To Paint or not to Paint? If so, need a "pop" of color

Answer this question

+181

Answered

I just got this great hutch and my husband and I have a difference in opinions. I would like to paint this as an accent piece and he likes the wood color as it is. Right now it does not match our table/chairs (which I would be painting the same color as the hutch). I'm looking for for ideas for colors. Our home is basically browns and tans with pops of green in the kitchen. The wall that the hutch is on is a deep chocolate brown-(can't really tell in the pics)

Removed the glass and wire

q to paint or not to paint if so need a pop of color, home decor, living room ideas, painting, Here is the AFTER Love how it turned out Dining room table is in the works same colors

Here is the AFTER. Love how it turned out! Dining room table is in the works-same colors.

Prior to the hutch

Great room - Very neutral..

Great room

Living Room - across from the Dining room

Kitchen that is open to the dining room also.

Actual paint colors

171 answers

Barbara Eisworth on May 19, 2014
Since the walls are a dark brown, if it were me I would add the medium blue for the outside of the hutch & the light blue on the shelves . This would help bring some contrast into the room. I would also paint the chairs in the medium blue & find some blue & green floral cushions for the chair seats. Look for a pretty gale green or white vase on the table with blue hydragras or some blue irises which ever you prefer. Of course , I'm sure you will get other ideas as well. Pick the ones that you think would make you the happiness!!!

Helpful Reply
Brenda Scott-Montero on May 19, 2014
Interesting have not thought of blue...I do definitely like the idea of 2 tone. Thanks!

Helpful Reply
Maureen Parker on May 19, 2014
just paint the back of it and leave the rest a natural wood, maybe even add a wall paper to the back for color.

Helpful Reply
- Brenda Scott-Montero on May 19, 2014
  @Maureen Parker love the wall paper idea also. Just checking out Pinterest on that!!
  
  Helpful Reply
Donna Byram on May 19, 2014
Compromise. . . . Paint the hutch medium blue or the pale green, but leave the shelving, back of hutch and the top base the wood color. See examples.

Helpful Reply

Brenda Scott-Montero on May 19, 2014
YES I love it. Thanks for the pics. I need to see to visualize it.

Helpful Reply
Nancy Spencer Carlson on May 19, 2014
The natural wood/paint is good. But for my money, I'd go with the olive green! It's my current favorite color. See my dining room wall for a sample of green/brown. http://itsomuchfunwatchingod.blogspot.com/search?q=trailer+dining+room

Helpful Reply
Brenda Scott-Montero on May 20, 2014
I do love my greens. Very nice.

Helpful Reply
Rebecca Johnson Rooney on May 20, 2014
How about leaving the outside wood, and using an accent color as the background color of the piece. It would make decorative items show better.

Helpful Reply
Beth Daggett on May 20, 2014
Paint that sucka !!!

Helpful Reply

Meena M on May 20, 2014
Paint just parts of it

Helpful Reply
April Zieger on May 20, 2014
You could just paint the backboard for a pop of color and leave the wood as is everywhere else.

Helpful Reply
Rose on May 20, 2014
Paint. Love the light blue color, but be sure to add in a few accessory pieces with that color (i.e., vase, plates, etc)

Helpful Reply
Sandi Preston on May 20, 2014
Was going to suggest the same thing Donna Byram did, It looks to be a great compromise. Good luck

Helpful Reply
Barbara on May 20, 2014
Definetly paint it...I would do the light green ( I am also a green lover) but I would do the back & shelves in a different color....a very pale yellow, ivory....

Helpful Reply
Heather Wood on May 20, 2014
You can get a pop of color and keep it the same- paint the wall behind it in a blue color to make the color of the wood pop- that would be my suggestion.

Helpful Reply
Kim R on May 20, 2014
Compromise: https://www.facebook.com/RonisRescuedRelics/photos/a.373448572744890.89441.373435062746241/476384462451300/?type=1&theater

Helpful Reply
Melissa W on May 20, 2014
Paint it. And the dinning set too. White. Then distress and put a stain and wax over it.

Helpful Reply
Linda Diana on May 20, 2014
I just picked up a free chiffrobe on the side of the rode great shape is some real wood and some veneer ....i can't deside what to do with it : (

Helpful Reply
Sherry Swift on May 20, 2014
PAINT!!!!! Men always want wood....

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Sonja Kirby on May 20, 2014
  @Sherry Swift they have great taste
  
  Helpful Reply
- Jo on Apr 03, 2017
  
  So do women with any sense.
  
  Helpful Reply
Johnna F on May 20, 2014
If it were me, I'd compromise with my husband by painting just the interior of all the top shelves and the exterior drawers and door fronts (exact opposite of Donna Byram from AR's ideas and pictures. I'd use the lovely fresh green shown on the far right of your color swatches. It pops yet blends in nicely and looking through your photos my husband and I are wondering why you don't have any artwork on your walls to help add some contrast and interest? Your kitchen is gorgeous and your home has a nice layout and good bone structure, you're right on track to add some pop! Blues, though nice, I think would be too bland but that green, it sings! And you won't have any difficulty finding different accents to change out during different seasons. Let us know, please!

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Sonja Kirby on May 20, 2014
  @Johnna F and some greenery
  
  Helpful Reply
- Brenda Scott-Montero on Dec 02, 2015
  Great idea. At the time we just built the home so no art or pictures yet. I'll post some updates.
  
  Helpful Reply
Sheila A on May 20, 2014
Paint it a light grey...so light that it's almost white.

Helpful Reply
Duffy V on May 20, 2014
Half and half

Helpful Reply
Kay N on May 20, 2014
Could you cover a heavy cardboard with fabric....or maybe paint them and stand up in back of the cabinet. This way you could change colors to match other changes in your room.

Helpful Reply
Wjb327367 on May 20, 2014
Look into Annie Sloan milk paint....you can turn this to Amazing....

Helpful Reply
Angela Sylvester on May 20, 2014
Instead of paint, I know you can buy colored stain. I am with your hubby on this. Maybe some green stain could pull it together.

Helpful Reply
Jamie Burnett on May 20, 2014
oh my gosh! I was so tired of brown, (although fall colors are my favorite) that I painted my house almost entirely in shades of gray. I had deer heads and turkey feathers on the wall which were ok, I just wanted something different. My husband would say not to paint the wood, but I say go ahead and give it some color, it will make your day brighter to have a nice pop of color.

Helpful Reply
Keri on May 20, 2014
Definitely paint! Check out Shabby Paint Products. Their paint has turned me into a painting fool! Join the group on facebook you will get lots of great ideas. Show your husband examples and you will probably change his mind. Good luck! Cant wait for the after pics

Helpful Reply
Crystal Coffin on May 20, 2014
I would add color to the walls in the form of big, colorful artwork, then bring the colors into the room with dramatic drapes and then the table with a runner or bright cushions/placemats. Use neutrals in big pieces, paint, but then use your bright colors in curtains, pillows, rugs, and artwork!

Helpful Reply
Sheila Haines on May 20, 2014
Paint the inside back the green and bring more colorminto the house!

Helpful Reply
June McDonald on May 20, 2014
Paint, Annie Sloan paints.

Helpful Reply
Rae E on May 20, 2014
What about a combo of the paint swatches you have. The green on the end right side is a gorgeous color. What if you did that on the outside and edges and inside of sides of shelving and did the lighter gray or the mocha on the back of shelving. I've done some recent updating too and just changing the hardware to something more modern helps bring it into a new piece of furniture. I recently did a sideboard in a darker camo olive green and did a POP of color in a deep darker purple magenta and added some spanish flair (ceramic) multicolored blue, olive green, red, purple and white knobs compliments of World Market. Will try and add a pic soon. Good luck know you will do a great job.

Helpful Reply
Pam McCoy Boyer on May 20, 2014
I wouldn't, unless you plan on painting some other wooden items...

Helpful Reply
Sherry R on May 20, 2014
I would paint inside neutral and outside red

Helpful Reply
Leslie Rebentisch Holland on May 20, 2014
I would paint it black

Helpful Reply
Terry H on May 20, 2014
Paint it

Helpful Reply
Zippy on May 20, 2014
instead of painting it, i would get a poppy fabric for the back of the hutch. then use the same fabric for chairpads. I have one similiar, its a kincaid from back in the early eighties.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Kathy hodges on May 20, 2014
  @Zippy That is a great ideal. If she paints the whole thing the table will still be wood and wont match. With the back painted or covered, it will pop!
  
  Helpful Reply
- Zippy on May 21, 2014
  @Kathy hodges ty
  
  Helpful Reply
Wildflowers & Pistols on May 20, 2014
I say paint! :) I have a few colors in my paint line that would work great with your existing colors! You can check them out here ----> https://www.etsy.com/listing/186986803/the-haylofts-milk-paint-milk-paint? I redid a hutch awhile back and it had the same cheap paneling on the back. I pulled off the paneling and replaced it with reclaimed wood and painted it a cozy teal color. This would be a great way to compromise with your hubby! It looked great! You can find the hutch I just explained as well as another one on my facebook page ---> https://www.facebook.com/TheHayloftCCC I hope this helps! :)

Helpful Reply
Donna Rockwood on May 20, 2014
Paint it

Helpful Reply
SueC on May 20, 2014
Maybe paint the inside white to match the moulding. Decorator told me that on a shelving unit I have.

Helpful Reply
Kelli Blanton on May 20, 2014
Try just painting or wallpaper the back interior part.

Helpful Reply
Mary Josephine Adams on May 20, 2014
Paint will make it stand out and make it special. As is it's just a hutch like others.

Helpful Reply
Rhonda Bennett-Hampton on May 20, 2014
I personally don't like mixing painted and stained items in a room like that. Painting it would be fine if you paint the table and other pieces also. Going shabby chic is my favorite.

Helpful Reply
Michelle Van Horn on May 20, 2014
the wood is beautiful I would just add fabric or wallpaper to the backing of it

Helpful Reply
Ellen R on May 20, 2014
Paint the hutch either a brighter blue or a brighter green. You would NOT need to paint the table unless you want to. I think painting it green would really make it POP against the brown wall.

Helpful Reply
Chastity Wilson on May 20, 2014
Wood...it looks like it matches the table so well.

Helpful Reply
Ananda S on May 20, 2014
Regarding the wood and whether or not you should paint it: IMO, it's the horribly dark-colored walls that drag down a couple of those rooms, but **especially** the dining room. Dark colors are fine as accents, but when the whole wall is dark and there are no non-neutral colors in the room, everything looks dreary. Rather than painting the lovely wood of the hutch, I would paint the wall behind it, in a non-neutral COLOR that you both love. The paint chips you have are also almost all neutrals, and I'm not sure they'd help. I also think the room needs a contrast of textures, not just colors. The overall look of the room is one of hard angles, even with the curves on the chair backs and hutch doors. To soften it, I would add seat cushions in a color that complements your accent wall color. Drapes (even if you go thrifty and use sheets!), or even a simple swag, rather than plain frame windows will give another point of softness to the room.

Helpful Reply
Cindy Betts on May 20, 2014
Paint! 😀

Helpful Reply
Kathy Stone on May 20, 2014
I like the color it is, if you want to add color to the room, do it with pictures and colorful flower arrangements.

Helpful Reply
Amy Petracek on May 20, 2014
I almost always say wood for antique pieces, but I would def. paint this. It just needs to pop in the room.

Helpful Reply
Kathy hodges on May 20, 2014
It needs to be painted BUT then what about your table and chairs? It does match all your wood.

Helpful Reply
Jessica Rabe on May 20, 2014
Paint it!

Helpful Reply
Janett Brewer LaMontagne on May 20, 2014
If it was up to men, everything would be wood. Paint it!!!! You need some color!

Helpful Reply
Susan on May 20, 2014
Darker green.

Helpful Reply
Melissa Cannistraro on May 20, 2014
I like the natural wood, but if you insist on painting it i like the green on the left. But I do agree with Amanda with her recommendations to change your wall color, and soften it with cushions and window treatments in complimentary colors.

Helpful Reply
Vicki Word on May 20, 2014
I always lean toward leaving the wood it's natural color; however, the hardware could be changed and that could update it somewhat. Color is good also...if done right. Add color in your accessories and lots of them......then the piece moves to the background....

Helpful Reply
Brenda Wahlig on May 20, 2014
I think you might want to consider painting your wall a different color so that the wood pieces would pop against it.

Helpful Reply
Jamie on May 20, 2014
This is a plain hutch like hundreds of others. It needs some character. Paint it.

Helpful Reply
RUTH M on May 20, 2014
COLOR COLOR COLOR !!! CHANGE THAT BORING BROWN / BEIGE PALETTE AND BRIGHTEN UP !! BRICK IS A GREAT ACCENT WALL COLOR. GOES W/ NEUTRAL ( BORING ) AND GREEN WORKS WELL. ADD COLORFUL PRINTED PILLOWS AND SWAGS. PAINT THE HUTCH , AT LEAST INSIDE AND DO TABLE AND CHAIRS TOO. WOOD TOP REFINISHED IN WOOD BUT PAINT LEGS , SPRUCE UP THE CHAIRS TOO..YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL ALMOST BLANK SLATE !! GO CRAZY !!!!!!!!!

Helpful Reply
Laura Oesch on May 20, 2014
Paint it for sure!!!!!

Helpful Reply
Bjean on May 20, 2014
You need color and patterns somewhere. Walls + furniture + wood is too drab, but I hate to see wood painted if it's in good shape.Paint the back of the shelves a pale color as others have said, and add some bright color elsewhere, like red pillows or vases and other accent pieces. Put in curtains with a print or stripe so the living room doesn't look so look so long and narrow. Consider a border at the top of the walls, too.

Helpful Reply
Shirley P on May 20, 2014
NOT

Helpful Reply
Christina on May 20, 2014
I think the green all the to the left or the blue one third from the left. But i like to stay with wood when i can

Helpful Reply
Ramona V on May 20, 2014
i love the look of dressers where it is wood on top and paint on the bottom. you could leave the top hutch wood and from the drawers down paint the brighter green or for a more balanced look: green on top, wood on bottom.?

Helpful Reply
Linda Gray on May 20, 2014
Don't paint the hutch, paint the walls and add some complimentary other colors to window treatments. The hutch matches your other wood furniture.

Helpful Reply
Rhonda Vigus on May 20, 2014
Paint. I would paint everything the lightest shade of green...the one on the left. Then paint just the back wall of the shelves the blue.

Helpful Reply
Kyla Wootton on May 20, 2014
Paint! I love color and that piece would look completely different in a bold color!

Helpful Reply
Richard Monje on May 20, 2014
Change the hardware KEEP the wood

Helpful Reply
Julie Dunkin on May 20, 2014
Wood, BUT paint the inside. A bronze or silver would be very pretty. And you both get what you want.

Helpful Reply
Anna on May 20, 2014
Guys always want to keep the wood natural. I say paint it glossy white with maybe some texture or pattern at the back of the shelves. You already have white baseboards, etc, so it will coordinate and also pop off that wall.

Helpful Reply
Donna Pierce on May 20, 2014
I would lighten the walls because they seem to dark with such light carpet, or put wood floors in. I would definitely paint the cabinet & table. Might leave top of table wood. That way it wouldn't scratch off. What you have to choose is what you love. Not what we think. Its your nest. I know you will do fine. Show us results. :) Good luck.

Helpful Reply
Laurel on May 20, 2014
Paint the hutch black. The dining room set off white... and dump the deer head and fish on the wall... lol... don't tell hubby I said that.

Helpful Reply
Lois C on May 20, 2014
This is what I did....

Helpful Reply
Kathy D on May 20, 2014
I painted an old hutch that was destined for Goodwill. It turned out amazing! FYI--You need some color!

Helpful Reply
Laurel on May 20, 2014
Me again... just take a look at these beauties.. https://www.google.com/search?q=black+hutch&es_sm=91&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-Bt8U-WoDYXvoATxqYCQDA&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1185&bih=762

Helpful Reply
Sandy Eck on May 20, 2014
well it matches your table and chairs, if you paint it, the table will look out of place. But you definatley need some color in there.

Helpful Reply
Bryan N Rebecca Kohl on May 20, 2014
Paint...it looks outdated and tired.

Helpful Reply
Erin Watson on May 20, 2014
I just did this project! We did antiqued white on the outside, and antiqued red inside. It came out awesome, and he loved it. I would suggest neutral on outside and then an antiqued blue inside to make your white items pop

Helpful Reply
Terri Pope on May 20, 2014
YES A POP OF COLOR IS NEEDED

Helpful Reply
Patty Reisz on May 20, 2014
The green on the left and the blue are both great colors to put against the chocolate brown wall, so I say paint it! But be ready to paint the furniture too, because once you get color, you want more! Good luck, have fun and post pictures of the end result!

Helpful Reply
Robin Smith on May 20, 2014
Paint it. I agree with Bryan N Rebecca. I think I'd white wash it to make it pop. And then the shelves I'd paint a walnut color.

Helpful Reply
Gina Martinez on May 20, 2014
Paint!

Helpful Reply
Melissa Rainey on May 20, 2014
Chalk paint it and antique it. No sanding involved if you paint it with chalk paint. Annie Sloan is a great product! Have fun

Helpful Reply
Janet koons on May 20, 2014
Paint the furniture in some brighter color, OR brighten up the walls if you are keeping the piece natural. Still, I vote for painting the furniture first.

Helpful Reply
Debbie Harris on May 20, 2014
Paint it a deeper darker brown. This will make your walls appear lighter and make the white objects on the hutch stand out. A great color is Valspar Deep Earth. Add your POP of color with accents that can change with your seasons.

Helpful Reply
GAnderson on May 20, 2014
white with a "pop" of color on the inside... maybe a nice celery green

Helpful Reply
ChrisT.48091 on May 20, 2014
How about doing some kind of decoupage on the back wall of the hutch with some pretty paper that ties your theme, colors & look together. Or just paint the back wall, that way you both get what you like & ties your chair color together with the hutch. Than kick it everything up with colorful accent accessories

Helpful Reply
Gini on May 20, 2014
I would remove the top part and get rid of that entirely. Whatever you are displaying in the top part is probably never used, just collecting dust. You should keep the server, but paint it. Behind the drawers and doors I would paint glossy white with an accent color on the back wall, to match whatever color you paint the outside. I would then paint the table and chairs. Too much wood and especially if it's oak, it's outdated and tired.

Helpful Reply
Jodix2 on May 20, 2014
I would maybe paint the piece but leave the back or vise versa love the blues

Helpful Reply
Donna Conrad on May 20, 2014
Your home has some very nice furniture pieces - and yes, most are in the brown's, which can be dull and boring...and the pieces are heavy ones, too! To liven up your dining area, I, personally, would use chalk paint on the hutch. An idea is; you could leave the top part "as-is" exposing the stained dark wood, and for the remainder lighten it with a pastel color, or even use white. Give it a light sanding to expose the old wood stain underneath. Yet, overall, to paint it. And, for the inside of the hutch - the back panel of th shelving, apply wallpaper or fabric! It would add much color that is needed in that room, bringing it up-to-date. Then, leave your dining table top "as-is" and paint the legs and chairs to match the hutch! Add some color and life into your living space - with another rug - an area rug that has colors...or, add some accent pillows with the shade of your hutch and/or the wallpaper/fabric colors from the dining area, now into the living room. Choose a few colors and incorporate them. But, yes, I would give the hutch and many pieces an updated look! Too many browns in furniture can make your inside home look "tired." Color always livens! Go For It! :)

Helpful Reply
Rhonda L on May 20, 2014
Wow, you definitely need some color in there. I think you should paint it the blue or the sage green color and add some valances or roman shades to your windows with those colors in them and put some pillows on the couch and chairs. It just needs some color in it to liven it up.

Helpful Reply
Lori Parker Dowell on May 20, 2014
You need an infusion of accent colors, accessories, etc....

Helpful Reply
Donna Conrad on May 20, 2014
...don't forget the little extras that you can DIY - a table runner, and/or place mats, a valance - all from colors chosen that you used in the back panel from the hutch...along with pillows for the chairs in living room. Maybe, solid color pastel or white slipcovers for those sofas...and always remember; bowls of fruit, a houseplant or two...a grouping of candles...things like that enrich a home, adding warmth, and color, and personality - above all!

Helpful Reply
Peggy on May 21, 2014
I think it would look nice if you painted the hutch the grey color with the back insert painted the blue color. Then I also would paint the dining chairs blue and leave the table natural.

Helpful Reply
Bonnie M on May 21, 2014
Create a color palette for your home; a good suggestion might be;beige, cream, chocolate, green and a soft red. Red and green are on opposite sides of the color wheel so their a natural complement. You also need the introduction of pattern, utilizing the afore mentioned color palette. The building blocks of interior design are color, texture and pattern. By all means paint the hutch with one of palette colors, sanding it down and doing a wash might further the country look you have established. Treat yourself to two upholstered head chairs which have pattern, it will anchor the Dining Rm and add much needed pattern. Just retired after 25 yrs as an Interior Designer, good luck, BMc

Helpful Reply
Jackie I on May 21, 2014
I would like to see the table, chairs and hutch painted a soft, creamy sage green. Then bring in some brighter greens and light blues in as accents.

Helpful Reply
Helene Talbot on May 21, 2014
Paint it. Red would be a nice contrast to you lovely home.

Helpful Reply
Hannah T on May 21, 2014
It's all drab, even the colors you chose. Ivory white might be a nice contrast to brighten it up. Or the whites in your counter.

Helpful Reply
Okg345579 on May 21, 2014
Paint it black but leave the top of the bottom piece and front panels of doors in the wood and paint the inside of the shelves your green to tie it into the kitchen. Do the same with the table.

Helpful Reply
Jan on May 21, 2014
Paint the wall not the Hutch, It is easier than painting the hutch and won't harm the value of a nice piece of furniture.

Helpful Reply
Aubrey L on May 21, 2014
If you paint this, you would certainly not want it to be the only piece in the room that is painted....it would stand out too much. I would do the chairs, as well, and use a cloth on the table.

Helpful Reply
Leanna McLeod Somers on May 21, 2014
My daughter in law just finished her dining room set using chalk paint and the wax...she also made it look shabby chic...sanded a few places. Looks great! If you like a punch of color...why not paint the hutch same as the dining table set but with an accent color in the background...like soft teal. The living room can use accent colors like teal or your favorite color....I pick up accessories at the thrift stores often....accent pillows. ..wall hanging..etc. Throws and area rugs spruce things up as well as live plants .....good lighting. Im going for the french country cottage look as live off the lake. I always accent with some black pieces. I do love Benjamin Moore Ashley Grey paint. Hope this gives you some idea's! I love changes. ..as I can't pick up and move! Lol Will you keep us updated to your new changes?! :)

Helpful Reply
Angel View Cottage on May 21, 2014
I would definitely paint it. I have been an Interior Decorator/Painter for almost 30 years. Have you ever painted furniture before? I'm not a fan of chalk paint at all but will be glad to help by phone, email our private message. You can go to my page and contact me from there. I also sell tons of cottage, vintage and shabby chic style home decor in my Shoppe that you can order right from me on FB if you need anything at all. I would be happy to help. Patty

Helpful Reply
Merise Kenyon Hetherington on May 21, 2014
Paint the backing of the hutch a contrasting dark red. Perhaps painting the table with creamy white milk paint but leave the chairs the way they are!

Helpful Reply
Susie Bennett on May 21, 2014
I would definitely paint it. I would paint it old white by Annie Sloan (as it comes out rather creamy rather than stark white) and then paint the inset shelves another color and brighten it up with a collection (dishes, pottery, something you LOVE) to go on the shelving. I did one like this and used Duck Egg as the inset color and it looks great. I would then tie that collection and accent color into the other adjoining areas. pillows for sofa, window treatments, accent pieces in the kitchen etc. good luck!

Helpful Reply
Barbara R on May 21, 2014
The hutch matches all the rest of the wood in your home, I see. If you paint it, you will want to start painting your tables, chairs and end tables. I wouldn't touch it at all or paint all of them. Off white would just blend in with your carpeting...brown? they are already brown. I wouldn't do it.

Helpful Reply
Dee Cicchetto on May 21, 2014
I would paint it a pretty off white. A pretty chalk paint. Nothing high gloss. I noticed trophys so he must be an outdoorsman. Guy usually like everything in natural color. Use some accent pieces on hutch in red and table placemats or runners. But a red hutch would work with white accents also. Just my opinion. I lean country and love the bright color and white roosters. And it's only paint. Can always be another color.

Helpful Reply
Deborah Lecuyer Lavoie on May 21, 2014
paint it..sometimes they put wallpaper on the inside back..

Helpful Reply
Wendy G on May 21, 2014
Paint!

Helpful Reply
Lori J on May 21, 2014
Paint but compromise with some stained accent--top of the bottom of the hutch?

Helpful Reply
Cher D on May 21, 2014
paint paint paint

Helpful Reply
Michele Eures on May 21, 2014
Yes, paint! That tone of wood is from the 90's and very old fashioned. I like what Susie Bennett said with the color choice, but if you do the red you could paint the legs of the table red to match the back of the hutch. Just don't do anymore brown or wood tones. I would change the hardware, too, to get rid of the colonial look of the piece.

Helpful Reply
Sue Dement Tyler on May 21, 2014
Paint!

Helpful Reply
Jami Scanlan on May 21, 2014
Paint and wallpaper or fabric the back. I really like the blue-ish color. Then paint legs/bottom of table the sale color, redo the top with a richer blown stain. Do we have you busy enough for the next few months?? Have fun and I'd love to see what you end up doing!!

Helpful Reply
Barry Smith on May 21, 2014
Definitely paint. Lighter blue color but use a deeper color on the inside wall to make it pop. It could even be brown.

Helpful Reply
Carla Haselhorst on May 21, 2014
Try wallpaper inside the hutch in your favorite color or to accent your dishes before painting the whole thing and live with it for a month !

Helpful Reply
Telena klavon on May 21, 2014
If it was mine.. I would chalk paint and wax the frame of the hutch the base of the table and the chairs. I would sand and stain the trim on the hutch and the top of the table maybe an antique oak stain because you have a lot of different light woods in the other rooms I think it would blend. and that way you get some paint and he gets some wood.

Helpful Reply
Sally De La Rosa on May 21, 2014
Paint it. It would look great painted

Helpful Reply
Greedith B on May 21, 2014
Paint the inside of the hutch to add a pop of color and maybe the on the doors. Not the entire door just the inset part of them. That would brighten it up a bit without taking away the wood.

Helpful Reply
CA Byam on May 21, 2014
Both

Helpful Reply
Vicki Kurtti on May 21, 2014
Paint

Helpful Reply
Ronda Hight Snyder on May 21, 2014
Paint! Your husband will like it once it's done. If he's like my husband he isn't good at visualizing. 😉

Helpful Reply
Rebecca Terry on May 21, 2014
Reds!

Helpful Reply
Debi S on May 21, 2014
Paint would be my preference. Persuade the hubby by doing inside first.

Helpful Reply
Knscomstock on May 21, 2014
No paint!!!

Helpful Reply
Renee Meyer on May 21, 2014
I have almost the exact same hutch. I am going to paint mine a dark slate blue except the top of the buffet part and it will be refinished in a little darker stain. Can't wait to see what you end up doing with yours.

Helpful Reply
Charlene on May 21, 2014
I say, start with painting the inside & shelves a bright color like teal or rosie pink then decide on the outside. I would probably go with painting the outside white and the inside bright & colorful. I'm sure whatever you go with will be fabulous! And if you don't like it, you can always paint over it. :-)

Helpful Reply
LaVonne on May 21, 2014
I say leave it. Painted, it will stick out like a sore thumb among your other wood pieces. If you really want to paint it, then maybe you need to paint a few other pieces to go along with it.

Helpful Reply
Rosanne Cleveland-King on May 21, 2014
It totally needs to be painted!

Helpful Reply
Diana Lafavor on May 21, 2014
I would make it a focal piece and either paint it a deep red or or a distressed black

Helpful Reply
Connie Wiesniak on May 21, 2014
Paint it. I would go with white with a dark wax over it to show the detail. I have one in the cellar that I want to do that way.

Helpful Reply
Penny G on May 21, 2014
Think turquoise!

Helpful Reply
Phyllis on May 21, 2014
I did notice the photo with the mountings on the wall, which I like, but the table with the light is too small. Get a larger table, could be an end table or small coffee table and put the light right by the sofa to hide the cord, then the table could be used for setting a glass, paper or add another item, from the chair or the sofa.

Helpful Reply
- Brenda Scott-Montero on Jun 09, 2014
  @Phyllis I agree. We are just settling in and using the furniture we have for now. LOL
  
  Helpful Reply
Jessica G on May 21, 2014
Paint it.

Helpful Reply
Lisa Winstead on May 21, 2014
Paint the wall, not the hutch!

Helpful Reply
Susan Haynes on May 21, 2014
Paint it for sure you only live once ;)

Helpful Reply
Robin Schuler on May 21, 2014
i wouldn't paint it

Helpful Reply
Vicki Pemberton on May 21, 2014
paint it, i would use a deep blue or a brick red

Helpful Reply
Terri S on May 21, 2014
I think red would look nice.

Helpful Reply
Wabbitears on May 21, 2014
I think a good idea might be to (sand first) change the inside back with a black stain, or dark grey and then add accessories of clear glasses and anything white to dress it. Don't paint the hutch, but paint the dining room a very light warm grey wall to set it all off. The grey will make a perfect backdrop and offset the honey gold in the furniture.

Helpful Reply
Sharon on May 21, 2014
I think painting over beautiful wood ruins it, but you could compromise by painting just the inside back panel for your pop of color.

Helpful Reply
Vicky Franks on May 21, 2014
A suggestion: Leave the main part of the piece but paint the inside back in a pretty accent color which would show off a collection of whatever you have to put on the shelves.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Michelle Hamill on May 21, 2014
  @Vicky Franks that is just what I was thinking. Sort of a compromise between both of them.
  
  Helpful Reply
- Amy Woods on May 21, 2014
  @Vicky Franks I agree. Painting the inside would be a great compromise and would still give the accent color the space needs. Personally, I would update the drawer pulls, but that is a matter of each individual's taste. It is a great piece of furniture!
  
  Helpful Reply
Yvette on May 21, 2014
I would paint part of it antique white (ie. doors), leave the crown & top surface unpainted and them tie the colors in your house with a light green paint or a printed fabric that incorporates more of your colors. (ie. fabric with hydrangeas/leaves. This will bring green and blue into your room.)

Helpful Reply
- Brenda Scott-Montero on Jun 09, 2014
  @Yvette I was wondering how you would attach the fabric to the back? I just got this hutch and really haven't looked at the back? Would you totally remove it and cover or keep it attached and just do it in pieces while attached?
  
  Helpful Reply
Tina on May 21, 2014
Oh my goodness... YES!!! Paint!!! check out @Simply Vintage from Canada and look at her amazing transformation. Stunning!!

Helpful Reply
- Judy Kelley on Nov 27, 2014
  @Tina what is the website of Simplyvintage? thanks
  
  Helpful Reply
Kara Spurlock on May 21, 2014
I agree, paint it!! It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission! Just paint it what you want then tell your husband... Oops!

Helpful Reply
Teri on May 21, 2014
or put on some peel and stick wallpaper to the back and then its not permanent and hubby is happy

Helpful Reply
Karren Brunell on May 23, 2014
dont paint it, add color elsewhere by adding colored dishes, throw pillows or paint the walls!

Helpful Reply
Wjb327367 on May 24, 2014
Paint it ...Use Annie Sloans Chalk Paint...Put the doors back on and replace the glass with gold chicken wire....This piece can look amazing....I am going to try to send you a picture of a piece my wife and I designed ...WJB

Helpful Reply
Wjb327367 on May 24, 2014
Here is the pic...Our design your decision. pale yellow, blue green , gold chicken wire....possibilities endless.WJB

Helpful Reply
- Peggy B on May 25, 2014
  @Wjbu beautiful restoration...I think she should paint it and the table n chairs to...that would add color to the room, great job on your piece..
  
  Helpful Reply
Deb347499 on May 24, 2014
Painting it would certainly brighten the decor. Why do men always want the wood to show? Just don't understand that. I'm a big fan of chalk painting. No need to sand or prime and the results are awesome. The table top could remain 'pure' wood while painting everything else. The inside of the hutch would really look great with a pop of accent color. Please post your results. :)

Helpful Reply
Colleen on May 30, 2014
I'm in the same situation. Hubby say's no and I say why not! So start out with covering some cardstock with what ever print,color design you want and use it as the background wall of the shelves. See how that looks, then slowly work your way to painting (once Hubby has gotten use to the idea. Be forewarned it may take months for Hubby to come around. Best of luck.

Helpful Reply
Cherie on Jun 18, 2014
Absolutely, @Kara Spurlock! We had a faux beam across our center ceiling that was dark brown and called attention to itself so one day I was painting the wall the lost control of the roller! Whoops! Paint on the beam! So I had to paint it white to match the ceiling and cover the paint "accidentally" put on the beam. He knew but liked it better, also!

Helpful Reply
Joan Hurst on Jun 21, 2014
I would paint the backboard or put in fabric inserts. I had the same dilemma with two of my hutches. One I painted the back Autumn Gold and the other I insert fabric panels when I want a change. I love the pop it gives the room.

Helpful Reply
Starr Durrant on Sep 11, 2014
wow what a difference from wood to white - love it!

Helpful Reply
Donna Byram on Sep 12, 2014
Great job,turned out beautiful!!

Helpful Reply
Deb347499 on Sep 12, 2014
LOVE IT! Nice job! So fresh looking.

Helpful Reply
Marjo on Nov 27, 2014
I like wood too but if you start getting too much of it then it becomes monotonous and boring. I love the white with the wood top. I would probably put some color on the back walls too but that's just me. It would have to be something that would allow the beauty of the objects placed there to still shine through. In your other neutral rooms why don't you spice them up with some colorful artwork, curtains, throws, and pillows? I love them just the way they are, they just need a bit of pop. After 40 years of marriage my dh has finally stopped questioning my decorating skills, he realizes that when it is done it is going to look nice and now tells me to do whatever I want. So nice to hear.

Helpful Reply
Brenda Scott-Montero on Dec 02, 2015
Here are some updates with the completed hutch and tables. Plus decor for Christmas.

Helpful Reply
Deb347499 on Dec 03, 2015
GREAT JOB!!! Love the transformation. Brightens up the room.

Helpful Reply
Jane on Aug 04, 2016
How remarkable. Your abode looks so comfortable. Some one has some skills.

Helpful Reply
Eroque022810 on Mar 25, 2017

It looks like you painted it in white so are you done? If you want more color I would lean towards a warm color since you have rich bro on the walls. I think of brown as a neutral after all its the color of dirt. I would go for the green but only to highlight some of it, I would paint the out side and top of bottom portion and leave rest white. That way gren is next to walls but I really like the white. All or wood is natural and I'm tired of it but my husband like yours wants it to stay that way. We have a cherry room a pine room a teak room a hickory kitchen. LOL I think he just doesn't like change. Some I would never touch because I love them as well but I would paint the pine. Good luck.

Helpful Reply
Aubrey L on Mar 28, 2017

I would paint that dark wall in a soft gray first and then do the cabinet in a white and darker gray.

Helpful Reply
Melinda on Sep 26, 2017

I'm in the same rut as you! The only thing bad about painting it gray is all the stuff you have now are the brown tones and once you start going from "browns to grays" you won't be able to leave it like that. You'll have to decide "how many more shades of gray" you'll need to replace furniture, walls, counters, cabinets, flooring etc. That's what I've been seeing as the trend when using the "grays." It seems to me the minute you start with one object then you have to basically need to go gray all the way. Really!
So, what I think I'm going to do with my "orangey, oak table, chairs and hutch" is paint them a non-distressed beach or driftwood color. I watched my sister do the "paint the furniture and book shelves white updates." While I didn't notice it when at her home, it was when she sent pictures, I was like OH! It looks so STARK white against her "brown walls."
You'd think just the word "driftwood" means distressed, old or a non-chrisp color, but it's really not! These other people are telling you to paint the hutch a two tone color for the inside shelves or bottom one color the top another. I'm thinking RIGHT! Seeing that driftwood is both gray and brown tones together you could use one or the other of those 2 choices and then do the accent color in the shades you do like. Your whole place looks so nice and inviting and you did a great job painting the dining room so wait a few months before you decide to change it. I love the magazine HGTV because it shows you what colors look really good with another. One time or two they even wallpapered the backs of the shelves and behind the glass doors too! So, If you want to change it up a bit to test the waters go get some of those peel off wallpapers in some of the new geometric designs and add the two colors of the wall and hutch paint together with a third or fourth color of your dreams. Live with it for as long as you want and the change it up again. Best of Luck!

Helpful Reply
Michelle Webster on Sep 26, 2017

I agree with leaving it white but put either an interesting color or even a wrapping paper on the inside...

Helpful Reply
Leslie Hume on Oct 02, 2017

Put a nice colored print wallpaper or fabric inside to offset the white, but keep it white
matching cushion on the chair

Helpful Reply
Deannette on Jan 02, 2019

Maybe you could try a multi-color of 3 in retro colors of red yellow green or something close to those colors

Helpful Reply
Fiddledd224 on Mar 04, 2019

I would paint all pieces a "warm" yet noticeable color like rust, amber, or paprika. They are all neutrals, so you can accessorize easily.

Helpful Reply
Carol S. on Mar 04, 2019

Use some greenery and a pot of bright yellow flowers. Some lovely colored books would look well on the shelves. I would like to see a piece of sculpture or a high colored plate or portrait painting or photo above the white chair.

Helpful Reply
Dawn on Mar 04, 2019

I think the white is nice to lighten up such a dark room

Helpful Reply
Tipper on Aug 11, 2020

Compromise.

Helpful Reply
Ggh29410098 on Jan 19, 2021

Paint the inside of the hutch the green in the kitchen to match

Helpful Reply
Marion on Jan 27, 2021

Love It

Helpful Reply

How to upcycle a sofa table?

Lorre Tannler Moffett Davis on Feb 02, 2021

See answers

How do I replace these worn out glides?

Lori Thoburn on May 23, 2021

My kitchen drawer glides are shot, but I can’t find similar replacements. Drawers are too narrow for the cabinet, so these brackets are installed at the drawer open... See more

q how do i replace these worn out glides

See answers

Sanded an old wood vanity and when painting it keeps alligatoring ?

Maritza Barnhill on Nov 12, 2017

The paint keeps alligatoring as in pic even after I sanded it , what am I doing wrong please help

q sanded an old wood vanity and when painting it keeps alligatoring

See answers

Looking for rings around 27 inches in diameter that can hold weight...

Ileen Stephens on Aug 28, 2016

The rings will be sat on so preferably I'd like them to be able to hold around 200 lbs. I could possibly settle for around 150 lbs. I have looked at Home Depot, Hobb... See more