If I were going to paint one of the pieces, it would be the bookcase. It is way too heavy looking and light paint would lift the feeling. Right now it is bossing around the other delicate pieces. Consider lighting up the interior. Somehow, I feel that the art can stand on its own, but the ornate mirror and sideboard need each other. Can you make the switch? Maybe then you can paint the sideboard to marry the mirror color-wise. If there is any chance someone might waltz away with your decor, you should think through the possibilities for anchoring the pieces to the shelves.

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Thank you. So...you are suggesting I need to paint the entire bookcase, not just the interior and shelves?

Yes, the bookcase is just too heavy and dark; definitely not feeling Florida with it. Light paint, with maybe a contrasting interior, will really make a change. Or paint it a soft color and white interior - see the pix above. Picking up on the colors from the art is a good idea. Easiest first step would be to switch the art and mirror.

I agree. I do think it is a shame to paint perfectly good natural wood pieces, but the cabinet does look very dated and changing its color and appearance would go miles towards a more modern look. Maybe even stripping and giving it a lighter white or gray stain that lets the wood grain show through a bit would be a compromise? I also agree with the idea to paint the sideboard a color that would coordinate with the artwork above it and tie the two together. I think the combination of those 2 updates would be very satisfactory. If you're not too attached to the mirror, I would really suggest changing it out for a plain mirror with no edging at all or a simple straightforward frame as the style just doesn't go at all. Good luck!

The problem with the book case is not that it needs to be painted, it's too big to be there. Don't paint it, just find another place for it. Don't start painting wood pieces odd colors like blue.

Ahhhh....do it’s obvious the bookcase and the mirror are pieces leftover from another home and did not work inside my condo! I can remove and replace the mirror. I either have to paint the inside of the bookcase or get rid of it. It’s way too heavy to try to move it to paint it. Should I paint the interior white and then add a bit of stain over that white or ivory paint?

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Will you ever move and want to use that bookcase again? Is there a storage facility for condo residents? If neither, sell it and hang the art on that wall and the mirror over the buffet. Leave the other wall blank as any furniture there might impede access to the exit door.

I’ll never move again! So the bookcase either stays with a painted interior...or it gets donated. It’s too heavy to try to sell.

So might it be worth it to paint the interior and put in lighter more “Florida” accessories on display? ...or not

Thanks for being candid (but not brutal!)

I would paint the exterior of the unit and attach a pretty patterned paper to the back of the shelves to punch up the furniture piece.

In the final analysis, if you want a nice focal point for people to see when they step off the elevator, I think you should get rid of the bookcase and move the buffet and art to that wall. The mirror can go away too. Hanging anything under the red alarm seems silly. Go with your original idea to paint the buffet in a color from the art, or try matching the buffet and frame of the art.

After getting all your feedback, I’m donating the large bookcase, painting the small sideboard a blue/grey, moving the sideboard and art to wall to replace the bookcase, and removing the mirror entirely.

Thanks everyone.

Anxious to see how it turns out. Don't forget to come back here and post updates.

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