Benjamin Moore Paint Color Consultation with Thunder AF-685

If thunder had a color, I suppose it would be a mix of the sky during a summer storm;  dense grayish clouds with a spark of the sun hidden in the background.

Amusingly, thunder is a color in the Benjamin Moore Affinity paint collection AF-685.

Walls Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685
Woodwork Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65

And indeed, Thunder turned out to be the perfect color for this living room.

The homeowners hired me for a paint color consultation after their many sample paints did not work.

It is a traditional old house, with a beautiful collection of modern colorful art. The aim was to transform the old into the new, without losing the homes integrity and character.

Thunder, a sophisticated neutral, works wonders to add an avant-garde spirit, and unlike its name, does it in a soothing and tranquil fashion.

The juxtaposition of the lightning white trim and woodwork painted Chantilly Lace OC-65 (Benjamin Moore Off White Collection) sparks just the right amount of drama.

BM Thunder AF-685 Living Room
BM Van Courtland Blue HC-145 Dining Room

The color for the adjacent dining room, is Van Courtland Blue HC-145 from Benjamin Moore's Historical Collection.   It's a dusty gray blue, and adds depth and warmth to the dining room.

The homeowners preferred white ceilings, so I specified Benjamin Moore White Dove 0C-17, a darker white than the Chantilly Lace, to emphasize the crown molding.

BM Thunder AF-685 Living Room
BM Kentucky Haze AC-16 Sitting Room

The other side of the living room opens into a sitting room.  We chose a smokey blue, Kentucky Haze AC-16  Benjamin Moore American Collection.  I always had a crush on this color, and this was the first time I specified it out.  Forget the crush, I think I'm now in love.

BM Davenport Tan HC-76 Cabinets
BM Pashmina AF-100 Wall

The kitchen was a challenge.   The cabinets were painted a 2 tone bright light and dark green.  Meanwhile, the  pinky beige backsplash did not get along at all with the earthy granite. The floor tile did not relate to anything.  The wall color was a saturated yellow with orange undertones.  It was a colorful train wreck!

BM Davenport Tan HC-76 Cabinets
BM Pashmina AF-100 Wall

I had to be a magician, and come up with a bold statement.  I needed a color that would tie the granite and floor together with the cabinets, overpower the pink undertones in the backsplash, and flow with the overall theme.

Mission accomplished with Davenport Tan HC-76 Benjamin Moore's Historical Collection.   This rich complex color creates a cohesive color scheme, and reflects the homeowners refined taste at the same time.  

BM Pashmina AF-100 Wall
BM Chantilly Lace OC-65 Trim

Once the cabinet color was chosen, the wall color came naturally.  A rich neutral Pashmina AF-100 in the Benjamin Moore Affinity Collection proudly took its place.  It looks great with the BM Chantilly Lace.

My clients worked passionately with me in my interactive approach to choosing the paint colors.   Together we picked colors with meaning that expressed their personalities and lifestyle.

I am now involved in decorating the living room.  Looking forward to visually balancing out the existing flooring/fireplace, and the new paint colors, with decorative furnishings.  More pictures to follow.

Just had a thought about Thunder.  The color that is.  Perhaps BM named it Thunder because they knew it would go beautiful with so many other colors.  Kind of like the rainbow after the storm.  And speaking of storms, the Affinity collection has a beautiful color called Storm, but that is another whole post that I will save for a rainy day.

Paint Color Consultation for Gyesky Development & Design

I am delighted to work with Gyesky Development & Design as a color consultant on their Greenwich Connecticut projects.  Their superior workmanship is evident in every detail, providing a phenomenal canvas for a color palette.

They are currently building two developments; Orchard Place project with two homes in Bruce Park, and Swan Cove project with four homes on the Mianus River.   Additional posts and pictures to follow.   (These gorgeous spec homes are for sale)

The following home is part of the Orchard Place project.  

Wall Paint Benjamin Moore Dinner Party AF-300

So, lets start with my favorite, the dining room.  Although this a spec home, a dining room is still a wonderful place to introduce color and drama.

This sophisticated, deep red paint color, warms the entire space, and goes beautifully with the rich mahogany floors. Notice the red is carried through to the adjoining butlers pantry to the left. And to the right through the living room, you see a glimpse of red from the entry doors in the foyer.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

Here is a view of the fabulous kitchen looking past the butlers pantry into the dining room.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

A creamy yet vibrant yellow paint warms the elegant kitchen. (Notice the soft grayish blue paint in the hall)

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

The kitchen is filled with high end stainless steel appliances, painted wood cabinets with inset doors, and granite & marble countertops.   Notice the elaborate crown molding above the cabinets which continues around the entire room, adding warmth and interest to the high ceilings.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

Exquisite woodwork is everywhere.  I love the repetition of the arches and columns throughout.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

Here is a close up.  Once again, notice the light grayish blue paint in the hallway.  It whispers serenity, and harmonizes lovely with the yellow walls.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Horizon 1478

 Rich double doors, stained in a deep red color, welcomes all graciously into the home.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

The stone fireplace adds to the warm ambiance of the home, and anchors the space with its weight and earthiness, making the room feel stable and timeless.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Cedar Key

The living room wall is painted is a warm neutral taupe. (I just love taupe colors, and spec them out frequently)  Notice the beautiful coffered ceiling, and marble fireplace to the right.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Marble White OC-34
Fireplace Benjamin Moore Mink 2112-10

And speaking of fireplaces, there is a third fireplace in the master bedroom.  The wall color was kept neutral as a creamy off white, while the fireplace makes a statement with its deep mink color.  What a wonderful large balcony to wake up to!  Once again mahogany floors throughout the second floor.

Wall Color Benjamin Moore Dinner Party AF-300

I must end this grand tour with my favorite.  For I am helplessly drawn into the dining room whenever I catch a glimpse of its radiance, like a deep dark ruby, calling my name.

Oh how I wish I could experience it in candlelight.  With the fireplace roaring, Bach playing, and the smell of a homemade peach cobbler pie warming up in the oven.

Yes, color consulting with Gyesky Development & Design on their fine projects, is a sheer delight.