Design Chat: Small Living Room Design Plan

 

Hi friends.  You might have noticed that it’s been pretty quiet around the blog lately.  I was at the Atlanta Gift and Furniture show all last week and the blog took a back seat to work.

I’m back and have a new Design Chat post for you today.  If you’re not familiar with my Design Chat series, it’s where I help one of my readers with a design challenge they are facing.  Today, I’m helping Ulochi with a decor plan for her living room.

Here’s the message that Ulochi sent me…

Hello, I bought a remodeled mid-century ranch and with these old homes, the layouts can be “interesting”. For instance, the living room is driving me nuts. Its rectangular and small, with a picture window. Even the TV placement is a hassle.  I want to add plants or standing art but I have to fool-proof it from my 8 month old daughter. The home has an ‘urban farmhouse’  feel with elements like barn doors and shutters. I bought a tufted gray large sectional and it makes me want to do something romantic and cozy.  I can’t seem to find a way to design this space and make it feel like home. Please help.

Here’s a photo of the living room, facing the front door…

and a couple of different angles looking into the room...

and a view of the wall space that anchors the sofa.

Decorating small rooms can definitely be challenging so before I share my design suggestions for Ulochi’s living room, here are a few tips for small space decorating.

SMALL SPACE DECORATING TIPS:

  1. Don’t be afraid to use larger scale furniture in a small space.  Larger furniture will actually make the room feel bigger than it is.  With that said, do pay attention to how furniture would fit in a room and it might impact the traffic flow in and out of a space.
  2. Small spaces often times lack much architectural or visual detail so create your own by painting one wall in an accent color.  The furthest wall in the room is a good option because it will draw the eye into the space and actually make the visually recede, creating more depth.
  3. Hang curtains on the wall with the rod as high as possible to make the ceiling appear taller.
  4. Add decorating elements in the room that create visual height and width like bookcases and artwork.  And when selecting artwork, don’t shy away for large pieces will can create a focal point within the room.
  5. Create an interesting accessory mix so the eye has lots of pretty things to look at around the room, taking the focus off of the size of the room.
  6. Make sure there is sufficient lighting in the room.  Lighting enhances a space and there should be multiple lighting options within a room.

Ok, here’s one more look at Ulochi’s living room…

 

Design Plan:

The room really needs some finishing touches to create the romantic and cozy vibe the Ulochi wants. The first thing I could recommend is painting the back wall in a soft aqua color like Benjamin Moore Heavenly Blue. The color will work great with the grey sofa and keeps the room feeling light and airy.

Then I’d add a few accent furniture pieces and decor to bring the room to life.  All of the pieces I’m recommending for this space are from Wayfair, Target and Pier One  and this entire look is less than $900.

Design Plan Details:

  •  Sawhorse Ladder Bookcase from Wayfair–leaning bookshelves are a good space-saving option that still provides for storage and display space.  Ulochi can place plants on the higher shelves so they will be out of the reach of her daughter.  The lower shelves can be use to decorative accessories and books.  And a basket on the bottom shelf will provide concealed storage and add texture to the room.
  • A round coffee table like this Carolyn Coffee Table from Wayfair will help to visually break up all of the rectangular shapes in the room and anchor the sectional. A round coffee table also makes it easier to move around the seating area in a small room.
  • The Dmitry End Table, also from Wayfair will anchor one side of the sofa and provide an additional surface for someone to use.  I recommend a light grey finish to provide visual contrast to the stained wood floors and furniture.
  • Right now the only light source in the room is the overhead ceiling light.  The Adesso Hamilton Floor Lamp placed behind the end table will provide additional lighting and add an element of visual height.
  • The wall opposite the window is an ideal spot for a piece of artwork.  The goal would be to create visual impact and that can be done with one larger piece of art or a grouping that reads as one statement. With the fabric and furniture colors, I think the Watercolor Poppy 1 art from Wayfair would be dynamic.  This piece is available in several sizes and also had a coordinating mate if someone wanted two pieces of art.
  • The finishing touch beyond accessories would be pillows.  Pier 1 has a great selection of pillows to fit the color story I’m building.  I choose the Textured Striped Mineral Pillow along with the Luxe Velvet Mineral Blue pillow for the sofa. Pairing a solid and stripe are a great balance with the floral art.

When it comes to shopping for accessories, there are so many some great options for budget friendly decor.  In addition to Pier 1, Wayfair and Target, here are a few of my favorite stores to shop for decor:

ACCESSORY RESOURCE LIST:

  • Kirkland’s has lots of options that will fit a farm-house decor theme and it’s also a great resource for artwork and bookcase accessories.
  • HomeGoods is a given when shopping for bookcase decor.  I love their selection of trays, vases and decorative objects.  And it always pays off to take a stroll through the pillow aisle.
  • I recently discovered that At Home has a great pillow department.  Even though lots of their pillows don’t have down inserts, many of the cases have zip closures so it’s easy to change the insert out.  I also like their selection of inexpensive accessories.

 

Ulochi has a great foundation started for her living room and with a few additional pieces and some accessorizing, she’ll have the home of her dreams.

 

Favorites Of The Week: DIY Transformations

I am sooooooo happy that it’s the weekend.  It’s been an extra busy week running from one appointment to another, working on design projects and battling a sore throat.

I am prone to coming down with a cold whenever there are fluctuations in the weather like we’ve been having.  #ugh!  I doing some shopping with a client tomorrow and then I’m spending the rest of the weekend at home gearing up for another busy week.

Here’s my roundup for favorite posts from the week, all great DIY inspiration.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

♦♦♦

DESIGN & DIY TRANSFORMATIONS

 #1–Great DIY tutorial on adding trim to plain doors.  What a transformation!

DIY Transformation--Adding Door Trim

#2–It’s refreshing to see a bathroom design that doesn’t include black cabinets. Kate is a genius at design and DIY transformations.

DIY Bathroom Makeover Transformation

#3–Simply elegant living room makeover.

DIY Living Room Makeover

#4–A pretty dining area makeover.  The DIY window seat is the perfect touch.

DIY Kitchen Eating Area--DIY Transformations

#5–Stunning DIY transformation–garage turned office space.

 Garage to Office Makeover-- DIY Transformations

♦♦♦

other favorites this week:

This closet makeover.  Wow!

This sneak peek of the The House of Hope.  The lighting!

FIVE Spaces That Took My Breath Away

Have you noticed that surfing Pinterest is kinda like shopping at Costco.  You go in for one thing and come up with a cart full of items that weren’t on your list.  In the case of Pinterest, one beautiful image leads to another and the next thing you know you’ve been sitting in your chair for hours and your ‘pin it’ finger hurts.

My latest foray into the Pinterest black hole uncovered some really stunning spaces–space that took my breath away.

Read the Post

Demilune Tables: A Unique Furniture Piece

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Are you familiar with DemiLune tables?  The characteristic of this table style is its semi-circular shape which is designed so that the table can be pushed up against a wall.

As a member of the console table family, demilune tables feature three legs but are often overlooked as a design option in favor of their traditional four-legged console table companion.  I however love demilune tables and think they are the perfect solution for many space challenged rooms.

Demilune tables are ideal for small wall spaces where a chair or larger piece of furniture would feel over-powering.  Using a table with a shaped design detail will help to create visual interest and give that small space a focal point.

 Traditional Home

Traditional Home

When an impromptu cocktail table is needed, a demilune works great with just enough space to hold a few key party essentials.  Demilune tables are also great to position in front of floor mirrors, creating lots of visual impact.

 Cocktail Table

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One of my favorite places to use a demilune table is in a bedroom.  The shape of the table works in a narrow space next to the bed and functions as a nightstand as well as a intimate writing desk.

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 BHG

Amy Meier Design

Amy Meier Design

Both as a cost saving option and as a style solution in a foyer, two demilune tables facing each other is one of my favorite looks.   

 BelClaire House

BelClaire House

Demilune tables can also be retro-fit to work as a bathroom vanity.  The curves of the table add softness to what is often a space of  hard lines and square shapes.

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 Architectural Digest

What to put in that space between the windows?  A small scale demilune table works great to fill that space and serve as the backdrop to a beautiful wall piece and tabletop accessories.

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Cote De Texas

Wall mounted demilune tables can be used like a display shelf in a foyer or hall and again is ideal when wall space is limited.

 Mix and Chic

Designer SueEllen Gregory via Mix and Chic

When shopping for demilune tables, look for styles that feature scalloped or shaped details for added style.

 Sucasa Designs

SuCasa Designs

  In a small kitchen eating area, demilune tables provide just enough room for two people to sit and eat comfortably.  Hanging a large grouping of artwork over the table as shown in this photos is also a great way to give the table and surrounding area more visual impact.

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 Ladies Home Journal

Demilune tables are most often used in a foyer, next to the front door.  The table scale keeps the foyer open while providing the perfect perch for keys and mail.

BHG foyer

BHG

Other places to use demilune tables:

In smaller rooms, demilune tables can be placed under a wall-mounted TV but close attention needs to be given to ensure the table scales balances the TV.

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In bedrooms where twin beds are used, a demilune table is often a better design solution than individual night stands.  When placed between the bed, the table works as a nightstand for both and is a great use of space.

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A demilune placed at the end of hallway or at the top of stair landing fills the space without it becoming over-crowded.

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I also like to use demilune tables in the nooks next to a fireplace.  This is another spot where the curve of the table will add softness to the room.

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And because many demilune tables are shorter and smaller in scale than a traditional console table, they work great positioned under a window.

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The next time you’re on the hunt for a new table, consider a Demilune Table.  Not only are they an unexpected option but a demilune table can work just about anywhere you’d put a traditional console table.

Happy Decorating!

Shelly

An E-Design Plan–Blue and Bold!

Last week I wrote a post on The Power of  Accessories and Accent Furniture.  The post highlighted how the accent furniture and accessories you select for a space can define that space and create the personality of that room.
 
I recently completed an e-design project for a client that revolved around a strong color palette and a favorite accent piece.  The client wanted to use navy as a foundation color and had to have this gold drum  as part of the design.  The goal was to create a space that is dynamic, has a sense of sophistication and comfort.  The accent furniture pieces, the rug and the mirror grouping will add a bold statement while the gold finishes and mix of materials add that sense of sophistication.
{the mirror grouping idea was inspired by my friend Jen over at Vreeland Road…thanks Jen!}
 
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The power of accessories and accent furniture is evident in the final design plan.  I love creating spaces that with a fresh and modern feel and am so happy the client loves it all.
 
If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my in-home or e-design service.
 
Have a fabulous weekend!  I’ll be back next week with a full week of design, entertaining and gifting post.
 
Shelly
 
 
 
 

The Power of Accessories and Accent Furniture

I’m working on a design project that will involve some new pieces of furniture but the real changes that will take place in the home will come from the accessories and accent furniture we’ll be adding.  These two elements alone play a big role in giving a room its personality and building a strong design theme for a space.

When I’m creating a design plan for a client, there are several key questions I ask that help me in picking the accessories and accent furniture to be used in their home.

1)  What is your favorite color?

2)  Do you have a favorite pattern…flowers, stripes, geometries etc?

3)  If you had to choose between linen and velvet which would you choose?

4)  What at the favorite things you and your family like to do in this space?

5)  What things don’t you like when it comes to décor?  This is a question  I think many designers assume their clients know the answer to.  But when forced to really think about it there the answers might even amaze the homeowner themselves.

If you’re decorating or re-decorating a space in your home, answering these questions will help you understand your likes and dislikes and how  you want to the space to feel.

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Accessories and accent furniture pieces can help create a feeling of calm and relaxation if the lines of the furniture are simple and clean and if the fabrics and natural and subdued in color.

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You can use accessories and accent furniture to create an eclectic and vintage feel by incorporating pieces from different eras along with aged finishes.

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Furniture and accessories can communicate a whimsical feel if painted in bold colors or if they have curvy and geometric details.

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Even in a fairly neutral room, accessories can communicate your love of color.  A colorful lampshade if a great way to introduce a pop of color in a small way.

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The way you place your accessories and accent furniture can convey your need and comfort with order and balance.

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 via Home Sense

And accessories and accent furniture are a great way of creating a fun and vibrant personality within your home.

When it comes to creating a home you love, the things you put into your home central to the way it makes you feel so choose what you love and love what you choose.

Next week I’ll share a design plan I’m working on so you can see the power of accessories and accent furniture.

Shelly

Decorating with Doors: 10 Inspirational Ideas

I just started working on a new project and I want to incorporate an old door into the design plan.  The space I’m working on is a family room that will be decorated in a casual, vintage-inspired  old-world style  Before I get knee-deep in the design process I went looking for some design inspiration using old doors and came across some pretty great ideas.  This is what has me inspired…
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I love the idea of an old door styled with bookshelves flanking a seating area.  I also think this idea would be great in a kitchen styled with cookbooks and cooking accessories.
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Most of the doors I come across are solid wood, but I really like this look with glass pane doors as a wall décor alternative.  Positioned behind a console table and against a painted or wallpapered wall, the doors add architectural details without being visually heavy.

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An old door with hooks added would be great in a foyer or near a back door.  This is also a really cute idea for a bathroom or bedroom wall to hold towels and robes.

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A slim panel door can be positioned behind a side chair to fill a corner or create a vignette in the living room.  I love the idea of hanging a basket or even a piece of framed art on the door to embellish it a bit more.

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This is the look I’m loving most. I love the way the door helps to fill up the wall space next to the cabinet and adds a bold statement to the entire wall vignette.
If you like the idea of decorating with old doors but your living room is not in need, check out these ideas for other rooms in your home.

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Old doors make a great headboard.

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This is a fun decorative statement for a guest bedroom or home office.

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The idea of an old door as the backdrop to a nightstand is pretty cool.  The addition of a light sconce makes the door stylish and functional.
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A door bookcase is a great way to add organization to a girl or boys room without spending a lot of money.

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And I love the idea of an old door turned into a coffee table.  This is an easy DIY project that yields great results for a den or basement play area.
Anything vintage and old including an old door is a great way to add charm to your home.
So, do you like the idea of decorating with doors?  If so, what room in your home would you place one?

XO Shelly

Cuttin’ a Rug

Good Day everyone!  I’ve been MIA for the last two days due to my schedule which got a bit over-loaded.  I’ve got things back on track and wanted to pop in today and share one of my favorite product resources with you.
In the midst of working on a design plan for a client, which calls for a number of rugs,  I came across some real beauties!  Rugs have come a long way from low pile, flat weave, uninteresting designs to looks like this that will make a room come to life.  All of these rugs are available from one of my favorite rug sources, RugsUSA.com which offers great prices, great service and great delivery.
If you are in the market for a rug you should check out these rugs or the hundreds of others available at RugsUSA.com!  Oh, and did I forget to mention that they have a slew of rugs 50% during the month of February!
Happy Shopping!
Rugs USA Quinta Moderno Trellis Ash Rug
Rugs USA Quinta Moderno Trellis Ash Rug–Great in a living/family room, home office or bedroom!
Rugs USA Satara Moroccan Inspire Grey Rug
Rugs USA Satara Moroccan Inspire Grey Rug–Love this look for an office or dining room.
Rugs USA Plymouth Grove Slate Rug
Rugs USA Plymouth Grove Slate Rug–This would look great in a bedroom or could even be fun in a sophisticated nursery.
Rugs USA Moderna Dynasty Charcoal Rug
Rugs USA Moderna Dynasty Charcoal Rug–A fun rug for a living room or dining room.
Safavieh Wyndham WYD374 Blue Rug
Safavieh Wyndham WYD374 Blue Rug–Love this for a bedroom, breakfast area or foyer.
Safavieh Wyndham WYD372 Blue Rug
Safavieh Wyndham WYD372 Blue Rug–A beautiful choice for a bedroom, home office or girls room.
Rugs USA Kilim Trellis Green Rug
Rugs USA Kilim Trellis Green Rug–This classic style will work in just about any room of the house.
Rugs USA Marquis Chevron Natural Rug
Rugs USA Marquis Chevron Natural Rug–So loving this for a study, office or large bathroom.
Rugs USA Fergana Acantha Floral Brown Rug
Rugs USA Fergana Acantha Floral Brown Rug–A whimsical and fun rug for a sun porch, keeping room or office.
Rugs USA Santa Ana Verden Ikat Navy Rug
Rugs USA Santa Ana Verden Ikat Navy Rug–A classic Ikat that would look great in a dining room or living room.

 

{This is not a sponsored post, just me sharing one of my favorite design resources! }

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