What can I do with this 1967 fireplace and wall panelling?
The wall panelling is original but the look is quite drab against modern furniture and white shutters on the windows, grey carpet and beige walls. The new sofa is grey. What can we do?
Comments (13)
PRO6 years agoOh I love a house with a bit of original retro style! The timber panelling was originally done as a feature, but with the colour of the orange brick it all blends together too much.
I wouldn't paint it, but I would give it a good clean, as it probably has decades of smoke and tobacco. Depending on the condition of the original varnish you may also consider giving it light sand by hand and refinishing it to bring out that wonderful honey glow that nicely stained timber has.
It looks like the fireplace recess will never be used as fireplace again (as it is carpeted) so I would be looking to differentiate the colour of the brickwork to the timber, perhaps with a stone finish, maybe a warm slate, which will be in keeping with the period of your home.
Best of luck,
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Not happy with timber island bench, what can I do??
Comments (46)yep, stunning. I been drawing something similar for a while and it's awesome to see your ab fab results after your OP. I got interested in some ikea solid timber benchtops, not nearly as nice as yours, and thought I'd combo them with black cabinets, white stone and white walls (just a "what if" design). so I totally love your kitchen. it's great how well the tiles look now compared to when you first posted, they really excite me! and the lightshades against the black wall. and what's that dining area I see? that smoked glass table top with timber trestles and black chairs and that black and white rug? where you get those?! I want to see more! congratulations, it's hard not to gush! big ups to Mldesign too....See MoreWhat can I do with these dark walls? Paint white?????
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Comments (13)I like the blue touches already in the room, which reflect the brickwork. Agree with lots of creams/ neutrals, just adding some blue in cushions, artwork. Maybe a bluish/cream rug, with a subtle pattern, not a solid color. Also I think the lights are a little lost. The high ceilings could take some quite large shades, maybe drums. And I agree that the central column could be painted to become the focal point as stated. Either white or quite a dark grey/ blue, ( it might darken up things too much, but it's only paint, can be changed). It might be sinful but I think I would replace it with plaster, then paint it. Finally maybe a dash of 60s burnt orange or mustard if you want to want to keep the retro theme....See MoreWhat do I need to consider for built-in robes around a fireplace?
Comments (38)You could consider custom joinery that actually looks freestanding - purposefully creating a gap from the edge of the fireplace surround to the wardrobe & on the wall side also. This would also mean that it really does not matter if the front of the cupboards do not align with the front of the fireplace. Adding a nicely detailed leg, and a feature handle (you can get some really unique Australian made ones these days) to give some visual interest to the otherwise minimal finishes. Keep it simple & classic so it ages with your child's taste and preferences. As an example, The Design Files recent article has an image of a cupboard in a lounge area, that could be adapted to two double door units on either side of the fireplace https://thedesignfiles.net/2019/10/interiors-house-p-cjh-studio/. Seems perfect for a child of any age, or even if you want to convert the room to a more 'grown up purpose' once they leave home ;-)...See More
6 years agoAs much as I love retro, I think I would paint the timber white to flow with your windows and shutters. By doing this you could get away without having to move the aircon, a big wall hanging to the R/H would help balance the wall. and tile the interior of the fireplace with encaustic style tiles and add a basket for toys etc. think colours like this
Louise Hodgson thanked siriuskey
6 years ago
PRO6 years ago- 6 years ago
PRO6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoYou can leave the paneling but make it white washed or weathered, so it is up-to-date. Some kind of
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