No offense, but I really don't like the walls. I think the simplest solution would be to repaint the walls a nice neutral color. Maybe cream or off white? I love your chair and the floor is nice too :)

I think that the chair would look great in a nice warm sage green room.

Caroline, I kind of like the red (I like red), but I could see a warm, muted gold in there, also, or a green as mentioned above. Have you seen the movie 'The Family Stone'? They used a lot of paisley-type prints (similar to your chair) and great, warm colors on that set:

I have included a link to some stills from the movie below. You might rent that for some inspiration. Susan Sarandon's house in the movie 'Stepmom' was also decorated in a similar fashion...both movies require a box of Kleenex, though!

I think that you're on the way to a very pretty room! Best wishes with your decisions!

Here is a link that might be useful: stills from

I think you have a great start with the wall colors and think a leather or tapestry chair would look great with them, for an English library feel. Here are a couple you may not have seen. You could put a tapestry pillow or throw on the leather chair. The tapestry one isn't a recliner, though, but the colors look like they might work better with the red than the orangish chair that's going back. Neither are terribly expensive, as they can surely get pricey.

leather chair

tapestry chair

And speaking of 'velvet drapes' out there, wouldn't that be beautiful and rich in there too for your styling!

I believe I mentioned green and/or gold in the first thread; I'm feeling vindicated :)

The red on your walls is a blue-red which is not warm feeling. It doesn't seem to go very well with the warmth of your wooden furniture or the orangy red of your chair.

OMG, caroline, that looks so much like my chair I had to check to see if it was the same. I agree that your walls are reading as a bluish red which does not work with the warmer tones of your room. If you want to keep it red, in the long run, I think you'll be happier with a warmer toned red. Here are a couple of pics of my chair to give you a feel with different wall colors:

tan walls:

You've gotta repaint. Sorry.

When I first saw pic of the red room it was empty. Upon seeing the trim style and moulding I assumed it was going to be Victorian with the cherry red walls and a big carpet covering the floor.

This color does not go with the direction you are going with furnishings. The red walls look shiny in these new photos.

You need a warm red going towards orange. The exposed floor and wood furniture in the room are in the orange tone. The paint should look matte or flat like milk paint.

Maybe someone can photoshop it?

I'm not sure you need to repaint -- didn't you say that the current bookcase is leaving and being replaced by darker stained one? Also, you said you're not opposed to painting bureau -- how about the desk? I think the existing wood tones are skewing comments. It would be good to see the new bookcases in the room.

OT -- but why the high picture rail and two tones of paint? Are you carrying a color from another room / trying to make ceiling look lower?

I seem to be in the minority since I still like your wall color and don't feel there's a problem with it clashing with the floor and even think the chair would be fine if you put a red pillow on it. However, if you can return it and don't like it yourself perhaps that would be the best option. I confess I'm also puzzled by the lighter color strip at the top and, if the room were mine, I would paint it and the railing the same red as the rest of the walls. I don't think the color of the floor will be a problem once you have the carpet in. I would pick a carpet that has the color of the walls and the color of the floor in it to pull it all together. The furniture as it is now is more of a problem because it's not elegant enough for the wall color but you seem aware of this and plant to paint or stain it.

If you love the wall color I believe you should keep it. It's your home and you are the one who has to be happy in it.

Ingrid

The red on your walls is a blue-red which is not warm feeling. It doesn't seem to go very well with the warmth of your wooden furniture or the orangy red of your chair.

Precisely my thoughts. I like the idea of red on the wall, but it needs to have a warm, terra-cottish undertone. What's on the wall now looks burgundy to me, which I feel is clashing with your pretty chair. Of course, it's entirely up to you to know if you'd be willing to repaint the walls, but I do really, really like that chair, and if it were mine I'd hate to return it!

Now, I love your walls, and I REALLY love the trim with the lighter color on top. This is kind of what I want to do with my master bedroom when I redo it.

I'm not loving the chair, style or fabric, in the room. I love the chair for me, tho! hahah. What feel are you going for? Is this a more masculine room? And what will the bookcases look like?

I'd chose a plain fabric (leather?) and use prints for your accessories. I'm not seeing velvet drapes in here, but definitely something with texture. Maybe that is where you can bring in your pattern?

Thanks for the "food for thought." Now I have even more questions! LOL

Paint Color...what if I were to repaint the lower walls with the "Bangkok Rust" which has been mentioned on this forum several times? Is it a dark, true red with no blue or yellow undertones?

If not Bangkok Rust, what would be a good warm red, but without yellow or orange undertones. I want a dark red, red.

Southern Heart...I'll be checking out those movies soon! Thanks.

Squirrel Heaven...I love the leather chair you posted. I'm calling Fargo's Macy's tomorrow to see if they have it in stock. I would rather switch out the chair than give up "red" walls. Would a dark chocolate fabric or leather chair/recliner look good with the "Bangkok Rust" paint?

ValinSV...Yes; we have the same chair, but different fabrics. Can you give me the name of a "warm red." I still get mixed up with "warms" and "cools."

Dilly Dally...I will eventually put an 8x11 rug in the 10x13 room. That will be a whole 'nuther issue...trying to choose a rug! LOL I'm think I will be repainting.

I don't want "orange" or "yellow" undertones, but I will get rid of the blue-toned red and this chair. I will use a flat finish. This is a satin finish, but it looks very shiney to me, too.

MJLB...Yes, the two new bookcases will be the same size as the one shown below, but I can stain them a dark espresso. I'll be happy to paint or stain the dresser, or get a new one, and I could stain the desk, too. DH will squawk; but it won't be the first time. He's from the "oak is holy" school; I am not.

LOL @ your "Why the high picture rail and two tones of paint? comment. That was my warped sense of design. I wanted somthing "different". IRL, it looks pretty cool; even skeptical DH loved it once we got it all up. I wanted to take my tiny room and dress, trim, and paint it as if it were a grand room.

The trim is going to be painted a darker beige/cream called "Cream in my Coffee." That should get rid of some of the contrast.

Again, thanks for all the info, and please feel free to tweak, tear apart, and re-invent my room. I truly appreciated all the comments, help, suggestions, etc.

Here's the bookcase. It will be replaced with two similar bookcases, of the same size. They won't have the curved tops and doors will enclose the lower shelf.The dresser quilt has already been replaced with a vintage linen and taupe dresser scarf.

Caroline, I'm like you and love red. I've also tried about twenty reds :) and have always liked the reds that weren't blue-based. I prefer a red with a warm hue, and learned that reds with Magenta pigment in the mix (the person at the paint store can help you with that) read too blue or purple on my wall. When I've used the reds that were made up mainly of Exterior Red pigment, they've produced a warmer red on my walls. It may not be exactly the same for you, based on your lighting, etc, but an experienced person at a busy paint store can help you sort through to find a warm red that will work for you.

Good luck!

Caroline, a friend of mine used a great warm, rich red that I think might work for you...please send me an email (I should have an email link on "my page", but let me know if it doesn't work) and I will send you a photo of the color. I don't want to post her photo here since it isn't my own.

After looking at the pics again, I figured out what the problem is...your wood furniture doesn't go well with the red. I love the wall and I love your furniture, but they clash together.

I think the easiest thing to do would be to repaint it, and I would stay away from red in that room if you keep the furniture. With red walls, I see either dark or white furniture.

What about using a top glaze in a warmer or lighter tone? Either sponging/ragging/wash or maybe a leather effect (with plastic bags) or a crackle overlay?

Could end up being really interesting and less work/cost than repainting red.

just an idea, good luck!

-Lena

Here is a link that might be useful: Faux painting at Behr

Caroline,

I am Lusting Your Chair - LOVE IT.
The Paint you have on the wall ( Red) is not a warm red its a cool red - therefore throwing off the beauty of the orange/golden/yummy " Moroccan" feel of this FAB CHAIR

for Inspiration check out this Blog

http://www.moroccanmaryam.typepad.com/

she uses Orange and flavors of color like no other

:) Carmin

SouthernHeart...I sent you an email. If you didn't get it you can email me at WesandCarol@q.com.

Caroline, you should have 2 reply emails. I hope that they're helpful in some way! :) Keep us updated on your pretty room!

Uh-oh...I think the scrolling problem may be my fault. I pasted in a web address that is crazy long, and suddenly the whole thread went wide.
I'm sorry! I think I learned something, though.
And my advice to add lots and lots of cream and natural fibers stands...

Caroline.... I just saw in another post that you liked my Bangkok Rust kitchen and are thinking of using it in your office. Funny, when I saw your post originally, I was thinking "repaint", but I didn't want to suggest it as I know that is a lot of work, and some folks like the cooler reds.

BR is definitely a warm red... it's very nice. I hope you get a sample and give it a shot!

Good luck!

I agree with most that the wall color is the issue. Either a more terra cotta color or creamy gold. Replacing the chair won't solve the problem because the wood furniture doesn't go with the wall color either. Red is a difficult color to get right because it is so intense.
Diane

Agreeing with the others that the red currently on the walls isn't the best color, either for your (gorgeous!) chair or for your furniture. But I have a suggestion. Before you choose another paint color, why don't you choose a rug, based on the chair, furniture, and floor? *Then* go with paint. The textiles are much harder and more complicated to match, in my experience. And most designers say to start with textiles and then choose a wall color, I believe. Makes your life easier.

I think a toasty caramel color would be nice on the walls. It would work with your pine bookcases and the picture (which needs to be lowered). I'd de-emphasize the picture rail by painting it and the area above it the same color as the main wall portion. Bring in your red print in the chair and other accents. If possible I'd like to see that print repeated somewhere in the room - perhaps pillows on a solid color sofa. I'd like to see a slightly larger picture on the wall than the one you have with a small table under it to provide a base for the picture and perhaps a small lamp. A third color also needs to be brought in somewhere in very small touches - perhaps complementing the trim color you indicate you intend on changing. I think every room needs a touch of soft white somewhere. Your idea to change the stark white trim to more subdued white is a good one. Just an idea!