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.
Eartha Kitsch says
I’m so glad that some of the wallpaper was saved. Three cheers! I vote for gold paint. Nothing as dark as the gold in the wallpaper but something lighter that would correspond. I love the ceiling lights and the built-ins in the hall. I hope that we get to see the “After”!
Jeanne says
I vote for matching the dark gold color. Darker neutral colors have a tendency to recede. And, I think it would really tie-in the wallpaper with the space and make it look like it was planned.
Also, i have two Matisse “Blue Nudes” framed in gold metallic frames that would really add some mod, color-coordinated glitz to those hallway walls. I’m trying to find the perfect spot in my home, though. 😉 But I think adding the right art would really coordinate the whole thing.
Good luck, and it’s really going to look great when finished!
oregonbird says
I’m sorry most of it is gone, it’s such a bang! But yes, match the white/cream, and go with a mirror in a big, gaudy gold frame to reflect the print and draw the colors over!
Brian says
I was thinking either a slightly lighter shade of the gold in the wallpaper… I think it may be the best way to make it a cohesive part of the hall… The cram or the blue would be the extreme ends of the scale, making the wallpaper look a but too garish by contrast; the gold, as the mid-tone, would probably both complement and subdue it…
I also second the idea of framing the medallions if you’ve got them – a group of three or six framed medallions adjacent to the remaining paper would look fantastic! You’d only need one to make color copies of: you could use the original size, reduce them, enlarge them… you could even play with the scale of the stripes and do the same… or use them to decoupage something! Whatever you do, HAVE FUN!!!
Heidi Swank says
Thanks Brian! The light gold seems like a good idea. We have saved several of the medallions for framing. We plan to put them up in the great room where the wallpaper used to hang. We might have saved more wallpaper like we did in the hallway but in addition to it being overwhelming at times, it was quite damaged in several places.
Cynthia says
I agree with Brian, though a tint of either color in the paper, would be nice; very go light as the wallpaper is very strong and you want to show it off , plus adding a third color could make it more circus than you might want ; )
sarah says
I also vote for team ‘light gold’.
It will bring out the colours in the paper just enough without making it too contrast-y, and will also make the white woodwork and built-ins stand out as features (cream will make them melt away).
Also, the stone looks warm toned, so again, sandy gold version that is lighter than the paper and refers to a colour in the stone.
Just another Pam says
Nicest flocked wallpaper I’ve ever seen!
Personally I’d probably match the blue but my walls are painted white or black so I’m not sure that this would be what I would actually woman up and recommend to someone else, I’d support it as a good possibility if you were so inclined.
On the other hand I can testify that the light end of medium in gold has served me well in many houses since 1974 and people have unfailingly liked/loved it where ever I’ve used it (same people not so warm and fuzzy about the black and white thang ;o) ) It’s a sophisticated, warm and comfortable colour all at the same time.
And as another poster said, unnatural act being so happy during the wallpaper removal stage….afterward, sure, all over a good happy dance then.
Kate says
What are the floors going to be? That might help you decide….
Heather says
I would have to put my vote in for a muted gold color with a litte sheen. I think that it would really accentuate your fabulous light fixtures that are already there. I agree with Michael in that sculptural pieces and a gold Venetian mirror would be sensational! The color of your floors will also be a big determining factor. I have been doing this to our house for the past 6 months, and holy poo what a task!
Jenny says
Wow, I loved seeing the “before pictures”. All that wallpaper was really cool, but slightly overwhelming. I like what you’ve done with the amount that is left – an “homage” to the spirit of the house. I would go with the off- white color in the background of the paper or a lighter gold.
Off-topic, but I LOVE the stonework in your house 😉
pam kueber says
“Homage” — that’s the word I was looking for! Thank you, Jenny.
Olivia says
Cream with a gold tinted glaze? Perhaps that would be too much. Good luck choosing a color!
Dawn Bininger says
I agree with a reader above…I would lean towards a light blue…And here is why, in the one pic, you can see the hall way through the stone wall…Why not pull a coordinating color from that wall, which would be either a light blue-ish gray or even a tan or taupe color?
Depending on what else you decide to do in there I think a cream or beige might end up TOO boring….I LOVE the light fixture by the way!
robyn says
I vote for a rich cream to match the cream in the wallpaper and then you could play with color in your accessories and accent things. And, no texture.
Can’t wait to see what you do.