Awkward Living Room Layout Dilemma Solved 06/22/2009
I received this letter from Laura who was in dire need of decorating advice for her awkward living room layout in her new home. Laura's Awkward Living Room LayoutThe 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 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 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 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 RecommendationsBecause 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:
Turning a foyer alcove from drab to fab 06/12/2009
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.   What's your decorating style? 06/11/2009
 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. 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.  Common Decorating Dilemmas Solved 06/10/2009
I get several design dilemmas sent to me weekly by frustrated and confused homeowners.  Problem: Unsightly radiators  Problem: Stacks and stacks of books in the living room  Problem: Not enough accessories  Problem: You can't put holes in your walls  Problem: The room doesn't feel inviting  Problem: You have low ceilings  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  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!  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.  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.  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. Gorgeous, sculptural flower arrangements 05/28/2009
Last satruday I attended Felissimo’s floral arranging class with designer Eve Suter where I learned to create unique floral arrangements with a Japanese touch.       Simple ways to create modern art displays 05/28/2009
 With all of the impact of a huge painting, these smaller pieces of modern art were matted with wide white mats, then framed alike. The checkerboard pattern of hanging is an unusual and striking way to display such a colorful array.  What makes this arrangement a winner? Eye-catching black frames, wide matting, and simple, elegant artwork. While professional framing is always lovely, a budget-friendly look could be achieved with ready-made frames in a clean design filled with "free" art from a calendar or greeting cards.  Black-and-white photos can sometimes be difficult to integrate into a colorful room, yet this technique can make it easy. The mats repeat the wall color while the frames relate to the white painted trim in the hallway -- for a memorable collection of family history. Easy & Inexpensive Summer Decorating 05/22/2009
With summer quickly approaching, longer days and beautiful blue skies, it's also time to bring a little of this wonderful season into our home  Update old frames with a coat of high gloss spray paint in a bright color. If you have multiple frames, create a photo collage. For high impact, paint all the frames the same color or choose two contrasting colors such as pink & orange, aqua & yellow, lime green & lavendar. For a fun weekend project, go to a beach or garden and take photos of things that inspire you like flowers, butterflies, the ocean, sea shells, etc. Print them and frame them in your freshly painted frames.  Create a bold, colorful arrangement with things you already own. Go through your home and create a collection of items that are the same color. Place your collection in a prominent area like a mantel, foyer entry table or console.  Decorate with fruit. Not only will your arrangements be simple, organic and beautiful, they will also have a wonderful aroma and are a healthy snack. My favorite fruits for decorating are apples, oranges, tangerines and lemons.   Update your sofa with bright pillows but stick to two colors. Crate and Barrel has a wonderful selection this year.  Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers. It's essence, color and natural beauty will transform your home and mood instantly. Happy Memorial Day weekend! Simple ways to get and stay organized 05/21/2009
 No more tangled jewelry You use your jewelry to dress up your outfit. Now use it to dress up your walls. Turn the tangle of jewelry in your jewelry box into artwork. Use frames or shadow boxes to group pieces together. Not only will your walls sparkle, but you'll be more likely to wear pieces because you see them on a regular basis.  Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping pans, lids, spatulas, and chip clips in their respective places. Some units match your cabinetry for a completely integrated and customized look. Dividers are available at: Bed bath and beyond Container Store Gracious Home  No matter how hard you try, you just can't get rid of clutter around your house. You can't hide all clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it collects and set up attractive ways to deal with it. Place a large bowl on the kitchen counter to collect keys. Leave a big basket by the door for shoes. Check discount stores and office supply houses for patterned folders for storing bills -- or wicker, fabric, and leather boxes to match your decor.  If you're working with limited space, think dual-purpose. Look for furniture that works hard: beds and coffee tables with drawers, ottomans with lift-off tops for out-of-sight storage, chests that can stow linens and tableware and also serve as buffets.  Little people equal big messes. Drawers and bins make it easy for kids to put away musical instruments, art supplies, and toys. Baskets and jars for socks, hats, and coins keep the closet tidy. Label everything to help kids stay organized. |
