Kitchen Transformation: From Grellow to a Serene Benjamin Moore Blue

Embarking on a kitchen renovation, even if it’s just a paint refresh, can be one of the most impactful changes you make to your home. It’s a space where life happens, and its aesthetic sets the tone for much of your living area. While we’re diving into our latest kitchen update, you might also find inspiration for your next project with these popular paint colors:

• The 12 Best White Paint Colors
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White
• Sherwin-Williams Extra White

And now, for the big reveal! We’ve painted the kitchen, and it’s a complete transformation. Get ready to say goodbye to our old “grellow” and hello to a refreshing new hue that has breathed new life into the heart of our home.

We’ve been playfully “flirting” with the idea of a kitchen color change for a while, as hinted in our recent posts here and here. The stars finally aligned when Nonna came to visit and help with Clara this past week. Seizing the opportunity, we jumped at the chance to dive into the painting project, transforming our kitchen into a space we’ve envisioned for months.

As with any home improvement project, the journey often involves a little (or a lot) of organized chaos. To keep things real, we captured this candid shot, illustrating the inevitable “displacement mess” that often accompanies giving one room some love. It’s a familiar scene in our household: when the kitchen receives attention, nearby rooms, like our dining room, temporarily become a storage hub for tools, furniture, and various accessories. This particular mess, of course, was strategically positioned directly behind the front door when our neighbors decided to pop by for an impromptu chat. It’s always charming when your entryway resembles a furniture agility course, wouldn’t you agree? It’s all part of the authentic DIY experience!

Why We Said Goodbye to “Grellow”: The Quest for the Perfect Kitchen Paint Color

Our previous kitchen color, affectionately dubbed “grellow,” held a special place in our hearts for its unique charm. However, it presented an ongoing challenge, particularly for home bloggers like us: it was notoriously difficult to photograph accurately. We’ve often found ourselves in a hundred different phases of the kitchen project, exasperated by how the color, which appeared subtly elegant in person, consistently translated into lime green, bright yellow, or even neon slime in photos. While this might seem like a superficial reason to repaint a room, the inability to authentically share our vision with our readers was genuinely frustrating.

Beyond the photographic woes, the primary motivation for change stemmed from a deeper realization: the “grellow” didn’t allow other beautiful elements in the room to truly shine. We observed that our crisp white cabinets and counters often appeared slightly yellowed due to the wall color reflecting onto them. Even our rich, mocha-toned cork floors, which we adore, took on an orangey-yellow tint, particularly noticeable in the evening. We wanted a wall color that would enhance, rather than detract from, the existing features of our kitchen, making every detail pop.

Our Strategic Approach to Kitchen Paint Color Selection

Choosing the right kitchen paint color involved a careful deliberation process, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. Here’s how we reasoned our way to our new color pick, ensuring it met all our criteria:

• Avoiding Color Reflection Issues: We were wary that other shades of yellow and green, regardless of their depth or lightness, might present the same yellowing effect on our white counters, cabinets, and cork floors. This reflection issue was a primary concern, leading us to confidently nix these options from our list. We sought a color that would complement, not compete with, the existing materials.
• Seeking Contrast for Visual Impact: Our goal was a color deep enough in tone to provide a pleasing contrast, allowing the white cabinets and counters to truly “pop.” However, since our kitchen is windowless, we needed to avoid anything too dark that might make the space feel smaller or more enclosed. It was a delicate balance of creating visual interest without sacrificing brightness.
• Preventing “Gray-Overload”: With existing gray backsplash tile and several adjoining rooms featuring various shades of gray, introducing more gray on the kitchen walls (whether dark, light, or medium) felt like a recipe for “gray-overload.” We aimed to diversify our color palette and prevent monotony, ensuring each space retained its unique identity while still flowing harmoniously.

• Embracing an “Actual Color”: Given that many of our permanent design choices are inherently neutral – brown floors, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white counters, and gray backsplash tile – we craved an actual color on the walls. This approach allowed us to inject personality and vibrancy into the kitchen without committing to permanent, bold fixtures.
• Creating Seamless Flow with Adjoining Spaces: Our kitchen connects to no fewer than four other rooms. This unique layout necessitated a wall color that would tie into these surrounding spaces without being overtly “matchy-matchy.” The chosen color needed to complement the existing decor of the dining room, living room, and hallway, creating a cohesive visual narrative as one moves through our home. It’s akin to meticulously selecting a hallway color that harmonizes with every room it leads to, ensuring a smooth transition and aesthetic consistency.

Unveiling the Perfect Shade: Benjamin Moore’s Colorado Gray (Our New Kitchen Blue!)

After carefully evaluating each adjoining room and considering our criteria, we drew inspiration from the subtle, powdery blues present in the background of our dining room curtains (visible in the top right of many photos) and some of the soft blue pillows adorning our living room sofa (bottom left). This palette resonated with other blue undertones already subtly woven into our home, such as the kitchen window shade, the faint blue in our gray penny tile backsplash, the two paintings I created for the kitchen, the lanterns in the living room, and various pieces of art in the nearby hallway o’ frames. This collaborative inspiration guided us towards our final decision.

And that’s how we triumphantly landed on a bold, yet deeply serene, blue tone – one that provides just enough depth to make our white cabinets truly stand out. We selected an eggshell finish from Benjamin Moore’s Natura line. This particular finish strikes the perfect balance: it’s wipeable for a busy kitchen environment but avoids excessive shininess, especially since our backsplash already protects the “splashy” areas. We sourced this paint from a local shop for a fantastic price of $52, thanks to a Facebook coupon. Since we only needed about half a gallon for the project, we’re left with plenty for future touch-ups or even another small accent project!

The chosen color name, “Colorado Gray,” consistently brings a smile to our faces because it is unequivocally blue, with no discernible gray tones. Interestingly, on the swatch, it sits right beside “Aegean Teal,” which feels far more aligned with its actual appearance. Perhaps a rebrand is in order? I vote we rename it “Colorado Blue,” or even “Sherdog Blue” – yes, that feels right. The name might be a playful misnomer, but the color itself is pure perfection for our space.

The Enduring Appeal of Blue: A Harmonious Addition

Our affection for soft blue kitchens runs deep, having enjoyed a similar shade in our very first home. In our current residence, blue hasn’t made a significant appearance on the walls, save for the deep teal in the guest room and the back panels of our dining room built-ins. Bringing in this mid-tone blue for the kitchen feels like a natural progression, bridging the gap between the intensity of the guest room’s teal and the softer blues of our previous kitchen. It introduces a calming yet sophisticated element, creating a sense of continuity and bringing a touch of coastal serenity indoors.

During the second coat application of this repainting escapade – a phase where we’re always delightfully loopy – a humorous realization struck us. In our first house, we meticulously repainted every single room with the exception of the kitchen and the master bedroom. Fast forward to our current home, and the irony isn’t lost on us: the only two rooms we’ve repainted thus far are, you guessed it, the kitchen and our master bedroom. It seems some decorating patterns are destined to repeat, even if unintentionally, proving that certain spaces inherently call for a refresh more often than others.

In fact, if we consider the time we temporarily painted the fireplace area a different color for a book photoshoot (only to swiftly repaint it back a few days later), some sections of this very room have now experienced no fewer than four distinct paint jobs. It’s a testament to our ongoing design evolution and willingness to experiment until a space truly feels right. Each coat of paint tells a story, and this kitchen’s walls have certainly accumulated a rich narrative.

The Impact of Our New Blue Kitchen Paint Color

Our new blue kitchen paint color has brought a multitude of benefits to the space, solidifying its role as the welcoming heart of our home. Here are a few of our favorite aspects:

• A True Statement Color: This isn’t just another neutral backdrop. It’s a vibrant, undeniable color that makes a clear statement. It proves that you can introduce bold hues without overwhelming a space, especially when balanced with neutral permanent fixtures.
• Sophistication with a Twist: While it’s certainly a pop of color, the blue maintains a sophisticated and elegant feel. It’s not a typical gray, navy, chocolate, or taupe, yet it exudes a timeless charm that elevates the entire kitchen aesthetic. This color choice demonstrates that boldness can indeed be refined.
• Enhanced Visual Contrast: The blue truly allows our pristine white cabinets and counters to stand out dramatically. Gone are the days of yellowed reflections; now, these elements appear crisper and brighter than ever, creating a fresh and clean look that enhances the kitchen’s overall appeal.
• Harmonious Balance of Tones: The cool blue acts as a magnificent counterbalance to the room’s warmer elements. It beautifully complements the rich cork floors, the natural wood stools, and the rustic cutting boards on the counter, creating a visually appealing equilibrium. This interplay of warm and cool tones adds depth and interest to the space.

Moreover, this thoughtful color selection seamlessly ties the kitchen into all the surrounding rooms without creating a jarring or overly “matchy” effect. It’s a subtle thread that weaves through our home’s design, fostering a sense of cohesion and effortless flow from one space to the next.

So, Benjamin Moore Colorado Gray Blue, we are absolutely smitten. In fact, we’re ready to put a ring on it! This color has utterly transformed our kitchen, making it brighter, more cohesive, and truly reflective of our style. It’s a testament to how the right shade can completely revitalize a space, proving that sometimes, the simplest change can yield the most dramatic results.

DIY Painting Tips: Our Approach to a Flawless Finish

For those embarking on their own painting adventures, here are a few insights into our approach. This particular paint job required two coats to achieve its rich, vibrant depth. I personally prefer to freehand most of the “cutting in” – delineating precise lines where the wall meets the ceiling, trim, or other surfaces – while John expertly handles the rolling of the larger wall areas. Call me a risk-taker, but there’s a certain thrill to living life on the edge with a paintbrush in hand! This method allows for quick, seamless transitions and a personalized touch.

You might notice we often paint without a traditional drop cloth. While this might seem unconventional, our sealed wood and cork floors are quite forgiving; any rogue drips can usually be wiped clean with ease. Our primary strategy, however, is to prevent drips altogether by carefully managing the amount of paint on our brushes and rollers. This meticulous approach significantly reduces mess and ensures a cleaner, more efficient painting process, letting us achieve professional-looking results without the hassle of extensive prep work.

Considering Light and Purpose: The Laundry Room Exception

Interestingly, we opted not to repaint the adjoining laundry room, where the “grellow” still proudly remains. This decision highlights a crucial aspect of paint selection: the impact of natural light. The laundry room boasts a large glass door and a generous window, allowing an abundance of natural light to stream in, which beautifully illuminates the “grellow” and makes it appear pleasant and inviting. In stark contrast, our kitchen previously suffered from a severe lack of natural light, with its only window being an interior one looking into a sunroom. This difference in lighting dramatically alters how a paint color reads and performs within a space.

Furthermore, the yellow accents strategically placed in the kitchen, such as the urn next to the sink and the patterned window treatment, now create a lovely visual balance with that glowing “grellow” doorway leading into the laundry room. It’s a subtle nod to the past while embracing the new, creating continuity rather than a harsh cut-off, proving that every design decision, even not repainting, is an intentional one.

But honestly, even with our stunning new blue walls, the undeniable star of this room continues to be that magnificent wall full of penny tile. Picture me having a dramatic, “as-soon-as-the-show-ends Bachelor breakup” with the wall paint, only to run back to the penny tile with open arms. It’s not that I don’t absolutely adore the serene blue color on our walls – I just confess to loving that penny tile more than any person should reasonably love an inanimate object. It’s a timeless texture and a focal point that the new blue now perfectly enhances.

Our Curated List of Favorite Paint Colors for Your Home

If you’re still navigating the exciting, yet sometimes daunting, process of picking the perfect paint color for your room, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Explore these detailed deep-dive posts about some of our all-time favorite and most recommended paint colors. They offer comprehensive insights to help you make an informed decision for your next home transformation:

• The 12 Best White Paint Colors
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White
• Sherwin-Williams Extra White