Design Direction

January 11, 2012 · Posted in Design Direction, Floor coverings, Interior design projects, Living room design ideas

“I have a cape cod contemporary two story on the water with large windows facing east. We have a beautiful whitewashed cedar ceiling. The floor has stark white 10″ floor tiles that are very hard to keep clean. I’d like to replace it with porcelain floor planking that looks like wood. I’m stuck trying to decide on the color for the floor. There are so many options. By the way, the doors are all whitewashed with a bright white wood trim. My style is classic with a bit of contemporary thrown in. We are planning on a redo of the fireplace as well as well as the kitchen.

Here is a summary of my decorating challenges:

What color floor planking (porcelain) to put on the floor.
What color to paint the new wood around our new fireplace.
The kitchen cabinets are white washed. I’m selecting white painted ones. What color granite – light or dark for more or less of a contrast?
The wood doors are all white washed too. As is the railing going up the stairs. Do I paint the railing white or?
Do I paint the walls a lighter or darker color?

Whitewashed Cedar Ceiling

Here’s what Vastu senior designer Sarita Peresada had to offer:Thank you for submitting your design dilemma, I am happy to make some suggestions for your home. First, concerning the wood grain floor time, I would definitely go with something in the mid-range tones, not too dark, but not too light either. You really need some contrast between your floors and walls, trim, and moldings. Currently everything is very similar in tone and a bit washed-out. I like the tile below from Daltile:

Timber Glen(TM) RUSTIC in 'Heath'

As for the wood mantel around the fireplace – if you are keeping the existing mantel, I don’t think that it is necessary to paint it. However, if you are removing it and adding a new mantel, it can be painted to match the trim or you can go for a real focal point and paint it an accent color that ties into your existing décor. I think that the wall color should be considered in this decision, too. Before you make any of the wall color and mantel decisions I would suggest taking some time to determine what overall look and feel you are going for in the space. Why are you considering changing the wall color? Why are you changing the mantel and what is the new mantel design? Do you like the open, airy feel that your home currently has? Darker colors on the walls and floors will detract from the open, airy feel. Have you looked through any design magazines or websites for inspiration photos? Are you planning to replace any of the furnishings in the space?

Upholstery selections should be made before paint colors, it’s much easier this way! Once you determine the look and feel that you are after and what furnishings you will keep or add, you will easily be able to choose paint colors based on your preferences. It is especially easy if you start with an inspiration piece (artwork, rug, fabric, etc.) and pull your colors from that piece.

Lastly, in the kitchen, I would go with a mid-range color on the granite. Not too dark, like black, but not white-white, either. If you are going to change the floors to the wood grain tile in the kitchen, then something like Crema Bordeaux would like nice with the white cabinetry.

Borelli Granite in 'Crema Bordeaux'

I hope that my recommendations have been helpful to you, at least as a good starting point! If you need more help with color selection after you have discovered your objectives for the space, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Tags: cape cod, design dilemma, Design Direction, design services, Design tips, Fireplace, interior design, paint color, porcelain, white interior, white-washed, wood trim

Comments

One Response to “Design Direction”

Thornhill painters
On May 29th, 2012 5:30 am

Interesting post. Would love to find more resources like this. I will have a look at your blogroll – hope you have one!