“Mom, why do you keep putting paint on the walls?”

Hello!

On Friday I gave you a sneak peek at some painting I had started, and today I’m here to share the finished product (that is also leading to another project).  It’s funny, I didn’t have this on my radar, but I saw this photo that The Nester posted for one of her 31 Days of Vignettes posts, and it must have buried itself in my subconscious.

Source

But the striking gray backdrop to the pretty white accessories definitely caught my attention.  
Since I was in painting mode already, I pulled out my painting tape and some Urbane Bronze, and went to town.  You know I’ve had an Urbane Bronze obsession for awhile now, so it was only a matter of time before I added it somewhere.  It’s such a great color – gray, but with just enough brown in there to work with some of the beige and brown tones that we have in our home.  

Plus, it works with the stone and grout on the fireplace.  Winning!  Pay no mind to the tile edge that is missing – it’s on my to do list.

To refresh your memory, here is what the bookcases looked like before:

Not bad by any means – I’m just starting to itch for a change.

And then there is the very beginning – before any paint was on the bookcases – and they were just … naked.

 These bookcases have gone through a lot of changes – 

But I’m really liking the way things are looking right now.  Once I got the paint up on the backs of the bookshelves, they felt more sophisticated.

But my daughter was kind enough to tell me, “Yeah, they look nice, but now they don’t match the walls.”  I think she may be right.

So, I re-accessorized and put things back together.

On the top shelf, I covered the books in scrapbook paper (again).  This time in gray and orange – love that color combination.  I think I still have some more editing to do to the shelves, but I’m happy to have things back in place again.

And I added the pretty pumpkin too.  I’m going to be sad to see fall come to an end, I love this look so much.

All of this is leading me in a new painting direction (and the reason why my kids ask me why I keep putting paint on the walls).  I’ve been putting swatches up on the kitchen walls for awhile, but now I’m starting to bleed over into the family room.  Things could get crazy here people.  The holidays are fast approaching, as is my cookie exchange.  That’s when I do my best work. 😉

Intellectual Gray?

Amazing Gray?  

Requisite Gray?  

Functional Gray?  

These are just a few that I’m contemplating.  They’re great neutral grays, and again they work with the browns and beiges that we have in our home – both in flooring and in furnishings.  

Do you have any of these colors in your home?

10 Comments

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    October 22, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    i think the walls work just fine- honestly!!!!! it's a neutral in the background of the bookcase, not like red or something. 🙂 you are fine! and love the builtins painted!

  • Reply
    Simply LKJ
    October 22, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    Agree, I kinda like the contrast of the wall color. But, I am sure whatever you choose will look amazing too.

  • Reply
    debralboyer
    October 22, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Urban Bronze paint color! I have been searching for this paint color for months. My cabinets are 'calling' for it. Please let us know the brand of paint so we can proceed. Thanks so much. Your home is beautiful.

    • Reply
      Jenny
      October 23, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      It's a Sherwin Williams paint color that I had color matched to use Benjamin Moore paint. 🙂

  • Reply
    mrsjessdaniels
    October 23, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Hey Jenny – would you recommend painting a small laundry room with Urbane Bronze? The only hold up I'm having is there is a set of cabinets on the wall already that are painted Sticks and Stones (SW). I'm afraid the cabinets and wall may clash. Thoughts?

    • Reply
      Jenny
      October 23, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      I sent you an email, but am going to reply here in the comments as well. I really think Urbane Bronze is a versatile color that will look beautiful with almost anything you put up against it. I don't see Stick and Stones in my SW paint deck, but I looked it up, and I think it could be quite sophisticated. But I still would get some sample paint to be sure. 🙂

  • Reply
    Kris @ Driven by Décor
    October 23, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    I think your latest color for the back of your bookshelves is your best – love it. The contrast is awesome!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      October 23, 2014 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks Kris – it's my favorite to date as well!

  • Reply
    Stacey {steward of design}
    October 23, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    I've had that Urban Bronze in my head for awhile too. I love it on your bookshelves! It looks really great!

  • Reply
    Nikki Green Caprara
    October 28, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Great job! I love it!

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