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gmnolen

Need color and decorating help . . .

15 years ago

I am redoing the small keeping room off of our kitchen. In the past, it was used as a gameroom for the boys who have all graduated and gone on their merry ways. I wanted something cheerful--a room that made me smile every time I go into it. This is what I have so far . . .


The wall color is a green with what appears to be yellow undertones. The couch is linen with blue and yellow-gold stripes. The wood in the room, except for the bench legs is a light color, like the lamps. What color do you suggest for the walls and what type of artwork? The picture currently over the couch is okay but doesn't seem to go well, maybe because of the wall color?

Oh, right now, there is no tv in the room but DH is determined to put one in there! It will be a wall mount on the wall with the bench, sigh.

Comments (10)

  • 15 years ago

    I suggest to go to the benjamin moore website. You can upload your room photo and "paint" it with their colors and see how it looks with your furniture.

    Off the top of my head, look at sandyhook grey for something different.

  • 15 years ago

    Some kind of yellow for the walls? Have you checked out Ellen Kennon paint? We used Dusk ( a light blue) and I just love it. It is like a summer day all the time and seems to "go" with lots. Buttercream is a pretty yellow she makes. She gives a color consultation if you buy her paint.
    maybe cover one of the striped pillows with another cover to bring in some more pattern and interest?

    Looks like you have a good start.

  • 15 years ago

    Navy Blue. Looks like you have good light in that room. I think it would be smashing.

  • 15 years ago

    Wow! Big pictures...had to zoom waaay out. Cute room, though! I think a cheerful, soft yellow or maybe a gray-blue could be nice, but I like the current paint color. Not as crazy about the painting over the sofa, but to each his own. Perhaps a different frame would help it.

  • 15 years ago

    I think BM Rich Cream would look very pretty with your furniture. Here it is in the sunroom of our beach cottage.

    It's a little hard to get an overall feel of the room from the pictures. In the last pic, it looks like the sofa and chair (? or loveseat?) are crowded. Can you move them apart at least a few inches so they're not touching?

    Something about the corner arrangement with the bench, table, and chair isn't working for me but without really seeing the overall room, I can't tell what a good alternative would be.

    Finally, regarding the artwork, I think the piece over the sofa is too small or at least hung too high. Even though it's a bit small, you might be able to make it work if you lower it about 6-8". Your other artwork is also hung too high. I can't really see what you have above the bench and the chair, but I can tell that they are much too high.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Article on how to hang pictures

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks so much for your recommendations.

    Amysrq, I am afraid of such a bold color as navy in such a small room but think it would look great against the furniture.

    Sueb, I just slapped the pics on the hangers that were there since I knew I would be painting anyway. Sorry that I forgot to mention why they were so high. I do see what you mean about the closeness of the couch corners. The sleeper is centered on the long wall and the loveseat is centered with the windows behind it. It is a small room. The wall with the bench is where the cable hookup is loocated. And DH informed me last night he intends to purchase a tv this weekend and wants to put a shelf (gasp) under it to place the cable box on! He is going to be the death of me! Any ideas (inexpensive, because I have spent a fortune this week on this room) on how to hide the cable box?

    Again, thanks so much for your ideas! I knew you great GWers would have awesome ideas!

  • 15 years ago

    The creamy color suggested above sounds wonderful -- very neutral and fresh.

    You could check out navy curtain panels at Pottery Barn's site -- for a dash of that deep color. Perhaps even consider switching to matchstick blinds -- again -- for color and texture.

    Go to art.com -- and type in "Beach" into their search engine -- LOTS of choices there -- from fine art to fun art! BUT wait until the new TV is in place before looking for artworks. Just take down the artworks so that you have "naked" (LOL!) walls to start the process. Or perhaps use some family photos -- do you have some photos that feature beach/water vacations?

    Perhaps switch to a standing lamp in the corner between the sofa and the loveseat?

    And consider switching the new side table -- to a creamy-painted one? Just to add a bit more symmetry in a small room. And check overstock.com for a creamy-painted TV stand that would sit in place of the bench and hid the equipment.

    And do consider switching to a sisal rug ... again ... nice texture and contrast.

    Just some thoughts! Hope you don't mind!

  • 15 years ago

    Here is an example of beach scene from art.com .... there are LOTS more there ....

    Here is a link that might be useful: art.com -- At the Seaside

  • 15 years ago

    Thank you teacats! I just posted where I moved the furniture. I did that before reading your suggestions. I do like the sisal rug and creamy painted table and concole ideas. An I love the painting you posted a link to! I could add some nautical pillows with red in them to pull out the red in the painting.

  • 15 years ago

    I just found a print I would totally buy if I had a nautically themed room. LOVE THIS! Had to share, both because it's gorgeous, and because it seems like it might go with your current paint color (or another neutral).

    Here is a link that might be useful: Where Have I Known You Before by Tori Yule