MOST Asked Question “From Neutral to WOW”: A Deep Dive Into All Paint Colors Used
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Project Martha Paint Colors: Dining Room, Office & Powder Room
When we design a home, paint is never an afterthought — it’s the foundation.
For Project Martha’s main floor, our goal was to create a rich, cohesive color story that felt moody and sophisticated, yet timeless and livable for a busy family. Each space flows into the next, so every shade had to work both independently and as part of a larger narrative.
Here’s a closer look at the paint palette that shaped the dining room, home office, and powder room.
Dining Room: Warm, Earthy, and Architectural
The dining room became the heart of the main floor, and its paint treatment was essential in creating depth and drama without overwhelming the space.
We selected Portola Paints Roman Clay in Rock Star for the walls, applied in a full color-drench and carried onto the ceiling. Roman Clay adds a natural, plaster-like movement that changes subtly throughout the day, giving the room a lived-in, European sensibility. The Rock Star tone was intentionally chosen to echo the charcoal hues of the adjacent living room fireplace, allowing the spaces to feel connected while still distinct.
To ground the softness of the Roman Clay, we introduced Sherwin-Williams Web Gray (SW 7075) on the trim and ceiling elements. The satin finish on trim adds a refined contrast, while the flat finish on the ceiling keeps the focus on the architectural arches and custom built-ins rather than sheen.
Dining Room Paint Summary:
Walls: Portola Paints Roman Clay – Rock Star
Trim (except windows): Sherwin-Williams Web Gray SW 7075, Satin
Ceiling: Sherwin-Williams Web Gray SW 7075, Flat
Home Office: Moody, Focused, and Timeless
The home office was designed to feel like a retreat — a space that supports focus while still feeling warm and inviting.
We wrapped the walls and ceiling grille in Sherwin-Williams Cloak Gray (SW 6278) in an eggshell finish. This deep gray has a softness to it that prevents the room from feeling too heavy, even with limited natural light. It creates an enveloping effect that immediately shifts the mood from the rest of the home.
For contrast and architectural clarity, we used Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) on the crown molding, baseboards, wainscoting, and custom cabinetry. The satin finish adds just enough polish while keeping the look grounded and classic. Overhead, we layered in a wallpapered ceiling to introduce texture and quiet movement — a subtle surprise that elevates the space.
Office Paint Summary:
Walls & Ceiling Grille: Sherwin-Williams Cloak Gray SW 6278, Eggshell
Trim & Cabinetry: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258, Satin
Ceiling: Wallpaper
Powder Room: A Jewel Box Moment
The powder room may be small, but it was designed to leave a lasting impression.
We chose Portola Paints Roman Clay in Damascus for the walls, creating a rich, tactile backdrop with depth and warmth. Roman Clay is especially impactful in smaller spaces, where its natural variation adds character without the need for pattern.
To complement the walls and unify the space, we used Sherwin-Williams Homestead Brown (SW 7515) on the trim, door interior, ceiling, and as a one-coat primer on the walls. This monochromatic approach enhances the jewel-box feel and allows the sculptural vanity, fluted glass sconces, and custom scalloped backsplash to truly shine.
Powder Room Paint Summary:
Walls: Portola Paints Roman Clay – Damascus
Trim, Door Interior & Ceiling: Sherwin-Williams Homestead Brown SW 7515, Satin & Flat
Why This Palette Works
What makes this paint story successful isn’t just the individual colors — it’s how they relate to one another. Each space has its own identity, yet the tones repeat and echo across rooms, creating a sense of continuity and calm. Warm undertones, layered finishes, and intentional sheen choices ensure the home feels elevated but never cold.
This is a palette designed to age beautifully — one that supports daily family life while still delivering those quiet wow moments.
Reach out to Design & Curations to start your design journey—sometimes a thoughtfully chosen paint palette is all it takes to see your home in a whole new light.
XO,
BurJu
