5 Modern Paint Colors That Work Surprisingly Well in Old Houses
White-washing is all the rage these days, so we can't help but breathe a sigh of relief when we spot an interior painted in bright, bold colors. Brilliant hues aren't just for newer homes, though—used correctly, they can make a historical home look as fresh and new as the day it was built. To prove it, here are five of our favorite color choices for old houses that are anything but old-fashioned.
1. Chrome Yellow
When Thomas Jefferson's country house, Monticello, was restored in 2010, the blue dining room received a fresh coat of chrome yellow paint that made waves all over the design world. Despite its bold and modern look, the color is actually authentic to the room—historians discovered that Jefferson himself used it in 1815, shortly after its invention in France. If we could package sunshine, this is what it would look like.
2. Fresh Mint
If Pinterest is any indication, mint is definitely having a moment—and it's not difficult to see why. It's as turn-of-the-century Paris as it is mid-century sweet, and it manages to look just as current today as it did centuries ago.
3. Bright Salmon
If you're worried that pink may be too sweet and orange too much of a risk, try landing in the middle. Rarely used, a vibrant shade of salmon is an unexpected choice that somehow totally works. The earthiness gives it warmth, while the vibrancy keeps things fresh.
See more of this colorful New England farmhouse on House Beautiful.
4. Rich Navy
A moody navy can look starkly modern or perfectly old world, depending on how you stage it. Paired with a mix of antiques (with just the right amount of tarnish!), a splash of navy adds instant drama to any room.
5. Sky Blue
Porch ceilings have been painted blue for as long as anyone can remember; bringing the trend indoors is a modern take on an old trick. A pastel hue such as this works as well in a brand new home as it does in a centuries-old farmhouse, because colors inspired by nature have a timeless appeal.
Writer Elizabeth Finkelstein is a self-proclaimed old house addict on a lifelong hunt for her perfect historic home. From big Victorian fixer-uppers to tiny colonials to mid-century modern masterpieces, Elizabeth believes that the best homes show the charm of having been loved over time. She chronicles it all on her website CIRCA Old Houses, which showcases beautiful old houses for sale across the country. See more at CircaOldHouses.com.
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