Get fresh with hubby
Updating a family home calls for co-operation, listening and white trim
My husband and I are planning to renovate our two-storey house that we have lived and raised our children in for the past 25 years. It’s a traditional house with a separate living and dining room with stained wooden baseboards and casings. We are moving out of the house for six months while the reno is being done. I want to get rid of the dark wood trim and have white baseboards and door casings but my husband isn’t on board (no pun intended) with that idea. We are going to open up the main floor so that it will no
longer have a closed off formal dining and living area. I want a less traditional look that’s not so heavy and dark. Do you have any photos (or words) that might help convince my husband it’s time for a change?
I admire you for renovating. You and your husband have the opportunity to renovate based on how you have lived in your home for the past 25 years.
Take a look at the photo from which I’m drawing my inspiration for you. This Chicago home was designed by Michael Abrams ( michaelabrams.com) and, for me, reflects the look I think you should explore.
The main floor of this house is open and spacious while, at the same time encompassing a floor plan that has a defined foyer, living room, dining room and kitchen.
The decor is elegant, while being neither traditional nor modern; it’s a style referred to as transitional.
The clean, straight lines of the furniture (with the exception of the antique secretary) and the neutral palette of the wall colour and fabrics create a space that is not too masculine or feminine, making it comfortable for all.
I think this look would suit your renovation nicely.
And now to address the white elephant in the room: I agree with you in regard to painting your wood casings and baseboards white.
I think this photo perfectly demonstrates to you and your husband how fresh your home would look if you were to lighten up and use white paint for the trim.
I also love the addition of the white panelling in the entryway and then again in the dining room. It pays homage to the traditional bones of the house without looking stuffy or heavy.
You may choose to wallpaper above the panelling in either of these areas, just as Abrams has done. Use a neutral grasscloth paper for texture, as shown here, or a subtle toneon-tone damask if you want a bit of pattern without being bold. Either will work nicely in your new space.
Your renovated home will serve you for many years to come with what sounds like an extensive makeover, so I strongly recommend you and your husband think carefully about every last detail so you don’t miss anything or — heaven forbid — make a mistake.
Take the time to collect magazine tearsheets or start a Pinterest board of every room and detail that remotely appeals to you so you can then narrow down the ideas to how you want your home to look.
And remember, the process should be enjoyed as much as the end result.