Cabinet/bookshelf colour

8 years ago

I have just moved and have completed all the work needed in the house in terms of plastering, painting, floors, electrics etc.

I have painted the front room grey and teal and the floors are laminate wood. There is a brick chimney brest as well. I am currently using recycled furniture from friends and family until I have purchased my own goods. However, I have no creativity when it comes to decorating.

I want to buy a television stand, either a bookshelf or cabinet of some sort (to go on the left side next to the chimney) and a coffee table for the front room to replace the hand-me-downs I currently have. I was thinking to go for either white or wood in terms of colours but I really cannot decide. Can anyone help me?

Featured Answer

missq01

8 years ago

You could always choose to have shelves fitted, more permanent than ones you can buy. We built ours to replace shop bought, they hold so much more and are sturdier. I would choose a white or even a very light grey.

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Comments (30)

ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
anyone?
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I agree crisp white and a change of handles would look great. Also a industrial grey would look amazing, especically with the exposed hardware. Obviously this all depends on the rest of your kitchen but you could be more extreme and apply something cheap like chipboard to the back and apply some fun wallpaper to make more of a feature of all the items that you will have on display.
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Dear Azfar, I think your units are lovely, very sophisticated and much nicer than white. Your units and work tops are very similar to those I have in my kitchen, which also have black granite tops. I also have a wooden floor of a similar shade, please don't change this, it is lovely. I was aware when I had my kitchen fitted that the units appeared darker than in the showroom but this was due entirely to the colour of the walls they were installed on. To lift the units, and celebrate their beautiful colour, you should paint your walls a darker and contrasting colour, I have chosen a really shocking pink, Rock Candy, but there lots of options. The showroom I saw my units in used a burgundy colour, too dark for my Victorian kitchen. There are so many colour options which don't have to be expensive, play around with a few tester pots and see which you prefer. This is by far the cheapest option, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with your kitchen units again once your units are allowed to stand out. Incidentally your unit colour helps to visually integrate your stainless steel 'fridge, another reason to stick with it. If you want to add units in the future you could pick up on your new wall colour for a very stylish look.
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I’ve struggled to find an example of a natural wood bookshelf that hasn’t been painted over, to be honest! I would paint the inside the same shade as your walls. That way it will marry well with the colours in your room. Without seeing the rest of the room it is hard to suggest a colour. This pic is a bookcase I found that, although not natural wood, it shows how nice a white can look inside.
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mrsmcee74
8 years ago
I think white will keep it fresh.
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
I really like the idea of having shelves fitted, I didn't think of that. Would you then build a tv unit to match? I think you are right about white or very light grey, that would be really nice! Thanks to both for the suggestions. Would you go for a matt or glossy finish?
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Ray,

I have to say, the fireplace looks pretty good and I very much like the colour of the walls.

I would suggest you to get built in shelves, this would also save you some space and you can be creative with the look, size, number of shelves, etc.

Personally I recommend you to think first which is your favourite style, is it contemporary, traditional, rustic, minimalist? A mix of 2 styles or more? Once you figure this out it's much easier to go ahead from that stage.

If I was you I would pick white colour as it goes with the ceiling and it also gives more light to your space. Why not get some wooden shelves built in and of the same wood get some wall decoration too, so they would match and give some style and a great look to your Living Room?

Good luck with your Project!

StJames Design Interiors
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the tips! I just had a look at some of your projects St James - I love the kitchen - so stylish. I wanted most of the house to be clean and fresh looking but with the fireplace in the front room I wanted something a little different and went for the grey and teal combo. The sofa matches, although I have a feeling I will want to change it to something brighter in future. I do like the modern look a little more but we decided to try and make the front room a bit more cosy. Not sure if that's the result of the colour combination but it will do for now!

I think we will look in to getting some shelves built in on each side with one side giving enough space for the TV. I will go for white and then match it with a white coffee table. I am not sure if that will look tacky but like I said, I really am not creative and have no idea when it comes to all of this. If I could start again, I'd want that kitchen! It really isn't easy translating an image in your mind to a finished product.
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
I am also going to put some logs in the fireplace. Would you go for a white finish with those?
missq01
8 years ago
I would just stick with natural logs.
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Ray,

Thank you for the compliment and taking the time looking at our projects!

Yes, built in shelves will look great, I would use natural wood in white, and getting a coffee table in white will perfectly accentuate together.

I collect some images that may help your imagination and creativity.

You can see that in all of the images, some furniture pieces, colours, style, etc. are matching together.

From the top to the bottom you can see the third image, where the built in shelves colour and style is matching the furniture pieces. I can see this a great example for you, where there is a bold coloured wall, the fireplace is actually black and it stand out well, just as yours. There the fireplace actually gives a different dimension to the overall look but surely wouldn't look nice in some neutral colour.

If I was you I would varnish the brick wall (entire fireplace), it wouldn't cost you a lot and you can do it yourself too.

Your log could be white so as natural as somebody said this earlier. It would both look nice, the natural would look great with the floor together, but I suggest you to get that in the same shade as otherwise it gets too 'busy', the log could be also varnished for a more sophisticated and beautiful finish.

I suggest you to have the shelves and coffee table first and decide after on the log as that way you will have a better image in your head or perhaps show it to us!

StJames Design Interiors
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Ray_Ray_ I think the fireplace is great! Like what you have hanging on the chimney breast. You could get a log basket and put the logs inside... to give the idea of a working fire.. Does it work? Don't paint a varnish on the brick, leave it the way it is.. My recommendation is not to build shelving in the recesses... The fireplace doesn't want to be boxed in and possibly works if the room is over 25 ft long. (Just my thoughts!) You could have the plant in your photo in a large pot in the corner with a nice mirror in 1 of the recesses and sit an arm chair in front.. Maybe have a tiny side table to sit the plant on if it's not too tall with the chair in front.. .The teal and coppery tones work well so add some cushions teal and copper, lovely velvet ones from Habitat or Oka, and maybe a throw or two... Are you keeping the curtains? I'd try to move the Tv as far away as possible or set it on a nice wooden table (dark wood) antique piece with a vase and flowers on the other recess if this is where you wish to place it.. You want the room to be the focus.. To illustrate the basket I mentioned..Something like this see image below. There are many styles and sizes. I have mine like this all year when it's not in use.. I love to show it off... From my point of view you want the fireplace to be a focus.. So give it the room it needs.. : ))
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
So many fantastic ideas! I appreciate all the time everyone has given to posting images and giving their thoughts. All images look great and I agree the chimney breast should be the focus point. To be honest, the plant is just there for the meantime until we find somewhere to put it but I like the idea of having a chair in the corner with the plant next to it. I might put shelves a little higher so there is space for a chair and small table. Would that be too busy?

I might also use a mixture of logs because I love the look of logs. I am undecided on whether to varnish the chimney breast, I'd probably have to ask my husband what he thinks about that one because I like both looks.

The wood hanging from the chimney breast is just temporary as well, my sister got it from Morocco and I put it up so it doesn't get lost under our pile of junk that needs to be unpacked!!

I will post a picture of the sofa. We have a grey corner sofa with grey, teal and patterned cushions. I replaced the original cushions so they match the rest of the room.

The curtains are temporary, will change them when I have more money and will also get blinds when I have money! I am not sure what I would replace the current curtains with - maybe something light and airy but no idea.

Any suggestions on colour of chair to add to the room? Would you keep it grey like the sofa or add something that clashes?
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
AJ interior styling - where do you get your logs from? I really like the fireplace by the way! Ours is not working to my knowledge but I like the idea of giving the illusion that it works.
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
Love the first picture St James - if I hadn't already purchased a corner sofa, I would want it to look like that!
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
8 years ago
Hi Ray,

Thanks for that! Your sofa is not too visible on the picture (the TV is reflecting it) but I have an imagination what you may have. Never mind because you can still match it with a one sit of or perhaps you change it later when you have the budget! Slowly you will get there.

You also could add a nice carpet to your Living Room!

StJames Design Interiors
minnie101
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi. It may be a Personal thing but I think white built in shelves look better with plastered chimney breasts. I would go for free standing furniture which lets the fireplace stand out. If you opt for white furniture rather than dark furniture I would add mustard accessories to warm the room. This would also work well for an accent chair. If or when you add a coffee table, maybe a rug to add some texture. I would go for patterned curtains in those 3 colours (if you choose them!!) to bring pattern in or maybe something with a mustard trim. You could also just match the wall colour and add the pattern in a rug and cushions. Maybe try silver birch logs. I do think the chimney breast will look better unvarnished but maybe not so hygenic.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Ray_Ray_ Thank you - I had to do a lot of work as it had been filled in and covered with an awful little thirties thing. Far too small for the size of the room. I found the beautiful marble mantle bashed into bits and thrown in the back. Sadly I couldn't afford to get another.

My logs are what I have delivered in winter. I just piled them up from the last use. The rest I store outside in the log store. Blinds will be nice and you will make a good job of it.. I'd leave the Moroccan hanging or at least have it somewhere on the chimney breast as it's really complimentary with the colours even if you added a mirror. :))
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
minnie, I didn't think of mustard, but I love it! I will keep an eye out for a mustard chair and keep to white furniture. So you think mustard teal and grey curtains? I will need to start hunting for those!! I am looking for a rug but am finding it difficult to think of a colour that ties it in. I might just go for a grey and cream one but I might leave it until the very end.

I still might build in some white shelves but only a couple on one side.
minnie101
8 years ago
There are a few fabrics around at the moment with these colours so you could go for this. Or another way is to add a trim/beading down the side or a band at the bottom to a plain curtain ( I would definitely have a patterned rug if you go plain). It's quite easy to do (says she who can't sew a button!!) and then you have something unique. Or maybe just look at pale grey and white geometric curtains which will keep it fairly light. If you go for a mustard chair, maybe go for a rug with the teal in as the room is predominantly grey or will be when you change the curtains! I would probably avoid cream in the rug if the furniture is white.
minnie101
8 years ago
http://www.dunelm.com/product/grey-bali-eyelet-curtain-collection-b07667?searchTerm=grey+curtains I don't know if this is your kind of style but are very reasonable
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
These curtains could work for you: http://www.next.co.uk/shop/productaffiliation-curtainsandblinds/category-curtains-type-eyelet#1_1345
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
sorry will try that link again: http://www.next.co.uk/x6d1052s4#846506x56
minnie101
8 years ago
I like the ones mrsmcee found. If these aren't your style Next have a few others picking up either 2 or 3 of the colours
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
mrsmcee and minnie - love both curtains! The patterns are great and add a little something. Thanks so much for looking for examples, I appreciate that. I really like the idea of adding mustard just to make the room pop a little. I think you are right about leaving cream out of the rug if I go for white furniture. There is so much to think of, I don't even want to begin to think of the other rooms!
minnie101
8 years ago
You're welcome. What seems more difficult is finding a mustard chair... I would focus on one room at a time rather than do what I did!
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
There's a nice mustard chair on Made.com: http://www.made.com/chairs/armchairs/rufus-armchair-mustard-yellow or if budget is an issue, there's a £130 bargain at IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30262887/
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
mrsmcee I absolutely love the first chair! That would sit perfectly in the front room. Completely out of my price range for now so the IKEA one is a nice alternative. If only I was rich!! haha. Thank you so much for giving me tips and examples, its so great to have such helpful people around!!
minnie101
8 years ago
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oyster-Mustard-Quality-Upholstered-occasional/dp/B00S6HBYHC/ref=sr_1_21?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1437679366&sr=1-21&keywords=mustard+chair This was one I'd found earlier. It's not such a strong mustard though. I think ebay also had it slightly cheaper
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks minnie! That's quite cute, I really like the legs! It might even be more vibrant in reality and for the much cheaper price tag, I wouldn't complain too much! I will start building up a wish list of what I want to buy and hopefully start to slowly get this room looking like it's liveable. My husband seems to think that no furniture is required whatsoever and is happy with just a couch, tv and hand-me-downs. Hard being creative alone so I really value the help :)
PRO
Stella Michael
8 years ago
I love your teal walls and brick ... with regards to colours be aware that they are both warm and muted colours which is why the mustard chairs would look fab as they are in the same colour "family". For this reason wood items, natural medium-darker richer/warmer wood would look good. Older wood also tends to be richer in colour due to patina. If you really want white (not ideal), use a warm soft white otherwise it will clash and cheapen the look of the room. Same goes for greys, not the ideal choice for this colour family but if you really want them I would go for warm, rich mushroom versions. Greys are fashionable at the moment so there is a tendency to throw them everywhere whereas there are so many other options.

I agree with those above that say stick with natural logs, freestanding bookcases better and you can put the TV in one and books above and below.

The chair from 'Made' is gorgeous and not a patch on the more clinical Ikea one (I like other Ikea things just not this one) so if you can, I would wait and save up or find something else. I came across my vintage lime and raspberry chair on ebay and fell in love with it and although not dirt cheap (but still good value) it makes me smile everyday so worth every penny (makes my pink/magenta sofa zing). A deep or rusty orange would also look amazing in your room.

Here's a random selection of good value examples ...

I don't like the legs in these (3) for your room so would get some brown leather ribbon to make them a bit more earthy and wrap around the legs. Would look great and even cheaper than the Ikea ones! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bucket-chairs-in-orange-hessian-x3-/400964597979?hash=item5d5b5a38db

or something a bit more unusual/retro ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1960s-retro-original-chair-covered-in-orange-fabric-design-council-London-/301697474595?hash=item463e922023

More traditional/shabby look (although colours a bit pale) ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DEL-48-PAIR-Vintage-French-Shabby-Chic-LOUIS-CARVER-Hall-Dining-Arm-Chairs-/181811678698?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a54d20dea

Retro cocktail chair ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oyster-Retro-Occasional-Upholstered-Chair-Orange-Lime-Lola-/351151269668?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=620439252902&hash=item51c23f2724

Interesting but more classic/subdued ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Richmond-mustard-print-club-chair-armchair-accent-chair-home-furniture-sofa-/281730696757?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4198754635

Modern but interesting ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beautiful-Allermuir-Orange-Yellow-Designer-Chair-RP-560-/201395165075?hash=item2ee4165793

Traditional but interesting ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-Golden-Yellow-Button-Back-Chairs-/181790044031?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a5387ef7f

I don't know your taste or what the rest of the room looks like but just showing that there are so many options ... especially if you are willing to be patient and curious, you never know where you'll find something. Creativity outweighs budget and gives you a home with more personality. Also if you find the right chair and then go for it with new fabric and a staple gun. Some designs easier to re-cover than others.

As for hubby, he'll like it once it's done and if he's indifferent anyway, at least make one of you happy. Everything you talk about is adding a warm 'feminine' touch which makes a home (yes some men have it too before anyone jumps in), we all have something different to bring to a partnership.

Enjoy and remember to post 'after' photos. (my chair from ebay below).
ray_ray_
Original Author
8 years ago
stellahome - fantastic advice, thank you so much! You have gone out of your way to show me some really fantastic examples. I am watching a few of the chairs you sent me, really gorgeous and cheaper than the originial mustard suggestion that I love!

I can see what you mean about the furniture, if I go for white, I'll stay away from the glossy look. The room is quite dark so I wanted to brighten it up somehow. There isn't a lot of natural light that comes into the room either so I thought the white would brighten it a little. I might borrow some furniture from family in different colours to see how it looks.

As for your chair, it is gorgeous! I love it and love the paintings and rug you have, the room looks lovely. It is tied in really nicely.

I think this room alone will take a little time to get sorted due to budget but it will get there eventually. I will definitely post after pictures when it is all done - I have a feeling it will be a while!

Cabinet/bookshelf colour

missq01

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