FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Connecticut 2020

The 2020 Fine Homebuilding House is a complete remodel of a 20th-century home in New England. This project will take full advantage of the opportunities for air-sealing, adding insulation, and installing highly efficient mechanicals, resulting in a healthy, comfortable home that will achieve net-zero energy.

Sponsored Post
Video

Final Finishing Details on a Contemporary Remodel

Watch how Fine Homebuilding House Connecticut has transformed with the help of Benjamin Moore's paints and stains.

Sponsored by Benjamin Moore

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Final Finishing Details on a Contemporary Remodel
Watch how Fine Homebuilding Connecticut has transformed with the help of Benjamin Moore's paints and stains.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Welcome to Fine Homebuilding House Connecticut, a project where we took an old traditional New England–style home and turned it into a sleek, contemporary house with all new mechanical systems and overall higher energy efficiency. A lot of little details add up to make the finished product, such as the interior and exterior paint. Let’s take a look at how Benjamin Moore products helped get us there.

      Every good paint project starts with a quality primer for the walls and ceilings. On this project, the team chose Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500 latex primer. It is low VOC, it dries quickly, and it provides a nice uniform base for the top coats that follow. Top coats are your chance to add color and sheen to the finished product. On this job, the team chose Benjamin Moore Regal Select in an off-white shade called Chantilly Lace. It’s a beautiful white with cool undertones that brighten up each room and allow some flexibility for design opportunities. An Eggshell sheen was chosen for the walls, and a Satin sheen for the trim, doors, and cabinets.

      FHB House CT billiards room

      Chantilly Lace was used throughout the house, except in the billiards and theater room, where the team switched to a deep, luxurious color called Kendall Charcoal using Regal Select in a Flat sheen. The Flat sheen was used on the walls and ceiling to lower any reflective light, but the painters switched to Eggshell sheen for the doors. Regal Select offers great coverage and color retention, and ensures a quality, durable, and easy-to-clean surface.

      After considering eight samples of various off-white colors, the homeowners decided on Regal Select MoorGard Low Lustre Finish in Glacier White for the exterior of the home. The siding came pre-primed, so only two top coats of paint were needed.

      FHB House CT porch patio

      Paint wasn’t the only Benjamin Moore product used on the exterior. The homeowners also had some wood stains to choose for the garage doors and porch posts. For the garage, Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Classic Oil Finish in translucent Cedar was used just to add a pop of color while still allowing the wood grain to shine through. On porch posts and beams, Arborcoat Classic Oil Finish was applied in semi-transparent Cordovan Brown. Semi-transparent stain has a bit more color retention than a full translucent stain while still allowing some of the texture of the wood posts to come through. Arborcoat is great because it’s water repellent and mildew resistant, and provides UV protection to the surface.

      It’s been really fun to watch this transformation from traditional to contemporary, and Benjamin Moore paints and stains have played a huge part in helping dial in that final look.

      Photography courtesy of Allegra Anderson

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
      Connecticut 2020 Videos

      Navigate the Build

      • Introduction
      • Design
      • Deconstruction
      • Framing
      • Windows and Doors
      • Mechanicals
      • Insulation
      • Siding and Trim
      • Kitchen and Baths
      • Completed Home

      Behind the Build

      • New York 2023
      • Kansas 2022
      • Wisconsin 2021
      • Nebraska 2021
      • Connecticut 2020
      • Kentucky 2019
      • California 2018
      • Vermont 2017
      • Rhode Island 2016
      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More Connecticut 2020

      View All
      • Remodeling to Achieve Passive House Standards
      • FHB House CT Kitchen and Suite-Bath Updates
      • Strong, Energy-Efficient Garage Doors
      • Interior Updates
      View All

      Thank You To Our Sponsors

      • Zip System Building Enclosures Logo
      • Advantech Subfloor Assembly Logo
      • Benjamin Moore Logo
      • Clopay Logo
      • Boral Eldorado Stone Logo
      • Rockwool Logo
      • Schluter Logo
      • Stabila Logo
      • Titebond Logo
      • Tru Exterior Logo

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

      Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

      Featured Video

      How to Install Exterior Window Trim

      Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

      Related Stories

      • Seven Ways to Remove Paint
      • A New Approach for Millwork Finishes
      • Prevent Paint Bridging With Picks
      • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Video

      View All Videos
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Building a Paintable Surface Over a Traditional Stone Wall
      • Cutting Narrow Strips of Drywall
      • How to Patch a Large Hole in Drywall
      • How to Use a Drywall Router
      View All

      Paints and Finishes

      View All Paints and Finishes Articles
      • Fix for Fast-Drying Paint
      • Paint Prep With Less Waste
      • Paint Behind Strike Plates
      View All Paints and Finishes Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

      Already a member? Log in

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data