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By Mitchell Chapman

When I was a young man in college, I fell in love with an 1893 building. The owners let me tinker around doing odd jobs. I thought everything looked great in a fresh coat of white. Nothing hid blemishes on those bumpy plaster walls better than flat white paint, right? White walls made everything seem clean. I painted many rooms in that building flat white.

In the 1990s, I lived in San Francisco. That is where my sense of design started being cultivated. After an art opening at my favorite gallery near Union Square, I was invited to an after-party in a chic co-op building nearby. It was a top-floor unit of a six- or seven-story building. When the host welcomed me into his home, I was in awe over the velvety, dark chocolate-brown walls. It was like walking into a piece of candy! Instead of admiring the views or the serious art hung all over the place, I marveled at that wall color.

It was an “aha” moment for me. Never in my life had I considered painting my walls a dark color, much less brown! The gateway to the color wheel was unlocked; I wasn’t going to have white walls any longer.

I keep an old chocolate candy box filled with paint chips I’ve collected for various projects. As I began to examine those paint chips recently, I realized I’m still partial to that dark chocolate color that awakened my sense of design. My “go to” dark brown is Benjamin Moore’s HC-70 Van Buren Brown. I also like a dark charcoal gray and have found my art collection looks prominent against it.

Dark-colored rooms can feel moody, but soothing. Table lamps, mirrors, art and window coverings are all vital components to creating that feel. My budget for home furnishings has always been small, but I’ve found that I can create real elegance by painting my walls a rich, saturated color.

To demonstrate, I’ve experimented by painting a small wall two different colors. The paint was purchased in Elma and Aberdeen. Each color really makes the art and table lamp “pop.” If you feel like making changes to a room, consider taking a risk and painting one wall — or, even better, the entire room — a bold color. After all, it’s just paint.

There isn’t much commitment beyond a weekend of work and $200 or so for paint and supplies. Be adventurous and spin that color wheel!

And don’t worry about the room feeling like a cave. I have found the corners recede and the room feels grander.

Helpful hints I have learned along the way:

• Put up color samples and view them morning, noon and night. Natural light throughout the day will change how you see the color. Pick a color you like regardless of trends. I read many shelter magazines, and in my opinion, I don’t care about who says which color is “it” this year. Just use a color that makes you happy or one that pulls your design together.

• Prep those walls and baseboards! Wash and lightly sand them before painting. Use primer for heavily soiled or stained walls. Run your hands over the walls to feel for debris or blemishes and correct as needed.

• Buy high quality rollers! The cheap ones shed lots of fibers, which are easily seen and felt when finished. I like the blue colored rollers best. Run your fingers over the roller a bit to get the loose fibers to fall off. All rollers shed a little.

• Consider painting the baseboards the same color as the walls but in a semi-gloss sheen. It will make the space seem more modern and not draw your eye to the floor. I only highlight baseboards and trim if it is architecturally significant or hefty. Plus, it’s easier to paint.

• Try painting the ceiling the same color but a few shades lighter. Or, better yet, wallpaper the ceiling!

• If you are timid about picking a bold color, hire a color consultant. I’ve done that two times in my life and I’m glad I did. The project was better for it.

Now then, pull out those drop clothes and brushes; it’s time to start. The holidays are right around the corner!

Mitchell Chapman lives in Montesano and enjoys DIY renovations, interior design and home furnishings. He’s been an “armchair” interior designer for more than 25 years. He can be reached at GraysHarborHome@outlook.com.