Where to Start when Re-Doing a Space & My Inspiration Tool
Remember how our word for this year is RISK?
Well, I got an email a couple of days ago from a reader that said this:
I really love your style and your house seems like it’s filled with happiness. I live in a condo and it’s so dark! No sunlight and some of the walls are even painted dark brown. I want to have a fresher looking space, but I don’t know where to start, and I’m scared to jump in because I don’t know what style I’m even going for!? It all seem so overwhelming! Any advice as to where I should begin?
Thanks for your help and inspiration,
Sharon R.
I can’t tell you how many times I get emails like this from readers. I TOTALLY feel your pain, and know exactly what you’re going through. When we started priming our home… that’s the ONLY plan we had. ha! We didn’t know if we wanted a modern, contemporary or cottage-type look. We just knew we needed a change, and that paint was the least expensive, least risky way to start.
My number one response to Sharon’s email was… “PAINT, PAINT, PAINT!” Followed up closely by… “Take it one space/wall at a time”. If we look at the big picture of trying to transform our ENTIRE house all in a short period of time… well then you WILL get overwhelmed. Heck! We’ve been “re-doing” our upstairs for over 2 years now, and it’s STILL not done! But one of the easiest ways to transform ANY space is to freshen up your room with a new coat of paint on the walls AND the trim. If you know that you’re going to be keeping existing furniture, then pick a new paint color that will compliment it. If you feel like you want to start over with all new things, then begin with a beautiful neutral wall, until you can decide if you want to accent with other colors later.
I recommend Autumn Haze by Glidden.
I know that everyone is already aware of my obsession with it, but really… it’s the best neutral we’ve ever used, with the perfect mix of yellow and green tones to cancel out any pink-y hues, that sometimes neutral paints can send off.
I really am loving the My Colortopia blog, that I posted about a few weeks back, because some of the best painting advice has been coming from there!
I loved the latest article from Melissa titled: Don’t Panic! You’ve got to read it. It ties in perfectly with our word “RISK” this year. Melissa talks all about taking the risk of trying a new, bright paint color in her bathroom and the thought process she went through.
Also on the My Colortopia site right now, they have this really great tool called My Image Inspiration. It’s a great way to kick-start your rooms ‘re-do’ process. You can upload a picture of something you like, a piece of art, furniture or fabric, and you’ll get a selection of color pallets to look through as paint suggestions for your next room!
I chose this adorable grey pillow to use as my inspiration piece, because we’re looking for a REALLY light grey paint color for our bedroom. Here were my results…
I think I’m going to have to try out that Shaded Ice color, looks kinda promising ๐
Again, you can access the My Image Inspiration tool at My Colortopia.com, and read about lots of helpful paint tips and tricks over at the My Colortopia blog.
Just keep in mind… it’s not about having the “perfect space”… it’s about having a home that reflects who you and your family really are! If you’re only worried about going along with what everyone else is doing, then you’ll never feel accomplished, and may even talk yourself out of starting, AT ALL!
First and foremost, before anything else… gather up ideas of spaces, textures or patterns that YOU love… instead of stressing about how things will work out in the end, or what specific style you’ll have to pin yourself into. To me, it’s all about a “feeling”. I knew I wanted a space that felt happy, clean, organized and welcoming. A place where I felt like I could take on “the every-day” (even when it dished out it’s worst) and in the end… still feel like I had the perfect place (for me) to just sit, relax, and be content in my home, surrounded by the people I loved.
* I have been sponsored by Glidden brand paint to write this post,
but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Unknown says
I couldn't agree more! Breaking things down one step at a time is so important because it is so easy to become overwhelmed. A great space is not one that is created over night, great spaces are made over time.
Emily {Mrs. Bs Hive} says
I've been struggling for a long time with this. Our house is so dark and builder beige right now.
We just re-did our son's room (big boy room!) and my bathroom… and it's so refreshing compared to the rest of the house!
Thanks for the inspiration!
kelly says
we are gutting a new house and have a lot of ideas but first and foremost is prime and paint a nice neutral color to clean up the space and try and see what works! pinterest is the most awesome inspiration site!
i'm painting the bedroom a light grey so thanks for sharing the grey colors!