Golly, so many “epic” stories over the past few months (Kate and I are crankin’) that it seems like … we don’t just stop and look at one pretty room — one pretty paint color — anymore. Kind of, “stop and smell the roses.” Or: Stop and ogle the gorgeous Tiffany blue paint in Hillary’s living room. Hillary uploaded this photo in our recent festival of 176 reader fireplaces. She noted, cryptically, “Traditional FP in 1949 cottage – Hillary.” Oh Hillary, this room is so glowy! And see, everyone, how I always talk about the sun dappling through sheer curtains? Dappling! I am getting sheers for under my pinch pleats this year once and for all, that’s that. But Hill — may I call you Hill? — what is the paint brand and color — we must know. Yes, for now, I’m calling it Tiffany Blue — just like the Breakfast at Tiffany’s blue — what a wonderful mid century provenance that is. And, umm, is that a real Saarinen womb chair? And is that your grandma’s sewing machine? Your two-tone color palette, rich noble woods, mix of modern and traditional — all laid on with a light touch… with restraint: Nicely done, grl. Now: What is the paint? xoxo
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Reader Interactions
53 comments
Ashly says
I love this room! Such a great marriage between modern and mid-century. Awesome fresh, inspired space! You guys nailed it!
Jane / MulchMaid says
I adore that beautiful blue. It’s what I wanted for our living room “accent wall” but we went with a slightly deeper, bluer shade. (Now I want to repaint!) I agree about Hillary’s restrained approach – this is just a lovely room.
Pam from Nashville says
I have a very similar color in my kitchen, at least it looks the same to me. It’s called Kensington green by Benjamin Moore.
Janice says
I love sheers – always have. However, my hubbie doesn’t have the same lovin’ feeling toward them and therefore, there’s not a sheer to be found in our house. But this room makes me want them even more. What a tranquil, peaceful room. Very nicely done Hillary!
sarah v @ crafty waffles says
Hah, my hubby is the same he calls them “Grandma curtains”. Lucky for me we inherited a full set with our house so I won the sheer debate (at least in our living/dining!
Eartha Kitsch says
Very pretty! I want sheers under my pinch pleats too but the cats would maul those things in ten seconds flat. They really do great things with light.
On my monitor, the color looks very Holiday Turquoise.
linda h says
I would like sheers, but the dog could see every car and other dog being taken for a walk and always be barking and waking up my grandson from his naps. We even close the pinch pleats during naps.
Annie B. says
I could write a book about cats vs. sheers. Chapter One: “Curtain Climbers”; aka, kittens.
Jana (Berniecat) says
As a follow up thought to Pam’s previous open thread discussion about MCM minimalism, I think that Hillary’s living room is an excellent example of MCM minimalism that combines the spacious design elements, and reflects a warmth and comfortable atmosphere. She combines an eclectic style with the use of different pieces of furniture and decor that produces interest, and not a feeling of being a “sterile office or motel” type of atmosphere that some RR readers reflected about the MCM minimalist style. Again, I think it is a beautiful and welcoming living room.
Annie B. says
Soft, subtle, but stunning room. My window treatments are exactly the same as your, Hillary: light, airy, off white sheers hung from just above window frame to the floor. I have so enjoyed the changing effects of light filtering through mine.
Is your coffee table Mersman or Lane? It’s perfect for your room.
Cathy says
I have the end table that matches the coffee table. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to make it work with my current furniture/layout. So it’s sitting in the garage right now…just waiting for its place in a home! (Interested Hillary?)
Hillary says
Thank you for your generous offer, but I have a pair of blonde step end tables that I love!
Hillary says
It’s Bassett, actually, and thank you!
Annie B. says
Bassett. It’s just lovely; has so much MCm style.
Jana (Berniecat) says
What a wonderful balance of light and airy, calmness and serenity. Makes me want to grab a book and curl up in the Saarinen chair next to the window. How did you find the chair in the left corner to match your paint so well (or was it the other way ’round?) 🙂 Also, is the portrait above the fireplace of a relative? Absolutely lovely living room!
Hillary says
Sheer luck brought that chair to me. It’s one of a pair, found at a thrift store.
The portrait is of Henry Clay. Thanks for your comments!
Chase says
That is funny, this color jumped out at me when I was looking through the fireplace pictures as well! It really is a wonderful color.
Hillary says
Wow, I could not be more surprised to see my own living room on Retro Renovation! I’m so pleased you like my arrangement.
The paint color was applied 10 or 11 years ago when we moved in, and I think it was called “Strawberry Pot” by Martha Stewart. Oh, looks like it’s still available: http://www.myperfectcolor.com/en/color/58937_Martha-Stewart-D05-Strawberry-Pot-Blue
Yes, that is a vintage Saarinen womb chair. It was a thrift store find, if you can believe it. I do have a sewing machine (treadle) that belonged to my great-grandmother, but that machine is another thrift store find, a lavendar Necchi Supernova Julia.
Thanks for the shout out! 🙂