Comments on: Rodney’s Design Dilemma

By: Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:56:01 +0000

Absolutely LOVE the blog… I read it daily–and check it multiple times a day just to see what new thing you’ve added now. This living room reminded me so much of our own, I had to send a note… It was like revisiting our own old cave…. I wish I had pictures of the before, but Rodney’s is pretty close… We had three walls of real wood paneling, a dark brick fireplace with the same bronze fireplace screen, and one other wall with gold grasscloth wallpaper…. Not to mention brown shag carpet and a lovely wall of built-in cabinets/bookcases–that were ALL stained the same dark wood!! (Like I said, it was a CAVE!)
I’d love to show the after photos to give him an idea of how the brick turned into a great warm focal point after we painted… (Not sure how to download that here, though).
But, the real reason that I wrote was in regards to the fireplace screen…. My husband pulled our bronze beauty out and painted it with black appliance paint (sold in the spraypaint section)…. It made a huge difference with very little moolah! Plus, since it is made to withstand high temperatures… no worries about it being safe.
Thanks again for such a fabulous blog!!!

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:42:30 +0000

Thanks for the whitewashing recipe!! Maybe a new feature on the blog could be having people submit a photo of something that they are trying to decide if they should paint or leave natural? No complicated color picks, just yes or no polling the audience…

By: Jackie

Jackie — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:25:57 +0000

Wow – I’m so glad to hear all of your suggestions! I am “the wife” and have been very back and forth about the beams too. We plan on starting with the major painting to see how it goes and then decide on the beams. With Sherry’s suggestions I think I might like the rustic look of the brick. I’m getting those lamps pronto! Can’t wait to get started – we will keep you posted!

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:29:40 +0000

Hey guys,

As always thanks so much for sounding off! It’s nice to know that our metaphorical mic is on and working. As for the much mentioned beams, one of Rodney’s stipulations was that they remain unchanged in the space (which actually might work just fine with the whole lodge feel once the rest of the wood gets lightened up).

But with regards to the fear that the ceiling may appear to be closing in on the space, we’re definitely no strangers to that concept (which is why we painted our very own beams white in our den- check ‘em out in our house tour tab up by the header). Maybe once Rodney reads everyone’s opinions he just might consider taking a paintbrush to those hulking slabs of wood.

And as for the whitewashing idea, that might just be a happy medium so I’m glad it’s on the table. Oh and here’s an easy peasy whitewashing formula, just in case. Mix one part latex paint with three parts water and viola: instant lodge charm. Hope it helps!

xoxo,
Sherry

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:19:21 +0000

What do you suggest he does with the beams? We have some in our family room. Actually, they are white styrofoam and are supposed to look like wood (aaaah!). We can’t wait to get rid of them, but we have had several friends suggest we keep them because they are “in”. I have a hard time believing this…

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:51:44 +0000

Love it! Especially love the deer head! Who knew wildlife could be swankified? I love the color scheme too. Personally, the beams would make me feel claustrophobic…maybe white-washing them (so you could see the wood through the paint) would lighten them without making them lose their character? Hmmm….how do you white-wash something…maybe we need some DIY instructions (hint hint) :)

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:11:45 +0000

I think you guys should paint the beams!

You don’t need to paint them out completely- you can do them in a contrasting color with your walls and ceiling, to make them stand out….or (and?), you can dilute your paint, so that any knots/burls in the wood would show through. I would just feel like the beams would be pulling the ceiling down on me (visually, of course!)

But, like I said, that’s what *I* would do, and I think years of growing up with a basement with black knotty panelling and black knotty beams (on a 7 foot ceiling no less) has scarred me for life.

By: jbhat

jbhat — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:07:15 +0000

That’s going to look so good. I am obsessed with that lamp.