JLaura's Profile

Display Name: JLaura
Member Since: 7/18/11

Latest Comments...

I vote for a super light grey such as Benjamin Moore's Classic Grey or Behr's Dolphin Fin. It will pick up the grey in the brick mortar and let the pretty brickwork and floors shine. Painting everything the same neutral, light colors will make the space feel taller as well. I've had good success with color matching BM colors to just the cheap Olympic (Lowes) paint. It's low-VOC and much less expensive than BM. Good luck!


Should I Repaint the Red Walls in Loft-Style Living Room? Good Questions
1/3/13 5:40 PM

I agree with DEBBLES and would add on definitely paint the beams white. It might seem crazy to paint over nice wood but now they make the room look super top-heavy and low-ceilinged and painting them white will help them disappear while still keeping the cool architectural look. I would also nix all the various hanging lights and maybe just do recessed lights if that's possible at all. Good luck!!


Decorating Ideas for Massive Great Room with Stone Feature Wall? Good Questions
8/24/12 2:58 PM

"...most women seem to talk mostly about TV shows, their children, shopping and their husbands. I've tried being friends with men, but most of them think that makes it ok to hit on me." Wow - I feel badly that this commenter seems to have only had contact with the world's most boring/shittiest people. This doesn't characterize any of the conversations I have with my girlfriends and none of my guy friends ever try to hit on me (also engaged.) Don't give up hope! There are lots of nice and interesting people in the world!


Finding Friendship at Every Stage
of Your Life

8/10/12 5:19 PM

We moved into a very similar-looking craftsman bungalow 6 months ago with a living room, dining room, and parlor all open to each other. We chose Behr's Sandstone Cliff, which is a light grey/khaki and it looks awesome. Warms up the space while remaining neutral and highlighting the woodwork. Good luck!


Lighter Paint Color Suggestions for Dining Room?
Good Questions

12/8/11 6:23 PM

We just painted our house with a similarly small front facade a deep grey/blue with creamy white trim and a yellow door. I LOVE it and it really makes the trim pop, which is great for curb appeal. Very timeless as well. The body color is Benjamin Moore's Lead Gray. Good luck!


What Color Siding and Trim for Brick House?
Good Questions

10/24/11 4:19 PM

1) Hire someone to do a sewer scope in addition to a regular inspection. We did and discovered a $15,000 problem in the side sewer which the seller had to pay for before the sale went through. Whew!
2) If you're buying a fixer (like we did) think about whether you LOVE to work. I really do and fixing up our 100-year-old house has been a joy but is HARD. Think about how you will feel if all you want to do is curl up with a book/tv/movie but you have to finish a sanding project before it starts raining - does it still sound like fun? This sounds silly but it will consume a LOT of your time, so choose carefully.


What Advice Would You Give to First-Time Homebuyers?
10/3/11 5:42 PM

I sound like an infomercial but Restore a Finish (http://www.howardproducts.com/restora.htm) is amazing stuff - I used it on an antique end table and it took the scratches right out. It won't look brand new but the scratches should be pretty much gone. Good luck!


Where To Have Antique Table Refinished?
Good Questions

7/27/11 7:23 PM

I've seen some wonderful paint updates using a rich grey color on the bottom cabinets (and perhaps also the island) and white or a lighter grey on the top cabinets. It sounds odd but it really makes the room appear taller and keeps the room from being overwhelmingly white. Something sort of like this:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://st.houzz.com/simages/22857_0_8-0614-traditional-kitchen.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/390625/list/kitchen&usg=__B5eGa9fxBbEb4gvvZQCNNFKu_0g=&h=317&w=400&sz=38&hl=en&start=130&sig2=SkK7fclcCEiAk4cg3-oEjg&zoom=1&tbnid=sEDCaPIxzfNM6M:&tbnh=146&tbnw=184&ei=C3gkTtPPMebniALSv6DCAw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgrey%2Bbottom%2Bcabinets%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1C1CHKZ_enUS430US430%26nord%3D1%26biw%3D1600%26bih%3D781%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=194&vpy=310&dur=427&hovh=146&hovw=184&tx=107&ty=57&page=5&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:26,s:130&biw=1600&bih=781


Paint Color Suggestions For Kitchen Cabinets?
Good Questions

7/18/11 2:15 PM