Nelly Reffet's Profile

Display Name: Nelly Reffet
Member Since: 3/15/11

Latest Comments...

I do prefer the after. More light, looks cleaner and the character has been well preserved. The gorgeous Bentwood chairs and the floorboards stand out better this way.

Now, for the kitchen itself, I'd paint the tiles. Their current shade of yellow is too pale and just looks dirty next to the rest of the kitchen.

I would also replace knobs and handles with ceramic knobs - you know, the ones that are hand-painted and often originate from Italy, Morocco or South of France. I'd pick some that have a white base but a colourful pattern all over, a bit like these ones: http://www.vargastile.com/ceramicknobs.shtml


Before & After: Abigail's \"Can of Paint\" Quick Kitchen Updates Renters Solutions
4/17/13 8:28 PM

1. Leave the cabinets as they are for now. They are retro but in great condition and would look great after a good scrub.

2. Paint the walls in a lighter colour. Light cream, light sage (or a soft green with a hint of grey) or a light earthy grey would be good. Try each colour on a little patch of each wall first, and see how you feel about it. Make sure to get a matte or low sheen finish.

3. Paint your door white.

4. Remove all the blinds (if you don't have a direct view into a neighbour's home).

5. A light sheer white curtain can be placed on the window under which the dogs are hanging out. Install the curtain rod as high as you can on the wall (not just above the window) and make sure the curtain is long enough to almost touch the floor. This will give a little more dimension to your nook and make it a little more welcoming.

6. Install under cabinet lighting.

7. Try to declutter. I understand you don't have much space to put the things you like or need, but the more visible "stuff" on your countertops, on your fridge, on your shelves, etc, the less airy the room will feel.

8. Divert the attention. Try to put an artwork next to your shelves (a long rectagular one), instead of your clock and calendar. Chose one that has a retro feel maybe and some colours that complement the rest of the interior. That also could be a way to inject some colour - why not some red?

9. Try using tea towels that have similar colours to your artwork to "link" things together.

10. For the breakfast nook, a round steel table in a cafe style could do the trick. (like this: http://static-1.worthingtondirect.com/images/97320a.jpg) Alternatively, try a leaf drop table (a white one would be best).

Enjoy the ride! :)


Ways To Update Original '50s Kitchen in Rental (on My Dime)? Good Questions
2/27/13 11:09 AM

I use this combo in my living area (and I share our home with my lovely boyfriend) and it works really well. I use those colours only as accents though (yellow cushions, pink artwork, etc); the rest of the room mainly includes: slightly off-white walls, a white leather couch, white industrial metal cabinets/lockers, warm/medium brown timber floorboards, rustic timber furniture (sideboard, dining table, Bentwood chairs). The mix is eclectic yet balanced and the pink and yellow accents help brighten up the space, giving it a fun, fresh twist. I have very positive feedbacks from all visitors regardless of genders (but I might have only very polite friends, who knows?).


Color Combination: Pink and Yellow
6/24/11 10:24 AM

Beautiful bedroom in which to take a nap on a rainy-grey-sky Sunday. As it is such a small room, you were absolutely right to go with dark neutrals.

However, I would personnaly add some hints of color to bring a little more 'life' and interest to the room. A bright pink or some coral/tangerine would work a treat! It could be added by putting a small vase of such color on your shelves and then carry the same colour through with two or three other items (a scarf hanging from the hook, a smaller coloured pillow on the bed, etc)

But nice job anyway!


An Inspiring 64 Square Foot Bedroom
Paper Flower Girl
3/15/11 8:34 PM

Thanks Aaron and thanks everyone for your encouraging comments!

It did indeed take us a lot of heart and patience and energy to pull this look together and I am glad that most of you enjoyed it.

You might be surprised to know that the large majority of our 'stuff' (bed linen, furniture and accessories) are very unexpensive as we were (and still are) on a tight budget.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.


Nelly & Samuel's Australian Beach Home
House Call
3/15/11 3:36 AM