Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I'm A Woman, I'm Allowed To Change My Mind. Paint Color Choice.

So, I was all set to paint the front area of my home Sherwin-Williams 6150 Universal Khaki and had even painted test "swatches". I was happy. I also had my mind set on doing the painting myself. The ceilings are high, but that is why I have a Purdy Extension Pole to attach to the roller. (It's also not a bad workout.)

Not once have I hired painters to paint a single wall in any home...EVER. (I made an exception with my kitchen cabinetry, very smart move.) You see, I have such a hard time giving up cash for a job I am really good at myself. Over the years this has meant climbing up on ladders to edge walls in 18' rooms as well as renting scaffolding to paint crown molding perched high in the sky. But really, there comes a time when it simply makes no sense to continue risking my neck, as well as spending hours painting, when I could be working on a client's project and billing instead!!

So I called Carlos, from LIC Painting, the company that painted the cabinetry. They did such a great job on the cabinets I would have a hard time considering working with any other painters. Plus, he just stopped by and gave me a quote I could not turn down.



Funny thing happened, however. Once I decided to pay someone to do the job I started to question my paint choice! Do I really want Universal Khaki or do I want to keep all the main areas of the house the same color, continuing the Quiver Tan from the Family Room throughout the house? So up went new test swatches of Sherwin-Williams 6151 Quiver Tan. It is quite a bit darker, but looks really good. For some reason Universal Khaki looks great against all the light cabinetry in the kitchen, but in the area surrounding the Living Room it appears cooler.

Universal Khaki



Quiver Tan



Quick, I need to make a decision before the painters show up.
Which color would you select?
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27 comments:

kim said...

I vote for the darker color. It will make for a more dramatic entry. Glad you're hiring some of this out. And even more happy that you got a great price. I'm sure your painter appreciates your business!

Mom of 2 Cuties said...

I know what you mean in regards to paying for something you can do yourself. But once you have the work done it feels great and know sore shoulders! ;)I like the Quiver Tan and lean towards the darker dramatic look and it appears like you have lots of natural lighting so not to have the rooms look cavernous. By the way how is the project going with the clients you dispalyed several weeks ago? Enjoy your day!
Maureen

Mom of 2 Cuties said...

I meannosore shoulders..I need to edit myself! Sorry!

pk said...

I like the Quiver Tan. Not that I don't like the other color (it's so pretty in your kitchen - loved seeing the photo again...) but I agree with the Quiver Tan for the rest. Good for you that you're having someone paint it! Can't wait to see the reveal. Have a good day!
pk @ Room Remix

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I think Quiver Tan because you are second guessing your other choice for the foyer, and that sends up a red flag to me. I also think Quiver Tan will be more dramatic in your entry. Either will work, but listen to your instincts.

I wish I had listened to my own instincts when I painted a room with a Benjamin Moore color that just "misses." I became fixated on picking a color out of an antique oriental rug that would make the rug pop. Now, I'm not using the rug in the room. LOL! Hence, I have to do the whole thing over in a darker color because I really don't like the color with the other furnishings. At least I didn't do this with painters. I think I might hire some to help me with this next job. ;-)

Lindsey @ Better After said...

Every color I picked for my house I thought was just right, until I actually painted it, then I wished I had gone darker. I have tall ceilings and lots of windows... but I also have dark floors, so the lighter colors just seem to get washed out... but also, I don't really know what I'm talking about, you're the pro!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I like the Universal Khaki, but that's just me playing it safe by going with the lighter of the two.

AnNicole @ OurSuburbanCottage said...

Oh - I hate that feeling when you just can't decide between two colors. Ughh...

I know both of those colors well and they're both beautiful. In fact, I chose the paint colors when we redid our offices and I went with Relaxed Khaki which is a shade lighter than Universal Khaki. I know what you mean about it leaning towards the cool side in certain lighting.

Long story short, I think you should trust your instincts and go with the Quiver Tan. I think you'll ultimately be happier with the contrast and drama it will bring to your entry. (In my ever so humble opinion :-) ).

Clean Design Fan said...

That Quiver Tan really seems to work, I think it will really provide a nice backround and frame for that space.... Just sharing my opinion and thanks for asking!

Lana said...

Seeing some of your old post. it seems like you have good lightning at your foyer. Bec. of that i go with the Quiver Tan.

Wow, i can't believe i'm commenting on your color choices. its nerve racking to think that i'm only your no.1 fan/copycat.

Either color i think it will look nice.
How can a PRO. go bad?
Just follow your creative mind,
I'm sure it will be awesome!

Chris said...

I think the lighter one , you pics are so tiny , do you have the small selected it would be nice to see them bigger please, such a pretty house.
chris
Just Beachy

Judy said...

Wish I could help but I'm just like you....I always question my choice once I THINK I've made up my mind. Go with the darker and if you don't like it BEFORE the painter gets done, just switch to the lighter shade for him to use. Right now I'm trying to decide what color to paint my sunroom and bedroom. The painter owes me one free paint job and I'm anxious to collect!

Judy

LindsB said...

I am the same way...I change my mind all the time. I vote for the darker color, I love the way it looks with the other colors you have in the house. But then again they are both great choices...sorry I'm no help :(

L.Duncan@home23duncanboys said...

This is so funny because I'm getting ready to post about the same thing! I would choose Quiver Tan if I were you! Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Hi! First, I have a question, what happened to the Comfort Gray SW 6205 in your foyer? Are you painting over it or keeping it? Anyway, here is my two cents: SINCE your new office space is already Quiver Tan, (right?), I think if you kept the foyer and adjacent areas a lighter color, it would help your office color to stand out. I'm actually thinking about something even lighter than Universal Khaki! Sorry if this is throwing a monkey wrench into things. If you do go with Quiver Tan, could you consider doing a wainscoting of picture frame molding to differentiate the entry areas from the expanse of Quiver Tan in the Living Room and Family Room? - L in Michigan

Lauren said...

oh i am no help today- braindead. but i do think they both ould work beautifully.

sorry!!
xoxo

Averill said...

My vote is for the quiver tan -- but I'm a sucker for darker wall colors!

Wendy said...

I have universal khaki in our guest bath and it looks great. But, my REAL favorite: basket beige by Sherwin Williams. We have it in our living room, entry hall, and guest room! I just couldn't stop myself! It's dark enough to provide contrast, but neutral enough to coordinate with just about any color scheme.

sarah @ realestatestyle said...

I would stay with what you know and like, Quiver tan!

Jen R. said...

I say stay warmer. I change my mind all of the time and then wish I had stayed with my first choice!

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Quiver tan! Can't wait to see what you pick out!

Danielle @ Transforming Home said...

I like the darker color.

Danielle @ Transforming Home said...

I like the darker color.

Southern Aspirations said...

Great options! Don't think you could go wrong with either, but for the entry way, I'd do the quiver tan!

Paula Grace Designs said...

Wow, I like the quiver tan too. I used three colors in my home dependant on the light. All the colors are variations of the same color (tints and shades).

Vanessa said...

I'm right there with ya sister! Love to paint myself, but forget how much hard work it really is! I'm loving the Quiver Tan!

AN-G said...

I really like the khaki...i love it with the white trim