The Summer of Paint

It’s been a busy summer at our house, mostly with painting. As many of you know, we had some repairs and renovations done in the spring which led to the painting frenzy. Repairs were made to our front porch meaning we had to repaint. For years I’ve wanted to paint the outside trim (sadly our house has white vinyl siding-apparently a vinyl siding salesman came through our neighborhood in the 1970s before there were historic regulations and made a fortune on our block). This left little opportunity to add color to our Victorian cottage. So, after many years of trying to figure out the color scheme, we finally started painting the windows (four done, five more to go) and the front door. Faith Cottage’s window trims went from seafoam green to three colors of sage, forest green, and plum. We also painted the front door a plum color and the porch floor a dark gray.

Before with seafoam green trim.

After with new trim colors and dark gray floor.

Close up of trim colors.

Word of advice, keep your teacup far from the paint can!

As for the interior, we painted the eat-in kitchen and hallway. These were painted Robin’s egg blue which was pretty but the paint was worn after fourteen years and we wanted a change. Let me preface this with our counter tops are Williamsburg blue Corian (came with the house and replacing is too costly) and the floor tile is a pale blue and tan. Again, replacing the floors would cost thousands so we did what we could and painted ($150). The new deep blue colors on the kitchen walls helps the counter tops blend in better and I don’t mind the blue and tan tile as much. The hallway is a navy blue which gives a dramatic affect. We painted the ceilings a soft creamy yellow that adds a subtle touch of color without overpowering the space. I’ve also been purging (books, knick knacks, and clothing). My joints and muscles are protesting all the painting but I soak in the tub and that helps.

Before kitchen with Robbin's egg blue paint.

After with dark blue paint.

Navy blue in hallway.

Needless to say, I’ve been squeezing in edits and writing between all of this and visits with family. Shadows of the War (sequel to Shadows of the Moss) is set for release on August 20th.

Cover design and graphic by Rena Violet.

What have you been doing this summer?

Blessings,

Kim