Got Those Connecticut Builders' Grade Blahs? How To Fix Them!

Got Those Connecticut Builders' Grade Blahs? How To Fix Them!

Here are some ideas on how to fix those builders' grade Blahs. Here are three Blahs I'm talking about:

1. White, or barely off-white, painted walls
2. Shiny brass light fixtures and hardware
3. Light oak floors, stair rails and balusters

Those Blahs were banished from this house:

Here are the fixes prescribed by Nestings:

1. Paint the walls! For a modern look, paint the wood trim a glossy white. Add color to your walls. Work off something you already have and love, such as a beautiful rug, painting, or upholstered piece.

Have a color story that works well from room to room. You can use the same color, but different tints in each room. Or use different cool tones in blues and greens. Warm tones from gold to earthy reds might complement certain features such as a brick fireplace. For this two-story foyer, we worked off the family photos and chose a rich sand color.

2. Replace dated shiny brass light fixtures. It might be too much to replace all the brass door hinges and handles as well. If you select fixtures in the warm oil-rubbed bronze finish, they will coordinate with the remaining brass.

This magnificent, updated chandelier fills the space appropriately, yet gives a nod to the traditional details of the house.

3. Your local floor refinishing company can change the color of those light oak floors to rich tones of chestnut or even ebony. They can also do the stair rails and balusters. The results will look updated and rich.

The oak floors and stair treads in this house did go darker, to a medium tone that still sets off the rich mahogany furniture. The stair rail was stained a dark chestnut that sets off the chandelier and dark frames.

The whole concept was based on the lovely photos showcased in this dramatic foyer.