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| Sherwin Williams Atmospheric |
"Spend a weekend house-hunting in Charleston or strolling the streets of Savannah, and you'll likely notice that many of the houses have one thing in common: a sky-blue porch ceiling. While the practice is widespread across much of the South and even beyond, the tradition of painting porch ceilings light blue began with the Gullah Geechee communities of coastal South Carolina and Georgia.
These descendants of Central and West African enslaved people painted their doors, window frames, shutters, and porch ceilings blue as a means of protection. They believed that the color would act as a repellant for 'haints,' or spirits of the dead, who might try to enter their homes.
According to Atlas Obscura, in one version of the tradition, the Gullah Geechee people believed that the haints would confuse the color with the sky and pass right through the porch ceiling. Another version of the tradition explains that the haints were afraid of water and would flee at the sight of the watery hue.
But if you're not one for believing in haints, you may still want to paint your porch a lovely light blue for a more practical reason. Some say that the color prevents wasps from building nests. We're not much for haints or wasps, so we'll improve our chances with a picture-perfect shade of blue. We've rounded up the best shades of haint blue to paint your porch, whether you live in the South or just wish you did."
(via Southern Living)
I have chosen Sherwin Williams Atmospheric.
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| Sherwin Williams Atmospheric SW605 |
"A name like Atmospheric (SW 6505) certainly says it all. As promised, this gentle baby blue by Sherwin-Williams will make your ceiling soar. This color looks incredibly flattering on a yellow or warm gray house."
(via Southern Living)
Earlier in the week I did a deep dive in the lanai, removing and cleaning everything. I used my wonderful steam mop on the floor and screens and everything is absolutely pristine. I use my steam mop virtually daily and I don't know how I ever lived without it. It is without question my favorite cleaning tool by far. It has a slew of attachments to use on tons of things around your home.
It just happens to be on the most amazing sale right now at 41% off. It has been rated number one in many reviews of steam mops and it is truly a game changer. Trust me on this one - you need this in your home. I have recommended this to many friends and they are all in love with this little wonder.
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| Pur-Steam 10-in-1 Steam Mop |
I will post pictures of the haint blue ceilings once everything is done - I can't wait.
Just curious Beth, what material are your lanai and porch ceilings? I live in FL too and have always wanted haint blue ceilings but have hesitated because mine are covered in standard vinyl soffit. My concern is that the paint won't adhere well. Can't wait to see how yours turn out!
ReplyDeleteMine are not vinyl, so I have no idea about painting yours - sorry.
DeleteMy porch ceiling is Haint blue, but the wasps must be colorblind. We still have to discourage them from building messy red-clay nests. It’s time to clean our porch as thoroughly as you have cleaned your lanai; Spring pollen has left a dusty shroud on every single thing, including plants! My poor hostas. Cheers!
ReplyDeletethe interior ceilings in my home are Opal Essence, a haint blue color so subtle you don't realize it until it's pointed out..I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh Beth, when your painter is through, please send him over to my house! It's in desperate need of a fresh paint job. My porch ceiling is also blue and so are the eaves, just a bit darker than yours. I have heard that the blue prevents birds, insects and flying creatures from nesting under the eaves, and so far, it has proven to be true for me.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a bit of a drive for the painters.
DeletePlease elaborate on cleaning your screens with this steam mop? I have a large screened in porch and wondering if this is the ticket ?? THX (and Happy Mother's Day)
ReplyDeleteI use it as a hand held with the squeegee attachment and wrap my own microfiber cloth around it, rinsing and changing the cloth out as required. Does a wonderful job on all my screens with no mess whatsoever.
DeleteBeth to the rescue. Also have painters and carpenters doing the same to my house. Have been pondering what color for the screened porches ceilings. Thought blue. It will now be haint blue. As prescribed by Dr. Beth am a proud owner of same steam mop. Veuve (?) and chocolate on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHi! I think I recognize that picture from the Simply Southern Cottage blog. Go to the website to see the rest or her cute house.
ReplyDelete