Painting the backs of built ins
April 26, 2010
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I finally did the last of the painting in our son’s room today – sheesh, this room has involved a crazy amount of painting. I am not touching a paint brush again for months! OK, weeks! OK, probably tomorrow!
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was struggling with the color for the backs of the built ins. I was thinking the navy may be too much. The accent colors of red or yellow would just be too bright. And I did consider going back to white for a hot second, but it was fleeting.
I just LURVE when the backs of built ins are painted:
I just think it’s a really inexpensive way to accent the architecture and it makes your accessories positively pop!
And if you’ve read this blog long, you know I am a lovah of painting ceilings as well. I have done it for years and the Bub’s room is a great example of how great it can look…and it had me thinkin’.
Why not use the grayish blue from the ceiling on the backs of the shelves? It grew on me and I thought it would look pretty fab. The bonus – I had some leftover from the ceiling!
Well, I ADORE it:
Sorry the pics aren’t great – it was gloomy today and I was losing light!
The blue is a color match to Upward from Sherwin Williams, and it’s a really lovely, soothing grayish blue.
What’s funny is just a few weeks ago I asked around for a grayish blue paint color recommendation -- and DUH, I had it right here. (I was thinking about it for another room.)
Anyhoo, it’s awesome – it looks like it would have been on the same paint chip as the wall color (Admiralty from Lowe’s) as a lighter tone of the navy. I was a teensy bit nervous how the red and yellow accessories would look with it, but I think they’re going to be great:
The red will anyway. :) I still need to put everything back arrange it. (The FUN part!)
There will be a Squishy II coming later this week. It’s been kinda nice not cleaning up after a fish lately, but the cute gumball fish tank looks so lonely without a little friend. ;)
I’m SO close to done with the room! I’m waiting on a couple finishing touches but I really hope I'll be able to show you this week. SQUEAL! I love it!!
I do need your advice on a couple things! One, leave the doors on the built ins as is or paint the insets on them?:
Second question for your brilliant minds – the gorg sconces in the window area are a oil rubbed bronze finish, which I normally adore…but with all of the brushed nickel accents in the room, I’m wondering if I should spray paint them to match?:
If my ORB spray paint was jealous with my use of the Heirloom White – it is full out loony on me now, because I am absolutely in LOVE with the brushed nickel in this room – I’m using it all over the place!
I love how the dark arms of the sconces pop off the drapes, but it’s kind of bugged me that they don’t match the metallic accents.
So what say you? Built in doors in color or white? Sconces as is or spray painted? I would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks in advance – you rock!
I like the doors white because I think they go nicely with the board and batten, but I would paint the lamp arms because I like metallics to be matchy-matchy. Everything looks great and I can't wait to see the final reveal!
ReplyDeleteI like the white doors as well...matches what you've got going on with the lower half of the room. As far as the metals...I wouldn't touch those sconces. I have ORB mixed with nickel and chrome in my bedroom and I love how it all works together. and the ORB is a nice dark finish to so much light and shiny. Just my .02 :)
ReplyDeleteMy simple "what-the-heck-do-I-know" answers?
ReplyDeleteLeave the doors white. Spray paint the sconces.
Now that you've heard from me, you can sleep soundly. Ha!
mixed metals is totally fabulous, don't change a thing!
ReplyDeleteI love the gray blue! I would leave the doors white, it looks simple and pretty and will let the decorative room elements shine...
ReplyDeleteLooking fantastic! My vote: Leave the doors white (board and batten look you mentioned), and spray the lamps, for that airplane look you are going for in there.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely leave the doors white...it will help with the flow of the board and batten. I would paint the sconces. I like my metallics to match...plus, I think of a satin nickel when I think of airplanes much more than ORB.
ReplyDeletelove the green... and your right about the paint making the accessories pop!!!
ReplyDeleteTa'
beq
http://beqdesign.blogspot.com/
I say leave the doors white. They are perfect with the walls. I don't like mixed metals so I vote for the nickle paint on the sconces. I am a bit OCD, but the mixed metals would make me crazy!!
ReplyDeleteI vote for white on the doors to match the board & batten, and for the metal - whatever makes you the happiest! Either is fine to me :)
ReplyDeleteI'd keep the doors white, but do paint the lights. Can't wait for the bit reveal!
ReplyDeleteDanette
Doors white and paint the lights :)
ReplyDeleteFirst I have to say I cannot stand how much i LOOOVVVEEE the dark navy in your bub's room. It has totally inspired me to redo my boys' room! As for the doors, I'd keep em white...I like the continuity between the walls and the built ins. The sconces...totally keep them dark...it's nice to mix it up a bit once in a while. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for white!
ReplyDeleteI'd leave the doors white; they are not a feature that needs accenting. I'd probably leave the sconces because of the too-much-trouble factor, but they'd look great in the nickel.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! I would leave the doors white for sure. I'm waivering on the lamp arms. I'll flip a coin and go with paint them to match the rest.
ReplyDeleteWhew! You are a busy gal! Any amount of bribery to get you to my house to help me with my half painted and then forgotten laundry room? I mean it's only been 2 years, I can wait if you have to buy a ticket or whatever. ;0)
Very cool, I will be heading to Sherwin Williams this week to get more paint that I used last year in my bathroom, some serenity blue color. Can't remember! All I know is I lovve the color!
ReplyDeleteFirst, you know Sherwin has a coupon right now for 25% off right? Second, paint the sconces/light fixtures to match. That would drive me crazy. Like my brass door knobs all in the house. Yuck! They're pretty for brass but everything is nickel. Also, is Bub really already big enough for a big boy room, I can't believe it. He's growing up too fast.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the room is FABULOUS! I'm loving it almost as much as his baby room. Once I see it completely accessorized it might just push it to my favorite boy's room evah! ;>
ReplyDeleteNow on to my little opinion...
I'm loving the cabinet doors white. It makes the room flow. Although I do enjoy the pop of color on the upper shelves.
I really like the ORB color with the shades and the curtains BUT, I'm a tinge OCD so I would need all the metals to match. I first used a brushed nickel spray paint a few months ago and I absolutely love it!
Thanks for sharing with us!
God's blessings,
Sarah :D
I think you should leave the doors white. I love that you painted the backs of the shelves, but painting the doors would make these pieces look less classic and custom, I think, and would make them blend less with the board and batten.
ReplyDeleteAs for the lamps, I'm not so sure. I don't really think of lamps as hardware in a room; I think of them more as accessories. If I were buying a lamp for a room, I don't think I'd ever stop to think, "Oh, I'd like for my lamps to be brushed nickel because the cabinet pulls are brushed nickel." But if you wan't them to match, you should go for it!
I think leave the doors white. I like that the white on the bottom continues all the way around the room. And I think either way with the sconces. I think it looks fine the way it is, but if it's bugging you, paint them! I think they will still pop through the drapes.
ReplyDeleteThis room is totally turning out gorgeous - and i was wondering how you were going to top the room he had before! To your questions - leave the doors white - it's rich looking. As for the sconces - leave them ORB as well - i think it adds one more layer, more depth to the room. In fact, I think that nook is my favorite spot. It reminds me of all those kids rooms in movies where there is just layer upon layer of STUFF and you know the kid adores hiding out in there. I always wanted a room like that. Your kid is one lucky boy!
ReplyDeleteActually, looking at it again, with the brushed nickel curtain rod hanging above....I would paint the lights.
ReplyDeleteI would leave the sconces as is - you said you liked they way they popped and they won't if they are brushed nickel - mixed metals is fine! matchy matchy = boring. I would leave the doors as is.
ReplyDeleteNext time you're changing up the backs of built-ins, try a little wallpaper action.
Another vote for the white doors! The lamps would look good in satin since the rod is satin. If you paint them and want more pop with the curtains, you could add some trim to the lamp shade in say red! That might be cute. And I love the airplane pillow!
ReplyDeleteLooks great, I wish I had built-ins to paint the back of!
ReplyDeleteI think you should leave the doors white. Painting them another color will break up the room and make it seem smaller.
ReplyDeleteok...i'm going to suggest an opposing view for the cupboards that you may or may not like. but that's like me to be different! when you mentioned the inset of the cupboard doors i immediately thought "chalkboard paint" or "metallic paint" (for magnetic letters-see twice remembered blog). you could also put a piece of galvanized metal on the inset...give it more of an airplane hanger feel. the doors are down low so it really shouldn't take away from the room. another thought is to modge podge a map on the insets.
ReplyDeletewell, those are my thoughts...i'm sure whateva you decide will be fab.U.lous!
judi ;)
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com
I really like the doors as is... they work so well with the board and batten on the walls. I am also a fan of spray painting the sconces to match the other fixtures. If it were me it would drive me crazy until I did :) I absolutely love your blog. I need more time in my day to do things like this! Until then I will live vicariously through you!
ReplyDeleteLeave them both as is! The white doors seamlessly blend into the board-and-batten. I like how the ORB lights contrast with the white curtains - if you paint them silver it might all look too "matchy-matchy". Plus, if you leave them ORB colored, you will be able to move them into other areas of your house when you are ready to reddecorate this room again (in a few year's time!)
ReplyDeleteI would probably leave the doors white but would definitely paint the sconces, the nickel would look so much better with all the blue and gray you have going on in his room. (FYI - I am a fan of the oiled bronze too so I understand the dilemma).
ReplyDeleteI love brushed nickel spray paint...i've used it a lot in my own home. That being said I don't think you have to match all hardware in a room. Having the sconces a different metal or having the door inserts a different color creates interest in the room. I think it depends on what feel your going for in the room. Do you want the room to have a fun, artsy, playful feel? Then paint the insert red and keep the ORB sconces. Or do you want the room to have a serene, peaceful, relaxing feel? If so I would do the white inserts and brushed nickel sconces. Just remember there's no right answer, it's just how you want the room to feel. Btw, I love the blue gray color too!!! I painted my 4yr. old boy's room that color with navy and red accessories and I love it! Hope my comment is helpful to you!
ReplyDeleteI love the doors as they are! The sconces are nice as the ORB because of the dark pieces in the shade on the window.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and am ADDICTED!!! No really...like, wake up in the middle of the night and wonder if there is a new post addicted...Just kidding...I do love the blog though! For what it's worth...keep the doors white and paint the sconces to match all the brushed nickle! Can't wait to see the big reveal! Thanks for all your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide to do I know it will look great! I love everything you've done in there so far. Robyn
ReplyDeleteLurve what you've done! I would keep the bookcase doors white and paint the sconces red-or change the shades to be red. I think a pop of color there would be so fun. Can't wait to see the whole room, you've done a fantatsic job.
ReplyDeleteI think you should leave your doors white, but I like the idea of spray painting the lights fixtures brushed metal (personally my fav look)! I need to find something to paint brushed metal, I'm a little scared to do it... would it work in bathrooms around water? For example, could I spray paint our shower door and faucets?
ReplyDeleteThis was a timely post as I am getting ready to paint the backs of few bookscases.
ReplyDeleteEverything is looking SO good.
The bookcases look wonderful with the blue paint on the back. It just seems to tie everything together. I love the door white to continue to look of the wainscoting. I think a color would take away from the overall look. I say spray the silver if you want to. You can always go back to ORB. Great room. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletelove the room! i say, brushed nickel and white. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep the doors white...but what if you added some beadboard wallpaper to the insets??
ReplyDeleteI vote to leave the lamps as is...live with it for a little bit after the room is all done. If they start to bother you, then paint them.
Like Stacy & Clinton would say...it doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, as long as it all goes together :)
Can't wait to see the reveal!
It's looking GREAT! Can't wait to see everything all pulled together! I really love the way the ORB makes a statement against the light shades. Although, they would look gorgeous in nickel, I don't think you would have the same effect. I also like the way that the ORB lets the dark sections of the bamboo shade dance around. The cabinet doors look beautiful in white.... however, when I decorate (I AM DEFINATELY NOT A PROFESSIONAL) I enjoy really pinpointing the personality of the one that will be using it. If the Bubs is a relaxed kid, I say white is perfect. If he is anything like my two energetic cutie pies, I think would do some type textured (wall/scrapbook) paper on the inserts(Just to be playful for a playful space). I love the timeless flow of the white, but either way would be interesting. I'm excited to see what you choose!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
=)
I think everything looks spectacular as is!
ReplyDeleteGreat job.
-FringeGirl
I am loving what you are doing with the room! It's fabulous-just like you! I am a real matchy-matchy person so I would paint the sconces the brushed nickle. As for the doors on the built ins; leave them white. It will pop and brighten the space; you don't want those areas to look too "heavy". :) I can't wait to see the final reveal!
ReplyDeleteLeave those doors white! And I vote spray paint the sconces!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this room! You have inspired me to redo my son's room into something that reflects his personality with style. I like the doors white. I agree it will look great with the white trim. And I would paint the sconces to match the rest of the brushed nickel pieces. Plus I loved brushed nickel too! Can't wait to see the entire room finished!
ReplyDeleteKeep the doors white and paint the sconces. Just because I think it will drive you nuts if they don't match :) Just be sure to tell us where to get the brushed nickel spray paint! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe book shelves are looking great! I would probably keep the doors white. I like the way they look. I think the lamps would look good painted brushed nickel. But I am one of those weirdos who needs to see the whole room before deciding. You know, to feel the whole "vibe". The room is really coming together. Can't wait to see the whole thing. I am done with my master bedroom but feeling too exhausted to start my boys' room next. Whew!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I like the doors white, and I'd match the brushed nickel. The backs of those built-ins look great!!!
ReplyDeleteLeave the doors and sconces as is! Live on the wild side I say!
ReplyDeleteI think that you should keep the doors, they kind of carry the accent of the walls that you added. The sconces look great, but I have yet to see anything that you do or redoo that does not. I am sure they are going to look great either way.
ReplyDeleteDoors? white
ReplyDeleteSconces? nickel
Love this room!
Definitely white on the doors that continue the B&B look and oh yes! brushed nickel on the sconces!
ReplyDeleteGuerrina
Ledyard
Definitely leave'em white! As for the sconces, if these are the ONLY specimens of ORB in the room, must make them nickel. Great room!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I'm done with my re-do's, I'll send my pics to you, cuz you're my inspiration. (Isn't that a lame 80's song?)
Anyway...my mistake is doing a few things in too many rooms at once. But I get an idea, and off I go. So currently, I'm doing the master bedroom, dining room, and kitchen...with no time to do them..... sigh!
I would say, keep doors white, and spray paint the sconces.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I think your blog is great!
I say leave the doors and spray the sconces! I have the "mixed metals" look in my bathroom right now, and it bothers the heck out of me! The contractors just used the same nickel colored drawer pulls as the kitchen, but all of our fixtures are bronze.
ReplyDeleteI am loving how this room is turning out! And I am sure the yellow accents will look great on the gray. I am seeing gray/yellow room themes popping up everywhere lately.
I love, love, love this room so far. I vote for leaving the doors white and painting the arms of the sconces :)
ReplyDeleteMy vote is to keep the door insets white, but to change to brushed nickel. Haven't commented for a while but I'm still reading, and loving!
ReplyDeleteI vote for white doors and matching metals. Can't wait to see it all together!
ReplyDeleteI like the door inserts the way they are, but they might be cute as well if you put some corkboard in them. You can buy thin corkboard tile at Michaels, and just glue them in. Then they could be used as a place for your kid to put artwork, or whatever. As far as the sconces go, trust me, if you paint them they will not look like nickle. I tried to do that to a pair of brass light fixtures in my kitchen to match the cabinet hardware, and they came out too blue-gray looking. Doing my research, this is a pretty common problem. There just isn't a spray paint out there that convincingly mimics nickle.
ReplyDeleteI would keep your doors white. I've lived in a house with the insets of cabinets painted and I hate it. It's too much. And I would spray paint the sconces. I'm with you - I love ORB, but I think nickel or white will look much better in your room. Love the room by the way. So Cute.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! The blue-gray color reminds me of Devine Color, Fog, which our room is painted in. Nice! I would paint the lamp arms to match the other metals in the room. And I say white doors. :)
ReplyDeleteCute room!
I really think you should leave the cabinets white. I don't see any need to break up the color and draw your eye to them. I love bronze too, but I think with this color palette and the other finishes going nickle is the best way to go. I can't wait to see the whole room! Please come and check out my blog www.ms-smartie-pants.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLOVE the color choice you went with! i would not change either items in question. i think the mixed metal finishes compliment one another and those lamps look too good popping from those drapes to be messed with. the white cabinet doors to me would be overkill to paint the centers. you have a little more 'grown' up decor going on and thinking that if you paint them out it will take on a child like design. just my opinion and i guess i think like that as i painted out the centers of something similar in my childrens room in the past.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to seeing the finished product. you are truly inspiring. =]
Another vote for leaving them white. And I am not just saying that because I love white!
ReplyDeleteHi There:)
ReplyDeleteLeave the doors white and paint the arms is my vote. Looking good. I can not wait to see the photos.
My two cents seems to be along the lines of most everyone's opinion, which is leave the doors white (looks great with the board and batten) and paint the sconce arms to coordinate with the other metalics in the room. Lookin' great!!
ReplyDeletePLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave the doors white. Pretty please! :) I think it would be a mistake to paint them. If you really can't decide, paint a poster board the same size as the inset and set it in one of the doors and see what you think.
ReplyDeleteIf you walk in to the room and notice the ORB sconces and how they don't watch the rest of the brushed nickel, then spray em. Otherwise, leave it. It is totally up to your eye. Its one of those things that 9 out of 10 people visiting the room won't notice, but if your eye seems to just focus on it, then change it.
Love your blog, BTW!
I like the white doors. I think it should continue around the room with the batten board. But I do think you should paint the sconces to match the other metallic finishes. It just bugs me for the metals not to match - even though I have to agree that I do love the way the ORB pops off the curtains!! But the brushed nickel does look really great with those colors. I used a gray in my sons room and all his finishes are nickel. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling room! You are incredibly gifted, I wish I had an ounce of that in my own home!
ReplyDeleteI would leave the doors and paint the lights :)
ReplyDeleteLooking at the pics again today, especially the window/sconces. Have you considered a valance between the panels? With bamboo blind, curtain panels, white woodwork, navy blue wall and curtain rod - seems a bit busy or unfinished to my very untrained eye. Still voting for brushed nickel!
ReplyDeleteCiao!
Guerrina
Ledyard, CT
ahh...this room is so peaceful and beautiful, and SO "boy" at the same time! My vote: leave the doors AND the sconces (I'm usually a proponent for continuity at all costs, but I'm learning (slowly) that sometimes a tiny mix-and-match is not a bad thing...it's that ecclectic bug that's trying to get out!!!)
ReplyDeleteMost definitely leave the doors white to continue the look of the board and batten. I like metals to match so I say paint the sconces too!
ReplyDeleteLovin' the way this room is looking and can't wait to see the finished product!!
Georgia
Grandma G's
grandmagscottage.net
I love the doors white too. Have you thought of maybe using beadboard wallpaper in the inserts and paint it all white? That would add some texture and keep the pretty white to pop against the other color in the room. I also thought you could also paint the inserts with chalkboard paint or maybe magnetic paint so that lil' Bub could practice his alphabet in later years with the magnetic alphabet letters. Fabric in the inserts would be equally awesome! You could just use white fabric for texture instead of a color or print. Just a few ideas tossed your way. The room looks fabulous, by the way! Can't wait to see the whole room reveal! You are one talented chick! LOL
ReplyDelete-Karen
Hmmm, I would leave the doors white because like you said it goes nicely with the board and batten. As for the ORB vs. brushed nickel, that's a harder one, good luck! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will look amazing, always does. ;)
ReplyDeleteJust gotta say I love the airplane pillow. It's the perfect touch to the white armchair.
ReplyDeletePainting- no to the door, yes to the sconces.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely leave the doors. The room is so cute. It totally makes me want to do something with my girls' room, but I'm done with painting for now. We repainted the entirety of both houses 2 years ago when we moved from the old to the new (that's 3800 sq ft of house done by ourselves, including 20 ft ceilings). I don't know that i'll ever paint a room again! Until I move, that is :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what would be a good paint color?
ReplyDeleteBadger.
Leave the doors as is definitely! No more painting for you missy! Those paint fumes will get to you eventually if they haven't already haha :P
ReplyDeletepaint the doors and the arms. Paint it all.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the completed project!
I LOVE your website. I came across it today when I was looking for something else and I have been reading it for about an hour. I am currently trying to relate the same message to my clients in the DC area. I think everyone deserves a beautiful home and they don't have to break the bank to do it! I am glad there are others out there willing to help spread that message!
ReplyDeleteThe white sterylite bins you have in your first pic are my favorite! I have about 4,011 of them. They are perfect. And sadly, Wal-Mart no longer carries them. They have some crappy "mainstays" knock off that is crap. Luckily, I have a couple extras floating around in assorted sizes so I think I won't go into withdrawal but just in case, where do you buy yours?
ReplyDeleteWhite doors and nickel sconces. Gorg!
ReplyDelete