Need Help with Wall Paint

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 2:26pm

Ok, I know this isn't exactly the perfect forum for a question like this, but I'm sure there's someone out there with some insight for me!

I'm painting my living room, and I've come to a bit of a problem. My original plan was to make one wall navy blue, the other three a very pale blue color, nearly gray. The blue wall is done, and I love it. I painted one wall in the light color, and hate it. The color is a lot paler than I thought it was going to be, I see very little difference between the paint and the other walls that are merely primed.

Basically, what I'm asking is if there's any practical problems with painting the whole room in navy blue. The room is also full of stained woodwork (which looks excellent in combination with the navy). Any suggestions/ideas?

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 2:31pm

Go with the blue. My entire room is a navy blue and it really adds a lot.

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 2:32pm

I've read that blue is a "cooling" color. What does this mean, exactly?

[peach]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:12pm

Cooling = calming.

There's no practical problem with painting the whole room blue. The only thing is you will probably need a few coats to *really* cover it.

Suggestion - bring the paint can you used for the first wall back to the store when buying additional paint. Then, they can match the color exactly. Sometimes, even with the same formula the color of a subsequent batch can come out slightly different. Letting them mix it aginst a "swatch" you already have is what's best, according to the what the paint guy told me.

Have fun!


Updated On: 7/24/06 at 04:12 PM

[Mandi Moo]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:14pm

You could always pour a bit of the navy blue into the gray-ish blue.

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:16pm

Thanks everyone!

[MistressoftheHouse]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:22pm

Navy blue could either be a problem or an asset to a room if it is on all four walls, it depends on what is in the rest of the room. Blue is cooling and calming, but is there anything to brighten it a bit to keep it from becoming a dark almost cave-like space? If there are windows, what color are the curtains? Some bright whites might help the navy from becoming over-powering.

I think if you like the navy, keep it, but try to bring in some warmer colors or maybe white or tan as neutrals to keep the room from becoming too dark.

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:27pm

Well, I'm starting pretty much from scratch. I dont have curtains yet, and there are three windows - one large one on one wall, and two smaller ones on the opposite. Also, for lighting, there is a ceiling fan with a light, and I'll be using at least four lamps throughout the room.

Also, in the 2 of the corners of the rooms, there are large dormers (its the third floor of an old building, and the roof kinda cuts in). These will be remaining white, the color of the ceiling. They will definately break up the navy a bit too.

Thanks for the advice, mistress!

[MistressoftheHouse]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:30pm

No problem, it sounds really nice. You've thought a lot about the lighting and ways to work with the navy to keep the atmosphere how you want, which is really good. I hope it turns out great!

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:31pm

Paler blues and greens are more calming. I think of navy as being more dramatic and sophisticated. Make sure you have decent lighting for your space.

I say go for it! It's only paint and you can always change it later on. Too many people are afraid to experiment with color. Another idea is to break up one wall with something complementary like a bold navy and white striped wallpaper (I loooove stripes and toile!). I also like MistressoftheHouse's suggestion about mixing in bright, pristine whites.

Have fun!
Updated On: 7/24/06 at 04:31 PM

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:39pm

Also, I thought of something else that will break it up - I have several framed window cards that will be hung in the room. Each 14x22 window card is in a 20x28 frame, so there is a white border around each one. More breaking up of the navy. I think I'll go for it. Thanks everyone!

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/24/06 at 4:41pm

I love redecorating!