the farm: the parlor | take 3

We’re not happy with the paint color in the parlor. Not to mention – it really doesn’t even look like a parlor at all.

Here are some images from the old parlor post. These are the “afters”, so definitely check out the original blog post if you haven’t already.

We didn’t buy this furniture for this house, this is our furniture from our old home.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Current state: Note, the color has changed to what I would call a “prison gray” by day, but once lit by the ceiling fan, which is a warm, yellow light – it makes for a weird tint – pea green.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Here is a more accurate representation of the wall color. Pea Green – along with some primer and alternative colors – neither of which we are considering at this point. Please, do not ask me what I was thinking with the wall color. I don’t have an answer for that question. I have no idea whey I’m so color challenged with this room. I think large in part it has to do with rushing and the fact that the house is so LARGE that quite a few decisions need to be made immediately – and we rushed the parlor both times.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

UGH, it’s absolutely awful. Put aside that the furniture doesn’t really give me what I’m looking for. The couch is Bernhardt, Henri with custom fabric – along with the ottoman. Fit nicely in our old home, but here, I’m not sure. I do know that I will not compromise the Henri’s deep seating – that is an absolute MUST!

There is a reason for this post right now. Macy’s owes us a new couch. That is a very long story, but basically we have one month to decide what we’re going to do with this room and choose our new couch. Of course, for people that take (apparently) 3 wall revisions – not good news. I’m now on an expeditious hunt to find what will work in this room. No worries, I already know what doesn’t (everything – including that rug – see how hilariously small it is for this room?). I’m thinking – wainscoting & wallpaper maybe?

Suggestions are welcome if you have them. Despite the photographs the room does not have great lighting. It is very dark during the day and I need something that POPS when I walk into it. This color needs to work with the foyer as they open into each other.

Stress!

 

5 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

  • Do you have some options for the couch you’re considering? It might be easier to paint with the couch in mind rather than picking out a couch after the color is selected.

    Just my personal style but for a room on the main floor, I’d say go with something very neutral. You can add color pops with accent pieces. Since you have a beautiful ceiling, anything too attention grabbing on the wall might detract from that detail.ReplyCancel

  • Jenny

    Hi Laura, I followed you from my sister’s blog (casacaudill). I love your old farmhouse and what you’ve done with it so far. 🙂 Your photography is also breathtaking!ReplyCancel

  • Hi Jenny! Thanks for your kind words – always nice to hear, and thank you for stopping by!

    Mrs. Limestone – I have NO IDEA where I’m going with this room right now. We’ve had the Macy’s credit for some almost a year (after fighting for 2 years to get it). A miserable experience I would like to try to forget.

    This all being said I am going to scour the plethora of magazines I have for ideas. I’m not against painting the ceiling molding either – we’re planning to do that in the dining room. I saw some ideas of light ceiling trim with a darker shade on the actual ceiling – which gives the impression of higher ceilings – which is what I ultimately want ;-).

    What scares me is that I have been back to Macy’s furniture twice and have yet to find anything that remotely interests me. Hopefully in the next month I will find something new there!

    ReplyCancel

  • Okay, I actually really like the color in the photos. But it could just be the photo because let’s face it, you’re an amazing photographer. 🙂

    As for couches and Macy’s – don’t get me started. I hate those effers and will never order another piece of furniture from them again. I might buy straight from what’s in stock, but never a special order. After our couch was several months late they finally gave in and gave us a gift certificate. Couldn’t cover the cost of a couch, but it was put to good use in getting an $$$ down comforter that I am in love with, a Coach purse, and an espresso machine, so I guess I can’t complain too much.

    Our couch is by Lee and I consider it to have deep seating. I’m also in love with the fabric because I can take it off and throw it in the washer and it never stains. Very useful for any home with animals or kids. It’s not the softest when you first get it (after all, it’s Sunbrella fabric which is traditionally outdoor fabric) but after 2-3 washes was perfect. I LOVE our couch and think it’s the most comfortable one I’ve ever sat in, so you might want to ask your local Macy’s what they have in the way of models from Lee. We checked out a few but given our loft size the one we got was the biggest and best option. Now of course it is totally oversize for our bungalow but I love it too much to get rid of.

    Good luck! I know how hard it is to choose the exact right paint color (I’m still lamenting our dining room).ReplyCancel

  • Thanks Becky!

    Macy’s has really stunk for me in the past, but since I’m getting a “free” or rather “replacement” sofa (for unequal value mind you – my sofa has been discontinued and they’re giving me less than face value) so I MUST deal with them since the credit is sizable and the sofa is the only thing they will replace! In other words, it makes no sense checking out dining room furniture ;-).

    I went this evening and snapped some cell phone shots (which can serve as tomorrow’s Cell Shots of the Day – talk about multi-tasking), but I didn’t see this post before and I must go back anyway. Apparently they’re “All about change” at Macy’s these days, bringing in Martha Stewart Collection (which looked rather nice) and they’re having their huge “Designer Show” the 3rd week in July (for anyone near a Macy’s Furniture Gallery, check out their dates).

    So, I’m getting on the horn with Macy’s Monday and making sure I have until at least then – I want to see the new stuff!

    They did have several sofa’s I was interested in, will post shots of those later.

    I must admit, I’m pretty scared to deal with them again, but if I must, I’ll try to look at the bright side.

    Re: Lee couch – Sunbrella fabric? I’m familiar with that fabric, but I’ve never heard of it being used indoors actually! I’m off to see if I can sneak a peak somewhere on your blog.ReplyCancel