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Design Dilemma Woodworking Paint

Whole house paint palette for shaded home?

2 years ago

We just laid this wide plank dark hardwood floor throughout the downstairs of our 1970’s saltbox home. We are surrounded by mature trees and the house faces west. Most rooms (especially those on the northwest and northeast corners) don’t get much natural light.

The only paint color I have felt that was successful in this house is the SW Balanced Beige pictured with my new flooring in my foyer.

What is my go-to palette considering that I need light and white colors to brighten up the place? I like antiques, traditional style, and blue/teal/gold toned accents.

Bonus if you can suggest a light but coordinating stain color for maple kitchen cabinets.

Featured Answer

suezbell

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Would not make all the kitchen cabinets dark like the flooring or you'll create a really dark vibe. You could make only the base cabinets dark but use a mostly light countertop and light or even white color above that for backsplash and overhead cabinets (even white for the walls if your kitchen is truly dark) so what is eye level is an upbeat vibe.

Like your entry wall color. Goes really well with the flooring. You could use that throughout the house, add plenty of lighting, and use white blinds on the windows ... delaying getting any other additional window treatment until you know how much natural light each room is getting.

Comments (11)

HU-187528210
2 years ago
I would go white on the walls. And do a traditional patterned blue and white wallpaper 😍
Match the base or just the island (if you have) cabinets to the floor and do creamy white, blue, yellow, black, green upper cabinets.
Rachel Cobb
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. I’m doing a blue and white wallpaper in the powder room that’s downstairs.

Didn’t think about matching the cabinets to the floor. 🤔🤔🤔
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everdebz
2 years ago
What doesn't work with current neutral? you could be happy adding items/ art you like. Colorful and/or patterned rug.
Rachel Cobb
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you @everdebz and @suezbell! I like that SW Balanced Beige and have definitely considered using it throughout. Just didn’t know if that would be too boring, or if I should go even lighter.
suezbell
2 years ago
You can find other ways to add your splashes of your favorite bright and bold colors. Even add red in the kitchen with door and drawer pulls and cast iron trivets hung on the backsplash.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/64950419601417381/

https://www.google.com/search?q=larger+red+cast+iron+trivets&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjshtDUwYnyAhXxMVkFHWlNBUsQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1366&bih=615
kelli_ga
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I have the same problem - house surrounded by trees with little natural light. I agree with using white on the walls. I would go to the paint store and pickup a brochure on using white paint colors, and also look for a paint chip display with varying shades of white. Whites come in every color of the rainbow and they can be mixed.

I have beige on my walls now and I can’t wait to paint over it. It really makes the rooms dark.

I have found that bright colors in accessories can also lighten up a dark room. I bought a rug with aqua accents and somehow it lightened up the room. Warm colors might do that as well, like pale yellows and peaches and blush tones.

Google ”rooms with white walls” to see how people are decorating white rooms. Some of them are really sophisticated. It’s an opportunity to showcase wall art that you love.
decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
This is classic. Believed to be Navajo White walls and White Dove trim.
Horse Country Home · More Info
Rachel Cobb
Original Author
2 years ago
Ahhh I love the above photo!!
everdebz
2 years ago
What is your trim color with B.Beige?

Other room - what about B.Beige, but a bit lighter?
Rachel Cobb
Original Author
2 years ago
@everdebz I want to say Origami White? It’s been up for a couple of years, but I do have it written down somewhere.

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