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    "Help Me!" Wednesday - Aqua Bench Update

    February 8, 2012 |

    If you’re new around here, I used to have a series called “Help Me!” Wednesday where you could link up décor questions and ideas and get feedback, even as simple as posting a room and asking “what do you think?” I had fun with it, and based on the number of comments, you did too. I love posting pictures to facebook and getting feedback, so why not bring it to our favorite new hangout – Pinterest!

    Excited? I am!

    image

    Two weeks ago, I posted this photo on facebook  and asked for help in chosing a color for this freecycled bench. I was primed, ready to go, and stuck!

    image

    Although a few of you suggested gray or black, there was an overwhelming response to the aqua so I took the plunge into color!

    IMG_5131

    And, well, to be honest... it wasn’t the punch of color I had been expecting. It’s really neutral. And maybe a little bit blah? I’m not sure if I should go back to the drawing board (or facebook wall, haha!) and repaint, or keep going and sell it in my garage sale. The color looks awesome in my stairway! :-/

    A few of the responders said it depended on where the bench would be living. I was originally thinking the bench would go in our dining room as extra seating for parties, and maybe leave it in the basement in the kids’ playroom when not in use.

    image

    So there it is, blah. I was hoping for a really exciting end to this project and still am, but feel as if I’m stuck. While I was looking to get out of our sea of monochromatic neutral, I feel like I’ve painted my way back in.

    BUT! It’s only paint! And it’s sunny outside... so maybe some spray painting is today’s forecast as well?

    What color would YOU paint the bench?

    Or should I leave it and come bring the bench over to your house? I just asked and the bench told me it wants to come live with you. And then we could meet up and have lunch? I like that idea a lot 😉

    More help me wednesday

    • The Old Game of Life in my Attic
    • HELP ME WEDNESDAY–Creating a Foyer from Scratch
    • Help Me with 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS this Wednesday
    • HELP ME WEDNESDAY–Left-Justified Table and Mirror?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Micah

      February 09, 2012 at 4:54 pm

      A good rule of thumb for decorating that I try to follow is that each room should have an unexpected element to it. The room is neutral and that shade of Aqua is rather neutral as well so you won't get the pop you are looking for. Personally, I would go with a turquoise if you you are wanting something in the blue family. You could also go with a nice bright avocado green. I have seen beautiful fabrics with over-sized paisley prints with multiple colors in them. I think that would be adorable with the bench painted a bright color.

    2. Ellie

      February 09, 2012 at 3:24 am

      Um, were you talking to me when you said you could leave it alone and bring it to my place and we can have a lunch date while the kids play? Cuz I'm so there! I like the neutral aqua. Maybe the seat could be covered in a fabric that gives you the bright color you want, like a print with bright red and or yellow.

    3. Carol

      February 08, 2012 at 7:09 pm

      choose a seat fabric with the 'pop' that you are looking to achieve make sure you pre wash the material so you can wash it later with out shrinkage. staple it on the underside, finished edges. have several options, so you can change it, or clean it as needed. ocean, stripes, flowers, poka dots, and a plastic cover for rainey or snowey weather.

    4. Megan

      February 08, 2012 at 5:47 pm

      I feel ya girl! We are working our way out of neutral too! Nothing wrong with neutral, I just need more punch. We aren't a store set, we are home full of kids and spunk! I am stuck too. Sidenote: Think it is warm enough for spray paint? I have been dying to paint a few things.

    5. Mimi

      February 08, 2012 at 5:32 pm

      Yah, I thought it was going to be more of a color "pop". Not that it's bad, just not what I thought. What do you think you're going to do?

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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