AJ and I were given this cabinet by Helen Eaton (her son Alex was AJ's top runner when he first started coaching cross-country). The cabinet was her husband's growing up but since then it wasn't given a primary role in their home and ended up in their shed. You know what happens to things in sheds... mildew. But it was nothing a little bleach, water and sanding wouldn't fix.
Here it is in my basement awaiting a makeover...
I posted on Facebook and the blog the question about what paint color would look the best with these knobs from Hobby Lobby and I ended up getting close to 30 responses. The leader of the pack was Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage. Now... here is my disclaimer folks.... I don't love the combo of the knobs and Silver Sage in real life... it looked so much better on the paint chips.
Here is a "before" shot of that side of the room:
Here it is... the knobs seem too big for me and I don't love the color combo in real life BUT what I do love is that I now have a lighter piece of furniture over on that side of the room instead of the tall dark and skinny jelly cabinet that we had there previously.
Once we start zooming in for the photos you'll notice I haven't finished painting. Why in the world are you posting it then, Jen? Because I am sooo excited to have the room look lighter. And because I might decide to paint it another color or at the very least, I'm getting different knobs for it. So basically... I need to make decisions before I finish painting. Decisions aren't my strong point.
Since we are on the subject of the living room I figured I'd show you a few other switcharoos that I did. Simple branches are on the back of AJ's homemade console table now, I love bringing spring inside.
Notice that giant wood top to the toy box (to the left of the couch)? It's the top to the desk we tore apart to use the legs for our bed frame. You know how you just get sick of look at all the primary colors in children's toys and it sends you a bit over the edge? I've asked AJ to cut this down to size but we've had a busy weekend, to put it mildly.
I switched the chairs that were by the window with the ones that flanked the fireplace. I love having the chairs with arms across from the sofa... it feels more balanced to me when looking at the whole room.
Speaking of the whole room, here is a shot for you... why is it that it looks so incredibly busy in photos when in real life it totally doesn't really appear that way? It's that darn gallery wall, I'm convinced.
All right, now, let's talk about the gallery wall. I think it was giving me anxiety. Like I mentioned above, it felt too busy. Maybe it is because right now I'm feeling the need for peace and simplicity. Or maybe because my style is just more simple than an artsy gallery wall. So, I took it all down. And it looked too empty and sad. Now, I'm off to create something more simple and peaceful... maybe just a clean arrangement of four frames on each side or something like that.
Because we were doing such important and life changing tasks, such as changing around the furniture, I needed brain food. I made these last night and just put them under the recipe tab. I had a bad dream I ate the whole batch except for two cookies and then I figured, what the heck, my stomach already looks pregnant from eating nearly a whole batch of cookies... what's two more?!?! I couldn't remember if it was true or not (you know how dreams do that to you) and had to go downstairs to check the cookie stash to see if I ate them all. :)
Linking up to:
Ah, what we all go through from time to time...the ever present quest for just the "right" thing...paint, knobs, art. Been there. I really like the cupboard and the chairs, the way they anchor that side of the room. I look forward to seeing you continued good ideas for the space.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Loving the living room!If you don't like the knobs, could I suggest simple porcelain or glass? One other thing...now that your room is 'light & airy' your coffee table (and side table between the chairs) may need a coat of light paint, distress it so that you can still put your feet up on it & not worry. Sorry, no one needs extra work...just a suggestion :) Cookies look yummy!
ReplyDeleteI know all about the coffee table and side table needing a coat of paint, trust me! :) it's convincing my hubby to let me do it that is the hard part... I hate that it is black and beg him every day to let me redo it... He bought it before we were married from Pottery Barn so it wasn't cheap, that's why he is hesitant.
ReplyDeleteI've used glass knobs on a few other pieces too and that is what I was thinking as well... Great minds think alike. :)
We have loads of things we still need to do with this space, like rip all the drywall off and install insulation... so none of the paint / wallpaper will be staying but because of time and money it won't all happen right away. Oh, and I can't wait to get a larger rug too.
I love those knobs. I saw those at Hobby Lobby this past weekend and was trying to think of a place to use them. I dont think they look to big from the pictures. Sometimes that just takes a little getting used to.
ReplyDeletei love both the knobs and the color of the chest...but i do see what you mean about them together. my vote is to get some new knobs for the chest and repurpose the hobby lobby ones in another location.
ReplyDeletei do see what you mean about the gallery wall. funny, because i was just looking at all the frames from mine as i was unpacking one of the boxes and thinking whether or not i still want to put it back up :)
I love the cabinet, but I get what you are saying about it not working. i liked it from the shot where i saw your rug and the pillows on the couch. It reads a little "cool" next to the warm undertones of the chairs. I also know that each computer screen is different, so who knows what I am actually seeing. Maybe if you painted it in the same color family as jute knobs. those knobs are fab! Then they would just be textural instead of "popping". Whatever you do it will look fab!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful living room! Looks so warm and inviting. And those cookies look, oh sooo yummy.
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