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How to make stained wood work in this house?

Rachael Macgregor

9 years ago

Hi everyone, we're in the process of buying this house and I don't know if we should do something about the woodwork. The whole house is trimmed in a warm/orangey wood.

It's I good shape and the doors are nice too but I really don't like dark homes. I much prefer lighter airier spaces. However, I really don't have the money to pay someone to paint it all (it's a five bedroom house, two bathrooms, open plan living dining kitchen) and I'm not sure that I have the energy to sand it and paint it ALL white what with having three kids, one on which is a newborn. I fear we would end up with the house part painted and never move beyond there. I'd much rather paint some of the walls if needed.

What kind of style and colours could I go for to really make this look good instead of out of place? We're on a very tight budget so I would love to make it look good with the current kitchen too, just update hardware/paint tiles and walls etc. nothing too expensive, but a style we can add to over the years once we've got the basic colours down.

As I said, I love light colours, and vintage/cottage styles. We live in scotland so it needs to be cosy, but light enough for when the sun disappears for the winter. Thanks in advance!

(Excuse the stuff everywhere, we bought it from friends and they were still moving out when I took these).

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Comments (3)

PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
Oh dear ! To face designing a whole house to work with orange wood that you don't like is a big no no in my opinion .

Bite the Bullet and get a painter in ! Then you can have whatever look you want !!

Or have a painting party !!! Either way - this orange wood will annoy you if you keep it !!!
Catherine Bonnett
9 years ago
Have you thought of a distressed paint look? Lots of tips and ideas on you tube and looks fab with a vintage style.
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Matthew Decorator
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Depending on how tight your budget really is you can buy a paint called Zinnser that seals varnish without the need for sending then if you use satinwood brilliant white for the finish as it covers better than most other finishes

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