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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Farmhouse Input Wanted

That means you.
Your  input.

I need all the great designing minds of blogdom
to converge and help me solve a decor conundrum.

You see this dark church pew/bench thingy?


We carted it over to the new house today,
and placed it in the exact spot
I knew it absolutely had to go.


Perfect, I love it there!
And that spot to the right where the chalkboard is
will soon will filled by this work-in-progress...


So yeah, there's an abundance of white in this room, with more to come.


Which begs the question...


Paint it white, or leave as is?
I'm actually sort of loving the contrast of the dark chocolate brown 
against all the white in there right now.

My darling friend Anji was thoughtful enough
to Photoshop my pic to show me what it might look like white:


Wow!
Now I'm really torn!


What to do, what to do?

Moving on to the rest of the house,
we lugged quite a bit more over.


No plans to paint this beauty, white lovers!

And in the Master, we have this grand old wardrobe,
made in England, well over 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide,
with gorgeous details and patina not adequately captured by the lens.





See the yummy corner details?






We also brought over a few pieces for the living room...






One of my vintage mirrors



Our coffee table

And this...



My art deco French tub chair.
One of a pair.
Exquisite chenille, ridiculously expensive,
although I've never regretted buying them for one second,
because they are the absolute perfect complement to my gorgeous
Carol Hicks Bolton couch. Just wait, you'll see.






So that was it for today.

Tomorrow means back to work for me,
but I'll be carrying more crap treasures over Monday and Tuesday,
so be sure to check back for more photos.

Until then, have a wonderful rest of the weekend!


136 comments:

starnes family said...

I like the contrast of chocolate. It all looks fabulous. I know you're loving creating it all!

Anonymous said...

Hi Anne! Oh, more wonderfulness at your new cottage! I love all of your sweet pretty things! I love your pew. Is your dining room open to your living room? If it's not, have you seen the very light soft aqua color - it's very pale. That might look really pretty on your pew.
I know you're having a ball!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

I like the contrast too. Good luck making your decision! I hope you're enjoying your weekend...in between hauling stuff. Maura :)

Anonymous said...

I do love the dark contrast from all the white but it would look love white too! It looks like you getting lots done!!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

I'm with the others who think you should leave it as is for dark contrast. Lovin' what I'm seein' so far, girlfriend!
xoxo
Donna

Dragonlady said...

love the contrast of the dark wood...
hugs
Brenda

Sue K said...

I love the contrast of the dark wood with all the white. Maybe some light colored pillows or a bench cushion in a soft aqua??? Your home is coming along nicely and I drool over your photos....really lots of fun to watch you decorate. Hugs, Sue K

Unknown said...

everything is looking just lovely! I would leave the bench as is. i like the contrast as well! it's awesome!

Annesphamily said...

I love the dark with the white! I think it really balances the room. You are one busy lady! Blessings to you and the hubby as you work hard making your new house your home! Anne

Between Me and You said...

Hmm...If it was my house (Mrs McDreamy here!)I would definitely paint the pew white. I love your old wooden dresser - my Nan had one just like it a long time ago - and your wardrobe is pretty too. You would love our local scrapyard - it`s choc full of all that kind of furniture - dirt cheap too. I adore your tub chairs - very elegant.Looking good so far....:)

Debra@CommonGround said...

I totally agree, love the contrast of the wood. Some pillows will soften it up. OK, you will not believe this!!! We have the same white coffee table, wooo whoo! I just did mine this summer for the new seating area downstairs. yesiree, great minds DO think alike!! Everything is looking wonderful girl, I just love it!
big squeezes,
D

Drawn to The Sea said...

For my home, I'd choose a pale aqua or a distressed French blue. Love the chocolate for depth. But color's such a personal thing. Why not do a little photo manipulation & see it in white?

Happy weekend!

Anonymous said...

I say "NO" to painting it. I think it would look like you're trying too hard to have an all white house - the contrast is gorgeous with the old chippy white stuff that you do have in there. The pew is gorgeous as is the rest of the goodies that you've brought over ~ you must be having so much fun. :)
Sarah

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

My vote is for keeping it as-is... It wouldn't be nearly as important looking if it blended it... and you're going to keep the beautiful buffet as is so for some continuity through the house a few dark pieces will be splendid.... JMHO. :-)

Enjoy your weekend....

Spencer

COTTAG3 said...

Don't paint it. It looks perfect as is. It actually makes all the other white pieces stand out yet it stands out as well. I think when everything is white, your eye doesn't know where to go and you miss things. This adds just the right amount of contrast.

Unknown said...

Leave it dark for as long as you like it , you can always paint it later if you want . I'm loving your farmhouse !

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Anne,

My opinion, I would leave it brown, the contrast is lovely.
We often watch Antiques Roadshow and furniture left in the original state often fetches far higher prices left how they were.
Your house is looking wonderful, dear friend ~ you must be so excited how it is all coming together.
Look forward to seeing more.

Enjoy your weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Artsy Fartsy Junkin Finds said...

Girl, I am loving it ALL....... leave that brwon beauty as is!! Keep the pics coming! Hugs, Janna

Janet- OPEN MARKET STYLE said...

WELL ANNE AS IS GETS MY VOTE I USUALLY SAY PAINT IT WHITE TO ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT LATELY I AM SO LOVING ADDING SOME BROWNS , GRAYS , ALONG WITH ALL MY WHITES !
ALL YOUR GOODIES ARE LOOKING SO WONDERFUL IN YOUR NEW FARMHOUSE I WILL SO LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE !!
WARMLY
JANET

Kare said...

I wouldn't paint it! I love the contrast, and I truly adore the warm yummy brown color too. It, with all its character, pops in that room as it is now. Have fun! xo

Unknown said...

Hey Anne! Your home is coming right along. I think you probably do need the contrast but have you thought about adding a pop of coloring by throwing a folded quilt or something haphazardly across the back so the brown still shows. You have the eye, dear. Everything you do looks magazine worthy. Oh' and I just love the club chair!!!

xxxooo's...Tracy :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I like it dark! It would fade into the wall in white and this gives some nice contrast. Everything is looking good!!

gail said...

Love everything you are doing...and yes, I would leave the bench dark. But to tie it all in I would add white pillows or white and brown pillows or white and beachy blue and brown pillows. Whatever you do it will look great!
gail

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Everything is coming together so beautifully. I think the pew looks good as is because you have other dark elements in the room. The contrast against the white wall and white furniture is stunning.
Patricia :o)

Margaret said...

Your photos are fabulous, love the one with the reflection in your gorgeous vintage mirror. As for the bench, I personally think it is a bit stark with all the white. I would choose a muted colour such as pale terracotta, like on your light fixture, or perhaps green, then do a whitewash over it and rub it back in spots to show some of the dark wood through. What do you think?

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I like contrast but would sew up a pretty white seat cushion, maybe with ruffles. I use a church bench that I painted white at our farm table but the table is not painted so I have the contrast too. I love what you have done already. This is so exciting! Love seeing what ideas you come up with:)
~Debra
Blog:Capers of the vintage vixens

The Frosted Gardner said...

I say leave it! Love love all the white and this just warms the place up a touch. Your home is beautiful! I love seeing everything you are doing! Wonderful!

Lorilee said...

I love the bench just the way it is. Maybe drape something white over one corner to soften the lines. Your new house is awesome! My BIL opened "Friendly Natives" nursery in Fredericksburg a few years ago.
Lorilee

Little Leslie said...

Keep the bench brown, and set the table with brown and white transfer Love that barrel chair!ware plates!

ImagiMeri said...

Hi Anne,

Beautiful stuff.........don't you dare paint the bench! Too much white is hospital zone!


Hugs,
Meri

Melanie said...

How about a pop of color? I'm thinking turquoise. Either that, or leave the pew dark brown & incorporate color & pattern with some gorgeous pillows.

~Melanie
www.comfyhouse.blogspot.com

LuLu Kellogg said...

I am like you....I really like the contrast of the chocolate with the white! I say leave it♥

Love,
LuLu♥

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Anne,
This is so much fun following you as you decorate your new home. I love everything that you have done. The club chairs are wonderful.

The bench looks great the way it is but if you decide to paint it then how about a nice light gray wash just to soften it a bit. I agree with the other comments too, so whatever you decide has to be right for you.

hugs
Sissie

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I don't think I would paint it white, but I could see grey. I think the dark brown is a bit stark with all that white in the room.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

LOVE IT...Leave It!!!
It's exciting to see how it's coming together! Also LOVE the buffet!!!
Warmly,
deb :)

Theresa said...

Leave that beauty chocolate brown! I think the contrast is perfect! I can't wait to see more! Enjoy your Sunday my friend! HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Definitely think you should leave it in that deliciously dark color....maybe bring in a bit of the white with a white french inspired sitting cushion to balance it off. Either way, I would say don't paint it white unless/until you're 100% sure....I did that once and regret painting something white that I should have left just the way it was. Good luck:)

MJ said...

Lol....Anne I just did a similar post asking whether I should paint my 2 antique dining room pieces. I love the contrast between white and dark woods. Im so jealous of that bench, ive been searching Craigslist NJ for one for months. I think you should leave it dark for contrast and warmth. You can always add a white cushion...The other buffet piece (???) is beautiful and glad you arent painting all that wonderful detail. The armoire is so big and has alot of character details. Im loving how things are coming together. Still so very happy that your finally in your dream house and making it your home.

Unknown said...

No, no, no - don't paint it white. You have to have a little contrast or it may be blah. If you want to add white - tie two linen pillows hanging down and maybe a simple linen long seat cushion. Love what you're doing with everything and can't wait to have a tour when it's all completed!

Anne Marie said...

this farm house is really looking awesome...I thought it looked awesome the other day...now more awesomeness...

it's so jeanne de' arc meets the farm - I LOVE IT

so leave the bench wood.....Maybe rough it up a bit more? with sanding? can you try it underneath? i like the contrast personally

Kristin said...

oh your house is coming together so nicely!! i would say leave the bench as is....but....maybe add some chocolate brown accent pieces on your table or little rolling cart, just to tie it in a little better...
can't wait to see all your other treasures!!

prairie hugs,
kristin

Polly said...

Oh my, your new home is really coming together! I love that you are taking us along for the ride! fun fun!!

Personally, I like it as is in brown. You can always soften it up with white pillows or a cushion, like the others mentioned. I think I would also keep the dark chalkboard somewhere and add other strategically placed darker pieces to balance it out and keep the eye moving and bouncing around.

Now, if you did decide to paint it white, you would be creating a very scrumptious white shabby palette which would be beautiful!

either way, it's a win - win! Just listen to your heart and go with what YOU love!!

hugs

Polly

patricia@ReFind Home&Garden said...

Hi Anne, Congrats on the moving... I know it can be daunting. I agree with several others about the dark contrast or you can always paint it red for a pop of color, or gray for a more subdued look. Just add a grainsack and voila! LOL. Love and Hugs, Patricia

The Whistle Stop said...

I'm in with the rest... leave it! Love the idea of white cushion on it too!
Such a cute place!
Laurie

Lili said...

Oh I really like the dark contrast! And I really am liking that French club chair, WOW! ~Lili

Anonymous said...

I agree with Sue, a nice bench cushion in a box shape at least 2-2 1/2" high straight edged, not rounded would be perfect and would soften all the hard edges, then the choice of what to cover or slipcover the cushion is yours.....faded floral, ruffled and white, starched white linen with tufted covered buttons, etc. I would stick with the finish that's on the piece. It helps to anchor the space and gives it design depth. That's what people pay a decorator to tell them! Suzy

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Anne, I love the pew and that it contrast with the white. I did a post with pictures of a very similar pew that had been painted a pretty aqua. Up against the white table it was gorgeous. If you want to take a look it is at
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2010/04/home-tour-part-1.html
Hugs, Sherry

Donna said...

Wow, I love how everything is coming together so beautifully! The church pew is so neat! If you would rather not paint it, how about a nice fluffy cushion? I really love your coffee table, too, it's got great legs :)

A well Loved Home said...

From a gal who LOVEs white and has an all white house...LEAVE IT!!!! It looks fab with the white! Put some more white/linen/grain sack pillows on it. And maybe one of the pillows needs a ruffle just to soften it a bitty bit. Your home is lovely!

My Grama's Soul said...

Hello Anne....first of all I want to tell you that you have collected some marvelous pieces over the years. They look wonderful in your new spot.

Now about the pew....personally I love the contrast....you could tie in white with some wonderful seat cushions I don't know say french ticking (just me thinking outloud). I know you will come up with something fabulous.

Xo

Jo

Unknown said...

I love it brown! I'm really enjoying watching you decorate your new farm house. It all looks great.
Enjoy your day tomorrow!
KarenSue

The Green Pea said...

I like the contrast too. You can always paint it later. Leave it dark chocolate for a while...Love all of your furniture. I know you are having fun. I am having fun just looking at your photos. Thanks for doing all the heavy work! Hugs, sandi

Rie said...

I love the pew just as it is! Can't wait to see more of your adorable home.

Alice said...

I love the contrast the chocolate bench gives the room. I think I would add at least one or two more dark elements in the room to bring it all together--just small ones though.

I just love that tub chair! Perfect for visiting with a friend over coffee!

Things are looking good at your new home. Can't wait to see the rest.

Love It Naturals said...

...I see why your scratching your head! Depends...it is definitely the focal point of the room, being its a yummy chocolate brown, your eye draws to it immediately. Sue is right cushion's would soften it. If you dont want it to POP and blend in with the other fab goodies? Light gray or palest farmy blue would be wonderful. Cant wait to hear what you decide! Love all the new pieces!

The Smith Hotel said...

I would keep it as is! I like some dark contrasts to the white! Looking good so far!


Jody

Laurie said...

Well, Anne, I am in such a robin's egg blue mood that I would paint it that or slightly softer, but then, I am also in a white or French white (pottery barn) mood and so I maybe would do that...sigh. Anyway, I love yuor coffee table! What the heck, I love it all, and no surprise cause you got good taste, girl!

Hugs and prayers for the moving extravaganza,
Laurie

Jemsmom said...

I love the dark bench. I just think it makes a strong focal point. If you wanted to tone it down a bit, I wonder if it would work to wipe white paint on and buff it off like you do with it the other way around? I would definitely put some pillows on it, but I love it. That green chair is to DIE for!!!!!!!

Sue said...

I think I would both add pillows and maybe hit the bench with a sander, just a little bit to give it a more "worn" look. But you know, your house already looks so awesome, I don't think it really matters because that "house" is quickly turning into your "HOME"!

Take care, Sue

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

No matter which you decide...it will look fabulous with all the other elements. I do like the contrast and if it were me (if ONLY) ...I would paint the bench a charocoal gray or a deep French blue....I'm just saying...if.....:)

Blondie's Journal said...

I like the idea of contrast but the brown is a little serious. Why not a pale blue or mint green?

Love all of your goodies and I am loving how this beautiful house is unfolding! :-)

xoxo
Janie

Aaron {the girl with the boy's name} said...

Such a beautiful room! I love the bench and think the contrast would be amazing...but I must admit that when I first glanced at the photo I immediately pictured that darling bench a chippy robin's egg blue and my heart skipped a beat.

FILIGREE MOON said...

Gee, lots of differing ideas here. I would paint the bench either white or a grey to lighten the "weight" of the piece. The smaller size of the table along with the lighter lines of the chairs would be better served with a lighter (literally and figuratively) bench, as it demands a lot of attention being heavy brown. That being said, the addition of lighter elements, i.e. pillows/and or pad, could lighten the effect of the bench in the overall view of the room. How's that for a hefty load of information? The whole house is going to be so dreamy ~ it's so fun to see the process of furnishing and finishing your home! ~ Angela

bullie_mama said...

Keep it brown! i love the contrast and the room is lovely in white, but I think it's almost too much white.
LOVE your club chair and I can't wait to see your couch!
So much fun!

Anne Lorys said...

Just a quick and hearty THANK YOU to everyone before I head off to bed!

Y'all are amazing and brilliant and SO creative with your bad selves! ;-)

You guys really came through for me, I knew I'd have a plethora of advice before I hit the sheets tonight.

XOXO,
Anne

Tricia said...

I would either leave it or paint it a different color...except white. I think it would look cute in black with some of the paint sanded off. Then I would add a gray and white striped cushion and/or feed sack pillows to calm it down a little. That's just me though ;)

Just go with what you really love. You have great taste so I'm sure whatever you choose will look wonderful :)

Sue said...

I vote for leaving the bench as is. I think the brown really pops with all the white and looks marvelous! I am loving your new home :)

Sue

Sara said...

I didn't read all the comments, so I'm sorry if this is a repeat, but I like the idea of both keeping the white AND having some contrast. I think contrast is needed to appreciate the whiteness. I suggest using grey or any other favorite color in a very pale version of itself. Best of both worlds in my opinion. :)

jo said...

It looks like the majority want it left brown. I'm with them. I love reading the blogs of everyone with the all white homes, i love looking at all the pictures, but quite honestly i couldn't do it. I love color and have different colors in every room. I'm actually quite fascinated by how people can live without much color. Mine are all subtle, i think, but definitely not white. your house is just beautiful and i love your including us in the move. it is fun for all of us. So i say keep it brown, but i agree with a couple of big, soft pillows to sit on. if it makes you feel better - you could have the be white! :)

Prior said...

You will be so busy working on other projects, leave it for now...it will be easy to paint later, if you decide, but would be very hard to reverse...Personally, I like it as is...a cushion in faded whites or a trow, draped over part would lighten it up. Beautiful any color, love the chairs. Lezlee

Dee@FrenchBleuVintage said...

Well, my first impulse is to leave as is ~ you need the contrast. But my head says to live with it for awhile - let your new house speak to you. Don't touch a thing and by November you will decide what to do. I have made so many rash quick decision mistakes with color. If only I would have sat back and let the piece speak to me. Your new home looks so beautiful - it must make you smile constantly. You may even decide your bench needs to be grey:) Break out the brushes ~

Beth Leintz said...

When I see that someone already has 70+ comments, I rarely add my voice, but I don't think anyone suggested my first thought- paint it black. I love the contrast, but that shade of brown- it always makes me think that someone was trying to make a piece of furniture LOOK like natural wood, but all they really ended up with is a piece of painted furniture.

sweetpea said...

I vote for the pop of unexpected brown. it's so easy to get swept up in the wave of white, but trust your instincts and do what feels right to you...

hugs,

shelley

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I love your bench with the table, but I think it would be pretty in a soft blue or a light turquoise color. I think white would be too much. Your home is coming along so nicely. So beautiful! Love & blessings from NC!

Aimee Jeffries said...

Wow, lots of comments! :) My 2 cents: I would either paint it white and sand it down a lot to see plenty of brown peeking through, or drape a white quilt over the back. Love the green velvet chair *drool*, though I love all of it!

She Uses Her Words said...

It looks great as is! I like Aimee's suggestion tho. A white quilt over the back would be perfect!
xo, Karen

Megan Chamberlain said...

I love the contrast of the darker bench but would add some white or lighter colour cushions to tie it in with the rest of the decor. Your house is starting to look lived in, I am sure you can't wait until you finally move in.

trash talk said...

It all depends on what you want for your new home and what direction you're heading. If you're asking what would "I" do...I'd paint it black because that's what I have in my own home..black and white. With your signage it would be lovely. I treat black as if it were a neutral and depending on the season I can blend other colors with it. I love the crisp, clean look of B&W...but that's me. You have to decide for yourself what's you. If you do decide to leave it brown, I think I would try and darken it even more to an espresso color.
A cushion will provide the softening look you need and still keep the contrast going.
OK...that's my 2 cents ('course the way I ramble...more like a nickle's worth!)
Debbie

Lululiz said...

Oh dear, colour is such a very personal thing. I think the dark brown sticks out like a sore thumb in all that whiteness, but painting it white as well is too much. I would paint it in a green, similar to the colour of your beautiful tub chairs, but much lighter, and distress it to let the brown paint come through in places.

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I vote for leaving it as it is. I love the dark chocolate contrast. I think it makes is all look important and distinguished. LOVE it!

Joanna said...

I'm liking the brown, especially if you have a couple of other accent pieces in dark brown (if you could bear it!). If not, rather than painting it white, how about giving it a white stain, just to mute the strength of the brown? You've got a lot of opinions here, girl! Good luck with your decision, xxx ps thank you for sharing your gorgeous new home with us, I LOVE what you're doing and wish I could move in too (do you think Mr Twig would mind?!!).
x

It's me said...

Hi Anne I would like a bank mint green / aqua-like paint and then a bit of stuff in that color drop, but if you like it white and I will do that although brown is wonderful.......happy day darling i like your art deco chair!!! wonderful........hugs and love Ria.......

Libbie said...

Hi Anne! I wrote this long (boring) comment last night about how I can't give advice for other people because I can't even pick out a restaurant if it is for more than just my kids & me! & then I relized...pink. I think I would paint it pink :) But whatever color she ends up....she's a beauty!!!

Attic Rat said...

It needs to be lightened. Whatever color you choose, sand the edges when you are done to let the dark brown peek through.

You SO belong in that house. It is PERFECT for you!

jacklynn4 said...

Keep it brown and put a linen cushion on the seat (I have the perfect antique linen too!)
Can't wait to see what you do!
jackie
bliss farm antiques

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

hmmm... dark chocolate or white chocolate... I like dark! But you know best! All your crap ( I mean treasures!) look absolutely beautiful! Happy Sunday!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

O.k first of all WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in love with your whole kitchen..you do know Jdarc Living would put it on the cover right...I am soooooooooooooooooo impressed! Now,my thoughts are simple PAINT IT!!! x0x0x

glor said...

Leave it ... I was thinking white, and did like it in the photoshop pic, but being able to see that showed the contrast is something I would like better. What a magnificent house you are putting together.

traci said...

Leave it. The contrast is amazing. I think it gets lost when it's white. The house is looking great.

Jane said...

I know there have been so many comments already but I thought I would weigh in and say keep it as is. I love the contrast of the wood against all of the white. If you do keep it dark I think you will need a couple of other dark accessory items (like the chalkboard) in the room to balance the one big dark piece. I love the idea of making a cover for it too.
Jane

Lee Weber said...

BROWN- you need heavier pieces to ground the room. I love the all white thing- to a point- then it's just overkill. EVERYONE is doing all white. IMHO.

Junk Exchange said...

90 comments? are you really reading all these? well, just in case ..my vote wasn't even listed as an option .. but i would put a coat of poly on it .. it will be easier for whoever to remove the paint in years to come .. then i would paint it with a water based paint in a soft green .. borderline mint .. then once it dried i would take a damp to wet sock and rub the edges - removing the paint to show wear .. then i would finish it off in a bri-wax finish, which will heighten the worn look .. but that is just me .. i love the wabi-sabi feel .. love your house, love you ..

Claudia said...

Keep as is! I think you need contrast in that room - too much white otherwise. Maybe you could put a few other darker accessories in there to support it?

xo
Claudia

Anonymous said...

If you are going to use it in that spot you need to replace the table to square or rectangle. The circular shape does not work. After doing that leave the bench as is.

FairfieldHouse said...

Hi Anne -

I like the contrast the dark wood adds. Lots of advice here. In the end you need to do what YOU like and besides it's not a decision that can never be changed. I am changing up my house ALL the time!

Your Friend,
Deborah

Maggey and Jim said...

At first I was undecided but after picture it was leave it,also I liked the idea of cushions to highlight the bench. Wonderful pieces you have there too.
Maggey

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

I quickly said keep it then I saw the photoshop picture and thought wow that is really pretty too. I love the contrast with it dark, I say live with it for a month and if you really want to paint it go for it.
XO

Anne Lorys said...

Great ideas, I'm loving the "paint it black" idea. And the gray. And the blue.
LOL, maybe I shouldn't have asked, right?

And yes, sweet Troy, I *am* reading all these comments! Especially yours. ;-)

To Anonymous, the table is a rectangle when the leaves are down, so problem solved!

Back to work!

Anne

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Well, it is a very neat benchy thing and I do like the contrast however I would paint it a sage or Aloe green then rub the edges with sandpaper and wax. I think the light greens go so well with white and farm houses.
Your home is coming along nicely...can tell you are having such fun.
Smiles,
Pat

Lisa said...

Don't paint it! It is gorgeous as is. Good luck with the rest of your home. It looks like you have an entire household worth of great pieces.
Lisa @ Pix Up Stix.

Lara said...

Another vote for leave it as is! It's beautiful!
:) Lara

judi said...

k..i'm sure you've received enough advice but i'll chime in with my thoughts...i thinkg the white would be too much and prefer the contrast but perhaps a charcoal grey or black with distressing or crackle here and there?...i'm even liking the aqua idea that others had suggested.
happy decision making! can't wait to see what you do.
judi ;)

Dorthe said...

Anne,
I`m with Sissie, and lots of others-whom said: Keep it as is,-it looks so beautifull in the brown tone, -among all the white-need to be a bit contrast,I think-
Happy sunday, dear,
Hugs,Dorthe

Simple Home said...

I think the photoshop photo looks beautiful, but I also think some old things just shouldn't be repainted. This is one of them. If I wanted a white bench there, I'd find another one to put there instead. I'd want to keep this one as it is.
Blessings,
Marcia

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Hi Anne ~ everything is looking wonderful! Speaking of wonderful ~ leave the bench as is for now, I love the contrast!! If you feel the need to paint it...I vote grey!

Anonymous said...

Color is a personal thing but I love the contrast of the chocolate ut might soften in up a bit with a seat cushion or quilt thrown over the back. Love your site.

yaya said...

I'm no decorator, but I love the chocolate brown against all the white..just looks so lovely as do all the other things you've brought over. Love the chair! Can't wait to see it with the couch and other chair.

Outofmymind said...

I say keep it dark for now and when or if you tire of it, then paint it white! Your home already has me jealous! Thanx for sharing it with us.

Farmgirl Paints said...

Do not...I beg...paint it white. You won't even be able to see it. The contrast is needed!!! Love the whole thing. I can't believe how it's all coming together:)

Anonymous said...

I vote chipped white paint and cushion colour to create contrast.

red.neck chic said...

send me the drum chairs and paint the bench black!!! it'd be really cool to paint it with chalkboard paint - then you could write messages on the back of it with the seasons... or hollydays... or whenever...

send me the chairs - i'll send you some paint... deal?

;-D xoxoxoxoxo
robelyn

ChiPPy-SHaBBy said...

OMG!*!*! Once AGAIN you've smoked the CoMMeNtS Section!!! My Vote - KEEP IT BROWN... Just Love seeing what's developing ~ you're One Special Lady!*!*!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

mimi said...

Hi Anne, lovin on your new farmhouse! Of course the bench is wonderful the way it is but....would look fantastic painted a french vanilla with more chippy then not... of course a lovely soft gray would be delish too... love all the white with your wood floors... guessin I wasn't much help huh?? Can't wait to see what you do, it never disappoints!!

Pam said...

I am leaning towards a grey......but it will look beautiful whatever you decide! Have fun and congrats!

Itchin' Stitchin' said...

Oh my - love your treasures! I say with the bench leave it as is - I love the contrast.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Your home is coming along so nicely! I love the chocolate brown bench just as it is. But if I were to paint it, I would choose a soft blue/gray. Have fun pulling it all together!

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~*LOVE it how it already is BROWN!!~*~*

Chez Zizi said...

I totally love the chocolate brown contrast against the white. I also totally love the chairs, I am so jealous. Can't wait to see more.
Zizette

Junk Exchange said...

good to know .. love ya'

troy

Bring Pretty Back said...

Anne, I say leave it brown... when you are ready for a change. Paint it then!
I am loving watching your house become a home.
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

cindy said...

I'm sure you're overwhelmed with input at this point, but I think a deep charcoal or black would look beautiful. But I love the brown as is too. Not crazy about making it white. It loses it's shape a bit. Can't wait to see what you do!

Unknown said...

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think you should leave it as is! Love the contrast. It picks up the dark cracks and chips on everything else.

Hugs,
Jami

Unknown said...

i think the dark contrast is nice, you can always paint it down the road if you change your mind :) have a super day!! susan

savvycityfarmer said...

I step away for a day ... and you do all this without me???
feels like a year since I was here!

a hint of sophistication rests in the wood tones ... I 'd leave it honey ... you can always put it on but you can't take it off!

suzeeez said...

I love your home so far. As far as the bench goes..... I would leave it the way it is. I love all of your white but some contrast makes it more striking. The bech goes well with your chandelier and chalkboard and makes your eyes dance around the room from piece to piece.
:o) Sue

the old white house said...

Hi Anne! Everything looks so wonderful! I love the bench as is, I think the combination of the warm wood and the white is perfect. The dresser is gorgeous! Really, your home is coming together beautifully, Theresa xoxo

Rozmeen said...

I actually just love the room as it is just gorgeous and the brown just give it that a bit of colour. Tough one ;-)

Wishing you a lovely week my friend!
Hugs,
Rozmeen

Anonymous said...

I gotta go with leaving it just the way it is, love the contrast!

Shawna @ mycherishedviolet.blogspot.com said...

I say leave it! It makes the whole room pop!
You can always paint it later if you still want too!

Vickie Wiles said...

I vote for leaving the bench the chocolate color. Really looks great against all of the white and helps keep the room from looking too sterile and austere! Just my two cents worth.

re:Inspire said...

Hi Anne,
Everything looks lovely...including that club chair!! I would either leave your bench dark and add some pillows to soften. Or I would paint it a color like yellow, slate gray, blue, or red if you have a daring side of you! You would not be able to appreciate the shape of it if it was white!
Good luck,
Lisa

House and Garden Boutique said...

Hi Fiona.......I really like the brown bench. It makes your chandelier come to life! You could add some brown mini shades to the chandelier & some cute oversized white print pillows to the bench to make the room really ROCK!

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Anne! I wanted to
have the last word {ha ha}
and here I am to offer
it up: I wouldn't paint
the bench! I think that
the brown is a nice counter-
balance to the white....
I used to really be into
the idea of all white but
lately I'm loving the
soothing qualities of natural
browns, coco, willow....
So, for what it's worth,
that is my vote : )
Hope you had a wonderful
weekend ~ We all missed you
up at the CC and Junk Bonanza!
xx Suzanne

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

The contrast is perfect!! Leave it alone girl!!
Everything is looking sooooooooooo wonderful!!
Beth

Heaven's Walk said...

Yup ---- I have to agree. THIS coming from a gal with a white paintbrush in her hand at all times! But the contrast with brown, black and white in your room is so chic! I would leave it be and just add some white pillows. Have to tell you that I'm just loving this ride I'm on with your move, Anne! What a ball!!!! :)

xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

Love It Naturals said...
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