We painted

My parents were here last week, and a big project we tackled was painting the stairway, parlor, and living room. Here's the entry.


Can you believe it? I painted over orange. It boggles the mind.

I LOVE orange, but not with dark brown woodwork. The wood is already warm with red and orange tones, so surrounding it with more orange doesn't show it off. And it can look a little dark and Halloweeny. I like cool grays and blues with brown wood.

We painted pale gray in the rooms and on the pillars to brighten things up (Valspar Seashell Gray). Then we added a medium blue (Soft Skies) and a dark blue (Azure Jazz) on the dividing wall. I considered flipping it so the blue was on the outer wall of the stairway, but it gets really dark up there on the landing by the stained glass window. Keeping the paint light there seemed like a smarter idea.


I think it's pretty. Plus you know what color looks good with gray and blue? Orange. I can orange up the furniture and accessories and still get my orange fix. I'm in the mood for a lobster-y red orange chair. Holler if you see one somewhere.


I love the newel post. It's seen better days, but I think it's beautiful. Especially with its new blue backdrop.