It’s been 2 1/2 years since I painted anything. Thank goodness Winterpast was in great shape when I bought her. Having a few other problems on my plate, painting was on the back burner until now. And now, it’s time.
Ninja Neighbor, the gal next door, recently painted the interior with the help of a few friends. With rooms bright and white, her home looks like it was plucked from the pages of Home and Garden. Yes, she has 22 years on me, but, I’m capable of painting the smaller spaces. I’ve started with the laundry room.
Choosing a color took a little time. I was going for white, but which one? Some are more green. Some more gold. Some more blue. All still white. My favorite was one called “Calcium”. Having a degree in Biology, that seemed a good fit.
It was during this selection phase that I discovered the latest trend in decorating.
Coastal Grandmother.
“Coastal grandmothers are those who are effortlessly stylish (but in a comfy way), have a put-together presence (without trying too hard), know how to be the best hostess (while never breaking a sweat,) and appreciate the finer things (yet still feel approachable)”. according to Southern Living Magazine.
It’s a lifestyle that embodies the love for clean, light, simplistic beachfront properties, white button-down shirts, cozy interiors, fresh flowers, white wine, going to bed early and a laid-back, minimalistic, coastal feel. The typical coastal grandmother does not decorate her home as a maritime museum, but rather, he or she gravitates toward coastal neutrals, light-colored breezy linens, and minimalistic style.” Susan Claire McDonald — The Island Packet –Hilton Head, SC
Okay, I’ve seen “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003). Although further from the ocean than I’ve ever lived before, I could see that look going on here at Winterpast. After all, seashells are made mostly of what? CALCIUM. And so, my decision was made.
Going to buy the paint was interesting. The paint guy had a very grey braid longer than mine. Promising to whip up that paint in a jiffy, I visited the kitchen cabinet department to dream about my Coastal Grandmother cabinets. Being the painter for VST’s projects, my cupboards are stuffed with all the things necessary to complete the job. Rollers, extension poles, brushes, paint pads, and much more. All that was lacking was the paint.
Funny, before beginning this project, I thought everything looked great around here. But, there is nothing like one freshly painted room to let you know, the rest needs freshening as well. And so it begins.
If you are starting your own project, remember to choose one room at a time. Choose something you can finish within two weeks. Finished means everything, from baseboards and trim to the ceiling. Done and put back together with flowers on the counter. Otherwise, the project can sour and, quite frankly, never be finished. A fact in my experience over the years.
Now that there is an actual decorating trend involving the word “Grandmother”, I’m pretty jazzed. Who knew that we would actually get our day in the spotlight? Be sure to choose your whites carefully. Buy the best brushes and paint you can afford. Avoid ladders if your balance isn’t great. Better yet, when at all possible, hire it done.
Have a wonderful Saturday.
More tomorrow.