This week’s installment of Ask a Pro is a blast from the past! One reader is curious how she can transform her dated 1970s decor into something more modern. Find out what Dream Team member and interior design expert Jennifer Adams has to say below.
Q: I live in a cabin that was built in the 1970s with a lot of orange and dark paneling. There’s even orange shag carpet! I would love to lighten up the decor, but without getting rid of the dark paneling. Can you help me?
-Melinda S.
A: Dark paneling is often beautiful, and can create a very comfortable, warm room. I would suggest getting rid of the orange shag carpet… no matter what color it is, any carpet installed in the 70s should be replaced!
From there, you can go rustic with light colored, wide planked wood flooring and sisal or jute area rugs, or more refined with pale neutrals in carpeting or even stone flooring. Paint the ceiling light colored, but not white as that would contrast the dark paneling too much. A grayish or ivory toned off white would feel very light in comparison to the walls, and make the room feel warm.
Keep your window treatments very sheer if you need them at all. You’ll want as much natural light coming in as possible. Balance out any bright natural light glare with additional lighting at the perimeter of the room, especially on the opposite side. If you can’t afford to have additional lights added to the ceiling or sconces on the walls, use floor or table lamps that direct light upward to the ceiling for an indirect glow.
Your furniture should also be very light neutral fabrics and light wood tones. Accent with bright colors, my favorite lately has been fuchsia with taupe, ivory and gray! Or go with cooler colors such as pale turquoise, sage greens, grays and tan colors.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
-Jennifer A.