Monday, January 30, 2012

Getting Paint Right...It Isn't Always Easy!

If you've been reading along, you know my attempt at painting the walls in my kitchen a deep gray/blue was a disaster. {see here} So I immediately decided to go back to the original color, I didn't want to look at it for more than a day!

However, irritated at the idea of completely wasting the effort it took to paint the space, I decided to return to a lighter color using a series of washes, instead of just rolling on a new layer of the original color. Perhaps I could return the walls to their lighter state while retaining a hint of gray peeking through.



I'm not going to say it has been a quick process...

First a layer of the original color, SW Universal Khaki, was washed over the SW Foggy Day. Hum. Too much gray showing through the color. So I went a step lighter, adding more layers using SW Softer Tan, the cabinetry color. 


                                                And the family keeps asking, "you're painting, again?!"




Yes. Yes I am.


But look, it's nearly there! I'll keep you posted.
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28 comments:

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

You are so good at putting in the hours to produce really gorgeous rooms. I'm so looking forward to seeing how it all turns out!!

Sarahx

Design Esquire said...

Looking good! I think you made the right decision to let some of the darker color come through, and I certainly admire you for all the elbow grease you're putting into this project!

By the way, I mention you and your old post on how to make drapes on my blog today. Thanks again for all the time you put into that series of posts, I learned so much making those drapes.

Janna McCalley said...

You mean the kids aren't used to it yet??
I remember my mom and aunt would get together and sometimes we'd wake up to find most of the house had been painted new colors. She was constantly redecorating!
I love your idea to turn a "mistake" into something brilliant!

L.Duncan@SisterWithStyle said...

Oh its looking so much better! I did love the grey blue color, but I totally saw where you were coming from with the cabinets.

I just blogged about finding the right shade of blue. I'm gonna try not to drive myself crazy during the process. You know my history with finding the right color!

I meant to ask, what did you do over by the brown chalk board accent wall?

Janell @ Isabella and Max said...

Does nothing get by you Lakeitha?! I simply painted right over the chalkboard strip, I'd gotten tired of it. So there. Didn't think anyone would remember or notice. :)

Janell

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Janell, wish I had your energy! Kids, magazine and projects! I am impressed..

The enchanted home said...

The small peek I am getting of your room is GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Love it...and how well I know all the trials and tribulations of painting and repainting and allowing the cycle to repeat itself until you get it just right!! Well done:)

amber wallace said...

So far so good! I am eager to see how it turns out. It looks like it will be well worth the added elbow grease!

Jean @ Flower Hill said...

Can't wait to see how you turn this mishap into a design triumph. I'm sure it's heading that way!

allumer * decor said...

Looking great... everything blends beautifully. I love a bright kitchen.

Laura@Elegant Nest said...

Thanks for the progress reports on your kitchen painting. Its comforting to know that even you have projects that...shall we say...develop as they go along! I know I have had several of those!

The Starr Family said...

I've been watching this process... thinking you poor thing!! You were spot on about the colors, could NOT believe how the blue changed the entire look of your kitchen. Really excited to see the finish!!

ps... I have Foggy Day in our laundry/mud room and it plays very well with our distressed black cupboards. Surprisingly! Lesson learned with lighter cabinets, thanks :)

Tiffany said...

I would never have thought about doing that washing technique. I can't wait to see it finished. And, I totally understand about how hard it is to pick the right paint color. Luckily (this time) I only had to repaint my kitchen once.

Mary said...

I gotta hand it to you...that looks like too much work in my book.
Do you tape off your ceilings when you do this type of finish? Do you tape off your ceilings when you paint normally?

Business.Blueprints.Brides said...

It looks good...almost like a wall upholstered in linen fabric.

Cathy Wall said...

I like where this is going and am impressed with your "stick-to-it-ive-ness!" The layering of color is going to be beautiful and unique.
Cathy

Linda Leyble said...

Very nice Janell. It does sometimes take a mistake to create something truly unique and beautiful! Your strie looks so much better than just straight paint (I'm a decorative artist and I have been doing this technique a lot lately).

It does help to put glaze into your strie - and then you can have more working time...plus you can add an additional color right then and there (instead of doing a third time!)

But, your project looks absolutely gorgeous - and was worth all the time and trouble!

Linda

PS - Love your blog and especailly when you guest blog on Houzz!

Melissa said...

Love it! What a great way to add interest!!!

Unknown said...

What color is that that you are painting the walls back to? Always looking for a great neutral!

Janell @ Isabella and Max said...

SW Universal Khaki was the original color and using it again, with the lighter SW Softer Tan. The universal Khaki is a great neutral, a hint of gray, yet warm but not too tan.

Janell

Annie @ House on Rene said...

This is going to bring some wonderful dimension and subtle texture to the kitchen! I love that you are layering three colors. I know it is time consuming but we love you for it!

Do you have plans to do the butler's pantry too?

Janell @ Isabella and Max said...

heck no. :)

Janell

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

hmmm...I missed the first post, on my way :)

Michelle said...

You are one brave soul....

Allison said...

I like it, Janell! It creates a nice texture and really looks great with your granite and tile.

Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} said...

I am loving the texture! I think this is a good compromise!

lisaroyhandbags said...

Love this! It's going to add some lovely texture. Your cabinets look taller already :)

Dominika said...

Lovely kitchen! You can't go wrong with White!:) The pendant lamp shades are amazing.

http://www.lifeisacolorpalette.blogspot.com