Comments on: The Best Laid Plans

By: TheElegantologist

TheElegantologist — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:07:28 +0000

Fine advice Ms. Webb, We do know a couple of designers here in town (one of whom has appeared in “Veranda,” “Southern Living,” etc.) I’ll see if I an talk Mrs. E. into it. I like the idea of staining the wood very much darker. As I no longer smoke a pipe or cigars, I wouldn’t be able to achieve the desired effect “naturally.”

By: Joni Webb

Joni Webb — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:09:58 +0000

May I jump into the fray? I am laughing at Turley’s comment. Imagine Brooke Astor, whose private library is considered one of the most beautiful of all, telling Mr. Hadley – NO!!!! You can NOT paint the wood!!!! I think that Toby actually is 100% on the money here. The wood appears red here. It also looks very thinly stained? Is it – or is it the camera? I think Toby is offering excellent advice and I myself, would be most agreeable to hearing him out. I have seen Toby’s extraodinary work and dare say, he knows his paints and colors. HGTV + Toby = nonsense!

That said – if you DO want to keep the wood stained, – how about a deeper shade, much browner. The wood looks thirsty to me – give it more stain, darker. The orange will never do with the stain as it is now. The orange needs a lot more brown in it.

E: my advice is – do you know a designer you admired? Call him, negotiate an hour’s time and offer a fine glass of wine. I do think, given the yellow in the adjoing room, the orange on the walls, the red stained wood, the blue in the entry hall – a professional is def. needed and would be well worth the money spent. After all, YOUR time is money too!!!!

Great discussion – Can’t wait to see the final outcome.

By: TheElegantologist

TheElegantologist — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:22:55 +0000

Hello Gentlemen, as humble as the wood is, both Mrs. E. and I like it. The whole was fashioned from scrap while the contractor gnashed his teeth at the carpenter who swore that it wouldn’t cost him a dime extra. I agree that the colour of the walls at the moment leaves much to be desired. We may try a glaze, or if I can find that damned Farrow and Ball book, I am more than happy to consider other, less lively, colours. The room was a soothing shade of green before. I suspect that it is Mrs. E.’s Caribbean soul longing for warmer climes after the daylight savings took effect that led us to brighten up the joint. It is a fine colour. It just doesn’t work here or with the rest of the house. Redoing one room will be considerably easier.

That having been said, have I mentioned the pearly blue RL Home colour that we want to paint the entrance hall?

And believe me when I write that I am flattered that there are so many strong opinions being expressed (with good graces, especially.) I will choose to interpret it as a wish to ensure our surroundings remain as pleasant and harmonious as possible.

Thank you all.