When I read this quote, I paused to think about it. Then I agreed…our eye naturally goes to objects that we relate to, and often, we are blind to those that we do not.
This book (photo), “Library House”, by Thomas O’Brien, was featured on “The Tartan Topiary”, a YouTube channel I follow. As the host flipped through the book, I caught a glimpse of many pages I wanted to revisit. I promptly ordered the book and have been so inspired. I particularly love the room on the cover, the front hall. At first, I thought it was a bold decorating choice to paint the walls an almost black colour, and then I started considering painting my hall in a dark shade too…why not? It’s so cold outside, and I have the time.
Below are photos from the book of the front hall that I took with my phone (hence the poor quality). As you can see, he kept the trim white, and the floor is small black tiles. This small space is filled with a treasure of collected objects.
Benjamin Moore Racoon Fur (LVR 6.64), left, is the colour Thomas O’Brien used in the front hall featured on the cover of his book.
I wasn’t totally committed to painting my front hall in such a dark colour. It’s a small area on the north side of the house, but on the plus side, there are double garden doors facing south, directly opposite this space, allowing ample light to flood the area. I decided to go for it. Is your (my) judgment at its best when you’re (I’m) bored, stuck indoors, with the mercury dipping into the -30C range? We shall see…
I opted for a slightly lighter shade than O’Brien. This is Benjamin Moore Gray, 2121-10, Aura Matte for the walls.
For the front door and closet doors, I choose BM Storm, AF-700 Aura Satin.
The colours together: wall – BM Gray 2121-10, the trim – BM White Dove OC – 17, and the door – BM Storm AF-700.
I, unfortunately, did not take a before shot of the project before I started. I found this photo taken of the foyer before it was “styled” for the holiday season. I must have been cleaning before getting started, as it’s looking quite stark! However, it will give you an idea of what the wall colour looked like.
The walls were previously painted Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23.
I’m no stranger to black! If you know me you will agree…however, this is the first time I’ve painted a room almost black. I do like the change, and I’ve had fun moving around accessories I had in other areas of my house. It’s a fresh look for Spring although an unconventional choice.
If I find the new look too daunting, I’m sure there will be another Arctic blast in the future when I can change things up again!
xox Judy❤️
Photos taken at different times of day.
