Spring is springing, and I have the itch to decorate and do projects like no one’s business. I am already signed up to work on living room lighting, and the office update begins tomorrow. Now, I also am thinking of painting all the trim in our living room / dining room / foyer a shade of green — maybe this shade of green used by Julie Dastvan in the 27th annual Historic Ellicott City Decorator Show House.
Yes, these photos are all of Julie’s beautiful showhouse design (not my living room). When we first moved in 10 years ago, all the trim was a bright white. It may have been Atrium White — which has a pink tinge. Atrium white did not please me. I began to experiment with off-whites, and with the help of a friend in the painting business, came up with a custom off-white that is based on linen but with most of the yellow taken out. I have quite enjoyed my off-white trim… and the paint finish still looks great (Graham Ceramic Satin)… but still, 10 years have gone by… and if I can muster the energy and the GUTS, I am ready to make a commitment to a true color. It may be this green, or darn close: Benjamin Moore Rosemary Sprig #2144-30.
Where did I find this color? In a story some time ago on the DC by Design blog (link gone) — and it’s this story that convinced me, my trim would/could look great painted green. I chased Julie down for the name of the paint color. She kindly got it for me. She said this green trim color was already used in this bedroom — it was the one element that she could not change and had to work with. I think she did a fantastic job. This room is just lovely — timeless, I think.
Don’t miss the ceiling — that’s stenciling in two layers, flat and glossy paint. Hey, how about I also stencil a design like this across ginormous living room/dining room ceiling; these adjacent, open rooms together measure 15′ by 45′. I have a lot of ceiling. Oh my aching back and neck. I can feel their protest already.
Interestingly, when I was initially painting my living room / dining room, I could see from inside cabinets that a minty green had once been used on the trim in my room. Intensity-wise, my 1960s (?) green seems like it was lighter than this BM Rosemary Sprig. You know the color — an almost hospital-like minty green. I am aiming for a not-too-dark, not-too-light…
…Benjamin Moore is calling Rosemary Sprig “bold and saturated.” It may be just right… Yes, gasp!, a light avocado? Shhhh! BM surely does not want that word to get out! Of course, trying to guess whether colors will work from photos and on computers only gets you pointed in a direction. Let the games and sample-pint purchases begin….
But, Reality Check: Do I have the real drive to paint all my trim, really? There are 3,000 little pieces of dentil molding dentils in the ceiling beams. 3,000! And while my DIY ambitions usually extend just as far as DIY-check-writing, painting is one thing that I do myself. My ambitions for spring updates may be an overstretch, given time and money realities.
Meanwhile, this week I will go get a sample of Benjamin Moore Rosemary Sprig. I’ve heard good things about their new Aura line of paint — it’s a latex that’s supposed to look just like oil. I’ll paint it on cardboard or something like that, though. Not the trim. So I don’t have to commit.
Credits:
- Angie Seckinger, photographer
- Designer: Julie Dastvan of Dastvan Designs (301) 330-9595
Julie’s description and source list for this project:
A regal town and country master suite created using deep jewel tones, rich textures, and handsome furnishings with timeless elegant touches and treasures from travels abroad reflect the lives of my aunt and uncle, Doris and Lee Caldwell, to whom I dedicate this master suite.
The Oscar de la Renta fabric used for the drapes and bed canopy was the inspiration for the design. Red velvet chairs with a tailored linen ottoman and a queen tufted bed draped in luscious fabrics offer an inviting place to start and end the day.
The stenciled ceiling design was inspired by a traditional octagonal coffered ceiling, and the walls were finished using a faux linen technique. The custom pinched moiré area rug has the look of a priceless well-worn antique carpet.
Finally, the irresistible draw of the balcony invites you to take in the views from the comfy outdoor seating while wrapped in a warm throw for those chilly fall evenings.
Credits:
Art/Accessories: Avery Art, 202.506.4180; Century, Henredon and Robert Allen showrooms, Washington Design Center; Hollis & Knight, 202.333.6999
Drapery Workroom: Drapery Designs, 301.330.4418
Fabrics: Kravet, Duralee, Old World Weavers, and Robert Allen, Washington Design Center
Faux Finishes: Anna-Marie Gallart and Karen Furman, 301.252.7974
Furniture: Century, Washington Design Center, 202.488-4400; Henredon and Hickory Chair, Washington Design Center, 202.554.3340; Hollis & Knight; Kravet, Washington Design Center, 202.479.0144; Offenbacher’s, 301.881-8565
Lighting: Annapolis Lighting, 301.231.4994; Hollis & Knight
Paint: Sherwin Williams, Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, MD, 410.203.2912
Rug: The Fernhill Group, 410.531.8990
Thank you, Julie! Thank you, Angie!