Are you tired of staring at the same dull walls and uninspiring decor in your home? Fear not, because we’re about to embark on a journey of room renovation inspiration that will breathe new life into your tired spaces.
Tackling the Fireplace Dilemma
Let’s start with a common eyesore: the outdated fireplace. As Lindsey Putzier explains, many homes from the 1980s and 1990s are saddled with a fireplace adorned in that infamous pink brick. “Pink was a HOT color in the 80s,” she laments, “but just like with any trendy color, it’s now rather dated 30 years later.”
Lindsey’s experience with her own pink brick fireplace is all too relatable. When she and her husband moved in, the room felt dark and dreary, with cherry wood accents that just didn’t mesh with the rest of the space. But Lindsey wasn’t about to let that outdated brick bring her down.
“I decided to reface the brick. Oh, and I also decided to rip out the carpet and put in solid hardwood to coordinate with the adjacent kitchen,” she shares. Lindsey opted for a classic 90-degree herringbone pattern using leftover slate tiles, which not only tied the fireplace to the floor but also added a touch of visual interest.
The transformation was dramatic. “Buh bye pink brick. Hello light and bright room,” Lindsey exclaims. By embracing a simple, neutral color palette and coordinating the materials, she was able to breathe new life into a tired space.
Exploring the Allure of White Walls
While Lindsey tackled her fireplace head-on, others have found solace in the versatility of white walls. As Anne Bogel shares, she and her family moved into a historic 1912 Craftsman home with white walls throughout, and they decided to leave them that way for a while.
“We viewed it as our opportunity to experience the house with a neutral-ish backdrop so we could decide how we wanted to move forward,” Anne explains. And what an experience it was! She discovered that white walls can be a double-edged sword, as they “often look much better in photos than in real life.”
But for Anne and her family, the white walls provided a serene canvas that allowed their architectural details to shine. “The bones of the house are important. White walls highlight the architecture so you need to like it,” she advises.
Of course, Anne also learned that the amount of natural light in a room plays a crucial role in how white walls are perceived. “If you need to turn on lights during the day, there’s not enough natural light for white walls,” she cautions.
Striking the Right Balance
While some homeowners are drawn to the clean, airy look of white walls, others crave a bit more color and personality. Maura Mackey found the perfect balance in her 1912 Craftsman home, where she embraced the white walls but added pops of vibrant hues.
“Everything goes with white walls, right? Nope,” Maura shares. She discovered that her warm, taupe sectional clashed with the cool tones of her new white space, leading her to make some adjustments. “That sectional is in the basement replaced with grey and brown leather sofas I love with our cool white walls,” she explains.
Maura’s approach highlights the importance of considering the undertones and overall feel of a space when selecting complementary colors and furnishings. By pairing the cool white walls with more neutral furniture, she was able to create a harmonious and visually appealing environment.
Embracing Creativity and Versatility
As homeowners navigate the world of room renovations, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to embrace creativity and versatility, exploring various options until you find a perfect balance that speaks to your personal style and the unique character of your home.
Whether you’re tackling a tired fireplace, embracing the beauty of white walls, or striking the right color balance, the opportunities for transformation are endless. As you embark on your own room renovation journey, remember to take inspiration from the successes (and lessons learned) of other homeowners who have walked this path before you.
And don’t forget to check out our home renovation services if you need a little extra help bringing your vision to life. Here’s to creating the home of your dreams, one room at a time!
