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How to modernize the fireplace/ built ins?

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

We purchased an 80's contemporary home in the spring. The exterior of the home is contemporary/ almost mid-century, the interior has a lot of traditional wood working/ wainscoting, and the previous owners LOVED modern farmhouse. So we are slowing updating, removing the farmhouse design details, and trying to modernize the space. Our style is more transitional/ contemporary.


All of the trim/ wainscoting in the house has been painted with the exception of the fireplace and the wood framed windows in the living room. Question is... do we paint the built ins and update the tile surround at the fireplace? Do we leave as is? I almost feel guilty painting all of that wood. I love wood detailing- but this just looked dated.


If we paint- do we go with SW Alabaster like the rest of our trim? Go with an accent color ( I have SW pewter green on my kitchen island) Although I am not the biggest fan of an accent wall- I just don't want too much white... We have 18' vaulted ceiling in this space and about 20' wall of windows behind it so natural lighting in not an issue. (photo included below for context) Also the floors are going to be refinished in a couple weeks so will no longer have the red/orange/yellow wood floor tones.



We have too many projects to accomplish so unfortunately a whole re-design is not in the budget.


Hit me with your thoughts...






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