California Shutters aren't always the answer

Anne, a member of my Facebook group Dream Homies, asks…I thought I'd finished painting this room but I'm not loving the white doors. I was considering painting the doors, trim and baseboards the same colour as the wall to make them less noticeable. The California Shutters would still be white. Thoughts? Alternate ideas?

My response…Ok homie, let me start by saying I LOVE that paint colour. It's bold, it's rich and it's ah-mah-zing! So a big huge homie high-five to that choice.I used to really love California shutters, and in the right space I still think they can be great. But I think people over-use them, often in the wrong places. They can feel really bulky, and uninviting. And in this specific case the details of the blinds (the horizontal lines) compete with the fireplace details, which should be the main focal point here. Not to mention it's created these huge rectangular white squares which really draws your eye in. Which, I suspect, is what prompted this question in the first place.I like the idea of painting the trim the same colour as the wall, just ensure you select a semi-gloss finish, but I would take it one step further with one of these three ideas:

1. Remove the shutters and leave the windows open.

This option is my first choice, because it keeps the space feeling clean, open and allows more natural light in. Which is always a good thing!

In this inspiration photo, I love how the windows open up the space, making it feel bright, airy and modern.[ Source: Apartment Therapy ] 

Another example of a fireplace with open windows beside it. Nice and clean![ Source: Siolf.com ] 

Here's my super quick photoshop job to show how this could look. This looks amazing if I do say so myself!

2. Remove the shutters and frost the windows.

I can appreciate the fact that privacy might be a concern with the first option, in which case I would still remove the shutters, but I would also frost the windows. This will give you the same look, still letting lots of light in, with the added privacy needed.

Frosted windows on French doors!

Home Depot sells Privacy Window Film, which is an affordable option to frost your windows.

2. Remove the shutters and hang roman shades.

Another options to add more softness to the space is to consider Roman shades. This can add the privacy as well as a subtle colour and or pattern to the doors. I recommend a very light sheer fabric, that still allows light to enter the room.

Roman shades are a great way to add privacy and add a beautiful softness to the doors![ Source: My Domaine ]

Love how these french doors have simple, but functional shades to help with privacy issues![ Source: Decor Pad ]

I'm not actually sure what I would do without photoshop in my life! This makes the space feel a little more traditional, provides the option for privacy without overpowering the wall.

So here you have it, three ways to really make your focal point wall all about that fireplace!I got eager and needed to see some art on the mantel so I found a statement piece and threw it on to get the effect. I can't wait to see it all come together, Anne!

Art: Minted

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