Yes, I’ve finally committed to a paint color for the Chartreuse & co barns! The winner is: Railings for the window and door frames, Cornforth White for the mullions – both from Farrow & Ball.
And here’s the really cool thing: As I stood there, staring at the face of the barn, trying desperately to envision it painted grey, charcoal, anything, Rosanna (owner of Bella Villa shop in Aldie) approached me and asked what I was doing. I explained my agony:
“See those silos and how they’ve weathered? I love those colors and want that pallet for the barn . . . but how ?”
Rosanna, gifted stylist that she is, offered this suggestion: “Why not just sand it and seal it. Keep the weathered look you love, and just freshen the paint on the trim?”
I could have kissed her!
So where you see the dark green paint now, we’ll have the Farrow & Ball Railings. The mullions (the inside dividers of the windows) will be Farrow & Ball Cornforth White, plus, because it’s an awesome part of the barn structure, the upper barn door (partially open in this picture), as well as it’s hardware and track, will be painting the Railings, too. All the rest will be simply power washed, lightly sanded, and sealed to preserve that beautiful, natural aged, gray and white wooden appearance. Can’t wait to see it complete!
So we lined up the paint, the painter, and a block of sunny days. But, of course, nothing goes as planned. As work began we realized that all the old wood framing around the windows was completely gone. And by gone, I mean you could push your hand into it and pull out wood pulp! I couldn’t believe it! But as luck would have it, Rob, who was doing the painting, is also a gifted carpenter. He is actually recreating the window frames exactly, to match the circa 1920s pieces. Some of the painting is complete, but the whole project will be ongoing into fall.
NEWS FLASH!!!
Beginning with our August event (August 15-17), Farrow & Ball paint is available at Chartreuse & co! Yes, that fabulous, best-in-the-world paint that I’ve been gushing over for years (Bedroom Redux, Color Happy, Before & After, Laundry Room Blues) We’re working with Patrick Street Interiors, the local stockist for the paint. You’ll find a seasonally edited selection of the 750ml cans (approximately a quart) to try on your furniture, or, as I have done, all over your walls! Be forewarned: Farrow & Ball paint spoils you for all other paints.
Thanks for reading!
Virginia
Hi Virginia! I’m SO glad you’re not going to paint over the History of the Barn! This is the right way to go. Speaking as someone who deals with Reclaimed Old Barn Siding all the time, in my Table-Making, keep an eye on the guys when they sand it. It’s amazing how the “Oldness” and the grey and the silver – is only surface! Just a little deeper down, the wood will be bright, golden and new-looking. Don’t let them go too far. And do a Test Section of whatever they are going to Seal it with – make sure you like it. If they use an Oil-based (or Alkyd, as it’s called) the oil will darken your wood a LOT. A water-based Sealer/polyurethane will darken it less, but is less protection. HINT: if you don’t like what you see – then make the painters add some White Paint INTO the Sealer (Oil base White Paint, if they’re using Oil Based Sealer) and I strongly recommend FLAT white paint (it will keep the old fashioned look of “WhiteWash” they used to use) Ace Hardwares have Tintable Oil Based Paints – still, and a good selection of all Oil Based choices. Don’t let them mix it too well. This way you’ll get the Protection and not loose the look, and counteract the Darkening effect of the Sealer. I have had to deal with this when making Tables from Old Barn Wood. Have Fun with it – it’s going to be GREAT!
Anna at ThistleDowne Cottage
Thanks for the advice, Anna! I’ll get some pictures posted when it’s complete!
Virginia