Umbrella color. Why is this so hard?
Alex K
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Hello,
I've been struggling on picking an umbrella color for my balcony.
I'm thinking navy blue to tone down the red from the brick or white sand to match the brick mortar?
What are your thoughts please?
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (25)
Anna (6B/7A in MD)
4 years agoAlex K
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Why is it so hard to find Navy & Tan decor?
Comments (14)Why is it so hard to find Navy & Tan decor? I adore dark blues like navy and midnight and I think a beautiful dark blue is one of the few colors that is worthy of the titles, "timeless" and "classic". It's just not 'in trend' right now. Not so long ago, the navy, burgundy, tan, and hunter green combo was a blazing hot color trend. Fast forward to today, and navy blue by association and in combination with those other colors has an unseemly cachet  unseemly in a way that can only be achieved by being a part of an insanely popular color trend. And when it comes to trends, you're either in or you're out (as Heidi says on Project Runway). Unfortunately navy blue has been "out" and only creeps into product lines on rare occasions. I think if you look closely, a pattern arises in that navy is the go-to color whenever the goal is to design something "masculine" or "nautical". Apparently, it is welcome to support a theme of sorts but on it's own, navy hasn't been invited too many places lately. Personally, I love navy blue and think it's a super choice especially when black brings too darn much drama or dark brown's coziness just isn't sophisticated enough....See Morewhy is it so %$&* hard to pick a countertop?
Comments (115)If you're really asking why it's so hard, I think it's because we have too much to consider and too many sides to ourselves, too. There's: - What makes us happy color-wise, the same way certain foods taste good or certain music sounds good. Not a choice - just makes you happy in and of itself. - What makes us happy color-wise (and/or style wise), due to recognizing current trends and feeling pretty darn hip because of it. But then we ask ourselves: Is it more of a trend that won't stand the test of time or that's lasted for years but is on its way out...if that kind of thing matters to us? - What's practical in terms of being durable. - What's practical in terms of money (for some of us, anyway). - What gives us cozy memories or reminds us of some major inspiration (e.g. for me, butcher block countertops call to me like no other. Childhood memories even. In the end I decided against it due to how rough my family is on things and the fact that they'll never dab up the water they leave standing on it by the sink...but I feel heartbroken for having given up on it)! I ended up choosing the last thing I would have EVER thought I'd pick, in a million years! That's stainless, in an old, period kitchen. But that's also because I saw a picture of one in an old house and instantly fell in love, all the while being shocked that I liked it. Also, I'd had it on an island top for many years (granted, a SMALL island) and loved how it patinas, and loved how durable it is and how it almost changes colors depending on the day and lighting. At times it's almost colorless - like a rock - and fluid and soft looking, like water. And I loved how I could still have butcher block, but on my island now instead of the main countertop - because it provided great contrast and won't get damaged as easily as if it were by the sink. The owner of the inspiration kitchen had paired the stainless with a white farm sink and wood floors and white marble backsplash (only mine will be honed white marble subway tile backsplash and not very veiny). The big question - for all of us at this point - is: WILL IT REALLY LOOK GOOD, ONCE IN??! ;) I'll be finding out soon. Scared!! Stainless is quite the gamble, in a older house!...See MoreTurning the vision into reality - why is this so hard?
Comments (20)never_ending, yes, upper cabinets are easy to make. There are reasons for this. Several reasons that all combine to make it worthwhile. -- The thing you can have is 1 big box as an upper cabinet (therefore continuous, long, shelves inside the 1 cabinet). The front cover could be *either* 2 or 3 sets of panels that open with Blum Aventos HF hinges, *or* several narrow (vertical) doors that hinge on a front frame. In either case, you have continuous shelves. At first glance it looks like wall "cabinets" but, it's a single entity, not a series of boxes stuck together. So the shelves are uninterrupted by cabinet sides. When you open door 2, you can reach things in sections 1 or 3 as well. Storing things is easier too since your things don't bump up against barriers. -- 1 big box is easy. Here is one of the several reasons why wall cabinets are easier to make than floor cabinets. A wall thingie has to look good (straight and level), and be well screwed to studs. Looking good is less demanding than being truly level to a fine "tolerance". A run of floor-standing boxes has to be far better aligned: it supports a level countertop. So, a 1/8" misalignment becomes a serious problem, even if the floor is perfect, rigid, flat. A floor-standing box has to hold up to max. physical stress AND could have an unstable (squishy, spongy) floor under some of its legs. So, it can be a chore. Or more. But a wall thingie doesn't have to be square or level, to the Nth degree. Executive Summary: wall cabs are a few panels joined at 90 degree angle. They hang on the wall. The cabinetmaker doesn't need to work to the same degree of "perfection" as for the cabinets that stand on the floor and become a base for countertops. I second the notion that "you may be able to go IKEA bottoms and custom uppers without breaking the bank." -- Open shelving is not as easy to make as 1 big box. Because each shelf has to get its entire support from the wall studs. With 1 big box, shelves are supported by the two sides of the big box. (Between the two sides at the ends of the long shelves, the shelves do need some support too) ((and this is "easy" or easier to arrange than for individual open shelves)) -- "They are spacious and operate so smoothly with the soft close feature." sample budget: $1500 Ikea cabs (floor-standing) $2000 any "front" from Scherr's, ikea or anywhere $1000 installation DIY along with a handyman helper who has a level...See MoreWhy is the lighting decision so hard?
Comments (8)What is your budget for the pendant? And do you want something in the style of the first kichler light but in a non-shiny silver finish? What size pendant do you want? My first thought is the Restoration Hardware Benson/Hamon lights. They come in a variety of sizes in satin nickel, but are outside of many budgets. ($200-$500 ea depending on size) A little more budget friendly is this one from Landmark. It's satin nickel and 13" in diameter and a little more budget friendly at $178 each. If there are other criteria that this doesn't meet, post it up, I'd be happy to draw on my stupid amount of hours searching the web to help other people out....See More- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago Anna (6B/7A in MD)
4 years agoAlex K
4 years ago- Alex K thanked Vks248
Alex K
4 years agolatifolia
4 years ago
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
4 years agoThis is a no brainer. With that lovely red brick I would create a black and white outdoor room Would the building allow you to install a retractable striped awning with a wind sensor instead of the umbrella? It might suit your needs better if the balcony gets any sun.
Maureen
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoMy first inclination was black but it may fade more quickly. A charcoal stripe would be a great look. Both will work with the grey patio stone as well as the brick, for a fresh urban feel.
Alex K thanked Maureen
tfitz1006
4 years agoVks248
4 years ago- PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoIf you purchase Sunbrella fabric for the umbrella or awning, the fading will be minimal.
Why would you think black would face and navy wouldn't?
Alex K thanked BeverlyFLADeziner Alex K
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agotfitz1006
4 years agokristaj
4 years agoAlex K
4 years agomodernfun
3 years ago
Related Stories
REMODELING GUIDES9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone
Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later
Full Story
MATERIALSA Hard Look at Recycled Plastic for the Home
It's durable and versatile, but processing takes a lot of energy. We sort through the facts on recycled plastic so you can choose wisely
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSo Your Style Is: Romantic
Sweet but not saccharine, romantic design style celebrates the idealistic side of life. Find out if it's the look that makes you swoon
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSo Your Style Is: Tropical
Easygoing and natural with an exotic allure, rooms designed with a tropical feel exude warmth and graciousness
Full Story
DIY PROJECTSMake Your Own Abstract Photo With Cocktail Umbrellas
Looking for a conversation piece? Experiment with your own version of this DIY photography project
Full Story
TRANSITIONAL HOMESHouzz Tour: Would-Be House Flipper Falls Hard for a Florida Bungalow
An investment project winds up becoming home for a St. Petersburg, Florida, design enthusiast
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGN9 Ways to Create a Not-So-Standard Bathroom
Make a small bath more interesting with color contrast, natural light, bright tile, transparency and more
Full Story
BATHROOM DESIGNSo You Want a Bathroom Television
Whether you want to wash with soap operas or primp with prime time, these guidelines for installing a TV in the bathroom can help
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSo Your Style Is: Rustic
Refreshing in its simplicity, rustic style highlights natural beauty and a rugged, resilient spirit. Is it a match for you?
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSo Your Style Is: Curiosity-Cabinet Chic
Create an uncommon mood that whispers of adventure by showing off your treasures in an intriguing way
Full Story
beautifulquebec