This project is in partnership with FrogTape®. They allowed us to choose any space to makeover and provided us with painting supplies and $1000 to execute our vision.
Last week we showed you our plans for this little nook, then showed you how they changed with the discovery that the ceiling in the nook was actually a drop ceiling. But after adjusting the plan and building out the ceiling to really show off some of the architecture of our cabin, we still needed paint in order to create the right vibe.
We had originally planned to go a little lighter with the nook, but after discovering the drop ceiling we decided to highlight the wood and have it be the lighter element. That meant darkening the walls and keeping the contrast with crisp paint lines.
To get the cleanest lines, and ensure none of the pine became stained by the paint, we taped off all of the wood baseboards and trim that were going to remain wood. That's right--the cabin is keeping the wood trim all over. When applying FrogTape®, I like to pull it taut in a long, continuous piece and then rub my fingers over the edge where it meets where the paint like will be. This will help you get the straightest, sharpest lines.
For this part, we used FrogTape® Multisurface, brushed on two coats, and removed the tape before before the paint dried. I always cut in all the edges while Chris rolls. (He's always done first.) The color we chose is Valspar's Victorian Tapestry. It's a beautiful green-blue with lots of neutral gray undertones.
We also knew we wanted to add book shelves to this wall, and we love using FrogTape® for visualizing elements we plan to add to a space. Since the walls were freshly painted, we used FrogTape® Delicate Surface to layout our shelves and gauge where we wanted them to fall. Even though we just painted, less than an hour earlier!, it didn't ruin any part of our paint job and we were able to easily lift and move the tape until we were content with the shelving layout.
When we were happy with the spacing, (we ended up hanging them 15.5" apart with the first shelf being 18" up), we took measurements and added 1x2 supports along the back and side walls, nailing directly into the studs.
Then we quickly brushed the supports with paint and added the shelves we had painted previously.
We attached the shelves to the supports using 1 5/8 inch brads to minimize their appearance.
Of course, once this was done we couldn't wait to load them up, but you're going to have to wait to see that next week with the reveal. But how much do you love this color? With so much paneling and deep, contrasting colors, there's always a risk of a space feeling too "busy," but by painting the shelves the same color as the walls and simplifying some of the finishes, this little nook feels calm, comfortable and cozy--just how we hoped the cabin would.
SaveSave
Leave a Reply
WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
Portfolio
Projects
I see you provided measurements from the bottom but I love the spacing from the top. Would you mind sharing the distance from the trim to the top of the highest shelf? I've got a similar nook I'm working on and the shelf placement is giving me a headache! Thank you.
I had exact same problem! And this stuff ls expensive and my husband and daughter worked hard getting it done and then have to redo it.
What is the name of the paint color that I sued? It’s so pretty!!
Victorian Tapestry by Valspar.
Do you have any advice for laying the tape in super straight lines, for instance between the window trim and wall? I have so much trouble with this and always end up placing it at a slight angle, so it gets slightly further and further from the wall as I go. Is it better to use shorter or longer pieces?
We actually talk about this in the beginning of the post! I love to pull it tight with one hand while holding the tape down with the other and prefer as long of a strip as I can handle.
I’m so glad you’re doing this challenge bc I’ve been really missing seeing actual makeovers and diy on your site. I love the lifestyle stuff but I come here for the diy
I love the progress you're making in the cabin! I'm also curious to see some spring pictures.
On another note, I'm personally not too keen on the "cliffhanger" aspects of this post. I like progress posts, and don't mind sponsored content at all, but I like to progress and discover together with you. Not sure if this is clear. So although I like the project (yes to the green!), the style of the post is not my jam.
Not going anywhere anytime soon though ;).
Totally get it, Annemie. That's generally how we do our projects. The sponsor wanted it done in this format so we were happy to give it a try. Reveal next Monday!
The color is sooo freaking amazing! Can’t wait to see how this turns out.
Love the paint color! I want to use a dark color in my dining room but I’m a bit nervous. Did you use flat paint or was it another type of finish? Thanks!
we used flat.
I love love LOVE that paint color.
Looks great! It will be fun to see what fabrics you add to this area.
A silly question - did you eventually paint the top of the seat area? I seen some bloggers who don't finish the inside of cabinets, etc since it won't be seen by guests, but it's something that would bug me. Of course, it all depends on how you attach the seating. Hope you show us how you secure the seat cushions so they don't always move around.
We didn't...but now you have me thinking we should! Okay, we will. :)
Sorry to give you extra work to do....
On older sailboats that have lots of interior teak, there is usually a rounded trim piece that is several inches above the base of the seat. It's high enough to keep the cushions in place, but not too high to hurt legs when sitting on the cushions. It's a nice finished look to the edge. Query "sailboat berth cushions" to see examples.
I'm curious what sort of boards you used for the shelves? Thickness/wood type. It looks like a pretty long span to not be using brackets at the midpoint for support!
Great paint color - I'm a fan of cozy nooks and the paint definitely enhances that :)
These are white oak--really strong!
Love the cozy color and love that you've chosen to leave the stained wood, also! It makes it look so right for the style (plus it's a ton less trouble and maintenance along the way).
Chris and Julia its looking so good!!! I'm excited to see it finished. That cabin has so much potential- its fun to see the direction you are taking with it in this little corner.
This gets me so excited about the direction your cabin is headed in! Love the color.
I am in love with that color! So pretty! Excellent choice!
I was wondering what main interior cabin paint color you are putting with the Victorian Tapestry by Valspar? Thanks!
the rest will remain wood.