Call me crazy, but I wasn’t really on board with Sherry’s latest “furniture arrangement” when I saw it in the corner of our living room. I know she enjoys lighting as much as the next gal, but a chair dedicated to staring at a lamp seemed like something straight out of Lovely Listing.
Once I looked up I realized that my wife still has most of her marbles (key word: most). She just put the chair there so she could stand on it and tape some paint swatches to the ceiling. Whew. Not so weird after all. Well, she’s still über weird, but for a host of other reasons.
We’ve been debating what to do with those large white ceiling rectangles (between the grey-washed beams) for the past few days. From wallpaper to bold color and everything in between, we’ve pretty much considered it all. Anything dark or too saturated was quickly nixed since we worry that our standard height (8 foot) ceiling just can’t handle it without feeling like it’s closing in on us. And going with an even softer platinum gray than the color on the walls is a nice safe backup idea, but we’d love to do something a bit more fun. Which is when the concept of bringing in something metallic (either paint or even wallpaper) could potentially luxe up the whole room while reflecting lots of light (so the room still feels airy and open). So we grabbed a few swatches from Martha Stewart’s new Precious Metals paint line at Home Depot:
We were both quick to eliminate the two swatches on the left (too dark) and aren’t quite sold on the other two lighter metallic swatches on the right (they actually don’t seem to read as metallic enough from a few feet away, perhaps because they’re on a ceiling and not a wall). Does anyone know a faux finishing technique to create a glossy champagne or eggshell colored metallic ceiling? I know the term faux finish can strike fear in anyone who has ever watched Trading Spaces (me included) but there have to be some good techniques out there… right? Maybe? We’d also love to hear if you have any other metallic paint experience (any specific brands you recommend?) or even if you’ve come across some metallic wallpaper that you love.
As for what we’ll ultimately go with, we promise to spill more details when we actually make a decision and have some progress to share. Maybe it’s smarter to wait to see what we’ll do in the way of art and curtains and then pick up a light tone from one of those things for some subtle fun when you look up. Like a super soft silvery celery color if we go with a green rug or bold curtain panels that include some green…
We’re clearly still in “think on it” mode. But at least we’ve got a good spot to sit down and be alone with our thoughts. And that lamp.
Update: A commenter mentioned a caption contest and it’s so on. Feel free to leave ’em in the comment section. Here’s the pic again for ya. Captions. Go.
The prize is 500 points and comment o’ the day status. You know you want that. Or do you?
We did Venetian Plaster our living room which is not realy a faux finish but it has quite a bit of shine to it. Maybe something like that would give you a sheeny type look to reflect light. Because of the burnishing that you do when you put on the plaster is it quite shiny and lusterous.
You could consider keeping the chair there for when Clara gets older. Looks like a great “time out” spot. I keep a chair in the corner just for that reason. Love the metallic idea.
Hahahaha, it’s true. Plus the faux leather is kid-proof! This could work…
xo,
s
LOL the lamp watching chair had me cracking up!
Could you do the metallic paint as is and then just go over it with a thin layer of glossy polyacrylic? The paint and polyacrylic should get along just fine and you could paint right over the polyacrylic later if you want.
Hmm, definitely something to consider! I wonder if we could use Safecoat since it’s VOC free. Now the wheels are turning…
xo,
s
If you want to get really crazy you could do a spray finish. I mean, if it works for cars, it has to work for your ceilings, right? Right?
I’ve always been afraid of painting ceilings anything but white…. even if I can hancle bold saturated colour on walls. Which is why, anything you do on the ceiling will be a gutsey move in my books. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. I can`t wait to see how you bring in the Plum colour in the new house.
Thanks for providing another way for me to avoid getting anything done around the house! That website with the Lovely Listings is hilarious!
I love colored ceilings! I haven’t tried metallic paint but I went with an eggshell in my living room and I really like how it bounces light.
My Mum (who is a home improver, just like you) swears by Ralph Lauren paint. She has used a color from their metalic line not too long ago, and it looks gorgeous (though, it’s a very dark and rich color, not light like what you’re looking for). The thing is, when you paint you have to do it in a square grid pattern. It really makes a difference in the end, but it takes a long time.
(http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint/HowTo/RegentMetallics.aspx)
Wow! That gold wall in that picture looks great! (not really my style but I didn’t know those metallic paints have come so far!)
i feel a caption contest coming on!
Love it! It’s on. Adding an update to the post right now.
xo,
s
So…do you come her often?
I once used a glossy metallic gold glaze (pretty sure it Behr) to paint subtle stripes in our guest room. The base coat was a flat pale golden yellow. In any case, maybe a base coat of paint and then a sheer metallic glaze on top?
I kind of agree with Jennifer – especially since it’s a BIG ceiling area to cover with whatever you decide to do. I would wait to see what you find for rugs, curtains, and art and then make a decision on the ceiling although it does seem like you are in painting mode right now.
Rust-o-leum makes some metallic paint we have used. The one I love is a hammered metal texture finish. Maybe look at it. We’ve used silver, black, and a bronze/copper color.
I wonder if Valspar’s Brushed Pearl or Brillant Metals decorative finish would have more of the effect you are going for?
Sherry
I did a dresser, coffee table, and end table in a faux metallic finish several years ago. I used a based seafoam green and then sponged on behr’s pearl or metallic finish. I think it turned out well. I liked the idea of the sponging the pearl finish because it was really, really easy. Plus, there were no brush strokes lines! You are brave to tackle a ceiling! LOVE your blog!
Ralph Lauren makes a finishing top coat called “Candlelight”, you add it over the color of your choice for a beautiful, metallic glow – highly recommend! Can’t wait to see where you end up!
Our HD no longer sells Ralph! So sad. Martha replaced him, so perhaps her metallic colors are meant to replace their Candlelight line?
xo,
s
Benjamin Moore has a line of faux finishing paint called “Modern Masters” and we have used their translucent pearlescent (can’t recall the exact name, but this should give you a start) one over top of any regular paint color. You can also add any water-based glaze to it to thin it out if it is too “pearly” to begin with.
Love it! Never heard of this one so we’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
My husband was trying to convince me this morning to paint our bedroom ceiling a metallic color. When we taped up the samples I had the same fear, but I remember from my set painting days (ah, summer stock) there was a clear lacquer we used to make fake metal pieces shine. That could work.
I so hope you paint your ceiling first so I can see how it turns out!
You could paint a base color on the ceiling and then use perhaps an opalescent or other translucent finish on top of it…might allow you to pick whatever color you want but add a touch of sparkle/drama.
I just used a metallic glaze on my walls to do a horizontal stripe effect and it looks good and you can definitely tell its metallic. I think I used one by Valspar. Just used a roller and rolled inside the tape lines.
Cant wait to see what you do.
I know this is crazy but the first thing I thought when I saw the gray-weathered beams was ceiling tiles… Like the white tin-looking ceiling tiles. Usually they are used in kitchens but I thought it would be really great with beams. Give the ceiling some texture – but if they were white the wouldn’t distract. Anyway painting it seems like a much better option but just thought I’d share.
I think a glaze might be what you are looking for. Try mixing one of the colors you like with a glaze (bit of paint, lots of glaze – but then can play with the %) to get a transparent look that still has depth. Glaze can really change the look of paint.
After months of bullying, the chair had had enough! Today, it would finally accept the lamp’s stare contest challenge!
Haha! Great caption!
Can’t wait to see which one you pick! I love’d the floor decor in your old sun room — I wonder what it would look like to stencil a metallic design in each of the squares? it would either look super crazy or super chic.. can’t quite decide which… haha what do you think?
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
Hey yeah! Exactly what I was thinking….well, almost. If you chose an all over medium to large scale labyrinth pattern or something islamic inspired (think repeating and interlocking) and painted it in with a subtle metallic sheen (glaze) it could be really great! If its subtle it won’t overwhelm the rest of the room and will give some shine and visual interest. It could even be a repeat of the same pattern you choose for carpet or window dressings.
can you just add a pearlescence to the white ceiling? that might add the interest you need.
All the space needs is a wall mounted swing out lamp. Then it would make perfect sense. ;-)
Adult Time Out
“Lampy, you are NOT going outside to play until you march yourself back to your room and make your bed!! If I have to stand guard all day at this door, I will — now make it easier on both of us and go do what I told you to do, and then, I’ll be happy to step aside and let you go play!” : D
CAPTION TIME: Sooo…what’s the story on things around here?…you seem really plugged in.
BAHAHA
Oh this one is a keeper! puns are funs!
I like this one. VOTE!
Favorite!
As judged the following morning: With the most comments under her caption, Elizabeth is our 500 point caption winner and hereby worthy of comment o’ the day status. All hail Elizabeth.
xo,
s
WOO HOO!!!! I GOT FIVE HUNDRED POINTS!
I am now sitting at my computer blowing gracious kisses…MWAH…MWAH!
Haha congrats!
xo,
s
Wait … Sherry was actually able to reach the ceiling by standing on that chair? What she lacks in height she must make up for in wingspan. :)
It’s true. I have quite an impressive wingspan.
xo,
s
I think wallpaper sounds cool! Love the green idea. Wait, would you keep the yellow rug? Dibs! jk…sorta. :D I need it for my new bedroom, haha. I love the metallic idea as well, can’t wait to see what you decide!
Haha, that will get retired to the guest bedroom (since it’s too small for the liv).
xo,
s
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
HAHAHHAHAHAA this one is hilarious!
I LOVE it! Woohooo!!!
“Chair stood guard while the other matching lamp was quietly sold on craigs list”
LOVE it! :)
Ha ha ha…
haha! :)
I vote to stencil it with your accent color of choice.
“Now that John and Sherry were off on baby tending duties, chair and lamp were finally able to start to get to know each other a little better.”
Nice one!
I found the Benjamin Moore pearlescent I was talking about http://www.buyaurapaint.com/me196.html
GORGEOUS! I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT THIS ONE IS A FRONT RUNNER FOR ME. I’m so caught up with excitement I even went overboard on the caps lock. Can’t wait to check it out!
xo,
s
oooh this one gets my vote too!!!
Looks like Sherry is going to put John in a time out for not insisting that she paint the duck from the last post white. :)
instead of metallic paint perhaps you should try tin or metal ceiling tiles! I’ve always wanted to do that.
“May I have this dance”
Caption:
A ‘bright’ idea.
I think a paintable textured wall paper would look awesome in that room since it’s so big. But whatever you choose will be awesome I’m sure!
I painted my entire downstairs ceiling a metallic, pale yellow (ralph lauren metallic, champagne) and I must say– it’s not as “metallic looking” as I had hoped! I wished that I had gone with something that has a little more sparkle, I think since it’s on the ceiling it’s not as reflective as it is on a wall. Most people don’t even notice it (which made me very sad!) So- I just wanted to give you guys a little warning that it may not be as “glamorous” as you think- so go big! Can’t wait to see what you decide upon, I always love ya’lls style!
Here is a link so that you can see what I am talking about:
http://abodelove.blogspot.com/2010/12/whos-fairest-of-them-all.html
Caption: Chair was glad to finally have a chance to talk things over privately with Lamp, but Chair just couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Love this one!
I (selfishly) hope you go the wallpaper (ceiling paper?) route! I’m trying to incorporate some in my house but am stuck on where to get it, where to put it, and how cumbersome the whole project will be…
are your ceilings fairly smooth? a higher gloss paint finish would definitely help reflect light around. i remember seeing a really nice one on apartment therapy awhile back, but i can’t find the link.
Except for those big honking ceiling fans they’re pretty smooth, yeah. At least they look that way with flat paint. Should be interesting…
xo,
s
My neighbors have what I assume is a wallpaper or some sort of ceiling product that mimics an old tin ceiling pattern on a smaller scale. I love tin ceilings, and this is something that could look purposeful with metallic paint. Just a thought! I love the look of their ceiling even just painted white–hoping to find some for our next house.
A chair walks up to a floor lamp and says:
“You light up my life. Be my Young House Love valentine. Please don’t be dim to my love. You make my faux leather shine.”
I like this one! Cute.
Ralph Lauren makes a top coat, Candlelight, that will let you pick whatever paint color you want and the candlelight top coat gives it the shimmer you are looking for. Good luck!
What were the wallpaper choices? Like a white / silver damask wallpaper or something whimsical might be cute.
Haven’t found anything yet! We’ll def. share links and pics if we do!
xo,
s
You can try the Sherwin Williams take on metallic.
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/faux_finishing/metallic_impressions/smooth_metallic/index.jsp
I’ve seen their display in the store but haven’t tried it myself. Good luck!
Andrea already covered my comment idea…”When is time out over?” Could you simply mix in a metallic paint into to another color like Kate of Centsational Girl did in her closet makeover (http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/02/a-closet-makeover/#more-15042).
I love that project! It’s definitely a possibility!
xo,
s