Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Bye Bye Red Room


I took advantage of the long holiday weekend to begin my red room makeover project. The first step in this transformation is of course painting.

We emptied most everything out of the room, covered what was left in plastic and then filled and sanded all the holes in the walls.


I gathered the painting crew and we began by priming. The people at Sherwin Williams recommended using drywall primer followed by two coats of paint. The primer was definitely thinner than other paint I have used but seemed to do the job.


Once the primer dried it was on to the paint. I decided to use my favorite wall color which also happens to be the same color as the rest of my house – SW Aria Ivory. (Yes, this is the same color Miss Mustard Seed painted her dining room. Click HERE to read more about Aria Ivory and the color connection we share.) I know some of you might be disappointed I did not choose to a “different color” but I decided to go with something that has stood the test of time for me.


So here is a reminder of what the room looked like before:


This is what the room looks like now:


It is a big change with just a coat of paint - so much brighter and lighter. The room feels like a much happier space and has a definite Scandinavian vibe to it now. I am truly pleased with the progress already.


Gone are the dark red valences along with the skirted table, brass lamps and most of the accessories. I would like to replace the coffee table at some point but until I find something else it will have to stay.


Next up is window treatments to which there are two components – fabric and hardware.

I plan to visit fabric stores this week along with searching the internet to see what I can find. (If you have any great sources please let me know.) I am leaning towards simple panels with perhaps some sort of decorative edging. Having no real plan, this of course is all subject to change if I come across a patterned fabric that I fall head over heels for!

Then there is the window hardware. With so many choices – wrought iron, wood, painted, etc. – it is hard to know where to begin. I want something simple and in keeping with the style of the room. With four windows, cost is also a big consideration.

So wish me luck. For me, this is the most fun part of the project. I am what some might call a “fabricaholic.” I can spend days looking at fabric and will take my time before making my final decision.

Linking up to some of my favorite parties HERE

57 comments:

Handbags*and*Pigtails said...

Its so amazing the impact that paint alone can make!:) Looks great, thanks for sharing.

Sjn said...

I love the change to a lighter color, it's a whole new room.
I heard lately that valences are out? Side panels are a great idea for there. I see a rug to anchor the sitting area too, any thoughts of that?
Happy shopping!

Cassie Bustamante said...

oh my gosh oh my gosh oy my gosh!!! i LOVE it!! now you notice the beautiful pieces in the room rather than noticing the wallas as much. the clock is really a centerpiece now. wow!!!! i am in love!

Sue said...

Wow- this is an entirely NEW room! It looks so clean and fresh, love the clock as a focal point.
:-) Sue

Kristen said...

Looks great! I love how the furniture really pops against the light walls. As for the coffee table, it is possible to put lighter colored fabric inside it, to lighten it up? Between the dark fabric in it, and the rather dark registering dishes in it, and the dark tribal art on top of it, that is a lot of dark in the middle of a light room.

Krista@RustikChic said...

What a difference! Gorgeous!!! Excellent decision for sure. :)

Living It At Home said...

Yes! I think you did the right thing! Your room looks brighter, fresher, and updated. You also make painting look so easy. I find it daunting. Good luck with your fabrics. I also find there are too many choices! Can't wait to see what you do.

judi said...

this is such a HUGE difference! you have inspired me to perhaps change my red room to something lighter. although i've really loved the dark rich color, i think i'm ready for change esp. since we just reconstructed one of the walls. hmmm...you have me thinking!

judi ;)

jninecostumes said...

The transformation is amazing! It certainly opend up the room and makde all the furniture seem lighter and brighter. Can't wait to see the next stage.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It looks wonderful, Stacy! What a difference! It's funny you mentioned fabric because I was just looking at fabric.com and warehousefabrics.com websites to see what they had on sale. Not bad price-wise, but I just need a small amount of fabric for a pillow I want to copy, so I'll probably just go to Joann's one evening after work.

Katie Olthoff said...

Gorgeous! I love the monochromatic look!

Ms. Mustard Seed's curtain fabric would be gorgeous in there, too!!!

Atticmag said...

As much as I Love red I have to admit your room looks fantastic in the new shade. I hadn't even noticed the mirror in the before shot. Really, reallly beautiful transformation. And one heck of a painting crew you have there :-D

Jane T.

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I love the new lighter and brighter look to the room. Fabric is a weakness of mine. But I am actually going to give some drop cloths a try and maybe trim them out. I finally found rods at a Ross while in Atlanta. They were a good deal and had the 3 sizes I needed. I just need to ring clips now.

Unknown said...

Loving the new look of your room. That pretty mirror 'pops' now, and your floors look great too. Good luck with the windows.

Amy Kinser said...

It looks beautiful I got rid of red a while back and was so pleased.

Inspired by you said...

I love your room. It looks so soothing.

Seawashed said...

Wow...what a tranformation. Of course I love it, I love all things white. I can never have too much white. But I also could never live with bright colored walls, I believe I would get headaches!

Unknown said...

Looks great!

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I have a room that looks a lot like this and sweetie you just shaved ten years off that room. I am so inspired to redo mine. Love it.
Pam

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

I love the transformation! Such a fresh new room! The difference is remarkable!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful blog!
Big kisses from Croatia.
Zondra Art

Rebecca said...

It looks like an entirely different room-and so pretty!

Julie said...

Looks so great & up to date!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Ooh - I love it!

Michelle said...

Wow, what a change! I love red, such a wonderful color, but your room now in white is enchanting!

Atticmag said...

Tracy, the difference is fabulous. And I'd love to paint my clock. Mine is green; not original paint so it's not a problem.

Thanks for stopping by. BTW -- we have a fabulous teen bedroom giveaway coming up on Friday. Notice, from pix of your crew, it might be useful. Jane F.

Grace Adams said...

Very nice. And I love the name of your blog. I once lived in a house with a red front door. I loved that place.

Grace Adams said...

Very nice. And I love the name of your blog. I once lived in a house with a red front door. I loved that place.

Anonymous said...

Love the power of red!

The Blackwood Cottage said...

Oh, that is such a great before and after...how dramatic the change. Beautiful space.
machelle

Life in Rehab said...

HUGE difference! We're planning on painting soon too; I hope ours comes out as well.

michelle said...

Your room turned out beautiful!! I love the white your chose. So open and airy!

Unknown said...

I love red, but your new color scheme is so pretty and relaxing!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

What a difference the paint color makes. Love it!

xo, Sherry

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

The new paint looks great. It is much lighter and brighter. Love the cane back of that couch.

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

What a difference! It looks really fantastic! The clock is really singing now! Great job to you and your crew!

Mami Made It said...

Wonderful! Like the result!

courteneykay said...

wow! that room looks completely different! and Great! I am in the process of making curtains and hanging curtains for my house right now!

check out my blog and the fabric I posted today: http://designbebe.blogspot.com/

I also made some romans recently that I love, but I got the fabric at a local shop and I live in Baton Rouge.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Stacy, thanks for stopping by. It looks great! I went thru this very delimma last year when I changed my red DR to Antique Ivory. I've been so happy with it. I have toile drapes in there, but I'm thinking about changing them out to something, probably a pattern with a little color in them. WE'll see. It's always something.

Love your space!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a brave move to a new world of white (or ivory). I think the red room was beautiful, but the white gives your room an updated and fresh look. Boy, does your furniture look beautiful in the newly painted room.

I am going through this very same dilema! I have a gold/yellow kitchen and great room area that I am repainting. Probablly light taupe or ivory too. I will have to get a sample of Aria Ivory for my sample board.
Thanks for the inspirational push!
Yvonne

Dee@FrenchBleuVintage said...

Your post is just what I needed. I too have a red living room - It needs to go. but I can't commit. everything matches, the curtains, the cord covers, the pillows...you get the picture. But your makeover has given me courage - thank you.

Moore Minutes said...

I was looking forward to seeing the change and it is gorgeous! Again, I still really really want your block too! ;)

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

I think that was the best coat of paint change ever. I love red too, but wow what a difference that color made. I am looking for a cream color for the back part of my hutch. I might have to check it out. I just made curtains. Here is a link to a post I did that has some info that helped me. http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/2010/07/frugal-fabric-prices.html

Chris said...

Oh. my. word. It's a brand new room! It's like you got all new pieces in there, too! Amazing what paint can do, right? Well thanks for joining the party. I'm SO glad I got to see this! :)

Kendra @ Domestic Princess in Training said...

Oh wow that is a HUGE transformation. You went a whole different route! Love the clock and chairs as well.

Kendra aka “Domestic Princess in Training”

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

I love your "new" bright room! It looks wonderful! What a great transformation!

Jessi said...

What a nice change...like a breath of fresh air! I've been wanting to repaint our cranberry colored powder room. Now I really want to change it!

Carole said...

Wow great before and after!!!!
The white walls makes the whole room different!
xx
Carole

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

What a difference!!! It still always amazes me how different a room can feel by changing the paint. I'm putting your room in the PoPP Spotlight.

Christie said...

This is a wonderful transformation! When we moved to our house 10 years ago, the entire upstairs was painted red! We lived with it for 7 years!! Finally, we changed it to Monroe Bisque by Benjamin Moore and love it! Brighter like you said! I LOVE scandinavian style...I am coming over from SNS at Funky Junk Interiors! I have a 'Swedish Intent' bedroom you might like...threepixielane.blogspot.com!Good luck with the fabric..this is so lovely!

Amy Chalmers said...

If you like the Scandinavian vibe you should consider going with a linen or velvet panel, something solid with a texture in a pale grey or cream. As soon as you add a pattern the room will change dramatically. I would use an antiqued gilded gold pole and rings to hang the panels to play up the mirror and chandy. I design custom drapes and wanted to weigh in on this one!

sandy said...

Love your blog and your ideas! But I have to say..........I like the red best. The white would make me sad, but I am happy you are happy with the change!

The Painted Home said...

gorgie!!! -denise

Candy said...

oh it looks SO much better light. great vision! cute smiley face:)

la maison LaFortune said...

I love the lighter wall color, and I am a "red" person. It looks so refreshing and calm though. you might want to check out Premier Prints Fabric. They have some pretty cool patterns. http://www.premierprintsfabric.com/

Nancy said...

I love it! I am a fan of neutral colors because they are so calming.
You & your family did a great job!
As far as that coffee table goes...Paint & stain it! Viola! New table! I am a new follower. Thanks for the great ideas!

Heather said...

I love the transformation! I did the same color change in my old condo and it made a HUGE difference in the weight and feel of the room. I love red (especially your door), but I think that it brightens up the space so much!! Great job!

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