We're Buying a Boat!

The last couple of weeks have been SO exciting...

Since moving to the lakehouse, Hubby and I have wanted to buy a boat.  We love being on the water, whether we're swimming, canoeing, or just goofing off in our inflatable raft, which may or may not have been designed for children.  We even own a small Fireball sailboat (designed for racing), that we bought for $1000 in our early twenties, but after a hilariously disastrous river sailing catastrophe (which ended with a treacherous hike through the woods - never a good sign when the intended activity was sailing), we lost enthusiasm for sailing.  We really pined for a larger boat to take out onto Lake Superior so we can tool around the islands, go on little camping trips, travel around to different harbors in Canada and the States, and park at marinas for nights when there are fireworks and live music.  If I'm being honest, I just wanted take a boat into town for a grocery run because it would be funny and seems like the thing to do when you live on a lake!  While we feverishly saved for home improvements, though, buying a boat remained one of those "someday" things - until my family's tragedy last May.

What happened sparked a desire in me to make some changes and to be really honest with myself about what I wanted in life and what was important to me.  Hubby and I talked a lot about plans for the future and, while we're still figuring things out, some of our plans, ruminating, and dreams are coming to fruition - among them:  spending more time on the water (away from the internet, phone and TV), exploring Lake Superior.
We're buying a boat!

Not this one.

Originally we wanted a powerboat, largely because that's what everyone on our bay has, but the cost of fuel (and the idea of consuming so much fuel, when we already drive a diesel-guzzling Ram 2500) made us a little nauseous.  Instead, we started warming up to sailboats again (we don't learn).  We decided 30 feet was a nice size: not too big to handle and maneuver, but plenty of room for sleeping, a little washroom, and a teeny kitchen.  Because new 30-foot sailboats can be expensive, we focused our search on older boats, from the 1960s-1980s. 

Once we decided to take the plunge, we started looking online for available boats.  We found quite a few contenders in the Toronto area, so we contemplated a road trip there to do some boat shopping.  I wanted to buy a boat and sail it home, but Hubby decided that a month long sailing voyage over the Great Lakes was just too epic a journey for us - probably smart, given our sailing track record.  The cost of shipping a boat home, or having a trailer built so we could tow it, started to feel overwhelming and, frankly, neither of us was in the mood to travel to Toronto.  Sadly, the city conjures unpleasant memories for me now, which breaks my heart because I spent all of my childhood summers there.

To save money, and heartache, we decided to buy a boat locally.  But we looked at the only two for sale that fit our criteria and were really disappointed!  The first needed a ton of work and the second was under a tarp when we viewed it, so it seemed so dark and dated - although the teak woodwork was impeccable.

Disappointed but undeterred, we set aside our concerns, hopped in the truck and headed to Toronto the next day.  The journey was really emotional for me, but I can't avoid the city forever so in some ways it was good to go there, but have a distracting mission to focus on. 

We made appointments with boat brokers and boat owners and saw as many boats as we could.  At first it was discouraging because my top contender, a 1960s Grampion with a tiny wood burning stove (photographed below), turned out to be a huge disappointment!  Almost all of the "woodwork" was faux wood-look melamine, plus it was so painfully tiny.  We quickly realized that a lot of boats photographed better than they looked in person.

With each viewing, though, we learned a TON and we narrowed down what we wanted: definitely no smaller than 30 feet, a beam (width) of at least 10 or 11 feet, a shallow draft to fit into our bay, a table that folds away completely for more room to move around...

Along the way, we drove to Sarnia where I fell in love with an incredible 35 foot "Finnsailer," built in Finland by Fiskars in the 1970s!  It needed major work but it was SO cool.  Even Hubby, who originally called it "an ugly little thing," fell hard after seeing it in person.  It was huge inside and had a pale aqua bathroom sink(!), tons of storage, lots of beautiful teak, and the cutest little retro stove.  It still had the original melamine plates and cups sold with the boat, with their own custom designed cubbies.  It was in rough shape, but had so much potential to be something really incredible.  There aren't many of them in North America and I liked how unique it was.

Unfortunately, it was already under contract when we saw it, but I'm so glad we could tour it anyway!  My photos didn't really turn out, but the one below shows the adorable stove (some Finnsailers came with bright orange stoves).  This video tour of a Finnsailer 35 is super thorough, if you're curious about the boat of my dreams (although the boat in the video is missing it's original stove).  I want to keep my eyes peeled and maybe someday, down the road, restore one of these gems to make my late Finnish Grandpa, who loved fishing on Lake Superior in sketchy boats, proud. 

After touring a ton of boats, we narrowed it down to a specific kind of boat: a Ticon 30, which is - don't laugh! - the second boat we'd seen locally, before we left for Toronto.  We viewed one in Toronto and saw what a Ticon 30 could look like restored.  We almost bought that one, until an inspection revealed major water damaged.

With that last disappointment, we ran out of time and Hubby had to get back to work.  Somewhat miffed, but feeling SO much more knowledgeable about boat-buying, we returned home empty-handed.

We decided to take a look at the Ticon 30 for sale in our city again.  And you know what?  It looked a lot better!  It needs some aesthetic work, to be sure, but it's in great condition and has been maintained well.  We had a boat survey done last week and are just waiting on the results before completing the purchase.  Unless any major damage/problem is revealed, we're taking the plunge and buying it!

4,000 kilometers, four hotels, countless boat marinas, a truck repair, and a flat tire later, we came full circle and committed to purchasing the second boat we saw, in our hometown.

C'est la vie!

On the bright side, we found every delicious, lakeside burger joint in Southern Ontario and stuffed our faces with juicy burgers and tasty sweet potato fries for a week!  We truly didn't have much time for anything other than looking at boats and logging a too short visit with my Aunt and Uncle (and the kiddos), but we made time for some relaxing, lakeside meals together.  And Costco.  We always make time for Costco.

I bet that, at this point, you're curious to see the boat we might be buying?  I didn't take many photos of any boats we looked at because to access these boats we had to climb up incredibly tall, teetering ladders so I always left my purse - and camera! - in the car.  It never dawned on me that these boats wouldn't be in the water, so I wasn't quite prepared for the feats of strength.

I managed to snap a few photos of the Ticon 30 with my phone.  I love its wood floor and that incredible, teak drop-down table (so many of them had table bases bolted to the floor).

If the purchase goes through, I can rip off the tarp and share better quality photos, a peek at the (somewhat homely exterior), plus a whole tour - might be a good excuse for my first video tour!  I'm so excited about the prospect of decorating this boat - first up, new upholstery.

Fingers crossed it works out - if not, we'll have to hit the road again...

DIY Gun Metal Dyed Table Cloth (Rit Dye vs. iDye)

I absolutely love dyeing things because it's such an easy way to really update a garment or home decor staple.  Over the years, I've logged a bevy of DIY dye projects.  Some of my favorites include: dyeing a dress a deep shade of navy, dyeing a pair of jeans darker, and dyeing a set of crocheted lace doilies for a pretty tablescape.  I did some dip dyeing too!  For almost all of my DIY dye projects, I have used Rit Dye.

I have decided to expand my dyeing repertoire and not only do I have a couple of fancier dye projects planned, I've branched out and started experimenting with different brands of dye.  I had heard that iDye is a better quality fabric dye than Rit, so I recently used a couple of packs on an easy project to test out this new-to-me brand of fabric dye.

I started with this beautiful, cream coloured cotton and rayon damask table cloth, which I inherited:

I loved the table cloth but NO cream or white table linens would ever last a day in my home.  Plus it felt kind of bridal.  I knew its fate: sit in my cupboard for years, until I eventually get rid of my oval table, then sadly discover that no one else in my family has an oval table (it's why I inherited it in the first place), so I'll end up dejectedly donating this sentimental linen to the thrift shops in the hopes that someone else can use it.  I know this because many sentimental, "too good to use" things have met a similar fate so, these days, I'm all about using the good stuff!

I figured that if I dyed the table cloth a darker color, to hide the inevitable wine spills, I'll relax and just enjoy using it. In hindsight, maybe dyeing it burgundy would have been the best bet, but I kept envisioning a deep steel grey.

I ordered some iDye on Amazon, in Gun Metal (grey).  It comes in different formulations, this one was designed for natural fabrics (like cotton, silk, etc.).  There are also iDye formulations for synthetic materials as well (something Rit recently came out with too).

iDye comes in a little cardboard envelope with the instructions printed on the inside.  The dye is in a sort of puck, which is supposedly less messy than powders or bottles, but the outside of my dye packs were covered in powdery residue which immediately dyed my hands before I got the packets open, so I don't consider the packaging a selling feature.

Frankly, having watched too many episodes of Border Security, I'm just surprised that this didn't raise any red flags...

Using iDye is just as easy as Rit.  I opted for the washing machine method (as opposed to stove top):

• Wash the garment/fabric to be dyed to remove sizing
• Fill the washing machine with hot water
• Add the iDye dye packs (I used two) plus 1 cup of non-iodized salt
• Let agitate for a minute
• Add the fabric (make sure it's still wet)
• Let agitate in dye bath for 50-60 minutes (my table linens were in there about 70 minutes total)
• Let the machine finish the cycle
• Dry!

Easy peasy!  I turned on a timer so I knew when to keep re-setting my machine to ensure it was agitated for the hour or so.  In between timer chimes I puttered.  By the time my linens were dyed, I could check off a DIY project and "clean the house" from my to-do list.  Win!  This might be why I like dyeing things so much...

The table cloth (and matching napkins) turned out beautifully!

The colour is a really unusual grey - it's got purple undertones, but sometimes it reads really blue, other times a little more warm.  "Gun metal" is the perfect name for it!  It's one of those colours that really plays with the light, made more interesting by the damask pattern and subtle sheen of the cotton/rayon blend.

The only, tiny issue is that the dye seemed to grab the linens more where the fabric had been folded.  This table cloth has been sitting around, folded, since the 80s, so it might not be an issue with the fabric dye, but the item itself.  I did wash it thoroughly before dyeing, but sometimes there's only so much you can do when fabric starts to show it's age.  When I dyed a shirtdress awhile back, lingering residue from my antiperspirant caused an issue with the dye so I think the best contenders for DIY dye projects are new, freshly laundered items.  Having said that, you'll never notice the slightly darker areas on this table cloth - especially not once it's adorned with plates, flowers, and delicious food!

It's SO gorgeous!  I'm thrilled with the outcome: it looks more modern and the blue/grey hue is perfect in the lakehouse - it complements the teal tweed chairs beautifully and ties in the grey from the nearby plywood topped Ikea floating credenza and grey painted brick fireplace.

I feel emboldened to branch out and try new brands of dye because the colour choices for some of the more "professional" grade dyes are outstanding!

Read more »

Easy + Delicious Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake Recipe

I have finally reached my 50 pound weight loss goal!  I've been really focused on my health since the end of September and getting to a healthy weight, while developing healthier eating habits, is just part of that goal.  I'm working on a post about my weight loss, but I'll admit that I'm a little apprehensive about sharing something so personal.

In the meantime, I've really enjoyed sharing some of my kitchen experiments as I try to tweak my favorite desserts to reduce their sugar content.  I have been working diligently to curb my sugar cravings and, ultimately, stave off the diabetes that runs in my family, but every now and then a sweet treat is nice, so I've been working to find a few healthier alternatives to have in my baking arsenal. 

Carrot cake is one of those desserts that I have easily convinced myself is healthy in the past (it has carrots!), but in reality the sugar, fat, and caloric content on a typical carrot muffin is staggering!  It's one of my favorite desserts, though, so recently I fiddled around with my carrot cake recipe, trying to make a healthy carrot cake.  Frankly, I'd still classify this carrot cake as an "indulgence," but it is sugar-free and grain-free - even the icing - so it's more in line with Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar program, which has helped me immensely.  This sugar-free carrot cake recipe is made with coconut flour, brown rice syrup, and stevia so, while it's still high in calories and fat, it doesn't have the high sugar content of a traditional carrot cake.  To lower the sugar content even more, you can skip or cut back on the pineapple. 

Refined Sugar Free Carrot Cake Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple (optional)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Splash of lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 nutmeg
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup oil (I used olive, melted coconut works too)
• 1/2 cup brown rice syrup

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:

• One package full fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/4 cup stevia (I used Truvia, which has a milder after taste than other stevia brands)
• Splash of milk (I had coconut milk on hand) 
• Unsweetened, shredded coconut

Sugar-Free Carrot Cake:

When you bake with coconut flour, you need to add an alarming number of eggs so don't worry - that's not a typo!   Combine the eggs, oil, lemon juice, and brown rice syrup until mixed thoroughly.  Stir in the coconut flour, baking soda and spices until well mixed.  Add the shredded carrot and pineapple.

Pour in a well greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes (oven time may vary).  Allow to cool, then transfer to a wire rack where it should cool some more.  Half an hour later and my cake was still a touch too warm for icing, so I would wait an hour next time.

Sugar-Free Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Icing:

Use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and stevia.  Try with a little less stevia - maybe a 1/8 cup - and taste test.  Some people cannot handle the aftertaste of stevia, but I found the Truvia brand I used was milder than others, plus the delicious carrot cake and cream cheese overpowered the stevia and all I tasted was a mild sweetness.  If you find it sweet enough, skip the rest of the Stevia.  I added a splash of coconut milk to help make the icing a little easier to spread, but it's optional.

I topped my carrot cake with some unsweetened, shredded coconut, sliced dragon fruit (so pretty - and delicious, I'd never had one before!), pineapple sticks, and kiwi - simply because it looked pretty, but the fresh fruit does increase the overall sugar content.

Read more »

A Feminist Doll Makeover - Craftivism Inspiration

You might have already heard about Tree Change Dolls - reclaimed dolls with a more realistic makeover - but I only recently stumbled upon the work of Sonja Singh.  She takes previously-loved dolls with unnatural, overly made up painted faces and turns them into natural looking dolls!

Here's an example of the incredible transformation:

The makeunders are quite labor intensive: Sonja first removes the painted faces, cleans and sometimes repairs the dolls, re-styles the hair (sometimes actually thinning out unnaturally thick hair), repaints more realistic faces, and then her Mom knits and sews wholesome garments.  Sonja even makes new shoes and accessories for the dolls, which are more eco-friendly than their former plastic duds.  In her pursuit of realism and authenticity, she even adds skin imperfections to her dolls and mixes up a natural looking shade of white for the eyes.

Unsurprisingly, every time she lists a batch of these transformed dolls in her Etsy shop, she sells out immediately!  

Because, as she points out, she isn't the first person to re-paint the faces on dolls, she generously shares videos of her process.  That's right - even though she relies on these dolls to make a living, she shows others how to do it themselves!  She has a video tutorial for how to remove painted faces from dolls, another video sharing tips for restyling doll hair, and even a video that demonstrates how she re-paints more natural faces on her dolls. 

Sonja is a feminist inspiration because not only is she working to change the way children grow to understand social constructions of beauty, she doesn't safeguard her techniques and instead encourages individual people to give dolls makeunders themselves.  As an avid thrifter and lover of second-hand finds, that these dolls are reclaimed and repaired makes me love this enterprise even more.

The next time I hit the thrifts, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for an obnoxiously overdone doll to breathe new life into for one of the littles in my family, although I definitely do not posses the face painting skills Sonja has mastered!   

Reading her story and pouring over photos of her incredible doll makeovers just made my day because it's just so amazing to read about people changing the world with their talent.  I see feminist implications for her work, and I feel inspired and uplifted.  I wanted to pass on the good vibes in case you hadn't heard of Tree Change Dolls either!

Check out Sonja's Tree Change Dolls on Etsy, Instagram, Facebook , Twitter, or Tumblr.

Read more »

How to Design a Bathroom You Love

My Mom started planning a bathroom renovation around the same time I started to plan our  reno and, a year later, my bathroom is almost done, but my experience has been so discouraging for her.  She was already hesitant about tearing apart her functioning, if slightly embarrassing bathroom, and because my renovation did not go smoothly it's made her incredibly nervous to begin work.  On the bright side, she knows which tile and granite shops in our city to avoid...

We were chatting the other day about the bathroom renovations and makeovers under my belt and she wanted to know what choices I regretted - and which ones I'd recommend.  I can definitely see the appeal of hiring a designer for major renovations because, not only do they have formal training, they have already learned the lessons us DIYers have to learn the hard way!  I worry sometimes that DIY bloggers get a little over confident when it comes to doling out advice because choosing finishes in a handful of personal renovations does not an expert make!  Still, picking out finishes is the best part, so it's not something I'd willingly hand over to anyone.  Because of my inexperience, though, I'm a little hesitant to give my Mom design advice.  I'm worried I'll put together something she doesn't love, or I'll just recreate something that screams "Tanya's Lakehouse".  I can say this about my "design skills": I am getting pretty good at designing and decorating space that I love.   Whenever readers ask me for design advice (I've been offered money for this, which I could not in good conscience accept), I try to just discuss pros and cons of different choices, to help people make their own decision (like in my recent post about painting wood beams).  Frankly, I actually really love sharing my two cents (who doesn't?), but I'm always worried I'll steer someone away from something they really love.

Ultimately, unless you're designing a home with resale in mind, creating the kind of space that makes you sigh, "ahhh, home sweet home," with a contented, goofy grin should be the main objective when decorating and renovating.  I believe in creating a home you can love.  Trends will come and go, so being happy with your home is so important!  With that in mind, when PlumbTile reached out and suggested we collaborate on a post about bathroom renos, I knew immediately that I wanted to share my advice on how to dream up a bathroom reno you will love.  PlumbTile was an incredible inspiration for this post because their selection of bath products is staggering - plus they carry so many of my favorite brands and products, making it an effortless collaboration.

Start with Pinterest:

The best place to start designing a bathroom - or any room - is Pinterest!  I created a special board for Bathroom Design Inspiration and that's where I started collecting photos of any bath designs I liked.  Now I've turned it into a resource for others, but in its early stages I also pinned anything I liked - a color, art inspiration, walnut furniture - anything that I really, really liked.  Once the board started getting full, I looked back through my pins and started teasing out themes and commonalities.  From there it was clear that there were some must-haves: a pop of aqua, walnut cabinetry, stone counters.  Having a clear vision in mind kept me from getting distracted when other options (like the acrylic cabinetry) tried to derail me!

I designed the townhouse bathroom in the pre-Pinterest era and it was so much more difficult!  My inspiration sources were a jumble of magazine tear outs and images I'd saved to my computer.  I didn't really have a good grasp of my taste as a result.  Seeing all of your favorite spaces at once on Pinterest suddenly makes it crystal clear what you like and dislike - it's how I realized that I wanted the lakehouse to be bolder and brighter than the townhouse. 

Think About Function:

Once I had my wishlist of finishes figured out, I started chatting with Hubby about how we would use the space and we made a second list of "needs": two sinks, two outlets, floating cabinets, tiled tub surround (definitely no shower portal!), minimal grout lines, single lever faucet (I just love our Kohler Purist faucets!), etc.  Although some of these decisions seem purely functional, many of them ended up influencing the design elements (like my tile choice or where we put the outlets).   Then I combined my lists, printed it, and held onto it throughout the process so I wouldn't get distracted or forget about a key detail. 

Chat with the Pros:

The place where we bought the cabinetry from offered a free design service and I'm so grateful because the designer we worked with didn't try to sell me on any finishes.  In fact, the pushiness of the onsite designer is why I originally didn't want to work with the company that supplied our stone counters.  I already knew what I wanted and so the designer at the cabinet place focused on functional concerns (like the linen tower doors bumping the stone counters) and figured out some ways to remedy them (like making the linen tower deeper than the vanity - genius!).  Along the way, I definitely peppered every trades person and designer we met with questions, trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.  Being inquisitive is a must during any renovation process - ask questions!  BUT don't let yourself get sidetracked; Kelly, from View Along the Way, has a great post about how the advice from an overzealous kitchen designer resulted in a kitchen she regrets!  That's why having a list of wants and needs in hand is helpful.

Find a Key Piece:

For awhile I was overwhelmed with shopping because I wanted everything - or nothing!  I can see why so many people just opt for white subway tile, or some variation: tile choices, especially, can be overwhelming.  When I found the quartzite stone counter slab - and decided it would pair well with my aqua sink obsessions - things started to click into place.   With the magic of hindsight, there are still a few things I made change if given a do-over, but I'd definitely keep the quartzite stone!  I told my Mom to find a key piece too, because then decisions start to get easier.  

Bring Samples Home:

I think this one goes without saying, but I feel compelled to mention it: bring samples home.  Everything looks different under showroom lights, so bring samples home and take a look at them under various lighting conditions.   

Determine the Show Ponies and Work Horses:

With my two lists of wants and needs determined, I figured out where I wanted to splash out and inject some personality into the room - and where I would layer in more neutral elements.  As you know, I'm a fan of bold bathroom sinks!

I loved the glass vessel sink in the townhouse and once I realized that Kohler sold an aqua undermount sink, I knew that aqua sinks had to happen!  I was always fascinated by the original 1960s pink and black bathroom in my Mummu's house - as a child I cried when the pink toilet (to match her pink tub and sink) was replaced with a bisque one.  The rest of the pink still remains and every time I wash my hands in the pink enamel sink, I smile.  I'm sure her floating vanity inspired my choice on a subconscious level as well. 

Not every element can be the star, though, so when I settled on aqua sinks, I decided to choose subtle tile for the floor and tub surround - although a part of me was very tempted to do a matching aqua tiled tub surround (and part of me wishes I had!).  The dark grey tile floor, though, is perfect because it's not attention grabbing.  

Colorful sinks are an unusual choice - and a commitment! - so I don't advocate a bold sink for everyone (although I have to show you this grey Kohler sink - isn't the color gorgeous?).  The point is to find out what element in a room really makes you smile and make it happen.  It might be a bold tiled backsplash or a quietly stunning slab of marble.  It doesn't have to be bold, but once the main attractions of a bathroom design are chosen, it's important to give them some room to shine by choosing some more neutral finishes or fixtures.

For my Mom I'm advocating a really neutral design so she can change up the look with accessories, but even still, I'm encouraging her to pick some quiet design elements (like a neutral floor) to let other elements (like an unusual, pale grey tile she's considering) be the star.

Don't Forget the Details!

By the time I had to choose smaller details like a mirrored outlet cover and hardware, I was beat!  I had made so many choices and was tired.  But I hadn't been happy with the finishes in the townhouse bathroom because I hadn't paid much attention to fixtures or hardware and, months later when the reno was over, I had some regrets.  So for this reno I powered through and although I might revisit the outlet covers, I'm thrilled with the hardware.  Taking the time to think through each and every detail has made the bathroom really come together for me.  This kind of work reflection is a snap for the pros and probably takes eons longer for regular people to do, but it's worth it to spend the time and effort.

Those are my tips for designing a bathroom YOU love: start with Pinterest, keep a list of must-haves so you don't get distracted, ask questions of every pro you meet, find that key piece and let it shine, and don't forget about the details.  Not rocket science, but this process helped me!  Starting with Pinterest and having a list of must-haves written down are my best tips, because everyone will chime in and while you want to elicit some advice because you never know what gem you'll pick up, it's important to start with a clear vision and know your own style.

What is your advice for my poor Mom, so nervous about her impending bathroom reno that she is willing to hand over the design to her nutty daughter who will inevitably opt for too much aqua?
    
A huge thanks to PlumbTile for sponsoring this post.  I was so floored by their incredible inventory!  I started pouring over the different categories while writing this post and I found my beloved kitchen cabinet pulls and even the pretty brushed nickel pulls I'm always tempted to steal from my Mom's mid-century modern inspired teak bedroom furniture!  All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.

Read more »

Should Wood Beams be Painted or Left Natural?

Because I painted out the wood beam in the lakehouse living room, I've had a few readers ask me if I recommend painting wood beams out as a rule.  That's a good question!  For anyone who is on the fence about painting a wood beam - or keeping it natural - I rounded up a little inspiration, and share my two cents, below.

via My Domaine

When we moved into the lakehouse, it was very woodsy: wood ceiling beam, oak trim, oak cabinets, more oak cabinets, pine panels flanking the fireplace, and, oh hey, okay, more oak cabinets...

I am not opposed to wood tones and although I've long loved teak and walnut, I find myself appreciating wood grain more and more, thanks to the influence of my woodworker Father-in-law and grain-loving Hubby.  I was slow to make peace with the wood kitchen cabinets in the townhouse, but here in the lakehouse I've even added wood, like the walnut bathroom cabinetry, pine-topped Ikea fauxdenza hack, and DIY solid maple wood kitchen counters.

So, if I had to pick, I'd pick "team wood," but I think that - in the eye of the beholder -  there can be good wood and bad wood.  I appreciate the hardwood floors the former owner installed because the stain is beautiful and works so well with the teak and walnut I love.  That, in my books, is "good wood".  However, the skinny, cheap oak trim purchased at Home Depot in the late 1990s is "bad wood," in my purely personal assessment.  Painting the skinny trim was no question because I didn't want the eye drawn to it.  The 1990s oak cabinetry was similarly easy to paint (no regrets!).  Painting the sauna wood flanking the fireplace helped modernize the whole wall and I like the quiet texture the painted wood panels now add to the room without screaming, "I used to be a cottage".

Why I Painted the Wood Beam in the Living Room:

The wood ceiling beam made me pause, though.  I kind of liked it, but ultimately decided that it clashed with the flooring and all of our teak furniture.  For a few days, I actually did consider leaving it unpainted (true story!) but, in the end, white paint won out.  I have no regrets because painting the wood beam makes the 13 foot tall ceiling feel even taller, but doesn't draw the eye up toward our popcorn ceilings.  When the beam was natural, the ceiling felt a lot lower and the eye definitely traveled up there - even more once the walls and trim were white.

It wasn't a solid beam - it was just wood strips, laminated together - so it truly wasn't anything super special, although I'm sure it cost a pretty penny when the house was built.  As my Mom pointed out, if I ever have a strong desire for a wood beam, I can clad it in walnut veneer (drool), which I think is a genius, incredibly tempting suggestion!

The Case for Keeping Wood Beams Natural...

Architectural Digest

If it's solid wood and complements a home's aesthetic, then I'd be tempted to keep a wood beam natural.  Ultimately it's a matter of personal preference, but I think that wood beams work especially well if the decor has a mix of wood tones and lots of textures, so the beams don't stand out and draw attention away from other design elements. 

via My Domaine

via West Elm

via My Domaine

Design Files

Even if the decor doesn't boast a generous mix of wood tones, wood beams can work if the same tone is picked up elsewhere, like in this mid-century influenced home.  The wood beam looks great with the wood kitchen cabinetry and looks like a thoughtful detail.  That was the problem with my beam: I was slowly and purposely eradicating anything in that orange wood tone.

via Apartment Therapy

I can't even imagine this home - which boasts one of my favorite kitchens of all time - without wood beams because it just suits the rustic feel so well!

Style at Home

The Case for Painting Wood Beams...

White painted wood beams - along with white ceilings - do wonders for making a space seem brighter and airier.  Once painted, beams no longer draw the eye, which is perfect if you have other, more beautiful, elements to highlight in a room.  Paint can also help modernize a rustic-looking space, especially if the wood beams are weathered or worn and that doesn't complement the decor style.  If an airy vibe is what you're after, painting out wood does wonders, while still offering more visual interest than a plain ceiling:

via Better Homes & Gardens

via Apartment Therapy

via Plastolux

via Plastolux

via My Domaine

via Apartment Therapy

Ultimately, you can't loose!  After years of DIYers painting every piece of furniture they could get their hands on, wood is newly appreciated and natural wood is definitely on-trend again, but I am a firm believer in turning a blind eye to trends and following your gut to create a home you love.  Beams look gorgeous either way - painted out or left au naturel - and any homeowner or renter is lucky to have them.  There are even tons of DIY tutorials and products for adding faux wood ceiling beams to naked ceilings! 

If you're faced with this decision, the best thing to consider is whether the wood complements your design plans and whether it's irreplaceable (like a 200 year old solid piece of lumber).  It's far easier to paint later than strip primer and paint from a tall ceiling, so if you're on the fence at all - live with the wood for a bit!  

What are your thoughts on painted wood beams?

Read more »