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Painting Our Kitchen A Soft Blue Color: Colorado Gray

Can I get a kitchie kitchie ya ya da da? (name that song) Also, we painted the kitchen. SURPRIIIISE!

Fireplace Shot

We’ve mentioned that we’ve been flirting with the idea in our last two Listy McListersons (here and here), and when Nonna came to hang with Clara this past week we jumped at the chance to tear the kitchen apart and get to it. Just to keep it real, we grabbed this shot to demonstrate that when one room is getting love, some nearby room is getting dumped. It’s like saying “kitchen, will you accept this rose?” and meanwhile we’re sending the dining room packing (with a bunch of extra baggage). There’s usually one of these “displacement messes” going on at all times in our house. And of course this particular mess was directly behind the front door on the day that the neighbors stopped by just to chat. It’s always nice when it looks like you run a furniture and accessory agility course from your dining room, no?

Dining Room Messy

As for more about the kitchen color change, although you guys know we love grellow with a passion, it has been notoriously impossible to photograph (remember a hundred different phases of the kitchen project with “ahh, this color looks so much more subtle in person but is reading as lime green/bright yellow/neon slime for some reason”). And although that’s sort of definitely a dumb reason to repaint a room, I can’t tell you how annoying it is to not be able to share what you see in front of your eyes when you’re a home blogger.

But the main reason for the change wasn’t that the color was hard to photograph, it was that over time we realized that the grellow didn’t let the other things in the room shine as much as they might have with a different choice. Take the white cabinets and counters for example. They looked little yellowed thanks to the wall color reflecting on them – and even the cork looked a little orangey-yellow (especially at night) instead of rich and mocha.

Before Painting

So here’s how we reasoned our way to a new color pick in five bullets or less:

  • we worried that other tones of yellow and green would have the same yellowing-ish issue (say that three times fast) since they’d reflect on the counters, cabinets, and cork  – even if they were deeper or lighter, so we nixed those options
  • we wanted something deep enough in tone to provide a little more contrast, so the counters and cabinets would pop more (but nothing too dark since the room is windowless)
  • we have gray backsplash tile and a few adjoining rooms are gray, so we didn’t want to go with more gray on the walls (dark, light, or schmedium) for fear of grayverload

Kitchen Art Hung

  • we wanted an actual color on the walls (since we chose such safe things everywhere else like: brown floors, white cabinets, stainless appliances, white counters, and gray backsplash tile)
  • we wanted a color that would tie the kitchen into the four spaces (yes, four!) that the kitchen opens up to – without getting too matchy-matchy (when a room adjoins so many other rooms, the wall color should work with those rooms since you’ll see them together all the time – it’s sort of like very carefully picking a hallway color that works with all of the rooms off of it)
So after taking a good hard look at each of those adjoining rooms, we decided to draw inspiration from the powdery blues in the background of the dining room curtains (top right) and some of the blue pillows on the living room sofa (bottom left) among a few other things, like the kitchen shade, the subtle blue undertones in the gray backsplash, the two paintings I made for the kitchen, the lanterns in the living room, and some of the art in the nearby hallway o’ frames.

Hits Of Blue

And that’s how we landed on a bold, deep-enough-to-let-the-cabinets-pop blue tone. We went for an eggshell finish (still wipeable but not too shiny, since the backsplash covers the splashy spots) in Benjamin Moore’s Natura line, which we bought at a local paint shop for $52 with a Facebook coupon (we only needed around half a gallon, so we still have a lot leftover). As for the color name, it’s Colorado Gray, which made us laugh because it’s definitely blue and not gray – but it’s right next to Aegean Teal on the swatch, which is a lot truer to the name. So I vote that we rename it Colorado Blue. Or $herdog Blue. Yes, that.

Kitchen Other Side

We definitely loved having a soft blue kitchen in our first house, and we actually don’t have any blue on the walls in this house except for the deep teal in the guest room and on the back of the dining room built-ins, so it’s nice to bring in a mid-tone blue that’s sort of in the middle of the guest room and our first house’s kitchen.

Kitchen Corner

The funniest thing about this whole repainting escapade, which we realized while applying the second coat (we’re always loopy by then) was that in our first house we repainted every single room except for our kitchen and our master bedroom. And in this house we’ve only repainted two rooms: the kitchen and our master bedroom. Hilarious.

Blue Side Kitchen

 And if you count the time that we painted the fireplace area a different color for book photoshoots (only to repaint it back to normal a few days later) some parts of this room have seen four different paint jobs.

Fireplace Shot

A few of our favorite things about this color pick are:
  • it’s definitely an actual color (there’s nothing neutral about it)
  • it still feels sophisticated (even though it’s not gray or navy or chocolate or taupe)
  • it allows the white cabinets and counters to really pop (without yellowing them)
  • it’s a great balance to the warm tones in the room (like the cork floors, the wood stools, the rustic cutting boards on the counter, etc).

Office Into Kitch

Plus it ties into all of the rooms around it without being crazy matchy.

Kitchen Wide Main

So Colorado Gray Blue, I ain’t mad atcha. In fact, I want to put a ring on it.

Kitchen Corner

As for the specifics to this paint job: it took two coats and I used a brush to freehand most of the cutting in while John rolled. I actually like a good freestyle cutting in sesh (I live life on the edge, what can I say?). And we paint without a drop cloth (sealed wood or cork floors can be wiped down if there’s a rogue drip, but we mainly try to keep from overloading our brushes and rollers with paint, which eliminates most drips anyway). Oh and we didn’t repaint the laundry room because we actually think the grellow looks nice in there. There’s a big glass door and a window to let in natural light, which the kitchen was severely lacking (the window over the sink is an interior window that just looks into the sunroom) so I think that makes a huge difference when it comes to how paint reads. Plus the yellow accents in the kitchen (like the urn next to the sink and the patterned window treatment) create a nice balance to that glowing grellow doorway over yonder.

Kitchen Main Side2

Not gonna lie though, the star of this room is still that wall full of penny tile. Picture me having an as-soon-as-the-show-ends bachelor breakup with the wall paint to run back to the penny tile with open arms. And it’s not that I don’t love the wall color – I just love the penny tile more than a person should love any inanimate object.

Kitchen Art Hung

Our Favorite Paint Colors

If you’re having trouble picking the right color to paint your room, check out these detailed deep-dive posts about our favorite paints:
  • Sherwin-Williams Extra White

    • Comments

    1. Emily says

      Wow that is a perfect example of the difference a little paint can make. It looks like a different room! Love it.

      Reply

    2. Priscilla says

      You two are such an inspiration! Clara was right in describing your new paint job as “wonderful”! As a Colorado native, I’m sure the name of the paint color, “Colorado Gray” was intended to be an inside secret. Instead of gray skies here, we are lucky to have the same gorgeous blue skies as your paint color, most days of the year here. You’ll just have to come out and see for yourself!

      Reply

    3. Kristin F says

      Love that blue. We recently painted our laundry room a soft blue…it was the next to last room to paint in our house. I’ve picked a softer, paler blue for the kitchen to go against white cabs and black granite (when we finally get to it!) since our kitchen has no windows as well. Blue just makes white trim, etc. pop so well. But I feel your repainting pain, this will be the second go round for the kitchen and I’ll be repainting the daughter’s room this summer. So just after year three, the repainting rounds have begun.

      Oh, and I’m curious, do you think Sean and Catherine are going to last? I’m rooting for them!

      Reply

      • YoungHouseLove says

        I actually didn’t watch this season (shame on me! I blame the tour travel breaking up our TV habit a lot) but I’m obsessed with Bachelor Pad. Like a lot.

        xo
        s

    4. Angie says

      I like it. I wonder if my computer monitor is off on the color though because in your previous post about John’s sister’s house you made a comment about the “happy green front door” and it is TOTALLY yellow on my screen. Nothin’ green about it!

      Reply

    6. kathleen says

      my first thought was, and they hung pendant lights too! but no, they were there before they just totally blended into the yellow! looks great!!

      Reply

    7. Laura says

      I Love it!!! I liked the kitchen before, but I have to say I think the blue looks better. We just redid our farmhouse kitchen and the wall color I chose was Misty by Sherwin Williams. Not as bold as what you have, but it is blue for sure. I was hesitant at first because it wasn’t how I visualized it, but now I love it. We also have white cabinets and wood floors, and hearing you talk about how YOUR blue works, makes me feel good about my blue. :)

      Reply

    9. Randi says

      I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new shade in the kitchen. I know you guys are in serious love with the grellow but it’s never really grown on me. However I always trust your taste, so I figured it was just me. I really do adore the new shade so much more, and love your decision-making process.
      Thanks as always for sharing!

      Reply

    11. Meredith says

      It looks so good! I squeeked when I saw this and immediately emailed my husband, congratulating us on being AHEAD of the times for once – we painted our kitchen this color last summer (also white cabinets) and were feeling iffy about it (we thought it would be more gray and it’s definitely blue), but seeing it in another house seals the deal! Now to add the pops of yellow and green like you did, which makes it all come together so nicely.

      Reply

    13. Amy L. says

      Looks great! Very fresh and crisp. I love seeing cool tones in kitchens too, and you’re right. It does make the cork look more rich. You all are keeping those paint companies in business! :)

      Reply

    14. Megan says

      Oh man, I am repainting at least three rooms in my house over the next couple months. Our kitchen/great room, the craft/guestroom, and our den. The new paint in your kitchen is actually pretty close to what we’re going for in our kitchen/great room. It’s currently blue already, but it turned out to be more of a baby boy nursery blue and less of the beachy summer sky on the verge of a storm vibe we were hoping for. I am both insanely excited and dreading it at the same time because while I know painting is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room, my back and arms just don’t care.

      Reply

    15. Tamisha says

      Love the new blue much better than the grellow, but perhaps that was the photography. Love it much much better. I was wondering if you were thinking of going a shade lighter blue on the ceilings. I can’t tell if it’s the pic or reality but the ceilings are taking on a kind of yellowish look. I think the blue in a shade lighter (half and half with white?) would look stunning.

      Reply

    16. Marlayna says

      Hey guys, lovvvvve the new kitchen color! Seems serene but still energetic! If you know what I mean! How are the painted cupboards holding up? Any Knicks, dents, or chips from normal use or are they staying strong? We’re planning to paint ours from wood to white and I was told to use Rustoleum Transformations because that’s what it’s made for. I’ve only really followed you’re painted cupboards so I have nothing to compare. Do you know much about that product?

      Reply

      • YoungHouseLove says

        100% mint! I’m telling you, I’m obsessed with BM Advance paint. Clara has beaten them with legos and dolls and cars and it looks amazing! We’ll have to post an update with detailed pics, but even the silverware drawer (which typically gets the most wear) still looks as good as new! As for Cabinet Transformations, I would go with the process we shared for painting our cabinets since we haven’t used that kit but we love this paint (and it’s what the pros use).

        xo
        s

      • Marlayna says

        Thanks so much! I’m pretty much sold now that you shared their withstanding Lego attacks! :) oh happy day! I am sooo looking forward to creating a lighter, airier kitchen! Especially knowing it will hold up to daily life!

    18. Shauna says

      Hallelujah! I have always thought the other color didn’t do the rest of the room justice but my style is more traditional and country than modern. Every thing looks so much crisper and more beautiful! I love the window treatment with the wall color and the bar stools look even richer now. Way to go!

      Reply

    20. Jeremy and cynthia says

      WOoooow!!! Sherdograble color!!!!we live in France and enjoy everything you do! Amazing job! Xo us two

      Reply

    22. Denise says

      I love it, the kitchen is gorgeous! I think I may have to paint a room in the new house this colour, it’s beautiful.

      Reply

    25. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says

      Wow! Such a huge difference but oh so much better. It’s kinda funny that by switching to a cooler color the room actually looks warmer. It might be that the cork flooring actually stands out now since it’s not competing with the grellow walls.
      We just painted our kitchen yellow, Sherwin Williams Lemon Chiffon. I was a little nervous at first but thankfully we have a ton of natural light in our kitchen plus I plan to paint the cabinets light gray.
      http://www.colortransformedfamily.com/2013/02/27/winter-pinterest-challenge-in-progress/

      Reply

    26. Rebekah says

      Maybe that color is a sign that you should come to Colorado for a book signing? I’d be the first in line! But all joking aside, I really do love how it transformed your kitchen!

      Reply

    27. Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says

      That song had me think “What ever happened to Mya?” Oh well. I’m sure she’s somewhere countin’ her dollas! :) I love the new blue. If our living room wasn’t such a pop of blueberry this blue would so work with our white cabinets as well. I was thinking of a tan/brown family type color but who knows where we end up?

      My best, Lynn

      Reply

    29. Rebecca Nepomnaschy says

      The blue definitely ties all the shared spaces together. I think the best part is that now all of your yellow accent pieces in the kitchen pop and create a beautiful, bright contrast.

      Reply

    32. Colette says

      Oh yes, that’s much nicer than the grellow. I did wonder what you were thinking with that color. I usually love everything you guys do but … well, let’s just say I didn’t want to be rude, haha.

      Reply

    33. Jenn says

      I totally Meg Ryan’d “yes, yes, yes” a la When Harry Met Sally when I saw this.

      We’re just about to paint our kitchen a grayish blue and I feel so much more confident now. Not like I needed your approval but I feel affirmed in my decision now.

      It makes the penny tile look even better!

      Reply

    34. Becky says

      LOVE the new color – and what a peasant surprise! It’s similar to the color in my living room which I just adore. Nothing makes me happier than a swath of calming blue. Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

    36. Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says

      What I love is what appears to be the three bowls of snacks moved from the kitchen and sitting on your dining room table!!

      Color looks amazing… what a lovely change to the space! They say blue isn’t right for an eating area, but I’ve always LOVED it. (They also say red stimulates your appetite and should go in a dining area, but I’ll never go that route either…)

      xo

      Reply

    38. Momcat says

      Gawd. Your kitchen is So. Freaking. Clean. My kitchen is hanging its’ head in shame.

      Great color! The blue is just right, for all the justifications you gave us and also, just because you like it. I like it too!

      And, the song is Lady Marmalade, of course. Can’t believe you didn’t know that ;) And the original Patty LaBelle version is so much better than the more recent mashup with Christina/Pink/LilKim/Mya wail-fest (this girl’s opinion, anyway!)

      Reply

    40. Georgia says

      I seriously love this colour!

      Makes it have a beach vibe, but sophisticated and grown up at the same time. definately makes your accessories pop!

      xx

      Reply

    42. Elizabeth says

      I absolutely LOVE the change! It might just be my screen, but the blue makes the lighting in the kitchen look less artificial, and more like natural daylight.

      Reply

    43. Melissa @ ReThreads Cville says

      Wow – I was a fan of the grellow but you’re right that the blue just makes everything else pop more! Great job! One question: Do you still plan to keep the rug in the fireplace sitting area? It seems like it was perfectly suited for the grellow walls…

      Reply

      • YoungHouseLove says

        It still works with the blue walls (it’s gray and mimics the backsplash shapes, so it’s a nice tie in to that on the other side of the room) so we think for now we’re happy with it :)

        xo
        s

    44. Soleil B says

      I really do love the color change. You’re right, it definitely adds a sophisticated element! Also, just wanted to say I love the shout out you guys got in Real Simple! Definitely a blog to follow. :))

      Reply

    45. Mahareen says

      I loved the grellow, we have a similar shade in our kitchen (although we have dark Cherry cabinets and wood floors). I never liked the color of your cork floors, but now I see the real color! Great job on figuring out what works even better than a color that already looked beautiful!

      Reply

    46. Laurie says

      Love the new kitchen colour! So welcoming and fresh! Everything pops more now, including the artwork. Is that kitchen lamp the one you made from the basket you found? It rocks. I love the way you described your process. As a true weenie about painting, it made me really think about colour and continuity and adding life to different rooms in different ways. Thank you! I love all the artwork!

      Reply

    47. Kristan says

      Love the new color! I’ve only been at my house 3 years, but I think of repainting my living room and bedroom every day. At least I’m not alone in my perfect color quest.

      Reply

    48. Katie says

      Hypothetical: In a world where you didn’t have the blog, would you have ended up repainting? (My reading-between-the-lines skills weren’t good enough to figure that one out.)

      Second (and this might sound a little crazy), but the first thing I thought when I saw the new Colorado Grey color is that it would also be perfect in Clara’s new room. I think the walls in there would be fantastic something a little bolder.

      Reply

      • YoungHouseLove says

        Oh yes, we definitely would have painted either way (we didn’t like how the paint yellowed the cabinets and counters with the reflection) – and as for Clara’s room, we love the neutral wall color for now since it allows us to layer in virtually any other pop of color we’d like, but you never know where we’ll end up!

        xo
        s

    49. Kim says

      Oh, wow. I didn’t see this coming. But I like it! Your kitchen looks like an oasis of calm. It’s amazing how much a simple paint change can transform a space.

      Reply

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