How to Update a Family Room Using Paint

As a Millcreek interior painting contractor, we know there are several things to consider when we embark on home improvements.

How the space is used, lighting needs and design changes, to name just a few.

The cost comparison to make certain changes verses other changes may help narrow down the options you have, this will streamline your decisions.

Working with our Color Consultant, will answer all your questions, provide you with cost comparisons, give a list of vendors and most importantly, establish your design lane and color map for you to follow as you move through your home and work on updating the spaces.

In the before and after images you can see that the client had a traditional design.? What elements make it traditional, you ask?

The rustic brick, the oak book cases, shelf placement, the carpet and wall colors.

The rounded arms on the sofa and skirted ottoman are traditional, where the straight arms of the leather chair are more modern, less traditional. Leaning itself more toward a transitional design feel.

Our Color Consultation began with asking the clients what their objectives were, if they knew what colors they wanted, was new furniture in the future, how is the natural lighting in the long winter months?

It is a natural process to discuss all concerns with the various options.?In receiving the answers, the client was able to determine what rang true for them and what they would like to move forward with.

The client revealed that they wanted a more contemporary transitional feel with a fresh, current color palette.?New furniture and accent pieces were a strong possibility.

Out with the green carpet, for sure. Carpet verses hardwood, because of cost and they prefer carpet under their toes.

Yes, the room was dark and would love to lighten it up. All while remaining cognizant of the homes overall design and not move “too far” out of that lane. As it was not in the budget to do the whole house at once, but rather room by room.

The first suggestion was to paint the rustic brick and outdated oak bookcases, with Benjamin Moore’s White Chocolate. By adding white to the room provided the fresh updated feel and added light reflectance for the natural window light to bounce back into the space.

The ceiling was painted with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, followed by walls painted with Benjamin Moore’s AF80 Jute.?The accent color was determined by the clients’ love of a certain shade of blue, which was selected from the Benjamin Moore fan deck – Mystic Lake.

The colors were determined and viewed throughout the home to ensure that the one room update would still blend with the rest of the home design-in the interim. ?The new carpet color was chosen for its light reflectance and its combination of gray and jute colored fibers.

The suggestion was made to eliminate some of the shelving to open up the space. To accessorize with new found objects that provide interest, color and texture.

The darker jute colored sofa was reused in the space and a few more transitional pieces were added to the room to achieve the end goal.

??It begins and ends with color.

Pam Brooks, Color Consultant & Owner at Painting America, Inc.

Millcreek Interior Painting Contractor