This bright room sits on the southwest side of an old farmhouse. The room was dingy and neglected. After a complete renovation, which included refinished floors and new windows, the walls received a coat of neutral khaki paint.

After several years, the room’s tenant (a six year old) wanted a new color. Because the room faces south and has floor to ceiling windows, I picked Benjamin Moores’s Newburyport Blue, a very dark navy blue. The room feels very sophisticated and even with the dark paint, feels bright and warm.