Need Help, and Complete honesty!

13 years ago

I am stuck with decorating ideas. I so want to re-decorate our condo's open floor plan. We can't get rid of the couch quite yet, but was thinking maybe slip covering it??? I would love to Paint our kitchen cabinets white but am unsure how the veneer would take that. I was also thinking about a whitewashed brick wallpaper for the two outer walls of the living space. Would love to lighten it up and create a beach house look with some light greys and turquoise. Our should we stay with the lofty look of the dark colors. Ahhhhh, confused! Please help!

Featured Answer

hsharrington

13 years ago

Hey Tina! Do not panic--the Houzz Tribe is on the job! First, you have great space to work with; second, you have a clear vision of the effect you want to create; and third, I don't see any spousal red flags in your description. It doesn't get much better!
So, I like the idea of using some sort of wallpaper that adds visual texture. I've attached below a wallpaper that looks like reclaimed wood. It can be found at this link http://www.sloophoutbehang.nl/en/go-to-store/scrap-wood-wallpaper/phe-01?flypage=flypage.tpl&vmcchk=1 The "boards" can run vertically or horizontally.
If your cabinets are of even medium quality, you can paint them. Just be sure to use a good primer and take your time doing it. Semi-gloss is best for clean-ability. You could also try using a light grey wash of paint on them so that the grain still shows, but they look like driftwood. Experiment on a door to see if you like it. You wouldn't prime ahead of time in that case, just work directly on the wood.
The column at the right end of your kitchen peninsula is a great place to use actual reclaimed wood if you don't want to do the wallpaper. You can get a driftwood effect on that wood using the same light grey wash as the cabinets if you go that way.
Leather couches don't do real well with slipcovers--they tend to slide around, but you can soften the look while you save for a replacement using soft fluffy objects like throws and pillows in beachy colors of sand and soft blues and greens. The chairs and bar stools you have are more formal than is usual in beachy houses, but the pub height table is definitely casual. Try a soft, beachy print on the seats to replace the high contrast white.
You're going to have fun, I know. After you get lots more advice from other folks, be sure to keep us up to date on your changes.

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Comments (35)

cathyjoco
13 years ago
I think one of the reasons you may think things are dark is because your lighting is placed rather oddly. I think I would have electrician hang a light over the kitchen table, move the other light over the kitchen sink and then do something else with the track lights. You probably are running a 50 watt halogen out of the track lights. I think that Contact paper makes a re-position-able paper - I think I would buy some and put it on the cabinets. Then I would test for the right color. I am not sure I would go with white - I think I would do off white. Also, I would add some moulding around the doors in the kitchen...Also, I add some pillows to the couch to soften the leather look.
Tina Tsonis thanked cathyjoco
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bookworm202
13 years ago
If you want to go with a beachy feel for your kitchen, here are some ideas: http://houzz.com/discussions/540648
PRO
Matt Patterson Custom Homes
13 years ago
Kill the lamp on the dining table!!!
hly2002
13 years ago
If you're thinking of beachy blues and grays, look at sweet innocence by benjamin moore - a very pretty bluish gray - a bit light for your current couch, but since you will eventually be replacing it - and in the meantime you can throw a white coverlet over it....
Tina Tsonis thanked hly2002
PRO
A Crew of Two
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Your space is wonderful! Are the cabinets in bad shape? If not I like the look of them- from what I can tell on a computer monitor. I agree with above- lighting is key here. Next, bring in shades of blue. I like it when a space has several touches of it everywhere. Then white curtains, white pillows...you already have a great start with the dining chair's white cushions. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/update-that-beachy-style-stsetivw-vs~401011
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lefty47
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
HI -- First thing is -- you can not slipcover a leather sofa so don't waste your money on that . Just wait until you can afford to get a new sofa . Do you use the stools at the counter -- it doesn't look like there is enough overhang . If you don't need the stools then take them out. Pick the biggest wall for a brick or weathered wood wallpaper . It's expensive , so one wall is enough . Maybe the wall paper sounds tacky but it isn't -- it is actually a photo print and looks great . Very on trend and beachy or loft rustic . paint the walls a warm white or a chalky white or a very pale grey like BM Classic grey .or a sea glass blue color. Do some of the other things before , then see if the cabinets need to be painted . If you decide to paint them then ask a Benjamin Moore dealer what proper paint to use for them . Meanwhile save some beach house ideas in your ideabook . Or search coastal interior designs or west coast style Houseandhome.com might be helpful..Just don't go beach theme tacky . You only need a few touches to get the feeling .
Tina Tsonis thanked lefty47
rouxb
13 years ago
Ah, But you can slipcover leather-you just can't do it in a tradition manner. Cover needs to be very tight fitting and anchored to the sofa deck and the underside. Staples work best but wide hook and loop tape works if you need to remove the cover often. Of course the cushions need to be covered separately.
hsharrington
13 years ago
rouxb, you're right that it >could< be done, but for what it would cost for that kind of slipcover, one could purchase a new sofa! ::-}
rouxb
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
It would require a custom job for sure but if custom is the way the home owner was going any way, the cost would not be a factor. I suspect an off the shelf model would not benefit that style sofa. A friend and I made a slipcover for her sofa that was so tailored it looked like upholstery. It's worth considering I think
hsharrington
13 years ago
rouxb! Can you come to my house and make slipcovers for me? I've got this sectional...
rouxb
13 years ago
I've got a sectional of my own that will keeping me up nights soon-red suede!
aebj
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You might watch Craigslist for a sofa. Sometimes you can find exceptional deals. Maybe somebody will decide they hate their new sofa that is just what you want. We recently had our cabinets painted white and love them. They weren't veneer, so I can't help with that question. You have a great space. Can't wait to see your changes.
travelinc
13 years ago
If you are looking for inexpensive sofas you should check out Ikea. I love my Ektorp sofa. Especially since it allows me to change the covers when I have kid disasters like a decorative display of chocolate and raspberry juice handprints.
PRO
Amy Wax
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I think your direction of wanting to go with a beachy theme is a great one, it's been a very popular direction this year. I suggest working with a color scheme and using that as your guide. I created an app that is designed to help both designers and homeowner choose their colors. The app, called Color911 (Color911.com) has several features. You can create your own palette of colors in a few ways or use the pre-made color themes so that you can visualize the colors together and see options for additional accents. I attached a color theme (a screen shot from the app) that you might like, there are many many color themes to choose from this is just one example. Once you find a theme you want to work with, you can choose colors for anything thats a color.. wall color.. accent color... whatever you want. I know a lot of designers are using the themes that way. I hope this inspires you!
Tina Tsonis thanked Amy Wax
PRO
Colour Theory
13 years ago
About the cupboards... I wouldn't recommend painting flat panel cupboard doors white. The look can be very 'inexpensive'. If they were panelled or decorative in any way the result would be much more charming!
Also, as they are open to the living room, the wood finish makes them feel more like furniture.
( a good thing).
I would either get the sofa reupholstered or buy new in a soft grey rustic chenille or other warm, relaxed fabric. If you want off white walls, then the sofa should not also be off white...it'll all wash out. The turquoise you like can be brought in with a throw, pillows, candles, etc.
Picking an accent wall for the 'barnboard' wallpaper is a great idea, OR you could consider picking up the turquoise ( providing it is a soft, subtle version) as paint for that accent wall.
I agree with comment above about the 2 chairs at the counter. They really complicate the space. If you want stools try to find some with no backs...maybe wood that you could paint a slightly darker grey than the 'new' sofa(?)
Tina Tsonis thanked Colour Theory
pitbulls
13 years ago
I think you need more lighting esp over the island
Catherine Gardner
13 years ago
Adding white duck and linen fabrics will lighten up some of the black. Maybe a cotton throw in a light color on the sofa. A dhurrie fug in neutral colors and some salvaged wood picture frames will add some fun and funk to the space. Small investments can make big changes.
Tina Tsonis thanked Catherine Gardner
Catherine Gardner
13 years ago
Oh, and don't paint the cabinets white. Everyone is doing that that. Yours are great just as they are.
Tina Tsonis thanked Catherine Gardner
Stacy Macy
13 years ago
If you are looking for a beachy color, I like Benjamin Moore Summer Shower. I had a lakefront home, added some beadboard paneling in white (alternating areas between 1/3 and 2/3rds up the wall, and painted the entire house, above the beadboard, with Summer Shower. It is such a perfect color of light ocean blue, that it became a neutral when painted in the entire house. I got the idea from a Coastal Living magazine. I also used lots of furniture with beige or white slipcovers, natural fiber rugs, and pops of color in pillows.
Tina Tsonis thanked Stacy Macy
Nancy Travisinteriors
13 years ago
You have very contemporary furniture. So changing to a beach look, would require more than paint on cabinets. Do you rent? Can you paint? If so some really good post here already. I like Benjamin Moore paint colors. Go get samples and put on walls. If you own. Changing the lights would help. Can lights in ceiling improves any room. No lamp on dining table. Ikea carries inexpensive furn. And lights etc. declutter. Bookcase needs everything removed. If you want a quick fixes for sofa, change out back pillows for same size, but in a fabric, in a print with color. Put rolled ones on each arm. Slip cover will not work.
Nancy Travisinteriors
13 years ago
Area rug. Art where clock is. Remove items from top of cabinets.
Tina Tsonis thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
Tina Tsonis
Original Author
13 years ago
Alot of great ideas, I am still trying to figure out what direction to go. I definitely need new lighting, it is one of my biggest pet peeves about this place. We do own it so we have free will to do what we want. I love the idea about changing our the back cushions on the couch! Wish I thought of that, lol.
elcieg
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Painting kitchen cabinet veneer is really no different from painting solid wood cabinets. The success is all in the prep. I recommend Muralo in a semi-gloss finish.

Start with your cabs and see the results before you make any purchases.

I happen to like your sleeker than usual leather sofa.

It is the table and chairs and the wall color I would consider changing.
Zuo Wilco White Dining Table · More Info
Tina Tsonis thanked elcieg
Geneviève
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
looking at your furniture and kitchen counter top I think that you perhaps should think Tuscan decor ,you could paint the wall in a gold tone and bring in the atmosphere of the Italian region .

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hsharrington
13 years ago
See, Tina? Told you the Houzz Tribe was on the job. One more thought about lighting. In some newer condos, the common walls and ceilings are fireproofed with extra sheet rock and the Rules and Regs forbid puncturing the ceiling except where there are already holes, like where lights are already. You might want to check that out before doing a lighting plan. If that's the case in your condo, you might try to negotiate closing up (in an approved manner) one light location to get to "open" another site. I've seen that work with HOA architectural committees. I'll say it again--have fun and let us know how things turn out.
travelinc
13 years ago
A quick update to your cabinets is to buy some decorative baseboard from Home Depot or equivalent store and rubber cement it in a square on the front of your cabinets before you paint. It is a cheap fix for a much "classier" cabinet.
Tina Tsonis thanked travelinc
mveasey
13 years ago
Grasscloth wallpaper would be another option...
PRO
Needle & Shears Custom Decor
13 years ago
Nothing says beach house like a white slipcover. Very affordable and it would make the sofa so much more inviting.
ptmatthews
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Find a large piece of art with the look and feel you are after and hang it over the table instead of the clock. Then take your colors from the art.
carmen morgan
13 years ago
I was surprised at how good your cabinets look. If it were me, I'd do several color renderings of your place to see the whole picture in different color schemes. Then maybe you would see how the cabinets could be just fine as is. The sofa and dining chairs ...I'd get my inspiration photos from Houzz and consider a whole new look. My house was all Italian and then I moved into a mid century modern house. I sold every single thing and slowly got the pieces I wanted. It was a complete new look. Best decision I ever made.
Tina Tsonis
Original Author
12 years ago
Ok, so we painted the cabinets, and hand painted a great wall pic with blue accents. Will be painting the walls a Pewter Mug(Grey) color very soon. Thoughts?
Tina Tsonis
Original Author
12 years ago
Also got rid of the lamp on our kitchen table and the wall decal, replaced it with this gorgeous lamp with Edison bulb, comments? Remember the walls will be going grey soon
cathyjoco
12 years ago
Looks great! I am sure you will love it when it is grey! Like your lamp. You said it was an Edison bulb, but I have seen those with other kinds of bulbs too i.e. some that force the light downward and another that is an imitation of one of the first bulbs.

I am not sure if you are still interested in replacing your couch, especially because it will match your paint..but I would soften it will some pillows and a throw. Wayfair has a huge selection...and so does Pottery Barn
Tina Tsonis thanked cathyjoco
Two Adorable Labs
4 years ago
Love your space. As for your kitchen, I would hire an electrician to properly place your lighting above your island, maybe add some can lighthing, or a center light or light with a fan, paint your cabinets, add new hardware, add under counter lighting with an adjustable switch, and decorate accordingly. As for your dining area, I would cover the wall in varigated colored wood slats, paint the kitchen table and all chairs the same color as your cabinets and decorate the table and wall in a beach theme. Or you could use bead board and paint it for the wall accdent. Add some decorative molding to compliment. I would also add a chandelier above the table. I think lighting is the key to your entire space and then I would choose a paint color to compliment all of your walls. A trick that I've used over and over is to buy poster board, cut into squares, buy a sample color and paint the board. Then I hang it up in different spots to see if I like it based on lighting, day time and night time before picking out a color and buying a whole gallon of it. Keep it all one color since this is an open space. As for the living room, if you are keeping your couch for now, just add some decorative pillows and throws. If not, I would buy a lighter colored couch in a material maybe with metal studding. Or if the budget allows, I would buy all new furniture including kitchen table (mabye a round one if the space permits), couch and matching chairs. The beach theme is typically light blues, greens, creams but maybe throw in a blush color as an accent. I always try and decorate in 3 to 4 colors. Raise your curtain rods higher than the window, buy complimenting rods and carry your curtains to the floor or frame out the windows in decorative molding and add blinds or shudders painting in the same color as your kitchen. if you only have a slider, frame the top out with a ledge and add something beachy on top for decor. In my home, all of my doors, moldings, and baseboards are a soft cream color. I chose not to do white and I love it. In one of my houses, I chose Casa Blanca from Sherwin Williams to paint my kitchen cabinets and I loved it. Hope this helps!! Bobbi Jo