Hi friends! Man, it has been a summer of growth, stretching, learning, and fun. But being back in a routine is huge, isn’t it? With the two older kids now in school full time and a life where nap time is primetime again oh, how I’ve missed you nap time! I have been busy Makerista-ing and planning for some exciting projects this fall.
It’s time for me to get really honest with you about this whole blogging thing. I started a blog because I love to create and share in the hopes of inspiring others to get making too…but once you get very far into this blog gig, most of your time is spent staring at a screen. Not editing photos, not writing posts but emailing. Oh, email. I love you and I hate you. You bring this somewhat introverted, stay-at-home, suburban mom in touch with like-minded people and businesses all over the world in the flash of a pan. You are accessible from my desk or my phone which allows me to check you in bed, at my kid’s sports practice, or while I’m hiding in the bathroom from that other job I have.
But as the saying goes, the biggest strength is also the biggest weakness and email, your accessibility can be downright draining and overwhelming. I get emails from people wanting to send me things every day. From furniture to food I literally just got an email as I’m typing this asking if I’d like a sample of buffalo chicken sauce, art to auto parts – I say no thanks to 99.97% of it. But here and there I get an email from a brand that is a total fit with my style, and I get excited to share their products with you all.
Article is a brand that is making amazing furniture at reasonable prices, so when that email popped up I was certainly intrigued. I started browsing and trying to picture where anything could fit. The wood room is a space that hasn’t felt right since we finished the kitchen last year. How do I know this? Because I haven’t been spending any time in it. It’s basically a big pass through from the kitchen to most of the other rooms on the main level, and not only do I not like hanging out in it, I started using it as a catch all for the things that didn’t work in other spaces. Decorative items started collecting on the buffet and chairs started filling the corners. Hm, I thought, “maybe this is a good time to refresh this space.” I had told myself this room was fine until the rest of the house was done, but it’s a space I have to walk through many times a day, maybe a new sofa would help? This one is so pretty! So I ordered some fabric samples. My initial thought with the room was to go super modern with the furnishings to juxtapose the traditional paneling, but when the English roll arm I ordered for the library a few years ago came in a lot bigger than I envisioned, it came to live in here.
I went down the rabbit hole of “I can sell the English roll arm, use that money to buy a new rug…” and after a few days it all hit me. I love that sofa. It’s me. I love the chairs. I was skirting the real issue here. What isn’t working for me? The wood. I had been firm from the beginning that I hated the idea of painting all that wood. I had romanticized the idea of re-staining it because if you think that 80’s oak looks orange now, you should see it at sunset, but when you look at the cost of that you might as well rip it all down and start over. Then my dad who is super traditional and loves wood was swiveling in one of the pink chairs one day his favorite seat ever and said “whoever did this did a really sloppy job, I mean the grain on the bottom panels is running horizontal and the grain on the uppers is going vertical. Guess they were just trying to save money, huh?”
That was all this girl needed to feel good about moving forward with paint. Yes, this wood is going good bye and what will be left, I think, will be beautiful and tie in so much better with the rest of the main level.
The burgundy bookshelves in the library will pop…
and the olive, black, and white in the kitchen will shine.
So, the couch is staying but my Craigslisted coffee table went, and this black, buttery leather beauty stands in it’s place. Not only does it look great, Domino loves it, and I’m not worried about her cracking her forehead on it. Yes, all of those little things really live there and the magnifying glass is her favorite. The room already feels more me, and I think with a few more changes it will be a space I love to hang out in instead of just passing through.
Not to open up the floodgates, but what do you think? Painting wood is a very touchy subject on the internet. Some of you might be screaming at your screens while others are saying “I wanted to tell you to do this a long time ago…” I have a few other updates in the works while we’re at it and some pieces I’ve been wanting to add to the space regardless of the wall situation. Wouldn’t a little writing desk in that corner by the sofa be adorable?
Thank you to Article for providing the ottoman and causing me to look head on at my living room situation, ha. All thoughts, ideas, and choices are always my own.
See the process I used for choosing the color of this room here.
JessB says
I was really excited to see you not paint it because I just wanted to see how someone with style would handle it…but yes, it needs painted. It’s not old, antique woodwork so I don’t think you should feel bad at all.
themakerista@gmail.com says
It’s not, and you’re right. I think I’ve been patient enough. 😉
Vivian says
I would hesitate painting wood if it was walnut or in a vintage home, but that orangey oak stuff? I would paint it in a heartbeat! Maybe when you do yours I can talk Mr. Must-Leave-The-Wood-Alone into painting ours!!! A girl can dream….
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes! I’ve got my fingers crossed over here for you!
Melinda a.k.a. Bunko Babe says
Actually, I love wood, but sitting in your living room and seeing it all first hand I have to agree with you…..it’s just too much wood in that space. Just a thought…..I love the color of the cabinets in your kitchen. Would painting the wood beams on your ceiling the same color as the cabinets be too much? It would marry the rooms. Bring in a light gray on the walls…..I’m just thinking out loud here……Anyway, can’t wait to see what you end up doing!! You’re so creative!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You’re sweet, Melinda! Glad you agree! I’m leaning towards just neutral so it flows nicely with all the spaces around it but we’ll see what my final decision ends up being!
Julia (Chris Loves Julia) says
I’m excited to see it painted! I’ve never minded it but I have never been against you painting it either. I’m more in the “you have to LOVE with a capital L your home.” And you always work some serious magic with paint.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Totally agree! I think it’s going to feel totally different and I’ll wonder why I waited so long!
Jennifer says
I love the new coffee table. Where did you order your sofa from?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Here you go, Jennifer! https://www.arhaus.com/furniture/living-room-furniture/sofas/outerbanks-86-inch-upholstered-sofa-in-hampton-oyster/
Kalie Cassidy says
Finally!!! I picture a Parisian-like look with lighter walls that make the molding pop! I can’t wait to see it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes! Glad you’re excited too. 🙂
Natasha Habermann says
I’m 100% on team PAINT! I can’t wait to see the new, fresh, change!! Good luck Gwen!
P.s buffalo chicken sauce. Dying!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Wohoo! And yes, I’m either laughing or rolling my eyes at half the emails that make it to my inbox!
Dianne says
Surprised it took you this long! LOL Yes, do it. It will be fantastic, everything you do is!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s sweet, I think this will be!
Mary says
I respect that you lived with it for a while and decided it wasn’t right rather than painting on day 1. Painting wood is a big choice and one you’d hate to regret. My renovation rule is is if it is original and/or extraordinary you should make sure it can’t work before you change it. You’ve done that and I think painting sounds like it is the exact right choice. Can’t wait to see how it transforms the space!
Haley says
well said! I don’t mind when people paint wood, but I dislike when they do it without living with it for a little bit.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Haley! Yes, I’d say almost three years is long enough, right? 😉
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Mary! I think it is. I tried to make it work and it’s just calling for paint at this point. Hope you have a nice weekend!
Meg says
Team paint! (Because you have been very thoughtful about your choices). Dying to know the colors you are considering? And if you are considering painting the beams as well? Excited!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I’ll blog about that here shortly! Can’t wait to share more and get started!
Emily says
I can’t wait to see it all painted!
And blogging … and email … yes. I’m with ya!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Man, it just never stops! It’s true that you need to embrace and love the stage you’re in, because I should have enjoyed the beginning stages (where no one was emailing me and I could really focus on just creating and writing) a lot more! 😉
Lauren says
Woohooo! Can’t wait to see it painted!!! Your dad is so on point. If they were trying to cut costs and it shows then who cares, paint the wood. I just love all the paneling and moldings. It’s going to look so chic. Can’t imagine what color you’ll choose but either way, I know it’ll be bold and beautiful. I also feel like all those lovely pieces of furniture will no longer be fighting for the attention. xo
themakerista@gmail.com says
I think so too! I’m not going to loose the character, it will be just way more fresh. Thanks for your thoughts, Lauren!
Jeb says
You know those buffet lamps always have a home here if they ever get edited from your decor. I can’t wait to see your amazing results.
themakerista@gmail.com says
You’re the first one I’ll call! 😉
Kim Bailey @Irishman Acres says
I’m just excited that your blogging again! Get your paint on girl. That sofa and swivel chairs are Ah-ma-zing together… glad you’re keeping them! And I’m looking at Article also for our barn venue we’re building. Can’t wait to see you more out here!
Kim
themakerista@gmail.com says
Barn Venue?! How cool! They have great pieces and they seem to stand up really well, Domino loves to chew on the leather. 😉
Jen Spadaro says
I feel like painting the walls has always been the obvious choice. Go for it!! I think it will totally be your style of traditional modern when all painted. My friend also painted out her forest green marble around her fireplace and it is life changing. Hope you do it, can’t wait to see.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you, can’t wait to get it done!
Diane Vadala says
Yes Paint it!! If those walls were Mahogany I’d say never but Oak.. paint away!! Can’t wait to see it finished!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s totally my thinking too, Diane!
Susan White says
I had two rooms in eighties paneling
Seven yrs ago I took a leap and painted
It all. I haven’t regretted it for one second
I did an eggshell finish which turned out to be the best decision
Have you ever tried BM Elmira HC-84?
It looks like swiss coffee, but on the walls it’s the most perfect oyster white
Can’t wait to see the results
themakerista@gmail.com says
I love hearing that, Susan! Sounds beautiful, I’ll have to take a look…thanks for sharing!
TNic/Tanya says
I think that with the direction you are going in furniture and decor, painting the walls will bring it all together. I love complementary decorating where you bring opposites together (modern with traditional, etc.). (By the way, in case you haven’t seen, Emily Henderson has a great wheel/discussion in her book about which styles are opposites and how to bring them together.) But you’ll still get that in your styling and I’m sure in certain pieces. I would love to hear the process you use to choose a paint color, if you decide to paint. Paint just trips me up! I’ve gotten to safe these days with soft grays and after I painted our bedroom Repose Gray (SW), my husband said, “after all the effort in choosing a paint, the room looks kind of boring.” I hate to say, but it was what I was thinking after it was done! I still need to get some decor up, but I really wish I had taken more of a risk this time.
TNic/Tanya says
By the way, this isn’t to say that I don’t like the wood walls. That is what drew me to your blog…this room and the courage to leave them alone. I’m on the fence, but I do think it will be a risk at this point that will likely pay off.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I’m hoping to share the colors I’m leaning towards in the next week or so. It’s so hard, but taking your time and picking the right color is so important!
KathrynR says
I really appreciate that you tried to make the wood work, and I can’t wait to see how paint changes the space. I love following along with your house because I too moved into a 1980’s traditional house in need of serious updating. My family room is walnut. It is beautiful wood but for two years I have been toying with the idea of painting. We finally painted the walnut trim in our kitchen this past winter so I’m debating if we should have continued it into the family room as well …. I think I might catch the paint bug after I see how well yours turns out!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hm…walnut sounds pretty, but again, you’ve got to look at it case by case I think. Smart of you to be patient with it!
Liz says
It’s your house, you should live with it how YOU like; we’re not here to have you cater to our demands 😉 I think whatever paint color you choose will be unexpected and beautiful (much like the burgundy and olive).
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love that, Liz! But I really appreciate your opinions and support through my craziness! 😉
Kristen says
I totally get why you were trying to salvage the wood, but I also completely agree that painting the wood will make this space more cohesive with the rest of your home. So excited to see how it turns out!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Kristen, me too!
Norma | The House that Will says
Usually I’m steadfastly in the wood-should-not-be-painted camp. But there are exceptions … and I think your room is one of those exceptions. There’s something I can’t put my finger on about it that makes it not sit comfortably with the rest of your house. I think it might be the proportions of the panelling. So I’m excited to see you transform the room and can’t wait to see where you go with it.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Norma! It’s an odd room in function and placement, it’s really so much more of a passthrough than a room that gets used, and I just want it to feel more clean and light. We’ll see how it turns out!
Laura says
So glad you decided to paint! Your style is so much better than that 80s oak. When wood is good, nothing beats it but when it’s bad it’s so distracting! Knowing you it’s gonna be amazing when you’re done!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, love that and so true, Laura!
Pamela says
now that the diffrent grain directions have been pointed out that’s all I’d see and it would make me a bit crazy. and it will feel quieter painted also. I say go for it. that said, I would leave the ceiling till last though. it may look really special left in the wood tones, will reference the floor tones and sort of envelope you. and I like the orangey color of the beams combined with black of the fireplace because it repeats the colors of the leopard chairs. I agree that the colors of adjoining rooms will really standout and be striking.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Pamela! Yes, the different directions are definitely all I’m noticing now!
kelsey says
I’m so excited you’re painting it! 🙂 I also like what Pamela said about the beams. Maybe they could be refinished like Emily Henderson did?
themakerista@gmail.com says
It’s just a lot of money anytime you’re having to strip and sand and re-stain. The plan is to paint it all, but we’ll see where we land!
Catherine says
I was surprised that you didn’t paint it right away given the orange tone of the wood, but I admire that you made your best effort to make the wood work. I love your house and your style, and I’ve tried to get used to the wood, too, but I’m happy to hear you’ve decided to make the change. I feel like it’s a huge barrier standing in your way of making your house really glam and fabulous. I’m sad to hear that staining it doesn’t make sense, because I do think a different color would be really beautiful.
What color are you thinking to paint it? I am usually not a black walls kind of person, but in scrolling through all the pictures of that room I think black walls would look so, so cool.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Black would definitely be beautiful, but I’m thinking since our dining room is almost black that we need to go a different direction. Looking forward to talking paint next week!
sandi says
Ha! Go check out Miss Mustard Seed, missmustardseed.com , and see what they’ve done to their new home in less than 2 months – really. She is a master at painting wood. You’ll run not walk to get a can of paint. Your room will look gorgeous in some shade of white. Could I just add – the rug and leopard chairs – I don’t see the connection – maybe change one or the other?
This ‘pass through’ room just may become your favorite. Good luck!!…
themakerista@gmail.com says
thank you so much! For some reason I stopped following her, I have no idea why, but I’ll have to go take a look!
Willis says
I love how each room is a different color & your awesome with picking colors. The man cave & the library, your dining room & kitchen showcase that & once the wood is painted it’s going to make you focus on the paneling & it’s going to really POP. Aesthetically I think painting it will compelete the look & will look great next to the kitchen & the library. Great decision, one of my favorite blogs to look at. Keep up the good work.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I think so! Thank you so much for your kind words!
Lori says
I can’t wait to see this room painted! I always figured that you were just taking the time to figure things out in here but that it would end up painted one day. Have no regrets, painted panelling is stunning, just look at your library bookshelves! You’ve made such bold beautiful color choices in your other rooms. What have you decided for this one?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I don’t think I will! Can’t wait for you to see the color!
Cary says
I lived with 80’s oak for too long, paint it! Make it something you love instead of something you avoid.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you, I think it will!
Molly says
I am truly pleased to hear you are painting the wood walls! I find them so distracting and overwhelmimg. I might like them if the wood was a different tone and didn’t have so much pattern to it. But I’ve always felt like they were just battling the pattern of the chairs and rug. It’s going to be beautiful painted. And just think, instead of it feeling like a pass through room, maybe it will feel like the perfect place to sit quietly at the CENTER of all the action around you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Diana says
I had wood upper and lower kitchen cabinets. While it was a good quality, medium toned wood, it is a large kitchen with a LOT of these cabinets, and the floor is also wood, in the same color. So, like you, I basically had a giant room full of wood.
It was not my style at all, yet we lived with it like this for 3 years because I knew I couldn’t turn back if we painted, and it felt kind of sacrilege to paint good quality wood. Yet whenever I looked at the space, I was bummed out, because it was just so…. boring and monotone.
We finally painted the cabinets white this year, and it completely transformed the space in the most wonderful way. It is light and bright and contrasts so well with wood accents I still have elsewhere in the space.
Good for you for trying to make the wood work, and good for you for moving on when it didn’t!! Can’t wait to see how it all turns out.
themakerista@gmail.com says
So glad you’re happy with your results! Can’t wait to show you!