Thursday, November 19, 2009

Hopefully the wait wasn't too long, but I am delighted to say that I finally got my gray wall! I mixed a couple shades of gray and black to get this deep, rich charcoal.


Like most things, once one thing changes my brain starts working on new ideas and won't let me rest until I feel it is just right. My first instinct was saying that either the wall is too dark or the headboard is too white. The contrast is nice, but it just doesn't seem to have enough charm since there are not really any old pieces in here to give it a little character. So once again, I need opinions!!!

First option:
Leave the current headboard.



Second option:
I found this antique painting quite a while back, but actually bought it for the frame! It is old, chippy, and even has a small tear so it has been laying in the basement for some time now. I kind of like the mixture of the green/yellow/orange tones against the gray.











Option three:
I have a HUGE frame that I painted white but have nowhere to put it. It is HUGE, and in this picture it is just resting on the painting, but would have about 1-2 inches of space around the painting. This maybe pulls it all together a little better and adds that little bit of elegance, but you can still see the raw edges of the painting.


What do you think? I am definitely leaving the color for the winter, and if it all doesn't come together by the spring I may lighten it up a shade or two. But I am kind of hoping that I pull it off because it is definitely unexpected and really spectacular in person~

131 comments:

Jessica said...

Hands down the first option. Otherwise, I wonder what type of headboard you could use with maybe some grey & white vertical striped fabric inside that frame possibly?

Unknown said...

I love your grey wall! I think the contrast is too stark with the white, and the picture is not quite right, but a french country headboard with the frame painted a distressed white and upholstered in natural linen would be perfect. Maybe adding some night tables instead of the shelves would add more substance and anchor the space. I also think a beige (maybe seagrass?) rug would be nice. The headboard could probably be found on craigslist and would also add character.

Jessica said...

BTW I DO love the wall though too! Love Love charcoal!

michelle said...

I say leave the white headboard!! I LOVE it against the fabulous grey wall!!!! Perfect shade of charcoal grey! You rock!

Rebecca said...

I LOVE the gray wall!!! The deep charcoal looks great! And you already know I am a huge fan of contrast! It kinda reminds me of the viceroy hotel in palm springs (charcoal and white)....My favorite is option 1 (always loved your headboard...maybe recover the headboard in an off white linen??) or option 3.... I also think two antique mis-matched end tables on either side of the bed would break up the contrast and look amazing!!!!
Love the change!!!

Sandra Berryhill-Huish [EQUITY REAL ESTATE] said...

I too LOVE the dark gray wall...so cozy for a bedroom. The white headboard is perfect..the painting--not so much!
Love your blog! Thanks for the inspirationS!
A Fan in Utah

Jo said...

the white headboard looks fantastic against the dark color :) I WOULD DEFINITELY LEAVE IT!!! Can you hang the white frame anyone in the room, just empty?

kaylan said...

I love the charcoal grey - beautiful! My vote is for the original headboard. The picture is nice, but not over the bed.

Anonymous said...

OPTION NUMERO UNO. :0) I LOVE the grey wall as well. The pillows accent nicely with the white bedding and headboard. The wall adds just the right amount of unexpected color. LOVE it...LEAVE it. :)

Unknown said...

first option for sure!! :)

Katie said...

i agree with everyone else, leave the headboard, love the contrast with the gray wall. it makes it more interesting.

Shaina said...

Definitely keep the headboard! I think the problem is the windows, you need some treatments on them and then a way to balance the one window with the blank wall on the left side.

Kim W said...

Love the wall, with the headboard, really great color. I would add splashes of yellow where I could, maybe some ribbon trim on your lampshades or yellow throw pillows, but that's just me because I love yellow with gray. Looks great!!

Abbie said...

I really like it is how it is now!!

Melissa said...

keep the white headboard! it looks so good!

Peggy said...

Wow, that is amazing! I absolutely love it! I'm with the majority here...totally diggin the headboard! Really beautiful room!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

My vote is for the headboard - and think once you get some window treatments, it will be awesome!

Rachel said...

leave the headboard! OR just put the white frame up without the picture inside it.

Unknown said...

I dont really think the painting looks rigt in the room,or with that colour.

The grey is perfect,and I love it with the white headboard. I dont think your room needs any old quirks adding too it IMO, it looks nice & dramatic enough. :)

Rachael said...

LOVE the gray wall and love the first headboard!!!

Marti said...

I love your gray walls, really dramatic and yet calming. Of the above options, I would keep the headboard you have. I love the painting, it's just not big enough. I like Jessica's idea too.

Marti said...

I love your gray walls, really dramatic and yet calming. Of the above options, I would keep the headboard you have. I love the painting, it's just not big enough. I like Jessica's idea too.

Tam said...

love it with the original headboard. looks great!

Unknown said...

Love the new grey wall! Love the white headboard too although is it possible to drop it a little? Or is it possible to hang a grey something over it to tie in the color? Can't wait to see what you do. i'm sure there are lots better ideas than mine!

Annie said...

I am loving the gray! That's the same color we are planning on using very soon in my husbands new business - also very exciting! I really like option 1 - I like your headboard it's crisp and clean and modern. What about changing out the night stands? I like the floating shelves, but what about finding some old mismatched chippy paint pieces instead? It would give the antiqued look that I think you are looking for.

~Grace Happens~ said...

option 1 is my fave:) Maybe you can bring some colors on the bed like new pilows to soften it up and make it all flow? the color looks great!

Sally F. said...

Leave the white headboard!

Shannon Dew said...

I like the headboard as is! Looks amazing!

bagfashionista said...

i absolutely love the grey wall! Oddly enough, that's the color we are painting the top 3rd of the walls for our family room, so i'm probably biased

and i think option 1 is the best ---perhaps could you add some crown molding to the ceiling, switch out the side "ledges" to (smal) antiquey side tables? Get some flowy white curtains for your windows, and switch the accent pillows for something with a little color.

Shannon said...

Love the grey.

Keep the headboard.

Love it!!!!!!!

-Shannon in Austin

Vee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vee said...

I vote option 4 - the white frame WITHOUT the painting - I think it would look very cool and vintage! Just a thought! =]

Lindsey Michelle said...

I definitely say the 1st option--stick with the white headboard. If not that then maybe the white frame alone. Good luck!

{ Lindsey }
http://greatfullday.blogspot.com

Wendy said...

Love the original headboard. The contrast is wonderful! If you still think it is too stark, you might want to add a couple of throw pillows in a paler gray along with the dark gray you have now...sort of a transition from dark gray to white. But I love it as is!

bluechimera said...

Love the GRAY! Love the original headboard.

I'm thinking maybe try criss-crossing some ribbons across the headboard or around the edge to trim and soften the white?

Could temporarily re-cover the headboard with some softer gray fabric with a slight sheen? Easy enough to tack around the back and not ruin the original.

Chelcie said...

the white headboard is a must! its beautiful.

Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary said...

Ok, here are my thoughts...

1. LOVE LOVE the shade of grey!

2. Leave your current headboard. It is FABULOUS!

3. You need two nightstands. I am thinking chunky and french provincial style to play off the chandelier. And the contrast to the modern color and headboard would be out of this world!

4. Save the painting for another space, it takes away from the sophistication of the room.

5. Csn the chair move elsewhere in the room? Love the style, but the nightstands I talk about would be a great focal point.

It is GORGEOUS, really. You have a remarkable eye for simple sophistication. Can't wait to see more!

~mary~

Lee said...

I say leave the painting without a frame. You have all the elements of a black and white photograph in your room. I think a pop of color that is not surrounded again by white says a lot. I think by itself it can stand on it own, but with white around it...well it just becomes another piece in the room. Either way the room looks romantic and soft! Great job! Oh, I think you could go with missed matched tables too. I just think you need one thing of color that stands on it's own. If not it becomes to much of black and white (gray is essentially black and white).

lalalovely lindsay said...

Love the headboard as is or just the frame. Not the painting so much.

Unknown said...

I love the gray wall, leave you headboard!! Or you can mail it to me!! :)

KellyH said...

Love the wall. I don't think the painting is quite right. Butt the frame is awesome maybe with some stripes as the art...
Also I like your current headboard too.

Ashley M said...

I love the painting inside the frame! So elegant!

Unknown said...

I forgot to say -- new nightstand tables would be perfect - antique style.

Kara said...

Leave the headboard... looks amazing Holly!

Anonymous said...

Hello,

I really like the color, its not too dark. I would go with the first option for sure! I really like the head board. Maybe add more color on the bed. You did a great Job!!!!

Victoria said...

Love the grey and the headboard...you probably just need to get used to it!

lisa said...

I'm going to be odd one out but I am totally digging option 3. I like the combo of sophistication and shabby.

Lucky Girl said...

I also think the gray wall looks incredible and love the white headboard against it. But, I can see where you are coming from with the stark white contrast. Have you thought about taking the white frame apart, painting it a very light gray and using it to frame the outside of the headboard? I think that would look fabulous since you'd be breaking up the contrast of white to dark, and you'd be introducing something with more character. Just a thought...

Chris Kauffman said...

Hands down number 1 , it is cohesive , the painting although lovely is not right for that spot, love the deep wall color with all the white, gorg...
Chris

Living It At Home said...

I really like how the color looks. So rich. I was thinking that you should paint the whole room that color?
Love the white headboard.
Also love the colors in that painting. It does add that x-tra something. Don't like it by itself. Frame gives it more something, doesn't look as lost behind the bed. Your doing great. Don't get discouraged!

hang in there~jamilyn

Meghan said...

Keep the headboard! It looks great!

Unknown said...

what would "just the frame" look like?? otherwise #1 for shizzle.

Amanda said...

Let me start with saying, I absolutely love that wall color. I am HORRIBLE with picking out paint color and gray is such a tricky one that you've inspired me to start custom mixing my own! :)

I would choose the first option, for sure. That headboard is gorgeous (hope to make one for our guest room one day) and it looks great against the dark wall. I think the room is perfect as is to be honest with you but agree with another blogger (or two) that a couple chunkier shabby nightstands would look great as well.

Beautiful as always, and well worth the wait!

undomestic mama said...

I'd choose the first option. I'm loving the gray wall too

Unknown said...

I love the moodiness the painting brings to the room with your new paint color. As for frame or no frame, I'm not sure. Can't wait to see what you decide to go with.

Danielle said...

option #2! i love it!

Catherine Clare said...

I am a designer and my favorite little "take it the extra mile" thing to do is to paint my vents, outlet covers, etc to blend in with the wall color.

I love option one with the headboard for the clean, crisp lines. The side tables (shelves) are great too but the outlet covers just stand out too much. Just a little constructive criticism, if I can give it :)

LOVE everything you do!!!

Michelle Hughes said...

I love the color... I like the headboard, but if you need character, I say do another with more dimension but still white or maybe a lighter shade of grey.
Smiles!
Michelle

Norma said...

ONLY because you're asking.........IMHO I find the grey just a couple shades too dark and the headboard is too white but some kind of stencil pattern would look good on it. Not feeling the painting at all but really like the big frame if it held something more soothing.......but if you love it nothing else matters

Heather said...

First option for sure! I love the color. Such a great contrast

Aubrey said...

I ADORE the headboard! I love it! Stands out so beautifully against your new color wall! Love your blog! :]

Cecilia said...

I think the headboard looks fantastic as is. I wouldn't change it. I love the sharp contrast. I don't think the picture fits in well. I love the frame though. Maybe you could find something else to go with the frame?

Stephany said...

leave the headboart!

Megan Lee said...

I am totally in love with gray these days and your wall looks fantastic! I would pick option #2. I think it's looks the best against the wall and they both really bring out the colors in each other.

Melissa said...

#1! I would definitely leave the headboard! It looks fab against the charcoal wall! For a bit of charm and elegance, how about switching the lamps for antique lamps? I think that would look AMAZING! =)

LuLu said...

I love the headboard option.
your blog is beautiful,
LuLu

Rebecca said...

I would leave just the headboard (no picture) but maybe add some molding around the headboard. I think that would give it a little more substance and anchor it.

Deena said...

Def the headboard, but the thing I would add, is mirrored night tables.

The CCB said...

I LOVE the gray wall!!! Now I'm gonna have to do one in my house... :)

I would definitely go with the headboard.

http://katiehommer.blogspot.com

Karen said...

This is the second gray bedroom wall I've seen this week, and I like it!! ...I'd go with the headboard, in silver?!

Kate said...

I'm part of the minority - I LOVE the picture in the frame! I LOVE how the colors of the painting contrast against the beautiful charcoal wall. It really warms up the room.

No matter what you decide, the room will look gorgeous!

Annie. said...

Leave the headboard! You know what would also look great and give some more texture contrast? Upholstering the headboard in either a soft grey velvet material, or like a beige linen.

Melissa said...

Leave the headboard - it's already perfect!!!!

Sara D said...

Keep the headboard - maybe get some mirrored bedside tables to reflect off the chandelier? Pier 1 has some really cute ones right now!

Jen J. said...

I like option #1 or 3.

Deb said...

I definitely LOVE the first option with the headboard. The headboard is beautiful anyway and then the combination with the dark gray in the background is just fantastical!!

MrsKBJ said...

I vote for option 1. It looks so pretty!

Amy @ Design-Aholic said...

First option- the headboard is so classy!

Mrs. Hanson said...

First options!!! LOVE the white headboard! I think you should get new fab nightstands!

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

Gorgeous gray wall! I like the white headboard-it is too beautiful to take away!
~Nancy

Michelle O said...

Love the gray wall...and I'm totally in love with the first headboard! Love your work...

Apryl said...

I love the headboard but I think it looks too high and I really like the painting in the room. The painting is that odd piece that just draws me in. :)

Mrs. Holmes said...

love the first picture. in the left corner behind the chair, some type of tree or tall greenery - just to add warmth and texture but not take away from the clean lines and color combo. then balance that with a window treatment. your talent is awesome.

Anonymous said...

I L.O.V.E. the new grey wall, it looks great. And hands down I love the white headboard, I think its looks beautiful and so comfy!

Oliver's said...

For sure the first option and if not...I will buy that headboard from you! With the first option the room feels more soothing and the chandelier really stands out. It has such a classy appeal. If you wanted to use the 2nd option somewhere else it looks great on that grey color, and feels alot like a Ralph Lauren room, I can see it with a taupe couch and a trendy plaid throw with maybe some equestrian themed accessories or even an industrial table and metal locker baskets. How fun to have a pc. to decorate a room around...it's my favorite thing to do.Paula

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Love your room, but think you have to bring some of the colour down on the bed ... a charcoal and white damask duvet would be fab.

Fresh Poppy Design said...

My vote is #1, but I do love the painting and pretty frame. Maybe on another wall in your bedroom. But I do love the headboard. Gorgeous! (suprise, suprise...)

Anonymous said...

i like the headboard :)

Heidi said...

I love the wall color and the headboard. If you are looking for something a little more dramatic maybe make a slip cover for the headboard with a pattern. I also love that barnacle vase - I wish they shipped to the states!

Jan said...

LOVE the wall! Great color. I like the white headboard best. I think the contrast works

Anonymous said...

i like the wall color. i suggest adding crown molding to the top. the picture is ok but if you use it you need to bring some hints of those colors in somewhere else like the accessories or something.

Esme said...

Definitely the first option looks the best...not a fan of the painting. Sorry!

Sandra said...

For sure I would not choose option 1. For the others I'm not yet sure if it is the right thing. To decide which of those I would need another picture from version 3 which is taken from a bit further away...
I'm looking forward to hearing what your final decision was :-).

Amber said...

I love the contrast of the headboard against the grey. I wouldn't change it AT ALL!! It is stunning!!!

stacey said...

WHITE HEADBOARD!

JenE said...

I do like the contrast, but I would probably tone it down *just* a bit to a less intense shade of gray.

You may want to look at rearranging the furniture too. When I looked at the second pic posted, my initial thought was "What would it look like if the bed and side tables were moved to the left a few feet(as you're looking directly at the foot of the bed), and butting the side table/shelf either directly against the walls (in the corner), or maybe leave just enough room for a floor lamp or tall vase with some dried grasses, tall twigs, etc. Then you could create a reading nook of sorts in the other table with the chair and maybe a small round pedestal table, or tall basket. Maybe find a chair that takes up less space, like a slipper chair? Install curtain rods high up on the wall, and have each tied back at an angle. Sorry this is getting really hard to describe just by writing it. I wish there was some way for me to draw it out, it would make much more sense!

Also, I would add something tall underneath each of the wall shelves to fill in the space. Maybe another tall basket, or a couple vintage trunks.

I would widen the headboard just a bit, so it's just slightly larger than the bed.

This room has such great potential - I can see it as a light, airy space with some romantic overtones. Can't wait to see what you decide upon.

Britlee said...

Option 1, no question!

lori lucas said...

i like the gray wall. i love the headboard. i like everything in the room. BUT i would take the frame and hang it up and down (as opposed to how you have it in the pics) and hang it behind (sorta) the wonderful chair. that way it fills that space and balances that window that is there in the corner. but it all looks great anyway!

Unknown said...

I love that painting but love the headboard even more. The paint colors look so beautiful against that wall color ... is there another spot for it in there?!

jennifer said...

#1. looks great!!!

Unknown said...

I like options 1 & 3, but I like 1 the best.

Amber said...

Gorgeous pictures! But I am not a fan of that painting. The frame though is gorgeous!

Mr. + Mrs. B said...

I like the color a lot, and the headboard too. But I think it's way too high. The extreme height of the head board seems to narrow the room. Drop it down and see if you can fit that frame above it with a colored painting. The one you posted is good, but I think you can find one that fits or DIY a painting to fit.

Bridget said...

I love the wall, the color, and the original white headboard. Perhaps you could add in the antique charm by replacing the side tables with something more old and charming??

I'm not lovin the painting over the bed...the frame might be nice, but with something else in it, maybe make it a mirror??

Or perhaps arrange some of your beveled mirrors inside the frame??

Elizabeth said...

A grey and white and some other color (light blue?)RUG! Something to mix the colors around.

Created By Charlotte said...

Love that Grey Color, this is what I would do...
1. Leave your headboard, its amazing and so unique and goes great with your room.
2. can you move that chair to another part of the room? if so move it out and center your bed in between the wall and the window (move the nightstands as well).
3. add some drapes to the window next to the bed to soften the grey wall a little bit.

cant wait to see what you do!

Erin Southwell said...

Not sure if you are still reading comments after 107, lol, but I ADORE the wall and I would definitely keep the amazing headboard-I love the contrast which makes both pop. If you decide to not keep the headboard, I know where you can send it :) :)

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Love the grey wall! Looks Fabulous! I vote for option one, the headboard! It is beautiful against the grey!

Lou Cinda :)

mommyto2 said...

Option #1 for sure! Love the headboard! Here's my 2 cents, maybe put a large tall mirror with a frenchy white frame leaning against the wall in the corner behind the chair to balance out the window. And some white window treatments layered with a white roman shade? I just think the headboard needs more balance on either side with a little height. :)

Natalie :)

SamiJ said...

Could you add an architetural stencil to your headboard, using fabric paint? Olive branches, or something curving and ornate?

Or perhaps, adding tufting to your headboard (to give it more texture/pop)

Unknown said...

Holly! Your bedroom & entire house is TO DIE FOR! I love, love, love option 1! Have a great weekend! xo.

Ruffles and Rhythms said...

i vote you leave the white headboard!

Anonymous said...

The first option is just fantastic! I do agree that some mismatched nightstand/endtables will finish off the space nicely. You are amazing!

aahcoffee said...

First option, with that painting on the wall on the left.

Krystal Wight Armstrong said...

Well, I definitely loved the old photos of your room with the big mirror on the side, and the green leafy plants for cheer, so I might've painted the wall a lighter or middle grey, and kept it all that way from before.
Though I think you're right that the painting's color really does work with the current wall! Would you have it at that level on the wall, or more centered above the pillows? Norma's idea of a soothing painting like that ocean one would bring back some of the bright airyness I liked before.
I couldn't get a good idea of what the frame partly containing the canvas would look like, but I do like the frame; it would almost be cool with nothing inside, hung above the pillows. (And a good front angle of that frame over the bed would help visualize its size, etc.)

I really love your headboard though. Oh! It just occurred to me that I originally found your blog one night when I was determined to make my own headboard, and I found your 'how-to' via a google search somehow! So anyway, if you end up not using that beautiful thing, I'd totally take it off your hands ;)
Good luck!

(PS, Bluechimera's ribbon or shiny grey add-ons are cool too! But don't match the outlets and window trim to the wall- middle grey if anything. Another comment made me think to move the bed diagonal in the corner, like your older pics I saw once? And I like how you flip the pillow for different style options.)

Emily A. Clark said...

I absolutely love the white headboard against the gray wall. Very striking! The painting is beautiful but doesn't pull in the right colors, in my opinion. Great wall color!

Taryn said...

I think the picture is an awesome choice. The colors really look great against the gray. I would probably frame it with that huge white frame- just center the picture in the frame.

The headboard is fine- but the picture is so unique and so rich. I would try it. If you hate it you can always go back to the headboard.

Unknown said...

Holly, I love your headboard, option #1, I think you could really break up the constrast and add to the room by stenciling the grey wall with a white paint, in a cool pattern. It adds so much! What do you think of this?

Little Lovables said...

The picture in the frame is lovely! But not for the headboard.

If you are tired of it... why not add some kind of neat nailhead trim to it?

Add a throw and pillows in a pale grey or aqua or soft yellow to soften to contrast.

Little Lovables said...

ps... I showed my husband, and he likes the painting without the frame the best!

Unknown said...

THE FRAME WITHOUT THE PAINTING? JUST THE GRAY

j said...

Leave the current headboard!

Kari --- said...

I would keep the headboard, and add curtain panels to each end of the feature wall... one over the window on the right, and one just over the wall on the left... to give the room symmetry.
They would have to be lined, I'd think... but you could add some curtains in a solid colour (muted turquoise would be my pick), or just tone-on-tone subtle pattern...
I think it would also frame the bed out nicely!

Kari --- said...

I would keep the headboard, and add curtain panels to each end of the feature wall... one over the window on the right, and one just over the wall on the left... to give the room symmetry.
They would have to be lined, I'd think... but you could add some curtains in a solid colour (muted turquoise would be my pick), or just tone-on-tone subtle pattern...
I think it would also frame the bed out nicely!

Antonella said...

beautiful.
I' d add some kind of natural textural thing. Like weathered wood, nubbly wool.. an old scratched armchair. just to give it a bit of soul

anyway it's beautiful
Anonella

Unknown said...

I love your room!!! The bed is GORGEOUS. I would keep the white head board as is. How about adding some nice textured or colorful curtains? Or maybe putting smaller lamps or changing the color of the shades? Maria mentioned getting night tables to add more substance and I think that's a good idea. Good luck! Love it!! I found your blog through My Favorite Things and I'm happy I did :)

www.blushingandsweet.blogspot.com

The Whispering Creek House said...

Frankly the picture is awesome! I think the color on the wall is amazing and the picture is very pretty above the bed..just do it I love it!

cotedetexas said...

try this - the frame empty. without the paiting. it will be stunning - trust me. the colors are too "off' in the painting. love love love your blog1

Hopeless Chest said...

OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS. Where did you get your white duvet cover set, with the ruffled edges? I have been looking for a white set for months now and I'm not liking anything, but I love yours.

Also, what if you upholstered a piece of MDF, with some padding to fit inside the big white frame? I also like the first option.

Kymberly Foster Seabolt said...

I LOVE your grey wall with that fluffy white bed. If it's not too late to chime in, however, I would move the painting entirely. It's gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but I'm not seeing it as a "headboard" here.

I think I would try for a shiny/silky/nubby/texture of your choice fabric in *almost* the same grey as the wall (for a monotone look) INSIDE that gorgeous white frame. Kind of a play on the grey/white/grey/white theme. Also mimics the layering you have on the bed - but on the wall.

Just a thought and I'm sure ANYTHING you come up with will be gorgeous!

 
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