Hi Everyone,
I hope you’re feeling well this weekend of the full moon. I don’t usually pay much attention to whether the moon is full. However, I don’t know if I was in denial about the difficulty of these last weeks with floors and painting and the moon or if I’m merely burned out.
I’m sure it’s all of the above.
That manifested in that I didn’t do the hot sales on Friday. Oh, I updated most of it over the last few days but didn’t send anything out. And this post is coming out much later on Sunday morning.
Here’s what happened yesterday.
At about 5:00, I thought I better take some pics of the new floor in the primary bedroom suite to show you. I took them and came upstairs to “develop” them. In 2024-speak, that means doing the appropriate editing.
Can I tell you that the two yellow bulbs look worse than ever now that the floors are white? The supposedly warm bulbs give off a pink and yellow light. I hate them.
But that’s not all. I know most of you are going to hate the white painted floors.
Why?
Because we have primed white walls, a white floor, an aqua ceiling, and filthy windows in front of out-of-place-curlycue window guards. Then, there’s construction crap out in the garden, the aforementioned hideous lighting, and nothing else except for a sea of white.
As my darling Mama always said with a wink:
“It’s like a marshmallow in the snow.”
And sometimes, it’s a pink marshmallow. But too often, it’s a pink marshmallow that has peed all over itself.
Sorry, but that’s what it looks like.
Related but slightly off-topic, I got a brief email on Friday from Paul Montgomery, an incredible artist and owner of the Mural Source, wondering where we were with the wallpaper I wanted to do.
It must have slipped through the cracks. I had sent Paul an email about a month ago when the paint debacle was getting sorted out, followed by the bathroom floor. In the email, I said that we needed to put the paper on hold until things calmed down with the entire primary bedroom suite.
I still love the wallpaper for the Solitude White for the primary bedroom.
However, the scheme keeps changing, and even though the colors are fine, the Chinoiserie paper doesn’t feel quite right. Besides, we’ve had difficulty with our white paint colors, and then coordinating with the background of the paper.
Below is the new bathroom design, which I adore. That is not the floor. You can see which one I selected in this post. (It’s #3)
The bathroom in the primary bedroom suite.
The beautiful Solitude White by the Mural Source is the paper I was planning on doing in the primary bedroom.
There’s nothing wrong with the Solitude, but there’s something I never told you.
Last spring when I was getting samples from The Mural Source, I sprung for a large one of the English Parks in the Grisaille colorway.
This is a beautiful room by interior designer Cindy Rinfret in Greenwich, CT. I met her briefly in 1996 when I walked into her shop when I was just starting my business.
Anyway, I had the lovely English Parks Grisaille sample pinned up in my room and enjoyed looking at it so much. Alas, I knew full well that I had nowhere to put it.
Laurel, that’s nice. Are you going to show us the floor and tell us what color you selected?
Yes, I am. However, you must prepare yourself to be disappointed.
Please note the lovely pink reflection of red brick mixed with the green from the ivy and blue from the sky. I daresay it’s also reflecting the ceiling. (Benjamin Moore Opal Essence 680) The floor is opal-like, isn’t it? That was my mommy’s birthstone.
You will never guess what this color is.
It’s a Laurel Home Collection color. In fact, it’s on everyone’s list of the best white paint colors.
It’s this one. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. ;]
NO WAY, LAUREL!
Please don’t argue with me. ;] I checked out the can.
It is Benjamin Moore oc-17 WHITE DOVE!
Imagine if I had done a cooler white like I thought I might. The floors would’ve looked like baby blue.
Well, you’re right, Laurel. I hate the room. Clearly, you have no idea what you’re doing. You should’ve listened when a chorus of us was begging you to do a wood stain on the floor. Oh well…
Thanks, y’all. I love you, too.
You guys know I’m just joking around with you. I mean, I do love you! But you know, and I know, I’m hoping to make you eat the words I put in your mouth. ;]
But first, let’s look at a few more pics of the marshmallow in the snow.
Ah, now it’s looking much more like the Dove, right? Thank God for the black railing and the warmth of the stain on the stair treads. They’re looking far darker here than they are.
Laurel, so far, you haven’t shown any images with this terrible lighting you’re always going on about.
You’re right, I haven’t. That’s because I spent a good hour color-correcting all these images.
Below is how the image above looked straight out of the camera.
Like I said. Pee-covered marshmallow. (But, I see pink, too!) Please understand that I don’t make stuff up just to make you spit out your coffee. Truth be told, it’s not quite this bad in real life. However, the camera lens does its best with the LED lights.
And finally, the view I will have from my bed.
Yes, I talked to Chris about the gaps now quite noticeable where the baseboard meets the floor. I would like to avoid a shoe moulding,
So, now it was after 7:00. At some point, I made dinner and ate it.
I came back to the post and knew what had to be done.
We need to see how the English Parks Grisaille looks inside these panels.
An hour or so later…
Holy Crap! That looks GOOOOOOOOODDD!!!
I’ll just stick me a mattress on the floor, and it’ll be perfect.
Okaaaay. You know I’m not going to do that.
Naturally, I kept going and going, and before I knew it, it was past midnight.
OMG! This is it!!! Well, not the coffee table, and maybe not that chair. Do you like how I left the patches on the ceiling?
However, the big question is for you haters (of the painted white floors). Can you see what a fresh, calming look this is?
Couldn’t you get this look with a wood-stained floor?
Nothing wouldn’t be wrong with it, but it’s a different look.
Okay, now let’s put it all together, just to make sure.
I love it!
While I also adore the Solitude White mural, I love the English Parks Grisaille even more for my primary bedroom suite.
For more lovely grisaille papers and murals, please check out one of my favorite posts here.
I think it relates much better to the bathroom down the short hall that comprises the primary bedroom suite.
Another compelling reason I prefer the more neutral wallpaper, and something we all need to be mindful of, is what’s going on outside.
My garden (before it became a dumpster) in July 2022.
This monochromatic grisaille paper will look beautiful with the red brick, the leaves, and definitely when it snows.
Okay, now I get to enjoy my day before the onslaught begins all over again tomorrow.
Note several hours after publishing.
Guys, I have no other place to put the bookcase! It is normal to cut off large pieces of mural. Look what happens when there are doorways and windows, or the mural is under a staircase. There is a bed on the opposite side of the room also covering up a large section.
There are 13 panels ranging in size from about 8.5′ and a foot or less for three of the panels.
At this time, five of the panels have no or minimal (like the small radiator) major pieces of furniture covering them up. It was the same in my Bronxville apartment. Actually, every section was fully or partially covered, except for one section that could be seen in its entirety, but only when the door was closed. haha.
It’s the nature of things and not a defect. Or at least, it isn’t for me and I’m the one living here!
The focal piece of the mural is below, between the door and window. It is seen walking into the bedroom.
It will be tough deciding which section will go there. The opposite wall has two full-length sections and that’s the secondary focal point.
xo,
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Related Posts
Laurel’s Home Renovation 2024 – News & Deets!
14 month Renoversary! and I’m Back In My Bedroom!
Hardwood Floor and Primary Bathroom Update!
Tinted Wallpaper? Here’s How to Do It + Renovation News!
The Best Lighting Ideas You Can Steal! (from me)
The Bright Light at the End of the Renovation Tunnel
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73 Responses
Laurel, I love love love what you’ve come up with, including the white floor. And love the bathroom floor design. Just wondering, since that cabinet will hide so much of the gorgeous mural, would it make sense to take the “hidden” portion of the mural and use it to wallpaper the inside back of the cabinet? Or would that look too chopped up?
The white floors are spectacular and I have the same opinion about the wallpaper. You have the Midas touch and I can’t wait for the completion ..xox
Janet
I love the White Dove floors, and the Robin’s Egg blue ceiling, but I’m not a fan of that tree sprouting out of the top of the cabinet. When lying on your bed, that is all you will focus on. My vote is for the chinoiserie birds, I found them truly elegant and peaceful.
Thank you for letting us put in our two cents, I know you will do what is right for you, and is will be lovely!
PS: I also like the bathroom floor better without those tile daisies.
I love what you are doing. If you had a dark floor, you may be unhappy, too. The mural, your beautiful things and rugs will make things beautiful! Can your guy caulk where the baseboard and floor don’t meet? There are a million little things!!! You need a vacation when this is complete!
Before you decide on the mural, please do a mockup of all walls in your bedroom (especially the curved wall). I think we all would have a better sense of how the new paper will work.
After a few minutes adjusting to the new look, I am starting to see the effect. The bedroom now has drama and weight that the birds and branches could not convey. However, is it too much weight?
Yes, to the white floors.
Qualified yes, to the mural (is that pale blue I see in the sky of the mural?).
Perhaps if people saw the effect of the mural on your curved wall, we would all be reassured about covering so much of it with your bookcase.
I know that you have years of experience, and I am preaching to the choir, but I think it will look astounding and I know that you know that you are in the middle of the process and we all know we need to trust the process.
I wish I had someone like you that would be telling me what to do with my 80’s house!
Much love!
Love how this is coming together. I appreciate when you add furniture and accessories. I have been studying your post on tension in decorating and don’t feel that I fully understand how to achieve this. I can’t wait to see you furnish your home after this renovation. Please describe what you do to add tension in the design.
I really love the floors! The rooms look so airy and filled with light. I think the murals are fabulous. I don’t know for certain, but I imagine back in the day there was furniture placed in front of walls that had murals on them. I think it looks very natural and relaxed. It feels like a home, not a museum.
It looks great! I like the substantial scenery of the grisaille here, better than the delicate vines for some reason. I have no problem with your furniture covering chunks of expensive artistic wallpaper 😉 Before I had houses I did dollhouses and roomboxes, and a favorite one had a grisaille mural above walnut paneled wainscoting.
Your courtyard is wonderful! What a retreat. I bet you miss that space but soon… soon!
White painted floors are a great idea in general and in this case solves a problem of uneven wood tones. Can totally change the look of a room as sometimes stained wood can dominate and this makes it more neutral. And it’s not like they were some lovely very old wood. Sounds like it was put in after 1978? This makes me rethink some spaces in my own home.
Look forward to the room all put together 🙂
Just for the record, I think what you have currently is a beautiful blank slate just waiting to be decorated. I know it has been an exhausting experience, and that you have periodically found it necessary to change the design. But I think it is going to be gorgeous when you are finished.
Hi Laurel,
Hmmm… from the photos – the floor looks like a painted concrete basement floor rec room. Silently it must have tortured poor Floor Guy to put white glop all over an old wood floor with quarter-sawn oak rather than repair/refinish/transparent white etc. “Whatever the customer wants.”
Covering up so much of a scenic mural makes no sense. On the other hand, covering up the birds/branches mural doesn’t really leave the viewer wondering what is covered-up by furniture etc. because only more redundant branches and birds are blocked out – unlike the specific setting depicted in a scenic mural where most likely there are many different scenes for the viewer to idolize over.
Just my observations.
Glad you are happy with how things are going : ) – B.
Darling Bill,
Oh my. These aren’t observations; they’re erroneous assumptions full of unnecessary snark.
However, Bill. What viewer are you referring to? Just how many people do you think I’m entertaining in my bedroom? Specifically, on my bed which is the only place one would have that particular view? And while I’m busy with my harem of hot, handsome stud-muffins, I would hope they’d be more interested in me than the wallpaper hanging on the wall, across the room.
;] ;] ;]
The only option for not covering up that section of the mural is to leave it off. But then should I leave it off behind the bed, too?
As for the floor, it will only be finished tomorrow when it gets its 2 coats of water-based poly.That’s “high traffic” poly. lol
And for whatever it’s worth, it was Gary’s idea to use this product as soon as he discovered that we were dealing with white oak. He was a good sport letting Chris and I work on a viable alternative.
In addition, it is not an old floor. Well, not older than 1978. There is nothing special about it. It did not have any patina like the floor upstairs does.
The new floor looks great! All that stain angst while you liked painted floors all along anyway.
Truthfully I never liked that White Solitude. Way too girl-ly and although my gender may have something to do with it, I had a pink kitchen once so maybe not. Your new selection is immensely better.
Maybe just live with the scenery for a while, before hanging art over the art. I guess it might possibly help the chair & lamp vignette but, more importantly, how on earth do you sleep in that bookcase?
I don’t sleep in the bookcase, but across from it on the opposite wall. (The one with a staircase growing out of it. haha)
The grisaille is fabulous. Fabulous!
First saw grisaille in Bunny Williams’ NY condo powder room, which was featured on a video blog (Quintessence?).
The floor appears also to be painted white with a grey pattern and it’s quite gorgeous. Perhaps an idea for a rug in your room?
Your wallpaper is the star of the show and undoubtedly you will make this room pop as only you can. Love your blog!
It is stunning! The white floors can’t be truly appreciated, nor can the beautiful mural, without the layering in of the other elements in the room. The flow appears perfect! The end is near and so worth all the stress of getting there!
Lovely, but I agree about the display case cutting the scene of the mural which is gorgeous. Don’t cut the legs off as some suggested. It needs to go elsewhere. I like the idea of a little desk there instead.
Roz Kelly
I love the Grisaille!! It brings out the colour of the ceiling and the colour in the hall. And I love the white floors. I was just talking to my contractor today about red oak and white oak floors…and the difference between the two. What a coincidence. Even though it’s just a rendering, I’d love to see a smaller piece of furniture on the largest panel-that way more of the mural can be seen. It’s all going to be stunning!
I love the English Parks Grisaille! Seems to be more in keeping with the other murals you are using which I adore too, Very elegant, serene, and sophisticated. The white floors are perfect with it. Hope it’s a keeper for you.
Can’t thank you enough for sharing the evolution of your fabulous reno!
Love the white floors! Your master suite is beyond stunning. Bravo Laurel!!!
Simply beautiful (and one of a lot of ways it could be beautiful). Congratulations! And count me as one who finds the dresser/cabinet layered over the mural panel both effective and subtly elegant. Finally, I also get what you mean about the brick, weathered wood, shifting greenery and sky outside and how these are a essential parts of the whole.
But what really strikes me about this entire journey is that you have illustrated in great detail (1) you need a clear vision and road map before starting a major project, and (2) the outcome will be improved by allowing yourself to make fresh discoveries and decisions at every stage as the project proceeds. In other words, you’ve shown us how to plan ahead and not plan ahead at the same time. It’s like a painter who knows what the picture will be, but knows they must actually put each brushstroke on before they can see where the next one goes. This is genius–I’d say, for renovation, for art, and also for life.
Your white floors are gorgeous! Your bedroom will be stunning, Laurel. Please continue to follow your heart. 🙂
This is FABULOUS! But truly no surprise; I’ve been waiting to see what you would do. And as expected, a work of art. I’m going to pull it out as inspiration for my clients often. In fact we were just talking about you the other day. My client asked- have you been keeping up with Laurel Berns Reno? And I said- well yes! I’m also painting the ceiling in my entry Opal Essence. XOXO Michelle
For the bedroom , I would prefer the subtleness of the Solitude White chinoiserie mural but that’s me not you!
Laurel! I love the floors! LOVE!!! My one regret is that we didn’t paint all of our floors white. Albert Hadley’s room has always been one of my favorites! When everything is in the room it will be even more spectacular.
XOXO Nancy
How could I have ever (privately) doubted you?!
It’s going to be FABULOUS! ♥️🎉
Perfect! I figured White Dove would be your decision. That is “The Mural” too! I tend to agree with your readers who see the cabinet in your rendering as somewhat obtrusive. I think the mural stands on its own and shouldn’t be covered up by high cabinets or framed pictures. Perhaps a really low cabinet, if needed? Beautiful Jules type chair and fabric choice, including monochromatic throw pillow. Exquisite.
I am in love with those white floors! I know it will all be together soon just as you wanted. Not sure I am in favor of the mural, but I know it will work with your decor.
I also love the all white and have artwork and furniture be my accents.
Love all the paint colors you are choosing! Cannot wait till this is complete and we can see the final result. No one more than you I know .
Hi Laurel. This is my first time commenting on any of your posts over the years. (Also. I could never hate you, but you might hate me in a few seconds.) I love everything you have done to your new home. I look forward to reading every one of your new updates. First, I LOVE the white floors. They are gorgeous. But here’s where you’re going to hate me. I prefer the Solitude White mural. The other example might appear more sophisticated, but to me, the Solitude White is breathtakingly beautiful. But then again, this is why you are the master. I’m betting whichever one you choose, I’ll realize you chose the right one in the end.
Spectacular! Love the white floors and the pale opal ceiling…
The grisaille mural creates a serene space, elegant & warm.
Furniture placement is personal – whatever you decide, it’ll be perfect.
AND when does the fun start with your rug “hunt” …
Laurel – your end results are so warm yet cerebral…a LOT of thought and pivoting in the process.
You are amazing… and inspiring…
I love the marshmallow in the snow! It looks so fresh and clean!
But hideous reflections are rI’ll.
I had a beautiful, all white apartment in the early aughts. Then the neighboring house (6 feet away) painted their giant Victorian barn red. My sweet, cozy apartment looked like a murder scene with the red reflections. I literally had to move because it made me feel so ill.
You’re in the home stretch and things are looking AMAZING!
I love the white floors which expand and brighten the room. Not a fan of the cabinet interrupting the mural’s narrative. It would be interesting to see Solitude in the same mock-up.
I admire so much your perseverance and unflagging attention to detail. You’re amazing!
I love the new mural and, of course, the White Dove floor (my home is mostly White Dove – because of you – and now we all know you really put your money where your mouth is haha). I think you just put that (very nice cabinet that I know you love) in front of it to see how many would disapprove (cutting the legs off would be sad but it is too tall in that spot). So, I am wondering if perhaps there really isn’t anywhere else to put it? If that is the case then maybe NOT that particular mural because the cabinet just makes me want to see what all is behind it.
Your work reflects the fact that this kind of project requires lots of flexibility, on top of vision and creativity.
It is all coming together so beautifully!
If it were me, I would want to look over my toes at more of the mural, and less objects, but your gut and vision and tenacity has paid off I am sure the final “reveal” will be stunning.
The issue of the outdoors reflecting in bedeviled me too. One color choice C2 Americas Cup) that I loved in one space, turned another into an OR-blinding…had to repaint, after trying to live in that OR and see if I would adjust.
Nope!
C2 Pearl read just right and as you walked from one room to the other, it read as the same color.
So, reading/seeing all you are going through is reassuring to those of us who shift gears mid project, dictated by certain realities.
Thank you.
OMG, Laurel! I love every bit of it! Yes, yes, yes! Your talent is never ending, despite the burnout! I love White Dove, and I’m so glad you picked it. I never worry about the color changes from exterior lighting; I think the brain auto corrects for that so it’s insignificant. The new mural is so “you”, so unique and perfect. Love live live the painted floors. What a dream!! Many congratulations!!!
All gorgeous! But cannot help wondering if there are going to be too many murals and therefore would the birds and flowers work a tad better?
Hi Shain,
The birds and flowers are also a mural, but the bedroom and tiny entry that can barely be seen are the only murals. Everything else is a work of art.
Laurel, whew! Was worried something had happened when I did not see your post early this morning. Was very happy to read it just now. So, I do not think it is fair to judge the white floor when the rest of the room still needs painting and decorating. I do not hate it – actually when you layered in the English Parks Grisaille I totally got it. Love this mural. And when you put all the rooms together I see how it all works. It is outstanding. Will you do an oriental on the floor or sisal or nothing?
Relax, Laurel, the painted white floor is fabulous. I would have some dark wood in there, e.g. white (or white and deeper-than-the-ceiling aqua patterned) chairs with dark wood cabriole or turned legs. I would definitely move that white cabinet away from the large wall that obscures your mural. Perhaps a long, low GLASS/PLEXIGLASS table if you insist on having anything there. I do prefer the chinoiserie tree branch mural with the birds. The grey mural just reminds me of a gloomy, cloudy day. Chacun a son gout!
Moira
Hi Moira,
That cabinet has been going there for the last two years, and was planned for carefully. The reason for the mural is the curved wall that’s begging for a panoramic mural.
Nothing in life is perfect.
This room is lightyears beyond what it was– a dreary, large dorm room with a door adjacent to the alley.
Laurel,
Well done!!!
I would like to see a ” board” with a dark stained floor though…..I like the white but hope you can show us a comparison….. love the paper!!!!!!!
Hi Patricia,
Sorry, I can assure you that is not happening. lol Not to be mean, but I’m already on the verge of burnout, if in fact, I’m not already there.
I’m a little late with the progress of your home. Would love to know the sq footage as seems like a long time for construction.
White floors are lovely. Follow William McClure on Instagram. All of his floors are white. I painted my stained limestone bath (floors, walls,shower) with white porch paint. It’s fabulous. So easy to clean.
The total square footage is 1215. And yes, it’s a ridiculous length of time, however, I did not have anywhere close to full-time builders. It has been two guys working an average of 8 days a month. Plus, they were poorly managed. Finally, I’ve stepped in and taken charge wherever I can. I was trying not to step on my GC’s toes. In the meantime, I could’ve taken over many parts much sooner had I known.
Hi Laurel,
I got worried this morning when I didn’t see a blog post from you. I’m happy to know you’re ok.
So, you’ve changed the paper for the bedroom. It’s fabulous! I can’t wait to see it installed.
And your white floors feel so fresh & bright. It will allow the new mural to be a standout piece.
I love them!
Absolute perfection, Laurel. Thank you for sharing your journey. That Grisaille mural is the be all end all. I’m going to copy this design for my own Master Bedroom (I’m so tired of the gold, brown, and taupe Tuscan remnants).
Congratulations on your new home, masterpiece.
I know you’re enjoying it immensely.
Blessings,
Tara
Looking good! I was skeptical of the white floors working with all the other white but I really like it. Very fresh. Once you get area rugs down I think it will blend nicely. One other comment is that the primary wall paper is lovely and I would let it shine by not placing any furniture to block it.
Hi Linda,
There are four walls and 13 panels of various sizes. The breaks are a welcome respite.
It’s gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Personally, I like your cabinet in front of the mural because it offers an opportunity to interject a bit of color with whatever you choose to display inside and it keeps the mural in check. (Yes, the mural is pretty, but I don’t want it to own the room! Hahaha)
Hi Laurel… SO GLAD YOU BOUGHT THAT MURAL. Your gut was 100% right. Ever since I saw the Manhattan apt that Susan Rheinstein (of blessed memory) created for herself and her husband which had a Grisaille mural living room, I was in love with that look. It was so restful and calm, elegant and refined. While the other treatment you had in mind for the bedroom was lovely, for me, the sinuous curves of the vines would have been alot of movement in a bedroom. I love the mural so much…. I just think the cabinet opposite your bed is covering the whole mural. I’d love to actually see the mural there from your bed. On the floors: I had thought you were doing WHITE STAINED floors, to show the grain, but that is very hard to do, and I’ve rarely seen it wear well. The white painted floor is a better base for so much beauty and won’t compete with such all special elements on this level. GORGEOUS GORGEOUS. You deserve it, and use it in good health. BTW, there is a Yiddish expression which translates to , “You don’t show a fool a half a job” meaning if you show someone something that isn’t complete yet, they will criticize etc because they can’t see the whole integrated job at once and the reasons for many elements…. That’s what I thought when you were going to show just the white floor in isolation….. Everyone will jump up and down , until they see the whole concept. And then of course…. Everyone will agree it IS fantastic!
Hi Marguerite,
We had a lot of trouble with the floors. But, actually, you can see some of the grain in the floor. Yes, this is why I had to do the rendering. I knew that many wouldn’t get it, just like they don’t get that it’s okay to have furniture over a mural. My bed is over another part of the mural. But, there’s a lot of wall space and other parts are fully exposed. I left a comment at the bottom of the post.
I love it too!
I’ve had white floors & they are versatile & hide dirt well. However I prefer wood, cork, or rubber in a warm tone or matching the walls & trim. Nice rug. The wallpaper w/ the simple tree branches & birds 🐦 spoke to me. To each his/her own.
It is beautiful!
Like always Laurel I knew you would pull it off. When you are just looking at individual elements as you know, it’s scary and you do have that moment of “what have I done”. I tell my clients all the time this is just one small piece of the puzzle and when you start layering everything in it will make a home. Everything you’ve done is spectacular and I agree the Grisaille will be perfect, as are the white floors.
I love the white floors with the mural! It’s a very serene choice. The mural provides a captivating “view” from your bed. The white floors and mural really elevate the space. Context, as Nancy said, really brings it all together. Gorgeous!!
I too would like to see more of the mural with a smaller console table or desk and find a home for it upstairs? Well done Laurel!!
Its gorgeous and will be perfect when you are finished! I too did a white painted wood floor in my house, using White Dove, and love how it looks. Many old historic buildings are known for painted floors, and your project is a wonderful restoration of a classic. It doesn’t get much better than that!
It looks fabulous! Love the white floors, they are wonderful, as is the beautiful wall mural!! I do agree with another that I don’t like the cabinet that covers up so much of the mural. Do you have anywhere else you can put it, in another room? Or, if you can’t part with it, can you shorten the legs as much as possible? And take off the back of the cabinet so you see the mural? If it is a display cabinet, I don’t feel any “things” would be as beautiful as showcasing the mural. Cindy Rinfret’s design is perfect with a lower open table.
That being said, all your tremendous efforts are bringing you to a fabulous end result. Bravo!!
Hi Gigi,
Cindy’s table is not open. There’s a mirror covering up the mural and then a large mirror over the table. The opposite wall has a fireplace mantel a doorway, etc. I’m not clear what the difference is. Much of her paper is covered. I will say that my bookcase is a few inches lower than I made it, but it would take a long time to fix the drawing.
These are conceptual drawings, not precisely how it will be as you can see by the oddly shaped rug.
I love the white floors!
This is a perfect reminder that you can never judge one design element in a vacuum. The whole downstairs now has a gorgeous flow through individual rooms with unique design elements creating a cohesive and interesting space overall. Your talent is undeniable and really shines here. Happy Sunday.
I hate that your white cabinet(headboard?) covers up so much of the beautiful mural. Maybe it’s because we got to see the entire mural before furniture placement. If that’s not where the bed is going (I can’t remember!) is there any way to move the seating area to the nook so that more of the mural would be visible? Just a thought — and probably won’t work for any number of reasons you know & I don’t! But I thought I’d throw it out there. Oh —- and I really like the white floors! I hate LED lighting, though.
Lovely, but why cover up that gorgeous wallpaper with your cabinet? I love the blue ceiling.
WHITE FLOORS FABULOUS!!!
Don’t change a thing.
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Pam (Licensed Designer) in Tennessee
As soon as the furniture and walls are completed and put into place, those white floors are going to be spectacular.
Laurel,
When you decided to paint the floor white, I thought it was a terrific idea. And seeing the finished result confirms that you were right. It visually opens up the rooms giving them that airy feeling and reflects light. It unifies the rooms and creates a nice flow. I adore painted floors. It was the right choice. Full steam ahead to the finish line!!
It’s GORGEOUS. I love the mural so much. When you showed the empty room photos I knew it would be beautiful when you furnished the room. Things have to be seen in context. I admire how you can get so attached to an idea but can pivot to what’s best. I don’t know how easy it is, but it’s commendable.
This is all so lovely! (No doubt with you in charge of the design.) Your challenges make me really terrified to embark on any much-needed renovations of my own, but thanks for bringing us along on the journey!
Well I adore white everything but I am sorry to say I do not like the white floors at all. Stained would have been lovely…
I love the white floors. But I hate you’re covering up most of the mural in the center. Could you put a shorter piece there? I love that piece though. I feel like when you get furniture in there, or a rug, you’re not going to notice color reflections on the floor. It’s all perfect if you ask me!
LOL – I love it! I KNEW it was going to be bad and then poof! Looks amazing. I can just imagine how beautiful the floors look in real life. PLUS the lightness it adds to the ground floor. I even like your mural even though I generally don’t like any. You really pulled one out of your hat. Bravo!
It’s going to be beautiful. I will admit the white painted floors wouldn’t be for me, but I have never had any doubt that you were going to make them beautiful, and it’s fun to see the mockup to help visualize how it will all come together.