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  1. - A small room is going to feel even smaller if you have a lot of clutter. Keep knick-knacks to a minimum and go for a very spartan decorating approach.

    - Remove all furniture that is not essential. This will depend largely on the type of room that you are dealing with. For example, a bedroom really only needs a bed and a nightstand. Your dresser can be placed in the closet if necessary, and big nightstands can be replaced with smaller versions. You can also purchase a bed frame with drawers. You will still have enough room for your clothes, but it won't take up any extra space.

    - Paint the walls a light, neutral color. Avoid dark colors when you are painting a small room. White, cream or a light tan will make the room seem lighter and bigger.

    - Replace any dark upholstery or bedspreads. Once again, dark colors make the room feel smaller. Replace any dark bedspreads with lighter colors. You can change the color of dark sofas, couches and chairs with slipcovers.

    - Add mirrors. If you want to make a small room feel bigger, try adding mirrors to one wall. That will give the illusion of having more space.

    - Consider changing the flooring. A carpeted room can feel smaller than it actually is. Replace it with wood floors and add a small throw rug in the center. This will increase the amount of visual space in the room and it will feel bigger.

 
 

I received this letter from Laura who was in dire need of decorating advice for her awkward living room layout in her new home.

My design dilemma is that we have an empty living room (just moved into new home) from a one living area apartment.  I would like to furnish it but I have no sense of space or furniture placement - especially since we have a fireplace in the corner and three entryways into the room.  I've seen some layouts in magazines for ideas but of course the magazines don't tell me the size of the rooms or the sizes of the sofa/chairs/rug in the room.  I'd like it to be versatile so I'd be  able to change up the floorplan.

My goal for the room is to pick the right size furniture for the room that could seat about 8 people, but will mostly be used by 4-6 people.  At first, I thought two shorter sofas facing each other with an accent chair near fireplace and two smaller chairs...but then, I thought a larger sofa with two comfy chairs facing each other...then I began my search for your help!  I'd like recommended furniture sizes to include sizes for a rug, a coffee table.  Plus I'm open to side tables, floor lamps, ottomans, or those square small ottoman looking things (can you tell I'm NOT a designer?), and other accent tables to set keys, family photos.  I would also like fabric recommendations for a slipcover and family friendly fabrics. We have two young sons (6 &8) and will be getting a puppy this summer.  
I'd like the room to be filled with enough furniture so not to be sparse nor filled to the room where it looks totally crowded.

 Laura's Awkward Living Room Layout

The room has several challenges:
1. It is a small space 14' wide by 18' long
2. It has a total of 2 entryways and a door opening to the patio
3. It only has two wall placement options for furniture
4. The room will serve multiple functions

Laura also mentioned the family will use the room to watch TV, which will go above the fire place, play games and entertain. And she would love to have a reading area.

Since Laura would like a versatile furniture floor plan I have put together 3 different furniture plans that she can choose from that best suits her family's needs.


The most important factor in designing a small and awkward space is the scale (size) of your furniture. I have carefully selected furniture that will keep the room feeling open, airy and keep it fluid so you're not bumping into furniture. Also, because the kids are of a young age, I made sure to use soft edges and surfaces. 

Floor Plan A

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In Floor Plan A, I propose Laura use a small scale sofa with narrow arms along with two small scale side tables with table lamps. This will create a sense of balance in the room and make the room bright when they are playing games, or entertainig. 

I have included two accent chairs, one adjacent to the sofa and the other next to the fire place, either can be used to cozy up with a good book. By using chairs with legs and open arms, they will have a light feeling and can easily be moved around. The ottoman and ceramic stool I propose next to the fire place can also be used as extra seating when needed. 

Across the sofa, I propose two small scale lounge chairs that make a great conversation area and also give this awkward room a sense of balance. Using a large 9x12' rug, grounds the space and makes the room feel larger than it is.
The round and oval shapes in the lamp shades, cocktail table and stool, give the room visual interest and make the room feel soft and airy.

Small Space Tip: Avoid using sharp angles in tables in a small space. Using rounded edges or upholstered ottomans will make the space child and pet friendly while making the space more fluid to walk through.

Floor Plan B

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In Floor Plan B I offer the option to use two small scale sofas facing each other and an multi purpose upholstered storage ottoman between them that can serve to store throws, pillows or the kids toys/games. 

The ottoman can also serve as extra seating and when used with a tray can be used as a cocktail table.

Small Space Tip 2: Use furniture that can serve multi purposes like the storage ottoman proposed here.

Floor Plan C

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In Floor Plan C, I propose a more traditional furniture plan using a sofa and love seat facing each other. I incorporated two armless chairs to keep the room feeling open and airy. 

Glass bunching tables as a cocktail table keep the room feeling open and give the illusion of more space. I added nesting tables next to the larger sofa to offer additional surfaces for entertaining. 

The storage bench near the fire place can serve as additional seating and emergency storage when unexpected guests arrive. With kids, I find you always need an emergency storage solution.

Small Space Tip 3: Use glass and mirrored tables, it's reflective qualities will make a space feel larger and airy.

Family & Pet Friendly Fabric Recommendations

Because Laura has two young boys and a puppy on the way, it is important that the room have textures and materials that are low maintenance and be able to widthstand many "oops" moments.

I recommend mixing different textures to create a unique, sophisticated, harmonious space that the entire family can enjoy, even Fido.

Family friendly fabric Tips & Suggestions:
  • Ultra Suede, it's virtually indestructable and always looks tailored. It comes in every color under the sun and is versatile to work in a modern to traditional space.
  • Outdoor fabrics, stain proof, water proof, fade proof, and are machine washable, need I say more.
  • Faux Leathers, also called Vinyl. They have come a long way since the 70's & 80's. They now look are offered in great textures and look like the real thing. They don't stretch or crack like real leather and are water proof.
  • Crypton Fabrics, these are the high durable materials used in restaurant and hotels. They are now made in beautiful patterns that are appropriate for homes and are machine washable and flame retardant. 
  • Have your dining chair fabrics laminated before they get upholstered. You'll never have to worry about sauce stains on your chairs again.
  • Instead of a wool or cotton rug, use an Indoor/Outdoor Rug. Not only are they low maintenance, stain proof, water proof, they are super affordable and come in wonderful styles perfect for a family spaces.
 
 

Fresh Nest Design featured my DIY project where I turned my drab foyer to a grand fabulous entrance. Check it out, with little creativity and elbow grease, any space can become glamourous. Now when I walk into my home, I always feel welcome, and of course, fabulous.


Thanks for the post Fresh Nest!

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Are you stumped on what your decorating style is? You're not alone, lots of my clients get stuck when I ask them what their style is. 

Here's a fun decorating quiz that takes less than 2 minutes that will give you an edge on determining what your style is. Go ahead, take it it's fun.

My decorating style is Hollywood Couture with a mix of French Eclectic and Contemporary....dead on! 

 
Ikea Hack- 06/11/2009
 

I came across this amazing post on Penny People on turning an inexpensive Ikea side table into a remarkable chic side table. I became so inspired, I had to share it with all of you.

For complete details on this transformation click here.

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I get several design dilemmas sent to me weekly by frustrated and confused homeowners. 

Here are a few of the most common dilemmas I have addressed. I hope you find these ideas useful and if you have a decorating dilemma I can solve for you, just shoot me an email.

Problem: Unsightly radiators

Solution: Radiators take up a lot of space but they can be charming, too. A painted plank set on top creates a handy ledge for lighting and display. The curtains hung behind are just lengths of hemmed men's suiting fabric.

Problem: Stacks and stacks of books in the living room

Solution: Put your books to use. Turn a stack of books into a side table by placing a tray on top. When it's time to read just pull a book from the stack

Problem: Not enough accessories

Solution: Don't let your refrigerator have all the fun! Put colorful fruit on display in glass jars or footed glass bowls. Choose the long-lasting fruits of the season for a colorful, affordable, and delicious display. Oranges, lemons, and limes add a refreshing touch to spring or summer decorating. Apples are a great choice for fall or winter.

Problem: You can't put holes in your walls

Solution: Skip the drama of a hammer and nails and prop framed mirrors against a wall. A large mirror serves many functions in a room. With a beautiful frame it becomes impactful art. When angled against the wall, it tricks the mind into thinking the ceiling line is even higher than it is. When it reflects light, it brightens the space and provides the illusion of an extra window.

Problem: The room doesn't feel inviting

Solution: Nothing is cozier than a pile of pillows. Gather pillows from around the room or house and arrange them on one sofa to add comfort and color. Choose pillows that have different patterns in complementary colors for a perfectly mismatched look.

Problem: You have low ceilings

Solution: Fake a high ceiling with strategically placed window treatments. Make a room seem taller by installing the curtain rod above the window frame. Draperies should graze the bottom of the window sill or the floor.

 
 
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Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint. 

For wood pieces, remove dirt or wax buildup with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away dust. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow it to dry between coats. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain, and use a brush to finish the surface with smooth strokes.


Click for additional tips & Instructions
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Adding wall paper to the back of a cabinet or book case will add an unexpected surprise and make you fall in love with your furniture again.

In less than half a day you too can take a piece of your furniture from Drab to Fab!

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Update your cabinetry or furniture by replacing the pulls and knobs on all your drawers and doors. They'll keep your cabinets free of messy fingerprints and give your piece a new look.

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Paint the back of a book case or built in a bright or contrasting color. It will make your accessories POP and give life to an otherwise utilitarian piece.
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Add scented drawer liners to the insides of your drawers. Not only will they be a beautiful surprise but also make your clothes or accessories smell divine.