Need help with these 1970's closets!

12 years ago

Recently moved into a house which has these built in closets in the master br. The storage is great but we are not fans of the look. I'm not sure if we can reface them so we may just paint them white and paint the rest of the room a slate like grayish blue. If we just paint the entire front white will that look decent, or will they stick out more? What do you guys think?

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harpua728
Original Author

12 years ago

Making progress.

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Comments (38)

PRO
JudyG Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Will those decorative panels pop off with a little persuasion?

Or, how about mirrors?
Newton Swansea 1 · More Info
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
I'm not sure. I haven't tried but based on other built-ins in the house I feel that if we try to do that we will end up ruining the entire door.
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calidesign
12 years ago
I think it's worth a try to repaint. By painting over the faux finish it will look more updated. Can you remove the top shaped piece without damaging the doors? If the doors were flat, you could add a more squared molding detail around the outer edges, and move the knob closer to the edges, which I think would also update the doors.
PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
12 years ago
It looks like there are raised plywood panels there.... if so, take them off, sand the doors, and re-paint.
Gina
12 years ago
I like your idea to paint it, I wonder of u paint it All One color if it will blend in? Why about painting the panels with chalk board paint or silver?
mcbmd3
12 years ago
My opinion is that if you paint them white they will stick out. I would use the same wall color. However, the trim on the doors and the hardware make these closets look very dated. Is it possible to take the doors to a competent carpenter, have that dated trim removed, and holes drilled for new hardware? The expense would definitely be worth the result.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
I'm actually able to take the panels off! It's not easy but I just got one off. I may just paint them white and add a rectangular molding/trim and replace the knobs with new knobs or handles.
des1gnchick
12 years ago
If the panels come off remove them all and switch out the door knobs for something simpler that is more flush to doors. Paint the whole unit a pale color not white and put the emphasis on the window seat - either a new seat cushion or add some bright pillows to match your bedding. I like mirror idea but not sure I would want that across from my bed
PRO
Barnhart Gallery
12 years ago
Missed the early discussion, but love where you're headed -- good job.
PRO
User
12 years ago
the white will pop off of the grey. can't you remove that raised piece and maybe replace with something rectangular? the hinge is attached to the larger piece underneath the more decorative, sponge-painted piece right?
mcbmd3
12 years ago
Looks so much better already. Great job.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
Almost done. I wanted to paint the other walls in the room blue (behr bleached denim). Will this go well with the gray?
mpoulsom
12 years ago
mucho better!
2dogssashatess
12 years ago
vast imrpovement
des1gnchick
12 years ago
Looks soon much better - great job!! A nice fabric window seat with a couple of pillows, maybe an extra pillow from the same fabric also for the bed to tie that in. Try a swatch of the blue to see if u like it but I might also try a lighter grey ... Perhaps a bit more elegant than switching colors
PRO
Amy Canary
12 years ago
Great job!
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
This is the blue I am thinking about using for the walls. You'll notice I used one of the old closet panels to sample the paint. I love the color but am not sure if it will go with the gray. Thoughts?
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
Your closets are vastly improved, but I don't understand the use of the utilitarian pulls. Are they just temporary? Putting the test color against the yellow wall is not going to give you a true read. Pad with a towel so as not to scratch the new paint on the doors and lean it against them, as far away form the yellow as possible. Then photo again.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
What do you suggest for the pulls?
qam999
12 years ago
Something more substantial, and also simpler.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
I was trying to go for a simple unassuming knob.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
Think it will work
jonathan3
12 years ago
I love the color combination but it may make your room very dark. You're doing a wonderful job updating the look of the doors!
PRO
Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I would paint the rest of the room either the white or the grey from the doors. Dont introduce another color on the walls. Save that for your fabrics etc. I do think the doors are greatly improved
PRO
Lavieestbelledesign
12 years ago
Hardware is very important! It's like jewelry for cabinetry. I was thinking something like this would be beautiful with what you have done.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
Great job on the doors! A much lighter color of blue from the same palette would be beautiful and soften the feeling of the room. Use light gray, and white, lighter blue and midtone blue for accessories and fabrics.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
We don't want to do the entire room gray because our living room is a very similar gray and we may use it in another bedroom as well. White is to plain and that's why we want to go with the blue. However, we still want it to look rich yet calm and soothing.
PRO
Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors
12 years ago
With grey and white a very pale coral would be very beautiful and at night will be very romantic. Another option is a pale yellow. The key is to keep the same value among the colors for it to remain calming. The panton color 2014 in a pale lavender is also very nice. My preference would be the pale coral, very sophisticated and modern.
yoboseiyo
12 years ago
i would do a few shades lighter than that blue, but i like it.
harpua728
Original Author
12 years ago
Went with the original blue and happy I did. Next step....ripping up the carpet and exposing the wood floors!
hayleydaniels
12 years ago
it looks very nice! Good job! I love the blue paint--adds a lot of warmth to the room.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
Love where this is going. Good job!
Marilla Monroe
11 years ago
Wow, what a great difference. I like the blue too. And I am not a fan of blue. I like how the colors and white ceiling accent the angles of the ceiling and closet. Ripping up the carpet is a great idea. Do you already have new bedding in mind?
apple_pie_order
11 years ago
Old post.
harpua728
Original Author
11 years ago
here's a current photo - please excuse the lighting and the mess!
PRO
LB Interiors
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks for the update. Very Nice. You could add blue to the interior rectangles within the white border to carry the blue to that side of the room. Love that blue !

Or reverse the blue to the perimeter of the doors only. On the outside of the white border.
Wall 2 Wall
10 years ago
I'm glad you went with the blue! looks very nice... needs a nice coordinated blue comforter and matching cushions and window seat cover. I would have done the trim on the closet with the blue instead of the white... but that is just me.