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Paint Home Decorating Design Dilemma

Paint suggestions for continuity from light-filled rooms to dark rooms

6 years ago

Hi. I have selected BM Elmira White for the main living area of my home which gets a lot of northeast, east, southeast, and southern light due to many windows. However, when you turn a corner into a darker hallway with darker rooms, the color goes a dull gray. Does anyone have suggestions for colors that are similar to Elmira White, but perhaps a little lighter or brighter so they don't dull down in the darker areas of the house? Or if what I am asking isn't realistic, I am open to any suggestions that will help keep as much of a seamless look as possible. I attached 2 photos so you can see the difference. The colors are not really accurate but you can at least see what I mean.

Thank you!!!

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Comments (5)

Darzy
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I would suggest 50% Elmira white for the darker rooms. Or, increase the lighting in the darker spaces. I also suggest replace your electrical plugs and lights switches to white. With a little DIY instructions, you can do this yourself inexpensively. Just be sure to turn off the electrical at the box.
Jen V. thanked Darzy
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
My thought is that you will still have a seamless look since it is still the same colour, but the look will reflect the nature of the reality of your home. Your home does have varying degrees of light, so it's perfectly fine if the paint shows differently in those lights. It will actually make your house feel less static and more alive if the paint has nuance.
Jen V. thanked miss lindsey (She/Her)
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I dont think it is the paint that is your problem. The problem is the lack of light despite a good sized window. Once those cabinets are taken down (had the same problem here), you will notice a huge difference. I also had lights put in all 4 corners of my dining room, and a new chandelier put in the center of the room, right over the table. What was once a dark dreary place, is now full of light, and its bright and cheerful, and used every day. I didnt go dark with my paint. I used Sherwin Williams Blue Iris (its really aqua), in the dining room, and kitchen and the hallway. It is one of my very favorite colors. Wait til the cabinets are down and gone, and see if yours doesnt brighten up a whole lot. I also agree, you need a nice colorful rug on the floor under the table. The table also should be centered with the light fixture above, and maybe change out the light fixture to one that hangs down. More of a chandelier type. Here are the proper heights for hanging a chandelier over a dining room table, depending upon your ceiling height. Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.
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Girlmom101
3 years ago
Jen v. i would love to see elmira in your home if you have any photos... thank you so much!!!!
Jen V.
Original Author
3 years ago
Here are a couple of photos! I think the best way to describe it was a really great balance between a gray and a beige. I really loved it and may use it again in my new home. I tried to pick pictures that showed the color looking a little different depending on the light. In the room with the lamp, the lamp is throwing up some yellow but the paint does not cast yellow. I hope this helps!
Jen V.
Original Author
3 years ago
Also note that I had a darker hallway that was windowless and a darker bedroom. In those spaces I went with Feather Down, which was lighter than Elmira. But the paint colors were compatible and did not appear different from room to room.

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