updating a Tuscan Old World style home to transitional

6 years ago

My house is 100% Tuscan with arches, columns, faux finishing throughout entire house. Brown cabinets and builtins. My husband won't let me paint the cabinets or shelving so can't do the farm house look. What would you suggest on how to make this house look less formal and more modern? What kind of furniture and paint color? Can I just paint the walls and keep the trim the same color since all the doors and cabinets in bathrooms are this same color?

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

6 years ago

Beautiful architecture. If you are replacing most of the furniture, rugs, decorative items, and repainting, you'd probably benefit from hiring an interior designer to get the most for your money for the look you want. If you want to start somewhere, anywhere, pick a guest room or bathroom to paint white. Choose a white that goes with the flooring. Remove all the decorative items, choose new bedding or towels, then paint.

If you want a fresh look without spending a nickel just yet, remove all the floral arrangements, tapestries, faux plants, ceramics, wrought iron wall things, and all the artwork with colored mats. Roll up the rugs. Store everything in boxes for a month or two. Clearing the decks will help enormously.

Susan Davis's reference to the updated Tuscan Villa project hits the nail on the head.

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Comments (90)

mjconti
6 years ago
I don't quite understand why anyone that can afford a designer and all new furnishings would post on houzz. The back and forth advice is way too complicated. Why aren't you leaving it with the professoinals?
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
Good question Marilyn!
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Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Marilyn mostly because of my husband and kids not wanting to change anything plus I have already spent 20k on new carpet for upstairs, new sectional for upstairs, new master bedroom furniture, new kitchen table and ceiling fans, Next phase is repainting entire house which supposedly will cost between 10-15k, replace family room furniture, living room furniture and dining room furniture. I have it all posted on Craigs list, no buyers yet, it is all very expensive furniture, but no one wants it. I might have a garage sale.
mjconti
6 years ago
Is the decorator too expensive? Does your family spend time/live in the house and how often is it rented? Since you've spent so much already, maybe wait a year to do more redecorating & replacing furniture. I understand your gathering ideas right now.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Okay this is the thing...

If a photo used is the same one used for a listing, the style of the photo is rather specific....so you can usually do a google image search for it.

I hate when folks here deliberately link a listing without asking permission of the owner...it comes across as a snotty, passive aggressive move (but that's just my opinon). So I don't do it....

The reason that I looked is because there wasn't enough information to go on from the three photos posted (originally) to tell you if you could have a totally different style in there...I needed the whole picture to even give you my thoughts.

I see from the outside that it is what it is and I wouldn't say to do farmhouse in a Tuscan Villa....You CAN, however, get rid of your suburban "Texas" furniture. It doesn't say what you want at all....(before folks start ragging on me, I live in Texas...)

However, it's a big house (which was my point somewhere...lol) and you need a cohesive, large, plan that those of us just seeing a couple of photos and not being in the space, can do)

Make sure to interview more than one designer....It's a lovely house.
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Marilyn the decorator is actually really cheap, I have only spent $1500 with her, she puts together idea boards and tells you where to get the furniture and accessories. Alot of the designers seem to be overkill, I decorated my house before and for this project I really just need some direction, This whole thing started when the last people that stayed here said it looked dated, and it hurt my feelings! But the house needed to be updated anyway. My 20 year love affair with animal print is officially over! I am so tired of earth tones as well, I was thinking color palette of cream, beige earthtones, possibly purple/plum for living room to mix it up?
wmsimons85
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Julia, what a gorgeous location!!! I agree with Marilynjoc to just wait if you continue to rent it out and not live there especially if you continue to rent it easily.
wmsimons85
6 years ago
Julia, I also completely understand the desire to ask on a forum of many people keen on design their opinion as well as one single designer that you may not agree with 100% of the time.

This is a great forum for that but agree this is a huge project and you will probably need someone there with you. But it is great to discuss the direction she is leading you to and choices to made here. Good luck if you do decide to go forward.
User
6 years ago
I don't believe anyone on here can actually be any real help without being in the spaces in person. A picture can only do so much. As for a decorator, they don't care what you have. They only want to make money. If you bought new furniture yesterday, then hired a decorator today and said you wanna change the style. A decorator is gonna change it just for the sake of changing it. So it looks like they actually did something.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
"This whole thing started when the last people that stayed here said it looked dated"

Now I feel vindicated!!!!!

Hello, Tony???? Where are you???
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
I am looking for the top ways to make the biggest impact other than buying furniture, and I know it is to paint the faux finish which I plan to do, what about the staircase, maybe replace balusters?

it just screams Tuscan, here is an idea..
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
Have you gotten an estimate to replace?

Honestly, I'd spend my money elsewhere. The other one you showed looks ornate to me, too....

Have you gotten rid of all the cluttery decorations and pictures and stuff?
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It's kind of a huge job to change to gray, here (I see a gray sofa, rug chairs and table)...without painting your woodwork.

I don't get why your fighting your house and you want to do so with a smaller budget.

Can we persuade you to go back to warmer colors so that you don't have such a looming battle ahead of you or is it too late?
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
I did get an estimate and it was around 4k. Maybe I should just put that money toward the painting. Yes all fake plants, flowers are gone. The 'tapestry in dining room is a family heirloom although I am dying to take it down, maybe after my mom visits for Christmas?! There was a big oriental rug in family room I got rid of and replaced with the greyish rug, I plan to take out rug in dining room and replace the light fixture. The designer said I should put hardware on all the kitchen cabinets and builtins, replace ornate mirrors and light fixtures in the bathrooms. Frankly I am scared of the paint project in fear of picking the wrong color since it will be so expensive to do the job. Id rather keep the trim the same color and maybe make the walls a creamy white, . All the current furniture is very expensive and I am frustrated no one will buy it :-(
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
Skip the stair rail. Not worth it....

I did see the rug you picked....MUCH better.

Just bring out the tapestry for when mom visits then pass it on to your kids!
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
@ melissa, We just have opposite tastes. To me the more ornate the better. Just not overkill. Thats class and quality. It really seems like people on here just go for look no matter what. I looked at a brand new 2,500SQFT house about 2 weeks ago by a pretty well known builder. If thats the kind of garbage their building and selling these days. All I got to say people have really, really, really, really really, really, lowered their standards. It was garbage head to toe. The only thing of quality was the granite kitchen counters. Basically the house seller. Your average woman would go in it completely oblivious as to what a huge hunk of junk it is. Its all white and bright is all that matters I guess.
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago

Penny its not too late to work with the warm tones, my husband is dead set on not repainting any wood, grrrrrrr. Look at the pic above that Melisa picked out its got brown and grey together, like the "greige' look?

Maybe you are right I should just work with the warm tones because of the wood. Here is a throw pillow inspiration like maybe I could do bar stools in this to match throw pillow and get some color in here? Its all confusing,
mjconti
6 years ago
How often is it rented, and where do you live when it is? I wouldn't worry, or care, if a renter said it was dated; if they didn't like it, they shouldn't have rented it in the first place. It's your house. Cream colored paint, as you mentioned, would be nice in this house. Get rid of the faux.
mjconti
6 years ago
I agree with your husband about not painting wood. I have a feeling that those that are painting good quality wood now will regret it in 10 years or less. Beautiful wood is timeless.
User
6 years ago
@melissa, I gotta ask. Is this outdated?
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Marilyn, we only rent it out maybe once or twice a year and go down the street to the Holiday Inn Express to maximize our profit (Hey they have a free breakfast!)The lady was a biach, it was their first time renting a private home and yes it looks lived in, most people rent it for the outside not the decor but at the same time to get the price we want it needs to look semi high end and current.

I so appreciate eveyrone's ideas, this is my first time on Houzz and ya'll are so helpful!
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
What if you just rolled a whitewash over the paint you already have? Then it doesn't have to be a perfect paint job... and you could even do it a room at a time...

You could even whitewash over the stone to lighten it up...
I like that pillow....btw...you're on the right track
wmsimons85
6 years ago
Well in that case, I say go for it girl! :).

It is a big job but perhaps it will pay you back in time because it will need it sooner or later. Hope you can find a good current designer as well as someone with building experience. Good luck!
Karen Nottle
6 years ago
I would start by taking out all the accessories, plants, floral arrangements etc.. in the living space, kitchen and the large bookcase.(For every 6 accessory you have only put 2 back. This will give a cleaner look to the rooms.) Then stand back and really get a visual picture in your mind as well as take photos as a reference. This will be a starting point and the rooms will look lighter even with the influence of the heavier Tuscan pieces.Paint and slip covers are an amazing way to renew your look. Start a note book with ideas and get paint samples on white cards to carry with you. In Springfield, Mo we have an amazing store called F an M fabric where the fabric is priced $6.99-8.99 a yard. I have slip covered many chairs, sofa and ottomans I did not care for and WOW it can change the room. Slip cover cream for your sofas with your colors you mentioned as an accent in the pillows. Maybe recover the bar stools with a fun fabric.. There are usually just screws holding them cushion part down it will soften the look of the area as well. White or cream on the walls will really change the look as well and show off your amazing wood.The stair case is perfect.. just paint like the idea you posted. Will your husband let you paint the fire place or the large book shelf? That would brighten up the space as well. Good luck you have a beautiful home! I cant wait to see the transformation.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
Omg Tony, lighten up, will ya?

And yes, it is dated. It's over the top gaudy to me, also. What's your point????

But we GET IT. You don't like modern, new or contemporary. That's fine! No one is asking you to live in it.

But AGAIN, she asked for more modern updated ideas so if you can't handle that then maybe you need to take a break from your phone/ computer because you're not offering any helpful or constructive suggestions.

Have a nice day
mjconti
6 years ago
Well renting only once or twice a year isn't a lot; most of your time is spent in your home so hopefully you will decorate it to suit yourself & your family. We know people that rent their home in the Hampton's every summer. The rent pays their house payment the rest of the year. So it is understandable.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
Julia, have you come down in price on your furniture? Or do you have some home consignment stores in your area to take it to?

Or, last resort, goodwill for a tax break?
PRO
Jodie White Designs
6 years ago

This is your dining room with pieces added to show you how easy to transform on a budget. Sell your dining furniture except the chairs. Paint white and recover seats to create the farmhouse redo. Paint white or cream and decorate with neutral color scheme.
Julia McCurley thanked Jodie White Designs
Julia McCurley
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Jodie thats a great idea as a way to update the formal dining room. What do you think about painting the table /china cabinet, chairs /recover, here is an example of what one person did...isn't this amazing? I wonder how hard it would be to do this or if its better to buy a new set
PRO
Jodie White Designs
6 years ago
Your designer probably has the resources to have someone do it professionally, or if you have the time and DYI momentum to get it done go for it.
HeatherInOR
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi Julia. Are you familiar with Lauren Leiss? You may like her aesthetic. She has some Tuscan/European elements but she keeps it light and modern. I think some of your pieces would work... an eclectic mix is so much more interesting than trying to go one distinct style, in my humble opinion!
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
YES! I love Lauren Liess! Brilliant!!!

Julia, she's had several homes....go check out her website.
You can see places she's done, but click on blog for her spaces.....

I keep her foyer in my favorites file...
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The ornate mirrors, tapestry, and oriental rugs are what I would be keeping, here.

Grab a bottle of vino and watch Under the Tuscan Sun about five million times....That's what you want this house to FEEL like...comfortable, updated, but still acknowledging the style.

In other words, more like this:

Less like this:

If I'm missing the mark, here, let me know.
Tammy Smith
6 years ago
Please, please do not get sucked into the griege thing! You don't want your beautiful home to look like a cement crypt! Just de clutter, repaint the faux finish and maybe bring in some more rustic pieces to balance out the Tuscan?
wmsimons85
6 years ago
I am sorry Pennydesign but not keen on that second photo at all. Just my opinion of course but feels like a dated Tuscan kitchen to me like the OP may currently have. The ceiling looks authentic but not sure about the rest of the kitchen.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
wmsimons85, read my captions, maybe??
wmsimons85
6 years ago
Aha, sorry pennydesign, missed that. :)
User
6 years ago
No prob, hugs.
felizlady
6 years ago
The only way to make the house look less Formal Tuscan, is to get rid of the overly heavy furniture, Tuscan accessories, heavy drapes, heavy light fixtures and gold stuff. Replace it with smaller-scale furniture, simple less-ornate accessories, light window coverings and white paint. Your hubby won't let you paint cabinets or shelving, so paint the walls and ceilings, put interesting rugs on the floors, and bring in new art with an outdoors theme that doesn't include vineyards and cypress trees. Buy new dishes to put on your simpler dining table under your bright modern chandelier. Just don't paint the cabinetry and shelves. Is he going on a two-week business trip in the near future? When he returns, greet him at the door in a new hairdo and a casual caftan, pour him some wine and let him think he has a new wife in his newly decorated home.
Is all that not in your budget? Do the bedroom, living room and dining room first.
Sometimes when a style is embraced too totally, it becomes too much, a caricature. Lighten things up and relax. Every style which has been "in" will eventually be "out".
PRO
Design Intervention
6 years ago
Perhaps make a shift toward Transitional style, instead of trying to make the leap to contemporary. Here is a picture of a project we did a couple of years ago that shows the difference that can make. The columns were redone to have a much less "Tuscan" feel. This is an ocean view home that needing updating, but the owners really wanted to update and sell. They sold the house the first day it went on the market.
Monarch Beach 2 story Home · More Info
pgzab
5 years ago
Restoration Hardware will probably work well here - they have a free in-house design team, too.
PRO
Tessalah Florentino Decorating
5 years ago
I agree. I would do a giant sectional from Restoration Hardware. This old world looks very dated.
PRO
Tessalah Florentino Decorating
5 years ago
As a designer... if i saw my client doing this I would drop the client. It’s disrespectful.
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
Just looked at your HA listing! Wow! You did it! But no bookings that I could see. I thought the rentals were paying for the makeover. I've managed vacation rentals for 15 years, but I've never seen one that simply rents once a year. Is that still happening?
lg88
3 years ago
Absolutely
Julia McCurley
Original Author
3 years ago
here are the after photos of our new transitional modern style, no more Tuscan! https://www.vrbo.com/3477393ha?CJEVENT=f43f73cd807d11e880a800f30a1c0e10&cid=a_cj_8049290&preferlocale=true&uni_id=3451958&utm_campaign=Trip101%20Pte%20Ltd_8049290&utm_content=12618575_&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=aff_cj&vgdc=HAUS
apple_pie_order
3 years ago
The new version looks great. What are the wall and trim colors?
Julia McCurley
Original Author
3 years ago
The wall color is Sherwood Williams Origami white and the trim has been painted since those photos it's now SW intellectual gray
Looki Lu
3 years ago
I knew you were Texas (i am a native Texan). And you’re in a beautiful part of it :)

The house looks great. I knew exactly what you were talking about and what you wanted to do. You succeeded!
Julia McCurley
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you so much ! It took forever and cost
A lot more than I anticipated lol