A few years ago, I arrived at a colour consultation in an older character home with a lot of unpainted wood paneled walls. The dining room and entry were almost entirely paneled and most of the trim as well. And it was far from beautiful. It was dark and dull and I recommended that it be painted out a cream colour.
Knowing how most men react to painting wood, I presented this option in the diplomatic way I always do. After all, I’m getting paid for my opinion and it’s my job to be honest and give the most updated and current point of view, based on the clients likes, dislikes, existing furniture, etc. I pointed out that it wasn’t fabulous and with the contemporary furniture they had, painting it out would completely transform and update the home. I even had an image in a magazine that I showed them.
So here’s the thing that was really strange. Usually (and I’ve seen this over and over) the wife’s face lights up and the husband gets a little cranky. However he usually comes around when I explain that it’s dated, and never coming back (see my post on kitchen cabinets here). In this case though, the wife kept saying “Whatever you want dear, it’s up to you”.
He seemed to be fine with the suggestion as well, and he even asked if I could provide two colour options. One if they kept all the wood ‘as is’ and second if they painted it.
The next day; however, he called Benjamin Moore; and ranted and raved, ‘How dare that designer suggest that we should paint out the wood!’
So you know what I think? I think that couple had a huge fight about painting it when they moved in. He won, she lost and he was not happy that I essentially validated her opinion, and invalidated his (without realizing this of course). Why else would he have been so upset? It’s just my opinion (which they were paying for) they could take it or leave it!
I did a little research before I wrote this and found only one other post regarding this topic, but it still doesn’t really answer the question. Why do men love wood so much? That’s the question of the day!
And before you conclude that I’m the first to suggest painting out all wood; that is truly not the case. The last oak kitchen I suggested updating by painting cream was connected to the great room/family room that was paneled in oak and it was beautiful. I recommended that they wait and see if it would look out of place with the kitchen painted. It didn’t. They kept the great room the way it was, and the kitchen received an updated look with paint, new flooring along with Silestone countertops and the wife was happy.
After all, as one of my designer friends likes to say to her clients, “A happy wife is a happy life”.
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.
Related posts:
Danger; The First 24 Hours after you take Possession of your New Home
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