Angie's all wood room...
Welllllll...
I, personally, don't think anything says "cottage" more than a room full of fresh, white, wood walls....
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tit0dXvYhCcrAUWhRDEBo3gWyw1AOl5wABwJKANrGS_7WODAqCBY2mlkX8ifA8ZaosRTPokxHCl1ByazLb2heUE30aAYCi_LEzOfTC4u9tNhiE341fbR1kwLJ8boDZK7228ay20rzK_UD8-iRWmQ=s0-d)
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u1W5x_u8t2ONGFaF-63hRCd2C_uHpnbi5Hw_G8wul05h3_hjDsdDMZdK6wxk7pLOSWMkPliLFlGqjc45Ym2Ahs1vV4Jg78wKfymB-oHIhFYn3NoBEdtrKx2VMHpXP7-p88niH4oWAFSg=s0-d)
But...
I can also totally dig your hubby's desire to preserve your cabins' woodsy/rustic interior- especially if what's cladding your walls and ceiling is real wood.
(And yours looks like it's in mint condition too- VERY COOL!)
Soooo...
I've gathered up some photos of some beautiful, unpainted, wood-walled rooms that might help get your creative gears turnin!
Let's check them out, shall we?
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
In this first photo, I think it's important to notice the white roman shades, and the white painted furniture and photo frames...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uY2WuoeXWuOPooCOmtzIOxv7UY170xTcXp6EvZA1GjCo093gaPZwjaLuq73hdBec1FhOFIDT2-S7hbQoORooq0ATX2yXkD-qES8T-8wW-HZiScAQtshXeZm1Ya-AwdJJUxErCB7QQhSw=s0-d)
Also, take note of all the reflective surfaces they used- stainless steel, chrome, glass. They not only help open up the room, but they also add a little "bright n' sparkly", which is a nice contrast to the matte finish of the wood.
(Mirror would be another great, reflective surface to use in an all wood room.)
And by accenting the room with pops of pale blue and green, the room has a really nice, fresh feeling about it.
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
In this next photo, they've used white roman shades again, but this time, they've painted the window trim white...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uFHTQYUMBzOq_1oSy5VctuO-5DnwBpxOt4KGVELtMVpuxmRc2PrGqO-D8T2UBdmY_Pp7yMr2fp5OmkB06aqo2_JvsV6Ls0cQWKz79At6wJ4CEtaTG7cImbzFGV5Wi4yxN18PLGiZs1JK8o=s0-d)
They've also used a huge white area rug, white mats, white starfish, white enamel buckets, and a bunch of white throw pillows- so using a lot of white seems to be the key to keeping things fresh.
Another reason I think these wood walls look so great is because they've also used darker browns in the room. The coffee table, shelving units and leather chair provide a little extra contrast- and the overall look is really striking.
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
In the next photo, they not only painted the trim white, but they painted the doors white too...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vvESEjBUXFoPdB4Uha34N3xQYOgSu--VCWY_WHhWXxfaAkWvK22I9CSlbk424INyG0dUZ_HPwQB3sOuBjI37Ne-3FnGQiISjpN1Ait3zuKv7xrYbq3qRI-J2fSNmAeKG7uod7UketlYtId6L5XUcOgmRI=s0-d)
...and again, they used white painted furniture and lots of white accessories.
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
And even though the walls in this next photo are lighter than yours are, (and I know you're husband is totally against painting) it really gives you a good idea of what white trim looks like up against un-painted wood paneling...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vHsxKOE_SGXMfZ2d7vqXlf7s6Mf3nxdtgKuGVHvkv6bxcUPeibCUbKbgBa9k5sncApD5pQz-Ss6huE3w1RTIg12CapUb6bXE1PtJDUXuHiYfGlqXF_iHYKII-2fyyOk3RtW99FVUt4qxs=s0-d)
(Don't hate me Mr. Angie- I'm just throwin' all the options out there!)
And, again, notice all the white painted furniture, reflective surfaces (mirror, lantern, hardware, faucet) and the fresh accent color.
Very pretty!
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
And speaking of accent colors, if light blue isn't your thing, what about accenting with navy?
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sBudgFLWECnJMbKoqGr1pKglGFAt_viSCmLM0D6xkk2dxBnn3Ov4Ke-RtcRk3dwO8kLNXfYXsiEkSUPSpazALQI_Y2mFk4u8zNXa6rl_mbs-o8kYfaR-UhfeubQj8-u5aCIxKrEIlFQCAxZYHcpQ=s0-d)
(Once again, notice the abundance of white. White roman shades, white upholstered arm chairs, and the wide white stripe in the area rug.)
And here's an all wood room that's accented with an extra-lively shade of green...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vGicGj_pI8pD-u8SOLD_FKnAP44sqGlAbwnuC48Xc5Z97NEmXphJYfXmwFYlIIZGr-uiKQK35ascQLF3bIwPgVuJDvqA9q1oWjqIXa5Pglxs1QScDu-uD427p37ByteqmzZCFMylaggUoDGNEJ=s0-d)
(And more white window treatments, a white side table, and crisp, white bedding.)
I hope these photos help Angie!
(And if you feel like sharing your "after photos", I'd love to see what you end up doing with your room!)
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tyndy0lKVCVfbNBIp0NYPmKryxuTfxw74dE4btaxbisujr4vbYH5llhTfkoMlLyhEeHhYwst12ra6sm6vkC8tPyr2RGjF3jRrD_r3FxPtqPi3ixYpOmR3WUF7SC9R9_5gPHefF06UG629jtF_P=s0-d)
Now, just for fun-
What would YOU do if you were in Angie's shoes?
All white interior...
(Move your mouse back and forth over the photos below)
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_ujNBwj9bURuKbelMA_YqYTPrDksX4KgIBbwtfDDBrE-_VNLAIudiROlKukZqvdCFVUTXWCNWYK_MvL6IcpqHrOUrvS8MPNhTOI2qUMranOKdEH2h30bTJeNf_Cdi39_b43CgSkny_CgGUOKhikOszK9eMO6CVqkYIn3nJy3CTYFoMEKA=s0-d)
All wood interior...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_utLL8qcZYwdbb1GyZyIED18IjOtzNqgc8-FiTgvHU9Cck4k0G3g6eFvmdblEi_gM9xMBXP2GsgYMHuqAvU-PQxXeTq9qZQY_ZtxYwUTp6qlvrXRPevQOkHTIkE5LoQK2QIQDhyXyD5poQoI5TAqw85qKicKDxrP2GqwWzA=s0-d)
Wood walls/white ceiling...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vXjdc3AVzUkD7UEpxRc3ZZL-MnXGCCfNm4blK4f9-3t7m5pZ4xHQ_HPldzA3g_opU-ZJkGPDBP-txRUK46s9G1NObvZG9AFZia7hd2o1g7221Il9Dre7SStG7STiddSYsBMuuxUTGOtKjTaWdDy09yasrb4mIPY7R2T8o8fkUn3tqD=s0-d)
Wood walls and ceiling/white window trim...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s0PpnF_9o7MugOAg8p0CNNkBroNwcE6AIaGf_b6qrK2N7_H4CptuPsx9fI5mGMmsaBm6K5mgTuOohAHSc-9b0fZWSQteHkfN4HoYUhsVjjrspxsClvxsfqbie9EqrcUPyXaqi2hnxDFERMGKds02EB9GRFZ0Nwp18UVrTFHOU=s0-d)
Wood walls and ceiling AND wood beams...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tddlwr-J6aHjPakpk-yHTVbHTnsXRlhKuGUGw_dS_SRpAn2ZpMXNmzJrVAeX8Oa6mm_OUl4gz4eYo7mktVGLcycf0WPyC3b3bwXlpN3eOi2XvdBGb_zS3Z9S4hICZSKuLqJondfT8qp2l3sujPbKMce8GpKvCLU1Z-=s0-d)
Wood walls and ceiling and WHITE beams...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_udQB3hMceY25I_k-k2ECykRu9ZCKVL0UekGHG4m2SUHLxVAxLkHU_BCFJ_dDtccjkCsABEknt1CIdj6_iVcSFPFYU_IMJw9dAFDOu6XXt6NKkUBHbXx6XfohuvE10sZioGDjA_8Ig53kt6dropJ5jCiJKeDGnCNxP6pQP-j88=s0-d)
White walls/wood trim and ceiling...
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s-NR2vtr_mrRVv1Q2Q5_WcQJUIO00y_j0p5QezSvtgae_Grb9YD9rEuPx__jg2ALWXM4Q-QBYluLJj40k24IvP5KCIFkHSsx3OEuUBuzAigNgoFP-3DBSDhygeBoWqTSKSmAx5mNsV4bnIinrk37ggB8YX5F8HdQ7NmmejL5ud2Q=s0-d)
Ooh! That reminds me!
Here's a great inspiration photo of a room with white walls and wood trim...
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t_HF23zoqBu45sNrV6ig-CZoPFDo9Hh1kVgwFbscYp_hd3065cbUu6K31df1m3TkHfHqCpW93nKjoscZdyC2sMGBkciknhW7bzrtoxLGYB2LlFlftKOm-4ycEQvtbUGeIpH55Gkdkt=s0-d)
![Photobucket](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u1W5x_u8t2ONGFaF-63hRCd2C_uHpnbi5Hw_G8wul05h3_hjDsdDMZdK6wxk7pLOSWMkPliLFlGqjc45Ym2Ahs1vV4Jg78wKfymB-oHIhFYn3NoBEdtrKx2VMHpXP7-p88niH4oWAFSg=s0-d)
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s15j0Ny_cfWNM4HYnErQ_e41Cphxs6sdOhyjLEguU_y9uPh0KdPTHfaU02pAEki4OpiL1JItjp15usenzymvHVNx6Ss7d0N8f420WRmRoJguOBt2RJaDCRg0HehStWzAAIbHqBV_3FJOGJcA=s0-d)
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But...
I can also totally dig your hubby's desire to preserve your cabins' woodsy/rustic interior- especially if what's cladding your walls and ceiling is real wood.
(And yours looks like it's in mint condition too- VERY COOL!)
Soooo...
I've gathered up some photos of some beautiful, unpainted, wood-walled rooms that might help get your creative gears turnin!
Let's check them out, shall we?
In this first photo, I think it's important to notice the white roman shades, and the white painted furniture and photo frames...
Also, take note of all the reflective surfaces they used- stainless steel, chrome, glass. They not only help open up the room, but they also add a little "bright n' sparkly", which is a nice contrast to the matte finish of the wood.
(Mirror would be another great, reflective surface to use in an all wood room.)
And by accenting the room with pops of pale blue and green, the room has a really nice, fresh feeling about it.
In this next photo, they've used white roman shades again, but this time, they've painted the window trim white...
They've also used a huge white area rug, white mats, white starfish, white enamel buckets, and a bunch of white throw pillows- so using a lot of white seems to be the key to keeping things fresh.
Another reason I think these wood walls look so great is because they've also used darker browns in the room. The coffee table, shelving units and leather chair provide a little extra contrast- and the overall look is really striking.
In the next photo, they not only painted the trim white, but they painted the doors white too...
...and again, they used white painted furniture and lots of white accessories.
And even though the walls in this next photo are lighter than yours are, (and I know you're husband is totally against painting) it really gives you a good idea of what white trim looks like up against un-painted wood paneling...
(Don't hate me Mr. Angie- I'm just throwin' all the options out there!)
And, again, notice all the white painted furniture, reflective surfaces (mirror, lantern, hardware, faucet) and the fresh accent color.
Very pretty!
And speaking of accent colors, if light blue isn't your thing, what about accenting with navy?
(Once again, notice the abundance of white. White roman shades, white upholstered arm chairs, and the wide white stripe in the area rug.)
And here's an all wood room that's accented with an extra-lively shade of green...
(And more white window treatments, a white side table, and crisp, white bedding.)
I hope these photos help Angie!
(And if you feel like sharing your "after photos", I'd love to see what you end up doing with your room!)
Now, just for fun-
What would YOU do if you were in Angie's shoes?
All white interior...
(Move your mouse back and forth over the photos below)
All wood interior...
Wood walls/white ceiling...
Wood walls and ceiling/white window trim...
Wood walls and ceiling AND wood beams...
Wood walls and ceiling and WHITE beams...
White walls/wood trim and ceiling...
Ooh! That reminds me!
Here's a great inspiration photo of a room with white walls and wood trim...
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107 comments:
All white.
Kelly
Great ideas for working with both of their ideas for a "cottage" look. I say compromise with the white window coverings, white deecor, and if it still isn't working, paint it.
You had great inspiration photos but the all white has my heart :-) Hope to see the after photos...I think the hubby maybe just does not like painting??? LOL
Of course, I love the all painted room, but I think the way you made the second one look, leaving the walls as is, but accenting the room with those yummy colors and brightening it up with the decor and curtains is so pretty and welcoming. Love it!
I do love all white colour schemes, but as the timber is so beautifully finished, even I would hate to see the whole lot disappear under a layer of paint. If it were me I would go for white ceiling and trims.. or maybe the white wall instead... or then again.... I am glad it is not my decision to make! :)
All white, for sure!!!
I'm with you, Layla, nothing says cottage charm like room full of fresh, white, wood walls. Perhaps after Angie shows her husband what it would look like he'll be come over to the "non dark side" :)
Deborah
Hi Layla..
I would ..
in a heartbeat..
Go with all white..
no matter how beautifully done,
wood darkens with age..
so I would start painting right now!
hugs..
Loui♥
I would say all white if that wood wasn't so pretty and perfect! I'd try putting in all white furniture/accessories and use sparkly silver hardware everywhere I could. I loved the apple green in one of your pictures as an accent!
All white!
Poor poor husband is going to have to compromise!
White. White. White.
Brilliant options you found Layla without painting the wood...just in case Hubby won't be turned
but...
ALL WHITE for me try bribery Angie lol you must have something on him!!!
We recently painted some furnutire....it's hard for men to do. Why do they have this love for stained wood??!! Anyway, beautiful pics and fantastic ideas. Linda
All white, for sure. Nothing says "cottage" more than wood walls or ceilings painted white. Especially if they used a creamy white. The wood is in good condition, which will make painting much easier. I hope Angie's husband sees how much better it looks when he sees the photo you altered to make the walls and ceilings white!!! Good luck, Angie :-)
All white is my first pick ... fresh, fresh, fresh ... and it makes the amazing greens from the woods peaking in from the window "pop" ...
BUT if you absolutely cannot touch a paint brush ... options given from the stainless steel office collection in pic #4 is bright, airy and also masculine w/ all the steely metal :O) Great post!
I just finished painting our knotty pain, er pine den and let me tell you, it's work. BUT it looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! Well worth the work and once the white hit the wood, instant beacy cottage feel!
So, with all that said, go white, you'll love it.
Paint the whole room or get rid of the husband
I say PAINT IT!
The wood is way to orange to keep as is , it is dark and very dated , I would tone down the ceiling with a poly stain and paint ALL the other wood white or soft blue ....it will update the whole thing , husbands often don't know jack about decorating , they second guess and fear change too much and often the just can see it , go for it , do it when he's away , that is always a good strategy...if he likes this current look he is no decorator.
Is Mr. Angie going out of town soon?? I think all white is is perfect and so versatile.
What a great post. I usually have trouble visualizing the final result of a project. I agree that the all white room is the way to go.
I think, if it were me, I'd compromise...you have to keep peace in the family, don't you? How about sanding the walls and ceiling and staining them a lighter or clear finish? or maybe sanding and pickling the wood? I do love wood, but in it's proper place...the all wood room looks awfully dark and gloomy to me. A cottage should evoke a feeling of clarity, peace and tranquility...:-) **Tami
I love the fact that you gave so many options. Am I the only one to vote for the wood ceiling and white walls? I think that looks awesome and preserves a fabulous feature. I would love to have those vaulted wood ceilings and natural wood trim. Again, it was great of you to show all the options without dictating one solution. That is why I would consult you before any of the TV designers who seem to be more interested in their own ego-driven design visions. In the meantime painting the furniture white and white window treatments and accessories is the way to get started. Great job!
I too would pick all white but if I had to keep all of the wood in it's natural state, I would go with the white furniture, roman shades and maybe even some sort of trim. Great pictures!
all of nothing baby!
How about a compromise? I love the natural wood ceiling but would definitely paint the walls. Perhaps adding some architectural interest with white cross ties or beams. We have a similar dilemma in our retirement home. I've also considered pickling or white washing to lighten the wood without totally covering.
Gorgeous inspiration photos, BTW, Layla!
I really can't believe I am saying this, but I like natural wood look better. We have a small pond house w/wood walls and your pics have provided me w/some inspiration. I love the picture of the bedroom w/white and green. Your pics are great- have you considered white bedding to go along with white window treatments? I really like the white and green shades w/white panels. The white bedding w/the green blanket also looks great.
I love the all white, but I think to preserve marital harmony, I would leave the ceiling natural.
I love wood. But not from floor to ceiling, it looks like a box and a bit outdated (sorry). I love your examples of what you can do with white furniture etc. Especially the first pic. I would give that a try and otherwise negotiate with the husband to paint at least a part white.
I think the best look is to not slather all white on those walls, but paint the window frames and trim with white and use white linens with a pop of green or other bright fresh color. Go with iron beds or painted white beds. It really was the best look. That room needs to stay wood. Looks very cozy to sleep in.
I would definitely go white. If hubby just can't or won't go white, maybe a nice cream and leave the trim around the windows and doors the wood color.
That room has GOT to be painted! We just painted the wood ceiling in our kitchen white (it had been "pickled") and I'm so over the moon in love with it!
Just do it Angie! Your husband will forgive you. (Oh, but my bit of advice is to hire someone to do the ceiling because painting all those boards is a special kind of hell.)
They MUST paint it ALL WHITE~!
So cottage like and chic at the same time. LOVE LOVE LOVE it all white!
J
What a great post! It's so nice to see all the different options. We've gone through the same process in our family room (I want to paint, dh says no way) but I FINALLY convinced him! I personally love the look of white walls with a wood ceiling - I think it's the best of both worlds.
White. I would feel like I was living in a cave in the dark wood room. White is so fresh and modern, so bright and cheery especially in a cottage.
Lots of fun looking at all the options. I think if Mr. Angie sees this post he will understand how much better the room will look white. You have given him some great options to consider that he would not have been able to envision otherwise.
I am so impressed with the inspiration pics you found---I didn't think it was possible to brighten up an all wood room, but you proved me wrong. Nice work!
And I'd also love to see some after shots once she and her hubby take the plunge :)
White, white, bo white, fanna nanna fo fite, be bi bo bite, WHITE!
Well, her photos show a beeeuutiful wood ceiling. I would definitely leave the ceiling as is. That wood is gorgeous. I'd say start simply and slowly with as much white, stainless, mirror as possisble. Then move to painting trim on windows and door if that is not enough. Definitely would not go in and slop white paint all over everything right away.
Layla, you are truly brilliant when it comes to reading people and their spaces. So often I see people offer advice or comments that truly do not reflect the person's lifestyle and preferences or are so out of reach budget wise. Instead of saying 'too bad for hubby, paint it all white', you gave them so many different ideas, and in such great detail. Some people like wood and you gave some awesome ideas of how to freshen the area and keep the integrity of their cottage setting. From your inspiration photos and 'slideovers' you have given that couple some outstanding ideas. You rock at design, and your marriage counselling skills are pretty cool too (hehe).
3 years ago I stayed at this great cottage on tybee island before my son was being deployed from Savannah, this is NOT an ad, even though Mermaid Cottages advertises on this site. I was a total "paint it all white" till I stayed here and enjoyed the richness of the lovely paneling.... check these pics out for even more inspiration:
http://bookings.mermaidcottages.com/site/Imagery/PropertyID__19964/page__0/2391/DesktopDefault.aspx?PropertyID=19964&page=0&PageID=2391
great post!
If there is going to be a compromise I would go with something close to your option #4. I would leave ceiling as is and paint the wall but all the way to the peak. It seems a little cut off when stop and go straight across. Oh and maybe the trim too! But I do like that green and white bedroom!
Sorry...but some men think wood makes them "manly"...which also means no design taste what-so-ever. The dark wood is too darn depressing and not relaxing one bit...and that is what a cottage is suppose to be. Or is this a "hunting cabin"...too bad. I'd have to put my foot down and paint it all white. We had a shed once that was simply a storage shed for our riding lawnmower and such...but I couldn't stand it so dark and creepy. So I bought blk/white lino floor tiles and make my husband paint the entire interior white...floors, walls and ceiling...and OMG it so transformed the space that even DH liked it and acutally appreciated it. It was no longer a place for spiders and critters...lol
I hope they paint it all white but if they don't then they should definitely do the white beams.
Hey There !!!
If the cottage is small with few windows painting only the trim and doors is a compromise....and adding additional windows really helps..
Hint..paint ONE room white, again a compromise,and that will give you a better idea of the Magic of White.
At first I thought all white, but the picture with the starfish lined up and the white rug and leather chair changed my mind! I think the one thing she would need to do is buy an awesome chandelier with a lot of white lights.
white for sure. sorry mr. angie.
I love love LOVE that last picture...of the bedroom, opening out onto the lake. (Definitely saved it to my "ideas" folder...) I, too, sometimes feel guilty to paint over or in another way change beautiful natural wood....even though the look of it isn't exactly my style. Thanks for these great ideas!
Why are men so enamored with the woodsy look? Like another commenter said, maybe if Angie's husband sees some photos of beautiful rooms painted white, he will change his mind. Our last house had wood paneled walls that my husband wouldn't let me paint, but now he says that if we lived in a house with wood paneling again, he would let me paint it. Mostly because he has seen how beautiful white painted wood paneling can be.
Now, if I were Angie, I would suggest to my husband painting the wood walls and trim white, and leaving the ceiling the natural wood. I think that would be a good compromise. She could have her white, and he could still have some natural wood, and it would look beautiful!
I love thw ood walls with the white trim, ceiling and beams. It makes the room light & bright, but makes hubby happy with the wood walls.
I love how you made it possible to see the room white or as is! As you showed in all the example images, balancing all the dark with tons of white furniture and accessories will probably do the trick. Janell
I think the wood is beautiful and like it with just the white shades and white bedding and accents. Hope you can come up with something that both of you like.
Paint it white! Great photos.....
xo jill
http://www.toohipchics.blogspot.com
I would choose the wood walls with the ceiling painted white with added beams. Love that look!
The wood walls, white ceiling and white beams was my favorite look. I can understand wanting to preserve the rustic feel of the wood walls, but I think the white celing and trim really opens things up. And great idea to add the beams Layla! What a difference that made!
I love this post. You are awesome. If her husband sees this he now has a complete vision of how it will look if he allows some painting to be done. And so many options. Brilliant....you are.
Best. Post. Ever.
I LOVE the all white look.. but I think it'd be nice to add the beams to the all white room in a lighter natural wood. My crazy husband doesn't want me to paint our walls white either (they're not wood btw). I think men just can't get their heads around it. Maybe after Angie shows her hubby these pics, he'll have a change of heart! :)
I vote all white too!!
All white!
I say keep the wood stained, at least on the walls. I love the fresh blue and white with the wood. You can always paint later if it doesn't work out. Plus, it's your husband's house too : )
I LOVE the wood walls with the white beams. I think you need to keep the natural character in a room like that. HOW FUN!!!
xoxo, Meredith
Such great ideas!!! What program do you use to make your photos?
Umm...well...as soon as he left the house...I would bust out the white paint and crank the radio so I could get to work...thats what I would do.
;o)
~mary~
i'll give you that the ceiling in that room is something special, but the walls? come on.. they're just icky paneling from the 50-70's. i agree with soooo many people that have commented above that it would look amazing painted all white, the lovely ceiling and all :)
all white all the way - so cozy!
This one's a "no brainer!" All white! Knotty pine really is a "Knotty Pain!"
You could always do a grey wash over the timber too, so the natural texture and pattern comes through, but it lightens the whole looks and makes the wood look silvery and beautifully aged/weathered. Grey wash with white trim looks fantastic.
I confess, I would want to paint it all white but your suggestions are dead on!
Also maybe some compromise is in order, perhaps ONE wall of each room is painted white?
all white! definitely! =)
Layla, this is a rocking great post! Thank you for all the eye candy & rollovers~very cool!
Angie, how do YOU want this place to feel? Dark & woodsy? or are you after a beachy feel? also, how much light is coming into this cottage? if there isn't a whole lotta natural light then you are going to have to paint it or it will always be dark~even with some updated light fixtures. My vote is to paint it white & upgrade light fixtures. {at very minimum you should paint the walls}
here is my proof: we just purchased a cottage & showed some friends thru it today. they kept oooohing & ahhhing over all of it because (as the husband said) this is very beachy {think white walls, & great light fixtures with beachy accents in blues/greens/ taupes & sand colors). his wife said their place is very woodsy. i have a feeling they will be painting their woodsy place to be more beachy! My husband gave me all the glory & thanked me for doing a great job on it. He keeps saying how much he loves our little beachy cottage!
Chris's comment from Just Beachy still has me laughing~be sure to check out her blog, too!
Great ideas, Layla. I love the idea of all the sparkly and shiny surfaces. I'm in love with a little sparkle no matter what color the walls are. If it were up to me, I'd do white walls, but leave the trim and ceiling wood. The wood ceiling is really beautiful.
Hugs and good luck, Angie...
Gail
Layla! You came up with some awesome examples for Angie. I love the all white but if Mr. Angie doesn't want the walls painted at least he should do the trim, doors and window casing. I also looove the white beams!
I think Mr. and Mrs. Angie need to decide if they want beachy, clean, and cottage or a dark hunting lodge. I hope they take you advice.. and I hope Angie gives us an update.
i live in an area where more of the year gives up gray skys than sunny blue, so more light is always welcome even if it's in the color we paint our rooms.
the room shown here is dark and not in a warm dark way...if this umbudging husband really wants it left dark, i'd probably start with the lighter window and bed coverings like you have shown. Then go from there...maybe he/husband will see the light (bad pun)and come around to her/wife (and most of our) way of seeing the light...?
My advice is to just get a new husband!!! :)
I don't care for dark wood at all. I have no idea why husbands love dark wood. stand your ground. who's the one who really cares - you or your husband? if he doesn't come around, get a new one.
I moved to a house in the woods with cedar wall and spent the first year sitting on a chair looking at the wall wondering, "what should I do?" Painted the walls white and was thrilled.
Still need to do a couple bedrooms and your photos have helped me decide to leave the ceiling
wood as it is.
Thanks.
We live in an older Lindal Cedar Home built in 1976 with wood walls and ceilings and huge beams in all of the rooms. The only exception being in the bathrooms and the kitchen. We bought it in 2007 going from a cindar block pool home to this wonderful chalet nestled in the old Florida Hammocks. We love the wood walls and so does everyone that comes in. Some previous owners put down off white tile on the floors throughout which does brighten it up. And we have a wall of windows that the light just pours into. Yes, it's been a little challenging to decorate after living in homes with only painted drywall all of my life but, it's also fun to be creative with textiles and accent furniture. My kitchen has stainless accents and white cabinets so it's not like cooking in a box. I love it. I never feel like I'm in a cave here, just plain cozy. I love the warmth of the wood, it's easy to keep clean and I don't have that urge to change the colors of the walls with paint like I did at my old house, and believe me, I changed my mind alot. I work with the wood as a back drop to accent what I put on them, I think that is the key. It's amazing how easy (and fun) it is to dress the house for the changing seasons. Thanks for a great post! There isn't alot of decorating advice out there for those of us that want our warm, wood walls and ceilings. The advice is always to paint it! You've given me lot's of new ideas to run with! I hope you do more posts of warm wood-wall, lodge type living.
Jana
Jana, thank you for your comment. I forgot to add my 35+ year old cedar on the wall is rough, board and batten. Yes, everyone who visits loves the look even the puffs of pet fur that often floats up a sticks to the wall.
You've given me new insight. I'm going to look into covering the cedar with a smooth finished wood. Nope, I don't think I should remove the cedar as it may effect the structure, the room has a 15 foot ceiling.
Sussi
Hi Layla, Love the presto-chango pics! So much inspiration for Angie.
Since it is only one room and not even a "public" room, she should go for it! I would do all white because I just don't like pine paneling in all its dark,woodsy splendor (IMHO)--but, the variations you showed with keeping some wood and adding lots and lots of white are super-persuasive and look surprisingly (to me) really good cuz I didn't think I could like any paneling like this, but I'm learning :)
Another great job, Layla.
Blessings,
Sindy
I love all the inspiration pictures you given Angie in her situation. I think it is so sweet of you to include her hubby's wishes (cause after all they have to live there too) SO.... I like the all wood, with white accents and painted furniture and white shades. simple and easy.
Now Angie can make a few simple changes and then move on to the next thing. Maybe Mr. Angie will make some concessions at that point. Give a little- get a little!
great options, great advice- well, Any advice from you Layla is great advice!
:)
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!! We recently bought a ranch with an add on room that's all wood. I wanna paint white (come on!!!)- hub says "umm..no way". This post helps us out a lot - we're doing the white trim w white shades & lighter pics & touches. Thanks again. You guys - I am hopelessly addicted to your site!! thanks for all the tips!!
Jody & Steve & boys
I love all white!!! However, to keep the peace with your husband, I think that the all-white accessories do make a huge difference. And then maybe eventually you can convince him otherwise ;)
I have fake wood walls in my dining room. I've been working with it until we muster up the courage to take down the paneling and assess the damage that's been looming underneath for the last 40 years!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tbxrVJTBfhY/S8JYdVP4UhI/AAAAAAAAA3U/A89GY83dfak/s1600-h/11%5B2%5D.jpg
I would love white painted wood walls in a more country/cottage house, but we've made the house a good mix of traditional and modern, so that would look out of place with the rest of the home.
Layla,
Love! all your ideas. Here's another though:
Lots of guys feel painting wood is wrong (I can't figure it out) but many of them feel okay about restaining the wood a lighter color. So, you could always sand it all down (I know, scary) and refinish it.
Just an idea. Can't wait to see what it looks like.
all white!!! {or at least the ceiling}
xo,
cristin
Melainie over at My Sweet Savannah painted her walls in her all wod room, and I think it's so much brighter and better, without painting it all!
I would paint one wall white and leave the rest and then do the trim white!
On another note... I went to pottery barn for the first time this weekend! I get the catalog but it is just not the same as going in the store and sitting on the couches and touching everything and being enveloped in the ocean and seaside without ever leaving the city! I am IN LOVE and can't wait to replicate some of the things I found there!
I love the all white, but that wood is beautiful. I think my favorite is the wood walls and ceiling with white trim and white beams. Looks so cozy and fresh.
Just had this dilema with my cabin...and someone told me about your blog today...we just painted 2 days ago. I went white walls and wood trim around windows and baseboards. I also left the ceiling wood and the vaulted parts wood. I loved seeing all the options though. thanks
IMHO, cottage in the woods/mtns = wood, cottage on the water = white. If you stay dark, make sure you brighten up/modernize the space in other ways w/furniture/decor. GL!
since she can't paint the walls - i would paint trim and doors white - add as much white as possible - plus maybe the navy - OR somehow put up some material on at least one wall..how about painters drop cloths although that might be too heavy..muslin? not thick enough..shoot. ok - paint the trim and add white accessories..and try to convince hubby at least one wall white...
All that wood just says "cave" to me. I vote for painting and doing the big beams, too, just for fun.
Love the white beams! I hope that convinces her husband. I'm sure he never envisioned it looking so good in white.
Cheers! Rita
Personally, I love the all white. But I also have a hubby who doesn't like to paint wood. What's with them? If I were to compromise, then I wouldn't paint anything, and just accessorize with the white. Great options you have given!
Paint all of it!
My hubby would be the same - don't paint - ugh!
Wonderful Ideas! I would try the "All wood interior..." first. Then If I couldn't stand it I would make small changes until I found the happy medium. I also really like the "White walls/wood trim and ceiling..." But the rebel in me would just want to do the room the way I wanted to one day when my hubby was out of town and hope he liked it when he came back. :)
First Choice = #1
Second choice = #6
Third Choice = #2
P.S. You are amazing :)
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I have been RACKING MY BRAINS and the internet's search engines for some good examples of dealing with wood on wood walls and ceilings. We have 100% heart pine in our home and my husband has the same stance--it's worth too much to paint or tear down. I love your suggestions and I will be implementing them in my house ASAP!!!
only you could solve a problem like this!
I'm amazed...
I love the all white option
all white or...
keep it all wood...
white would be stunning though :)!
I can so relate to Angie's dilemma and Mr. Angie's resistance to paint. I just faced a similar challenge in my family home of 50 years that my parents had built. It's not a cottage, but a 1958 ranch, so selected tongue-and-groove redwood paneled partition walls in the living and dining rooms originally had a pickled finish, so they were more blonde in color. Beautiful natural wood, but after 50 years, they weren't looking so great. I anquished over painting them, but knew it was the only way to go to make them shine again. They're now fresh and gorgeous again in a beautiful coat of taupe beige paint that I also used on the woodwork trim (baseboards and window trim). I used a paler shade of beige on the other walls and the look is just stunning! Whatever Angie chooses for their bedroom, I'm sure it will be a great solution since all of Layla's suggestions were terrific! Good luck!
Hi Layla! Great post! I love the last image you posted. What's the source? Those bedlinens are dreamy. Good luck, Angie. It took my dad almost 35 years to decide that painting the pine paneling in their Vermont farmhouse was a good idea. My mom's delighted and my dad couldn't be more pleased. It's very fresh looking.
Great Post....I'd go for the wood walls, white ceiling and white beams!
I like it all white...sorry hubby!
Great job showing us all the options, Layla! What a huge help in planning.
I believe she shouldn't paint the room right off although it would look great. Sometimes we overlook the husband's desire just so a room "looks perfect". I really liked the one with just the windows painted and the white roman shades. Someone suggested a white bedspread and lime green accents. Start there and maybe a few years down the road when your ready for a change your husband will be more attentive to what you want.
I believe she shouldn't paint the room right off although it would look great. Sometimes we overlook the husband's desire just so a room "looks perfect". I really liked the one with just the windows painted and the white roman shades. Someone suggested a white bedspread and lime green accents. Start there and maybe a few years down the road when your ready for a change your husband will be more attentive to what you want.
I vote for white walls, keep wood ceiling and wood trim :)
Love the looks, but my question is, where can I purchase that object you have on the wall? =)
Thank you for all the ideas! We just moved into a basement of a house with wood walls in our bedroom. I will definitely add white in our room. My favorite was the white ceiling and white trim around the windows.
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