Project # 2 Paint the Dining Room

One Saturday morning not that long ago I woke up, walked down stairs and said to my husband "I know this is nuts, but I'd really like to paint the dining room today."  

You're probably thinking what's so crazy about that.  Well, Saturday is my sleep in day.  Hubby gets Sunday, and it was almost 10:00 when I made this proclamation.  There were piles of laundry to be done, dishes in the sink, and other half finished projects that really needed my attention.  I didn't have paint on hand and hadn't even chosen a color, a process that usually takes me days.   

To my complete surprise, hubby replied "Sure, but you should probably go get paint soon.  Oh, and you can pick up lunch while you out."

The dining room in our new home wasn't a horrible color exactly.  It was "livable" and in another house might have been charming.  But the color wasn't us.

The dark cinnamon walls gave the room an oppressive quality which had been downright gloomy in the dark rainy days of winter.  I desperately wanted it gone, and getting lunch was a small price to pay.  But one problem remained.  What color should I paint it?  

I ran and grabbed my stash of paint chips.  NO RED!  Yellow? Not so much.  Orange?  Ha.   Blue?  Not for a dining room.  Green?  Did that in the last house, and while it was nice, I wanted something fresh, something happy.  Something that felt good.  Maybe aqua or turquoise, but what shade?  I was at a loss.  

The green dining room in our old house, taken the day we moved out.

So I pulled out my favorites including one I really loved but thought too bright.  I knew my husband would never go for it but included it anyway and  presented the "short list" to him.  

And here it is, the one I thought my husband would never pick. 

The dining room in our new house, freshly painted.

 It is from Valspar, part of their Historic National Trust collection.  It's called Lyndhurst Duchess Blue and I adore it.  The picture will never do it justice.  This is a very dynamic color.  Depending on the ambient light, the whole mood of the room changes.  It morphs from being classic, refined, and serene to vibrant and energizing with a very modern feel.   Just stepping into the room makes me feel happy no matter how yucky my day has been.

The room still has a long way to go with decorations and furnishings.  Someday soon, I hope to rework or replace the light fixture, and add a real dining table (don't tell anyone, that's a folding banquet table under that table cloth).  I like this table from Pottery Barn, but hate the price.  Might have to build it myself.

And what did my hubby have to say about the finished room? 

"Looks good!  I like it!  You know, you really should do the Laundry Room next."     

Hmmmm..........