Pulling the Trigger

I'm standing outside the paint store Saturday morning waiting for it to open. I'm first in line, followed by several contractors all waiting to pick up supplies before a day of painting. One painter was very friendly and seemed to know everyone and commented I was first. 

I was the only one not waiting in my vehicle. Except the friendly contractor, coffee in hand, who was making the rounds. 

Well it was a bust - they didn't have my color in stock in this store. The paint is from England, specially formulated and shipped over. Luckily they had it in stock in another store. So instead of just going one town over I had to go about five towns over. Luckily traffic wasn't bad this early in the morning. And as a bonus, the guy at the other store didn't charge me for the sample I was also picking up. Makes it seem worthwhile. 

Here's the before pictures. I had nick help me move out most of the furniture. And proceeded to prep. I always forget how long prep takes. I left off patching and sanding the baseboard and windows. Figure I can work on those later. I was eager to get the paint on the walls. 

It took me about two years before pulling the trigger on this color. I pinned a million color options and even tried out a sample. What really helped was reading a blog review of someone else who had used it on their bedroom and said it was marvelous both with bright sunny light and also in the shadows. That's the problem isn't it?  The room is never in full direct light like in the fancy photos. 

Well, I was figuring out how much paint to get when I realized I hadn't finalized a ceiling color - not even close. I tried to land on something quickly and gave up. I have a curved ceiling that blends into the wall on one side. I figured I'd go for a cocoon scheme and paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. 

Well after the first color I was afraid I just threw away money on good paint. I liked Farrow and Ball because of the refined palette of colors and the richness of color - having a range of shades depending on the light. It received good reviews about being a quality paint. A bit hyped and over priced but a high quality paint nonetheless. 

I waited four hours and applied a second coat and had a sigh of relief. It was really turning into a beautiful room. As I was finishing up I noticed a spot here and there that I tried to take care of. This morning I noticed more spots and realize I should just do a third coat. I think I apply the paint lightly since I still have tons of paint left - enough for a third coat. 

Here's a not so great photo after the second coat. 

I have to wait until after thanksgiving to finish. I ran out of time this weekend. The color is Farrow and Ball Light Blue. The color is a mix between blue and grey and the name doesn't do it justice. It's a beautiful backdrop to the color of wood of my furniture and goes so well with my floors. I'm hoping to splurge on navy blue velvet curtains down the road and art frames look great on the color. And eventually I'll paint the trim in White Dove from Ben Moore. A nice crisp white. 

The sample I bought is Hague Blue a dark, rich navy blue. I was thinking it would be nice in the back room. We'll see. I have about a year before I'll decide - based on my current track record.