Porch Ceiling Blue , Living With Southern Traditions.

I have long been an advocate of a Blue Ceiling in the  Master Bedroom . I could go on and on about the restiveness  and the tranquility. But Blue Porch Ceilings are also a wonderful Southern tradition , a way to extend the sky on a Grey day . It is a historic color choice , one with legend , romance , superstition ,  and plain old good sense behind it.

Blue Porch Ceilings were often called “Haint Blue” in the South. You will also see a Gullah Blue , New Orleans Blue , Aurora Blue , etc. Some of the first ones were done with Milk Paint. The Victorians were also fond of the Blue overhead .

The thought behind the Blue Ceiling was to scare away the roaming and restless spirits that may want to occupy a house. “Haint Blue” itself is more of a Blue Green color , and great debate goes on over the proper balance of pigments needed to achieve the original hue.

Besides the extend the sky theory , some say that the Blue  paint was used to keep insects from nesting on the ceiling , by thinking that they were still flying under a sky. I do not know enough about insectual  (I like my created word) vision to comment on that , but chances are you still might end up with a Spider or two.

Whatever the reason , indoors or out , a Blue ceiling is one of the best color choices you can ever make. I prefer Sherwin Williams  6505 Atmospheric or 6470 Waterscape. Benjamin Moore 2063-70 Cumulus Cotton or 709 Heavenly Blue are also great selections.

Today is Friday , a great day to pull yourself out of the “blues” , by painting one of your ceilings the heavenly color. Nothing is more relaxing than gazing up at a perfect sky. It will lower your blood pressure and calm your nerves add a Mint Julep , and find a nice hand held fan. Speaking of Mint Juleps  , a nice way to drink it is in your Sweet Tea. 4 cups of a good Kentucky Bourbon , 3 cups of Sweet Tea (add 1 cup granulated sugar to 3 cups of Iced Tea ) , 2 tablespoons powered sugar , about 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves , some sliced lemon , and a few spearmint sprigs. Stir it all around and throw in some ice . Pour it in a tall glass and read Tennessee Williams.  Enjoy.

Peggy Oberlin RID 4986