SFGate

ninjabetic sorry that 2nd pic shouldve been this one!

ninjabetic Jade thx for input, i am partial to black myself, but feel there is a LOT of it in the house already. If i did black cabinet and black mirror on top in this room, it would look a bit too similar to my DR (which you see a peek of in the pic above on the far left) i think? For this cabinet, on top I have a medieval type tapestry (see pic) i'm hanging!

ninjabetic Jade thanks for doing that, i truly appreciate it!! While we do enjoy modern/contemp, this room is (obviously) more ecletic ;) So what color do you now suggest? :)

michigammemom Not sure if this finish can be achieved with Krylon, but I love this silver leaf console with brown glaze.

ninjabetic Mich ohhhhhhhHHHhh you got it! I'm going to Spray paint with a metallic silver and then try to Drybrush on a brown to replicate the effect. Thanks!!!!!!

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Got your summons, my dear A... I think the silver would be pretty cool but it won't stand out against your hallway walls. What about Rich Plum? It would certainly work with your fabulous dining room colour. I copied the swatch but it's ridiculously small! LOL

ninjabetic Hi Cy! I did not think of this color! Having trouble imagining it! But what about a darker Pewter type gray... with silver highlights?

ninjabetic Or GrapeFrost (Sorry I can't paste it but it is a light lavender) with silver Dry brush? Or is that too FrouFrou for the space?

Cynthia Taylor-Luce I suggested the Rich Plum because it will add visual weight to the piece which you'll see adjacent to your very distinctive dining room colour. I wish the swatch had been bigger. Let me try to grow it... Or better yet here's another image that should show it so you can see it.

ninjabetic OK i think this is what youre referring to.. that last pic to me look more berry but this is darker plum.
Is the rug suposed (!) to be the same color? If so, this color will be easy to find, tons of aubergine and eggplant color rugs!

ninjabetic also what color chairs should be flanking? thanks ever so much!

Elyn's Library It looks like you are not afraid of color - excellent! Since you are using that tapestry, why not pull a color from that - perhaps the Raspberry color I see in the men's hose and sleeves and a couple of the ladies dresses? Raspberry with a dark wash or drybrush, then a bit of silver leaf on the medallions and rubbed over "carvings". Be sure to pick something that will not clash with that gorgeous purple. Sounds like a very fun project. Love the bold colors.

ninjabetic sorry the PLUM is more berry than that pic above-- see revised pic
or PURPLE is another Krylon option i liked..?
Oh how i luurrvvv spray paint!

ninjabetic elyns thanks for the suport n encouragement! the raspberry youre refrring to is unfortunately maroon in 'real life', a color i kind of detest (in the nicest way possible toward a color) :(

Cynthia Taylor-Luce I think the purple is too close to the dining room colour, but I do love the contrast of the plum. You can certainly do the rug in the plum too for a unifying effect in the hallway. It would be crazy awesome to combine the blue of the dining room and the plum and some gray and white in your drapes. They look like they need to be a little bolder. OR they could tone more with the walls so you don't have so many focal points. In the picture your tapestry looks too high by the way :)

Elyn's Library Ick! I agree, maroon is not a color I like either. Is the color of the wine press and the barrel as light/medium/dark grey-ish as it looks on my monitor? If so, your previous idea of a pewter-ish color with some dark brown drybrush and silver leaf medallions and highlights would be rather scrumptious - IMO.

ninjabetic Today I took a good look at that large tapestry, there's a lot of red, russets, tan, and even peach in there. Do u think that rich plum might look ok under this? I tell you I have such mind issues with warm toned colors that the plum is making me unsure now. Would a dark pewter will be strange given that there IS no gray in there? Thought of a turquoise like some small parts on the tapestry?

Also regradless of the base console color, I'd like to burnish the carved parts to give it dimension --what color burnish Would look good with plum, pewter (or Whatever color)? This is great. I'm so thankful for the lively discussion n help!

ninjabetic here are more 'real' pics of it!

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Are you absolutely certain you want to hang this over your new piece? I don't quite see it in the same space as your dynamite dining room. It seems to present a completely different palette and mood.

That said, I don't believe in going into a piece of art and picking out a wee swatch of something and then making a huge statement with that wee bit of colour that you have to go up close and search for. I prefer to make the big statement work with the other big statement (in this case your dining room) and then the artwork can stand on its own for what it is.

I'm a little handicapped because I haven't used the Krylon product and I can only see tiny swatches online which I don't even know are true representations of the colour. Therefore mine is only a general suggestion of direction. I would tweak it towards a dark intensity of the Rich Plum I viewed, and I can see highlights of the carving featuring metallic silver. Does that help? :)

ninjabetic i know theyre supposed to be 'related but different' (like siblings?! haha!) but the eclectic LR definitely has a different feel to it than the glam DR. I do want to hang this tapestry above the console as I bought it for that purpose, and I'm trying to avoid the hassle and $ of buying something new for the area on top of the console! The only other place in the house i think the tapestry could go is the stairs but i was thinking of getting a VERTICAL tapestry, larger for that rea (at soem point later) (see pic, remember Oliver, in the foyer? He is now joined by Thomas the Tomb who's in the LR)

ninjabetic found this beauty pic online-- looks like (very bright) plum base, black drybrush and then silver burnish on the front carved parts (or this may be the reflection, IDK). IF i could tansform my current ugly piece into THIS beaut i think i should trade in my current job! CTL this color reminds me of your Diva paint suggestion back in the painting dilemma days :)

Cynthia Taylor-Luce I actually love it, A. I'd love to see you work your magic on your piece! Yes, I thought the purple is a wonderful foil for the intense blue you have...but I don't mean to say that this is the only colour that will work.There's also this teal-ish blue. The Krylon site isn't very user friendly. I can only see actual colours and names of colours for a few of the colours, so I'll attach the colour I have in my head and you'd have to translate it to a Krylon colour. This teal would be better with the tapestry. I'll also attach a peacock colour that's along those lines.

Elise Ebony with gold highlights on the carvings.

karen paul interiors Oh my gosh, I've been missing out on all the fun! Love the new guy on the block. :) Glad you are placing legs on the credenza. Just curious. Why will they be 15" tall? Did you really do your math? As for finish, to me that is a total slam dunk. Your sarcophagus and your stair railings are reading similar with the new guy reading a little warmer. That is your finish. No color. Nothing tricky-dicky. No additional schmutz. Just a Plain Jane finish, but in a gorgeous, drop-dead high patina. Totally love the new guy. So fun at your next party to do hide and seek. Ha!

karen paul interiors Oh, also those two little knobs I think can be replaced with something of an art nouveau mein. I mean, why not? Think "jewelry".

ninjabetic Karen hi! Glad you joined us! the gang's all here!! Not sure which pic youre referring to tho.. are you suggesting keep it green?! Um, ick (meant in the nicest possible way with the utmost of respect!) Maybe i misunderstood? Elucidate pls :) As for knobs, ooHHhH youre bang on! Crystal will work, eh?!

ninjabetic OOh Cy i like the pacock and teal ! Those shouldnt be hard to find rugs with either as they are popular right now! Now i cant decide b/w those n plum though.. :/

Cynthia Taylor-Luce I know! I adore the plum but those blues are uber fashionable right now too... And both options will look great with your dining room so close by.

karen paul interiors Where did you get green from my comment? You had said earlier one of your considerations was a mahogany. Saw something in Thomas' (color) I thought you could use. Then you can come back with gold highlights. Like that with the proximity to Thomas and I believe we have enough silver at the moment. It will look very rich and warm with your tapestry. Frankly, I like the idea of a high patina mahogany wood tone as it will do justice to your tapestry and will give you good ballast and contrast to your walls and dining room. Also, I very much like your draperies as they are tres chic. I actually love giving the eye a rest in that spot. As for your chairs, that would depend on where you land with the color on the credenza.

BTW, thank you ever so much for what you did. Came as a total surprise and it was delightful. :)

karen paul interiors I just looked up one of my old factories (Karges) because I was remembering a Vermillion finish with gold leaf. The Vermillion next to your blue would be spectacular and the colors of your tapestry will integrate very nicely. http://www.karges.com/include/print_page.php?view=254

karen paul interiors Here are a pair of chairs you might like. Changing upholstery would be minimal

Jeanne Anner I think a dark gray or silver/pewter would work. Even if the color blends too much with the wall you can put colorful accessories over it or some art work.

ninjabetic hmm kinda turned into a dillemma now, bold color or wood? two very different styles of themselves, and many different styles within the COLOR option! So here are some mock up's.. the rugs may not be what you'd intended/planned but i just guessed, they can be changed out (maybe they "should" match curtains?) IDK

Mahogany(really any wood) + gray is hot right now too..:/
ALSO just ignore those chairs, they will be determined once i hone down the console color!

**side thought: thinking ahead, what color carpet would the foyer capet be with reference to the carpet in this room? Our chandelier is brihg tsilver w some crystal. I dont want too much brown but the areas are contiuous so..?

karen paul interiors So, if you do a mahogany or rich walnut color on your buffet, then I would place the red tone on the floor in front of the buffet. I like that it pulls up the red, it places a blue (not yours, but that's good) and incorporates the black from the dining room. Also, it is very much in keeping with your tapestry, without making it dull.

karen paul interiors Also, if you decide to do the equivalent of a silver or gold leaf embellishment on your chairs, I would also consider covering your chairs in some sort of exotic "skin". Many are now coming in any number of colors. So, I also have a "serpent" faux skin upholstery. Don't know about colors, but this is just for the sake of discussion. I thought serpent near Thomas the Tomb could be quite a giggle! :0

ninjabetic karen great ideas, only the serpent would scare the skin off ME :) i get what youre saying about the texture tho ;) I'm having a hard time committing to the mahogany/dark wood idea to be honest. I know it looks GREAT and makes SENSE, but i just dont know why i cant commit to it, maybe it's not ME/US?! Maybe it's going to look just plain awesome when it's done but i just cant PICTURE it right now? sawi :(

karen paul interiors What I know about you is you always consider input from everyone and then you follow your aesthetic. That's what design is all about and that is what makes for a successful project. What is awesome is not necessarily more awesome than what you ultimately choose. That you continue to be true to your inclinations and taste says a lot in what you produce for your home. The most successful interior is the one that upon someone's arrival through your front door, it becomes abundantly clear who lives in your home.

Elise Be not afraid! Go bold!

ninjabetic OK! (KP thanks for the comment re: 'it should be readily apparent who lives here,' what wisdom, when looking at the colors, i kept asking myself, 'who lives here?' and if the answer wasn't ME then the color was a NO!)
SO i'm (98% sure) going to go for the grape-ish color, ba-ling it out with high gloss or laquer finish and crystal knobs....now i need some help with
1) chair colors? 2) rug colors? 3) curtain colors? (the ones in pic are just an idea). Are these 3 items supposed to match/coordnt w/ each other? What's "supposed" to match/coordinate with what?

houssaon Love the grape-ish color. This will be such an interesting space when it is finished!

karen paul interiors YOU want to know what one is SUPPOSED to do?! HA! :)

ninjabetic KP hahaha! What i meant was, what would mere MORTALS do :)

anitajoyce A BLUE color would be lovely and stand out too!

karen paul interiors ninj, if you are still around I found these chairs (style). I know you don't like animals on your upholstery. :)

ninjabetic Actually style wise, I prefer something a little more arm chair like, sit-comfy, without being puffy/stuffy like a club chair. I like the chairs that have a half rounded arm on the side, sort of like half wing chairs. How did you know zebra was one of my favorite prints! But with black-and-white chairs what should the potential rug look like? I'm still waiting for some ideas on the rug /curtains… not sure what's supposed to go with what *wink*

karen paul interiors So are you going with the grape? If so, have you done a sample to see it with your tapestry?

karen paul interiors

ninjabetic ok ! here is the sample board next to tapestery. I got KRYLON brand in rich plum (color as suggested by CTL.) Wasnt sure if it was going to make a differnce, so LEFT side i DIDNT prime, the RIGHT i did. As you can see the right is more berry-ish. Problem is the piece is going to take more spray paint than i thought (MUCH MUCH more) Perhaps the brand is the issue? Anyone have this prob w Krylon? Previsouly i always use rust-olem's "painters touch ultra cover2x," but they dont have this particular color, and i read on a blog that krylon was best for wood. I like the berry (right) side more but i def do not want to PRIME and SPRAY this thing! It would take like days and tons of cans! Painter's touch 2x does have a color called Aubergine.. anyone used this one (seems more like WINE tome) Calling all crafters out there--- HellLlllPppp (hover on picture below to see the whole thing)

karen paul interiors I haven't involved myself regarding the lacquer until now. I'm posting an article that is absolutely correct on how to apply color with a lacquer finish. There are no shortcuts! You must prime, and sand many times. Your primer needs to be colored to your paint. Your paint MUST be flat. In another life over 20 years ago my Dad bought me a paint store, so......:) http://honeyandfitz.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-get-high-gloss-finish-on-your.html#axzz28j00DfH1

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design love those Denmark chairs!

ninjabetic KP-- ok so no lacquer for this guy then, too much effort -- leave it to the pros :) I'm going for the color on the LEFT (darker, more purple), using gloss paint (the only finish that coolor comes in), 2-3 coats (ugh!), then will go over in high gloss finish. Not sure @ burnishing--- without burnish looks very modern, esp with high gloss finish...with burnish gets great dimension/character... i dont want the rustic look though.

karen paul interiors If you paint with the flat (and primer) and go back with the clear finish you will have any color you wish. There will be no limitations. The only way you will get the look of lacquer is to follow the instructions I sent you TO THE LETTER! If you are having a "pro" do it, you will need to supervise them and make certain they follow those instructions without deviation. Also, you might want to make sure you schedule them for fairly early mornings. Your job will be much better because heads and bodies will be clear of anything in their systems (if you know what I mean).:)

ninjabetic i'm not brushing/rolling, i'm spraying, so i have to use the gloss finish it comes in. No lacquer for this guy :)

aswedishelf Why not try a brownish-black colour and then lightly dry brush the raised parts with silver or gold?
I think the sample colour you have competes too much with the tapestry.

karen paul interiors OK! So, I'm assuming you have decided this is the color you want?

ninjabetic KP Yes ma'am! For base at least-- just dont know about burnish (see abv post)

karen paul interiors http://www.frontgate.com/bordeaux-wool-area-rug/153949?externalSearch=true&defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=9

ninjabetic i can dry-brush in a silver, hoping to catch the raised elements/carvings. but Will the silver drybrush clash with the gold in the tapestry, and on Thomas the Tomb?

karen paul interiors Picking up the colors of your tapestry with a French theme and having your buffet be the star....

ninjabetic like the rug, thx. Since it's warm-colored, will it go with a silver drybrush? SO the rug should pick up colors of the tapestry, what about the curtains? Should they be the same color as walls? Rug/tapestry? or..? :/

karen paul interiors Several days ago I mentioned you might want to consider a gold leaf because of Thomas. It could well be you decide to skip over the silver in that area and do the gold. When you get down to the other end, you might want to pick up the silver again. I like mixing metals but there also needs to me some reasoning behind the choices. You buffet color is a real S-T-R-E-T-C-H.....so, I would make it look as though you knew what you were doing and just left it to do its own thing. However, I do think I would do some semblance of a tie-in with Thomas and the warm colors in the tapestry. As you well know, the most ridiculous choices will often play out because they are so unexpected. No guts--not glory! If you decide to do gold, I definitely would schmutz it down so it looks aged...not bright and shiny. Since you have chosen to totally ignore the dining room and everything in it, then I see no need to attempt a tie-in with the silver. Of course, this is only my opinion. Others may well disagree. Your gray wall, BTW, does not require silver. It's a neutral color you have, rather than white. Just think if you had done the yellow in that area. Running, screaming with hair on fire! (me) Ha, ha!

ninjabetic KP so my 'choices' are : 1> leave grape + high gloss or 2> burnish with darker/antique-y gold.Did i read you correctly? Just a thought, what about bronze? And hey, I'm not ignoring the DR completely! I leaned the color of this console a bit darker since the console in the DR is black-- 'unity' i think you Design People call it? Or is it color frugality? hahah j/k :) Also since we have a chrome and glass chandelier in the foyer which is continuous with this room, i didnt want the gold to clash *there*-- BUT i'm supposing you'll be saying the foyer will be it's own entity...

karen paul interiors OH!...the foyer. Well, looks like Thomas is on his own. So continue on with the silver. Just do the buffet and see where things are. You "leaned" the buffet a bit darker? No, you leaned in the direction of grape which has nothing to do with the dining room....just sayin'. The amazing aspect of design is you can always pick up the carnage (lemons) and turn them into lemonade, and everything turns out very well, because no one in their right mind could have planned it out. I call it serendipity on steroids. It will all be fabulous in the end. It's the journey that amounts to a hill of beans, anyway! :)

karen paul interiors what is the finished height of your buffet with legs....and what legs have you chosen?

Go Nautical Collections Lovely!

victorianbungalowranch A traditional medieval revival color theme would be brick red, ultramarine blue and yellow ocher, all colors you have in the tapestry and apparently in the throne as well. I think going with the dark blue for the buffet and picking up the blue with some of the reds and yellows in the rug would look nice, and would relate well with the adjoining room. Checkerboard and geometric type patterns were very popular in the middle ages (look at the background of illuminations for examples, such as alternating squares of red and blue with contrasting circles) and could perhaps be nice in the rug. Or just a simple black and white checkerboard could work.

You could also do something to the pillars and base to make them look a bit less stark in comparison to the dining room and transition to the sitting room. A slightly darker grey base and capital would help ground it, and striping on the narrow moldings is something they did do in the middle ages, and could look quite contemporary. Adding a bit of black (or charcoal grey or dark brown/reddish brown) outline above the arch could bring it all together. Maybe a chair rail would help ground the space too.

I think the tapestry hanging is too high in the drawings--perhaps you could lower it and back it with another swag of fabric to keep it from getting lost on the wall. It would be a shame to block it too much with the ship. It is hard to say without more furniture--it is looking a little spotty right now with a lot of interesting things, but not much to pull it all together. A rug would help a great deal.

It is difficult to keep a tension between the contemporary and the medieval and the medditerean overtones in the dining room. I admire your courage.

ninjabetic victorianbr-- your insight on the Period is most helpful! thanks! I(i'm trying to keep it interesting, as you can tell ;)

ninjabetic KP what i meant by "i leant the color darker" was i chose the darker of the two GRAPE shades, of course it is still GRAPE-A-LISCIOUS, GRAP-A-RAMA, in the first visible room when you enter the house of a fully grown man and woman! i love it!!!! :)

ninjabetic i did samples using some ORB spray paint i had on hand. (hover on right pic to expand it)

1st/TOP= drybrush, then gone over with rag and soem spirits to blend a bit
2nd down= JUST drybrush
3rd/bottom= original grape
(no gloss yet on any finish though)

as you can tell form the 'far away' pic, it just darkens the shade without adding much bling to it, maybe a tad of dimension? Will try some silver/nickle when next sample board dries.

ninjabetic size is 31" + 14" legs=45 "

aswedishelf Have you looked into this paint?
http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/

ninjabetic elf-- thanks for link!

ninjabetic silver drybrush, at least on the FLAT sample board, looks too prominent/brushstroke-y. Next,i'm going to try an actual metallic GLAZE, not sure if they are compatible over spray paint though since spray paints are oil based...?.

karen paul interiors Thanks for the measurements. :)

ninjabetic ooh really like this look of the glaze! subtle!
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Nv9k0eCGo/T063r-4qj7I/AAAAAAAAAYU/oY1zkNYs1aE/s1600/Tiffany+Dresser+1.jpg

karen paul interiors Totally agree...fabulous! :)

ninjabetic Hmm this is bronze but seems so Gold! KP are you blessing this look on top of my grape then?

Elise Love that turquoise glaze!

karen paul interiors Yes! It's subtle and rich and brings a warmth to the piece you will enjoy. Blessed. :)

lefty47 HI -- Why are you not just working with the color it is and just rub some dark furniture stain onto it until you get the desired affect ? I think that will get you a nice antiqued look that will fit in with your other decor items.

ninjabetic speaking of lemons--!!! glaze not going on right and *still* not dry
on sample boards, i did dry wipe (looks brown, like i threw powdered glitter on it) and wet wipe (all of it came right off) techniques. I dont think "hot mess" is an interior decorating style... at least not for Fall 2012!

ninjabetic i've gone with just the color + gloss-- got coat #2 of color on now and it looks nice! Will do another coat of color then gloss x 2 :)

karen paul interiors Lemonade anyone? :)

ninjabetic well the only lemony speck was the the glaze gone wrong! Now it's a full fledged, full-bodied, sweet and divine muscat grape ! ;) Cant wai to show you the final pic--- sooOooo excited! It is hot hot hot!

ninjabetic here are pictures! Overall, i'm pleased-- the height is perfect and it came out pretty neat, but i do think it looks a teeny weeny bit odd in the room, like a lone ranger sort of, color-wise. FYI that color ooks better when the tapestry is above it (husband held it up but refused to pose for that pic sorry) :) I'm most likely going to hand apply some metallic bronze or antique gold to he rasied areas and edging for some bling. Haven't changed out knobs yet either (on TD list!) Yes, i know the legs arent as thick/fancy as they "should" be, i didn't want to spend $50 per leg for nice ones, so OH WELL ! Mebbe at some point i will add two more to the front ? Also, strange bonus: the light in there is much different than the garage where i painted, and it LOOKs as if i've done some dark galze work in the carved areas!.

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Wow wow wow! I absolutely love the colour! Now you'll need to echo some of that colour in your rug and in the fabrics you use in this space. I especially loved one of Karen's rug pics. This is mouth-watering. Yum.

michigammemom Ninjabetic, with your hyacinth dining room and plum console, you are on your way to creating a unique space that speaks to individuality, daring and sheer fearlessness when it comes to color. This rug from Home Decorators may be too much with your tapestry but it has a rich Old World look.

SPKCreative Abstract Art www.spkcreative.com Your home is coming along so beautifully! Love all of the colors:) This might be a bit much for drapes in this area, but I'm going to suggest these two patterns anyway:

"Just Dance" 1 fabric by spkcreative for sale on Spoonflower - custom fabric, wa

"'P' In Pretty" 1 fabric by spkcreative for sale on Spoonflower - custom fabric,

Best,
Shari

Email: spkcreative@gmail.com
Abstract Art: http://www.spkcreative.com
Color Consulting: http://www.houzz.com/pro/spkcreative/spkcreative-abstract-art-wwwspkcreativecom
Fabric and Wallpaper Lines: http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/spkcreative
Stationery Line: http://www.zazzle.com/spkcreative*

victorianbungalowranch I think they are overpriced, but an overdyed oriental type rug or a similar tone on tone could look nice with the sideboard, and be less busy than some other options. They regularly offer them at One King's Lane, and I'm sure other places too, at a discount. You would probably need a really big one though for this space. Would a floorcloth be a possibility? you can get a hemmed canvas drop cloth pretty cheap at Home Depot or someplace, then prime, paint and seal whatever you want on it. Maybe even a William Morris or Arts and Crafts type Medieval or Moorish inspired motif, but stylized.

I also liked the bold curtains suggested before in the drawings, which I think will help tie things together.

This is a knockoff overdyed style rug at RugsUSA.com for $600 9x12

karen paul interiors http://www.hayneedle.com/sale/suryamodernclassicscan1981arearugmulticolor.cfm This is in your tapestry but will be too orange with your tassels. I'm trying to find something that pulls from your tapestry and yet will move toward the color of your buffet. The dark gray will do that. These are just thoughts, but you can make believe there is some sort of purple undertone in the deep gray (charcoal) and you can have your primary color in something that ties in well with the rose/red/orange tones of your tapestry. Need large pattern, in my opinion. Also, I'm noticing your rug in the dining room is in an ivory? background, so it might be productive to amp up the color on the floor without actually resorting to the grape of the buffet.

ninjabetic michiga i do like the rug, it ties the new cabinet and the throne together well.. will try it out on my mock up program and see! VictorianB, I like the overdyed style! Looks antique! That price cant be beat for a 9x12, and i'm sure it's thin but that's why god made rug pads, eh?! Just worried about what color it REALLY is when ordering any rugs online..

ninjabetic CTL Thanks! you were the driving force behind that color, after 'Im done dude-ing it up, I'm going to call it Cynthia's Muscat :-)!

victorianbungalowranch I got this one in turqoise and green to perk up my living room, and it is more varigated and softer and lighter in color and prettier than the picture indicates. It is very thick wool, and hasn't shed that much. $720 for an 8 x 10. Not sure what the other one is like in thickness and I like it better for you since it is more subtle and has some brown in it.. USARugs.com allows you to search by color and has free shipping, so it would be easy to find both. They have a 30 day return policy, but shipping back a big rug is a hassle. Perhaps if you write down the info on a rug you like online (unless it is handmade) you can find it at the local shops.

anitajoyce One word, STUNNING! As in Beautiful!

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Cynthia's Muscat? I am so honoured! LOL

This has been the greatest fun, watching a real artiste at work, addressing every detail with great thought and consideration. Thanks for taking us along on the ride :)

ninjabetic updated painting proj-- i tired to paint it with antique gold but that came out too bright, i dulled it down with some black acrylic paint, so now its a bit duller but i'm still not "feelin/" it! Any ideas? It lacks dimension, doesn't look "believable" to me!

victorianbungalowranch Go over with a bit of brown and then the purple to make it more subtle and distress the edges. It is getting there.

Laurie E. Friedman, AIA Architect, LEED AP Here's something I did several years ago with a similar buffet...
I used glazes and collage on the inset panels. The 4 different colors opened up a lot of possibilities with my other furniture, which ultimately had the same colors.

TanCalGal Laurie AIA: Very nice. How did you do the collage?

gingerclaire I think the problem might be that the purple colour is looking a little bit flat. How about trying a slightly darker tone of the same colour on the panels behind the carvings before adding the gold colour?

karen paul interiors Brush a dark stain into the scrolls and wipe off everything on the surface. Also you might want to do your silver/gold treatment on the center motif and then come back with a dark stain so it can embed into the low areas, and again wipe of the top. Also, you can come back with a much deeper shade of your color and the dark stain. It is all about nuance. This will take a half dozen tries and each time you experiment, you will get closer to what you want. Seems to me you have a pretty good eye for details, so just keep it going.

TanCalGal As KarenPInt said, more stain, on & off. Repeat. Interesting project. how about some orange, the tapestry has terra cotta....

ninjabetic KP and j22b: i'd love to, but i'm not sure about a few things: 1) is stain and glaze the same thing? 2) *how* to use stain/wipe-back technique with this darn (gloss) finish.. when i tried that originally, it came out strange (see ugly orange glazed legs in pics above) When i went to WIPE, it ALL came off!

I'm thinking i may have to drybrush on some burnt umber or really dark brown-black to achieve the same effect? Anyone have experience with this? Maybe i can just use the (acrylic) paint, thin-it down and apply? :/

(i further Dulled-down gold & it looks better, but panels still dont blend in) I'm open to trying another color (navy? deep turquoise?) in panel area, but i think this will take the console in another direction style-wise.. not sure about that... wish i could find some darn pictures!

victorianbungalowranch Yeah, it should work with just thinned down acrylic paint or craft paint if you work quickly--brush in one hand--rag in the other. I've done this quite a lot. I wouldn't add too many other colors unless they are dark or in the same family (no turquoise, navy--maybe, burnt seina might be nice) and I think it would be best to introduce a few colors from the tapestry to tie it in, but keep it kind of blended in--if you go too far or don't like it, just let it dry and dab some of the base or a dark color on to tone it down..

ninjabetic victorianB, ok thanks, so paint OVER the gilded areas I just did, then wipe with (wet or dry) rag?

TanCalGal I have purchased brown glaze and I have also used thinned down burnt umber (the best is oil based & thin with linseed oil + mineral spirits as this combo does not dry fast. Apply & wipe off with cheese cloth). I never spray and I never hi-gloss, so cannot say for sure about the problem you're having. Probably I'd sandpaper a little with fine grit (200?) if the "glaze" doesn't stick in a trial run. I love burnt umber. If you want to try a gray "glaze" mix white, black, orange, & blue. Trial and error process. I wonder how burnt umber would look with some orange / blue mixed in in?

ninjabetic j222b because i couldnt locate metallic oil paint, i did the "gilding" using craft acrylic paint, which sticks just dandy onto the (oil) glossy spray paint, BUT can i still use oil ( in the "glaze" you described above) on top of this acrylic now? (thanks for those specifics!!!)

TanCalGal If you're uneasy stick with acrylic, sticking with the same base is always the safest. I have used oil over acrylic & it was OK. The oil I use (generally burnt umber) is greatly thinned with oil + spirits.

ninjabetic j222b, whast your paint/thinner/linseed ratio? and if i use the oil glaze you described, wont the thinner/spirits component strip off the base grape paint, esp if i WIPE off?

TanCalGal I've never had a problem. The base grape & anything else on the buffet has to be dry of course. Try in a small spot or on the sample board.

TanCalGal Just to be clear: I'm thinning with mineral spirits or turpentine, not paint remover.

victorianbungalowranch I would stick to water and acrylic paint--changing to any of the above thinners would probably remove the previous layers or cause it to wrinkle or crack eventually. They all can be used to remove paint! If you keep the top layer very thin and seal the bottom layers with a spray sealer, some oil-based glazing might be OK, but probably not worth the trouble.

The advantage of oil is that it dries more slowly and you have more time to work with it, and it is more tranlucent. You can get acrylic mediums that tetard drying--a gel type might work. But plain old water has worked for me if you work quickly, and it dries fast so you can touch up. Some sort of sealer after you are done is probably a good idea too.

karen paul interiors victorian is correct with her advice about water base vs oil.

ninjabetic Victorian ok, i think this seems more do-able for me, nd Im not interested in re-doing missing base paint... so water it is, thanks! Thx also KP for the thumbs up!

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Hi ninjabetic, Marie here.
Cool piece.
Be ware, painting this piece should be done properly for the best possible result and minimal loss to the details. You need to tsp it, sand, prime, sand, prime again, sand, paint 3 to 4 coats of paint.
If you are distressing or adding other goid or silver foils - you can get away with less coats of paint.
I think you need to be sure it is tying into a master design/colour scheme. The choice of colour is limitless. Turquoise, black with gold, applique, or even wallpaper, white with silver and gold....only limited by your imagination and your time invested. Some inspiration photos attached...good luck!

ninjabetic Marie thx! I like the black and gold one, and i think it will help me deicde what part of the table will be what color! thx for the inspiration!!

TanCalGal Didn't see Q. about ratio. Here's the A.: I use 50% oil and 50% spirits, then add burnt umber until it suits me. BTW Winsor Newton (& maybe others) have " water mixable oil colour" : paint is thinned with water & brushes washed with water. Very nice. I have used this, too.

ninjabetic water mixable oil color! haha! what WILL they think of next, doctors whom you can UNDERSTAND!?!! :) thank you j222b, good to know of options!

victorianbungalowranch Don't like the water soluable oil paints at all when I tried them, and expensive too. If you insist on oil, use a oil paint synthetic medium (like Grumbacher) thinned with oderless mineral spirits from the hardware store--dries fairly quickly, doesn't stink much and the synthetic base helps bind it to acryllic and other surfaces, and has an even sheen. A little bottle of medium goes a long way.

Since you already used acrylic craft paint, stick to that-and water-cheap and effective.

Linseed oil and turpintine is traditional, but it stinks, takes a long time to dry and cure, and linseed oil will darken with age. Plus top notch materials are expensive. Save that for the easel painting or maybe working on raw wood where it will penetrate and seal it.

TanCalGal Yes, expensive. But worth it, I think + I LOVE the smell. lol.

ninjabetic Hello my houzz friends, I need some reassurance, I'm having serious stage fright as there's no going baaaack! SO... (please confirm or tell me toherwise) on the PANELED portions since there is already gilding on the swirly areas, i am going to apply water-diluted burnt umber acrylic and wipe off with WET rag right away. I'm trying to leave deposits in the recesses.

For all the OTHER areas (flat parts and legs), I am going to LIGHTLY dry- brush on non-diluted burnt umber to get some slight streakiness, and then leave alone. (see inspiration pic below)

After al this, will i have to go over the paneled areas with dry brush to make it fit w/ the rest of the table?

karen paul interiors The only reason you are adding the umber to the recessed areas is to make it appear that dust has settled into those areas, as would happen in any older piece. So, it would not follow to have the umber on the legs (except for the recesses) and on the flat areas. On the other hand, if you are looking for an overall antiqued piece (hand applied), then you would do all areas. The question you need to ask yourself is what was your original goal and does that still stand. I believe you were looking for a high patina, very chic piece which would fall into the category of a modern piece with heavy carving. When you use the umber in the recessed areas, you are taking your buffet into another category (an older or antique piece), however, the choice of lacquer more or less counters that intention. If you remain with the silver/gold in the recessed areas and just a little umber to give it more dimension, with the color you have chosen, it will stand as a unique, upscale piece with a little of an Italian look that is fashion forward. There is no right or wrong, as you have galloped off into virgin territory (as would an artist) and are in the process of creating a one of a kind statement piece. It is when you compromise out of fear that you can make bad choices. Be firm in your opinion and what your intention is (was) and keep moving forward. Brave girl! :)

ninjabetic KP you are not only talented but eloquent too! thanks for the imagery and the kindly supportive words :) yes i did want the modern look (glossy, WOW color, heavy carvings), but as much as i WANTED it to, it didn't look pleasing or "right" in the room. I'm going to try the panels only, and see how it looks. It's like the peice is trying to tell me what it wants to be, but i cant understand its language so i cant GET it there! Before you ask, NO, i am not off my meds.

(*galloping off, hoping not to trip on a large rock*)

karen paul interiors Additionally, I want to address the tapestry you have chosen which DOES work with your other pieces in your collection, however it doesn't work in concert with the buffet. My recommendation is to have your one special piece (buffet) and choose a piece of art that is very rich looking and modern. This can be done successfully because you will have created a small vignette that is fashion forward, all the while surrounding it with your old world collection. You cannot successfully merge two worlds and intentions with just one single piece, unless it creates it's own special visual space, from top to bottom. Your rug will also need to have the appearance of being very high end, and will also need to echo the intention of both the buffet and art. This, of course, is only my opinion. When you create this sort of vignette which is a departure from its surrounds, you must think outside the box and be certain you monitor your decisions to assure you remain outside the box all the way to the end.

karen paul interiors Ninja, often times a piece will speak to us and let us know what it wants....same with a house. We just have to listen with the artistic side of our brain without filters (the practical side). This is the type of project that gives us the opportunity to go outside of our comfort zone, and we come out of it with a new perspective about how we are to look at (regard) whatever it is we are creating. This is how we grow artistically.

karen paul interiors Hey, I came across this and thought of you. Have you done the master bath yet? :)

ninjabetic KP OMG... drOOooooOOlLLLLL

ninjabetic ***new pics! *** i ended up umber-ing the whole thing, using thinned down umber acrylic (paint n wipe) and and stippled some onto the flourishes as well, to make it blend better. It's definitely less intense now, less grape, more aubergine. I feel a bit better about it, it may (almostttt?) be done now. It feels like it belongs in the class now, and the other furniture is not laughing at it during lunch. I left the top plain becasue there will be items on it, i dont want the acrylic paint to lift/peel up. I do wish it were glossier but not sure if it would look right, and i cant spray it anymore (it is now in my home) and i'm def not keen on putting poly on this baby by hand. Opinions? Criticism? (prefer the former, eheehe!)

michigammemom ninjabetic, with the purple paint, you might prefer a pewter/silver metallic to highlight the carved console. It would be an especially effective accent for the suit of armor. Many years ago I used a cream metallic "burnishing" compound that was simple applied with a fingertip. I can't for the life of me remember the correct name for the product, but you might check with your local craft store.

ninjabetic michi, i chose the gold was to tie it in with the warm king tut piece and other warm furnishings/dark mahog woods in the room. I wonder if i can layer some antique silver on there too without looking like a circus tho... hmmm... anyone have inspirational pics for me?!

karen paul interiors I think you need to hit the 1st and 2nd "nibs" on your legs with the gold. Also, before you add silver or anything else, you might want to find your hardware next. After you put on the "jewelry", then you can stand back and see if you need to "nip and tuck". :) Warmer now and better for Tut, et. al.

ninjabetic oh KP, I i thought i was going to find the hardware according to what colors are on there ! Dark bronze? silver? eeks. Mebbe crystal knobs and be done with it? (so to say)

ninjabetic also the tapestry actually looks just fine with it now, i think because it echoes some of the tan/fawn/brown in there! yay!

victorianbungalowranch Rather like the hardware you have--where it is placed, I think anything brighter would look odd. Perhaps putting hardware in the middle of all the medallions (or even a touch of another color?) would look nice, although it may make it harder to open the doors. I think something along the lines of a burnished brass knob with a diamond backplate might look nice if it wasn't too shiny.

http://www.vandykes.com/knobs-pulls/a/knobs-pulls/ has some really nice knobs on sale. Some beautiful crystal ones in various colors (6 for $20) and various backplates--more expensive than I was expecting, but these two are on sale for $3-3.25 each. The bakelite is $5 each. I think Home Depot has a nice selection of inexpensive knobs too.

Perhaps those wood ornamental medallions could be used as a backplate too.

ninjabetic victorianB, thanks, look yummy! I esp like the idea of adding a backplate

karen paul interiors http://www.susangoldstick.com/products.cfm?item=913&catID=6&startrecord=1&endrecord=12&onsale=0 I've used her pieces before and it's so tongue-in-cheek. Just had to share.

karen paul interiors http://www.edgarberebi.com/index.cfm?pg=3&pgtitle=Browse-Finishes&f=3 Not tongue-in-cheek. These are serious ones.

Leif Distressed black with a matte finish?

ninjabetic thanks all! I'm going to post the rugs and curtains question on an new post, i appreciate ALL your help and time!!!

victorianbungalowranch Put the link here so we can find it!

ninjabetic Victotian B grreat idea-- see you there!! http://www.houzz.com/discussions/231848/Rug--curtain-help