Renovation Diary: Finding the Right Accent Colors

 Choosing a backsplash is not recommended for the faint-hearted soul.

Last week, I'd brought two tile samples to the house.

 

At the store, the tile and granite looked compatible.

 

 

But the fading light wasn't flattering at Rattlebridge. 

 

I'd just about decided to paint the backsplash and choose the tile later--much later.

I painted a few sample boards and brought them to a construction meeting.

Because the kitchen was flooded with light, I tested the

tile samples one last time.

 

Sunlight was a game changer.

So, instead of painting the backsplash, I'm going with tile (after I get estimates).

But I'm going to add painted beadboard to the backs of the cabinets--the perfect

backdrop for Ironstone and white pottery.

 

I love the color contrast in a piece from Ballard Designs. My cabinets would be
the opposite--light exterior, darker interior.

 

I pulled out my sample boards and set them in the cabinets. Horizon Gray is a gray-green that brings out mossy tones in the granite. But the granite is horizontal and won't be all that visible. The paint seemed wonderfully complex, changing from gray to gray-green and back again.

Rockport Gray seemed a little dark, but it worked

with the brown/beige tones in the granite.I'm trying to imagine white Ironstone in the glass cabinets and a darker beadboard background.

 

 

Just for fun, I tried a sample of BM Prescott Green. 

The cabinet doors will be installed tomorrow,
and I'll see how the painted beadboard looks
behind the glass. I'll try to remember to bring a few white dishes, too.

 

BM Gray Owl (far right) was too light. 

 

I'm returning to the paint store tomorrow for more sample pots.

I've already tried BM Cashmere Gray (too blue).

 

I like the ceramic tile. It isn't stark white, won't fight the pattern in the granite, and, best of all, it's made in Tennessee. I'm pretty sure that the tile can be cut into 3 x 6 subways.

 

I like the marble, too. It is shot through with warm streaks, but

they probably won't show up from a distance.

 

I will have stuff on the counters, such as our hardworking espresso machine and other

items. I can definitely see a topiary next to the window.

I'm returning to the Ben Moore store tomorrow to get more samples.

My GC is cutting beadboard to fit the cabinets (only the ones with glass).

He gave me a few slabs so I can paint them.I'm going to try several colors, tinkering with the formulas, if necessary.

 

So far, I've found BM Sandy Hook Gray is a lighter version of Rockport.

Galveston Gray will probably be too dark. And I've already nixed Gray Owl (though Bandy

liked it for his room). Ballet White and Winds Breath may work if the formulas are darkened.

 

Choosing paint is a daunting task. It's difficult to select a color from memory or photograph. You have to be in the room. Finding the right color comes down to sunlight, luck, and a room's unique magic.

 

Hope everyone is staying warm and stress-free during the mad holiday dash.

Thank you for visiting Rattlebridge!

 



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