That was FUN! Watch the complete uncensored video of our Live Hangout here;or the edited shorter version below:
In this week’s Retro Design Dilemma, reader Jeanne is asking for ideas to decorate her beautiful vintage knotty pine bedroom. She wants tips on colors to paint the angled ceiling, along with ideas for window treatments and nightstands to match her beautiful Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set.
And yowza: Starting this week, we hosted our first LIVE Google+ Hangout to discuss not only Kate and my ideas for this space — but which readers could join as well. It was super fun to do this hangout — and it allowed us to really discuss this dilemma’s design questions at length. You can watch us in the full version, above. We also are working on a shorter, edited version and will post it as soon as it’s completed.
Jeanne’s full letter:
Hi Kate,
Here’s my knotty pine bedroom. I live in a story-and-a-half brick bungalow built in 1952. The upstairs is finished in knotty pine and is one large, open room. It has two sections, one which I use as my sleeping/bedroom area and the other is sort of a dressing, open area. The only thing I did before moving in, was have the hardwood floors refinished with three coats of polyurethane applied because I figured I’d never do it once I moved in.
I’m the second owner of the home. The widowed “woman of the house” passed away and her two sons (who grew up in the home) sold it to me (in 2008). I assume that the sons used the upstairs as their bedroom, because there are two sets of built-in drawers built into the kneewall/attic space – one on each side of the bedroom. The cool thing about the house is that the kitchen was custom remodeled around 1960 and the bathroom was remodeled in 1964. Everything is original to these remodel periods, except a year ago I stripped all the wallpaper in the bathroom (even on the ceiling) and repainted and wallpapered.
Two braided rugs were left in the bedroom when I moved in. I decided that I don’t really want to use them in the bedroom and have replaced the one on my bed side with the chevron rug (although I’m rethinking that decision but will use it for now). I plan on replacing the braided rug on the dressing area side eventually. I was thinking a solid color, depending on what color(s) I paint the room.
The ceiling and angled walls are white. A flat white. This is my dilemma. I really love aqua. I would love to paint the room light aqua. Do I just paint the angled walls and leave the ceiling white? Do I paint the angles AND ceiling aqua (the same color) or should I paint the ceiling one shade and the angles another for contrast? I’m open to a darker teal as well. I’m not sure if that would be too dark, or would make the room enveloping and cozy.
There are built-in book cases in the dressing area that I use for my shoes (I’m a woman, what can I say!).
Also, there is a built-in open shelf unit that divides the two areas (I love it!). I was debating about painting the shelf unit (maybe a darker teal) and possibly painting the backs of the bookcases the same dark teal. Or should I leave the shelf and bookcases wood. There is a lot of wood in this room. Or maybe paint them white or black. Help!
Plus, my biggest challenge will be painting the ceiling area above the stairway (above the shoe shelves in the photo). I don’t think I can do a precision paint job using roller extensions and may have to hire someone for that area. A friend told me about using a “plank” but there is no way that I will be standing on something suspended above the stairs and I do not own one of those fancy ladders than transforms into scaffolding.
You’ll notice the closet and built-in drawers have the original black wrought iron hardware, hinges and pulls. I recently painted and re-did the inside of the closet (it was wood with one galvanized rod across). It has an angled ceiling – so I had to configure it to optimize the storage & hanging space with custom ClosetMaid parts I got at Home Depot. I’m really happy the way it turned out.
My goals for the room are:
• Paint the ceiling and walls (hope to do this between Christmas and New Year when I’m off work)
• Possibly paint the shoe shelves (backs only) and open shelf unit
• Find nightstands – either Brasilias to match my bedroom set* or possibly something modern from IKEA that I can mount on the wall. I don’t believe I have enough space for two full sized nightstands.
• New lighting – possibly something that mounts on the wall or turquoise ceramic vintage lamps.
• I’m not attached to the window treatments and will be re-thinking those as well. I saw some aqua velvet (not to be confused with “Aqua Velva”) curtains at IKEA (not sure if they still have them) or I also have some barkcloth drapes that I started cutting up to make valances. They are a cream background with turquoise and red tropical floral pattern.I went to school for and was a graphic designer/art director for about 20 years before switching to the account side of the advertising business. Yet, I have the hardest time trying to decide on something for myself. Just like the shoemaker’s children who have no shoes – either that or I have commitment issues.
* I found my Brasilia set on Craigslist and got it for $450 (Queen headboard, dresser with mirror and chest)! I’m still thrilled about it!
Thanks, Jeanne, for all this great information, and the photos. What a beautiful space — the knotty pine looks like it is terrific quality! We’ll be back at noon — with some ideas!
Readers, what do you think Jeanne should do?
Thanks to everyone who commented with suggestions or was able to tune in (or join in — that’s you Larry) live for our Google Hangout. Below are the three solutions that Pam and I came up with for Jeanne’s knotty pine bedroom.
Pam here: We know that Jeanne prefers aqua, but I wanted to show this first mood board — knotty pine and rust — to principally show how starting with your curtains — or, another complex colored textile — can be a great starting point to choosing colors for any room. In this case, I had these vintage rust and orange curtains on hand. I found them at the Goodwill and, well, have been hoarding them for some future project. I love how the rusty tones meld with the honey amber of the knotty pine walls and the oak floor. I found a braided rug in the same tones from Capel — I would make it big… I suggest a buttery yellow coverlet that picks up one of the colors in the curtains, on Wayfair.com…. and even would spray paint the traverse rod a hammered iron color to coordinate the rod with the knotty pine hardware used elsewhere in the room.
When I saw Jeanne’s knotty pine in combination with the Broyhill Brazillia and her tropical palm tree lamps, I immediately thought — tiki. I wanted to try to use what Jeanne already had in the room and make it work together. The Brazilia design reminds me of an up close view of a carved wood tiki figure and the knotty pine is reminiscent of a close up view of bamboo — perhaps like the bamboo that often lines the front of tiki bars. Even Jeanne’s existing natural wicker end table has a tiki feel to it because of its natural texture. I first found these Tommy Bahama Tropical Harvest window curtain panels, available at Bed Bath & Beyond. They have a lot of the same warm brownish orange color that is already present in the wood floor and knotty pine walls. I picked out the acid green from the leaf design on the curtain and found this limey green bedspread from CB2, which has a great modern texture instead of being just a solid block of color. For a rug, I chose this greenish hand woven Amesbury Jute Rug from Overstock.com, which also adds some earthy texture — that reminds me of a grass skirt — to the room without calling too much attention to itself. To finish off the room, painting the walls and ceiling a light, buttery cream — pulled from the curtains — will warm up the walls without competing with the knotty pine walls or any of the other elements in the room.
Pam back: Mood board #3 heads into the aqua-ish territory that Jeanne likes. However, as we discuss in more detail in our video, Kate and I are concerned that a strong aqua will be too clashy with the knotty pine… it may be too “competitive” with all the orange in the kp. But, we think that if you tone the aqua down somewhat — lighten it and grey it out, then the values of both colors will be harmonious. The color of this coverlet set from Garnet Hill is called “mineral green”, and I think that it would work. The blue/green in the vintage curtains spotted for sale by ebay seller private screening are a darker version of the mineral green. I found another Capel rug that seeme to have the right colors — all the colors from throughout the room. Pick up the stronger colors in the rug for your accents. For example, the Arcadia Green of the spray paint for the traverse rod.
So there you have it. Lots of ideas, Jeanne — we hope we helped, rather than just confuse you. For sure: Your room already is beautiful — that knotty pine is dreamy — and versatile. We’re… jealous… because we don’t have this room in our own house to decorate! Let us know what you decide — many thanks for sharing!
Join our next Google Hangout — to discuss the next reader Retro Design Dilemma — on Thursday, Jan. 3 — and in 2013, every Thursday (although we may be switching up the times.)
I’d love to see fabric-covered cornices and coordinating/matching fabric-covered shades on the windows (very easy and inexpensive DIY projects). Scalloping or fringe on the bottoms of the the shades, too. You might also consider covering the inside backs/tops/sides of shelves and bookcases with the same or coordinating fabric instead of painting them. Using decorative fabric trims on the edges of shelving is another fast, easy, inexpensive way to add color and zest to wood panelled areas.
Meant to add, would paint the ceiling, including the angled areas, the same color. I think it would be too busy if you painted the flat part one color and the angled part another.
Sorry for so many posts in a row! Not enough coffee on board.
But, I wanted to share this link to directions to make cornices from tri-fold presentation foam boards. Really quick and easy, including how easy they are to hang. http://meetmeinphiladelphia.blogspot.com/2012/05/new-cornices-for-my-bedroom-windows.html
Thanks for your input, Marta! I think adding some fabric/pattern/texture is the way to go after watching the live discussion and reading people’s comments. I never thought of using foam core for building cornices! Great idea. Foam core is so versatile.
I would say definitely paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. I think the room would look extremely choppy and smaller if the ceiling were white. I think going with a pale aqua would be lovely – I used that in my master bath and kitchen and love it. Beautiful space!
Thank you for the compliment Neca! Great point about the room looking “choppy” and from what I’ve read – I think everyone is pretty much in agreement with painting the room all one color.
I also agree about keeping the angled portions of the ceiling the same color as the flat part. Besides being choppy-looking, I’m afraid you’d never get a very straight edge where the two meet, especially if you’re suspended in space over the stair
. I think a pale aqua could be very nice, too.
I’m apprehensive about painting any of the woodwork. I can see that it’s a lot of wood but it looks to be in perfect condition and, once it’s painted, it would be difficult to un-do. What about wrapping fabric onto thin rigid boards (like foamcore perhaps?) then appying them to the back surface of the low shoe shelves? It would be subtle, the fabric could match or coordinate whatever you do on the windows and all could easily be swapped out with something new if you get tired of it.
I wouldn’t paint the room divider, either. Here’s an idea: What about doing the same fabric treatment I mentioned above but wrap it on both sides of rigid boards. Then apply the boards toward the back of alternating shelves held into place with small shoe moulding (stained or painted). Say you chose the larger open shelves to do this to, you could make one shelf open toward the dressing area, the next one toward the bedroom, etc. The smaller ones left open to both sides could hold colorful pottery or whatever that would look good from both sides while the shelves with backs could hold objects or other things that might look better from the front but not the back (like books for example). The fabric might soften the appearance of this area while adding some color if you want. The inserted panels would need to be set back from the closed-off side by about an inch or so to allow the shelving grid to still be expressed. I’m sure I’ve done an awful job of trying to explain my stream-of-consciousness thoughts!
It’s obvious the previous owner did a quality job and put a lot of thought into this room when it was built. Whatever you do will be lovely.
Thank you, JKM! Wrapping fabric around foam core and inserting them into the back of the book case (shoe case) is a great idea! It would be a good way to try out a color or fabric and take them out if I don’t like it without permanently painting. I’m so glad to get all this input from everyone!! It’s really helping me decide what (or what not) to do.
What a beautiful pristine space. Definitely use a pale shade of your choice, the aqua sounds nice, on the ceiling because of the angles. A dark shade will close in on you, especially on dreary days. Those beautiful casegoods are shoved into the corner. I know actual wall space is limited but try to move the pieces so they are more in the open and away from each other. How about placing the head of the bed in front of the windows. You gain head room and space for nightstands. TV viewing is also easier when placed to the side of the bed.The barkcloth curtains sound nice and can be cordinated with paint color. I’m a fan of wooden venetian blinds, just had them placed on my picture window, but probably would be wood overkill unless given a painted finish. Please let us see pictures of the final project.
Thank you for the suggestions, Jay! I DO need to spread out those dressers to showcase them better.
Also, I notice suggestions to move the bed to the window wall. When I originally moved into the house – I placed the bed in front of the windows, but a few years ago moved it to its current spot. I’m in Michigan and Kate astutely picked up a heating/cooling issue. The room never really gets cooled off completely in the summer (even though I have central air) or warm enough in the winter. I purchased a window A/C last summer to help cool the room, so placing the bed in front of the window really wouldn’t work.
I have to concur with the light aqua on the whole ceiling. Then, how about some vintage wallpaper with a complementary aqua hue on the backs of the bookcase? This would look kitschy cute and like it had been there forever.
Don’t paint any of the wood. Do paint walls and ceiling same color. I don’t like looking at all of the shoes. Would love to see some nice pottery or other collectable on 2 sided shelves.
Bed spread is too short. I see the mattress. Needs another layer to cover it or a different mattress.
I think color on the wall will make room look more put together. Right now, I’m not sure about the color of the rug (black?) with the paneling.
What about some nice woody looking windwo shades? Maybe valances on top to soften up.
Furniture needs to be arranged away from built ins. Maybe move bed around. Try angling something from the corner by the window. White furniture needs to move to another room.
Wait as long as it takes to find the perfect bedside tables.
LOVE knotty pine.
Thank you Patty! Some great suggestions. I definitely need the proper bedding (I switch-up quite a bit). The “bedspread” in the photos is actually a hand-made bargello-pattern quilt that my mother made for me in my favorite colors. It’s gorgeous in person, but I agree the dimension is off a bit to be used to cover the bed. I need to get a bedspread or comforter to cover the top of the bed in a solid complimentary color and use the quilt as an accent folded at the foot of the bed (as Kate suggested in the video, I believe).
Your room is beautiful, and so functional with the built ins. I love aqua, too. My paneled bedroom has aqua bedding. The curtains are brown with aqua and grey print that I picked up at Home Depot. I picked dark curtains because the big window faces south. The aqua really cools down the wood.
I would paint the ceiling and walls the same color, and that will add plenty of cool color to your room.
I would not paint the divider shelves nor the inside of the bookshelves. If you want color, you could fit the back of the shelves with panels of color. If you plan to use the divider shelves for decorating, use lots of shades of sea colored glass.
Thank you, Elaine! I’m glad I asked everyone about painting the room divider and book shelves. I would probably be sorry afterwards if I painted them.
This is one of the most awesome bedrooms I’ve ever seen! I’m lucky to have knotty pine wainscot in my living room, and jewel tones work beautifully with it.
Thank you, Mary!
First of all, let me say what a truly lovely room. That knotty pine reminds me of my Auntie Pat’s living room circa 1960…. she was a very stylish lady and had hung these gorgeous barkcloth drapes at her windows. The print was an oversized tropical leaf with tropical flowers. The background color was a fifties grey-green with yellow, salmon, and grey predominating in the flowers.
Chenille bedspreads ruled during this era… might consider a new cotton chenille spread dyed to complement those barkcloth drapes.
The braid rugs are more authentic, but I hated those then and I’m still not a fan. They fit in with that ‘colonial’ style that was so popular, and that morphed into ‘country’ style later… no thank you! I like graphic rugs; prevents your room from being too fussy or grandma.
That room divider is divine. I’d carefully stage it with shiny stuff to play with the light. Chalet glass, big lucite grape clusters, stylized brass figures, etc….
I’d be very careful painting the ceiling… as others have advised do keep it one color. The different angles alone will ensure there are many different shades seen because of how the light bounces from one surface to the next. If you must do aqua or grey I’d test carefully and use the most neutral version possible of those colors.
I’d also play with my furniture placement, put some metal art on the walls, and perhaps add some vintage hanging pendants to complete the look. I envy you having such a beautiful room to decorate!
Wow, really some great ideas Teresa. Thank you for the compliment. Those barkcloth drapes you describe sound like something I would really like.
I really need to work on “staging” my shelves. I’m a super patient person but for some reason have no patience for organizing shelves. Funny that you mention big lucite grape clusters because I saw some in a thrift shop in Nashville when I was there in May and DID NOT GET THEM. I could kick myself now. I have grape cluster regrets. LOL
Do the stairs go right behind the shoe shelves? It looks like they are against that back wall. If that is open to the stairs going down, I don’t blame you for being scared to paint up there, but it really is not that big a space, and looks reachable with an extension rod on your roller. If you are really scared of heights, maybe you could find a tall friend who doesn’t mind heights just for that spot.
I love the idea of the barkcloth valances. They would add a wonderful and retro splash of color and pattern. If you have enough fabric you could make some panels to hang on the shelves as suggested above. Plantation style blinds would look lovely with the valances, I would pick a shade to match the walls, but they also come in traditional colors such as almond.
I agree with the suggestion of moving the bed in front of the window. You do not have a great view, and the headboard is not so high you will block much light. Plus it will showcase that gorgeous headboard. You will gain much needed space on either side for your nightstands, and you can put one dresser on each side wall that way, for balance.
i will dare to weigh in with a male perspective:
i would think about pickling the knotty pine in a very semi-transparent stain of white and leave the ceiling white….i would maybe use a warmer shade of white on it.
do not paint anything aqua, or even worse, teal !!!… unless you are in miami, and i don’t think you are.
with all the built-ins, i would ditch that bedroom set which makes the sleeping area look claustrophobic. it’s a nice set, but doesn’t go there….you do need a different nightstand, and if you sleep alone, then yes, limit it to one stand. it will look airier.
also, of all the furniture, the one thing you need, but do not have, is an actual bed frame. the mattresses on the floor make it look like a dorm room…find something airy, not heavy…..i dont like anything ikea carries for bedroom furniture….look for something higher quality and very simple…..think about a platform so you can ditch the box spring which looks bulky, indeed.
do not, for the love of god, put up any granny curtain valences. but do raise the curtain rod to ceiling height and expand the rod to cover the entire length of the wall.
get rid of the granny braided rugs and put down some nice old persian antique runners…and new tasteful bedding in a solid muted color…
For another male perspective, I say NOOOOO! don’t touch the paneling! It’s beautiful and like someone else said, it’s almost impossible to undo paint, or pickling, or whatever. Someone caulked the joints and then painted the pine paneling in our house and it looks terrible now that it has expanded and shrank over the years with changing humidity. Also, the paint peels pretty easily if you don’t do a lot of surface prep (the people who attacked our poor walls with a paintbrush didn’t do much prep).
I do think the fabric idea for the back of the bookcases is excellent if you want some color back there – that would be easy to undo. As for the ceiling/white stuff I’d probably go with something close to the paneling color, but if you like teal that’s OK too – it can be repainted if you decide you don’t like it after all, or if some future owner likes something else. Maybe paint the bedroom end and see if you like it before hitting the stair end.
Regarding the stairs, what one does to get out there is this: get a ladder that you can put on one of the stairs beind the bookcase/shoecase and then lean the top back against the back of the closet that overhangs the stairs. (The ladder should end up resting at a normal ladder angle, not straight up and down.) Then, use a plank like a 2×12 with one end on the floor at the top of the stairs and the other end on one of the ladder rungs so that your board is (more or less) level. This isn’t as precarious as it sounds – the ladder can’t go anywhere because the bottom is up against the stair riser. Then ask someone who is tall enough to reach the ceiling with a brush to inch out there and paint that little section.
Wouldn’t take them but a few minutes.
This room is gorgeous. As for furnishings, knicknacks, etc. I’ll leave those suggestions to others. I wouldn’t change anything but the white ceiling myself. Would love to see what the rest of the house looks like. Best of luck with your project!
Thank you for the painting tip, David. A friend of mine was trying to describe the same method to me. Maybe I’ll have one of my sons help me with that.
Thanks for the male perspective, Brad! I appreciate your input. It sounds like I need to scrap everything and start over, haha. I wasn’t thinking of a bright Miami-ish aqua, but a pale aqua (maybe more on the blueish side). I’m in Michigan. After listening to the video, I think it would be wise for me to start with a fabric and pick a color after that, as suggested.
Just to clarify: I do have a basic metal bed frame attached to the Brasilia headboard, so the bed is not on the floor. And it would probably look better if I had the proper bedspread/bed cover so that the box spring is not showing.
I agree, don’t touch that paneling. Very tricky room. Loved the bright green mood board. I feel like many others that the pine walls are so strong, any serious paint color may be too much. Therefore, the color would really be pulled in through the bedspread and art.
Is there a way to put that cute little Franklin heater under the mirror? Maybe if there is not a plug there, you could have one installed. Electricians can work magic. That way the cord will not be trailing across the floor like that. It makes me remember my attic bedroom we had as kids, brrrrr in the winter for sure!
Great tip. I have a mental list going for electrical things I need done around the house. Someday I will have an electrician come over and take care of all the odds and ends I have at one time.
Not sure where you are, but these nightstands are located in Texas and are posted on Ebay right now:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Broyhill-Brasilia-Vintage-Mid-Century-Modern-Nightstand-Chest-End-Table-/281040394084?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416f501764
I love your ideas for a pale aqua ceiling and painted or wallpapered details on the shelves, and Marta’s idea for a cornice. It seems like you have a lot of storage space; maybe the shoes could go somewhere else? The bookshelves seem like a nice chance to display some vintage pretties.
I love your bedspread, too. I have the same issue in my guest bedroom though: vintage, full sized blankets don’t quite cover the sides of a queen bed. I’ve dealt with it by looking for queen sized blankets in a matching, solid color I can use under the cuter spread.
If you’re looking to fit more color in the space, maybe painting the white dresser is an option? I’m picturing a teal frame, pale aqua drawers, and maybe red knobs to match the accents on your barkcloth, if you use that for drapes.
Hi Jeanne–I too am a graphic designer with an art degree, but when it came time to decorate my house I had some of the same issues. Maybe its something about working 3D vs. 2D?? I have lots of layers of wood in my kitchen/living room (floors, cabinets, trim, staircase). What I came to realize is that I had to look at the wood as a big block of color and go from there. What you have is a nice warm orangey color (all the wood) dominating the room, so what looks good with that? I think your instincts are great with the pale turquoise.
Definitely paint the ceiling and angled parts the same. I like the idea about the valances. Maybe consider matching curtains covering the bookshelves where your shoes are? That would give you some color and hide the shoes.
I also really like that red braided rug. Red goes great with turquoise and is a good 3rd color for the room. (This is what I did in my kitchen–good retro combo!) Bring in some fun retro stuff in shades of orange, teal, and red for those open bookshelves.
This is a wonderful room! Good luck.
I agree about adding curtains on the shoe cabinet. Perhaps you could install some type of copper pipe and use ring clips for the curtain. You might also be able to put some short (above the refrigerator) cabinets above the shoe shelf for storage. Take out the white dresser in the dressing area and put the taller chest in the other room there. Clean up the TV, when possible, with a flat screen and some wireless equipment that can be somehow put in a cabinet and hidden. I don’t care for the braided rugs with the Brasillia furniture. Chevron rug may not be perfect, but something contemporary could work as long as it coordinates (not match) the rug at the other end. I think the Chevron might work if you take away the spread. You may want to go with a solid color spread (even white might look good) and you need to lighten up the nightstands. They need to be small with no storage so that area does not look heavy. I think the aqua on the ceiling would look nice (not two tones) and I wouldn’t paint the wood. I like the look.
You could use a folded throw and some pillows on the bed for color. You might be able to put a comfy chair in the room too instead of just the wooden chairs. Curtain choice could be last I think it might be easiest to find fabric for curtains than rugs and spreads. The open divider cabinet could have more color and taste specific items that coordinate with the room. Although I understand where others think the Brasillia should not be used with the knotty pine, I don’t think it looks that off and I think it could work by just simplifying the room.
Wow! I could live in just this wonderful, lovely space by itself. Your Brasilia is the icing on the cake. Also love that Eames chair.
For this room(s), I would paint the entire ceiling a soft aqua, put white shutters on the windows, and absolutely not paint any of that fantastic wood.
I was in a similar position a few years back. I loathe white ceilings. So when we raised the ceiling in our upstairs bedroom to the roof and installed skylights, we painted everything (ceiling, walls, knee walls) the same color in a satin finish. It’s a deep twilight blue (Olympic Paints ‘Majestic Blue’ from the Biltmore Estate collection). Eventually, I intend to stencil shimmery stars across the ceiling parts. It’s calm, cozy, and complements so many other colors. Visitors gasp when they first see it – using darker colors are beyond most peoples’ imaginations. But they fall for it immediately.
Now, I’m not recommending that you adopt *this* color: you should go with your chosen aqua. I think it would work well with that glowy woodwork, particularly if you tied them together with fabrics incorporating both. But be brave! Dark shades don’t ‘close in on you.’ It’s the angled ceilings and too much furniture for the space that can give that feeling. The best way to counter that is to make sure the paint has a finish that softly reflects light regardless of hue.
Good luck and don’t forget to send in photos of your finished project.
First, I’d like to say I’d love to have a room like yours. It’s HUGE.
An option I want to throw out for painting the sloped walls and ceiling (which should all be painted the same color): You can get paint tinted. Not sure if that’s the right term, but let’s say you like a particular shade of aqua or teal but you don’t know if will be too intense. You can ask the paint department to mix the color with a percentage of white. You still get color, but a little more “neutral” of a backdrop so you can have fun with bedding and accessories.
I also like some people’s suggestion of shifting the bed under the window to be centered in the room. (Can you move the tall dressert to where that white piece of furniture is on the other side of the room?) Then you could do a big window treatment like a large box valance and coordinating (not necessarily matching) drapes/curtains to make it really dramatic. For colors, since you mentioned you have fabric with turquoise and red, those would be great colors to carry through the rest of the room. I really like your bedding, but it doesn’t cover everything and looks unfinished. If you know someone who sews well, maybe they could incorporate the quilt into a larger bedspread (to add longer sides and cover the mattress/box).
As for nightstands, I wouldn’t recommend attaching them to the wall as you would damage the paneling and if you decided to re-arrange the room later, you’d have holes. If Brasilia nightstands don’t fit, try something narrow or round in black (so it stands out against the paneling). Like this from IKEA:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20146676/
Don’t paint the wood if you can help it, though I do kind of like the idea of painting the see-through divider a shiny black (like lacquer). The main reason I’d be OK with that is if you regret painting it, you could always get a woodworker to make you a new one easily whereas you’d have trouble sourcing the paneling. And the black would also reference the black hardware and make it look like a deliberate design choice. You can put fun wallpaper or wrapping paper behind your shoe shelves either using double-stick tape or foam board. Even fabric would work there using foam board.
As for lighting, IKEA and Target have affordable table lamp options, maybe something with a fun shape/color and simple shade. You can get a larger vintage fixture on eBay for the area above the stairs — something with multiple bulbs so you get a lot of light. I saw something cool on Apartment Therapy yesterday if you want to do built-in hanging lights without damaging the paneling (done with small ceiling hooks):
http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/knoxy/item/377774
Good luck with your space! Don’t forget to post After pictures.
Please, don’t paint the wood! We have a knotty pine bedroom that my son stripped of paint…don’t paint the wood.
I agree that the ceiling white is stark. I would paint it to blend with the wood. A light honey color, or at least a candlelight creamy color. I think the aqua would be just as jarring. Use the aqua in your bedding, curtains or accessories. Aqua goes very nicely with yellows and gold tones.
Velvet curtains? I would suggest something more towards a linen or canvas. Something with a slubbed weave.
The chevrons on the rug really clash with the verticals of the paneling. Go for a more mottled tweedy rug. Texture without the pattern.
Also, you say there is no room for two nightstands. What about on the other wall? Can you flip the bed to the other wall where the dresser is?
As for the shoes. Have you considered under the bed storage boxes? If you must keep them on the shelves, maybe store them in attractive boxes or baskets? Hobby Lobby or the Container Store should have some good options.
I love another poster’s suggestion of centering your bed on the window. I would think about white wood or wood-like blinds, a valance using your barkcloth, and white sheers hung high and wide on either side.
Before I even scrolled down to read that you wanted to paint the walls aqua, I was thinking, oooh she should paint the walls and ceiling a very, very light aqua!
If you move the bed, you can give more breathing room to your gorgeous Brasilia pieces (I’m jealous). I’d recommend nightstands painted in a color that coordinates with the aqua — maybe a darker blue or teal. You could possibly get two non-matching nightstands in wood and paint them the same color, and then as long as they’re the same height they “match” in a funky kind of way.
I agree with others who say don’t paint any wood. How about using vintage-y cloth to “paper” the insides of the room divider on the vertical sides? You could either wrap cloth around cardboard/foamboard/plywood cut to the exact size, then wedge it in, or try wetting the cloth with water and cornstarch, then “papering” it on the surfaces. If they are well-sealed, it shouldn’t damage the wood, right? Apartment Therapy had a tutorial on this.
Finally, I’d say that the built-in drawers, while a cool feature, kind of make the room feel busy. I’d think about how to minimize them, like putting some kind of wood or wood-colored hardware on them so they blend in more.
I am so jealous of your room. It looks like such a lovely place to curl up and read a book!
Geez, I couldn’t be more jealous. I’d love to have a knotty pine bedroom. I completely agree with the other posts that recommend painting the the whole ceiling the same color. I’d say any shade of blue. Aqua or turquoise would look great. I’d also go for some great retro barkcloth curtains in a fun pattern. I wouldn’t paint any of the wood. As one post said, it’s hard to undo and you’re fortunate to have so much knotty pine is great shape. I love, love, love, the chevron rug and geometric bedspread. Somehow they really work with the room.
At the risk of being unpopular, the one thing I would definitely do is replace the Broyhill Brasilia furniture with other pieces. I know Jeanne is very excited to have scored the set for so little but it really does not work with the room. The stain of the Broyhill furniture clashes with the knotty pine and Jeanne is mixing two different midcentury styles – the Broyhill being a bit more “high end” and the knotty pine being more “comfy rustic.” They’re two looks I love but unlike chocolate and peanut butter, they don’t taste great together. I’d try to find some simpler pieces that more closely match the color of the paneling. That or something painted in dark colors. Besides, with all the built-ins, why would you want stand-alone bureaus and dressers?
I don’t have a problem with the shoe storage. It’s Jeanne’s dressing room and not really a space where many visitors will come. She has the awesome room divider for displaying bits of art so I don’t see why she can’t store her shoes where she can see them and keep them organized. I do think it would look cute to paint the backs of the shoe storage a slightly darker aqua to match the ceiling.
Just one more thought – if Jeanne removes the Broyhill pieces, it would make room for a nice sitting area across from the bed. Personally, I love having an upholstered arm chair in my bedroom for sitting and reading books. I’d keep the bed where it is, place a chair in the corner next to the window, and put a nice vintage braided rug between the bed and the sitting area. In this case, I would also replace the bedspread with a chenille blanket (as suggested by Teresa).
I was thinking the same thing. The Broyhill is too dark and too fussy for a knotty pine room. It doesn’t compliment the knotty pine but competes with it and, even worse, doesn’t lend itself to aqua. Something much simpler and blonde, like some Paul Mccobb, would compliment the room and make the decorating task so much easier.
I love the idea of using a honey color on the drywall/ceiling. I agree that they both should be painted the same color.
I understand why you want to paint the back of the shelves and that super cool room divider. There definitely needs to be color on that plane of the room to both break up and showcase the knotty pine.
So here’s my unsolicited advice. I love your Brasilia set. It doesn’t work in this room. You need some painted furniture to bring color right up against the paneling. I’d move the Brasilia into another bedroom and scout Craigslist and thrift stores for older pieces that I wouldn’t mind painting. And painted furniture is very mid-century (I have lots of decorating books from the period that were simply in love with the idea!). That might be a way to pull in the aqua color you want.
Wow, this is my dream room! My vote is to not paint the shelves or any of the wood because 1. you can’t go back and 2. there are enough opportunities to bring color into the room without touching that gorgeous wood and 3. painting certain wood elements is going to make the room look choppy where now, the wood has the most beautiful flow to it. Can I tell you again how much I LOVE this room?
I like the white ceiling but if you do paint it, my suggestion would be just a bare hint of a color – like some were saying, maybe a light champagne color. Not a deep blue or aqua though. I think that would really close in the space and make the ceilings feel shorter.
I say let the room be the stunner that it already is and use furniture and decor items like you’d use jewelry to set off an already awesome outfit. I love the orange chair, the chevron rug and the braided rug – and that incredible deer art work. I think that if you get a bedspread that doesn’t compete with the rug – like maybe a solid aqua spread with the one that you’re using now just folded up across the foot (because it’s really pretty) and find a way to hide the electronics, you’re going to be halfway home. More period lamps would help too beside the bed.
I do vote to definitely not paint any wood though – if you paint those shelves, the shelves are going to be the focal point and not the beautiful items that you can place in them. And if you paint the backs of the shoe shelves, it’s just going to highlight your shoes and make them pop and although, I love a great pair of shoes, you’re not going to want your shoes to compete with the great aspects of the room itself. Maybe if you’re going to use those for shoes and not for something more decorative like books or knickknacks, get some louvered shutters to match and have those shelves close off?
Again, LOVE this room and I want to go into it right now and never come back. Enjoy it!
Thank you Eartha! Your kitchen has always been an inspiration to me.
So much to think about in this wonderful space! I will limit my comment to the ceiling/walls. I have two such angled bedrooms in my Cape Cod second story, and recommend that you definitely paint these the same color without trying to delineate a ceiling from the angled walls.
I agree a color in the aqua family would beautifully complement the knotty pine (which I love), but I would recommend a grounded, grayed out version (but not gray)—more like what is often called “spa blue” these days—than a bright or even moderate “turquoise” shade.
All shades of aqua and turquoise are also my favorite color—I have happy “Miami” turquoise walls and countertops in my 1952 kitchen (original countertops) but in my bedroom, we used a grounded, grayed out “spa blue aqua” that is simply lustrous and calming, goes well with wood tones, and lends itself to almost any style of decor. It still reads very much like “aqua” though, not gray.
There are many shades of “spa blue.” I used Benjamin Moore Heavenly Blue in the Aura paint line, but if I were repainting that room, I would go one shade deeper on the paint strip.
We painted ceilings and walls the same color.The extra expense of the Aura paint is worth it as one coat was enough, a big consideration for you with that stairwell situation.
The gray undertones in the spa blues complement the warm wood tones and also go well with the black accents. I am thinking you can make that chevron rug work if you love it by incorporating a few more black accents throughout the room, especially since the black iron hardware is original and still in place.
Now I am straying beyond the walls and will stop! This is a fabulous space, bedroom and dressing area and sitting room all in one beautiful space. Love the large oval mirror, such a great visual complement to all the straight lines of the woodwork.
I’ll keep comments brief. Yes to “spa blue”, keeping the shade on the lighter side. Maybe move the white dresser to another room and then move the tall dresser over where the white one was. Yes to relocating the bed in front of windows. I think you can do white plantation shutters then add a cool print valance curtain. I love the black/white rug. Perhaps add Zebra print throw pillows to tie them together. Good luck renovating.
Please don’t paint that gorgeous woodwork!!! Too often painting woodwork is becoming a trend that nauseates me – because it’s a trend that is inconsistent with the periods of these houses.
This is a classic find that I think you should really reconsider prior to painting that gorgeous paneling.
It’s a very warm and unique space because of the color of the paneling.
Thanks Ryan. I didn’t plan to paint the paneling, I was only considering painting the open shelf unit in the middle of the room. I don’t think I’ll paint the shelf now, though. No worries. Save your barf bag for another time. haha.
Warm tones versus cold tones… the easiest way for me to explain it is that warm tones can be related to the tones you see in the summer, like the blue summer sky is a warm blue. Cold tones are like what you see in the winter, for example that icy winter sky blue is cold and the yellow of the dead still-clinging to the trees leaves is cold.
I don’t know if that helps anyone else differentiate between warm and cold, but that’s how I’ve always seen the difference
Rather than making the angled walls/ceiling compete with the woodwork, I’d paint them a sunny yellow. Then use aqua and other contrasting colors for the curtains, bed, and everywhere else that you want people to look. In your pictures, the eye is nicely drawn to the aqua, white, and red decorations. Your wall color should enhance rather than compete with that effect; otherwise, I think that people will spend a lot of time looking at the lines where the woodwork meets an aqua wall.
Many great suggestions; just DON’T paint the wood. Trust me, you will regret it downt the line. Barkcloth would be great. Paint the entire ceiling, but I am not sure about aqua. Just make sure the tone is not too Miami Vice. Great room! The dressing area would be a fabulous office.
I think you should get rid of the white chest of drawers and move the one the TV is on over there. Replace with a TV stand that has a footprint no bigger than the TV and can hold the DVD player and whatnot inside/underneath. I like the shoes in the dressing area and would not bother to cover them up, but adding color/pattern to the backs of the shelves via wallpaper (not pasted) or fabric is a great idea and totally reversible.
Looks like spending a little on an electrician to increase the number and improve the placement of the outlets would be a good idea.
As for color, check out the Martha Stewart line at Home Depot. There are some greyed-out aquas that might look good. Some aquas, especially the lighter ones, are too cool and icy. They will compete with the warm wood tone instead of complementing it. I would NOT choose yellow with that wood, although if you are drawn to that idea perhaps something in the mustard family might work.
This is such a lovely and cozy room. I think the turquoise would be beautiful on the ceiling and I second the votes against painting the wood on the shelves, they are just so beautiful as they are and would be hard to undo if you ever wanted to. I hope you have a blast redecorating this great space. Please post pictures after! Also, I noticed your heater and immediately thought of this modern little red heater that would be adorable in that room:
http://www.amazon.com/Dimplex-Mini-Freestanding-Electric-Stove/dp/B005T08LFW/ref=sr_1_12?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1356029741&sr=1-12&keywords=dimplex
Oh – and I don’t have this particular heater but I have another from this line and it’s a pretty realistic looking faux fireplace and heats well, too.
Just watched the video and I am in total agreement with you on the braided rug and the autumn colors and I love the drapes you offered, Pam. I had pinch pleated drapes in this house that came with it. I just took the traverse rods down and replaced it all because the pinch pleats were just too heavy a look for me and I went with lacey sheers. I am sorry to say that I also agree with Tracie that the Brasilia just doesn’t go with the knotty pine. I too like painted or pine furniture with knotty pine, and think the Brasilia just doesn’t cut it in the room. But that is really going the drastic route. If it is a drafty window, I would love the quilt over it, unless air circulation is a concern, and put the bed under it. There are so many things to address with this bedroom, I think it is almost too hard to make a decision without major changes! But first thing is decide which way to go, keep the bedroom set, or go to the colonial look which maybe is more in keeping with the knotty pine. I think I just made things far more confusing. My favorite bedroom in my last house was rust and blue print curtains and matching bedspread and a deep sapphire blue rug, with golden pine bedroom pieces and it was stunning. It was just so warm and inviting. So I would cover the window with a quilt, rearrange the furniture with bed under the window, put a print bedspread on the bed that compliments the quilt, and do a two color braided rug,not too busy. I think a head-on sight of the bed and quilt would be the eye catcher. But that’s me and I am not known to be a brilliant decorator, that’s for sure.
Oh, and loved the video and what fun to watch! I forgot and got on too late but I need to sign into Google plus anyhow. This will be fun and can’t wait for the next one! I am home almost all the time so I hope to join you!
If I had to choose one of the designs by Pam and Kate came up with, I’d go with the Tiki style. The rust also looks good. I’m really not fond of the muted aqua look though. I find it to be too cold, formal, and a bit too modern looking for the room. If it were my room I’d definitely go for more of a granny ranch look – braided rugs, chenille bedspread, comfy upholstered armchairs(s), and a fun print for the curtains. Another post mentioned that the curtains should go to the ceiling and I totally agree. I’d go with the ceiling color from the rust room or a “warm aqua” as suggested by Kate.
I love the wood, and I agree that it should be left as is. For the colors…I like aqua, but I think that a warm color would look better with the wood. The black and white rug is beautiful, but not right for that room. I’d go with something more colorful-maybe the Kattrup rug from IKEA, although I think that what the room really needs is a couple of Navajo rugs, but they can get spendy for large pieces.
Hi Pam and Kate – thanks for letting me sit in, it was great fun! I have to admit that it was a bit of a surprise as I didn’t expect it to connect directly. I logged onto Google and clicked a few things and something loaded and there I was! But it was a blast all the same, next time I’ll just make sure to be more prepared on the subject at hand should I stumble in. At any rate, thanks again!
We were just as surprised as you Larry!
It was really nice to “meet” you and get your direct input too! Thanks for being a part of our first live Google+ Hangout Retro Design Dilemma!
I’m not a fan of pinch-pleat drapes in this situation for a couple of reasons. I think they’re too heavy for a knotty pine bedroom, and I think they echo the ‘striped’ effect of the paneling which could be too much for such a large paneled room.
About the nightstands, and not having enough room on either side of the bed, you might try putting a narrow sofa table or bookcase behind your headboard. It would give you a place for lamps, phone charges, alarm clocks, and such, and I don’t think you’d miss 10 inches or so of floor space at the foot of the bed. I’d go with something painted or covered with a cloth so you wouldn’t be introducing another wood.
I’m so jealous of all that room and storage you have, Jeanne! It’s a just a beautiful space.
I want that knotty pine bedroom! I’ve always wanted a cozy treehouse type “attic” bedroom. My 2 cents would be a green-blue muted shade of paint for the walls and ceiling…go to a used book store and look at the vintage books with that shade (or look on Etsy since people sell them in artistic batches)…even, decorating the room with a few of these books.
But, always get a bunch of paint small samples and test on different walls/ceiling because as I’ve learned the shade will change depending on the natural and lamp lighting (I have an aqua room that is both pleasing and jolting depending on the time of day…and, I wish I had thought it out before painting the entire small room in one afternoon!) (Also, since mine is a small boxy room the color is way too intense for such a small room).
Color shades is the most frustrating thing for me…after finally deciding on a pink shade for another bedroom I could “feel” the coolness of the pink instead of the “warmth” I was hoping for. It is subtle but for those of us sensitive to color it makes a big difference.
For the curtains…yes, go with the fabulous vintage that has so many wonderful colors and motif in them. You never see curtains with gazelle, pictorials, tropical plants, etc. At least, I don’t.
Also, agree with not painting the wood shelves and maybe, placing the wonderful vintage matte pottery in those solid colors of green-blue, pink, yellow…that would echo the colors in the drapery, and other textiles…and, yes, chenille bedspreads rule! I have several and of so soft & pretty. Good luck!
Also, wanted to say if you wanted to dress up the shoe shelves then using foam board and fabric (possibly matching the drapery) is the way to go. That way you can change it out when you want and won’t have to deal with peeling off contact paper…sometimes, I wish that stuff was never invented for all the times I’ve had to peel off cruded up paper.
And, also I do think the chevron rug/bedspread and orange chair would need to find another room where they’d be more appropriate…they are too modern & stark for the knotty pine bedroom.
What a lovely room, I’m jealous of your master retreat space!
My suggestion from experience is: When you are picking out the paint, make sure you do test samples in situ – it is totally worth the extra cost because the orange colours in the wood really “throw” off your paint colour when the light is bouncing around the room.
I tried to get a soft grey/beige colour for our openplan livingroom, and the orange-y wood ceiling and floors made it look like cold concrete grey or lavender!
Oh, and I’m not a period purist, so I thought I’d mention that love your chevron rug, and thing it ads a nice modern feel to the retro space. If you wanted to stick with it, the black and white are a noce contract to the orange wood. Incorporating other more period fabrics like this (http://blog.vastudc.com/wp-content/dropbox/Maharam_Small_Dot_Pattern_by_Charles_and_Ray_Eames_1947_006_Document_Reverse.jpg) combined with your pale aqua and teal pops of colour (like your quilt – try turning it 90 degrees to better hide the sides of the bed, and layer it over a plain white/aqua duvet) could tie it all together if you limit the palette.
Too bad you’re not closer to Vancouver or I’d be happy to take it off your hands if you decided to go the ‘authentic’ route
Well, this looks like fun! Nice room.
I would caution against teal walls/ceiling in this space. The knotty pine is a strong element, and a bright or bold color would also be strong and would compete with the eye. Together I think it would be too much visual stimulation — not calming for a bedroom. Use your teal and aqua as the ACCENT on things like the bedding, lampshades, and to paint the back of the shoe shelving.
For the walls and ceiling, if it were me I would do a neutral silvery taupe, something like Silver Fox for the walls and Abalone for the ceiling. Those paint colors from Benjamin Moore have a lot of pigment in them that seems to coordinate really well with warm wood colors. I would get the eggshell finish. A little reflected light in there would be nice.
I would try to find a retro print for the curtains – something with a neutral background and with the pattern in teal/aqua. One thing about the curtains – you should mount the curtain rod so that it is right up at the ceiling, and goes all the way across that section of wall. By stopping a few inches from the ceiling and a few inches on each side, it is making the whole room look much smaller. Trust me on this one.
I would not try to find matching Broyhill nightstands. Get something simple and small – you could get some plain IKEA nightstands — and paint them the same teal as your shoe shelves.
I would not paint any of the actual shelves, that would break up the space. They work well with the walls as they are.
I like a braid rug with knotty pine, but I like the chevron that you got too. It’s fun to mix it up.
If you decide to keep the rug, type in the words black and white chevron rug on Houzz for some ideas of colors and fabrics that mix nicely in a contemporary room. I think the chevron rug, white spread, and some aqua could make a fresh and different room. I am also of the opinion that you can mix up the decades a bit and come up with something new and just right for you. If you do a Google image search with the same words as above, there will be a lot of room pictures too. I think a lot of the ikat or medallion prints would mix nicely with the chevron rug. I have found some nice fabrics at Fabric Guru at a discount.Your room really is a very nice space. Best of luck. Also, some of those nice glass lamps that Pam featured would look beautiful. http://retrorenovation.com/2012/08/08/blenko-glass-table-lamps-from-1947-1963-to-be-reintroduced-by-rejuvenation-this-fall/
Last thought–maybe you could use the Ikea malm for nightstands.
http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/05/bedroom-malm-nightstand-and-pax-tv.html You could paint them a color.
All of these reader comments are fantastic! Thank you, everyone!!!
They ARE fantastic! So many great ideas and advice! And thank YOU Pam and Kate for featuring my bedroom! It is a bit overwhelming, but I am coming away with better direction (painting both ceiling and angled walls, plus not painting the shelves) and plenty of options to consider.
I love the three mood boards that you put together. I do like the “granny” room – it really does pull together the style and colors perfectly – but it’s not the exact direction I wanted to go. Thank you for offering the drapes, though.
I am taking your aqua advice to heart and re-thinking that – but it still may work depending on finding fabric inspiration. I really love Kate’s tiki idea and colors, though! I love that green color. I think you’re right about starting with fabric, drapes or some sort of textile inspiration piece.
Thank you so much, again! Everyone had great ideas. I also think it may have helped others who have knotty pine in their homes and to think of how the rooms are used (kitchen vs bedroom as Kate mentioned).
I’d say this was a success!
I realize the Danish modern Brasilia is not the perfect choice for a knotty pine BR, but maybe if I spread the pieces out a bit it and/or add some painted pieces it may make a different. So much to think about……!!
My town is filled with post war capes and many of my friends growing up had rooms like this. In these type of rooms the only place where an adult can walk is down the center. If the bed was placed under the windows you’d have to walk hunched over the length of the bed to get into it. There isn’t enough head room on the sides to walk upright. I think the bed is best placed where is.
You are so right! My niece has a room exactly like this one in her forties cape which she purchased a year ago. She says they had twin beds on each side, as previously mentioned here, when she looked at it. Hers even has a built-in cedar closet, something you rarely if ever see in a new home. Her dining room has mid-height knotty pine paneling in it too, and the original pin-up lamps, which she likes, bless her heart, are almost all black wrought iron with milk glass hobnail shades. She has a terrific green and black bathroom too, with built-in clothes hampers. I would have bought that house in a blink myself!
Man-o-man, Pam. You have a bunch of fantastic readers with great, detailed, thoughtful and creative ideas!
Reading through the comments I am wondering why some suggest to extend the curtains across the entire window walls. That would not only cover up the fabulous paneling but take up room for some piece of furniture. The more I look at the photos the more I love your room. All the different angles and built-ins & bookshelves (boy, do we have books)…I could see a cushy little armchair right next to them. All we got is square boring box rooms – no character there.
Just found this coziness on flckr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/catskillsgrrl/3960649414/in/photostream/
Thank you tammyCA! I agree that I can raise the curtain rod up to the ceiling for height, but in reality I cannot extend the width of the curtains that much. I can only extend the rod to width of the ceiling (before the angles start). And there is one problem on the left side of the window – the wall on the left side protrudes a few inches out (probably because the chimney is on that side) so I’d have to rig something up to extend the rod on the right side to make it level across.
Pam, I liked your suggestion of the little round table with a cloth over it as a cheap nightstand but I can go one further on that. Being in the furniture business for many years, often people couldn’t fit or couldn’t afford a second nightstand or it was a close-out and we only had one. I would always recommend that very solution with one tweak. There are “drum” table around in second hand stores, which offer storage underneath either in open shelves or doors. I found a beautiful old mahogany one with an inset embossed leather top, one drawer, and a shelf in it that passes all the way through. It previously served as a bedside table but in this house is now serving as our TV stand. It is lovely with a round tablecloth on it and a lace topper, but a shame to cover it up! These tables can be found cheap, and much sturdier than the simple ones you see, not to mention giving you storage too, something I always need more of. I am a hoarder too, and my husband and son hate it! I am like my mother; I can’t throw anything out! On the lighter side – when we cleaned out her house, there were three paper bags full of socks in her bedroom. They were each labelled – “Good Socks”, “Holey Socks”, and “Not so Holey Socks”.
Great idea, thanks! Yes, “unfashionable” antique furniture can be found cheap cheap cheap – and so very often it is fantastically made! And your Socks story: Priceless!
Hi Jeanne. My favorite color is also aqua. If you love aqua, there’s something you’re going to have to accept: aqua does not like dark wood or dark colors. Only on rare occasions do they get along. You have the perfect room for aqua, but I think the Broyhill, although quite beautiful, is coming between you and your favorite color. Look at some Paul Mccobb furniture, you’ll instantly know why you don’t want to paint the room divider. His furniture was made for aqua. See his dinnerware, Contempri (mint green and… aqua!). (See also Canonsburg Temporama). Also, you might try to introduce aqua in other ways before painting. If you paint the ceiling an aqua, even a light aqua, you won’t be able to bring in more aqua objects without it possibly being too much. Right now the only aqua in the room is on the bedspread, but it seems to be fighting for it’s life against the black zig-zags in the beadspread and on the rug. How about an aqua rug instead? Or a bedspread that’s solid aqua? Before going through the pain of painting, you might try to bring in as many aqua objects as possible and see if that was enough.
Thanks for the input, Jim. I think you’re right about the Broyhill and also using some solid aqua in a rug and/or bedspread. I am considering moving the Broyhill to my main floor “guest” room – which I recently did in ivory, with ivory pinch pleats. It wouldn’t get my daily use, but would be showcased nicely. That leaves me with the dilemma of finding another dresser for my bedroom and queen sized headboard.
Hey, I think you can make the Broyhill work in the room!!! If you have a set of furniture like this — enjoy it every day, personally! One idea: In your drapery fabric, also make sure there is a dark brown to tie in the Broyhill. You can do it, Jeanne!
I would try Heywood-Wakefield or Paul Mccobb or something in blonde wood or a danish teak. If you want to be really daring you can try some simple unfinished furniture and paint it aqua. I’ve seen some awesome aqua furniture that would undoubtedly make a splash in your room. You can google to get some ideas.
Hi. I apologize for being so late to comment but it’s the first chance I’ve had. I just have a couple of suggestions that have less to do with color choices and more to do with where and how to place the color.
First off, whatever color you choose for the walls and ceiling, be it aqua or some other color, I suggest that you use a lighter shade of the color on the ceiling, and a darker shade of the same color on the walls. The two different shades will help create some drama and make the ceiling seem to be higher, and at the same time will keep the two surfaces linked. I saw this approach done on a room featured in a magazine but it was awhile ago so I can’t remember which magazine. But, it was really effective.
Secondly, I love both the furniture and the walls, but not really next to each other. I am thinking that you should use panels of fabric behind the dressers and headboard, rather than on the windows. Then, on the windows, use a very simple treatment that fits inside of the window frame, some sort of plain ivory Roman shade or blinds or some sort. I think a print like the mineral green gray one with the ferny print would look great, made up into a flat panel the width or a little wider than the furniture, would look great and would really make the furniture stand out. Yes, it would cover up some of the knotty pine, but, not so much that the knotty pine would disappear. The knotty pine that showed would seem even more special. A solid bedspread would then be good, such as is shown in a couple of the photos above.
I like the black and white rug, but, if it doesn’t work with the bedspread or fabric you choose, will it fit in the dressing room side?
I wouldn’t paint any of the wood, be it walls, room divider or whatever. It just looks in such good shape and not too orange-y or dark, as sometimes happens over time.
Thanks for letting us comment on your delightful upstairs.
If I’ve suggested the same thing as someone else, I apologize. There were so many comments I couldn’t get through them all. It’s great to see so much interest and support for the blog and a reader project. Also, I apologize for my typo-ridden post — is anyone else as tuckered out from the holidays as I am? What fun to visit this blog and take a break from the festivities.
Thanks for the suggestions, JKaye. I agree all the zig zags are competing with the knotty pine as are the darker wood dressers. My initial plan was to paint over the holiday week – but I am now focusing on finding the right textiles first (bedspread, window fabric or rug) and THEN decide on a color. If I can find the right aquas for the textiles, I may paint the walls/ceiling something other than aqua (and I like your idea of using different shades of the same color). I’m so glad I received all this input from everyone!
Enjoyed your GOOGLE program. The thought of painting traverse rods was hard to swallow but it made me think about 2 things. First spray paint manufacturers (no major brand mentioned) seem to go out of their way to change up colors every season which makes adding pieces that must be sprayed very difficult. Years ago this wasn’t as much of a problem and you didn’t need to have an air gun. Most importantly there are safety issues with traverse rods cords just as there are with blinds. I hang pinch pleats with pole rods and rings which move well and are easier to paint
Keep up the great work!
I like Pam’s idea of knotty pine and tiki, but then that’s always been one of my favorite design themes and that’s taking my taste into consideration and not yours. I think that either the aqua or teal idea would work. In fact the more I think about it a light, very subtle aqua might be really nice and a really individual look!
That was Kate’s idea!
Sorry to restate, it won’t let me view any comments older than the one by JKaye made on 12/28/2012. ^_^
WHAT? I do not understand. Clear your cache – ?
Nope, still won’t show me anything older, I even tried using a different computer…
on this story only?
You don’t see “older comments” right below these boxes?
Yeah, but when I click it it just scrolls me down to the “leave a comment” section. It might have been my browser because both of the times i was trying to view it before i was using chrome instead of firefox or internet explorer
It seems like it was the browser, it worked using firefox.
chrome has gone crazy for me… i am back to firefox
Yeah, me too.