Friday, April 2, 2010

Paint Purgatory

I'm stuck in paint purgatory. I can't seem to make a decision. Paint is so tricky, and in this case, I'm repainting most of my downstairs and some of my upstairs, so I'm trying to be smart about it. Ah, the joys of "open floorplans."
I like my house. I really do. But being able to see from one room to the next poses certain decorating challenges. Would I prefer a house that has separate finite rooms? Yes. Is that going to happen? No. So, I need to work with what I've got. And I've got a lot of wall space.


After almost four years of living here, we're finally getting around to painting these walls. The previous color isn't offensive. In fact, what I choose will probably resemble it. I've got to go neutral, and I tend to lean toward warmer tones as opposed to cooler ones. I know beige can be boring, but when the same color is in the entry hall, family room, kitchen and upstairs hallway, bold color is not really an option.
So, now I'm surrounded by swatches and tiny bottles of Benjamin Moore sample paint. 
So, do I go with Interlude?

Or Kangaroo?

Then, there's always Shaker Beige.


I would like to go a little lighter, but my husband is worried it won't be warm enough. New Orleans interior designer Gerrie Bremermann loves a color called Papaya, and I must say I'm liking it too.
But it is a little light.

This is kind of what I'm going for . . . it's Farrow and Ball's "Biscuit" (according to House Beautiful). So, I looked on F&B's website and there is no such color listed. Agghhhh. Plus, I'm not sure where I'd even find Farrow and Ball paint anyway.

Now, I'm more confused than ever.

Does anyone have a "go-to" warm neutral that's not too pink, not too gray and not too green? I'm getting desperate.


Sources: MIL and House Beautiful

16 comments:

A Perfect Gray said...

ohhh, babe, I feel your pain...this is my eternal dilemma. I did order a sample page from Farrow and Ball - but I am like you - where to get them locally? I like the Sherwin Williams quart samples - have been thru sooo many of them. My flavor of the day is sherwin williams amazing gray. it's warm and delicious. good luck and keep us posted!

Missy said...

New to your blog, but I do love Benjamin Moore's Manchester Tan and Bleeker Beige. Good luck in your quest...I am going to check out Papaya. Nothing can be more frustrating, been there.

Anonymous said...

I recently used Benjamin Moore's Monroe Bisque to lighten up the hallways of my center-hall colonial. The walls look great and we have received lots of compliments. It is not too pink, gray or green. It comes in the small sample size.

My Interior Life said...

Thank you so much, PG, Missy and Anonymous. I will be heading back to the store today and will pick up some MORE samples.

Thanks again for helping me on my paint quest!

Julie said...

Hi,
My entry, stairs and upstairs hall are Monroe bisque -- for me it's a little too yellow. My living room is shaker beige and I'm happy with it. Also, Bradstreet beige is a good one. I agree with the other recommendation for Manchester Tan and Bleeker Beige. I know people who have used them and I really like them.

Good luck! I picked all my paint colors before we moved in because I wanted it done when we weren't living there--dumb move. Other than my living room I want to repaint everything.

My Interior Life said...

Thanks, Julie! I do like Shaker Beige so that's still an option. I picked up a sample of Monroe Bisque but I think my husband is going to use his veto on it because it is very light and a little yellow. They don't make a sample of Bleeker and were out of the Manchester. I picked up a couple of others and not they're all starting to look like each other.

I basically, just need to quit floundering, go with my gut and pick one!

Thanks for all the suggestions - I really appreciate it!!

Matt said...

how 'bout tan?

arrione said...

Ok, that first picture of your living room looks as good as any magazine picture you've posted.... Whatever you choose is going to look fantastic!!!!

style chronicle said...

Kangaroo looks a little pink in the picture. Of your current choices, I like Shaker Beige. I second the recommendation for Manchester Tan. One of my favorites is BM's Elephant Tusk but it will probably be a bit light for your husband's tastes. I feel your paint choice pain! We have all been there. Good luck!!

My Interior Life said...

Thanks, Arrione. And, Sarah, thanks for your recommendations. I'm going to head back today and see if I can find Manchester Tan in a tester size. I'll also going to check out Elephant Tusk - I love the name!

Thanks again!

Haven and Home said...

I do love Manchester and Bleeker- although Bleeker can go a little cool (that does not bother me since I love a gray undertone). Also, Wheeling Neutral (ben moore) always looks good.

kayce hughes said...

Try lighter...you might like it.

Sarah Gray said...

Ah, the open floorplan, wonderful but dreadful for painting, I too feel your pain! I just painted my family room wheeling neutral and have really liked it. It is nuetral but still makes a statement. Monroe bisque is def too yellow for whole house, bleeker beige is a decorator favorite for an all over neutral. I think the biscuit is too close too white.good luck!

Anonymous said...

I realize this post is old now, but I happened upon it and want to add one bit of info:
You can still get F&B Biscuit (or other colors). I recently had my local paint store look up the formula, and had it made up in BM Aura paint (I don't live near a F&B store, and it was winter time, so not a good time to mail order paint). It is a beautiful color that I used in my library, and now want to repaint the rest of the downstairs in a related color, such as F&B cream.
Also, look at F&B Cord, another lovely tan color.

Patricia said...

I’m definitely going to have to start following some of these blogs, I just recently got into reading blogs and I’m absolutely loving them so far.
Austin Powder Coat thank you!

Joana said...

New to your blog, but I do love Benjamin Moore's Manchester Tan and Bleeker Beige. Good luck in your quest.

Joana | Columbus Drywall Pros