Software
Houzz Logo Print
kvealg8r

Oak trim for miles

10 years ago
We are under contract on a "new to us" French house built in the early 2000's. It is a two story home surrounded by wooded area, and is filled with beautiful oak trim. The photos attached include the previous owners things since we haven't moved in yet. I want to make some minor cosmetic changes - exterior paint, interior paint (including wallpaper removal), and new carpet. I love the oak but there's a lot of it and I don't know what to do with it. I want to keep some oak, especially downstairs surrounding the picture windows. I am concerned that if I paint some of it white then it will make the space look choppy, especially downstairs. I'm more willing to paint it upstairs but really hesitate to paint the doors and windows - would painting the baseboards white while leaving doors, windows, and door/window frame look ok? What would you suggest for wall colors? What about painting the bathroom cabinets? What is your advice on mixing wood tones - for example I have a very dark Queen Anne dining set, a cherry master bedroom set, and ikea black brown playroom storage furniture. Thanks in advance for your help! (More photos in comments.)

Comments (24)

  • 10 years ago
    More photos from downstairs.
  • 10 years ago
    Upstairs master suite
  • 10 years ago
    Upstairs kids bedrooms, bath, and bonus (play/guest) room.
  • 10 years ago
    Exterior - leaning toward white trim with greige walls and staining sun bleached wood railing. Thoughts?
  • 10 years ago
    I get the sense that you are not a fan of the oak trim. Neither am I. I don't think that it speaks to the architectural style of your house. I would paint all of trim and doors to match your color scheme. You can't go wrong with BM Dove White. Also consider painting kitchen and vanity cabinets to freshen up the look. (Kitchen hood is pretty!) Beautiful home - you have a great opportunity here to upgrade the overall appearance with just paint!
  • 10 years ago
    Thanks mhlmusings. I do like some oak. For example the picture windows in the downstairs living space - I like that the oak brings the outside in, whereas I feel like white would just frame it. My fear is whether painting some while leaving some would make it look worse. It is definitely a unique style - almost a hybrid of French provincial combined with rustic cabin in the woods.
  • 10 years ago
    I see your point - but I think that you will be disappointed if you mix your trim finishes between paint and stain. For me, the stained trim competes against the view outside - adds visual clutter. This trim also looks to be a builder grade trim - not particularly beefy given the size of the house - I wouldn't want to visually accentuate it.
  • 10 years ago
    I have to say I agree with mhlmusings. I think the oak trim needs to go. It will look cluttered if you only paint some oak. I know it's hard to paint over all the trim you like in your brand new home, however, once you see the finished product I believe you'll be so happy you made that decision! Please post pictures with whatever you decide to do!
  • 10 years ago
    Pretty house, good for you! I agree way too much oak, it really dates it. I would paint all of the trim white except for those LR Windows, then, if you don't like the way it looks, you can paint them too at the end. I would also paint the kitchen cabinets and the vanities. You can leave the banister oak, and perhaps even the doors if you want of keep some oak.
    As for the exterior, if it doesn't need painting yet, I would wait, I don't mind the colors now, but I would definitely paint the railing, perhaps the wall color or white, not the trim color.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    There is nothing wrong with framing the picture of outside I too agree that the house would look better with painted oak, IMO the carpet should be replaced with the same wood flooring you have in other spaces and someday that bath tub should be removed and replaced with a freestanding one in front of those awesome windows that tub surround and the floor tiles do not work in that space.

  • 10 years ago
    I also think you should paint the cabinets in the bathrooms and the kitchen. I think you should consider redoing the backsplash in the kitchen to better match the colors you end up with. Gray cabinets are very popular right now and they are a nice neutral color that will stand the test of time.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I agree about the gray for the cabinets it would actually suit the house

  • 10 years ago
    Either take the stone to the top of the window frames and lower the mantel to mid-window-height or remove stone to mid-window-height. Current proportions are uncomfortable. Paint out all the oak. Are window coverings any part of the plans?
  • 10 years ago
    Color schemes in houses frequently use three primary colors. You seem to have oak, creme-white, black, and then there are all sorts of beige/brownish/reddish colors.

    I would pair it back to the oak, a lighter beige / white color and light to dark grey as a third option. I would remove the fourth brownish etc colours.

    The house will look lighter and crisper as a result.
  • 10 years ago
    Thank you all so much for the feedback.

    Unfortunately our budget doesn't allow for all the renovations I want so for now we prioritized paint, carpet, and furniture. I definitely have the following on my future to do list:

    I love grey cabinets in kitchens and definitely have a new backsplash on my to do list for future renovations. I think until I can get a coordinating back splash, I may leave the cabinets as is, or maybe I'll paint the island now just to break up the oak some.

    Stone fireplace-
  • 10 years ago
    Oops hit post too soon.
    Stone fireplace - definitely want to go up to the ceiling with that.

    Bathrooms - on my list to redo in the future for sure!! I'm not a fan of the tile surrounding the tub and think a standalone tub would be gorgeous in both bathrooms.
  • 10 years ago
    Oh and window treatments - I will likely add some to soften the look in bedrooms. We are surrounded by trees so don't need it for privacy.
  • 10 years ago
    I've been thinking about your exterior. For the 2nd floor railing over the pool I think you should switch it out to something more interesting and beef up the skinny columns. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.
  • 10 years ago
    I like that. I've been toying with white railing outside and like the idea of making the columns more substantial. With two small kids I'll have to be strategic about the railing so they don't try to climb it. :)
  • 10 years ago
    Question about painting trim and whether or not to leave doors or windows - would you agree that painting the window panes white would look better if the trim surrounding it was also white? I have no time, patience, or skill for painting and would hire someone. What's a rule of thumb for cost estimates for that?
  • 10 years ago

    Yes, imo, window panes should be painted if you are painting the Windows. I'll let someone more knowledgeable chime in on cost.

  • 10 years ago
    If you do paint the exterior I think your thoughts on greige and white trim are good.
  • 10 years ago
    Example