The moment we received the keys to our new home, the real adventure began. Beyond the closing papers and legalities, lay the exciting journey of transforming a house into a sanctuary that truly reflects our family’s style and needs. Our first, and arguably most impactful, step was a comprehensive painting project, encompassing both the entire interior and the front exterior. This strategic decision promised the most dramatic visual change and an unparalleled return on investment, immediately setting the tone for our new living space.
Having been long-standing admirers of Benjamin Moore paint, we were thrilled when they agreed to partner with us on this significant undertaking. Their reputation for quality, durability, and a stunning color palette made them the ideal choice to bring our vision to life.
For a visual journey through our painting process, make sure to check out the newest episode of The Dahl House, where you can see the magic unfold as we finally apply the paint!
A Look Back: The Before Transformation
Our 1940s traditional home possesses an undeniable charm and robust structural “bones.” While the walls themselves were generally in good condition, the previous owner’s aesthetic leaned heavily towards a vivid, often clashing, array of colors. Nearly every room was a distinct shade of blue, brown, green, or red, creating a somewhat disjointed feel throughout the house. Adding to this colorful tapestry were liberally applied sponge painting techniques, and a few rooms even looked as if they had been painted by enthusiastic, albeit untrained, young artists.
Despite this kaleidoscope of pastels and bold hues, we had a clear vision. We looked beyond the existing color scheme and saw the immense potential for a fresh, modern palette to completely revitalize the space. To ensure our choices were perfect, we utilized Photoshop to mock up exterior photos and dedicated significant time to test a variety of paint colors and sheens under different lighting conditions throughout the day. This meticulous approach was crucial for making informed decisions.
For our interior and exterior painting project, we specifically chose Benjamin Moore Aura paint. Our priority was a high-quality, zero-VOC option that would be safe for our growing family and durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily life for years to come. Covering challenging colors like deep reds and other dark shades often requires multiple coats. However, with Aura’s superior coverage, we were delighted to find that a single coat of primer followed by just two coats of paint was all it took to achieve our desired, flawless results. This efficiency not only saved time but also ensured a professional finish.
The Art of Selection: Choosing the Perfect Paint Color and Sheen
One might assume that choosing a white paint would be straightforward, but the sheer number of variations Benjamin Moore offers can be astounding. What appears as a subtle difference on a small swatch can transform dramatically when applied to a larger wall space. This is precisely why it’s essential to paint decent-sized samples directly onto your walls. Only then will the various undertones and shades reveal themselves, influenced by the room’s natural and artificial lighting, as well as existing elements like flooring and furniture.
After careful consideration and numerous large swatches, we narrowed our selection down to four distinct whites. We painted generous 1-foot by 1-foot squares on various walls throughout the house, observing them at different times of the day. While we could have chosen a unique white for each room, our goal was to achieve a unified, harmonious aesthetic that flowed seamlessly from one space to another. We needed a versatile white that could act as a chameleon, looking fantastic in multiple rooms and complementing diverse furniture styles, flooring, and other accent colors. Fortunately, one particular white consistently stood out from the rest.
Our ultimate choice for covering approximately 90% of our home’s interior was Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65. Benjamin Moore describes Chantilly Lace as being “as delicate and refined as the lace it was named after, this crisp, clean white evokes images of pure silk, soft linen and simpler times.” We wholeheartedly agree. We sought a white that was crisp and clean without being stark or having an overly blue undertone. Chantilly Lace perfectly delivered a warm glow, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout, even serving as a brilliant contrast in our den.
Selecting the paint sheen was a far simpler decision. With a young child already exploring every corner (and another on the way), durability and washability were paramount. Aura in an eggshell finish offered the ideal balance, providing just enough subtle sheen to create visual interest while being exceptionally resilient and easy to clean. For ceilings throughout the home, we opted for a flat finish to minimize imperfections and absorb light, and a semi-gloss was chosen for all trim and doors, offering a crisp, protective, and easy-to-wipe surface that beautifully defines each architectural detail.
Room Spotlight: The Den Transformation
The den, situated on the lower level of our home, initially presented a unique design challenge. It featured extensive wood paneling, complemented by two different shades of brown covering both walls and ceiling. We debated whether to remove the paneling, but ultimately decided to embrace its character. Our solution was to modernize it by painting it a rich, dark color, which instantly updated the space while preserving its inherent texture and charm.
We applied the same transformative approach to the wood hearth above the fireplace, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. Our goal was a black shade, but one that wouldn’t create too harsh a contrast with the bright Chantilly Lace white used elsewhere. We settled on Benjamin Moore Black Beauty 2128-10 for the wood paneling in our den, a choice we also extended to certain areas of the front exterior. This “black” wasn’t overwhelmingly dark; instead, it offered a nuanced depth that provided a striking yet balanced contrast to Chantilly Lace. A delightful and unexpected bonus was how Black Beauty beautifully enhanced the existing wood grain, bringing out a subtle, rich texture that truly elevated the room’s character.
Dining Room: Scandinavian Serenity
Our dining room, bathed in natural light throughout the day, features a timeless Scandinavian table set complemented by a stylish mid-century chandelier. The original wood floors add warmth and character, perfectly harmonizing with the original architectural wall features we diligently preserved. Chantilly Lace truly shines in this space, acting as a clean canvas that accentuates the room’s furnishings and natural light, fostering an atmosphere of calm and sophisticated simplicity, ideal for both everyday meals and special gatherings.
Breakfast Nook: A Bright Start
The breakfast nook, conveniently located just off our kitchen, presented a planning puzzle, as a full kitchen remodel is on our horizon. We carefully selected design choices that would be versatile and not become short-term regrets. A modern white table and chair set provides a clean foundation, allowing the vibrant splash of color from the artwork hanging in the corner to truly pop. Once again, Chantilly Lace proves to be the perfect backdrop, enhancing the brightness of the space. Its exceptional durability and easy-to-clean attributes are particularly appreciated in this high-traffic area adjacent to the kitchen, promising longevity and ease of maintenance.
Kids Room: A Haven of Warmth and Energy
Our son’s bedroom was perhaps the most carelessly painted room when we first moved in, displaying a somewhat haphazard finish. However, a fresh application of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace paint has utterly transformed it. Now, the room radiates with a desired sense of warmth and cheerful energy, providing a bright and inspiring space for play and rest. The clean white walls offer a perfect canvas for future decorating ideas and personal touches, ensuring the room grows with him.
Living Room: Central Comfort and Light
As the central hub of our home, the living room is where we spend considerable time working, relaxing, and entertaining guests. This room benefits from a desirable southern exposure, receiving abundant natural sunlight throughout most of the morning. When selecting our white, we were careful to avoid any shade that might cast an unwanted blue hue under this bright light. Instead, we sought a warmer, more inviting glow, which Chantilly Lace delivered perfectly. The chosen paint amplifies the natural light, creating an open, airy, and consistently welcoming atmosphere.
Guest Bath: A Petite Powerhouse
The guest bathroom, though tiny, experienced one of the most remarkable transformations thanks to Benjamin Moore paint. After applying a fresh coat of Chantilly Lace on the walls and Black Beauty on the cabinets, the room was utterly reborn. We initially had reservations that the dark cabinet color might make the small space feel even more confined. To our delight, it had the opposite effect, adding depth and sophistication. Our formerly unassuming guest bath is now a featured gem of the house, proving that even the smallest spaces can make a huge statement with thoughtful paint choices.
Undoubtedly, painting our home has proven to be the most impactful “bang for the buck” improvement we’ve made so far. It allowed us to instantly infuse our personality and design aesthetic into the house, providing a clean, cohesive, and beautiful blank slate for all future design endeavors. This initial project has set the perfect foundation for our home’s evolution.
Stay tuned for our upcoming article, where we’ll delve into the process of designing and painting the exterior of our home, a transformation that was arguably even more dramatic and visually striking!
More Before Photos: Witnessing the Original State
