"Lights-Check" "Primer-Check" "Paint-Check"

Kevin went back to work on Monday, so progress has been slower, but still ongoing. On Monday, after work, Kevin installed the recessed cans. On Tuesday, he put the last coat of spackle on the walls. On Wednesday, he sanded the spackle and then we painted. I emphasize "we" because I actually helped. My Mom watched the kids for 2 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, so I could help Kevin. I did the cutting in part and Kevin "rolled the shit out of it" (an actual quote from him). I am THRILLED with the wall color. It is something that people will either love or hate. I love bold, bright or dark colors. I am not a pastel person at all. Not that I don't like it in other people's homes, I just don't like it in mine. My living room walls I hate because they are too bland. (Someone once told me to pick the color you like on the color wheel and buy the color in a shade lighter, usually the color above it. We followed this advice for the living room-the first room we painted- and I hate it. Why would you not buy the color that you love in the first place?) Kevin had to trust me on the paint color for the kitchen because I could tell he didn't like the samples. He won't admit it, but he does know I was right.

We decided to do 2 complimentary colors. The side walls are a color called "light copper". It has hints of peach and yellow, basically what it is called, it is a light copper. The back wall and parts of the front wall are "dusted bronze". It has hints of orange and copper. Together they look fantastic. Again, the pictures do not do it justice. It gives the walls a very "southwestern" feel.

To finish the walls, there will be wood wainscoting around the bottom (we weren't lazy and didn't finish painting to the floor). There will be crown molding at the top (which is why we didn't risk painting very close to the wood on the ceiling). In the corners, there will be a wood strip going down. We didn't want to try to paint the corners too close and have it look sloppy rather than finished.

I think instead of the traditional dining room table, we are going to do a corner nook with benches. It is very "Montana cabin" but I love it. It will balance the room with the peninsula and door on the other side. Again, a lot of people will say "eww" but I can see it in my head and I know that we will love it.

I think it is funny that people come to our house and they do comment on the wall colors. They always say something like "I prefer light colors in my house, but I love yours". I can see behind their eyes they are wishing that they could try it. I think they are afraid to take the risk. It is only paint. A good coat of primer will cover it if you don't like it. I also think the older style of thinking is that a dark color will make the room look "smaller". I think if you accessorize the room with light accents like curtains, furniture, etc. that it doesn't make the room look smaller, in fact it compliments well and you notice the accessories more.

Hey Trish- I should apply my house coloring skills to my wardrobe right? I am so afraid to take a risk with my clothes, but will take the risk with my house. With clothes, I could decide not to wear them, but my house can't be balled up in a drawer! Go Figure?

I promise to buy some outfits with color to wear to Florida. (Aunt Chris-we are not sure if the project will be done by the time we come down, but you are right, we need the vacation). Any fashion tips, outfits, or store recommendations are appreciated!

In the meantime, I will try to apply my painting taste to my clothes and will try to keep you posted on what I buy. Here's to Emily actually opening her wallet and buying clothes!

Aunt Patty and Meg- I will try not to "choke" again ...

Here you can see the primed walls and the new recessed cans.

My "hot mama in the kitchen" paint job!