Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss

OT: paint colors

0 views
Skip to first unread message

badgirl

unread,
Aug 6, 2003, 9:13:33 PM8/6/03
to
Ok, I need opinions here....

The siding on my house is a hideous faded mint green, the base of my
house is like a light beige brick. We want to paint the siding but we
can't decide on a color. DH wants something to contrast the beige
brick and I think an ivory/ off white would look ok.
Any suggestions?

--
Jen,

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/chgo_badgirl

Proud SAHM to Steven 7/24/89, Stephanie 6/5/91 and happily BF'ing
Nicolas 5/21/02
Mother is the word for God on the lips and in the hearts of all
children


Wendy

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 2:45:42 AM8/7/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:YIhYa.84249$YN5.62865@sccrnsc01...

> Ok, I need opinions here....
>
> The siding on my house is a hideous faded mint green, the base of my
> house is like a light beige brick. We want to paint the siding but we
> can't decide on a color. DH wants something to contrast the beige
> brick and I think an ivory/ off white would look ok.
> Any suggestions?

Ivory is a nice safe colour, but it depends on what effect you want? It
certainly beats mint green, I'm sure. What sort of siding is it? Could you
introduce something more dramatic in the trim?

Wendy


badgirl

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 9:35:50 AM8/7/03
to

"Wendy" <we...@hundredakerwood.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bgss85$8ve$1...@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...

anything will beat this ugly mint green lol.
it's regular horizontal aluminum siding. I'm not sure what I'm going
to do about the trim. I need to take a drive around my neighborhood
and see what other people are doing and try to mimic something that
looks good. We are wanting to sell the house next year so I want
everything to be as neutral and saleable as possible.

Jen


The Watsons

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 3:45:43 PM8/7/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:WAsYa.87402$Ho3.11895@sccrnsc03...

some shade of blue? :)

Jess


Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 3:48:45 PM8/7/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:YIhYa.84249$YN5.62865@sccrnsc01...
> Ok, I need opinions here....
>
> The siding on my house is a hideous faded mint green, the base of my
> house is like a light beige brick. We want to paint the siding but we
> can't decide on a color. DH wants something to contrast the beige
> brick and I think an ivory/ off white would look ok.
> Any suggestions?
>
> --

With beige brick, I kind of like coffee color with burgundy accents, but my
taste is entirely in my mouth, so don't mind me.

I.

Karen

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 5:48:29 PM8/7/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:YIhYa.84249$YN5.62865@sccrnsc01...
DH wants something to contrast the beige
> brick and I think an ivory/ off white would look ok.
> Any suggestions?
>
> --
> Jen,

I'd get one of those paint chips with three complementary shades in the same
tone, and find one that has the shade of the brick. Then I'd go with the
other two colors for paint and trim.

Karen


The Reynolds

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 5:51:38 PM8/7/03
to
well, if you want something dramatic and contrasts the beige brick, how
about a maroon-y or burgandy color? I bet that would look great next to the
beige brick. IMO, beige and ivory would look to "bland" and kinda boring.
But that is just my opinion, ya know. or perhaps and smoky blue color, if
you don't want something as dramatic as burgandy? I have seen alot of
burgandy houses with beige bricks and they look good. I have also seen beige
brick houses with a pale yellow, but that doesn't look as good as the ones
with burgandy. Just my opinion. Hope you find something you like soon!

Angie


Karen

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 6:09:58 PM8/7/03
to

"Karen" <gbur...@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:NOzYa.10806$jg.32...@news1.news.adelphia.net...

> I'd get one of those paint chips with three complementary shades in the
same
> tone, and find one that has the shade of the brick. Then I'd go with the
> other two colors for paint and trim.
>
> Karen


Sorry to follow myself up, but additional thoughts:

If you can keep the base a shade or two darker than the siding, it gives a
more solid look to the house and adds curb appeal.

I do some consulting work for a large development. Most new subdivisions
have the color combos professionally designed. I just approved a huge
portfolio for a large builder with literally dozens of color schemes. Drive
through a newer one and steal their combination ideas.

This is all geared, of course, with an eye to selling.

Karen


badgirl

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 9:23:45 PM8/7/03
to
Ahh! This is the kind of thing I was looking for ;)
Thanks Karen (and everyone else who posted)
Now I know what I'm gonna do with it and I know it will look good when
I'm done ;)

Anyone wanna come and help paint? I'm an awesome cook and I'll feed ya
*grin*

Jen

"Karen" <gbur...@adelphia.net> wrote in message

news:W6AYa.10823$jg.32...@news1.news.adelphia.net...

The Watsons

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 9:25:41 PM8/7/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:JgCYa.62009$Vt6....@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.net...

> Ahh! This is the kind of thing I was looking for ;)
> Thanks Karen (and everyone else who posted)
> Now I know what I'm gonna do with it and I know it will look good when
> I'm done ;)
>
> Anyone wanna come and help paint? I'm an awesome cook and I'll feed ya
> *grin*
>
> Jen
>

sure, be glad to....lemme get my shoes on and i'll be right over....;)

Jess


badgirl

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 9:45:51 PM8/7/03
to

"The Watsons" <warped...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:xZCYa.63533$zy.1171@fed1read06...

Actually believe it or not I really enjoy painting. It gives me a real
sense of accomplishment to look at the walls and trim and everything
when it's all done.
Last November my sister and I did the dining room and front room and
it was just such a great improvement over what was there before. I
almost felt like the old color made the rooms look dirty and dingy.
Now I'm seriously contemplating going over the trim in all the rooms
with white...like the baseboards and the door trim. I have to consult
the DH on that one though, he's already pissed that I want to redo the
bathroom tile that I did when we first moved in here. The bathroom is
a rose and ivory with a rose border around the top and I put gray tile
in the tub stall. I want to redo it in ivory tiles instead now. I told
him I'd wait until we got the new tub in though just so he doesn't
have to worry about my tearing the bathroom apart in two separate
jobs.

*sigh*
sigh a long ass *honey do* list and not enough money or time ;(

Jen


Lilale

unread,
Aug 7, 2003, 11:52:44 PM8/7/03
to
badgirl wrote:

> Now I'm seriously contemplating going over the trim in all the rooms
> with white...like the baseboards and the door trim.

I did this in my new room --pale pale terra-cotta color on
the walls, and bright white trim. I LOVE it --it's warm and
crisp at the same time.

The bathroom is
> a rose and ivory with a rose border around the top and I put gray tile
> in the tub stall. I want to redo it in ivory tiles instead now. I told
> him I'd wait until we got the new tub in though just so he doesn't
> have to worry about my tearing the bathroom apart in two separate
> jobs.
>

I had a rental with gray and rose in the bathroom, and I got
tired of it REAL fast. Ivory sounds better. Do you do your
own tiling? Our bathroom has been ugly and on its way to a
remodel for --um, five years now. And I want it to be just
plain old cobalt blue and white. But I'm afraid to do my
own tiling. I took the Home Depot class and thought, surely
there's a catch and it is much harder than this.

Is it?

Lisa

badgirl

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 12:07:23 AM8/8/03
to

"Lilale" <lhalko...@ncal.net> wrote in message
news:3F331E8C...@ncal.net...

Yep, I do my own alotta stuff. My father could build a house from the
foundation up so I learned alot from him over the years...including
when to know if a job is too big for me to do on my own.
Just make sure you have the right tools and don't underestimate that
measure twice cut once rule, it really can be a money saver.
My biggest problem is the actual decorating part. My taste is in my
mouth and I really don't have an eye for making things look *pretty* I
can dig post holes and put up a fence, I can paint a whole house, I
can fix a toilet, do drywall and even install tile,.....but beyond
that I can't do a damn thing and it ends up looking plain.

bah ;(

Jen ;)


Wendy

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 3:07:15 AM8/8/03
to

"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:P6DYa.61555$Oz4.14980@rwcrnsc54...

> Actually believe it or not I really enjoy painting. It gives me a real
> sense of accomplishment to look at the walls and trim and everything
> when it's all done.

I do too, in a masochistic sort of way. I'm good at it and like the
results. It's just this past year with the garage conversion, the dining
room because the door had to be knocked through from there and the
livingroom renovations, I feel like I've been painting in every spare
moment. The painting goes quickly, it's the endless preparation that wears
me out.

Wendy


Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 7:37:44 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, "Wendy" <we...@hundredakerwood.freeserve.co.uk> said:

>I do too, in a masochistic sort of way. I'm good at it and like the
>results. It's just this past year with the garage conversion, the dining
>room because the door had to be knocked through from there and the
>livingroom renovations, I feel like I've been painting in every spare
>moment. The painting goes quickly, it's the endless preparation that wears
>me out.

Oh, SING IT, Sister!

I just finished the painting in my kitchen. The wallpaper stripping,
scrubbing-off of old paste, priming and finally painting took 5 days!

http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html

There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!

Vicki


--
"Washingtonians, however, always drive like old people with trunks
full of babies, and the roads lined with Golden Retreiver puppies."
Rick Tyler muses on the demographics of driving on AFU

Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 8:08:21 AM8/8/03
to
"badgirl" <chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:%lFYa.93508$YN5.67652@sccrnsc01...

>
.but beyond
> that I can't do a damn thing and it ends up looking plain.
>
I'm so with you, girlfriend. People walk in my house and say, "If it only
had a woman's touch."

I.

> bah ;(
>
> Jen ;)
>
>


Kathy Cole

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 8:13:09 AM8/8/03
to
On Fri, 08 Aug 2003 04:07:23 GMT, "badgirl"
<chgobadgi...@comcast.net> wrote:

> My biggest problem is the actual decorating part. My taste is in my
> mouth and I really don't have an eye for making things look *pretty* I
> can dig post holes and put up a fence, I can paint a whole house, I
> can fix a toilet, do drywall and even install tile,.....but beyond
> that I can't do a damn thing and it ends up looking plain.

In addition to driving around to look at developments to see what
choices they've made, have you tried watching any of the decorating
shows on HGTV? I particularly like 'Divine Design' and both 'Decorating
Cents' and 'Design on a Dime' do up a space on a pre-defined, relatively
low budget.

Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 8:51:11 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, Kathy Cole <ka...@scconsult.com> said:

>In addition to driving around to look at developments to see what
>choices they've made, have you tried watching any of the decorating
>shows on HGTV? I particularly like 'Divine Design' and both 'Decorating
>Cents' and 'Design on a Dime' do up a space on a pre-defined, relatively
>low budget.

Paint. Try whatever you like. You can always change it if you decide
you hate it. Be bold!

Kathy Cole

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 8:20:54 AM8/8/03
to
On Fri, 8 Aug 2003 11:37:44 +0000 (UTC), vjr...@xcski.com (Vicki
Robinson) wrote:

> Oh, SING IT, Sister!
>
> I just finished the painting in my kitchen. The wallpaper stripping,
> scrubbing-off of old paste, priming and finally painting took 5 days!
>
> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
> There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!

It looks good! I really like the red wall.

I'm not very good at window treatment ideas. I'd want something tight
to the windows (but bamboo or other interesting-material shades or
blinds), rather than a poufy drape.

Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:07:25 AM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0228$4hv$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> In a previous article, "Wendy" <we...@hundredakerwood.freeserve.co.uk>
said:
>
> >I do too, in a masochistic sort of way. I'm good at it and like the
> >results. It's just this past year with the garage conversion, the dining
> >room because the door had to be knocked through from there and the
> >livingroom renovations, I feel like I've been painting in every spare
> >moment. The painting goes quickly, it's the endless preparation that
wears
> >me out.
>
> Oh, SING IT, Sister!
>
> I just finished the painting in my kitchen. The wallpaper stripping,
> scrubbing-off of old paste, priming and finally painting took 5 days!
>
> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
> There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!
>
> Vicki

I love the faux tile! My house, before I bought it, was owned by a man who
molested children, so in order to "cure" himself (I guess), he threw himself
into Christianity. Now that would have been all fine except that my kitchen
cabinets bore the brunt of it. The cabinet doors are now all painted with
Christian scenes. Bad ones. That's what I pictured when you said you were
doing the faux tile. I'm so relieved. How did you do it? Was it a
masking-tape deal or what? I love it. I love the red. I love the yellow. I
want to do that to my kitchen. I think three separate rolly shades, clean
and smooth, in some red/yellow/veiny combination, would be lovely for that
bay window. Maybe marled yellow with the red veiny smooth rolly shade
straps. Or get Sheila to quilt you something. She just got a new machine and
she's threatenin' to use it.

I.

Karen

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:12:38 AM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0228$4hv$1...@allhats.xcski.com...
> In a previous article, "Wendy" <we...@hundredakerwood.freeserve.co.uk>
said:
> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
> There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!
>
> Vicki


I love the red wall and the faux tile painting. It reminds me of something
out of Venice.

I've always wanted to paint a wall red but never had the nerve. I've been
redecorating my dining room in red and shades of yellow, but I did the walls
in kind of a soft mustard or chamois kind of color. I put red in the
artwork, upholstery, and window treatments.

You have lots of light in your nook; it looks great!

Karen


Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:13:20 AM8/8/03
to

"Conspicuous" <listm...@internetfornospamtherestofus.com> wrote in message
news:hgNYa.400$Ad4...@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...

>
> "Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
> news:bh0228$4hv$1...@allhats.xcski.com...
> > In a previous article, "Wendy" <we...@hundredakerwood.freeserve.co.uk>
> said:
> >
> > >I do too, in a masochistic sort of way. I'm good at it and like the
> > >results. It's just this past year with the garage conversion, the
dining
> > >room because the door had to be knocked through from there and the
> > >livingroom renovations, I feel like I've been painting in every spare
> > >moment. The painting goes quickly, it's the endless preparation that
> wears
> > >me out.
> >
> > Oh, SING IT, Sister!
> >
> > I just finished the painting in my kitchen. The wallpaper stripping,
> > scrubbing-off of old paste, priming and finally painting took 5 days!
> >
> > http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
> >
> > There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!
> >
> > Vicki
>
> I think three separate rolly shades, clean
> and smooth, in some red/yellow/veiny combination, would be lovely for that
> bay window. Maybe marled yellow with the red veiny smooth rolly shade
> straps. Or get Sheila to quilt you something. She just got a new machine
and
> she's threatenin' to use it.

Oh, it's not a bay window. Still....

Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:30:12 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, "Conspicuous" <listm...@internetfornospamtherestofus.com> said:

>I love the faux tile! My house, before I bought it, was owned by a man who
>molested children, so in order to "cure" himself (I guess), he threw himself
>into Christianity. Now that would have been all fine except that my kitchen
>cabinets bore the brunt of it. The cabinet doors are now all painted with
>Christian scenes. Bad ones. That's what I pictured when you said you were
>doing the faux tile. I'm so relieved. How did you do it? Was it a
>masking-tape deal or what? I love it. I love the red. I love the yellow. I
>want to do that to my kitchen. I think three separate rolly shades, clean
>and smooth, in some red/yellow/veiny combination, would be lovely for that
>bay window. Maybe marled yellow with the red veiny smooth rolly shade
>straps. Or get Sheila to quilt you something. She just got a new machine and
>she's threatenin' to use it.

The tile was easy. I'll include instructions at the end of this post,
so anyone who wants to can skip them without having to search for the
rest of the post!

I like your idea about the rolly shades! I thought you said you had
no taste! I've been thinking about valences, since I don't really
care about closing the curtains in the evening; it's not like I do
anything shocking in the kitchen. With the lights on, anyway.

OK, here are the instructions:

Paint the background whatever color you want the "grout" to be. I am
painting over a ghastly plastic laminate that had been glued to the
wall, so I used a special primer made for painting over laminate, then
flat wall paint.

The hardest part is drawing the lines. Measure the dead center of
your area vertically and horizontally, and center your first tile
there. Measure 1/4 inch out and draw another line all around. You
have a tile, and the surrounding grout. Now work out from the center,
drawing your tiles in in light pencil lines. I went to a fabric store
and bought quilters' tools to help, and they were invaluable. I got a
4 inch square (the size of my tiles) that was marked off in 1/8 inches
on the edges. It was made of clear plastic and the measureing
increments were printed the length of the square, so it was easy to
line things up correctly. I also got a ruler with a 45 degree angle
built in that was very useful.

When you have the wall drawn in, then place your 1/4 inch tape over
the grout lines. The people at Lowe's told me that there was no such
thing (in fact they told me that such a thing could not exist), but
you can find it at well-equipped craft stores, or order online. (I
got mine from epaintstore.com .)

Then use acrylic paints that you get at a craft or fabric store to
paint your colors. You don't have to use wall paints. Considering
the cost of a quart of wall paint, and the fact that these 2 oz
bottles of craft paint cost $.50 - $1.29, and there are billions of
colors, it's the cheapest part of this project! I painted in the
backgrounds fairly solidly, then sponged over the tops with a bit of
sea sponge using colors from other tiles. For example, the "yellow"
tiles are actually a kind of buff color, sponged all over with a light
buttery yellow, then edged in a mix of the butter yellow and the
terracotta paint that was used on the terracotta tiles. Experiment on
watercolor paper first, so you can see what you like and what doesn't
work for you.

Let the paint cure for 3 - 4 days, then cover with two or three coats
of polyurethane. I haven't done that yet.

If you're on a fast connection and you can view QuickTime movies,
there's a little movie (fooling around with iPhoto on my new Mac
laptop!) that shows the process at http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/.

If you're having problems with where to put which colors for your
tile, there's an Excel spreadsheet at
http://www.iansharpe.com/index.php?http://www.iansharpe.com/art_xltiling.php
that you can download. (Assuming you have Excel installed on your
computer, of course. It runs on Macs and on Widoze boxes.) You put
in your dimensions and your colors and it generates a pattern for you.
Makes things much easier.

Vicki

Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:33:55 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, "Karen" <gbur...@adelphia.net> said:

>I love the red wall and the faux tile painting. It reminds me of something
>out of Venice.
>
>I've always wanted to paint a wall red but never had the nerve. I've been
>redecorating my dining room in red and shades of yellow, but I did the walls
>in kind of a soft mustard or chamois kind of color. I put red in the
>artwork, upholstery, and window treatments.
>
>You have lots of light in your nook; it looks great!

Excuuuuuuuse me? That "nook" is my dining room, I'll have you know!
Why, I can seat up to 6 people at once!

Which is why my annual Christmas party is buffet service.

They tell me that red is the new neutral, so I decided to go for it.
I love it. It's actually kind of orange, it doesn't show as well in
the pictures. Kind of a really intense tomato-soup color. Waverly
Sweet Tomato, available at Lowe's.

jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:39:45 AM8/8/03
to
> Be bold!
>
>Vicki

Monster House!
http://www.origprod.com/homeown.html

jane

Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:45:57 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, janel...@aol.com (jane) said:

>Monster House!
>http://www.origprod.com/homeown.html

Wow. Kind of "Trading Spaces" with more skill, money, time and
chutzpah!

Too bad I'm not within an hour of LA.

jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:55:14 AM8/8/03
to
>http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html

It looks great. I'm madly impressed.

I hate seeing people look at me when I'm sitting in my house, but I'd want as
much light as possible, so I vote for cafe curtains. Maybe red, with giant
yellow, green, and brown sunflowers.

jane

jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 9:58:43 AM8/8/03
to
>They tell me that red is the new neutral,

Oh, please! Shoot me now. I am so out of this thread.

jane

>Vicki


Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:05:20 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, janel...@aol.com (jane) said:

>>http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
>It looks great. I'm madly impressed.

Thanks!

>
>I hate seeing people look at me when I'm sitting in my house, but I'd want as
>much light as possible, so I vote for cafe curtains. Maybe red, with giant
>yellow, green, and brown sunflowers.

I had cafe curtains before. Didn't like 'em. I like to see out (I
like my front yard, small as it is, I have a really huge maple tree,
http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/house_june2003/tree.jpg )
and I don't care if people can see in. Although Paul has a tendency
to wander about scantily clad when the kids aren't home, and I keep
telling him that when the neighbors start setting up lawn chairs in
the yard, he has to stop.

I'm thinking about valences, actually.

Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:23:52 AM8/8/03
to

"jane" <janel...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030808095843...@mb-m02.aol.com...

> >They tell me that red is the new neutral,
>
> Oh, please! Shoot me now. I am so out of this thread.

Jane, I don't think you have any right to say red is not the new neutral.
Who do you think you are? I have a need to say...


I.
>
> jane
>
> >Vicki
>
>


jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:26:17 AM8/8/03
to
>I'm thinking about valences, actually.
>
>Vicki

Which kind? I'm window treatment retarded. You thinking of that giant scarf
look or the poofy thing? Panels or no? Gauzy stuff or no? You want them dark
to sort of balance things out? Or do you just want to look into the sun when
you look into your dining room?

jane


jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:30:11 AM8/8/03
to
>Jane, I don't think you have any right to say red is not the new neutral.
>Who do you think you are? I have a need to say...
>
>
>I.

You're so funny sometimes.

jane

badgirl

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:34:40 AM8/8/03
to

"Kathy Cole" <ka...@scconsult.com> wrote in message
news:6p47jvg03b6rslheb...@4ax.com...

I am SO addicted to HGTV. I just can't seem to retain any of the
information when I go shopping for decorating stuff. Either that or it
just wouldn't look right in *my* house. You know, that kinda stuff is
only for a higher class of people LOL. (you know, I'm the good kind of
white trash <G>)
I have a year so it will all work out in the end. If all goes right I
won't have to worry about it anyway, I'm hoping to be moved south by
the time we sell. We want to find him a job, then go rent a place on a
short term lease then go buy with cash.
Ya know, one thing I noticed when we were down there and I got to look
at a few houses was that about half of them were already decorated,
even the vacant ones. All I would need to add is pictures to the
walls. Up here however it's an entirely different story, everything
was bare when we looked at it vacant.
I'll figure it out...unless someone wants to come and give me their
eye for a few days next year ;)

Jen


Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:36:13 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, janel...@aol.com (jane) said:

>>I'm thinking about valences, actually.
>>

>Which kind? I'm window treatment retarded. You thinking of that giant scarf
>look or the poofy thing? Panels or no? Gauzy stuff or no? You want them dark
>to sort of balance things out? Or do you just want to look into the sun when
>you look into your dining room?

<voice="homersimpson">I don't know.</voice>

Not poufy. Probably. Maybe. Right now, I'm thinking flat, with a
shaped hem.

I can't find a picture on line, they're all drapey or poufy.

Karen

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:47:29 AM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0cgt$7vu$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> <voice="homersimpson">I don't know.</voice>
>
> Not poufy. Probably. Maybe. Right now, I'm thinking flat, with a
> shaped hem.
>
> I can't find a picture on line, they're all drapey or poufy.
>
> Vicki

I made tab-top valences for the kitchen that are about 10" or 12" from the
top of the window. I used those springy rods that go on the inside of the
window frame. It isn't too fluffy looking or too tailored - kind of
in-between.

Also, I was at Hobby Lobby (do you have those near you?) looking for
mounting supplies for my dining room swag, and I saw these soft forms for a
shaped cornice board that you can cover with fabric and mount. I couldn't
see how the fabric went on, but the box said there was no sewing or
stapling. Probably hot glue or something, but it looked easy.

Just a couple of ideas.

Karen


jane

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:46:57 AM8/8/03
to
>Right now, I'm thinking flat, with a
>shaped hem.
>
>I can't find a picture on line, they're all drapey or poufy.
>
>Vicki

Do you want material hanging down the sides of your windows and something like
the top of a cafe curtain going across the top?

jane

Karen

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:58:40 AM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh08s3$6lk$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> They tell me that red is the new neutral, so I decided to go for it.
> I love it. It's actually kind of orange, it doesn't show as well in
> the pictures. Kind of a really intense tomato-soup color. Waverly
> Sweet Tomato, available at Lowe's.
>
> Vicki
> --

The houses around where I live are all built in the 1800's. I have a friend
who painted her interior opera house red, with white trim. It looks great.

I have a lot of dark wood trim in my house (I once suggested painting it,
but DH nixed that idea) - the wide old-fashioned kind and wood floors, and
my house is oriented east. So I have a problem trying to lighten up the
rooms; they're often dark. Otherwise, I'd do the red thing.

Karen


Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 11:04:49 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, "Karen" <gbur...@adelphia.net> said:

>Also, I was at Hobby Lobby (do you have those near you?) looking for
>mounting supplies for my dining room swag, and I saw these soft forms for a
>shaped cornice board that you can cover with fabric and mount. I couldn't
>see how the fabric went on, but the box said there was no sewing or
>stapling. Probably hot glue or something, but it looked easy.

Cornice board! Yes! That's what I was thinking of!

I'll check for the forms. I don't want to mess with plywood.

Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 11:15:56 AM8/8/03
to
"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0cgt$7vu$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> In a previous article, janel...@aol.com (jane) said:
>
> >>I'm thinking about valences, actually.
> >>
> >Which kind? I'm window treatment retarded. You thinking of that giant
scarf
> >look or the poofy thing? Panels or no? Gauzy stuff or no? You want
them dark
> >to sort of balance things out? Or do you just want to look into the sun
when
> >you look into your dining room?
>
> <voice="homersimpson">I don't know.</voice>
>
> Not poufy. Probably. Maybe. Right now, I'm thinking flat, with a
> shaped hem.

> I can't find a picture on line, they're all drapey or poufy.

I found some pictures in a book, but they're copyrighted, so I didn't want
to post them. I took the liberty of emailing them to you.

What about like a cornice, with shaped or whatever hem...and then behind
that you could put some miniblinds that stay up almost all the time except
when you're...well, you know...in the kitchen and then you can just pull the
blinds down but for the most part they're entirely out of sight behind the
cornice?

I.

Conspicuous

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 11:17:46 AM8/8/03
to

"Karen" <gbur...@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:AUOYa.11113$jg.34...@news1.news.adelphia.net...

I have the same problem, plus teeny little post-war windows...I'm thinking
the ochre thing with the red accents.

I.
>
> Karen
>
>


Vicki Robinson

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 11:26:12 AM8/8/03
to
In a previous article, "Conspicuous" <listm...@internetfornospamtherestofus.com> said:

>What about like a cornice, with shaped or whatever hem...and then behind
>that you could put some miniblinds that stay up almost all the time except
>when you're...well, you know...in the kitchen and then you can just pull the
>blinds down but for the most part they're entirely out of sight behind the
>cornice?

Ohhhh, I like that. And hidden lights, too.

Karen

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 2:51:59 PM8/8/03
to

"Conspicuous" <listm...@internetfornospamtherestofus.com> wrote in message
news:uaPYa.64$pn3...@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...

>
> I have the same problem, plus teeny little post-war windows...I'm thinking
> the ochre thing with the red accents.
>
> I.

I just pulled down the lace window coverings that the previous owners had up
(yes it's taken me 5 years to get to it) to help with that issue. You would
think lace would let light in, but I find it blocks a lot.
I put sheers up with coordinating swag and then pulled the sheers back with
coordinating tiebacks. I really don't care about blinds or shades on the
ground floor; I'll save them for the bedrooms. I need all the light I can
get.

Can you put up pleats or something, so you can pull them all the way up
under a top treatment so it lets in as much light as possible? Also, the
previous used mirrors to offset one room that is entirely paneled in dark
wood. It helps.

Karen


The Watsons

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 3:36:47 PM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0228$4hv$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
> There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!
>
> Vicki
>

i like it....*G*

Jess


The Watsons

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 3:41:46 PM8/8/03
to

"Conspicuous" <listm...@internetfornospamtherestofus.com> wrote in message
news:uaPYa.64$pn3...@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
>
So I have a problem trying to lighten up the
> > rooms; they're often dark. Otherwise, I'd do the red thing.
>
> I have the same problem, plus teeny little post-war windows...I'm thinking
> the ochre thing with the red accents.
>

my kitchen is in the back of the house, and the only sunlight into it is
from the two skylights....and it's got this thin mauve diamond patterned
carpet with the wood cabinets.....i Really wanna change my kitchen-it's like
a heatsink...:(

Jess


The Watsons

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 3:47:01 PM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0an0$7e6$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> In a previous article, janel...@aol.com (jane) said:
>
> >I hate seeing people look at me when I'm sitting in my house, but I'd
want as
> >much light as possible, so I vote for cafe curtains. Maybe red, with
giant
> >yellow, green, and brown sunflowers.
>
> I had cafe curtains before. Didn't like 'em. I like to see out (I
> like my front yard, small as it is, I have a really huge maple tree,
> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/house_june2003/tree.jpg )
> and I don't care if people can see in. Although Paul has a tendency
> to wander about scantily clad when the kids aren't home, and I keep
> telling him that when the neighbors start setting up lawn chairs in
> the yard, he has to stop.
>
> I'm thinking about valences, actually.
>

tbh, i don't think you really need 'em....the windows seem kinda small, and
so does the rest of the kitchen....leave the windows alone, or do something
like a suncatcher....that'd keep the light coming in, but take care of that
bare look....

Jess


Anne Robotti

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 4:54:13 PM8/8/03
to


Is this one of those times?

Anne

Wendy

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:14:50 PM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0228$4hv$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> Oh, SING IT, Sister!
>
> I just finished the painting in my kitchen. The wallpaper stripping,
> scrubbing-off of old paste, priming and finally painting took 5 days!
>
> http://xcski.com/~vjrnts/kitchen/beforeafter.html
>
> There are touch-ups to do, but they can wait a couple of days!

Congratulations on finishing. It looks nice and fresh.

Wendy


Wendy

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:25:25 PM8/8/03
to

"Vicki Robinson" <vjr...@xcski.com> wrote in message
news:bh0an0$7e6$1...@allhats.xcski.com...

> I'm thinking about valences, actually.

If all you want is a window dressing, it would be easiest to buy a pole and
then just drape fabric over it. In my dining room, there is a single piece
of sheer fabric, which when hung over the pole is doubled IYSWIM. I can
pull it across for privacy, or it hangs pushed back at the side most of the
time.

Love the tree. We've got a flowering cherry in front which is gorgeous in
all seasons, blossom in the spring, green in the summer and coppery in the
fall.

Wendy

badgirl

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 10:48:46 PM8/8/03
to
Well, I started the trim upstairs today with white. It looks good but
I'm kinda pissed because it was so humid today the paint didn't want
to dry and the tape wouldn't stick to the wall so I had to freehand
the edges so I didn't get much done.
I suppose if I work on it just a little bit at a time I can stretch
this project out for a few weeks. If the stupid tape woulda stuck I
coulda had it done this afternoon lickety split.
I think we've decided to wait until next spring to start on the
outside of the house. I have the paint to prime it all right now but I
don't want it looking like shit by the time the house goes on the
market. SO I'm thinking I'll start painting the outside in like May or
June....more likely May because it will be cool enough that it won't
bubble off right away.
I want it all to be done NOW so I can move NOW ;(
DH gets a nice bonus check next April though so it would be stupid to
go before then because we can use that and the tax check to pay off
one of our cars. The less bills we go down with the better off we are.
It's looking like the jobs in his field aren't paying near what he
would need to make to cover our bills as they are.
There's a ton of projects to do around here next summer. I really hope
we can come up with the big chunks of money we'll need to accomplish
them...it will be better than trying to sell the house as is and
losing money on it as a result, even if you offer a credit for the
items that need work you still end up losing twice what it would cost
to fix it in the first place (the offer being less and then the credit
you have to give)
Oh! I almost forgot! I get to go to buy the tile for my family room
next week!!!! I'm so excited ;) I'll have this nasty ass carpet out of
here and a pretty new floor ;) I hafta find a nice area rig though
because this room gets kinda chilly in the winter time with nothing on
the floor.

Jen
*whos brain is fried thinking of all the crap that needs to get done*


Lilale

unread,
Aug 8, 2003, 11:25:41 PM8/8/03
to
jane wrote:
>
> >They tell me that red is the new neutral,
>
> Oh, please! Shoot me now. I am so out of this thread.
>

I know what you mean, Jane --that is *so* 20th century! Red
was the new neutral in 1980, when it was called "Reagan Red"
and nancy wore a lot of it.

Orange is the new pink.

Now do you feel better?

Lisa

jane

unread,
Aug 9, 2003, 9:52:42 AM8/9/03
to
>Now do you feel better?
>
>Lisa

Yes, thank you.

jane

jane

unread,
Aug 9, 2003, 9:53:26 AM8/9/03
to
>>You're so funny sometimes.
>
>Is this one of those times?
>
>Anne

Yes.

jane


Kathy Cole

unread,
Aug 9, 2003, 10:34:10 AM8/9/03
to
On Fri, 08 Aug 2003 20:25:41 -0700, Lilale <lhalko...@ncal.net>
wrote:

> Orange is the new pink.

You have seen 'Josie and the Pussycats', right?

Lilale

unread,
Aug 9, 2003, 12:27:30 PM8/9/03
to

Dear Kathy,

Well, I *could* just say yes, but that would be misleading.
I have a 15-year-old daughter, who was a total fashion
junkie for a while. (She is still stylish but not such a
trend-follower.) So I must confess that when "Josie and the
Pussycats" came out, and we saw it, and I heard them say,
"Orange is the new pink!" it was something that I had
actually been noticing. And I wanly hoped that it would
make DD-then-13 and her friends feel differently about their
fashion magazines, but I don't think it did.

Actually, orange *was* the new pink then, but it isn't
anymore --pink was the new pink again last year and this
year it's just pink again. I only said it to tease Jane.
What I mean by this is that there was a year when the color
of all the sweet spring and summer dresses, which in other
years would be pink, was orange. And all the
pretend-little-girl fashions, ditto: bobbly hair ornaments,
funny little purses, jelly-looking flip-flops, etc. And it
was what models and actresses wore if they were being young
and adorable. If Gwyneth Paltrow had won her Oscar for
"Shakespeare in Love" that year, the dress would have been
pink. Do you know what I'm talking about? If I didn't have
a DD15 I would have no idea what I was saying.

I can't believe I'm saying these things. When I was in high
school I wore a leotard, a cardigan, and a pair of jeans
every single day. I couldn't begin to tell you what colors
they were, except for the blue jeans. I can't remember my
shoes. Work boots, I believe. Now I not only own but
regularly wear a pair of capris --but then, I moved from New
England to California in the meantime. Where are my tweeds?
I have no idea.

How have the mighty fallen!

Lisa

0 new messages