Teen Bedroom: Painted Walls

So, about that coronavirus, is it over yet? One of my introvert friends told me that when she was quarantined for a different illness, she made it 34 days before she missed social interaction. I’m proud of myself for making it all the way to the end of the social distancing announcement. Thank goodness, I can still go running and wave at people.

The good news is that supplies and unfinished projects surround me. There is plenty to keep this blog hopping, including an update on my daughter’s room.

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Last week, we recorded a little overview of the project. This video was originally posted to IGTV, but I’m working on developing a YouTube channel too.

Right now, there is a bit of a public access television feel to the BHH videos, but I’m committed to improving. Maybe that should be the Blake Hill House tagline: Committed to Improving.

Choosing Paint Colors

M. loves deep, saturated colors. She was taken with Duck Green by Farrow & Ball. However, at $110 per gallon, I suggested that we visit our local Sherwin-Williams store instead. We planned to ask them to color-match it in their Emerald line.

Once we arrived at the store, we discovered that the Duck Green formula was unavailable in their computer system. So, M. compared the shade to Sherwin-Williams colors, and she settled on Isle of Pines for one wall, and Pure White for the other three.

Isle of Pines looks frighteningly bright in the can, but once it is dry, it darkens into a rich warm green.

Take a peek at that original window and little cast-iron floor grate too. It’s all in the details with BHH. I can’t get enough of them.

We haven’t touched the trim yet. It is the same white as always. However, the woodwork is due for some TLC, and we both love this slight variation between the shades of white.

I do not miss the orange stripes nearly as much as I thought I would.

Painting Tips

Here are a few helpful hints for professional-looking results.

• Sand the edges of stripes or stenciled patterns smooth with a detail sander or orbital. If you skip this step, the edges of your pattern will show through the new paint color.
• Primer is cheaper than paint, so use two coats of primer if your fresh color is lighter than the one you are painting over.
• I use and recommend the Handy Paint products. I prefer the small pail when I am cutting in, and the tray with a roller. (Liners sold separately.) The Handy paint tray is deep and sturdy. It doesn’t scoot around on the surface as you are blotting the paint roller back and forth. I’m a recent convert to Handy. They sent me some products to try during the fall One Room Challenge, and I took them immediately. Pro tip: Do not throw away the liners. Instead, peel off the dried paint, or once the old color is completely dry, feel free to pour a new shade right on top of it.

There is still plenty of work to do before M. can move back into her room, but the freshly painted walls make it all feel more real.

If you are currently in self-quarantine, what are you working on at your house? If you are a healthcare worker or in another essential field, thank you for doing what you do.

PS: If you see a crazy lady waving at you. It’s me. Please wave back.