreate and restyle old furniture. 

Sorry, anyway, I am looking for Swiss Coffee ICI 816.  I believe it to be a BM colour, but not sure.  It's for a client customer colour on furniture that I am painting.  Is there a special website that can help with finding colours?

So, there is so much information here, thank you!  What a pleasure to read and look at pictures.

Thank you again!

Cheers

Dorothy

Montreal QC CAnada

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 19, 2009 11:23 AM
#83
Anonymous
Dorothy

Wow, great site.  Love BM paints.  I find they are durable and apply really nicely.  I have a small business in Montreal called Creations and Stuff by Me.  Reclaimed chic is what I do.  Recycle, recreate and restyle old furniture. 

Sorry, anyway, I am looking for Swiss Coffee ICI 816.  I believe it to be a BM colour, but not sure.  It's for a client customer colour on furniture that I am painting.  Is there a special website that can help with finding colours?

So, there is so much information here, thank you!  What a pleasure to read and look at pictures.

Thank you again!

Cheers

Dorothy

Montreal QC CAnada

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 19, 2009 11:24 AM
#84
Anonymous
Shelley

I painted the kitchen Windham Cream and love it.  Would Chestertown Buff in the connecting family room be complimentary ?  Also, anyone know how Brewster Gray or Mount Saint Anne would look in the nearby dining room with these colors?  You cannot see the kitchen from the dining room but you can see both the kitchen and dining room from the family room.

Any comments would be appreciated!

Oct 16, 2009 05:01 AM
#85
Anonymous
Donna

I need some suggestions.  I painted BM Wilmington Tan under our chair railing and now I need a beige to paint the top of the chair railing that coordinates with the Wilminton tan.  Any suggestions?

May 15, 2010 03:07 AM
#86
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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You might want to consider Putnam Ivory (HC-39)  for the job:

 

 

It is a great neutral that is not too orange, not too yellow, and not too brown. It reads pretty clean and clear as a tan and bounces plenty of light.

 

~Michelle Molinari

May 15, 2010 03:23 AM
Anonymous
Anna

Hi, I just purchased a home and in the process of picking out colors.

I painted my hallway and living room BM PHILADELPHIA CREAM (hall way and living room connect)

and I need help picking out a color for my kitchen/dining room that goes well woth Philadelphia cream.  My house is all open space so I definitely need something that flows. just for FYI-my kichen cabinets and furniture is all cherry wood color. Any recommendations you can make will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time!

May 15, 2010 04:09 AM
#88
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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Anna,

You probably need what I call a "bridge" color.

Assuming you mean you have a dark cherrywood finish in the kitchen, and have Philadelphia Cream HC-30 on the walls in the living area,you need a color that "marries" the dark cherrywood to HC-30.

Consider Benjamin Moore's  Embassy Green 1523:

Philadelphia Crea HC-30 with Dark Cherrywood Cabinets and Embassy Green 1523

 

It's really a gray with a green undertone, but red and green are opposite from one another, and therefore pump each other up. Your cabinets will look marvelous.

Also, as far as Philadelphia Cream goes, pairing it with a gray-green is a classic choice that is neutral enough to be able to support almost any additional accent color with  your choice of art and fabrics. 

You can add just about ANY color to this scheme and it will be delicious.

 

 

 

~Michelle

 

May 15, 2010 06:58 PM
Randy Dodd
Rosanna's Realty - Abilene, TX
ePro, GRI, TAHS

I found the responses very insightful.  I've not done home staging as of yet, like reading what they have to say. I have learned that if you present a quality product to buyers,  they may or may not notice it.. but often times they will pay for it at closing time.

May 15, 2010 07:14 PM
Anonymous
Ann

Thanks so much for your help! Any other colors you recommend besides embassy green? I would love to go and get a few samples to compare. how do you think a sage green would look? Please know I appreciate your help. thanks

May 20, 2010 03:22 PM
#91
Anonymous
anna

hi Michelle, do you think bm philadelphia cream and bm grecian green go well together? 

May 20, 2010 04:19 PM
#92
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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Ann - Embassy Green is a sage green. It has a bit of yellow oxide and red, which gives it more neutrality & complexity, but it is definitely in the sage green family.

Anna - Grecian Green is a lovely color, but it will read as a cooler, more blue green, because it lacks the pigmentation that yellow oxide brings to the formula making it appear richer. It would be well-suited for a soothing master bedroom. It will not read as a warm green, so be forewarned. Little chips = big color, so you might want to get a sample quart to really take it for a test drive. Grecian Green will appear bluish during the day, and might warm up to a slightly warmer blue at night.  It's really very close to the color of a robin's egg. Perhaps you should consider Tree Moss, (508) for a compromise.

The thing is, Philadelphia cream is not a clear, clean color. It has a touch of brown in it, which "dirties" it up nicely for less contrast on the eye. I love the "dirty" colors. They are calmer, more sophisticated, and therefore complex. To really make Philadelphia Cream look great, it needs a somewhat "dirty" companion color. That means a green with a bit of brown. A room with A dirty sage paired with Philladelphia cream is a perfect combo, and can fully support ANY accent color. I'd use Grecian Green as the accent, not on the walls. Imagine a crisp off-white sofa against a treemoss wall with Philadelphia Cream  and Grecian Green Pillows.

As you can see, even a small maneuver in undertone makes a big difference. It depends on your design goals (and lighting!), of course. I would comfortably recommend the color in the middle for longevity and it's ability to support any accent color one would fancy in the future. It's still a warm natural green. It's just not super definable, and it absolutely does justice to the Philadelphia Cream. However, NONE of these colors are "wrong", they just accomplish different goals.

Good luck to both of you & hope I helped a bit.

~Michelle

 

May 20, 2010 08:20 PM
Anonymous
Anna

Michelle, the colors your recommened are very nice. I'm just afraid they might be too dart? specially since I have all dark furniture. In the picture you showed a couch. this color is for my dining/kitchen area. so there will be cherry wood kitchen cabinets and cherry wood dining table.

Are there any other colors you might suggest? if these are the only ones in green you have in mind thats ok. Im open to other color suggestions...thank you again. you are great!!!!

May 21, 2010 04:21 AM
#94
Anonymous
Anna

Hi Michelle, I bought a sample of the embassy green and tree moss and it was very dark on my walls. OR maybe I'm just not used to it. I can see how embassy goes well with philadelphia cream, but for some reason just very dark to my liking. any other suggestions? thanks so much

May 22, 2010 11:37 AM
#95
Anonymous
Lis

Hi there, I came across this thread in my attempt to gather color ideas for my living room. I thought maybe you might be able to help with my dilemma!

I have a big living room with little natural light (especially now that there are leaves on the trees outside my window); I painted it BM Vale Mist but at "half intensity" so it wouldn't be too dark; even though it looks green in the store/on the chip, it pretty much looks like blue-gray in my living room. 

I'd like to paint the entryway (which opens up into the living room and isn't separated by mouldings or anything) a contrasting warm color. what could be some good, tasteful options that would bring out the green in the Vale Mist?

Thanks so much!

May 24, 2010 04:09 PM
#96
Anonymous
Brooke

Hello,  this is such a wonderful forum, I'm glad I found it:)  I am in need of some advice.  I am remodeling my new home and am trying to decide on paint colors. I want the living room painted a very light creamy yellow, easy on the eyes.  I am considering windham cream vs. philadelphia cream.  For the adjoining kitchen, I am trying to think of a cream or ivory color that will go well with cherry colored cabinets (my husband does not want green walls- but I do plan on having either blue or green curtains), perhaps natural wicker or putnam ivory?  For the entryway/hallway that is adjoining both the kitchen and the living room I was leaning towards doing a blue color, possibly blue stream.  Would this go with the other colors, or should I do a sage (saybrook sage or soft fern)?  I would appreciate any advice, thank you!

Jun 04, 2010 09:17 PM
#97
Anonymous
Brandi

Hi everyone.  What a great website!  I have Ivoire, Blonde, Restrained Gold, and 1/2 Restrained Gold throughout most of my house but am struggling with what color to paint my dining room.  I have a black Pottery Barn dining set and a black buffet and hutch.  It currently has deep gold walls, but it's too much with the black table.  My floors are aged pecan wood so they have a lot of gold in them.  The dining room is off the foyer and has a doorway into the kitchen so I need to figure out a way to keep flow since we don't want to repaint everything.  The kitchen is currently Fernwood Green by BM, but I don't really like it.  I was wondering what color I should paint in there that would coordinate with the gold everywhere else.  Thanks for any suggestions! 

Jun 28, 2010 11:34 AM
#98
Anonymous
Brandi

Forgot to ask...should I stick with the Restrained Gold color card in my dining room since it's visible from the kitchen and foyer, or can I go with something else?  Would Olive Branch look good with my black furniture?  I really want to paint in there, but I'm afraid to just pick something and then end up hating it.  Thanks :)

Jun 29, 2010 07:11 AM
#99
Anonymous
Linda

Hi,

help me !!!!! i am living in builder beige (walls are beige cabinets are pearl backsplash is beige and floors are beige silver accents and fixtures

furniture is a solid dark brown piece of sectional that sticks out like sore thumb in living room

tv is on the wall and its dark too !

i am ready to commit to my home with Color

our home is open concept style under 2000 sq ft ( we like to keep it light and airy with personality) no builders beige or white

we are leaning on dry sage for kitchen we have light oak floors and pearl cabinets from builder

our palet is based on the countertop its kashmir gold with cream brown kakhi and light gold flecks

we are trying to be consistent throught the house I like buckhorn or meditation for the living / den area

looking to add a nice dark contrast wall behind the mounted tv like dark plum or saphire blue or something like that

for our powder room i like dark plum and silver

our bedroom and bathroom need a lift too

i like blue grey brown and lime accents

the kids have their pinks and blue picked out

I would greatly appreciate your help with complimenting the colours through out the house and giving it a spark of energy

Personalities I am a virgo and my husband is cancer

we want colour to reflect who we are

when i think of choosing colour it is too overwhelming for me

have to have decison in a wk ready to paint

please help me with your expertise

Thank you :)

 

Thank you for your time in advance

much appreciated

Jul 05, 2010 12:40 PM
#100
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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Hi Linda -

I believe Kathy Somers no longer is checking the email these requests are going, so I have been helping folks out here regarding Benjamin Moore colors when I have the time.

 

Buckhorn is a GREAT color, but I hardly would consider it airy. Plums, sapphires, and the like also are not airy. They are heavy hitters in the world of wall color. So, carefully choose items that will be paired with them to lighten their mood.

A good rule of thumb is to juxtapose furnishings, art, and accessories (especially furniture) that are physically or visually lightweight, such as rattan, silver metals, glass, lucite, capiz shell, and very light colored canvas fabrics against the rich palette you have describes.

Also, lighting should be a MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR part of your design plan, with cascades of light washing down the walls from above as in positionable canister lighting to highlight art, uplights in a couple of corners, fabulous-looking series of  pendant lights over a credenza,  chandeliers that cast light up as well as down, as well as really delicious lamps with white shades. If you think you have enough light, go buy 6-8  more lighting elements, and youwill be closer to what I am talking about. And put them all on one switchplate in each room, and have to go clicking all over the house.

I have put together a color palette  basing off of Kashmir Gold Granite, from what you said in your post, but really, it is almost impossible to truly assist you without an in-depth online color consult and asking more questions.

Also, Buckhorn itself is a fairly  "plummy." Consider a terrific sophisticated, super-rich blue such as Benjamin Moore's Gentleman's Gray for your TV wall.

And consider choosing accent colors that are calm with a hint of brown or gray, by veering away from primaries and their ilk ( a clean lime might be a rough ride). Dry Sage is a lot better here than the uber-trendy lime, and you will not be redecorating in 90 days when it falls out of favor. But, if you must have lime, do inexpensive throw pillows or vases. Use plenty of white, but not too crispy of a white. Benjamin Moore's Cloud White is a crisp as I would ever advise with such rich jewel-like tones.

Hope it helps, and best of luck...

 

~Michelle

Jul 05, 2010 04:15 PM
Anonymous
tanya

hi i love the expertise and the time put into really helping us become educated and desisive w color!so i have an inquiry i am gettin my house painted and im so excited. i have been looking for a blue/gray that would be fresh and airy and neutral. i dont like dark paints we live in a condo and while there is natural light when the sun sets colors on the wall become darker than what they are some colors ive looked at are benamin moore wedgewood gray im trying to go a little more on the gray side and wasnt sure if it was too blue for me? i looked at silver dollar by bm and it seems to light . i looked at behr purpoise,pewter mug purposie seemed to much like a cement and pewter mug got dark in the evening. well my furniture is all the dark espresso color smoky tabbacco furniture i love the contrast. i have cream and green choclate browns beiges for accents and paint choices allrdy applied in the other room , white trim and celings .my couches are leather choc browns w beige suede for cushions. my painter is coming and i need to purchase the paint any diagrams or suggestions are highley appreciated so far most my insperation has come from watching hgtv the home deocrating network

Jul 13, 2010 06:01 PM
#102
Anonymous
tanya

btw here is a link to my insperation for going the gray/blue shade i love this room http://www.hgtv.com/for-rent/looking-for-the-ultimate-urban-pad/index.html

i really look fwrd to hearing ur responses as i will b buying the paint friday and its weds. painter comes sat morning first thing

tanya  :)

Jul 13, 2010 06:09 PM
#103
Anonymous
Kelly

I am thinking of using Tree Moss for exterior paint on a small, hardiboard sided house.  It is in a wooded setting.  Do you think Tree Moss is a good color for exteriors?  Would you recommend a white or a cream color for the trim?  Thanks in advance for your advice.

Aug 02, 2010 04:32 AM
#104
Anonymous
Diane

HELP!!!  I am developing OCD behavior over picking paint colors!  I have spent enough money on sample jars that I could open my own paint store!  I am painting my kitchen BM Boardwalk and need help picking a color to go into the adjoining family room.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Aug 10, 2010 12:33 PM
#105
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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Hi Diane - Need more info to help you. Please send a few pictures of your space to: Michelle@FeatureThisDotDotDot.com

 

Also, if you have eliminated any colors from your decision-making process please tell me which ones didn't make the cut and why. Be sure to include some of your decor in the pics. I need to see what you are working with.

 

BTW, Boardwalk is a nice color!

 

~Michelle

Aug 10, 2010 12:46 PM
Anonymous
Mica

I just did my first home, and was obsessed with pictures and blogs about color.  It is a fascinating subject, and there is so much that could make one color look great in one home and not in another.  I hope to have pics up soon, since we just moved in.  But everyone loves the colors we choose.  We picked all BM, aura line colors.  We did look into FB and tried "Teresa's Green" "Vert de Terre" and "Light Blue"...but were unimpressed for the price.  I do plan to use it as an accent color maybe someday.  We were going to look into c2 but didn't know where to get it.  We have a friend who used C2 paint "Turkish Market" which is an awesome warm color.  Anways back to BM.  We have our foyer stairway and hallways "Calming Cream". Living Rm "Rich Cream", Dining Rm "Shaker Beige".  Kitchen "Filtered Sunlight".  Mudroom "Woodlawn Blue" the floors were painted "Valley Forge Brown".  Bathroom "Palladium Blue".  Master Bedrm "Victorian Mauve".  Guest Rm/office "Putnam Ivory and our son's room "Ocean Air".  We still have a family room to remodel, we would like to include a sage type green or some light grey green, like Camoflauge or Paris rain or Titanium.  Everyone seems to like the flow/feel of the colors, like being on vacation by the ocean most people say.  I think now living in it for a month, I would make the mudroom floor darker, richer chocolate brown and I am not a big fan of Putnam ivory for the office, I think I would have used Bleeker Beige or Mancheter Tan.  Something a little more subdued.  Putnam Ivory is too dark for that room, it doesn't get a lot of sunlight.  I hope to get some pics up soon.  Any suggestions for small family rooms and great greens would help either in the grey green or sage green, very bright room sun room. Thanks!

Aug 26, 2010 05:04 PM
#107
Anonymous
Sally

Hi Paint Color Experts!

My husband and I are moving into our first home.  We have no idea where to begin with colors.

Our bathroom has a bright mint green old fashioned bath tub, white tiles, white walls, travertine marble floors, and windows with wood trim.  Any suggestions on colors for the walls? 

Our kitchen has fabulous natural wood (not too dark) cabinents, travertine floors, and granite counters with grey/pink/brown/green tones.  Any suggestions on color? We want the room to be bright and cheery to reflect the natural sunlight and the greenery outside.

We're thinking of painting the living room and entry a rich, neutral creamy or taupe or mocha color. We have hardwood floors and windows with wood trim.  Any thoughts?

Thanks so much for your help!

Sep 22, 2010 06:32 PM
#108
Michelle Molinari
FEATURE THIS... Real Estate Staging & Interior Decor - Lafayette, LA
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Hi Sally,

 

Here's my best shot based on your descriptions:

 

 

 

The red for the bathroom is an accent color you might want to consider for artwork.Materials based on Description + Color Prescription

 

In the kitchen, I know you want light and airy, but the counter tops.based on your description of pink and green, probably are not marrying too well with your travertine (this example has a lot a gray in it, and I am hoping yours is this type (most commom travertine has a lot of yellow and very little gray). So, TRY to find common ground between them. (Bleeker Beige is represented in both examples here). Unfortunately, almost anything that sets the floor off well (yellowish grays and slightly greenish grays)   tend to pump up pink, and this will make your counter appear even pinker.

So, go with it. You might even want to try something like this for art to reinforce the scheme:

 

Made from the wallpaper in a discontinued wallpaper book.

Just find a local wallpaper store and ask them if they have any discontinued books you can have before they throw them away, and then find some pinky papers. Cut into kitchen shapes (a pitcher , a plate, some cups, etc. and apply to bacground. If they all come form the same book they should look pretty well-coordinated.

 

Hope it helps & Good luck...

 

Michelle

 

 

 

Oct 04, 2010 12:46 AM
Anonymous
Genevieve

Hello! Looking around for help on BM paints and found this GREAT site!

We're renovating our basement, and we painted the walls Monroe Bisque (HC-26).

Looking for a (lighter) color that would go well with it in the stairway walls (narrow and not a lot of light) leading into the landing area. Thinking of painting the stairway walls and landing area Barely Beige (CC-140). 

The landing area (small space) and the main basement area are two separate rooms, separated by an arch entry way.

Would these two colors work? Monroe Bisque and Barely Beige? 

Any other recommendations that would go well with Monroe Bisque?

Thank you so much!

Genevieve

Oct 25, 2010 03:48 PM
#110
Michelle Molinari
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I use barely beige all the time (it is a favorite of mine). Beleive it or not, it reads as a soft yellow in incandescent or halogen (artificial) light. Monroe Bisque has brown in it, and itr will look too dirty with barely beige, Try Frappe AF-85 in the affinity line. It has a tinge of brown it will work much better for you.

 

This AR blog features our work withbarely beige in most of the rooms:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1829332/the-value-of-staging-your-home

 

Good Luck.

~Michelle

 

Nov 01, 2010 02:00 PM
Anonymous
Ashley

Hi there:  I want to freshen up my main floor.  My living room is currently eucalyptus leaf, my dining room is whitall brown and my kitchen is yosemite sand.  The kitchen and dining room are open to each other and the living room opens from the dining room in an L shape.  I love these colors but need to lighten up the look...way to dark.  I'm thinking Gray cashmere or grey wisp for the living room and want a nice bright cream for the kitchen/dining room.  Perhaps monterey white or carlyle cream?  Do you have any thoughts?  I don't really want a yellow or pink undertone and the room does not get a ton of light.  Shaker Beige is too yellowy gold on the wall, marscapone is too white.  I've read thru this whole blog for ideas (lots of great ones too) but could still use some help.  Thanks so much!  What great ideas on here!

Feb 21, 2011 11:29 PM
#112
Anonymous
Paula Gaull

Hi there,

Looking for a good contrasting paint color to paint a front door for a client. Body of the house is a pale yellow. Would love to go with a burnt orange color--does anyone have a BM "tried and true?"

Client doesn't want green (which probably would have been my first choice)...alternate ideas are a dark eggplant color...Or navy blue?

Any others?

 

Thanks for your help!

Mar 17, 2011 12:07 PM
#113
Anonymous
Nancy K

Just wanted to let you all know that I recently painted my home BM powell buff with sparkling wine as the baseboard and trim. It came out beautifully.  I also used clarksville grey downstairs in the formal livingroom. Upstairs I used Kentucky haze and Elemental in my son's rooms. I love love love BM Aura eco friendly paint.  Incredible saturation of color!!  Just bought a new house and I am planning the color scheme as we speak.  This time Powell Buff/Sparking wine will be used again as well as beach glass, elemental and weimaraner!!! SO excited! 

Mar 24, 2011 10:04 AM
#114
Anonymous
Kimberly
BM Horizon gray is a great neutral that has a soothing green undertone. Saw it done in an open concept house and am thinking for mine. Beautiful variations of depth/tone depending on light.
May 09, 2011 03:13 PM
#115
Anonymous
Karen

any suggestions of colors that would complement bejamin moore French Horn?  Looking for a neutral and another accent peraphs a taupe or gray.  thanks!

May 18, 2011 11:32 AM
#116
Michelle Molinari
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Karen,

Consider:

 

Benjamin Moore French Horn

Cedar Key has great versatility as a neutral, and it really finds it's place when you add white accessories, furnishings, and drapery.

When working with grays, a variety makes the room look sophisticated, so a bit of Navajo White on the trim and a crisper, purer white on the features (such as a fireplace mantle) can really add depth.

French horn is super-rich, so I'd use it sparingly. In this palette, French horn would be the accent.

 

~Michelle

 

May 18, 2011 12:03 PM
Anonymous
Melissa

I am in paint options hell.  Please help.  I have been trying to decide on paint colors for months now and feel lost.  we more or less have an open floor plan and are going to paint the whole area so options are endless.  We are working on a tuscan style so i'd like to choose tuscan colors...earthtones and such without looking too blah or dark.  with an open floor plan it doesn't leave too many options or variety I should say.  I will try to describe the layout.  you walk in to our sitting room which leads into our dining/kitchen area which leads into our living room.  I am hoping to use 3 colors...4 if possible without looking too busy but they ALL need to flow and work together...I was looking at burgundy and sage green...taupe...tans and cream colors but I just can't decide what will work together.  Our furniture are black and cherry wood...we have sienna (reddish brown) leather sofas.  our kitchen is light wood at the moment but hoping to change to a cherry color soon.  Was considering the green or taupe for in there so it can work with either if we don't get to changing them.  Sorry i fthis is all hard to follow.  any help would be appreciated.  there is one wall that runs through the living room and dining room so I figured i'd do that as a cream color so it will go with the other colors i choose for those rooms.  hope to get some good ideas ;)

Jun 01, 2011 01:12 PM
#118
Michelle Molinari
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Melissa,

I feel ya. Don't fret!

The types of colors you are talking about are very rich. I don;t know where you are located, but I'm in Louisiana and that type of scheme is prevalant.

I'm gonna steer you in a lighter direction, because your house will look fresher, and your belongings will shine better if the walls are not doing ALL the talking.

 

Scheme A. is:

  • BM Olive Branch 2143-30,(One of the most popular greens BM has) on the first wall.
  • BM New London Burgundy HC-61 on the middle wall.
  • BM Smoky Ash 986 on the back wall.
  • BM Opaline OC-33 for the trim.

Scheme B. is EXACTLY the same, except:

  • the middle wall is BM Castleton Mist HC-1.

As you can see, the B. scheme gives the furniture, art,  and accent colors their proper place and does not overly compete. A dramatic wall color is useful in an area of a home that really needs it. It makes a great frame, like around a fireplace to call attention to it. But too much (such as a whole wall) and the focus get skewed to the wall and not the other items. Walls should support the main characters, not upstage them, especially if you have nice things.

I would be careful to treat the walls as what they should be: background. I would keep the scheme tighter toward subtle neutrals with a hint of color, than full blown saturated colors.

Also, notice the way the eye flows into each space in the B. part of the example image. Strong contrast stops the eye. If your area is open concept, painting each wall from a totally different color family will chop that space up into segments, making it appear smaller and less cohesive.

So, my advice is to think less in the direction of 3 specific color families (burgundy, sage, and tan or taupe) and treat the space with subtle sophistication by backing off on the contrast and going more neutral (not totally neutral, though) Also, it will take longer to get tired of, and you won't be back in paint options hell anytime soon.

 

Good Luck,

 

~Michelle

Jun 01, 2011 03:52 PM
Anonymous
Karen

Michelle, thanks for the tips on French Horn!  My husband and I decided to paint French Horn on only one short side of our two story entry and around the front door.  We decided to use Cedar Key on the first floor powder room across the hall because it looks GREAT with our modern cherry wood vanity with a black vessel sink with white polka dots, black toilet.  We are using benjamin moore wood violet as an accent wall on the second floor cathedral studio.  We were going to use RICH CREAM as a flow color, but aren't sure if it looks right.  Also tried calming cream, but it seemed really pale, especially next to the French Horn.  We have spice cabinets in the kitchen with black countertops.  Any suggestions for flow colors troughout?  Super White is our trim color.  We like the navajo white you suggested, but weren't sure if it was too light for the whole house as a flow color? Our flooring is brazilian slate in the entry and front room (gray with hints of rust and gold).  Our hardwood is Brazillian Koa (tigerwood) and there is a black spiral stair case in the center of the house.  We are also considering Fusion, Fieldstone, Rockport Grey, Chelsea Gray in place of the taupe to accent living room because our black rug with ovals (wharhol line by Sphinx) has many colors including a gray that runs thru it.  Sorry for the long post.  I am about as overwhelmed as it reads.  Going crazy with these color selections!!!!  Your input is greatly appreciated!

Jun 02, 2011 03:49 AM
#120
Michelle Molinari
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Karen,

Rich Cream is very nice, and performs as very light, yellow-like butter color. It sounds to me like your furnishings and finishes are very dark &  intense, and high-contrast in comparison to Super White as a trim. Your space could greatly benefit from a bridge color (flow color) that will span the gap and make all these contrasts make some sense. That color cannot be as light & bright as Rich Cream. You need a color with some more weight, in the mid-tones. Consider something to bridge the contrast that is deeper in tone like Indian River 985 (background color here and as specified on the paint strip):

 

 

Stone hearth would also work.

I would imagine with such high-end finishes, you also have wonderful lighting installed, so these richer colors should perform as a soothing backdrop for your other selections. It will calm down the contrast between the whites & blacks, and pull it all together. If these are too deep for your lighting or tastes, consider once again the Cedar Key, and use it in the main areas as well as the powder room.

 

~Michelle

Jun 03, 2011 03:18 AM
Anonymous
Karen

Thanks sooo much, Michelle.  I am getting those samples!!

Jun 07, 2011 05:13 AM
#122
Anonymous
Jody

Karen,

my son likes BM Caliente AF 290 for his ceiling (9 ft ceiling)- Smokey Taupe 983 for his walls.  Do you think they would go well together.

If not can you suggest any other color for tha walls.  He is sold on the AF 290

thanks

Jun 12, 2011 09:33 AM
#123
Michelle Molinari
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Caliente is great color, and it would go great with Smokey Taupe, but only if the room has very low natural light. If the room has average natural light, it would not be a suitable paring, and look kinda like chewing gum-gray during the day.

Otherwise, I suggest a deeper shade of taupe along the same lines, because Caliente is super-dramatic, and would require an equally rich but less dramatic color to play the straight man that keeps Caliente in line. Consider Indian River 985, only two subtle shades darker than Smokey Taupe.

 

Best of luck,

 

Michelle

Jun 12, 2011 12:57 PM
Anonymous
Melissa

me again...thanks for the visual  i didnt realize i received a reply back til now and have gone for more samples aahhh  now we have bm rustic taupe bm dry sage bm vellum  do u think those would go ok together?  too much contrast?  i so wish you could see it we have that somewhat of an open floor plan  should i maybe include pictures? could you maybe tell me which of those colors may be good or what could go with them? thanks so much

Jun 12, 2011 01:31 PM
#125
Anonymous
melissa

I wanted to try and include pics but I can't figure out how...I need three tuscan style colors...earthy colors...above you suggested olive branch new london burgandy and smoky ash...I know you are trying for the lighter side and I appreciate and want that but I also want it to be a tuscan look and those pictures don't really come across that way to me.  As stated above I was thinking vellum for my living room with the dark brown furniture..if someone can explain to me how to include pics if that would help with the visual i will be more than happy to do so.  I am very desperate for help here...and my painter comes in 3 days...i've been struggling with this forever.  I just don't want to make the wrong choice.  4 adjoining rooms with tuscan style colors...a few i liked were the  dry sage, wethersfield moss... rustic taupe...concord ivory..vellum...weston flax...any ideas on how i can incorporate some of these colors and still create a nice flow...

Jun 12, 2011 02:06 PM
#126
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Melissa, Join Active Rain as a member, I think it's free. Or email me at Michelle@FeatureThisDotDotDot.com and I will post for you. 

Regardless, your color scheme you would now be thinking about would look like this:

 

 

I think it looks good for where you are trying to head!

 

~Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jun 12, 2011 04:56 PM
Anonymous
melissa

i thought i had joined  haha  i like that i think.  does it flow ok? which colors are those?  was newly considering pine cone brown instead of the taupe but not sure.  i definitely want to stick with tuscan colors  wondering about vellum pine cone brown or taupe with the sage or a terra cotta color instead of sage.  what do you think?  i will try to become a member in the morning.  wondering what you think  god you have no idea how nice it is to have you to discuss this with  i am going crazy  seems silly but....

Jun 12, 2011 05:17 PM
#128
Michelle Molinari
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I donlt think you joijed, or your name at the bottom of your responses would like me to a profile.

That image above was the color scheme you mentioned:

  • BM Rustic Taupe
  • BM  Vellum
  • BM Dry Sage

~Michelle

 

Jun 12, 2011 05:35 PM
Anonymous
Melissa

Thank you so much for that...I thought so.  do you think pine cone brown would be a better choice over the rustic taupe and/or a terra cotta like color instead of the sage green?  that is what I am brainstorming about now haha

Jun 13, 2011 06:18 AM
#130
Michelle Molinari
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Melissa - I prefer the taupe/green myself.

 

Jun 15, 2011 02:24 AM
Anonymous
Jody

Mitchell,

Thanks for the help on Caliente red & Indian River.

Please help with the hallway colors on each side of the 2 story large Family room (21' x 25')& foyer (24' x 25').

Family room (21' x 25')color on walls & ceiling is wilmington Tan HC-34 (ceiling is going to be coffiered, can you suggest a color for the coffers as well - I like them in white)

Foyer (24' x 25')color on walls & ceiling is Jackson Tan HC-46 (ceiling is going to be coffiered, can you suggest a clor for the coffers as well - I like them in white)

Kitchen color suggestion which is off the family room would be helpful as well.  I have dark cherry cabinets & off white coffee glazed Island with a seinna bordeau granite top.

Thanks

Jun 19, 2011 07:53 AM
#132
Anonymous
Jody

Mitchell,

Thanks for the help on Caliente red & Indian River.

Please help with the hallway colors on each side of the 2 story large Family room (21' x 25')& foyer (24' x 25').

Family room (21' x 25')color on walls & ceiling is wilmington Tan HC-34 (ceiling is going to be coffiered, can you suggest a color for the coffers as well - I like them in white)

Foyer (24' x 25')color on walls & ceiling is Jackson Tan HC-46 (ceiling is going to be coffiered, can you suggest a clor for the coffers as well - I like them in white)

Kitchen color suggestion which is off the family room would be helpful as well.  I have dark cherry cabinets & off white coffee glazed Island with a seinna bordeau granite top.

Thanks

 
Jody
Jun 28, 2011 03:13 AM
#133
Anonymous
Christina

Thank you all for the color suggestions. I'm in need of  a little advice. I have a hallway into my home that I have painted BM shaker beige, and I love it.

 

From the Hall you enter an enormous great room that is open to upstairs, currently it is some color I don't like....

 

Beyond the great room with 17 foot ceilings is the ktichen when I have painted BM Indian River, and I love it.

 

Does anyone have a suggestion for what I should put in this enormous space (there are seven large windows), the space goes up the stairs and to the second level with several doors. Any help would be appreciated!

Aug 24, 2011 04:09 PM
#134
Anonymous
Lisa

I'm trying to find a dark brown color that will coordinate well with BM Guilford Green, Monroe Bisque, and Quiet Moments.  Any suggestions?   BM colors only please. 

Aug 27, 2011 05:06 PM
#135
Anonymous
Delaina

Hello, I am getting ready to paint my entire down stairs and I'm in desperate need of some help!! My walls are all white, which I hate. I love color!! My home is the typical 2 story foyer, with the DR on the right and LR on the left with a opening to the breakfast nook then to the right is the kitchen, a hallway is between the DR and kitchen. I would like to have a golden beige color for the foyer and hallway, maybe vellum color. A green color for my DR and a gray taupe color for my living room. In my breakfast nook I have a chair rail with beadboard on the lower half of the walls so I was thinking of maybe a spainish color red on the top of the walls but not for sure if it would go with the gray taupe color in the living room. For my kitchen I would like to have a light taupe since my cabinets are white and I could use red and black accents. I forgot to mention that I have walnut hard wood floors throughout. My colors may seem dark but I have lots and lots of windows lol. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If my colors don't flow well together please tell me!!

Sep 09, 2011 04:22 AM
#136
Anonymous
Carol Walls

A designer I've worked with mixed two colors that are available at BM if you ask them to look up the formulas.  They are Molinda's Gold and Robin's Red.  They are both in my home and I love them!  The Molinda's Gold goes with everything.  They can be ordered from any Ben Moore in the Atlanta area, so I would think you can get them, as well.

 

Oct 05, 2011 02:20 PM
#137
Anonymous
Roseann Freadrich

What BM White would go good with my  Phidalphia Cream walls and ebony colored hardwood floors? What would be good accent colors? Thanks in advance for the advise!

Nov 07, 2011 10:07 AM
#138
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Roseann,

Okay. What you have is a dark floor and a rather rich wall color. So far so good.

The trim needs to be a rich white, not a cold, flat, bright white. Good on you for asking advice here, and the right white will make the whole room glow, and the wrong one will make it glare.The floors are nearly black, so to keep the contrast  on the comfortable side, the white has to be what I call a way-off white (basically a french gray - a warm, very light gray). It will work everywhere else in the house and on cabinets, it will look 1000% better than a super-clean and clear white (we call the "plain white, " and it looks like crud most of the time and we see it everywhere).

The white I am suggesting is customized to suit your color scheme and dark wood.

Also, you'll want to factor in the color green in whatever you do, because no room is completely dressed without plants, so green is going to end up in the room no matter what. So the accent colors need to play well with everything that is going on, yellow, light gray, nearly black, and green.

Consider these two for an unexpectedly fresh and exciting palette:

Nov 07, 2011 12:06 PM
Anonymous
Chris

Can someone help me? I currently have around ten samples on my wall and the sad thing is, I don't really like any of them.

Currently we have a house that is fairly open. The kitchen is Indian River and reads green all the time, a dark deep green. That opens up to a very large 16.18 space that is two floors, the second floor has a balcony looking down and off the balcony are all the bedrooms. This wide open space, first and second floor are dying for a color. The space has 6  3x7 windows, it gets a lot of natural light. In this space the Indian river looks very gray, very dark, the shaker beige  looks very cold and gets washed out.

Leading off this large room is a dark hallway in shaker beige. It looks dark in there with little light.

Nov 07, 2011 11:17 PM
#140
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Chris,

It seriously sounds like you are battling the lighting, not the colors. I have a paint color suggestion, but please consider these facts first:

1. Paint colors have an assigned LRV number(light reflective value) to help designers and lay-people determine how a paint color will perform in an area. The operative word here is "reflective". Paint color cannot perform well without a good source of light.

2. Natural light is influenced by:

       A. the directional source of said light coming in the windows (Northern light, Souther light, etc).

       B. The size and type of screens, glass, window treatments, and positioning of window treatments.

       C. Whatever color-influence is going on outside the window ( e.g. lots of green trees & shrubs filtering the light will affect the color!)

       C. The time of day.

3. To acheive that glamourous look like a decor magazine layout, the average livingroom should have a minimum of 7 sources of light.

Okay. So, consider a mix of these kinds of light fixture options

  • Tubular Skylights* (best value option by far... no electricity use and helps really resale value)
  • Recessed Can Lighting (always looks amazing)
  • Directional Track-type Lighting (aimed at artwork and walls) 
  • Uplights (for dark corners, placed on the floor behind an attractive plant)
  • Great Lamps

So, I suggest you fix the lighting issue first, before you change the color of the walls. It will change everything.

But, if you only want a solution for your Shaker Beige problems, this might help a little bit:

Just remember, color is the byproduct of the spectrum of light, as it is reflected or absorbed, as received by the human eye and processed by the human brain.

So...No light, no color.

* Tubular skylights can cost less than $190 and never need electricity or bulbs replacements, cast a fantastic natural glow, and don't have the leakage issues of previous types of skylights. They are also a big plus that buyers love when selling your home.

Good Luck,

~Michelle

 

Nov 08, 2011 01:14 PM
Anonymous
chris

Michelle,

WOW!! You see exactly how both the Indian River AND Shaker Beige look in my house!!! That's exactly how the Indian River looks and exactly how the Shaker Beige looks in my lower lighting areas. I should have been more clear, the area to be painted is the very highly lighted two story room with balcony with bedrooms above, so it is a very light room. There are six 3x7 windows plus a door to the outside. There is constant light, very little greenery outside, we are on top of a hill and in the distance below we see a lake, but the water plays no role in the lighting reflected back to us.

Thank you so much for understanding my predicament! You are the first one to understand what the colors look like in my house! The large room is open to the kitchen which is the Indian River. The hallway is at the other side of the large room at a 90 degree angle from the kitchen. So it's the large room I'm looking to paint with it's tremendous lighting. I'm thinking the Lancaster Whitewash might still look good but will it look okay with the darker shaker beige hall? There is large white molding between the space.

Nov 08, 2011 01:26 PM
#142
Anonymous
chris

I almost forgot to mention, I actually really like how the Hallway looks, it's really warm and inviting, the same could be said for the kitchen, so it's this in between space I don't know what color to put on the wall!

Thanks again, I'm amazed you were able to put a picture to what I've been trying to describe at the paint store!

Nov 08, 2011 01:29 PM
#143
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Chris. Glad I was able to envsion your problem. I used to do color consulting in a paint store for two years straight, and listening to people describe their color problems and helping them without actually being in the space became second nature. You were a good describer!

If the space is large, with large windows that let in a lot of light, Lancaster is probably going ot be too light  & bright as a transition color between Indian River and Shaker Beige.

I am going to suggest something with a little less brightness and a little richer to  work as a "bridge" color  between the large livingroom space with the Indian River kitchen on one side and the Shaker Beige hallway on the other.

Consider this instead:

~Michelle

 

Nov 08, 2011 03:44 PM
Anonymous
christina

Michelle you must have helped a great number of people with this. I have asked so many people and come up completely empty for suggestions.

Funny story, I put the Indian river in that bright space, my husband looked at the kitchen which looks green, looked at the big room and told me it wasn't the same color!!! It came out of the same can!!!  He still doesn't believe me!

Will the White Sand as shown look like that with all the bright light? Or is that in artificial light? If the White Sand looks like that in the bright light, that was really the color pallet I have been trying to come up with but was completely unable to, and have probably spent 150.00 on samples!! Amazing, thank you so much, I can't even begin to thank you enough! I feel like I will be out of this paint madness quickly now!

I do have one other room to ask about when we can square this great big room away. I only want to do this room ONE time, my sanity depends on it!!!!

Nov 08, 2011 04:00 PM
#145
Michelle Molinari
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Hello Chris,

Yes, that is the color in bright light. It's a very warm and light gray... pulls a little bit on the taupy-green coming off of the way Indian River is appearing in your home,  and also on the golden tones in Shaker Beige.

Very funny about the Indian River! We have had similar episodes and arguements. The worst was when we had a consultation in a livingroom with a laundry room next to it. Both were the same color, but the laundryroom had flourescent lighting. The great warm rich taupe color in the livingroom looked like nasty gray barely-cooked hamburger meat in the laundryroom. It was from the same can. The  lady did not understand we only needed to change the laundry room color, or her lighting, but not both.

Lighting can do funny things. Natural light on cloudy days coming in from windows light can sometimes act like flourescent light, which is a color-sucking monster. Then there are real flourescent lights, which should all be destroyed off the face of the Earth. The average person does not seeem to understand that this lighting makes you ugly, makes your food ugly, makes your spouse and kids ugly, and is depressing as all get-out. People don't need mood elevators or street drugs, they just need to STOP installing flourescent lights in ANY PLACE that is not a straight-up garage to park your car. And even then, it will make your car ugly.

And, FYI,  Indian River is one of my very favorite colors by BM!

 

~Michelle

 

Nov 08, 2011 04:22 PM
Anonymous
chris

Now that is a very funny story about the laundryroom and your view on flourescent lighting! I agree with every word, flourescent lighting should just go away!  After this experience with my husband and the Indian River I'd believe any type of story like this as odd as it sounds... seriously that color couldn't be more different in my great room if it tried!

Before I go get a sample of the white sand, I should have mentioned that I have honey maple flooring and stairs, would that match with those or should I look at something a little darker?

Thanks again you are a life and money saver! Hopefully this saga will be over today... then we can talk about my dining room, the last room in the house to be painted (that's the one I already painted and don't at all like after two months!) It comes off the other side of the kitchen and gets no light, it is completely open to the shaker beige hallway and a darkened version of James River Blue across from that. The James River Blue Room gets a lot of light, they darkened it as much as they could, it looks great.... the furniture in the room is a red mahogany. I put a dreadful gray on the wall that turned like a dead green (it looks really awful), that room has two windows but there is a porch overhang that blocks any and all sunlight.

I'm glad you like the  Indian River! I do too, but only in my kitchen with it looking green, I really don't care for it in the great room, looking so very dark and gray!

 

Thanks again! I can't wait to get this color picking over with :)

Nov 08, 2011 11:29 PM
#147
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Chris,

It will look great with the maple. Go for it!

~Michelle

Nov 09, 2011 01:28 AM
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Chris,

Yes, Muslin will work well also!

~Michelle

 

Nov 09, 2011 01:51 AM
Anonymous
Kim

Michelle,  Trying to find a neutral soft warmer Taupe for a very open and lighted space including kitchen, dining room, and living.  I am struggling finding a color that will work with the kitchen cabinets and light taupe carpet.  I am able to find color that works with both, but pink and too many brownish or camel tones come through.  I like the lightness of like Shaker Beige, but need to find that same softness with a hinge of taupe.  Do you have any suggestions?  My walls are beginning to look like military camo.

Dec 05, 2011 04:03 AM
#150
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Kim,

If you like Shaker Beige, but need a taupe-y tweak, consider either Coastal Fog  976 (no pink) or Smokey Taupe 983 for warmth without going too far into the camo zone!

~Michelle

 

 

Dec 06, 2011 02:57 AM
Anonymous
nancy

Love this blog!  I just used Shelburne Buff HC-28 for my family room and I would like a darker accent of this color or complementary color for my dining room,  Any suggestions, I'm feeling overwhelmed looking at all these colors.

Dec 20, 2011 02:03 AM
#152
Michelle Molinari
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Hi Nancy, Consider Woodstock Tan HC-20 for much richer tweak off of Shelburn Buff.

Dec 20, 2011 02:28 AM
Michelle Molinari
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If anyone is looking for more color advice, I have started facebook fanpage now just for people to ask questions about paint color issues they are experiencing:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Color-Fairy/209740532431339

 

Ask away!

 

~Michelle

Dec 30, 2011 02:15 PM
Anonymous
tgrace

Help,  I need something that will look good with shelburne buff.  I've painted my family room this color and I love it.  I will be painting the living room with this color and need a color that matches/contrasts well with shelburne buff for my dining room.  I just picked up paint samples and I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Jan 03, 2012 08:59 AM
#155
Michelle Molinari
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Hi tgrace,

 

If you ask your question at https://www.facebook.com/colorfairy I can answer your question much faster.

Shelburn Buff is a great color and many colors can work with it. I particular like it with rich creams with a touch of yellow. Tell me a little bit more about your dining room, and what direction you'd like to head, such as wheter or not you just want another neutral like Shelburn, or if you are thinking you'd like more actual color.

~Michelle

Jan 03, 2012 10:49 AM
Anonymous
Tgrace
Thanks for your quick response! I added you to my facebook and I'm excited to take a look. Some of my paint samples I threw on the wall include: Woodstock tan (which you suggested!), Alexandra beige, Northampton putty, Huntington beige, Rattan, and Decanter Buff. I guess I was looking somewhere in these tones so Woodstock tan was a great choice. Amongst these colors what would be your second choice?
Jan 04, 2012 04:41 PM
#157
Anonymous
Thrace
Hi Michelle, I also forgot to ask what fun color choice would go with shelburne buff, if I dare. I have lots of fun colors in the bedrooms and bathrooms, but have stuck to neutrals in the downstairs area.
Jan 04, 2012 04:45 PM
#158
Michelle Molinari
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Indeed, I see you did join our facebook page! Good for you and for us.

I have an answer to your question.

I can post my answer to it there and I'll also copy/paste the answer here.

Looking Forward,

~Michelle

 

Jan 05, 2012 05:30 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Love these suggestions. I'll have to check them out. I'm always looking for new colors.

Feb 01, 2012 07:08 AM
Anonymous
MML
I'm refinishing my basement. It will be a kids play area as well as extra tv/sofa area. Am debating between Spanish olive and dried basil. Will Spanish olive be too light and airy. Will dried basil be too dark? I want some color but also want the space to feel cozy.
Feb 08, 2012 03:01 PM
#161
Anonymous
MML
Ooops those colors (spanish olive & dried basil) are Benjamin Moore of course!
Feb 08, 2012 03:02 PM
#162
Michelle Molinari
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If your basement does have a lot of windows, Dried Basil. Otherwise, go for Spanish Olive. Need something in the middle? Consider Mosaic Tile 1517.

Feb 10, 2012 10:11 AM
Anonymous
Teens
Hi Michelle, I just recently painted my living room Smoky green by Benjamin Moore. I know this color is more popular for bedrooms and kitchens but I loved it so thought I would take the plunge (after having a dark warm color) and give it a try. I love the fresh, bright space it provides. Now I need some color accents to go with it. My furniture is dark brown with dark coffee tables. I have some silver with it now but need a color that pops I think. What do you think?
Feb 21, 2012 11:01 PM
#164
Anonymous
Beth

I found this blog in my online mission to find colors for my home. I love Benjamin Moore paints and definetly will go with them. I have such a beautiful home but no sense design or color although I have been able to identify preferences I have such a fear of painting in color. It takes a lot of encouragement for me to go for it. Don't know if anyone might have advise but I would be so open to  it and willing to post all before and after's and promote the site.

I don't see how to post photos here so here is a link to my spaces on my blog.

http://frombeths.blogspot.com/p/painting.html

 

I have been using the Color Application by Benjamin Moore to try colors and have landed on these type of colors palletes

Shale 861

Silver Song 1557

Cotswald AF -150

herbal escape 1487

pashmina af-100

weimeraner AF-155

 

 

May 18, 2012 11:12 PM
#165
Michelle Molinari
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Beth, I just contacted you at your etsy web page about your color dilemma!



May 19, 2012 08:17 AM
Anonymous
chris

I have put up Revere Pewter in a room with limited lighting, there is an adjacent hall with almost no natural light, I was thinking about carrying the Revere Pewter into the hall, but at full strength, it's too dark. Does anyone know (or have a picture) of what Revere Pewter would look like at 75% in very low light? The hall looks directly on to a 17 foot wall of North Creek Brown. In the low light I'm finding green's are not working in general, I've tried a few whites that were too light and really did nothing for the space. I'm looking at Edgecomb gray, but it's really not impressing me so much. I have a bit of a design dilemma..... I should also say directly on the other side of the  hallway is a James River Gray at 125% strength. Maybe I should have gone with something other than Revere Pewter, but it seems to look good.... any suggestions for this hallway or the strength of the Revere Pewter?

Jul 04, 2012 01:12 AM
#167
Anonymous
Cindy

We bought a house that all the trim in it is painted Revere Pewter.  I struggled with what to do for about a year, change the trim or work with it.  Benjamin Moore Indian Rain is on the living room and bath walls now and it is beautiful!  The rest of the house is done in White Dove on the walls but am going to perk up the guest bath with a vibrant color.  Any suggestions?

 

Dec 02, 2012 02:51 AM
#168
Anonymous
Gea

Hello,

I will be painting my family room soon, any advice would be greatly appreciated. The room has a cathedral ceiling and the fire place wall is completely covered with brown-red bricks. The carpet will be replaced with natural oak wood floors. I was thinking of BM Monroe Bisque, as my main color and BM Chocolate Truffle, as the accent color wall. The accent colored wall adjoins the kitchen (sage green and cream) and dining room (sky blue). Also, I was debating if I should paint the ceiling in either BM Frappe or BM Mayonnaise. I would like to stay with a country type of feel. Thanks!

Jan 01, 2013 01:42 PM
#169
Anonymous
Kylie

I love this site and wish I would have discovered it months ago. I am new to this WIDE world of color consults and decorating, but am hooked! We bought house with a very open concept floor plan. We're fairly conservative and are considering selling the house in 5-10 years, so I'm looking for safe, but tasteful options.

We have chosen greens and neutrals for our downstairs. Cabinets/Trim are White Chocolate, countertops are New Venetian Gold, Brazilian cherry hardwoods, foyer will be Grant Beige (unless persuaded otherwise)...Other adjoining rooms are berkshire beige AC-2 and Hampshire Gray (HC-101). Now to finalize the kitchen/living room color. We are tentatively going with Clarksville Gray (HC-102), but I'm worried that I might tire of so much green. (I'm starting to feel like my color palette is straight camouflage! :) ) Any recommendations for alternatives for the kitchen/living room that are similar to Clarksville Gray, would look great with Grant Beige, and would compliment NVG granite and White Chocolate trim?

Feb 21, 2015 10:11 AM
#170
Anonymous
Andrea

Hi, I have biscotti paint on basement walls with beige sectional couch and cream colour ledge stone fireplace, what colour should I paint basement floor, trim is off white.

Jul 22, 2015 11:28 AM
#171
Anonymous
Deb

I have Grecian Green in a hallway with Simply White doors and trim and am about to pull paneling off the living room walls, which connects to it. I either have to choose a different color, or stick with Grecian Green for that room, too, and put a chair rail and a different color below it. Maybe making boxes of a third color, which I have seen in some on-line images, but I am clueless about coordinating color. The furniture is beige leather.

Any suggestions?

Apr 12, 2016 12:29 AM
#172