Thursday, April 17, 2014

From Mustard To Mayo

 After the kitchen cabinets were painted green, I lived with the mustard colored walls for two years--all the while trying to convince myself that it was ok, but knowing that it just wasn't.
I knew that the cabinets and walls were fighting each other but was sort of paralyzed about what to do.

All the woodwork, windows and built-ins are painted such a dark, creamy white so finding a wall color that would contrast with the moulding and yet go with the cabinets proved to be quite challenging.
Until last week when the light bulb went off.  Why not match the wall color to all that creamy woodwork?

So I pulled out a drawer, took it to the paint store and asked them to match it.
And that's how the kitchen and family room went from "mustard to mayo," or from Benjamin Moore "Dijon" to a custom color I have nicknamed "mayonnaise!"
Let's look at some before and after photos, shall we?

before
Although the dijon color is nice in the family room (I clearly spent some time on the staging) the linen sofas clash with the walls.

after
 Now the new "mayonnaise" colored walls take backstage to the sofa and green cabinets.

before
I know the dijon color looks great in this photo, but....

after
 ...my landscapes look better with the neutral walls.

after
See what I mean?

before
In the kitchen, I tried not to let the green and gold combination bug me too much.  Eventually I stopped seeing it altogether. 

after
Now with the "mayo" walls, the green cabinets are crisper and cleaner.
I like how the white ironstone stands out too.

before
Before, the white subway tile did contrast nicely with the walls, but looking through the door into the dining room, I never liked how the wallpaper didn't seem to flow.

after
I've never been a fan of green and gold together!
But I love green and white together.
Or in this case, green and "mayo!"
Doesn't the dining room wallpaper look better now as you view from one room to the other?

before
I took the brown floral curtains down too.

before
Oh, how I love those curtains, but...

after
...the windows look better without, plus it lets in much more needed light.

I knew the kitchen was very dark, but I didn't realize how much it affected my mood until I lightened up the walls, took down the curtains and all those plates!

Can you tell I love my new kitchen?
 
The only question is, what took so long?
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25 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, I love the new lighter fresher look. Sometimes it just takes awhile to figure out what is off, but once you do. Wow!! I know you are loving it. What a transformation.

Marlis said...

Love the new look. I think that taking time with decisions is much better than not having though it out.. matching was a great idea! xo marlis

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Perfection! It looks so light now!

grapevine said...

I really liked the warm glow of your Dijon.Thought it had the properties of a sunset over water. Thought all the shades worked well with it including kitchen cabinetry, thanks to curtains. But...hear how pleased you feel with fresh new mayo color and that is what it should be. What pleases your eye and gives you a sense of comfortable.

Unknown said...

I loved the way it all was! I thought the Dijon looked great with the green - and with the linen sofas! And I loved all your plates too. And your curtains in the kitchen- love love love! think you were just ready for a change, which I understand. It is brighter and lighter, and looks very nice.

lms said...

wow.....I love it.....everything looks so put together....the green pops now and I love the way the furniture looks with the new color....I need to paint too...but its a big job that I really don't want to start yet...but I want to go light and bright just like you did....great job!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love the mayo. Perfect!

Sandie said...

I loved it before, and I love it after the update :-)

manu said...

Me gusta mucho la decoración de tu sala- comedor- salón y te felicito por el color que le has puesto. Los colores claros aportan frescura y claridad a las habitaciones. Te felicito por la elección.
Saludos

Lori said...

Color changes everything! How wonderful, fresh and beaurtiful.

Kris Vogelsang said...

Amazing how just a change of color can change everything! LOVE the new 'mayo' color!

Wild Oak Designs said...

Lovely and calming....I understand...it is hard to pick the right color for you. With spring we always want to lighten things up....
Looks great, enjoy!
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

Michelle said...

I love it! The green cabinets are just beautiful against the mayo walls.

Sheila @ Maison de Cinq said...

Looks so much better Delores! I love it! And I think the kitchen looks much more open without the curtains (as cute as that fabric is!).... you did a great job:)

Sheila Irwin
www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I love your choice of going with a white wall color. It does make the space look bright and crisp. Also like just the shade at the window. Even white can be warm and welcoming when done correctly. Your home is lovely!

Shelley said...

Loved your home before, but agree it does look fresher now. I did the same thing in my home last year: out went the yellow walls and floral drapes. Now if I can only convince my husband to let me paint the cabinets!

Ellen, the Bluestocking Belle said...

I can't say it looks better because the "before" was gorgeous, too! But I do like the lighter, crisper look for warmer months. Perhaps you can bring back your floral curtains -- which I adore -- for winter...

Unknown said...

I luved your before, but then I mentioned that I also had the Dijon walls and went to mayo. But the after is crisp and stunning. The green against the creamy white... POW!!!
Yes... I agree, the creamy white does do a LOT for the light and mood factor.
As a matter of fact, I was luving the cream so much, I spread it and a shade darker throughout most of the home.
LUV IT!!
Happy Easter to you and yours Dolores.
HUGS, Gee

Claudia Fabiana said...

I am doing the same thing, but I love how you coined it Mustard to Mayo! Your house always looks amazing....

Happy Easter!

Unknown said...

I love how it looks now and have always been a fan of creamy off white walls. My Dijon walls were here when I moved in, just been procrastinating cause I am the painter! I too love those brown floral curtains, but you're right by taking them down and going with a clean sleeker look. You could always re-hang them in the fall for a cozy warmer feel. I could just move right in...

Unknown said...

Just lovely! I love white and green too. I had that in the kitchen at my former home, and just loved the crispness it gave! Great choices!

lala said...

Just beautiful!!!! Your kitchen & nearby rooms were always lovely, but I have to agree with you - the mayo is perfect with your cabinet color, and it really does lighten everything up. The space has a completely different to it now, and it's absolutely wonderful.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

BEAUTIFUL Delores...love love the lighter & brighter look!!

Calypso In The Country said...

Everything looks so bright and fresh! Although I have always thought your home was stunning, this change really looks amazing. My kitchen/family room has Monroe Bisque colored walls and I have been thinking of going a lot lighter too. Now I am totally convinced. Love it!
-Shelley

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

the new look is wonderful, but I loved the old one too. hold on to the drapes, you may want to recycle them. Perhaps covers for you banquette? that might be lovely.

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