Ok, I’m needing a little help here from all you designers and those who have an eye for design. I’m still fixing up a few things around the house.. re-inventing a little, if you will. I like, white and am trying to brighten up my house and un-decorate a few things, rather than decorate around what I don’t care for. However, this kind of means living a little mix matched because well you just can’t do everything at once.
The fireplace. I really wanted it white…and now that I’ve done that, the wall color seems a little too dark (wouldn’t you know) or maybe I should of done a not so bright white? But I do like white…. What do you think? Also would you paint the mantle white or leave it?
(this is just a rough picture of the unfinished room.. but also keep in mind that my connected kitchen has cherry cabinets and granite countertops.. a lot of brown going on..so I’m trying to balance while lightening up...added some pictures of my kitchen so you can see the flow– still need window treatments ,etc).
The Lamp. This is an old lamp I found around the house and though hmmmm…. this might be cool but then it might not (I know the plastic on the shade is not, but since I’m just trying it out I thought I’d leave it on). I’m not sure I’ll leave it on the granite but was just trying it out.
I’d have to say my biggest dilemma is I’m totally torn between all white and bright colors mixed with old things or more of a french, neutral, old look? I keep thinking of it as London verses Paris (which in itself is a tough one for me). Can these two styles be mixed?
Please chime in and share you thoughts and opinions!!!
Cheers!
Jules
Commented on August 28th, 2008 at 10:17am
I like what you’ve got going on so far…i’d say to leave the mantle as is – too much white if you paint it. you have a great long mantle and i’d take advantage of that by layering in a piece of art to add a bit of color and interest. lean the piece of art and layer the mirror slightly over it (Pottery Barn does similar layering ideas). also, i’d add chunkier candles to the mantle that are a little larger in scale. for the lamp – i like it but think it needs to be used in the right room (don’t know which one?). i’ll let you know if i think of any other ideas :) good luck!
Dianne
Commented on August 28th, 2008 at 10:40am
Hi! I like the white fireplace but do not like the mirror over it. it’s reflecting track lighting and beams. Ugh! Also it’s gold. Replace the mirror with a wondeful painting that combines all the colors you want to use and is framed or matted in white or brushed nickle. One of the first things I learned in design class was NEVER to use a mirror horizontally.
The lamp and granite do not mix either. If you have cherry cabs then you have a more contemporary thing going. Use an acrylic lamp.
Are you sorry you asked? LOL
Love your blog.
la la Lovely
Commented on August 28th, 2008 at 11:53am
Thanks for the comments and suggestions ladies!!!!!! I know the track lighting is ugly… believe me it is on my list. And the room is in a very rough state right now as things are still in process. My kitchen & cabinets is not modern .. .they are cherry but quite traditional.. I'll try to post a pic in the next couple of hours so you can get a better idea!
Thanks again!!!
Dianne
Commented on August 28th, 2008 at 5:12pm
Now that we have new pictures, I can say without hesitation that the lamp does need to go. Put it in a bedroom or bath. I do like a lamp on that counter but not that one. It can be traditional but the blue looks out of place.
I think you are alright with the fireplace brick and mantle. Just change the mirror to a painting or you could use those adorable children’s pics in blk/white over the mantle instead. They would give you the width you need.
Also, I would lower the bell jar light over the table. It’s beautiful and too high.
I hope I am not being too harsh. Your home is lovely and I enjoy your blog so much.
Porchlight Interiors
Commented on August 29th, 2008 at 12:39am
Hi Trina, thanks for you lovely comments on our blog. You have such a nice home. I love your white painted fireplace but I agree with you that the room colour doesn’t match it – I would paint it antique white or chalk to lighten the room. I love mirrors over fireplaces but agree that the gold frame isn’t quite right – would probably go for a bevelled edge mirror. I would love a kitchen as big as yours – how fabulous. Have a great weekend.
tiffany
Commented on August 29th, 2008 at 9:37pm
I think you should age your fireplace a bit. I feel like it is too stark white. You could either wax it with briwax, which is extremely easy but once you do it you can’t paint over it. You could also use Ralph Lauren’s smoke color tint. I mix 1/2 cup of water with it and then brush it on and wipe off the excess. I would also paint the mantel and then put up a big piece of art and let that be the focal point. You have such a large mantel you could do so much. I would stack antique books, candlesticks, and surround it with moss balls. I so like you blue and white lamp. I think it would look lovely on a side table.
please sir
Commented on September 2nd, 2008 at 2:35pm
Hmm…I think you can mix styles to become your own sense of style. I really have no clue how to define my own kind of style! I like the mantle and agree there is so much that can be done!
la la Lovely
Commented on September 4th, 2008 at 1:56pm
Thank you all for your tips and suggestions……as I write this, the room is being painted a lighter tone… same color as my kitchen to go all the way through.. which is almost like an antique white only not as yellowy. I’ll try to get a new picture up once I get around to putting everything back together and finishing up the room.
Cheers!
pve design
Commented on October 9th, 2008 at 7:41am
Back tracking here – Add some things you love, and add vintage touches, no to the gold frame mirror and yes to art, yes to color.
take a look at urban grace and her sister darby has done a great renovation – add texture….in throw pillows, collection displays (and take the track lighting down, money well spent.)