10.16.2007

Decorating Dilemma



Renovations have begun again at the Ray Home! We are ripping out the old carpet, casings, and baseboards upstairs. I need to begin painting this week, but I cannot find a color I like. Should I go neutral? Funky? Some people say my house is too neutral. What to do?

I am looking for a great neutral (beige, brown) for the hall. I would like a pretty, creamy yellow for the twins' room and guest room (future baby's room). I am open to any and all suggestions. Whenever I begin a project on my house I freeze up. I cannot make a decision to save my life. What would you recommend? Post something on your blog if you like.

Below are photos of the 1st floor of my home
(still needs some final decorating, but you get the idea).

15 comments:

Jenn said...

I'm kind of boring, but I think neutral is always better. If you do something too funky then in a few years you will wonder what you were thinking. Just think of what the 70's did to so many houses! :)

mandy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mandy said...

So after looking at your first floor pictures, it seems to me you're already a color expert! Maybe you need to come help ME pick some colors for my place! I'm completely frozen, too, which is why my boys' room still has fluorescent green walls with stenciled spaceships from the last owners. I can't even pick a neutral tan color. I recently painted my guest bathroom after months of thought, and it turned out hideous! So share your secret, Rachie!

Rachie said...

The downstairs is fine. The yellow in the family room is a little bright for me. Believe me it was trial and error! I spend hours at Home Depot mixing different paints because I chose the wrong colors.

I just went to Benjamin Moore store this morning. They have some great colors to choose from. And the sales associates know what they are talking about. I am taking the colors they gave me and I am going to Home Depot to match them (because the Depot is much cheaper).

I will have to post pix of before and after to see the results :)

Elisa said...

Both nuetral and funky ... paint it black, and I've heard that it works! Or if that is a little too bold, go with a deep brown chocolate color - I think that would help blend the other colors of the house together. I've seen a deep brown like that in a few houses, and it gives the room a very inviting, calming feeling.

Mandee said...

Your house already looks like it could be in a photo shoot for Pottery Barn.

There is a color called Botany Beige (it's a Kwal paint) and it is a great neutral. I did more of a "greenish" neutral through my house, and I wish I had gone with Botany Beige.

Mrs. Dub said...

definitely go for a light neutral in the hallway. then something bright and cheery in the twinnies room, like yellow, or maybe a pale turquoise. as for your bedroom, do it bright red. i know, i know, you're supposed to make a bedroom peaceful, but let's face it - you don't need any help falling asleep. romance, on the other hand, could use a little subliminal assistance. (at least in my house!)

deesha said...

Rach, I don't think you need help either, but I like Mandee's idea. I love green as a neutral, especially in the winter when everything is dead. I also just had to share that I recently discovered Valspar paint at Lowe's. It doesn't smell like other paint (I personally like Behr and Kwal paint, but it smells like feet!) Also, what about the Restoration Hardware paint colors? They seem to be good neutrals that have a timeless quality. Make sure you post pics when you are done!

Alifinale said...

Your house is so dang cute, I think you should be soliciting advice rather than asking for it. I am renting the house of many colors right now (the owners loved color). I love that there is color in the house, but I don't love that no 2 walls next to eachother are the same color. All downstairs is two shades of green. And Emery's room is like a Mexican fiesta (Peachy and Turquoise). I don't think you would do that to your house, but just thought I would throw it out there - if you think an accent wall is the way to go you may want to rethink things.

Kendee said...

My suggestion for a great neutral is Eddie Bauer "Wicker". You can get it at Lowes. And, I love your house, you have great taste, it will all be fabulous.

Beckie said...

I think that you can do both, I do like nuetral tones in halls, small rooms, like bathrooms. But Marlee's room we went all out, I mean a bright orange wall here is the link to our web site so you can see her room...
http://web.mac.com/kamaeohana/iWeb/2007/Color%20Splash.html
but i can tell you are not afraid of color at all. How fun! some day i will get around to our dining room and bedroom... oh and please come and hold my new baby any time! ; )

Ashley @ {Let Go, Laughing} said...

I love your bathroom. It is gorgeous.
When I had to pick a color to paint the bedroom, I took a pillow that matched the bedspread and I took it to Home Depot and asked them to make a paint that would match a certain soft blue. They did it perfectly and I love the way the bedroom turned out. The way the blue matches totally complimented everything else in the room.
Maybe find an object that you love that you know will be in the room and take it in and ask them to match it or you can ask them to do a shade darker or lighter too.

Just a lurker :)

Cortney Chambers said...

Rachel, I found your blog from Mandy's. You have a darling family. Your house looks beautiful.
This is so meant because I am going today to pick out paint colors for our new house and I LOVE your powder room green color. Do you remember the brand and color?
My all time favorite paint is Kwal Howell paint--if anyone is looking for an awesome dark yellow, yet neutral---"tobacco road" is what I am using for the third time--love it.
I hope you remember me--Cortney (Peterson) Chambers--it's so fun to see new blogs!

Anonymous said...

Raquelita,

I think you should add some latino flavor to your home:) I did not see any colors from the picture you posted:).

Mindy said...

I am so glad you found my blog and now I have yours!
You are darling!!! Your kids look like angels and your husband a prince!
I love the pics of your house and colors, I'd go black like someone else said, it is both neutral and bold! Wow! Quite impressive!!!