There are certain houses where you know you’ll love the aesthetics inside since the exterior is oozing with storybook charm. This particular beauty in Canada (interior design by Jenny Martin Design) has inspiring gentle paint colors selected for the interiors and facade. 3 Paint Colors in a Storybook Dream House spotlights breathtaking nods to traditional style (arches! eyebrows!). I’ll never tire of this romantic (yet not too precious) style that feels fairytale-like yet all decidedly grown up.
![Maison de Lee - a beautiful French inspired new build with interiors designed by Jenny Martin Design. Exterior painted BM Gray Mist and shutters are Revere Pewter. #bmgraymist #bmreverepewter #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jennymartindesign-maison-de-lee-exterior.jpg)
3 Paint Colors a Storybook Dream House
Project: Maison de Lee (in Victoria’s South Oak Bay neighborhood); Builder: M. Knight Construction; Home Design: Zebra Group; Interiors: Jenny Martin Design
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/020-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
What’s the story on this storybook charmer?
Known as Maison de Lee, this beautiful home won seven awards including Project of the Year.
“Aiming to incorporate traditional elements with an aged vintage quality, this project integrates detailed mouldings, rustic white-oak beams and soft arches, pairing them with unlacquered brass and natural marble specifically selected to age gracefully over time. The aesthetic was elevated with a restrained palette of natural tones.” – Jenny Martin
Care to see it lit up at night during the holidays?
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths.jpg)
Atmospheric Paint Colors Paint a Modern French Country Kitchen
If you love this look, turn to Benjamin Moore White Dove. The reason so many designers have sworn by this white for decades (oh goodness, I have used it since the early 90s) is it has traditional feel and doesn’t seem to change throughout the day when the light does. I love painting vintage castoff furniture this white since it feels harmonious with older things.
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows-2.jpg)
If you’re not a bandwagon-y type, maybe you could use extra incentive to choose white subway tile for a backsplash in spite of the fact it is a common mainstream choice. The thing is when you’re after an understated atmospheric calm look, it’s nice to not have a jolting tile moment. Subway is subtle enough and helps a new space feel established.
![Heartwarming Christmas decor in a French country kitchen - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-design-french-country-kitchen-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
Do you love the beautiful wreaths lined up across the windows!?! Did you know there are beautiful choices now when you want the look of real greenery but without the messy needle drama?
They’re an investment for sure, but I have no regrets about the high quality fresh looking artificial arrangements I have owned for years.
![Funny tweet about struggle and peace from @donni - Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #poignanttweets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/funny-tweet-mellow-continent-@donni-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Will a single color for walls, cabinets, and trim create an atmospheric mood?
While you can stick with the same color for cabinets and walls, they will appear slightly different since the sheen will vary (flat or satin for walls, satin or semigloss for cabinets). However, your trim color should most likely be the color of trim in other areas of the home.
![Lacanche range in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/010-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-range.jpg)
So for example, if all the trim and doors in your home are painted White Dove, then it may be okay to stick with that white for the kitchen areas.
![Kitchen with gold hardware in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/019-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
How is the mood “atmospheric?” In this newly built kitchen, the finishes, color choices and design elements combine to create a feeling of nostalgia. There’s a sense of history, age, and context. White Shaker cabinets and warm brass hardware contribute to the traditional yet fresh vibe. Best of all, they are timeless choices that will remain relevant.
![Pantry in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #pantrydesign #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-pantry.jpg)
Bonus Paint Color Tip from a Real Life Renovator (moi): Make the oh so important choice for your countertop material first. Then decide on the backsplash. When those decisions are out of the way, that is the moment to sample paint colors. Sample at least three and choose your favorite that works well with the balance of the kitchen design.
Idea for an Atmospheric Color for Kitchen Cabinets?
You won’t have trouble discovering a host of off white colors for cabinetry since there are a ton. But if you need a place to start, I would suggest sticking to whites that may have grey undertones rather than brown or yellow if you like the feel of this atmospheric kitchen. There are plenty of off white paint colors beyond White Dove…Classic Gray above, for example. Even though it sounds like a gray, I have used it plenty of times, and it will feel white.
![Arched door in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/008-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-1440x959.jpg)
F&B Blackened No. 2011, Valspar Swiss Coffee 7005-16, or Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (yes, plenty of whites don’t have “white” in the name!) are beautiful contenders.
Atmospheric is not the same as sterile. The warmth of wood, metal, and natural materials will create cozy atmosphere and feel inviting. I have heard of design-sensitive types noticing that their guests linger longer at a dinner party in their dining room when the walls are a particular color. So interesting to consider.
![Wood open shelves in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #openshelves #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/018-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
Still haven’t picked up this watering can which is similar to the one above. Sometimes those small touches can be big moves.
Lovely Colors for This Storybook Facade
It can be frustrating to choose paint colors based on photos online. There may have post-production editing or the home may be in an entirely different region of the globe than your project. Add to that the fact the time of day when an image is shot matters big time.
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/002c-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
It’s wise to buy samples of a few different whites in the family of whites (warm or bright or cool, etc.) you’re after. The exact exterior color on this beautiful house is:
For whites close to Gray Mist that you may want to sample (because I’m telling you even if they all look the same here in a post or on Pinterest, it’s a different story when you place them in YOUR space side by side)…consider Sherwin Williams Snowbound, Benjamin Moore Calm, and Farrow & Ball Strong White. Bear in mind that the perfect white for your atmospheric space may have “gray” in the name, and that perfect gray you’ve been hunting down? The paint color name may have “white” in it.
![Self-kindness, self-love and self-care quote about rest, productivity, and worth on Hello Lovely. #selfkindnessquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/self-kindness-quote-rest-productivity-recharge-worth-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Patio at beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/003-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
The exact atmospheric paint color on this home’s trim and shutters?
You may want to test several similar atmospheric light grays to be sure you find the one that works well with your particular exposure. Another one to sample? Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274.
![Heartwarming Christmas house exterior with French country architecture and wreaths in windows - @jennymartindesign for @lee_kristine. Photo: @platinumhdstudios. #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jenny-martin-desgin-french-country-house-exterior-christmas-decor-wreaths-in-windows.jpg)
To increase contrast between the siding and trim colors, you could consider:
I have lots of positive experience with Repose Gray and included a bunch of inspiration photos here. It is quite similar to Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray No. 242 which is why I created this graphic:
![Two similar gray paint colors side by side: Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray and Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio. #reposegray #paviliongray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/repose-gray-pavilion-gray-side-by-side-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I find Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray to have more blue undertones so it reads cooler than Repose Gray in my own home. Here’s Repose Gray on walls:
![SW Repose Gray in living room with Belgian linen sofa, egg chair, and arched windows - Hello Lovely Studio. #reposegray #belgianstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5494-1.jpg)
And here is Pavilion Gray (at 66% saturation) on my kitchen cabinets.
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
While we’re on the topic of atmospheric paint colors, don’t count out SW Eider White (on walls above in our kitchen).
![Exterior of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #houseexteriors #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/002b-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior.jpg)
It’s a different sort of off-white, light grey-white that I learned about when we bought our home two years ago.
![Exterior facade of beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #houseexteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/001-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-exterior-1440x961.jpg)
Traditional Architectural & Design Details for Gently Atmospheric Interiors
Airy & Open Shelves
I love how the shelves look in this gorgeous kitchen design. They are an opportunity to show off pretty kitchenware, but more importantly, they keep essentials at the ready. While I still haven’t added shelves on either side of my range hood, I may do it. What is the delay? We have plenty of storage, and it’s a big decision to drill into those walls for shelves to hold heavy items.
![White kitchen in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/021-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen-1440x961.jpg)
One way to decide whether you’re the type who would like living with open shelving? Simply clear an area of your countertop beneath an existing wall cabinet. Place dishes, mugs, or essentials there right on the counter that you plan to place on shelves. Live with this system to see if it agrees!
![Breakfast dining in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/009-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
![Funny tweet, relationship humor, and silly quotes on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/funny-tweet-before-married-always-right-relationship-quote-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
How Bright Whites, Neutrals & Warm Oak Interact
If you are responding favorably to this inspiration kitchen, it may be that the lighter toned wood feels fresh and not dated. European country style tends to rely on pale tones including light stained or natural wood.
![Island with counter stools in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrykitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/004-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-kitchen.jpg)
Do you like the absence of black in our former kitchen? I didn’t paint the window muntins black or incorporate much contrast at all since I love a serene, subdued, ethereal mood.
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
You probably have noticed how popular black and white modern farmhouse interiors and exteriors became in recent years. That high contrast between the black and white is not for everyone, and it isn’t necessarily the “atmospheric” feel we’re exploring in this post…however:
Introducing Black to a Gentle Color Story
There are no design rules, kittens. You can give yourself all the rules you want for your decorating plans and then wake up one morning and say NOPE. Breaking my own rules. Did you even know you can do this with every aspect of your one precious life? You totally can. It’s what living freely is all about and is where all of the fruit lies.
![Mud room with built-ins in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #mudroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/007-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-mud-room.jpg)
Yes, you could design your utility room or mud room with neutrals but color outside of the lines.
Unexpected Design Choices in a Serene Inspiration Home
It does seem as though little dens and sitting rooms are unpopular now unless they are used as a home office. Rather, newer homes have fewer rooms but more open plans with spacious dimensions for each space. I think that’s why the music room in this newly built home caught me by surprise.
![Violins on wall in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/006-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-den-1440x961.jpg)
Similar to my own living room here in the Georgian, it’s the perfect sized sitting room. Instead of furniture that is formal and hands-off, a California influenced spare style keep it very flexible and inviting.
![Neutral living room in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/015-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-living-room-fireplace.jpg)
You’ll also note from that music room and even this home’s living room (above), that there are some curves added to keep things balanced and not boxy.
![Struggle and failure quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #failurequotes #strugglequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/struggle-quote-failure-bruise-tattoo-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
When You’re After a Gentle Entry
A sense of grandness in an entry is hardly a disadvantage, but there are certainly some things that could undermine the gentle mood you’re after. The singular color on walls and trim is relaxing for the eye, and the restrained palette (just a few woven natural accents which echo the hand rail) keep all rather quiet.
![Staircase in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/005-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-staircase.jpg)
If you’re seeking white paint colors to sample to approach the look of this space, peek at Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, and Farrow & Ball All White.
Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
![Marie Flanigan + Visual Comfort lighting (sconces, lamps, and pendants) on Hello Lovely Studio. #marieflanigan #visualcomfort](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/001-marie-flanigan-visual-comfort-lighting-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Can a Closet Actually Feel Tranquil or Atmospheric?
Apparently a closet totally can! Historic homes are wonderful, but they aren’t going to have modern amenities like this:
![Custom closet in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountryhome #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/013-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-closet.jpg)
Of course you need not build from scratch. Occasionally we can carve out a closet with some clever design choices for a renovation. In our current home, we turned a small unused and terribly awkward bedroom into a dressing room/closet. It can easily become a bedroom once again since my design left plenty of room for a bed. Certainly not luxurious like the custom dream closet above, but my semi-custom DIY closet serves me well.
![Shop the Look of Hello Lovely's cloffice. #clofficeideas #homeoffice #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHOP-THE-LOOK-closet-cloffice-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![Shop the look of my DIY closet with these storage finds - Hello Lovely Studio. #closetessentials #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-custom-diy-closet-banner.jpg)
Calm Country French Bath
What I noticed first about this bath is its lofty feel. High ceilings and abundant natural light are both so unusual for a bath!
![Clawfoot tub in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/012a-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-bathroom-clawfoot-tub.jpg)
As you can see, carrera marble was installed in a herringbone pattern on the floor and staggered on shower surround. Subway inside the shower has a fresh more casually relaxed mood.
![Marble shower in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/012-jenny-martin-design-maison-de-lee-french-country-bathroom.jpg)
A classic white bath is always a good idea.
![Hello Lovely modern vintage bath mood board resources for our Georgian's primary bath. #modernvintage #bathrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-hello-lovely-modern-vintage-bath-mood-board.jpg)
![White bath in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybathroom #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/017-jenny-martin-design-white-classic-bathroom-marble-vanity.jpg)
Applied moldings in the bath, anyone?
![White bathroom console sink in beautiful French country home with interior design by Jenny Martin Design. #frenchcountrybath #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/016-jenny-martin-design-white-classic-bathroom-marble-console-sink.jpg)
More of my favs here:
![Shop the look: favorites in my bathroom! Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shop-the-look-my-bathroom-favorites-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Thanks so much for reading, and let me know if you have favorite atmospheric colors that work well in your own home.
![Brené Brown quote about empathy, courage, boundaries and vulnerability on Hello Lovely Studio. #empathyquotes #selfkindness #brenebrownquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BRENE-BROWN-personal-growth-quotes-i-am-enough-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Visit Jenny Martin Design for more info!
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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