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I mentioned Verdigris a few weeks ago as a color prized by the nobility during the Federal period, and then these pictures flew over the transom — shades of the same thing, though updated for the 21st century.

Make no mistake about it — I had nothing to do with this project, though it dovetails quite well with my interests on several points, especially the dark greys. But I know the client and I wanted to scoop this one by Kishani Perera for myself before somebody else did!

As I mentioned in my other piece, deep colors such as Verdigris and Prussian Blue were valued by the upper classes as a means of displaying their wealth — those lapis flakes didn’t grow on trees, you know. The house shown here is in sunny Los Angeles. I work and write in New York, and sometimes wonder how my dictums disseminate across the land. Here, I’m struck not only by the fact that people in L.A. are into the same thing I am — underwater darks and deep neutrals — but that these are largely historic colors being used. That’s right — musty old, dusty Historic colors from Benjamin Moore, and they look so contemporary.

Chrome Green becomes a robust yet still night-friendly back drop for a bedroom, and throughout the rest of the house, grey — color of the decade — compliments a style of architecture usually done in desert rose. I dare say that’s a David Hicks wallpaper. Skoal and good work to all involved.

PAINT COLORS FROM BENJAMIN MOORE
• Guest bath: Hale Navy HC-154
• Master bedroom: Chrome Green EX. RM.
• Hall: Brushed Aluminum 1485
• White in kitchen, trim, decorator white semi, fireplace hi gloss
• Dining room: Kendall Charcoal HC-166
• Guest bedroom: Bunker Hill Green 566
• Living room: Puritan Grey HC-164

Designer: Kishani Perera Interior Design
Images: Jean Randazzo

- Mark Chamberlain, interior and decorative painter