Some people just seem to revel in redecorating, painting, rearranging…not me.
But you know what, it's worth it to consider your environment and do your best, given your means, to make things cheery and pretty.
If you can accept that things won't be perfect, you can get going. I guess my problem is being held back by that perfect vision — but who can afford perfect?
I've noticed that when you pray about something that can go either way (live with it or change it), if it's meant to be that you change it, the way to change it opens up.
If it's not meant to be, the door remains closed. It's not as if I liked bare plaster, peeling ceilings, and darkness. We just couldn't cope…and there seemed to be no way to do the work ourselves or to hire anyone.
As I said in the previous post, the wherewithal to do this work (a reasonably priced painter and a little windfall) landed in our laps. So we took the plunge. It's not easy for us to commit, financially or even aesthetically (color? color that will dominate your life?). But we did it.
To get things going on the decorating front, use what you have!
These eight pictures are actually menus that I saved from a trip I went on when I was 14. My father had a sabbatical in Europe, and he took us there on an ocean liner, The France — one of the last great elegant ships on its penultimate journey across the ocean.
Although I am a “chucker” — someone who tends to throw souvenirs and little treasures away — I somehow held on to these pretty things, and when we moved here to these vast expanses of walls, I had my uncle frame them for me. They really pop here against the tangerine color, don't you think?
{By the way, the colors are Matisse Gold (California Paint) on the walls and Calming Cream (Benjamin Moore) on the trim.
I'm trying to find the Country Living feature that inspired me, but not having any luck — sorry! When I find it I will show you.}
Do you like this better?
When you get to the top of the stairs, you now see this:
It's mostly trim in this little nook, so the painters didn't use any of the orange, but I think maybe someday I'll try to get some in there. Maybe there is a window treatment that could be interesting, although I'm sure I don't know what it would be…
If you stand with the small, back hall to your back, and look down the front hall, this is what you see now:
I'm not sure about that bookcase, but for now it has to be there. I need some interesting, narrow furniture for this crazy hallway!
Right now I'm so happy with the color and the freshness and the cleanliness!
But — what about the chandelier??
Did I tell you that it was coated in grease? That it was somewhat nightmare-ish in style? That it was bright brass? Does it work out? Stay tuned!
Karla @ Mom's P says
My entryway is a lot like yours and equally as frustrating! I love the cheery color, and the trunk in the landing gave me the idea that I could put ours upstairs. I like your series of menus, I think I will steal that idea as well! Thanks for posting!
scmom (Barbara) says
Very pretty. I bet it just feels better to come down the stairs in the morning. I love your little nook. Some simple Roman shades would be pretty on those windows. Maybe a print with just a smidge of your Matisse Gold. A plaid, or a stripe? If you can sew a straight line you can make Roman shades.
MomE says
My stairwell foyer is called number two pencil…same sort of idea! I love it! Once again…I want to walk into your photos…and come visit! HA HA! You're so good at making me feel that way. I'm loving the little nook. A thought on the narrow hallway…I saw old antique ladders leaned close against a wall and used to hang magazines and books over. Does that makes sense? Neat idea anyway…
Decadent Housewife says
The yellow is perfect. I used to collect menus too. You have a house with decent bones – lucky you. Now what will you do with the next wedding?
TexasRed says
It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do!
Jen says
I love the Matisse Gold!! What an amazing difference–brings sunshine into that dark space. I really need to do something with my dingy walls…
Anne R Triolo says
wow, i loved seeing the before and after pictures. what a stunning difference!
50s Housewife says
I just love the color you chose! It turned out fabulously! Can't wait to see what you do with the chandy. 🙂
Hillary says
I love the color. We have bright colors through our whole little house. They cheer me up.
Leila says
Karla — it IS cheery! What a difference!Barbara — I have commitment anxiety about window treatments…especially where the trim is good quality…but sheer Roman shades could be fabulous…MomE — You have a good idea! I could do something with an old ladder! Pondering…DH — For the next wedding — I'm getting on an airplane!! Thank goodness :)TexasRed, Hilary, and Jen: Yes indeedy. The painters did a boffo job repairing, and the paint has revolutionized my attitude. DO IT!!50s Housewife: You won't believe it when you see it. I wish I had taken a better before picture so that you could appreciate the awfulness of the chandelier, but you will be amazed, I promise…
Christine says
Hip Hip Horray, you did it!Nicely done.Those menus look like they were meant to be there!
scmom (Barbara) says
Leila,That's the great thing about Roman shades. You can make them to just cover the glass (and jazz the nook up with fabric) and still show off the trim.
Brynn says
I can't tell you what a happy place your site is for me…..it's like re-reading a treasured book or going outside on a beautiful Spring day! Thanks for sharing your lives, thoughts, home, family, food and ideas with all of us!As for those bright gold walls and the red carpet, and the little rocking toys and trunks….all wonderful!
Leila says
Brynn, what a sweet comment…thanks to all who stop in and say hi, and make our day brighter!