Fresh from the 18th Century
Modern rooms can tell a story of historic proportions when
WILLIAMSBURG® colors come out of the cupboard for a spirited display.
Tucker Cupboard Orange is used here to transform today’s dining room
with classic confidence. Bold Stencil Square Wallpaper Blue, from an
18th-century wallpaper, is set off with Bracken Cream to present a
substantially fresh point of view.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O.Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-1776
101 Prospect Avenue N.W. • Cleveland, Ohio 44115
©2005 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
®
Williamsburg Paints: Fresh from the 18th Century
Williamsburg is a place rich in history and saturated with color. It is
a place that takes inspiration from the natural beauty that
surrounds it and the vibrant colors and patterns found in its vast
collections. It is a community whose first inhabitants could have
washed walls with soft lime and painted woodwork in rich shades.
After 300 years, Williamsburg’s pleasing use of color remains a
classic, yet lively, source of inspiration for how to decorate for the way we live today.
By selecting WILLIAMSBURG® paints, you are choosing from an important palette of
colors –184 in all– that relate, coordinate and build on each other. Whether you start with
a sumptuous wall color inspired by our garden greens or gravitate to a soft bedroom scheme in cream and gray, our paints will always
deliver consistent quality and depth of color.
Uncovering the inspiration. In the 1920s the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg began. Researchers examined buildings, objects
and inventories of Williamsburg’s colorful past. They discovered finishes and formulas for colors used on interior and exterior surfaces.
In Williamsburg, vibrant colors and bold combinations weren’t the exception but the norm. This information helped us create our new
paint program.
®
Williamsburg Paints: Fresh from the 18th Century
Williamsburg is a place rich in history and saturated with color. It is
a place that takes inspiration from the natural beauty that
surrounds it and the vibrant colors and patterns found in its vast
collections. It is a community whose first inhabitants could have
washed walls with soft lime and painted woodwork in rich shades.
After 300 years, Williamsburg’s pleasing use of color remains a
classic, yet lively, source of inspiration for how to decorate for the way we live today.
By selecting WILLIAMSBURG® paints, you are choosing from an important palette of
colors –184 in all– that relate, coordinate and build on each other. Whether you start with
a sumptuous wall color inspired by our garden greens or gravitate to a soft bedroom scheme in cream and gray, our paints will always
deliver consistent quality and depth of color.
Uncovering the inspiration. In the 1920s the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg began. Researchers examined buildings, objects
and inventories of Williamsburg’s colorful past. They discovered finishes and formulas for colors used on interior and exterior surfaces.
In Williamsburg, vibrant colors and bold combinations weren’t the exception but the norm. This information helped us create our new
paint program.
Relevant...
WILLIAMSBURG® greens
are both natural and elegant. In our dining room, Market Square Green
Medium, with its rich, saturated tones, is soft and soothing. Colorful
accessories, such as the age-of-exploration map and exotic bird
candlesticks reinforce the look of a room filled with worldly charm.
Williamsburg Courthouse White, our true white, sharpens the
sumptuous atmosphere.
Williamsburg’s early citizens
enlightened space with classically
inspired wares such as English
salt-glazed stoneware. Plates, jugs
and bowls from the mid-18th century
mimic Roman designs uncovered at
Pompeii and Herculaneum. Tone-rich
neutrals in the WILLIAMSBURG
palette whisper secrets from the past.
Market Square Green Medium 26
Williamsburg Courthouse White 160
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
“Paint is the background ...
start with a small section. Look
at the color in different light ...
build the room from there.”
Kathryn Arnold,
Interior Designer,
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Relevant...
WILLIAMSBURG® greens
are both natural and elegant. In our dining room, Market Square Green
Medium, with its rich, saturated tones, is soft and soothing. Colorful
accessories, such as the age-of-exploration map and exotic bird
candlesticks reinforce the look of a room filled with worldly charm.
Williamsburg Courthouse White, our true white, sharpens the
sumptuous atmosphere.
Williamsburg’s early citizens
enlightened space with classically
inspired wares such as English
salt-glazed stoneware. Plates, jugs
and bowls from the mid-18th century
mimic Roman designs uncovered at
Pompeii and Herculaneum. Tone-rich
neutrals in the WILLIAMSBURG
palette whisper secrets from the past.
Market Square Green Medium 26
Williamsburg Courthouse White 160
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
“Paint is the background ...
start with a small section. Look
at the color in different light ...
build the room from there.”
Kathryn Arnold,
Interior Designer,
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Tranquil...
This classic bedroom reveals
our bias toward mixing several soft-colored hues. Pale colors in WILLIAMSBURG®
paint re-create the look of tinted lime washes over plaster. By using several
subtle shades of gray and white–like Pelham Gray Light and Everard
Chamber White – these comfortable colors work in perfect harmony with
dark checks, an early Williamsburg favorite. Soft tones of blue, rose, beige,
cream and white bring simple elegance to any room.
Insired by the Classics, Josiah Wedgwood
crafted Queensware (or creamware),
named in honor of Queen Charlotte.
A fragment of a Queensware tureen
decorated with transfer prints of exotic
birds, was excavated at the Governor’s
Palace in Williamsburg.
“Architectural historians add
to Colonial Williamsburg’s
understanding and use of
color on historic buildings.
We travel around the region
to appreciate interior and
exterior design and decoration
choices and then incorporate
this spectrum of knowledge
as we continually improve
our interpretation of
18th-century life.”
Pelham Gray Light 43
Everard Chamber White 123
Willie Graham,
Curator of Architecture
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
Tranquil...
This classic bedroom reveals
our bias toward mixing several soft-colored hues. Pale colors in WILLIAMSBURG®
paint re-create the look of tinted lime washes over plaster. By using several
subtle shades of gray and white–like Pelham Gray Light and Everard
Chamber White – these comfortable colors work in perfect harmony with
dark checks, an early Williamsburg favorite. Soft tones of blue, rose, beige,
cream and white bring simple elegance to any room.
Insired by the Classics, Josiah Wedgwood
crafted Queensware (or creamware),
named in honor of Queen Charlotte.
A fragment of a Queensware tureen
decorated with transfer prints of exotic
birds, was excavated at the Governor’s
Palace in Williamsburg.
“Architectural historians add
to Colonial Williamsburg’s
understanding and use of
color on historic buildings.
We travel around the region
to appreciate interior and
exterior design and decoration
choices and then incorporate
this spectrum of knowledge
as we continually improve
our interpretation of
18th-century life.”
Pelham Gray Light 43
Everard Chamber White 123
Willie Graham,
Curator of Architecture
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
“WILLIAMSBURG® colors exude inner confidence. Mix our bold shades or let one color rule the room.”
Vivid...
Bold colors were saved to show off
18th-century public rooms, but the warmth of our timeless tones makes them
at home anywhere today.
Williamsburg Red Cedar is visually robust, never brash. Use it to give a
simple space substance. Accent it with
patterns of gold and green. Anchor all with
an ample border of cream.
Eighteenth-century cupboards open
to a surprise of color. Tucker Cupboard
Orange provides a delightful backdrop,
setting off rows of stoneware, pewter
and glass in this Raleigh Tavern
cupboard.
Williamsburg Red Cedar 187
Bracken Cream 179
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
“Paint gives me a clean
slate to work with: it can
establish a look, transform
existing conditions, define
architectural details, open
up spaces, make a statement,
pull disparate parts of a
room together, create a
focal point–it can soothe
or energize!”
Tricia Foley
Designer & Author
“WILLIAMSBURG® colors exude inner confidence. Mix our bold shades or let one color rule the room.”
Vivid...
Bold colors were saved to show off
18th-century public rooms, but the warmth of our timeless tones makes them
at home anywhere today.
Williamsburg Red Cedar is visually robust, never brash. Use it to give a
simple space substance. Accent it with
patterns of gold and green. Anchor all with
an ample border of cream.
Eighteenth-century cupboards open
to a surprise of color. Tucker Cupboard
Orange provides a delightful backdrop,
setting off rows of stoneware, pewter
and glass in this Raleigh Tavern
cupboard.
Williamsburg Red Cedar 187
Bracken Cream 179
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
“Paint gives me a clean
slate to work with: it can
establish a look, transform
existing conditions, define
architectural details, open
up spaces, make a statement,
pull disparate parts of a
room together, create a
focal point–it can soothe
or energize!”
Tricia Foley
Designer & Author
Essential...
In
this
family
room,
sumptuous green turns us toward home and hearth while offering a
self-assured backdrop to our dune-colored sofa. Earthy mango, green-gold
and bark in the prints and pillows complement the bold duo. The
chocolate-colored floor supports our commitment to time-honored color
combinations.
Connect with WILLIAMSBURG® paint colors in hewn-from-nature browns
and greens — as real as a leaf and as subtle as a crisp autumn day.
Spanish brown as an inexpensive
Discover anew the traditions that bring meaning to your life.
pigment used to color utilitarian surfaces
such as chair rails, baseboards, window
trim and doors. When contrasted with
whitewashed walls in historic taverns and
dwellings, its forthright look delights
guests with a flair for contemporary design.
“Historic paint research in
America started with the
efforts of Colonial
Williamsburg’s founders
during the early days of
restoration. Today’s staff
continues to employ the latest
technologies to advance our
understanding of finishes
and colors.”
Red Lion Inn Green 66
Bryan House Chocolate 109
Edward Chappell
Director of Architectural Research
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
Essential...
In
this
family
room,
sumptuous green turns us toward home and hearth while offering a
self-assured backdrop to our dune-colored sofa. Earthy mango, green-gold
and bark in the prints and pillows complement the bold duo. The
chocolate-colored floor supports our commitment to time-honored color
combinations.
Connect with WILLIAMSBURG® paint colors in hewn-from-nature browns
and greens — as real as a leaf and as subtle as a crisp autumn day.
Spanish brown as an inexpensive
Discover anew the traditions that bring meaning to your life.
pigment used to color utilitarian surfaces
such as chair rails, baseboards, window
trim and doors. When contrasted with
whitewashed walls in historic taverns and
dwellings, its forthright look delights
guests with a flair for contemporary design.
“Historic paint research in
America started with the
efforts of Colonial
Williamsburg’s founders
during the early days of
restoration. Today’s staff
continues to employ the latest
technologies to advance our
understanding of finishes
and colors.”
Red Lion Inn Green 66
Bryan House Chocolate 109
Edward Chappell
Director of Architectural Research
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Color swatches shown depict paint colors as accurately as possible.
Harmonious...
More than 500
buildings dot the landscape in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area with
colors as varied as the surroundings. Their restoration has revealed a
complex paint history. Paints used on the Russell House (top left) and the
Bracken Kitchen (bottom left) subtly
echo nature in their quiet refinement.
By
combining
at
least
three
James Geddy Green 92
(siding)
WILLIAMSBURG® colors, you can also
Hooks and shutter dogs remind
today’s guests that shutters were once
create a rich and genteel exterior well
suited to its environs. To complete the
settings, wrap your home with a picket
a necessity, providing privacy and
Blue Bell Tavern Gray Green 159
(shutters)
security or cover from foul weather.
Such wrought-iron accents are sold in
Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area
fence and add a dash of herb garden.
stores. Add an authentic touch to your
ornamental shutters with these
William Finnie House Brown 108
(door)
Bracken Tenement Biscuit 102
(siding)
Bracken Tenement Blue Slate 101
(trim)
William Finnie House Brown 108
(door/shutters)
Color swatches shown depict paint colors
as accurately as possible.
trimmings and paint them to match
your color scheme.
“Whether house or outbuilding,
the structures of Williamsburg
present a rare sense of order and
proportion. Climate, fashion
and materials dictated similar
solutions to the problem of what
to build, while city regulations
and a town plan sought to
ensure that each was
harmoniously sited.”
From Williamsburg: Decorating with Style
Harmonious...
More than 500
buildings dot the landscape in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area with
colors as varied as the surroundings. Their restoration has revealed a
complex paint history. Paints used on the Russell House (top left) and the
Bracken Kitchen (bottom left) subtly
echo nature in their quiet refinement.
By
combining
at
least
three
James Geddy Green 92
(siding)
WILLIAMSBURG® colors, you can also
Hooks and shutter dogs remind
today’s guests that shutters were once
create a rich and genteel exterior well
suited to its environs. To complete the
settings, wrap your home with a picket
a necessity, providing privacy and
Blue Bell Tavern Gray Green 159
(shutters)
security or cover from foul weather.
Such wrought-iron accents are sold in
Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area
fence and add a dash of herb garden.
stores. Add an authentic touch to your
ornamental shutters with these
William Finnie House Brown 108
(door)
Bracken Tenement Biscuit 102
(siding)
Bracken Tenement Blue Slate 101
(trim)
William Finnie House Brown 108
(door/shutters)
Color swatches shown depict paint colors
as accurately as possible.
trimmings and paint them to match
your color scheme.
“Whether house or outbuilding,
the structures of Williamsburg
present a rare sense of order and
proportion. Climate, fashion
and materials dictated similar
solutions to the problem of what
to build, while city regulations
and a town plan sought to
ensure that each was
harmoniously sited.”
From Williamsburg: Decorating with Style
“That the Future may Learn from the Past.”
The WILLIAMSBURG® Products Program was established in 1936 to
provide authentic reproductions of antique furnishings and accessories.
The program has grown to include casual lifestyle collections that reflect
today’s demand for fresh and honest quality in classic home furnishings.
Revenue from the sale of WILLIAMSBURG product supports The
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a private, not-for-profit educational
institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century capital
of Virginia.
“That the Future may Learn from the Past.”
The WILLIAMSBURG® Products Program was established in 1936 to
provide authentic reproductions of antique furnishings and accessories.
The program has grown to include casual lifestyle collections that reflect
today’s demand for fresh and honest quality in classic home furnishings.
Revenue from the sale of WILLIAMSBURG product supports The
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a private, not-for-profit educational
institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century capital
of Virginia.
Fresh from the 18th Century
Modern rooms can tell a story of historic proportions when
WILLIAMSBURG® colors come out of the cupboard for a spirited display.
Tucker Cupboard Orange is used here to transform today’s dining room
with classic confidence. Bold Stencil Square Wallpaper Blue, from an
18th-century wallpaper, is set off with Bracken Cream to present a
substantially fresh point of view.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O.Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-1776
101 Prospect Avenue N.W. • Cleveland, Ohio 44115
©2005 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation