For those who remember my Olive dining room ...

15 years ago

and my pondering going turquoise instead ... I did it! I took it from Laura Ashley Olive #6, which after awhile started seeming really drab and "blah" to me, to Benjamin Moore Venezuelan Sea, which actually seems a bit more true turquoise IRL than the blue that it appears to me in these pics.

**Disclaimer: I'm not seeking input about what I should change in this room. With the exception of the small footstool that's temporarily crammed next to the round table, I'm pleased with this room, and am posting these pics to show the color change, particularly to those with whom I've previously discussed it here.** (OK, so I'm not sure that was necessary, but there you have it.

;-))

Here's the "before" green -- a nice shade, but especially dullsville when no natural light entered the room:

And the after shots. We also switched rugs between the dining and living room, and I like the red-toned rug much better in the dining now.

I'm still leaning towards doing a colorwash on the golden-gourd colored walls in the adjacent living room, along the lines of what Igloochic has done in her home. That'll have to wait until my arms, shoulders, neck and back recover though ... who knew painting could make a person so darn sore?

Anyway - I'm really pleased at finally having at least one room in my house that wears my all-time favorite color, turquoise. :-)

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Comments (61)

saltnpeppa
15 years ago
Auntjen!! I love it & the red rug in there is just perfect. It introduces the red before you enter the kitchen with your daring red kit cabs(awesome)! I love that you have found your style & embraced it.

Smiles:)
carriem25
15 years ago
Love.
Love.
Love.
LOVE IT.

Carrie
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sable_ca
15 years ago
It's stunning. It makes your art work sing! You are a true "no guts, no glory" decorator, and you always find the glory!

Turquoise is also my favorite color. It's not on my walls (yet), but it's crept into every room in my house. We will not even speak about turquoise jewelry.

Congrats on a great job!
yayagal
15 years ago
Wow!!!! Now that's a room I could enjoy. It just looks wonderful and unique.
daisyadair
15 years ago
I really like it. The room itself is gorgeous, and I love the way it works with the colors in your living room.
texashottie
15 years ago
AJ, it's really pretty and you did a beautiful job! I love all of that original artwork on the walls and that tautly-tied drum---that is really cool!
cooperbailey
15 years ago
Ah! Now the paintings and accessories come alive! very cool!
HomeMaker
15 years ago
I cannot imagine living with those bold colours in my house, but I sure could spend a lot of time visiting your house. It always makes me smile.

Congratulations, it looks terrific!
lindybarts
15 years ago
That looks fantastic! It's funny, I didn't think the old color was bad in any way but now that you've changed it...WOW...that is so much more fitting with your style and beautiful artwork. Great job!

I hear ya on the sore muscles after painting but so worth it!
mjlb
15 years ago
For me, the proof that it's the perfect color for you is that I thought you ALREADY had a turquoise room! Looks great!
parma42
15 years ago
Jen, I've gotta say I love that color in your DR. It makes for a festive and exciting dining experience! The green was a nice color but, for your tastes, I could see it more in a relaxing area, like a den, for reading etc.

Let's get the party started! :)
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Wow! I am truly overwhelmed by your kind words! While I'm usually pretty confident in my choices -- I mean, I know what I like -- I was somewhat hesitant to post this more, uh, "bold" move here, just because my decor is so different and far removed from most people's choices. You've all made me feel that I definitely did the right thing, though. I thought it was the best choice for my room, but you all have confirmed it for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now, having said I wasn't looking for "input" - I have been sorta toying with the artwork in this room a bit. I absolutely love the ceiling-to-floor look that was the subject of a thread a couple of days ago, and have been thinking of how to get more of that gallery-inspired feeling on the tiny bit of wallspace I've got left in this room. I have my eyes on a couple of eBay & Etsy paintings that I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate into this room -- they aren't huge, one is about a 16x20, the other is a mere 10x10, but fitting them in will be somewhat of a challenge. (I can't get the pic of the larger one -- peppers in a basket -- to load, but here's the smaller one:)

I think that, while the room is as I want it for the most part, I'll enjoy tweaking it in the days and weeks to come. Again, thanks so much for the kind words. I do love my turquoise, and it makes me smile to have it on my walls now.

Oh, and Furletcity - the color on the living room walls is from Lowes (I believe? It may have been Home Depot, but I'm pretty sure it was Lowes) and the color is called La Fonda Ortiz Gold. The color is more as it appears in the photo showing the fireplace ... For some reason when I photograph a room looking past the walls, it shows up as a funky yellowish shade that is not at all representational of its true color. I used myperfectcolor.com to do a mock-up:
tinam61
15 years ago
Looks great Jen - and I think the gold walls in the adjoining room look perfect with it. The colors really compliment each other.

tina
budge1
15 years ago
You've got to send a pic to the blog "the house of turquoise".

I agree with what others have said about how well it goes with the gold in teh other room. Not sure if I would change the gold at all. They are just meant to be.
spitfire_01
15 years ago
First, nothing in your house is ever dullsville! But isn't it fun to change things up! (If I didn't have children, I'd probably repaint every few years. DH swears I'm working my way through the entire color chart at Lowe's.)

I love love LOVE the turquoise! I do think the turquoise makes more of a statement. It fits your home so nicely (such a happy color for a happy home). It looks especially good when contrasted with your yellow front room. Did you intentionally place the turquoise artwork by the front door (of the yellow room) or is that sheer coincidence? The art picks up your new dining room color perfectly.

BTW the La Fonda color is from Lowe's Valspar line. I have La Fonda Antique Red in my kitchen and a lightened version of La Fonda Sombrero in my dining room.

Nin
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Budge, so much of my inspiration came from the "House of Turquoise" blog! I love that blog, and had actually toyed with the idea of sending Erin (? I think that's the author's name?) pics of my new room that came about, in no small part, thanks to her!

Would you really not do a color wash on the gold walls? I was thinking doing so would give the walls more depth - I'd try to create kind of that "old adobe" look. But after going turquoise with the dining room, I am liking the gold walls better. Here are a few better shots of the living room, showing the gold walls (and the blue rug in this room, which I like!) ...

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, Nin ... have you ever posted pics of your La Fonda-painted rooms here before? I'd love to see them!

(The turquoise painting by the front door was hung there just shortly after we moved in, so a complete coincidence!
;-))
creekylis
15 years ago
You seriously could not have picked a better color for that room! I love it!

For what it's worth, I would leave the gold as is. What a lovely home!!!
furletcity
15 years ago
Thank you for the paint color AuntJen and Spitfire-it could be THE ONE!! Auntjen, your LR looks awesome with that rich, saturated gold and compliments the pure, intense turquoise of the DR. I would leave it as is(you are asking, right?LOL). The small painting will look phenomenal in your DR(as will the other, I'm sure)-Good luck acquiring them!
oceanna
15 years ago
Auntjen, it looks wonderful! I think the green was pretty, but this is definitely more of a stand-out, as, I think, is its owner.

I really admire those of you who get brave enough to do really bright or dark colors. I am still a chicken, but you could make a believer out of me.
spitfire_01
15 years ago
AuntJen,

We started with La Fonda Sombrero and thought it was too dark. I tried the next shade down, Tomato Bisque, and thought it was a little too "Rocky Top". (We live in Tennessee but are NOT UT fans.) So I went back to the Sombrero and played around by adding a little white. This is where we ended up. I like the color, but DH is a little peeved b/c I can't re-mix my formula!

Here is a shot looking into the La Fonda red kitchen. (I noticed later that it also lets you look straight into the powder room with my little boy's stool all askew.)

I realize it isn't everyone's taste. (Okay, it is hardly anyone's taste!) But I like it b/c it is unique. Between the crown molding and the wainscoting, there isn't much wall to paint. If I get tired of it, my fabulous, wonderful, and oh-so-handsome DH will repaint it!

Nin
redbazel
15 years ago
That Hot Turquoise really suits your house, Jen! I saw your post this morning and actually dreamed of using a turquoise on my entry because of it!

Red
namabafo
15 years ago
auntjen, you have such a HAPPY house. I love the turquoise! And I love the bucket of lemons and limes painting!
jejvtr
15 years ago
Aunt Jen
Good for you! Never fear color - You are perhaps the boldest on here when it comes to color - love to see your home, palette, use of color always a pleasure

Makes the whole room and your lovely artwork, furnishings, collections come to life

That DR set is to die for LOVE IT
susan209
15 years ago
Auntjen, your house and your colors are just so you. If I get a glimpse of a room and see the decorating, I just know that 'happy' room belongs to you. You are such a creative soul and I just know you have a smile on your face all the while you are at home in your 'happy' place. I do enjoy seeing all of your decorating and ideas.
leahcate
15 years ago
...Jen, you DID get I was teasing re. spa paintings,,etc....right? Couldn't resist after your funny
'disclaimer'. Am sure you got it, but would hate it if you didn't :>/!!
walkin_yesindeed
15 years ago
Jen, those pictures just make me grin at the monitor! the colors are wonderful!
pbrisjar
15 years ago
Wow. Stunning. Beautiful. I am clipping this one because I think I may just be "stealing" that color for our dining room. I am loving the deep rich saturated color with bright white trim* look these days and this combo might just be "bright" enough to convince Hubby to go for it (besides blue is his favorite color).

*This is about the only way I'd even consider letting white into the remodel process. The other would be marble.
neesie
15 years ago
I adore the color in your dining room! I don't come to this forum enough to "remember" everyone, but I do associate you with eclectic and great color. I always enjoy looking at your posts.

And I think it's great that turquoise is your favorite color, now aren't you glad you changed it?
cliff_and_joann
15 years ago
I thought I responded to this yesterday...
anyhow, I love the vibrant colors and love your furniture too...great job.
Jiann
mitchdesj
15 years ago
It looks great, Jen; as for the artwork, I love those lemons, surely you can find a spot, lol.... I also love that black pottery piece on your dr table.
stinky-gardener
15 years ago
Oh, I love your whole house so much, Jen! The new color, as thousands have already noted, could-not-be-better! Fabulous! Love, your light fixture & dining table & chairs so much too. When are you going to be featured in a magazine?? Does Fort Worth know they have such a gem in their midst (not only your house, but you!)? Thanks for sharing your great new color choice!
threedgrad
15 years ago
Very cool color! It does look like the color of the sea.
uxorial
15 years ago
I absolutely love your dining room! It looks perfect!

And I like the gold walls the way they are. :)
jjam
15 years ago
Pure Genius!

I could use some of your guts.

It is knock your socks off fabulous, and I'd probably never eat out again with a DR like that. Well done.
rmkitchen
15 years ago
Yours is a home of which I can just not get enough! I love love love "visiting with" you. I really do. Yours is sans doute one of the warmest, most generous, most exuberant interiors I've ever seen, and what I mean is that (based on the auntjen I've read / seen here) I think you are probably one of the warmest, most generous, most exuberant personalities.

Thank you for the peek inside your dining room!
THOR, Son of ODIN
15 years ago
Wow!
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Well, you all have certainly made my weekend, with all of these wonderfully kind comments! (I gotta say that I'm just not feeling too cheerful right now -- think I might be coming down with a bug, and have been feeling sorry for myself, but logging in here and reading your words has made my heart soar!)

Leahcate, you are too funny! I did get that you were teasing me, and I had a little chuckle over your "suggestion"! Actually - I've wished from time to time that I could bring in paintings of the ocean, as that's one place I absolutely love to be -- but any oceanic paintings would probably still end up with a funky, bright vibe to them, therefore totally defeating that whole spa vibe. It's like I just can't help it. ;-)

I think most of you know how very much I love being in Mexico, but I must admit that incorporating such vibrant colors into my house makes it much easier for me to come home too. I find that I just enjoy being home now more than ever before, and I'm so glad that things are finally starting to feel really right to me here.

Thanks again! :-)
User
Original Author
15 years ago
Aaaaaaack, Nin! I think I must be delirious -- I meant to thank you for posting pics of your gorgeous room! I can just make out the La Fonda red through your doorway, and it looks like a gorgeous shade. I love the Sombrero -- your own personal version of it makes it even more special! -- it plays beautifully against your white woodwork and the darker wood of your furnishings. Looks like a very happy, warm place to be. Thanks so much for sharing your colors!
You're definitely a girl after my own heart! :-)
never_ending
15 years ago
Jen~ I just wanted to say that the turquoise is STUNNING. Truly a reflection of you and so fitting to your technicolor cottage! I love this place because while your style may be different from mine, I can appreciate your sense of style and enjoy your changes and delight in them with you!
lorriekay
15 years ago
Well I LOVE it..!
I used to have the same color of walls so of course I love vibrant, bright colors.
The turquoise really sets off your furnishings in that room. Yummie!
koidom
15 years ago
Love the living room.
donnawb
15 years ago
Wow, love the color and always loved your style. The turquoise does wonders for your artwork.
teeda_2006
15 years ago
Stunning!
Robbi D.
15 years ago
I love the colors you are using! I especially love that painting behind your couch (the one with the horses). That would look soooo good in my living room! Of course, all the La Fonda colors, how could it NOT like them :-).

Nin, I'm in Tennessee also, and didn't realize there were any non-UT fans? (Just kidding, we're not really big ones either).

Love the new color, auntjen!
kitchendetective
15 years ago
You did the right thing! You're right about the turquoise highlighting the gold more effectively. Time for a magazine photo shoot, I do believe!
mistybear11
15 years ago
It looks fantastic auntjen. Now the colour of the newly painted dining room is brought in from the carpet in the living room. It flows very nicely. Too bad you are finished your rooms. The house is perfect! Now what ya gonna do?
User
15 years ago
WOW....fabulous use of color. You know how much I love Southwestern design. I could be at home in your lovely home in a minute. c
bodiCA
15 years ago
auntjen, what exciting transitions you have created. Each room stands on it's own, but it is thrilling to see the next rooms drawing you in with a new color. Thank you for teaching us how these color transitions also give depth making the house feel even larger. What you have done is Brilliant! No comparison, green to turquoise, the jeweled tone is Perfect! What a happy home! Love it all!
zipdee
15 years ago
Jen .. that turquoise is FANTASTIC! Love, love the use of color in your home. Just looking at the pics makes me happy, I can imagine living there is awesome!