This year we’ve been on a mission to freshen the look of our 217 year old house with new colors. The colors in the house have been dark for over 15 years, so it was definitely time for an update. Perhaps we’re simply getting older and our eyes need more natural light, but once we started we haven’t been able to stop. In the last two years we’ve done major overhauls to two bedrooms, you can see the first one here – Bedroom Remodel Finished and the second Bedroom Refresh Finished . Our (as in I select paint color and provide cool refreshment while Hubby paints) latest color change was a huge project. The dining room needed to match the living room, which needed to match the hall color…all the way to the attic. I suspect Hubby didn’t think through the fact that one itsy bitsy room would lead to so much – but we both love the brighter look.
This is the view standing in the kitchen looking through the dining room into the living room….
We have tall ceilings, crown molding, chair rails, and fireplaces …..we love it all; however, it means LOTS of painting.
I moved a few decorative pieces around and simplified the mantle – being the Queen of Clutter – this was HUGE for me! I have a Japanese roof tile on one side and some topiaries on top of old Carpenter’s Guide books on the other side…our mantels are very narrow and finding things with bases that will fit has always been a challenge. Apparently in 1798, the builders didn’t consider seasonal mantel decor a primary concern – ugh!
Photos can either be taken with the sunlight coming in or with lights on, I opted for sun beams. The color is a pale yellow with just enough contrast to keep our Ivory Lace trim color. The new drapery fabric is Windsong. I’m going to use the same fabric, with a lighter background in a bathroom upstairs – I can’t wait to (watch Hubby) paint over the red walls.
Hubby made the table years ago from heart pine floor boards in the attic….
My parents bought these chairs when I was in elementary school…we needn’t go into further detail on their exact age….THEY are old. This re-cover they got new foam and wood bases, should be good for a very long time. I found the fabric in the attic – it’s that clutter thing. I wish I could always remember to shop the attic first.
This is Hubby’s bar – something we purchased long ago….
Let’s wander into the living room….same color, same curtains….
Other than replacing some old needlepoint pillows, the only new purchase was a new decorative fireplace screen. I love the little birds that tie in with the curtains and an end table I purchased at TJ Maxx years ago….
The mantle decor is similar…it must have been the mood that day…
For comparison….this is a Christmas mantel photo showing the previous color….
I’m joining the group at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday – a fabulous place to get inspired.
We’ve been busy ….new furniture in the den and a new make-up vanity….I hope you’ll stop by to see their reveals.
Thanks for visiting!
Lisa says
Hi
I found you through BNOTP. I have not checked any of your before colours ( am Canadian , not a typo:-) ),but definitely will. Love your house so far. I am not sure if suggestions are permitable or not? Here goes anyway….. your front door which I love , what about a roman shade instead ofthe frilly window topper ? If you don’t have enough fabric for the whole thing you could trim a solid in the print. This popped into my head as soon as I saw the door. This from someone who cannot see the whole picture when redoing a room.Let alone dothe decorative bits correctly.(sigh) Off to iron my daughters curtains before adding blackout lining and possible trim.This is after painting her room before she gets home in two weeks from her third year Uni in Germany. Yes I had a whole year ,she would not pick a paint colour until 6 weeks ago.Oh ya I even mailed her chips…twice.Lol
Kind Regards
Lisa
Luck you with the huband who does the painting.:
snap-peas says
Thank you for visiting. I What a great suggestion – I only went with the gathered because that’s what we’ve had before. Sometimes a fresh eye really helps. I’ve struggled with how to handle the window treatments for years because we get so much sun in that room. Mini blinds just don’t fit with our old home (I’ve used them, but tend to pull them up for a photo) – I opted for sheers this time and am much happier with the look – again, considering the age of the house.
My husband is a remodeling contractor – the dream project guy. If I want a room painted I only need to let him see me with a brush in hand – with good reason, I’m horrid. I bet you can’t wait to see your daughter, our sons are grown and scattered – I love every visit. Have a fab day!! Valerie
pandy says
Hi can you tell me what color yellow you are using is( brand color etc.)? I am trying to find the perfect yellow to paint my kitchen but they are usually to bright not soft enough. I just saw your blog on BNOTP and can’t wait till I have some time to search your blog. How many fireplaces does your house have? just love it. Thanks Pandy
snap-peas says
Hi Pandy,
We used Valspar paint from Lowes for both the kitchen project and the rooms you see in this post. The color you’re asking about is Natural Sheepskin. Because we were covering a much darker color, we had the same tint added to the Kilz primer – it really helps cover the old color. Our house originally had 8 fireplaces, it now has 8. The previous owners removed the two that were in the original kitchen and the summer kitchen. Six is still a lot of mantels to decorate for Christmas – ha! Thank you for visiting. I’ll be visitng blogs tomorrow. Valerie