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Paint Remodeling DIY

painting a low lit room all dark. trim should match or be white?

3 years ago

I am planning on painting a fairly large office room in my house all dark (think SW dark knight or dark green/blue). The room has built ins floor to ceiling that I was planning on painting to match. I was planning to paint the ceiling to match, as well as the trim. Worried it might be a bit dark if I paint the trim, starting thinking of painting the trim SW alabaster, but what if I kept the dark color on the trim but just lowered the value a decent amount? Thoughts?

Also, I have two bi fold doors in the room that I will be adding a slat look to it that will be painted to match. My flooring is very light wood tile look.

Comments (8)

Christina
3 years ago
Can you post a picture of the room? That sounds like a lot of dark colors going in 1 room but need to see room and any inspiration pictures you may have.
Camille Moyer
Original Author
3 years ago
Will post shortly, we are remodeling the rest of the house so it’s full with our stuff. Let me check if I still have the listing photo of the room.
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There are two ways to go with white exterior paint for body of house. Warm white or cool white. Both colors you have selected are slightly cooler while still in the yellow hue family. The main body color will drive color choices for trim and steps. For example, with cooler offwhite black would work better for trim. For warmer body of house, a dark brown would be best. Which way would you lean?
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I agree with applepieorder and RL Relocation as well. That whites do not always have to match totally. Secondly, I notice that you have window sills only (no other molding apparent on the windows. If you want to, you could paint just the sills as a diy project, but you know, I believe I agree with applepieorder that you don't HAVE to. I would enjoy your wood blinds like they are, and make that decision down the road.
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The only practical reason for not painting the white trim is how tough it will be to go back to white later...your new color loses it impact with all those doors painted bright white...if you love the green i would paint over the doors to get the full effect...or at least the solid doors ...which will be easier to paint and re-paint later
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Marylee H
3 years ago

Inchyra Blue - Farrow & Ball - both gloss + matte on the same wall.
Camille Moyer
Original Author
3 years ago
This is the room now. I will be removing the wood panel and will be skim coating the entire room.
PRO
JudyG Designs
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
If I can get a minute, I will take a photo of my “dark” room. I have a slider and two windows, which opens to a Belgian block terrace. It is a basement room and light is fleeting (East). I painted walls and ceiling B.M. Racoon Hollow in eggshell finish and trim in B.M. Super white, semi-gloss. You have a white floor. I don’t. (taupe wool wall to wall), but all my furniture is white. I love it. If you have a spot (replace the fan?) add a chandelier which also shoots light up onto the ceiling.

In your case the molding is not of importance, so paint it the same dark color.

One caveat, the natural light you do get will affect the color. From which direction does it come? For instance, let’s say it’s North light. I would choose:

B.M. Dior Gray
Christina
3 years ago
You could do it all the same color but I would go with a high gloss on the trim so it gives some separation between the walls and ceiling. I agree you should do some lighting that will shine the light on the ceiling, it looks like you could use another light on the right side of the room unless it's just not pictured. I'd also bring in a bright and/or busy area rug so your eyes don't just go straight up to the dark ceiling when you enter the room
Camille Moyer
Original Author
3 years ago
The floor is actually a light wood look now, and the trim will be craftsman style so still nothing to crazy. The right side of the room has two sets of bi fold doors (one for washer and dryer and one for storage) it could use more light for sure. Love the idea for. Shine on the trim!
Christina
3 years ago
Take a pic when you're done I'd love to see how it turns out. I really like dark offices, unfortunately ours here is open but maybe if I install some french doors I can do mine a deep dark green like I've always wanted

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