Monday, April 30, 2012

bye bye accent wall!

I've had an accent wall in our family room on the fireplace wall since we moved in 9 yrs ago. First it was a light sage green, then it went to a darker green, and then about 2 yrs ago I painted it a gold color. Let's just say I'm over it! I wanted everything to blend, so I painted it Barely Beige by Ben. Moore just like the rest of the room and kitchen, since this is one big open space.
 Here's the most recent before...
 and the After... I like it so much better!
 Well you know how it goes, one thing always leads to another. Out came the chalk paint and this frame got a makeover too or should I say a do over!
Before...
 After... I used AS Coco along with the clear and dark wax.
 Before I applied the waxes I used a damp paper towel to wipe off some of the coco so the other paint would come thru.
 Added a few vintage books on this side.
 Playing around in PicMonkey. For those of you who loved and miss Picnik this is almost the same thing. Toby wanted his picture taken too!
 I even gave the mantel a fresh coat of bright white in semi gloss to brighten it up. By painting this one wall the room feels so much lighter and brighter, I love it! 
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great week!

 Photobucket

JOINING:
Between Naps On The Porch
Simply Klassic Home 
Under The Table and Dreaming 
A Stroll Thru Life 
Savvy Southern Style 
No Minimalist Here 
Ivy and Elephants
French Country Cottage 




at

62 comments:

  1. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsApril 29, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    I love the new paint job. Fresh and airy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda April 29, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Just gorgeous! Love your room. So fresh and inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageApril 29, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    Love the new colors!! Both the walls and your frame look so pretty! I have been using picmonkey too. It's great. Just as good as picnic. Thank goodness. What would we do w/o photo editing? :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. d e l i g h tApril 29, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Looks very nice with the new paint and the frame is amazing! Toby is a cutie!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 29, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    Your home is so pretty, and I'm sure you are enjoying the same colour throughout. It looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. FABBY'S LIVINGApril 29, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    Last October I did the same thing you just shared. I have a big open space too and so I went for a white like yours and hey, I love it, so much elegant and classic like yours. Your area looks amazing! Toby is so cute! Enjoy your Sunday.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  7. ANNEApril 29, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    Holy Martina - that frame looks STUNNING!! and I like the room better with the accent wall painted out. Guess accent walls was another phase we all went through...

    Lovely room!

    ReplyDelete
  8. DeseraeApril 29, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    Love the new look....the room looks so much brighter now!!!! Gorgeous :o)
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
  9. reFresh reStyleApril 29, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    Martina it looks great! I love painting stuff! Do I spy a sweet little Pom in your picture?
    Have a great Sunday,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  10. KellyApril 29, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    I don't think I even knew you once had an accent wall! It looks great now and I really like how you transformed that picture frame too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AndreaApril 29, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    I love the new accent(less) wall! Great color and the frame looks great too. Nice changes.

    ReplyDelete
  12. SusanApril 29, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    Beautiful changes to your room! I love the paint color, so fresh and inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Blondie's JournalApril 29, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    The new color is fabulous! I have my fireplace wall painted a mossy green and I am SO tired of it! I may be getting out the paint brush, too! Love how the picture turned out, too! :)

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  14. DawnApril 29, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    It tuned out fantastic Martina, I do like the lighter color on the wall. Great space:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. chateau chicApril 29, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    What a nice change, Martina. Definitely brighter, fresh and crisp. I bet you feel like you have a whole new room.
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amy ChalmersApril 29, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    I like it better too~and the frame makes the painting look more expensive!! lol Cute dog too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. NanaDianaApril 29, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Well, it was really pretty before, too, but I do think it unifies the whole room to have it all one color. You always do such a good job, Martina- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousApril 29, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    Hi Martina! Oh, your living room is so pretty. I do like the new wall color and what you did to your frame. What a lovely space to spend some time in. I hope you sit down sometimes as you're always making pretty! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsApril 29, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    It makes a nice difference having that wall the same color now, Martina! I love the Coco on your frame ~ that looks so good. I haven't tried that one yet, but it's on the list! : )

    ReplyDelete
  20. Something Nice and PrettyApril 29, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Looks so clean and fresh Martina! Love it! I know how doing one thing leads to another.lol The picture frame turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  21. NanaNor'sApril 29, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    Hi, I love this look! Of course I love the way you've decorated your entire room. It is so welcoming-I think you are an inspiration to those of us who need help.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs, Noreen

    ReplyDelete
  22. DebbiedoosApril 29, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Hi Martina! I love it all the same color too. It certainly does look lighter and brighter. Great idea on freshening up the FP too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kristens CreationsApril 29, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Your room looks great with the fresh paint! It really does brighten it up. The frame looks great too. Love the pillows you found for the sofa...wow! I love everything about that room especially the pretty plates on the wall.

    Glad you like the patio! Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kristin @ Yellow Bliss RoadApril 29, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    The after is great - much more calming. I love the painted frame too.

    Thanks for sharing at Simply Klassic!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sharon Lee JohnsonApril 30, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    I love the change. Your room looks more streamlined and brighter. A perfect change for summer! Our homes really are never finished, are they! X Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  26. GailApril 30, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    It all looks GREAT Martina! Enjoy your day, Gail

    ReplyDelete
  27. DIYbyDesignApril 30, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    The room looks great. Thanks for the tip on the photo editing. I was looking for an alternative to picnik. I'll try it later today.

    ReplyDelete
  28. model baju muslimApril 30, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    Great post,I really like your article

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️April 30, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    Hi Martina,

    I love the change in color. You have a beautiful room. Your picture frame looks wonderful. The painting is so much more vivid :)

    Dee

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear LillieApril 30, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    I love it Martina! It looks so much brighter and cleaner! And love the new color on the frame too!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Melissa MillerApril 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Martina this looks really pretty! I hear you on the accent walls. I'm over them as well.

    Warmly, ~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Judy BiggerstaffApril 30, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Great new paint job.

    ReplyDelete
  33. MicheleApril 30, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    The wall looks wonderful now, great job!

    ReplyDelete
  34. RobinApril 30, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    I liked the gold wall too but I can see where this appeals to you. The frame looks great too. Have you tried Befunky.com to replace Picnik? I think I like it a little bit more than picmonkey but I'm still playing with both. Thank God for them. Picasa is too complicated. I want one geared for a 5 year old!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

    ReplyDelete
  35. The Tuscan HomeApril 30, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Hi Martina,
    Your room looks so pretty. I love the mantle, accessories, pillows, EVERYTHING! Well done! =) xo ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  36. The Tuscan HomeApril 30, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Hi Martina,
    Your room looks so pretty. I love the mantle, accessories, pillows, EVERYTHING! Well done! =) xo ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  37. Carlene @ Organized ClutterApril 30, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    I recently painted my yellow living room dover white. I like your room and my room much better lightened up!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Patti @ Pandoras BoxApril 30, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Your room looks lovely - and the frame is a nice change, too - It is an inviting room and I noticed how beautiful your wooden floors are!

    ReplyDelete
  39. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenApril 30, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    It looks so pretty all lightened up! I love the makeover on the picture frame, too. It makes it come alive!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Linda @ it all started with paintApril 30, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    I, too, am over the accent wall in my living room. It's deep red to boot. Yes, very early 2000's ...

    It's on my list! I love your newly painted wall and updated frame. Oh, and Toby is too cute ...

    :)

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  41. Custom ComfortsApril 30, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    I like the old color because it looks so cozy and warm. But the new color makes the room look lighter, brighter and bigger. Each has its advantages, but I'm with you, I like it all one color better.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  42. BabsApril 30, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    The Barely Beige is a great color and makes the room look so much larger and brighter. Great job on the picture frame, too.
    Babs

    ReplyDelete
  43. BlissApril 30, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    I like the frame. I have not tried ASCP in coco yet, but I think I will have to order some.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  44. Pat@Back Porch MusingsMay 1, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    I love the redo, Martina. The frame really sets off the painting and your mantel is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  45. SherryMay 1, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Martina, I love the new color you painted your wall, it looks so fresh & lively.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The French HutchMay 1, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    Hi Martina, Your wall looked great before and it looks great now! I'm ready for a change now, mine hasn't seen any new colors in years. I love what you've done with the chalk paint and waxes to the frame. It looks like a totally new one.
    Have a great day.

    ~Emily
    the French Hutuh

    ReplyDelete
  47. BrandiMay 1, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    Painting the accent wall really made a beautiful difference! I love the new color on the frame too. Toby is a cutie! What kind of dog is he?

    ReplyDelete
  48. CindyMay 1, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    That wall really does look so much better painted the same as the rest of the walls. I've never been a fan of feature walls. Your picture looks great, too.
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingMay 1, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    I like the "after" photos. The wall blends better and I like the darker picture frame too. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownMay 1, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    It looks great! And you are right, one thing leads to another! Keeps you on your toes though right?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Savannah GrannyMay 1, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Love the new look. Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  52. PamelaMay 1, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Martina I am loving the update! It looks so beautiful with the picture! Hope your week is going well!

    ReplyDelete
  53. KimMay 2, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Looks awesome Martina. Now lets talk about that long wicker basket on the table. Where did you find it???
    xoxo,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  54. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaMay 2, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Lovely! Great transformation.
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    ReplyDelete
  55. SandyMay 2, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    Love the change but then I liked the accent wall too. I'm getting ready to get rid of my red atrocious accent wall! Talk about being over it.

    Love the color you chose. Wonder how it would look with the red couches that I'm stuck with for awhile. I'd also like to paint my corner fireplace white but unable to decide on a color. I like your color and I also love the wood valance on the windows. I love the whole room!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Ivy and ElephantsMay 3, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    This totally opened up the space and everything looks so fresh. Mind you, it was beautiful before but this is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful post. I would love it if you could share this wonderful post at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Sharon @ mrshinesclassMay 3, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    The ascp really transformed that picture. Love it. And the wall looks great...I may not be far behind you on making that change.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

    ReplyDelete
  58. House Crazy in Michigan!May 3, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    What an absolutely gorgeous dog your Toby.

    Oh and the "after" living room is sweet too!

    This is my first visit to your blog, but I'll be back.

    Small House / Big Sky Donna
    http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. KristenMay 4, 2012 at 8:33 AM

    I LOVE the new frame!!! The whole room looks different!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseMay 5, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    I have always had doubt about accent walls... I love them when I see them in pictures, but when I'm in the room per se I always have an odd feeling... I must say your room looks much more harmonious now... And I love the colour you chose. It's very peaceful.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Vintage Street DesignsMay 8, 2012 at 1:44 AM

    Love the transformation! I'm a believer in Chalk Paint as well so I really like what you did with your frame! ~ Judy

    ReplyDelete
  62. PalmaJanuary 7, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    What a nice change, Martina. Definitely brighter, fresh and crisp. I bet you feel like you have a whole new room. Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments! Thanks so much for stopping by, Martina