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jill_mckennon

Help me modernize my new house

10 years ago

We are closing on our new house towards the end of the month and are starting fresh. I really like the transitional feel and like mostly monochromatic color schemes. The only thing staying is the tan sectional and the counter stools. I was hoping to paint this area a nice greige like Revere Pewter but definitely planning on doing some paint samples first.

Looking for a mostly neutral room and want one color to be repeated throughout the house to make it cohesive. I was toying with yellow and then light blue but worry it will feel too coastal. My other thought was to do pops of dark blue but not sure if that will look good.

Any suggestions on rugs, breakfast table/chairs, accessories, fireplace help, etc.?? I find it easy to help others but am stumped when it comes to my own place. Thank you!! :)

Comments (15)

  • 10 years ago

    What, if anything, are you planning to do with the kitchen cabinets? Are they staying as they are or are you painting them?

  • 10 years ago

    Hi Jill, first of all congrats on the new home! And I think that's how it is for many of us.....easier to see other homes through a clearer set of eyes than with our own.

    Questions....are the pics above pictures of your furniture in the new home? I'm only asking for clarification since you mentioned you haven't closed yet....?

    Also, do you have a budget in mind for the new pieces you're looking for?

  • 10 years ago

    Thank you! The kitchen cabinets will be staying the same for the forseeable future. They are actually much nicer looking in person, but I know it limits us with what we can do. Down the road we plan on reconfiguring it a bit and doing a white kitchen.


    And no, this is the previous owners furniture. The only things staying is the sectional and counter stools. I do have a similar table for breakfast nook but it is in rough shape, was thinking of sanding it down and painting it black like theirs. Most of the furniture in our living room in our old house will be going in the formal living room so we really are starting fresh.

    We don't have an exorbitant budget but would like to invest in quality pieces. I do really like the moroccan white trellis rugs but not sure if it would go? Something like this: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/nuLOOM-Rug-Moroccan-Trellis-Shag-Rug-53-x-76/7786160/product.html?recset=faa4039a-fdad-47f8-98a4-f8f427ca7272&refccid=WVTRX3PL7VIZHWCIA7YD3FPNPY&recalg=828,512&recidx=1

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Jill? congrats on your beautiful new home! Lovely! I like your cabinets as well! A nice "update" on them would be just changing the hardware. ( pulls... or pulls and hinges..depending on budget) New light fixtures add a lot of update too. I extended travertine on the walls in my dining part of my kitchen( 12x12)floor to ceiling and it looks really good. I can see that along at least the cabinet wall in the dining part of your kitchen area as well. would look great! I would add my pops of color in the rugs, artwork, pillows for couch et al...... You can change pillows easily with seasons as well. and a great way to mix textures, colors and patterns. looking forward to see what you do! A different valance above sink would be nice too?A new mantle around fireplace,for more drama?( some paint brick,but that is a tough decision) You have lots of space above it with lots of choices!(stone,marble,a huge mirror? I would paint the bookshelves(just the bookshelves, and the walls behind them, not the trim above) in the family room as well. The white takes away from the room, makes them stand out too much, chalk paint,or antique them in neturals to tone them down?) imho? Congrats again!

    Jill McK thanked mbertr
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I suggest you use BM Collingwood vs Revere Pewter for all the walls. Relax then set a goal for all other improvements. Once y paint the walls , the space will open up. In my opinion I would paint the fireplace or reface it with tiles if that is in your budget.

    Good space have fun and Declutter!


    Jill McK thanked Sandra Alger, CID, Fresh Ideas by Sandy
  • PRO
    Jill McK thanked Sandra Alger, CID, Fresh Ideas by Sandy
  • 10 years ago

    Thank you! Mbertr - what would you suggest for hardware for cabinets? I think the black looks good and would tie in with the chairs and table but the shape needs to change for sure. I think I might try to remove the piece of wood above the sink and place a neutral valance. Thinking we will probably paint the brick white to get us through for now or white wash it but this is what we plan to do with it. Not exact but something similar


    Family First · More Info

  • 10 years ago

    Oh I love that color Sandra! My only worry is how it will go with everything in the kitchen because its all so brown. But I will get a sample for sure!

  • 10 years ago

    What about the lights in the living room and kitchen? I was thinking a simpler drum shade for the living room but worry it will feel too small in the kitchen? Or should I take out and put a few more recessed?

  • 10 years ago

    Wow! Thank you so much Barbara! So many great suggestions. Do you think a white subway tile would compete too much with the honey colors in the cabinets and granite? We do actually have an awesome black island that is similar to the owners but is a bit bigger so will fit the space better so I guess we could do a bigger light since you wouldn't bump your head going under it!

    Thinking I may try the chandelier without the lampshades and see if I like it better to work for the time being. I also never thought of removing the shelves. I really hate them due to the size. I also ADORE the coffee table you posted. Do you know where I could get that or a similar one?

  • 10 years ago

    Jill, yes it will go with cabinets and floor this is the color with an oak floor

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Painting the cabinets and updating the hardware will change the entire look of the kitchen. Stainless steel or satin nickel hardware would look great with the new appliances:

    http://www.houzz.com/projects/users/glideritehardware


    Please let us know if you need any suggestions on hardware. Congratulations on your new home!

    Warm regards,

    GlideRite Hardware


  • 10 years ago

    Good luck with the new home. How lucky you are. Please avoid the grey tones for painting, I'm so tired of grey. But it needs to make you happy, not me. You have a very good start with the kitchen/family room as is & w/ the lovely sectional. I'm suggesting to live with it as is at least six months with small changes to add your own personality. It will come to you a section at a time & the results will be you & your family living comfortably.

  • 10 years ago

    I think a white subway tile will look great, not compete with your counters or floor. Consider glass for added depth. Just beware, white glass subway tiles end up with a hint of blue once the adhesive dries. Consider a chandelier with some black iron tones to balance the blacks in your furniture.

    I found that coffee table on wayfair.com.

    Good luck!