A Small Town Project with a Big Color: My Adventures with Hague Blue Woodwork
You know how it goes in a small town. Everything moves a little slower, and everyone knows everyone. So when I decided to tackle a project involving Hague Blue paint on some woodwork in my house, you can imagine the buzz it created. "What’s she up to now?" they’d whisper at the local diner over coffee and pie. I chuckle thinking back on it, and boy, do I have a story.
You see, I’ve always had a soft spot for rich, deep colors. My walls have been a shade of ivory blue for as long as I can remember, and truthfully, I’d grown tired of it. So, there I was, browsing Pinterest, losing track of time, when I stumbled upon this beautiful deep blue—Hague Blue. I was smitten. It looked all cozy and comforting, like a warm hug. I could already picture it on my woodwork, framing the vintage windows in my living room.
Now, I’m no expert. I’m armed with a toolbox that has more years than experience, but that’s never stopped me before. I always just kinda dive in and hope for the best. I had the basic gear: a paintbrush, a roller, and some cheap drop cloths that probably should’ve been thrown out ages ago. I made a mental note to pick up some of that fancy “chalk paint” from Farrow & Ball that I heard whispers about in the local craft shop.
So off I went, feeling all confident. I thought maybe this was going to be a breezy Saturday project—just a hit of color and a chance to sip my coffee and admire my handiwork. How naive I was.
The Color Dilemma
I remember the smell of that paint. It hit me the moment I cracked open the can. It’s hard to explain, really, but it was this rich, thick scent that almost felt luxurious. I mean, I felt like I should be wearing a beret and have a French accent or something. But instead, I just had my old T-shirt and some paint-stained sweatpants. Still, the moment I dipped that brush into Hague Blue, I thought, “This is going to be fantastic!”
But then the first coat went on, and whoa, hold the phone. It was bright. It was like a little slice of the ocean had jumped onto my trim, and I—well, let’s just say I didn’t expect that. I thought I’d be wrapping my home in a soft, muted embrace, but I had plunged into the bold, brash depths of the sea.
I almost gave up right there. I stood in my living room, staring at the stark contrast, and I was like, “What have I done?” Friends would visit and say, “Wow, that blue really… stands out.” Uh huh. It felt like I’d gone from quaint cottage to beach house in a heartbeat, and that’s one way to change your home vibe.
The Realization Moment
After a lunch break of deep contemplation—read: sandwich and a few frustrated sighs—funny enough, I realized I had to roll with it. “You can’t change the ocean,” I thought. So, I went back to it, only this time I added another touch of excitement to the whole process. I grabbed a sponge and started making some textured waves, figuring, “If I’m going to dive deep, let’s add some flair.” It was like I was in a little creative dance with this paint, and I started to feel a little braver with each stroke.
And you know what? Once that second coat dried, it actually worked. I laughed when it turned out better than I imagined. That deep, moody blue began to transform the space. It felt rich and inviting, much more “me” than that bland pale blue I had before.
Learning the Hard Way
Let me tell you, there were lessons learnt along the way. Like, don’t skip the priming step. Nope, not unless you want to go hunting for 500 paint touch-ups down the road. So, I found myself back at the hardware store, buying primer and muttering “lesson learned” to myself as I grabbed the can.
Then there was the small disaster when I accidentally knocked over the can of paint. Oh, the horror! I stood there, paint oozing into cracks like it was trying to claim my floorboards. I panicked at first, but I grabbed some rags and started cleaning it up. It felt like I was wrestling the paint monster rather than working with it. In the end, I learned I should’ve just been more careful and trusted my instincts when it came to setting things down neatly.
I remember sitting on the floor after all that mess, the beautiful Hague Blue still shining regally on the walls, and I thought, “Well, what a journey this has been.”
A Sense of Satisfaction
In the end, once I had cleaned everything up and stepped back to admire my work, there was this incredible sense of satisfaction. I had created something that felt like home, something that sparked joy every time I walked through the door.
So, if you find yourself pondering a project, even if it looks bigger or crazier than you anticipated, just dive in. Sure, you might spill a bit of paint and make some mistakes, but those are the experiences that stick with you. They are what transform an ordinary weekend into a colorful adventure.
If you’re thinking about trying something similar—whether it’s paint or any DIY project—go for it. You never know what might happen. You might just end up loving the journey as much as the outcome, and trust me, you’ll laugh about it later, just like I do with my little Hague Blue saga.
