Picking Paint: When The Love is Gone
I love decorating, but I have to tell ya, picking paint colours is pretty low on my list of favorite tasks.
For me, it's a love-hate, ying-yang kinda thing. Excitement and apprehension. Gittyness and dread.
Right now, I'm trying to make some paint decisions for my basement development project and the love is gone. I'm really not having fun anymore. Actually, let's be honest. I'm in paint chip hell.
I've been through Behr's, Martha Stewart's, and Benjamin Moore's entire decks.
I mean how many shades of gray and taupe and green can one brain really process at once? Does there really need to be a gazillion? Did they miss the memo on information overload?
And, by the way, why do they call something "tan" when it is clearly gray? Or "gray" when it it so obviously tan? I swear it's a conspiracy just to fool us into buying more paint when the "gray-you-thought-was-gray-because-it-was-called-gray" was actually tan when you put it on the wall ;-).
Am I making this all too complicated? Because it wouldn't be the first time, lol.
Did I mention that I tend to analyze? And, over-analyze?
And maybe my professional background has tainted me. In in advertising and communications, colour selection is a critical element in persuasion; as much an art as a science. The psychology of a particular hue - from it's undertone to it's intensity - can be endlessly debated before a final decision is made.
But (tapping head with knuckles) it's just my basement, not a 7-figure ad campaign. I mean, really. What's the big deal if I choose Providence Olive over Sag Harbour Gray? Will the sky come crashing down?
That's it. I am putting my five short-listed paint chips in a hat and having my 6-year old pick one.
(Fingers crossed, she picks Providence Olive. Or, Sag Harbour Gray. Or...)
For me, it's a love-hate, ying-yang kinda thing. Excitement and apprehension. Gittyness and dread.
Right now, I'm trying to make some paint decisions for my basement development project and the love is gone. I'm really not having fun anymore. Actually, let's be honest. I'm in paint chip hell.
I've been through Behr's, Martha Stewart's, and Benjamin Moore's entire decks.
I mean how many shades of gray and taupe and green can one brain really process at once? Does there really need to be a gazillion? Did they miss the memo on information overload?
And, by the way, why do they call something "tan" when it is clearly gray? Or "gray" when it it so obviously tan? I swear it's a conspiracy just to fool us into buying more paint when the "gray-you-thought-was-gray-because-it-was-called-gray" was actually tan when you put it on the wall ;-).
Am I making this all too complicated? Because it wouldn't be the first time, lol.
Did I mention that I tend to analyze? And, over-analyze?
And maybe my professional background has tainted me. In in advertising and communications, colour selection is a critical element in persuasion; as much an art as a science. The psychology of a particular hue - from it's undertone to it's intensity - can be endlessly debated before a final decision is made.
But (tapping head with knuckles) it's just my basement, not a 7-figure ad campaign. I mean, really. What's the big deal if I choose Providence Olive over Sag Harbour Gray? Will the sky come crashing down?
That's it. I am putting my five short-listed paint chips in a hat and having my 6-year old pick one.
(Fingers crossed, she picks Providence Olive. Or, Sag Harbour Gray. Or...)
Labels: Basement Reno, Colours, Paint
posted by Kerri at
7:33 PM
5 Comments:
So funny that you are posting this because I couldn't agree more!!! Buuuutttt...I just found the best color...it's called Colonial Cobblestone and it's the perfect warm gray. We used it to paint our bedroom in Dec and I said to my husband "I want to LIVE in the color!" We just finished painting out WHOLE main level this lovely color...kitchen, entry, and Great room and I'm still totally smitten. As soon as I get my house back in order, I'll post pics :) Good luck, Laurel
Oh my gosh, Laurel, you're a lifesaver. I am going to check this colour out! A recommendation is so much better than my "pick out of a hat" method, lol. Thanks again!
Paint is one of my favorite things to do! I stink at the little details, like accessorizing...but love color schemes most. I'm helping a friend choose paint for her kitchen and dining room. Gray is so chic right now....all of restoration hardware is decorated in gray. Not sure for a basement, but we chose AC-26 ozark shadows (BM). Looks like a great gray, but i
I've yet to get it on the wall:)
Hi again, want more info? It's a Dutch Boy color...B13-3. I'd say it looks more "taupe" on the card but more gray on the walls. Let me know what you think :) Laurel
Lovely post.
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