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Friday, January 14, 2011

Light or Dark?

Furniture, that is.  Or are you like me and find yourself drawn to both?  I like the pieces I painted black but I also really like the furniture I have with a cream-colored finish.  The new Ballard Design catalog is what has me pondering this subject.  Take a look.

Ballard.desk

I really like this desk but I love, love this whole room! 

ballard.desk.2

This black desk {above} has been one I’ve been dreaming about for years, but the cream-colored one is edging its way into my affections.

I’ll be looking for a buffet piece when we downsize.  I know the storage will come in handy, but I want something that looks nice, too.  This piece comes in cream and black.

ballard.console.white

As does this one.

Ballard.console.black

I do like that the cream-colored finish doesn’t show dust as quickly.  With my darker pieces, I feel like I turn around after dusting and they need to be dusted again!

Of course, you could always go middle of the road with Old World Brown.

ballard.console.walnut

What do you think?  Do you like lighter, darker or in between? 

Kathy

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15 comments:

  1. Blue Creek HomeJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    I am like you, I like them all, so I throw in a few painted pieces to the mix and run with it!
    Rhonda

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  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Love them all, however I am always drawn to the beauty of a gorgeous wood finish. I do like the mix of light and dark also. All of your inspiration pics are wonderful pieces. Hugs, Marty

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I'm a huge fan of the dark finish. I do agree that you have to dust more but I just love the way it looks.

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  4. Sonny GJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    My eyes say LIGHT, yet I paint most pieces Black.. Maybe I better give this some more thought...

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  5. Marsha @ Tattered ChickJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    I'm eclectic, I like it ALL, but am partial to the creams and blacks, coffee color, with hubby going for the traditional brown . . . . BUT I could never have (nor would I) an all white . . . although very beautiful, it's not me.

    xxoo
    M

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  6. UnknownJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I have the same dilema Kathy. I love all three wood tones too, and I wrestle with myself over which way to go. I have so many black pieces already that it almost feels off-kilter when I throw in a cream piece. I'm sitting here looking around my home and I see warm wood tones scatttered about as well.

    I have to start downsizing too - pretty quickly actually - so clarifying my needs is very important. If you figured out, clue me in! :)

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  7. Linda (Nina's Nest)January 14, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Hi Kathy, I have had all stained wood all my (long) life and I am loving painted furniture. We have light painted furniture in the keeping room along with a black iron rack and black pedestal on our kitchen table. The top is stained, and the stained chairs are waiting to be painted - can't decide....I had decided on black, but now I'm waivering. But I do like the way details on a piece of furniture jump out when they are painted black or light. Hmmmm...like 'em both. Linda

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  8. Jessica @ Sunny TuesdayJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I'm a fan of light furniture. I just like the way it makes the room feel lighter, brighter, sunnier.

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  9. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    I like them all, too! I have black, cream and natural wood finishes in my home. When talking about wood finishes I prefer dark over light. I think I just like a variety! I really like the room in the first pic but I think, for me personally, I'd like it better with some variety. Mix up the dark and light. I suppose it's the contrast I'm drawn too.
    But, honestly I think I like EVERYTHING Ballards has in their catalogs!

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  10. Red Door HomeJanuary 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    I tend to like light colored pieces if they are painted. I also like to mix in a few wood pieces to break up it up a little.

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  11. Kim@ChattafabulousJanuary 14, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I really love painted finishes but I think they are more effective in small doses. And white is always right for me!

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  12. DIYbyDesignJanuary 14, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    I am drawn to both. First of all I love Ballard Design. Their cream colored furniture seems perfect. But I also like the painted finishes. I have a little of both in my home and have combined them in the same room at times.

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  13. LuLu KelloggJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    I am drawn to cream colored furniture with dark walls. I used to be totally into all the dark wood but not anymore. LOVE the cream and I just adore Ballard Designs!

    xoxo

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  14. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJanuary 16, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Kathy, I like mixing painted furniture with stained wood pieces for the contrast. I have a black desk and shelving in my home office and I don't think I would go with the black again. I love the look but I am constantly dusting it!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  15. The Single NesterJanuary 18, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I am slowly redoing my office. Very slowly. Meaning I haven't done a thing yet. But when I do, I would go light.

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I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy