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