Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 318 Comments

Painting The Wall Under Our Chair Rail Gray Horse By Benjamin Moore

We finally got around to painting the area under the chair rail in the office a shade darker than the stenciled wall above it so it feels more balanced (as mentioned here). It was a little top heavy with the stencil going on above the chair rail and nada happening underneath, so I slid one square down on the Benjamin Moore paint swatch with the wall color on it (which is Moonshine by the way) and landed on Gray Horse (which we also had color matched to Olympic No-VOC paint in satin). Total spent: $10 for the quart of paint. Das it.

Office Painted Under1

Office Painted Under2

Doesn’t it look more grounded now? Hence the title.

You might notice that we returned the matching metallic-y gold gourd lamps that we used to have in favor of these two that were also from HomeGoods (one’s a tripod desk lamp in ORB with a white shade and the other is a glass based lamp in ORB with a white shade). They don’t match but they definitely go, and it’s nice to break up all the symmetry just a little (mirror image desk + centered window + two matching chairs =über balanced, so we thought it could take a little imperfection).

The not-matching lamps might bother you without any art on those walls (yes, mom I’m talking to you) but I promise once we hang art there won’t be quite as much focus on the lamps and they’ll fall into the room and be just another layered element that will make more sense as the whole picture comes together. Or you’ll still hate them but will still love me as a daughter (also for mom).

Oh and we brought in the dark leather chair from the bedroom since the dark wood top of the desk looks pretty nice with that guy nearby (it just held mounds of clothes in the bedroom but actually gets used in here). And a bright green lumbar pillow that we already had (you know pillows are like nomads around here) tied in the new green desk chairs that we painted a few weeks back.

Office Painted Under3

Office Painted Under4

For some reason I’m especially enamored with the file cabinet thanks to the colorful accessories. Gray walls + white desk & cabinet + brown chair & desktop = a craving for color (hence the addition of the green chairs and a few other punchy accents).

Office Painted Under6

I tossed these books down with some stacked bowls and a ceramic pear and said out loud (yes I talk out loud to myself all day) “oh man, someone should base a room on these colors.”

Office Painted Under5

Then I realized that:

  • the yellow tones in the bowl and bottom book are in the chairs’ upholstery and the wall stencil
  • the green bowl mimics the color of the desk chairs
  • the dark gray book on top is just a shade or two darker than the darker gray that we just added under the chair rail
  • the turquoise in the globe and middle book are also in our desk chairs’ upholstery fabric
  • the glossy white from the ceramic pear relates to the white trim, desk, and file cabinet

Duh, we sort of did base a room around these colors. Purely by accident. Gotta love when you back into things like that (trial + error = not a bad way to go). So I highly recommend white + green + yellow + gray + turquoise. Oh yeah and some chocolate brown too (maybe someday I’ll ORB the globe base to represent that color, you know when I’m just sitting around twiddling my thumbs).

Much like every other room in our house the office is nowhere close to “done” (as in, it’ll probably take us a few more years of tweaking like our first house)…

Office Painted Under1

… but it’s definitely feeling more finished than it did a few months back when it looked like this:

OfficeArrange Before From D

So far we’ve:

  • built the wall-to-wall desk (more on that here, here, here, here, here, and here)
  • brought in an Ikea file cabinet (more on that here and here)
  • added a toy basket for Clara (function = the most important thing)
  • painted the walls soft gray (BM’s Moonshine – more on that here)
  • painted the chandelier indigo & added a huge drum shade (more on that here)
  • stenciled the walls (more on that here and here)
  • painted and reupholstered the desk chairs (more on that here and here)
  • painted the bottom half of the room darker gray (BM’s Gray Horse)
  • brought in a chair for the corner (Clara demands storytime in nearly every room)

Still gotta:

  • hang art
  • add some window treatments
  • figure out a rug (the existing one is too wide and not long enough)
  • add a floor lamp to the chair corner (for some height) along with a proper side table
  • tweak a ton of stuff (we’ve learned it’s par for the course for us… stuff evolves as we go!)

What have you guys been up to? Any other fellow WP’s (weekend painters) out there? It was a nice weekend for outdoor stuff too. Anyone seeding or weeding or transplanting? We definitely have the outside itch to tackle some of that stuff before it gets too cold…

P.S. Want to see our favorite neutral wall color that we’ve used in a number of rooms?

Comments

  1. Chelsea says

    LOVING the office! It is really, really coming together!!

    It was a gorgeous weekend to be outside – so I spent it in the garage doing DIY projects, including painting a Craigslist headboard and footboard and a Craigslist chandelier with ORB (my new obsession thanks to you guys!). I actually ran out and had to drive a half hour to the nearest Lowes because the HD right by our house was out and I HAD to have more (you can picture my wild eyes as I grabbed 5 cans once I got there!).

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh those are so charming! Just thought with the built-ins in the adjoined dining room (which you’d see as you look into the office) that it might be too much to add more shelves.

      xo,
      s

  5. Andrea says

    I painted my living room this weekend and I’m not sure I love the color. But there are lots of other major color changes that I’m planning with the couch and rug, so I’m telling myself to do those first before going through the hassle of re-painting the entire room.

    Reply

  7. Amanda says

    It sure does look grounded! Love how the room is coming along.

    Please don’t paint that globe! I love the brassy colour. And it does add some of the “brown” to it, just not as dark. ;)

    Reply

  8. jordan says

    Would you consider the clara rug in here? (i also asked you this question for the cozy spot to be in your kitchen) I guess i am just excited to see where that ends up:)!!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Sadly it’s too big – our current rug is 4 x 6′ and it’s still too wide (sometimes our chairs hit into it when we pull them out) and the Clara rug is 5 x 8 so it’s hanging out in the playroom until we find a place for it!

      xo,
      s

  10. miriam says

    Looks great! I love it when a few minor changes make an outsized impact. I especially love the little vignette on the file cabinet- I’m a fool for globes and that color combo is just sensational.

    This weekend (after 3 months of living sofa-less) I bought a mini-Karl of our very own– just the loveseat, and with the green cover. Since we don’t have a car, I took the bus to Ikea and had them deliver the sofa to our apartment. It came home the same day I bought it! Way sooner than I hoped, and it’s great to have a sofa finally!

    Reply

  11. Amanda says

    I could never do mismatched lamps (I’m entirely too type a for that), but some how, you guys manage to pull it off! I’m not sure whose side of the desk is who’s, but it’s almost like the tripod lamp is more “masculine” and the glass lamp is more “feminine”. Looks fantastic!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      The funny thing is that I get the tripod and John gets the glass one! The reasoning was that the tripod one took up more space and since we’re both righties, stashing it on the left side of the desk made sure it didn’t eat into either of our writing areas.

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yup, we just think when you look in through the dining room and there are all those shelves in the built-ins that it might be too much to add more in the office. Shelf overload if you will. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  13. Sam @ The Junk House says

    Small change, but a big difference! The office is turning out great…I can’t wait to see what artwork you choose.

    It’s finally starting to cool down in Phoenix, so we are doing some serious backyard work. We’ve even got a tractor back there! Hopefully soon our landscaping won’t be just dirt and weeds!

    Reply

  15. ashlee says

    hi sherry,

    it’s so nice to see the pops of colour throughout this house. the last house was so white and neutral (although one of my favorite houses ever in terms of how PRETTY it was). but i absolutely love the bright, colorful elements of this house.

    painting the lower section one square darker on the swatch was a brilliant idea.

    what have i been up to this weekend. hmm. well, i’m working on the play room. i painted a giant bookcase (formally a dining room buffet) that i plan to put baskets on for toy storage. i found this piece on the side of the road – someone was throwing it out! yeah right! i totally stole it. this was years ago. it has served many purposes in our house since then.

    here’s a picture of it in this post, covered in toys, awaiting it’s placement in the play room:

    http://238windsor.blogspot.com/2011/10/playroom-progress.html

    it looks so much better now, all cleaned up and gleaming with fresh paint, amidst the bright colours of the play room.

    my other project for the weekend involved updating my to do list for the play room. so close to being done! about $20 worth of work left. pretty cheap room overall.

    i’m still working up the courage to paint my other daughter’s room myself, without hiring someone. i had a dream, well, nightmare, last night that i attempted to paint the ceiling white and it turned neon orange.

    Reply

  16. Sherri says

    LOVE IT! The mismatched lamps are awesome. Seeing how quickly you all get things done, inspires me to get my butt in gear! What d’you think about a band of green ribbon around the chandy drum lampshade? Sorry, I know you don’t need anymore suggestions, but I couldn’t help myself! :) Keep up the great work!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That could be so sweet! We’re definitely going to wait to see what we do with the wall art and window treatments first and then add some other “flourishes” if they’re not too much in some other spots!

      xo,
      s

  17. Lisa in Seattle says

    The mismatched lamps made me chirp in a happy, surprised way! Spent all weekend on house stuff indoors and out. Pruned trees; yanked out invasives; removed unused satellite dish and cables; installed coax; chipped mortar bits off new fireplace stone for hours; decided on experimental paint color for basement family room (a dark minky brown – hold me, I’m scared); wire-brush-scrubbed decades of accumulated gunk off insides of both fireboxes and then painted them with highly toxic, brain-destroying stove paint – only to run out halfway down the final section of brick. This paint is $30 per pint. Color me annoyed.

    Reply

  19. alg says

    Sherry Petersik, get out of my head!
    That’s totally the color palate I’m using in my living room makeover. With mixed metal finishes.
    I swear — I think something & you mention it, like, the next day!! It’s the third or fourth time it’s happened! Really! Ask Dan!
    It’s actually a good thing though, b/c I love your style, which helps me feel good about my choices.
    Still, tres trippy.

    Reply

  20. Stephanie Walker says

    That globe! I have globe envy. I have this thing for globes. Every time I see one in a thrift store, I want it. But I never buy it. Because I think, “Where will I put it?” Or, “But I don’t NEED a globe.” Want vs. need is a big thing for me.

    However, this post now has me determined to buy a globe and display it in a chic manner just like you have. Oooh… I think I just got an idea of where I could display a globe. If I pull this off, I’ll e-mail you the pics. Now to find the perfect one…

    Reply

  21. Kayla says

    The picture of the three books and the comment that a room should be based on those colors made me laugh. I’m newly engaged and while I wanted our wedding colors to be dark grey, mustard, and teal, my fiance wanted it to be dark grey, yellow, and turquoise. While I still love the idea of something darker and bold, I’m really coming around to the idea of lighter and brighter shades! The whole room looks great!

    Reply

  22. Ami @ parsnipsandpears says

    EVERY time I see that round wicker basket (that houses Clara’s toys) in one of your pics I get insanely jealous!! I have tried to find one just like it EVERYWHERE for my son’s toys, and so far nada in Canada. It is EXACTLY what I want.

    PS love how the room is coming together too :)

    Reply

  24. Rebecca says

    We are trying to get our house painted before we move in. Which is very difficult to do while caring for a 13 month old.
    Any tips or tricks to making painting go as quickly as possible? Any shortcuts to getting a room taped quickly?

    Reply

  25. Karla says

    Lookin good :) I think the windows would be beautiful in a roman shade with the same fabric from your inspiration photo but instead of Kelly green, the lattice should be indigo! :)

    Reply

  26. Jen says

    What a wonderful place to work! I work in the formal living/library and it’s great! I’ve been sewing roman shades like crazy. I can’t wait to see what you choose for window treatments!

    Reply

  27. Libby says

    Beautiful! And actually yes, we just “Chalkboard Painted” our fridge. I’m really happy with how it turned out and how it changed the look of the kitchen. Basically, I’m obsessed.

    Reply

  28. Morgan @ http://biggrinsmakelaughlines-morgan.blogspot.com/ says

    Hey John and Sherry!

    Noticed you said you were looking for a rug, I know you know about the blog dream book design (funny story: my brother-in-law’s sister is VERY close friends with Adrianne, the writer of that blog. They actually live right across the street from eachother) buttttt, they did a tutorial on how you can make a rug from a table cloth. Just thought of that when I saw you were in need of a rug for the office!

    Have a beautiful day :)

    Morgan
    http://biggrinsmakelaughlines-morgan.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  29. Katherine M. says

    I really like the mis-matched lamps! They break up the symmetry in a very good way.
    BTW I also talk to myself out loud all day (usually in the car). Missed hitting two deer that jumped in front of my car by about 12 inches (good thing I drive slowly like an old lady).
    Look forward to your blog every day!

    Reply

  30. Jen says

    Hmm I didn’t get any projects done, but I did stroll through Michael’s and see a beautiful white ceramic deer that I nearly walked out of the store with…

    Reply

  31. LCA in RIC says

    That color scheme is more pervasive in your life than you might think…ahem…your website header and background? :)

    Reply

  32. Celia says

    I painted the back of a book shelf (inspired by YHL). I agonized over color choices and finally picked one and did it.
    It’s sort of a chartreusy color which brings a pop of color to our office and makes my heart do a happy dance whenever I look at it!

    I also painted some wicker tables that were originally from Pier One and had faded over time. I primed them and painted them in a beautiful brown color in semi gloss and they came out great :). Good painting weather this weekend.

    Thanks for all the great ideas and inspiration.

    Reply

  33. Eileen says

    I really like the contrast of the two grays, plus the stencil totally pops out a bit more. Looks great!

    I was on that WP jag as well. I finished my living room in Martha Stewart’s Sharkey Gray. I already had my kitchen that color, and loved it so much, brought it into the living room.. Most of my projects lately are painting based. Next up, painting my interior doors black.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes my BFF painted her dining room that color and it’s gorgeous! We’ll have to House Crash her soon (things are coming along at her place- it’s amazing!).

      xo,
      s

  34. Maggie says

    it looks so good! as far as rugs go, maybe a round one would be a nice nod to the globe and the dining room table? I don’t know if your dimensions would allow it but it might be an unexpected choice! :)

    Reply

  35. Kelly says

    This weekend I got a few BenMoore paint samples (in Classic and Cement Gray) and tested them in my bedroom. This is the inspiration photo I’m drawing from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16863012@N06/4214357223/in/faves-8237960@N06/

    But the Cement Gray looked more purple and the Classic Gray was barely noticable.

    So, I might try your two Ben Moore paint colors until I get it right. Gray’s are hard to pick. My carpet is a silvery/blue gray and I don’t want the walls to compete.

    And Sherry, you’ve inspired me to possibly do a subtle stenciling in the bedroom for an added layer down the road.

    Right now, I’m attempting to make the Crate & Barrel “Colette” bed from scratch. Heaven help me! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, good luck! It sounds like it’s going to be lovely! That inspiration pic looks just like our Moonshine walls by Ben Moore (we have them in the living room, dining room, and hallway too).

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw that would be cute! I’m not sure that’s staying (I’d love to replace it with a proper side table so I could set drinks and stack books on it and stuff).

      xo,
      s

  37. georgia says

    Love love luuurve it!

    I think once there is art work up it will look amazing! I wish my office looked so inviting!

    What sort of colour frame do you think you will do with? Would chocolate brown or orb colour be too dark, or would it balance it all out?
    Xx

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I’m not quite sure yet! I love how the white mirror looks against the stencil above the file cabinet so I might try working with some white frames that we already have (perhaps with some darker mats or art to balance things out).

      xo,
      s

  38. Anika says

    Wow, it really does make a subtle different – the whole room looks deeper and much more layered. Beautiful the way everything is coming together!

    Reply

  39. Crystal says

    I love how that room is evolving – top work guys!

    I remember when you first moved in that you mentioned the possibility of adding french doors to the room (Yes I remember that far back – just call me your friendly Australian stalker!), is that still a plan or are you enjoying the view of the office from the dining room too much?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We still love that idea- just so we can shut it off if we want to (but will probably keep them open most of the time and just enjoy the architecture that the doors add). It’s definitely one our someday list (aka: when we save up enough money, haha).

      xo,
      s

  40. Joan says

    I’m in love with the gray horse paint and gray paint in general. I’ve seen plenty of gray painted rooms, but always with white woodwork. Unfortunatly, we don’t have white workwork. What do you think of gray paint with stained woodwork?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think it can be really pretty if you pick a gray that works with it (just bring home a ton of swatches and look for something a little warmer that goes).

      xo,
      s

  41. kristina says

    Oh man, someone should base their website banner on those colors! Wait a minute…

    I have an idea for ya: have you considered adding trim around the base of your file cabinet? I think it would make it look unified with the desk cabinets. Just an idea!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I also love the Domino Decorating Book and House Beautiful’s giant bible (forget what it’s called but it has a blue and white cover and it’s huuuge). I also love a book called “The Decorating Book” and Jonathan Adler’s
      My Prescription For AntiDepressive Living. Oh and the new Design Sponge book (Design Sponge At Home)! There are so many awesome decorating books out there – I’m probably forgetting ten of them!

      xo,
      s

  45. Tara says

    Reading your post made me realize that I too have been decorating a room in very similar colors. The only difference is I also have orange sneaking its way in. Due to my love of the color, it tends to find its way into every room in our house.

    Reply

  46. Jackie says

    That’s lookin’ really good guys! I bet you love workin’ in there :-) I would feel sooo motivated to blog etc in there because everywhere you look is inspiration!! Well done!! I can’t wait to see the art – exciting times xo

    Reply

  47. Natalie says

    This looks fabulous! I’m glad you added darker paint to the bottom. It’s subtle, but definitely makes a difference. It’s been so exciting to watch this room transform! You guys are so talented. :)

    Reply

  49. Becky says

    Work must me super enjoyable in a space that fantastic. I hope you are able to take time and enjoy the beauty you have already put into your home. Sometimes the next project is so exciting and captivating, we forget to really appreciate what has just been accomplished.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Becky! We sure try to soak things up as we do them. All day we’ve been smiling at the freshly painted bottom of the wall and of course I’m giddy when I stare at that pile of books on the file cabinet. Haha.

      xo,
      s

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *