Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Make Over - Help Me Please!

So I've been busy lately. Busy giving my rooms a make over. I've been TERRIFIED to paint. I'm so afraid I'll hate what I do and the thought of redoing it just overwhelms me beyond anything. But then my neighbor had a moving sale (more on my NEW neighbor later) and I bought her couch. I was so excited about a new piece of furniture in the room that it inspired me enough to buy some paint. This time I decide that I was going to go big or go home.

Here's the family room wall before any color. I can't seem to find a kitchen picture from before, probably because the kitchen is always a disaster and never picture-take-able, but the same cream color was throughout everything.

The kitchen got a nice red above the cupboards. I've been wanting a red kitchen for YEARS, but I was too afraid of the color. I finally got brave and I'm SO glad I did. I absolutely love my red. (Let's just hope I don't gain a million pounds as I've heard red stimulates the appetite!)

The family room got a nice coat of chocolate brown. This was ULTRA scary to me. I even had nightmares about it and the morning after it was done, I was determined to repaint it. But it grew on me.

Here's a view from the kitchen to the family room, complete with dishes in the sink, paint supplies all over the place, and Mimzy plopped right in front of the fire place. I would love a fun vinyl saying over the pantry door. Anyone got a cute idea?

The berry picture....sigh...the poor berry picture. It had a green frame, which I hated with the brown, so I painted it red to match the kitchen and then I REALLY hated it. I am SO bad at decorating. I just haven't known what to do. Going out and buying all brand new things is not in the budget at this point in time.

Here's how far I've gotten with what I have in the house to work with. The clock looks lonely, but I have no idea what to add to it. It also needs new hands, but I like how it ties the white "family" into the other side of the room. Suggestions on what you would add? I do want a little more color, and plan on adding more colorful pillows to the couch. Anyone have an idea of what and how to add color to the wall by the clock? And how about that couch? I am in LOVE with it!

Now what to do with the nook? And someday, that table will be replaced by a square table with dining chairs each a different color. Pottery Barn used to have the table I want, but I can't find it anymore.

9 comments:

Jewelle said...

I love what you've done with your house. That red is so pretty, especially next to the chocolate brown! The couch...I'm jealous. I have wanted a couch similar to that for YEARS!!! It is on 'the list'. Lucky you for getting it :D

Brenda said...

You are on fire girl!! I love love love the red! Also love the brown, but I am a huge red fan. I stink at decorating, so I will spare you any ideas! Keep up the good work!!

Unknown said...

You go girl! WAHOOOOO....

The Manwaring Family said...

LOVE ALL OF IT! Your decor on the brown looks great. Now to fix the clock. I found hands online for $9 last week. We should order them together. I'm sure you will find something great to with it. You have done awesome so far!!! :)

Jenn said...

Looks great. I wish I could do more painting in my house it makes such a difference. My husband is anti color. So I always have to do it behind his back when he goes out of town.

Trish said...

Have you heard of the rule of thirds? (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rule+of++thirds+photos&aq=f&aqi=g-c1&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=) You could hang the clock in the upper-right hemisphere. I don't know-- it's a modern take, but modern goes nicely with your couch. Of course, I would still throw a few turquoise stripes in there, but then... I'm not afraid of color.

Your little dining nook would look awesome with reclaimed barn wood (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com/FileUploads/main-barn-wood.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com/wood.aspx%3FpgID%3D936&usg=__xVpUeQmIORIZoodA0ECsvGg8u_4=&h=300&w=400&sz=23&hl=en&start=31&sig2=rTs9kunD4XnxrY98sqUJlg&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=94GgPEUIBvEVRM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dreclaimed%2Bbarn%26start%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=HKnHS4C6J5HCswOj9ej0BA).

CB said...

I love what you have done so far! The red in your kitchen is AWESOME!! It looks great. I painted my craft room that color red a couple years ago and I was super worried if I would like it but it is great!

Love the brown in your family room too. But I have no idea what to do with your wall - Sorry I am no help.

I love your nook - it is so cute I like the way it comes to a point above the window.

Really great house you have!!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Oh,I love the red - and love it right next to the chocolate brown. I am such a fan of dark colors on walls. Have you found something for over your couch? I wish I had talent - to do what those HGTV people do - and just buy canvas and make my own painting :-)

Jennifer P. said...

I feel soooo behind on your life! I took the time to catch up at least on this page and chose to comment on this one because SERIOUSLY--I get out of school next month. One of the weekends that the boys are with Brad I will come and help you. See if you can't save up about a hundred bucks between now and then and we'll hit the Target and get your rooms all done up right! You have made a marvelous start and I'm proud of you for making the leap into color :) ! It just needs the final touches and I'm pretty good at that (such modesty). Loved catching up with you and the family!