I’m back with another installment of my Design Chat series. This time around I’m helping Krystian who recently purchased her first home and needs some help with space planning and decorating. Here’s the message I received…
Hello Shelly! Good morning! I found an article you’ve written online a couple of years ago. Although it’s older, it is still relevant to me. I recently bought a home, I’m younger and horrible at decorating. I have a brown sectional, yet I’m trying to lighten things up. What accent color can I use to lighten things up other than teal or coral? I feel these would darken things. I can’t afford to change the couch right now, so I have to work with what I have. I’m looking at a lighter colored area rug, but I’m not sure on how to position it. Would you be able to offer help? Would it go under the couch at all, or just in front? I’m really confused, all of the rule of thumbs seem a bit overwhelming! Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I asked Krystian to send me a few photos of her home so that I could see what she was working with.
THE LIVING ROOM NOW:
When you enter the house you walk directly into the living room. The space is open with no walls or architectural details to define it. In a space like this, the furniture and rug will that will do that.
There are three large walls within the room which make it possible for several different furniture arrangements.
With only two small windows to provide natural lighting, the colors used in the room need to brighten and enliven the space.
There is one small challenge when it comes to decorating this space. The location of the cable jack and the large wall vent that limits what you can put on that wall.
After looking over the photos and tossing around ideas, I outlined two design plans for Krystian.
This first plan uses the existing sectional and adds in new furniture pieces to finish off the space. To add more storage and display space to the room, I recommended a console table on the wall between the windows and another on the wall to the left inside the front door.
I’m also suggesting a set of bookcases, a new tv cabinet and table lamps to enhance the lighting throughout the room.
DESIGN PLAN #1
The second plan replaces the sectional with a sofa and a pair of accent chairs. It also orients the furniture so that the sofa is on the largest wall in the room. As with plan 1, this plan also includes a console table for storage, a new tv cabinet and side tables.
DESIGN PLAN #2
To address Krystian’s concern about the room being dark, I selected decor and accessories that will brighten the room. Here’s a look at the decor plan I created.
AREA RUG: I choose an area rug with a neutral background ad colorful pattern. Patternwork and color create visual movement and in turn give the impression that a room is larger than is actually is.
When it comes to selecting the right size rug, it’s always best to tape off the size on your floor to determine what will work best. Ideally you want the front legs of furniture pieces to sit on rug. In Krystian’s room, I recommend either a 6′ x 9′ or a 8′ x 10′. A large rug will help define the sitting area and anchor the living room.
PILLOWS: A good rule of thumb when buying accent pillows is to pull colors from the area rug or artwork. Krystian can remove some of the brown and tan pillows on the sofa and replace them with more colorful options.
COFFEE TABLE: A round coffee table is best for this room and will provide a contrast to the square and rectangular furniture pieces. A glass top will make the room feel more open.
CURTAINS: Ivory curtain panels will add soften and another light and bright element to the room. Framing the window with curtains will actually make the windows look larger.
CONSOLE TABLES: I’m recommending console tables in two different finishes and styles. The iron and wood table has an open base which will add to the openness of the room. The sectioned console will be great under the TV to hold electronics and decor. Adding a few baskets to the shelves will bring texture into the room.
ARTWORK: Colorful artwork is one the best ways to add interest and personality to a room. The colors in the floral artwork tie back to the colors in the rug and pillows. And the artwork will create a focal point within the room.
LIGHTING: Krystian’s living room can benefit from additional lighting so I’m recommending a couple of table lamps. Ivory ceramic lamps incorporate another material into the room and ties into the other ivory elements in the space.
*****
Krystian has a great living room space to work with. Using one of these space plans along with adding color and personality through decor will give Krystian the space she’s dreaming of.
FYI–Knowing that budget is important to Krystian as she decorates her first home, I shopped Wayfair for all of the decor. Wayfair is one of my favorite sources for stylish and budget-friendly furniture and accessories.
Rena Console Table (wood and iron)
Salinas TV Stand (multi-section)
Solid Room Darkening Curtain Panels
French Cottage Bouquet Floral Art
***this post is not sponsored by Wayfair. I’m just sharing one of my favorite resources and wanted to show you how you can create a beautiful space using their products.
I don’t know about you but I’m really trying to make the most of the long weekend before the hustle and bustle of fall and holiday activities start. First up on my to-do list is cleaning out the storage closet in my garage. If you don’t hear from me next week, send out a search party. Here’s a round-up of my favorite reads and inspiration from the week. Enjoy!
