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Monday, August 4, 2014

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP


The kids spent Friday evening with their grandparents, so my husband and I had a hot date that stretched out for a day and a half...painting our ceiling!  Our sore muscles are still recovering today, but we're both SO happy with the result.


After lots of samples, I chose Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan, but it's mixed at 25% strength.  I really wanted a light, almost white color that still had some warmth to it without being yellow.  In our house with our lighting, this one was just right.  It's so interesting how the color changes so much when you alter the intensity.  You can see in these photos how it also has just enough color that the bright white crown molding still stands out.

By the way, don't make the mistake I made the last time we painted the ceiling...always use flat paint on ceilings!  It will help hide any flaws and you'll avoid strange reflections on the ceiling.


Here's the original color.  It never seemed that dark to me until we got the lighter paint over it.


I'm 99.9% sure that I'm going to use the same color on the wall.  I painted around the entry so I could get a good idea of color.  You can see a faint rectangular sample over the left lamp-that one is the same as the ceiling.  The rest of the wall is Manchester Tan at 50% strength.  It's the same color that Emily has in her new family room and kitchen.  I LOVED it in her house, but it's reading a bit too yellow in mine.



Here's a shot down the hall, there's the original color again and my many samples that I've been trying out.


We're planning to tackle the walls right after the kids go back to school in a few weeks, but I don't know if I can wait that long!  This small taste of lighter and brighter has got me anxious for more.

Don't forget, if you haven't linked up for Best of the Nest, you have until tomorrow.  Remember, it's one link per person, and we'd love to consider featuring you but only if you've given a link back to the party in your post.  We love seeing what you've been doing in July!

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Would you like to comment?

  1. Painting the ceiling is no small task for sure. I think it looks great!!

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  2. I hope you aren't as sore today! That is my least favorite thing to paint, trim is a close second! xoxo

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  3. oooh this reminds me of the looming ceilings i need to paint..... looking good!

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  4. The ceiling color is perfect, can't wait to see the rest all done.

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  5. Ahh the life of busy parents and DIYers. We have had many similar "hot dates"! ;) Good luck with the further paint selections!

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  6. Love the new lighter color Jennifer and love it on the walls too!!

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  7. I'm dying to see it all finished! I remember when I did mine, I couldn't stop, love that instant gratification! :)

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  8. We just repainted ours in a lighter color and love it so much! I had to hire a painter I cannot take painting anymore! Good for you to tackle it- looks great!

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  9. Great choice in colors! My ceiling was painted right before we moved in a bright white, I would love to tone them down a bit, but because of the high ceilings, I would need to hire someone, and I know my hubby would never go for that right now.

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  10. Looking great! I never realized your ceilings were that dark until now either. Love the lighter shades - I'm so drawn to those in our new house too :)

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  11. I've haven't ever painted a ceiling before. It looks great!

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  12. It's amazing what a difference a little paint can make. It looks great!

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  13. Painting the ceiling is one of the toughest and most hated jobs I could think of! Happy for you dear and it does make a difference!

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