Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Design

Our Painted Living Room With Pigeon by Farrow & Ball

September 27, 2021

You saw it in Casual Friday first. We painted the living room–like all of it. I chose a trusted color, one I've used before and recommended to many–Pigeon by Farrow & Ball. We first used Pigeon in our home office, 5 years ago and decided it was time for it to make a comeback. I think I've been wanting to bring it back for a while now and I can't think of a better place for it than our entire living room.

Before

After

And a little reminder of what this room looked like before we even installed new flooring.

The before before

The living room today

This is a mood-ring of a paint color and I couldn't love it more.

Just recently we shared the living room "today," and I mentioned that a lot of our furniture wasn't translating well and that the layout needed some adjusting. Of course when you paint a new room, you've got to rearrange the furniture. We didn't buy a single new thing and it feels so much better. I do PROMISE this room will continue to evolve in furnishings and decor (hi, we gotta fill some blank walls!) and lighting around the room--for a shop your house session, it's feeling pretty darn good.

Recently

Today

What do you think–are you team lights off or lights on? The furniture shots were in early evening. We really tried to show how the room truly looks in person, and obviously the different lighting changes what you see.

Making a decision

To be honest, selecting a paint color for the living room has given me some major headaches. I've had decision paralysis over it for weeks, and I couldn't for the life of me muster up confidence in any colors. I channeled my own tips in choosing a paint color and palette that flows from room to room that I shared here and that was a good place to start. I wanted a color that would compliment and support the neighboring rooms like the green island in the kitchen, the blue in the pantry, and the wallpaper in the powder bath.

Spending my day walking in and out of the living room, holding up the paint deck in different light, wasn't getting me anywhere however. You know what they say about the definition of insanity right? Something about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I was in a loop and I needed to switch things up. So we decided to "try-on" a few paint colors with the magic of technology.

Magic right? Although these aren't any actual paint colors, it was SO helpful to see some options of what this room could be.

When it came down to it, I've been wanting to use a mid-tone paint color ever since I shared all my thoughts on the newer trend in this post here. To sum it up, we're seeing less and less of high contrast paint colors (dark tones and light tones) and I couldn't wait to do it in my own home.

Is it blue? Green? Gray?–It's pigeon.

The blue-green-gray color stood out to me and actually reminded me of Pigeon. A chameleon color that I've loved before, and once I said it, I knew it had to be. At different times of day this room could look completely different and I'm leaning into that. Truly a living, breathing color.

 

We actually color matched with Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer Edition. Here's the color match code for reference.

For the walls we used the Emerald Designer Edition in Eggshell, and for the fireplace and all of the trim and baseboards we used Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel in semi-gloss.

I have to say, Pigeon is going to look different in everyone's house. Our living room is probably one of the darkest rooms in our house, therefore the paint color is going to look darker. I like that this room can feel moody, while still being a mid-tone. My sister compared it to a mood-ring and I think that analogy fits perfectly.

Oh and also, hello new light. See here to read about the bent-up condition this light was in before we hung it.

Sources:

Paint Color: Pigeon by Farrow & Ball

Chandelier, Rug, Sofa, Navy Pillow, Throw Blanket, Leather Chairs, Coffee Table, Wicker Tray, Tapered Candlesticks, Candle Holders, End Table, Tapered Lamp ShadeMidnight Art, Black Shade Floor Lamp, Pleated Floor Lamp, Bench, Wool Blanket, Pedestal Table, Large Vase, Faux StemsBritish Designers Coffee Table Book

 

— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Is the pigeon formula the same for the eggshell as it is for the semi gloss? I know sometimes they can change slightly between finishes. I was just going to take your formula pic to SW but noticed it was a pic of the trim paint not the wall paint.

    1. I believe Sherwin Williams will have the color match formula for Pigeon in any gloss, but definitely ask if it's different and get a sample if you're on the fence.

  2. This reminds me of Disney's "no see'um green" for utility and other structures they'd rather you not notice. I thinks the SW equivalent is "Relish."

  3. I think I would float the sofa and pull the conversation area close together to create a more intimate setting. Then maybe a few larger wood pieces on the perimeter.

  4. Hey! We just color matched Farrow and Ball's green smoke-- we took the sample chip in to color match at SW (after first having home depot look it up in their system)-- totally different colors between what Home Depot said the match was and how Sherwin Williams matched based on the chip. We LOVE LOVE the changing color of green smoke, too.

  5. I love that there’s nothing on the mantel or the fireplace wall behind it. I know it can’t last, but it’s quite a breath of fresh air. Cheers.

  6. For anyone else who is considering, I have colored matched Farrow and Ball and unfortunately it's never quite right/the same as the real deal. But since some color matching fails, I have ordered a ton of F&B paint online and every single time it's arrived in CA within 48 hours of purchase. Highly recommend!

    1. The heavy solids of FB is what allows it to "play with the light" the way it does. At over $100/gal it's not for the faint of wallet. We have a retailer (er, "stockist") nearby who can have whatever we want sent in without too much wait.

    2. Agreed 100% if you want a Farrow & Ball colour buy F&B. If you are going to use SW or BM etc pick one of their colours, they have thousands.

  7. Really beautiful that everything is painted the same color. Would you please share how your painters applied 2 different paint finishes? I think you showed them spraying the room, I assume the trim wasn’t masked off? Did they then brush the trim after the walls were finished? Thank you

  8. I love this so much and love that you painted walls/ceiling/trim to match. I have wanted to try this, but we have vinyl windows that can't be painted... would it look weird to paint the trim and leave windows and grids white?

  9. Everything looks so beautiful, Julia. The paint color, the styling, the whole space is just *kiss*! I had my eye on that Arhaus couch for awhile, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Is this the Belgian linen slipcover version of that couch? It looks so soft and comfy!

  10. What colour are the ceilings? In some pics, it appears to be the same colour while in others it looks white. Love the change by the way!

  11. I really love how the paint makes the fireplace look amazing now. Before when it was white, the fireplace didn't really stand out. Now with the new color, I think it makes the brick and the paneling look really amazing.

  12. Have you done a post on floor lamps? Seeing the beautiful options in your living room is inspiring to re-start my search for some upgraded options.

  13. It's like the chandelier was made for THIS space. The shape of the frame and the shades really complement the shape of the ceiling. Would love to see the view from the Juliet balcony...perhaps in your Instagram stories. Also, if you're willing, would love for you to do your customary Fall/Spring video house tour, once the entry is done. We haven't had a good look around since before the floors went in. We know the kitchen and bonus room are in progress, there are still boxes to unpack, etc., but it's nice to see the house as it evolves!

  14. Beautiful!! And thank you for sharing the paint color code. I got a sample of SW's Pigeon match (based on what they had in their system for Pigeon) and it just didn't feel right. Turns out it is different than your formula, so I'll have to give it another shot!

    1. Hi Kerry! The paint color code is going to be different for each line of paint. For example, in duration vs emerald vs cashmere, all the color codes will be different to correspond to the differences in the base. Sometimes the color codes are even different between a quart and gallon of the same line. Hope that helps!

  15. Any recommendations on what to do with outlets and switch plates when using midtones? When to go dark, when to go light? Would you ever paint them to match?

  16. For color matching to another brand do you need to bring in a sample card from F&B or does SW have those color match codes on hand? Thanks!

  17. Beautiful! I lovc Pigeon and I love it in this room. In my small bathroom in daylight (skylight in there), it reads more blue than these pictures...mood ring is an awesome analogy! At night it's more gray-green. There's a F+B supplier in Greensboro that I have used, and I've also had it matched by SW and BM...I think the real thing is slightly better. I want to get a Raleigh area F+B thing going! I'm going to ask the Greensboro lady about expanding Eastward with her. Thoroughly enjoying watching your house evolve! Love this new chandelier, too - perfectly modern colonial with the narrow wrought iron arms!

    1. Trudy, are you able to share a photo of your bathroom? I'm now thinking of doing my bath (also with a skylight) in this color, but not sure if I should pull the trigger.

  18. Wow. WOW. Your vision for this room is outstanding. I really didn’t like the Juliet balcony but the color and modern railing just made it so chic. And the color brought out the detail in the fireplace and trim. So smart. Love the color. It’s amazing how it’s soft but traditional, historical but clean. It’s perfect! Y’all did GOOD.

  19. Hi! I’ve noticed you color match at SW to Farrow and Ball a good bit, but I thought I’ve remembered you also taking a color down to 75 or 50% before. Is that something someone could do when color matching as well? I’m looking at some F&B colors but thinking I’d prefer then a smidge lighter. Would love any advice you have!

  20. Ugh, you make me miss NC sooo much! This color is just perfection with your furniture! What a way to update traditional! Love, love, love it!

  21. This is the coziest room. Love the way that paint color makes the brick pop on the fireplace!
    Is it just me or are the railings on the Juliette balcony BEGGING to be a dark charcoal grey to match the light fixture?

  22. What I'm struggling with when it comes to midtone paint is how it can make rooms look gloomy. Like a wet rainy day. It feels more cohesive to me to see less contrast, but it also affects my mood. We have 9 months of winter so I don't know how to make this look work.

    1. I know what you mean. I love moody rooms, but I've found that I prefer it in certain spaces more than in others. I like light and bright bedrooms and keep moodiness to spaces like mudrooms, bathrooms, we have a "study"-type space that will be more of a mid-tone as well. For other spaces I think it depends, my living room gets a ton of light and I think I'd like to paint it a mid-tone as well to up the coziness factor since I know it will not look dark during the daylight hours. If you look up Alisa Bovino's blog, A Glass of Bovino, she updated her bedroom a few months ago in a way that might provide some great inspo for you!

    2. I get that. When I lived in Seattle, I painted a room a mid-toned gray and immediately painted over it with white because there's already too much gray in Seattle, weather-wise. I didn't need to bring it inside too. Now that I'm in a sunny climate, I'm drawn to moody interior colors again. I think the local climate has a huge impact on the interior colors that people choose. Look at Scandinavian countries and their propensity for white walls to bring some light to the dark months.

    3. Midtones are awesome, but they don’t don’t work in every space, for every family. Design is a very personal thing! Some times things don’t work for you and that’s okay! If you want to try out a new design trend like midtone paint, but are afraid it will be too dark in your space, I would go with something on the lighter end. So when you’re looking at paint samples, instead of choosing the paint color toward the middle or bottom of the card, go up one or two colors. If you don’t like any of those however, or if you’re looking at sample cards of that don’t have multiple shades on it, you can have a color you like, lightened at your paint store. The best way to figure out if you will like a color in your space, is to put it in your space! Maybe try painting a few squares on different walls so you can see how the light affects the color. Or if that’s too much commitment, try painting a piece of cardboard you can move around the room. There are also some companies who have peel and stick samples you can order! Hope some of this helps. Good luck!

  23. This looks great! Thank you so much for including the color matching info, I'm sure I won't be the only one saving that for later!

  24. Just beautiful! Have you picked out the wallpaper for the dining room? You had stated you were going to coordinate the two rooms. Your home is gorgeous.

  25. It looks beautiful! Can you tell me what kind of paint you use for your walls (we’re painting our bedroom walls and I’ve searched everywhere on here to see what you recommend…matte, gloss,semi-gloss)

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Sales

The Best Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals in 2024

We collected all of the best deals of the holiday season—from tech to home decor—in one place for easy reference. Whether you want the lowest price on one of the best gifts of the year or you have a furniture item in your cart waiting for a discount, we’ve rounded up our recommendations. We're also […]
A white dish of peppermint brownies next to a red & white tea towel
Chris Cooks

Holiday Peppermint Brownies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

I have a few recipes that are perfect for the holidays, and this is one of them. I make a really delicious brownie that can be made gluten-free and dairy-free, but you won't even know it's missing those elements when the peppermint flavor hits. It's really simple, and you're going to LOVE this brownie for […]
Gift Guides!

Unique Places to Shop on Small Business Saturday

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season, I love that we dedicate a day to find treasures from small business owners. It's a day of discovery—you may just uncover your new favorite product! (We're proud to partner with a couple of small businesses including Poppy & Pout and Lightwell Co.—both offering great […]
A moody brown bedroom decorated for Christmas with green, burgundy and warm red accents
House Tours

Video: Our Holiday Home Tour 2024

I love a holiday home tour. It's so fun stepping into someone's house to see how they decorate. The scents they chose to represent their home in the Christmas season. Even the way a fire in the fireplace creates cozy shadows on the wall—it just changes the vibe. After we decorated all the rooms for […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES