The downstairs hallway is getting ready for its makeover.
Over the weekend, I scrubbed the baseboards and identified the trouble spots. The entire space is in pretty good shape. The typical issue of latex paint over oil-based without a proper primer was apparent on the doors and baseboards. I found plenty of bubbled paint on both.
The walls also have quite a bit of chipped paint:
Initially, I did not think there were many cracks in this hallway. Overall, that is still true, but there are more than I expected. Because they are not significant or too unsightly, we will just paint over them this time around. There are more pressing projects in BHH, and we would rather not take the time or spend the money on superficial plaster crack repair this time around.
There is some significant damage to the baseboard trim pieces:
Our vintage baseboards are in great shape thanks to the beating that the trim must have taken over the years. For now, I will just paint it as-is. When we rip up the floor during our future kitchen remodel, that trim will be removed and replaced.
I do not love the wall sconce. It reminds me of the flowery country look that flourished during the 1980’s. I have tried to pin down its exact age, but all I can figure out so far is that it is definitely not vintage or original to the house once it was wired for electricity. We are going to hold off on changing it for now. We have the same sconces in several rooms. Once we get some decorating continuity going, we will be able to change them all at one time.
The current project plan is this:
The wall color is to be determined, but I know the baseboards will be a light creamy white color like the woodwork in the foyer. The goal is to brighten the hallway significantly and to create some interest in the space. I am toying with the idea of painting the exterior door a glossy black. However, that might be a little too trendy to satisfy us for the long haul. We have another weekend of prep left before we have to make that decision.
Feel free to weigh in on our color choices. I only have one requirement:
- Absolutely NO green
No green. Nada. Zip. Zilch. It’s not going to happen. You get the picture.
4 Comments
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
I love the curved trim. That’s definitely one of those details you don’t see today. I have to say, painting the door trendy black doesn’t have to be a decision for the long haul. Repainting a door isn’t too huge of an investment. As for the main hallway colour, I’d go for something simple and light–repainting a hallway is an investment. We did BM Abalone at 75% in our hallway. It reads as different colours depending on the light, and I really like that it’s not just white or beige. You can bring in the interest through accessories and art.
Stacy
Abalone is a beautiful color. I will have to look at in in person. I viewed it in a bunch of different pictures, and it looked different in most of them. 🙂
Jamie@PaperedHouse
A glossy black exterior door sounds lovely. If you’re up something bold like red, that could work nicely on the door as well. It would certainly work as a focal point at the end of the hall.
I have to chuckle at your avoidance of green. I have a feeling that most of the walls in my house are going to end up green. I have a book of paint colors, and about 90% of the ones in contention are some shade of green or green/blue, haha.
Stacy
A red door could look great too. Nearly everything at BHH is green, inside and outside. Much of the house is also competing shades of green. Dorothy must have been a big fan. 😀
I actually do like that color even though I am tired of all of it here. I will look forward to seeing all of your green progress!