Hi Pam,
My husband and I are finally getting to the painting part of our long rehab. We are having trouble figuring out what color to paint our hallway, because we’ve decided to keep some of the 1960s blue and gold flocked wallpaper that use to cover the entire thing. So we can’t figure out what color to paint the hallway that would mesh well with the wallpaper. Help from readers would be appreciated.
What do you think, readers? I’ll pipe in with my thoughts at the end…
Meanwhile, enjoy the slide show of Heidi’s space before, during and after taking down a bunch of the wallpaper. And, hey: If you personally like the “befores” better, please remember our #1 commenting rule: No one can be made to feel bad for their decisions. (Lamentations will be deleted or not approved.) Flocked wallpaper can be a lot to digest — and this wallpapaper was no wallflower. I am SURE that Heidi gave the decision lots of consideration — evidenced by the fact she decided to keep the memorial flocked wallpaper in the hall.
Elizabeth Mary says
Put one more vote in the column for the light cream color of the paper. This is the best way to meld the colors and yet bring some light into the hallway, which I am assuming is a goal. If that seems too boring, then I would move up the density scale a bit into the gold color, but not as deep as the one in the paper. Good luck and have fun with this.
Jane says
Firstly, I love the paper. Great impact and perfect way to add oomph to a small space. That said, I’d keep the colours neutral and let the paper do the talking. Perhaps match the walls to the background of the paper, or take an neutral “white” and tint it slightly with a gold/green tone to match the gold/green in the paper. But I would keep the wall colour soft toned and neutral.
I’m curious about your floor covering choice as well! Fun!
Good luck and I hope we get to see the afters!
Lisa says
Take it off. Take it all off. Then you can paint it any color you want.
Michael says
Another vote for paint to match the shade of white in the background of the paper! Then I would hang artwork or decorative accessories with the blue/gold colours on the white walls. Maybe some sculptural pieces painted blue, or a 60s Venetian style gold mirror with matching consoles or candle sconces…
Carol says
I’d go with gold.
Nancy says
For now, I would try to match the base cream or off white of the paper. That would give you a fresh, clean slate to hang art work containing the gold and navy of the remaining paper. Were you able to save one of the medallions?? Than would be so great framed and given pride of place on a freshly painted plain wall.
Paint can be redone later on if the cream becomes too boring – but would enable you to call this reno done so you can get on to your next project.
Kudos on keeping part of the original paper!
By the way – I’m loving the built-ins I spy, along w/ the blue chair and ceiling light!
lady brett says
that’s what we are thinking of doing in our kitchen – keeping the (rather intense/awesome) wallpaper on the backsplash and painting the rest the base shade of cream from the wallpaper – i think it will make for a cohesive look. we have even talked of framing some of the old wallpaper, too!
although, if cream sounds too boring to you, a chair rail might look nice – with the color on the bottom and wallpaper-matching cream up top. i think that compromise would keep the room light still – hard to do in hallways.
Louise says
I’m going to be boring and obvious and say an off white or cream. It will make the remaining wallpaper stand out and make it a bit of a feature, plus the light colour will make your hall feel lighter, bigger and more welcoming. Choose accessories to match the gold and navy on the wallpaper. Good luck xxx
Melanie says
I think the Retro Decorating Gods would highly approve of going with the gold color that is in the wallpaper.
Chelsea says
I don’t know why but I’m picturing a light blue. Then again, I have mostly bare white walls here in my rental.. good luck!!
Alice says
Hi Heidi – I love the picture of you SMILING while removing wallpaper – having recently gone through that process, I’m not sure there was a smiling moment in our household!
Glad you kept an artist wall of the flocked paper…what about about a camel/gold paint color? It would be bold, but might work well.
by the way, your hallway looks the way ours looks – except ours has been that way for 10 months now as we try to decide what color to paint or treatment to apply! Also glad to see that someone else’s hallways has as many doors as ours does! Lots of trimwork to paint!
Good luck!