Friday, November 14, 2008

Decisions, Decisions!


Ok, chickadees! I need some decorating advise!!
Remember this post here about making over my sunroom?! It's time to get started! I shared with you that I've chosen white duck slipcovers from Ballard Designs for my Christmas gift (which thanks to Santa coming early for my side of the family this year, we'll be getting Thanksgiving weekend! :).
And I've settled on bamboo roman blinds/shades from Bed Bath Beyond for the windows.
But here comes the part I need help with....








You like?!! :)


Would you recommend that I paint the walls or leave them as is???
If I paint them, I would use a very soft shade of sagey green.
Here's the dilemma:
I really like the current paint color...it's the same as the rest of my living spaces (I have an open floor plan). However, it's the same as the rest of my spaces!
I want to enhance the view of gardens and natural green space/wooded wetlands and woods.
and here's the big one:
There is a very good chance we'll be moving within the next year. Yes, again. Maybe I'll get into that in a later post. But for now, I would like your advise as to whether I should paint a neutral "color", or leave the neutral color it is now for a faster sale?! I would be competing with a lot of lovely, brand new homes in the area, and even though we've sold our homes VERY quickly before I need to step up my game on this one!


So, what should I do?! I could use some advise from all of you out there! There are some amazing decorators in blogland, and I need your advise!! :)
So, don't be shy, tell me what YOU would do!
Thanks!!!!!

44 comments:

julie & joe said...

I think I'd wait until you have the slip covers on and the blinds up and then see what you think about the current color or new colors.

Kimba said...

Ooooooo...I see your dilemma. The color that's already there is beautiful and would perfect with white slipcovers and bamboo blinds.

Here's my answer...If I were painting a house that I planned to live it, I would go with a soft sage green like you described. I love that color for a sunroom because it enhances the outdoor feeling. And well, I just love green walls.

If I were painting to sell I might be inclined to stick with what you have. Only because I've run across few people that have this weird problem with green walls. My hubby is one of them. Although usually once he sees it on the walls he likes it.

OK. Scratch everything that I just wrote. I would go with the green. It will be stunning with the white and the bamboo and the windows. It will probably be a huge selling feature when you go to sell.

Liz Harrell said...

I would paint it whatever color I wanted to live with! And besides, sage green really is more of a neutral than other colors, it's not like you're painting it red or bright blue. :) And besides, like Kimba said, the green will look so good with the bamboo.

duchess said...

I can visualize & it's going to be beautiful.
For now, you should probably leave the color as is - you know how those realtors can be.

Laura said...

Leave the color !! Your room is going to look great.

Wendy said...

Honestly, I think you can safely go with the sage green. It's neutral enough that it shouldn't be offputting to any potential buyers, and it would be stunning with your white slipcovers and dark brown bamboo blinds. Although I love the tone on tone of white with your current wall color...I think you'll be really happy with the walls if you go for the green!

Stacey said...

Go for the green! I really think soft green would be considered a neutral.

Anonymous said...

Hi Stacey....
Oh how I love talking about paint colors. I think since you are considering painting the room that you are really wanting a change in there. I agree that the current paint color would be gorgeous with your new slipcover and the bamboo but the green will to. To me they are both considered neutral. Remember the easiest way to bring that pop of color is with pillows and throws.

I think if you are ready for a change, then go with the green, but if you are happy with the yellow then keep it. You know I am always one to change paint colors so for me, it's an easy decision.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Unknown said...

I"m no pro, but I'd paint the walls so that the couches could stand out a little. Since they are white, you may lose them against the color of the wall.
Would you even consider a light taupe?

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

One way to enable you to have different colors on your walls than the rest of your home is to just make sure you incorporate the other colors from your home. Example: if your main color is yellow in one room, make yellow the secondary color or accent color in the other room. To get a good flow throughout the home that is what designers do. Otherwise everyroom would look the same. Also remember the ceiling. We have a neutral taupe on our walls in our living room, sage green sofas so in the kitchen we did sage on the walls & taupe on the ceiling. This way it flows but isn't the same as the living room. Hope that helps!

Glitter & Bliss said...

I would probably stick to the current color. I love the slipcovers you have ordered and the wooden blinds will look great!! Because you might sell, I think that the majority of potential buyers might go for the current color. However, I do love sage green.

Mrs. B said...

Hi Stacey! This is a tough one. Without really knowing how the room flows into the rest of your house, it's hard to say. So, although I love the idea of the green and think it would be really pretty with the blinds, I'd have to say leave them the color they are. But only if your focus is on resale. If you want to change it for yourself, then go for it! I think sage is a pretty neutral color too, so I'm sure it would be fine for resale, as long as the flow from one room to the next works. And by the way, I love the slipcovers and blinds! They're going to look great!

Mrs. B said...

Hi Stacey! This is a tough one. Without really knowing how the room flows into the rest of your house, it's hard to say. So, although I love the idea of the green and think it would be really pretty with the blinds, I'd have to say leave them the color they are. But only if your focus is on resale. If you want to change it for yourself, then go for it! I think sage is a pretty neutral color too, so I'm sure it would be fine for resale, as long as the flow from one room to the next works. And by the way, I love the slipcovers and blinds! They're going to look great!

nat2377 said...

If you are looking for a change and you know what your current color is, consult your paint color chart. Since the paint colors are usually organized in strips, I would pick a darker color from that same strip - then you are sure to get a little bit of drama without totally changing your color palette and you can be sure that the new color will coordinate well with what the rest of your living area is painted. This is a great trick if you have an open floor plan and don't want a "harsh" transition. But, make sure if you decide to go this way to pick enough of a difference - otherwise you may get all finished and feel like, "Why did I paint in the first place?" Good luck!

{darlene} said...

I say: there is a lot of stuff to "get done" when you are selling a house. As long as the color is in good shape, and you know you are going to sell, save your money, and spend it on something wonderful that you can take with you!
IF you have trouble selling, THEN use your irritated energy to paint, paint, paint!

I know. It is practical advice... but don't forget the part about buying something wonderful..... :)

Joy said...

Okay, I am going to advise you as if you were one of my clients. Keeping in mind that 1-you will likely be listing your home soon, and 2-the holidays are upon us, I would suggest that you consider one more option. I think that this room would look stunning with that far wall painted a deeper shade of the color you have on there now. The accent color would draw attention to your beautiful setting outside, as well as to the height of that wall. The deeper color would coordinate with the sisal rug. It would also warm up the room and make it feel more cozy and inviting. When people see that deep color as a backdrop to those light slipcovers, they'll want to buy your home(okay, I can't really promise that last one, but you know what I mean)
I'd also suggest that you move that beautiful architectural piece, (that's above your doors) to that wall and hang it about 12-18 inches above the windows so that it draws your eye to the shape and height of the wall.
That's my free advice. Good Luck!

Joy said...

And now that I went back and looked at your previous post, I'd suggest that you paint the opposite wall the same color. Think a WARM color--- like the tones that are in the bamboo shades. With the height of those walls, you really can go darker with your paint. I always advise going one step darker than the "safe" choice. My clients have always been happy that they did.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

This is such a personal thing because it comes down to how each color makes you feel...and I am very much a warm color girl. So I say leave the color as is. Also I agree with the advice to wait until you have everything else in place to see what you think about it all. I think it will look beautiful with the new window treatments!
Carrie

Christy said...

I say go for the green. I think because of the color of your new slipcover being white (even though it's not staying if you move!) you are still going to have a very nice, neutral look in that room. The green will add something different without it being too much. It will look great too I'm sure with the brown blinds. I can't wait to see the finished project... whatever you decide!

Thanks for adding me to your blog list!

WhisperWood Cottage said...

My two cents...okay, three cents...make that five...

(1) Green walls would blend in with the green outdoor colors. Yellow walls would have a bit more contrast and would frame the outdoor colors versus blending in with it.

(2) Green is a cool color and yellow is a warm color. What kind of feeling do you want to have in the room? Slightly cool and relaxing? Warm and sunny?

(3) Picking greens can be tricky. They can have several undertones that affect the final color and feel of the room. Check out several swatches in the room to see how the light changes them throughout the day.

(4) If I were a potential buyer, my preference would be a warm tone (warm beige, yellow) over a cool tone (blue, green).

(5) As a homeowner who is going to live there a year, go with whatever color makes you happy!

Amy

Shannon said...

I would paint it! Even if you only get to enjoy it for a year. Plus a break in the other living spaces would be nice.

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Okay, I am going to give you my two cents too. I would paint it a coffee with cream color. It would compliment the outdoors and make the green outside pop that much more, as well as the white slipcovers. It is warm and would go with the color you have. I know, I chose a color you didn't mention, but that is what I would do Ü.

Shell in your Pocket said...

Well, I would probaly go with a sage green..love that color.

I would do white plantation plank shutters...but that is me!!!

I love that room!
-sandy toes

Jenny said...

Since you might be moving (not to far I hope) don't put money into anything that won't bring you money back. If the walls are in good shape leave them and use the money toward another area that might need more love and care!

Angie said...

I say it's your house right now and you are living in it so paint it what you want and don't worry about what the possible future homeowners would want. That was a run-on sentence big time, but ya got my meaning?!

Jules from "The Roost" said...

Yep I would paint it in a minute! Love that green with everything else you have going on. ;)

Pretty Organizer said...

Just saw your post on Balancing Beauty with Bedlam and wanted to pop by to see your blog... I LOVE IT!

Now, about the color... I am no decorating expert... I just pretend that I am. BUT, I do know color and grew up with a dad who was a painter (my profession until I married). SO, I would say embrace the green and get painting. This space is a special space... one to relax. I think the walls should "hug" you and help to define your space. SO, go for it!

PLUS- as a mother of 6, painting is the most satisfying way to look like you got something done! AND it actually STAYS DONE for awhile! I paint everything... an easy way to feel like I got something done:) Can't wait for the after pictures!

Good to see your blog! I'll be back:)
Pretty Organizer

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Stacey, OK I'm not reading all the rest, just throwing this out of the top of my head, but since you're moving in the next year or so, I would leave it the same neutral that is in the rest of your house. It's a pretty color & you can enhance the room with all your accessories & pillows with more color. Love the white slips & the bamboo shades, those will be perfect out there. If you want to add more color and personality, artwork, accessories & pillows are the best place to do that. It's gonna look great!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, and I have a question for you! How did you do your signature on your posts? I have been using My Live Signature, but they just had something on their site that was inappropriate & I'm not sure I can trust them anymore. Please let me know, since I have to be on the lookout for another place to make a signature.

Melissa Lester said...

Hmmm ... I don't think you can go wrong either way, but I'm leaning toward the green. I think it would still be restful and somewhat neutral, but would definitely bring in the outdoors. Plus, your blog photo before and afters would be even more dramatic! :)

Stacey said...

Hi Stacey:)
You might be moving? Away from N.C? AWWW- Poopers!
I think painting can be a lot of trouble if you're only going to be in the house another year. And then the buyer may not like the shade you chose and your hard work goes down the tubes. If you were going to stay longer, I'd def say paint it.
Let's chat soon!

Stacey said...

Just caught up on your recent posts... I lit a candle upon your recommendation (The Thymes Pine Scent)... Love the pics of your girls- So cute!

Shanda said...

I can see you may be more torn after reading all of the comments! Color adds so much warmth and value in my opinion - as long as you are going with a mostly neutral color I'd paint!!

I added you on my bloglist! I was pretty sure that would be ok with you, but let me know! Have a great weekend!

Christilynn said...

Ummm...well paint is a quick and cheap change...and sage green is a deligtful, soothing color so I dont that you would have a "resale" issue. So GO FOR IT. I love your blog I think is precious. May I add you to my friends list?
www.thecarriagehouseco.blogspot.com

Mandi Shandi said...

Paint it! While the color it is looks great, I love the look of bamboo, white, and sage green together. And about it being an open floor plan, I think sage green is neutral enough to be a safe bet whether you move or not.

Elle Jay Bee said...

Hi Stacy,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get over here, but I have been lugging boys to basketball all weekend and trying to declutter my own house.

Well, I am sure you are thoroughly confused now with so many (great) opinions! As for me, I like the idea of the green, but if the move is imminent, I`d refrain. Homebuyers are often lazy, and if they don`t like green, ot have furniture that goes well with it, they will see the paint colour as an obstacle...work! If the market is as competitive as you say, you don`t want to give them anything to chip away at the price for.

I would definitely add some curtain panels to those windows, though. If you want to warm the place up, why not hang panels in an earthy redÉ Because you will have the blinds for privacy, use the panels as a decorative feature, thus you won`t need the full width. Also, add some throw pillows in a similar shade but with differing textures and patterns to liven things up. With that option, you can even change those things up with the season. Softer colours in spring and summer, and the red in fall/winter.

Just a thought...either way, painted or not, it will be beautiful!!

Sunny said...

I think I would leave it the warm creamy color it is even if you weren't selling in a year, but then especially because you are selling in a little bit. I think those choices are excellent with the slipcovers and bamboo. Things I've been contemplating on myself for my family area. You know what they say...great minds...! I hope you will show an after pic no matter what you decide.

Sandy said...

Oh my, yes, paint the walls and warm up the room.
Can't wait to see what you decide to do! :)

Anonymous said...

Ok Im late... Im sure you have some great ideas by now. You have some super women putting there two cents in. I cant wait to see what you decide. It's gonna look great~

Karyn said...

I would go for the sagely green. Sherwin Williams Seraton Sage is neutral enough to transition from another color wall.
Cannot wait to see what you decide!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Well, if it was just for you I would say paint it whatever you like! I would agree on the green, that would be so pretty! And even for resale I think if a room is really pretty people will still buy the house, even if they would rather the room be a different color.

However, because moving is a big pain (I am getting ready to move myself) and painting is a big pain, if the walls are in good shape and you have lots of other stuff to do, no worries. Just leave the walls and move on. The room will still look pretty with all of your new stuff. You can always add pillows and things for added color if you want.

It will be fun to transform the room either way! Love the ideas you have!

:-)

blessings,
Melissa

Kelly said...

If you are planning to move, I'd leave it the color it is. It is a lovely color, and personally, I wouldn't want to spend all that time painting something that looked nice enough to sell and that I wouldn't be living in long. If you are planning to stay, a sage green would be beautiful.

Lanette of Cottage Elements said...

Hi, Stacey. I hope all is well! I understand your problem. From someone who moved not too long ago, I'd probably leave it the color it is. I love neutral decor and add color in my accents. The slipcovers and blinds sound wonderful. And since you might not be there much longer, I think selling it would be easier with the neutral walls. If you did paint them, maybe do it in another neutral color, maybe a deeper shade. I did have neutral color in my house that was like chocolate brown and a gun metal color. Good luck in your dilemma!

Lanette

Sit A Spell said...

What would make YOU smile? The current color is nice and warm, however, if the sage is not too dark or "blue" it could be considered a neutral as well. Green is a "cool" color and would totally change the "feel" of the room. Both options would work, it's your room right now...what do you REALLY want???