After looking at and dealing with chalky builder’s paint on the walls for 5-1/2 years…..and figuring that having the interior of the house painted isn’t going to get less expensive over time….. I decided to bite the bullet and at least start the process.

In an open concept style of house – there aren’t too many options when it comes to managing a large job in phases – and phases it will have to be for budgeting purposes.  Phase 1 will have to be the Great Room, Kitchen, Dining Room, Hallways and the wall heading down the stairs to the Lower Level + all trim and doors in these areas.  Since one runs into the other, you can’t stop once you start!!! The Main Level Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Laundry can wait until Phase 2 and the Lower Level until Phase 3.  Closets may end up being in Phase “infinity”.

Now that I had determined how to proceed, I had to find a painter.  My regular guy is meticulous, does a fantastic job, but is slow and therefore expensive.  I interviewed 2 other painters and settled on one who comes recommended by neighbours – and who provided a very reasonable estimate – besides – I liked him.  Feeling comfortable with somebody who is going to be in your home for an entire week is important.

So – now I know what is going to be done and who is going to do it.  All that is left is to choose the paint colour.  Oh My God!  All I want is a neutral with “some colour” to provide contrast with my white trim and ceilings, trending toward the taupe vs the beige.  Well – easier said than done.  Those little colour strips you can bring home just do NOT tell you how the paint will really look on your walls.  I have to be sure – it’s a lot of wall and a lot of money to end up hating the colour!!  There are so many undertones to these neutral colours….some are pink, some yellow, some green and some purple……yes, purple!!!

Once I had selected a particular paint colour from the little colour strip, I purchased a “test pot” and painted two coats on two different areas of the house (different lighting).  I did this 6 times….and hated them all.  Now what?  Shares in Sherwin Williams ???   Bring in the experts!  I hired a paint colour specialist/decorator to help me solve my dilemma.  This sounded like $75 well spent.  She has recommended a grey/taupe.  It definitely doesn’t look pink, yellow or green – but once again, I have to paint a splotch on the wall to be sure.  She also recommended a matte finish vs eggshell or satin.  That set me back – I haven’t used anything but eggshell EVER.  Apparently paint quality has improved to the point that matte finish is washable.  Imagine!  I will have to think about that one though.

The proposed colour – called Alpaca – is now on the walls in both great room and dining room.  It is really hard to focus on my paint splotch (about 12″ square” ) and not look at all of the other colours that are up there, including the existing paint which tends to be a pink beige.  I have done 2 coats and will now let it dry really well – tomorrow will be decision day.   Hmmmmm – so far, not sure.   It’s pretty grey.

Decision made.  Alpaca it is.  My painter, though, is a smart guy.  He will buy 1 gallon and completely paint one wall to let me see it in quantity (and with the best quality paint) to be sure – before moving on.    We start April 15th.

Wish me luck!

Sue