Accessories,Design Dilemma,Windows & Walls | November 18, 20083 Comments

Design Dilemma: Moving To A Southern Climate

Michele grew up in the Detroit area. Yay! Recently, she and her husband relocated to Miami (also yay!). Michele is hoping her stay on Florida won’t be permanent. Nevertheless, she has purchased a home in one of the few historic districts of Miami where the houses remind her of home.

“We brought with us our furnishings from up north. The new house has a lovely living room with fireplace, but is shaded by a large tree in front and a carport over the windows next to the fireplace. Thus the room tends to be dark except in the late afternoon (it faces west),” says Michele.

She had arranged a lovely, classic room and is wondering what to do with the windows. Michele’s thought was to have only a top treatment to maximize the light, as there is no problem with privacy. She’s already purchased fabric and trim, but stuck on whether her idea is the right solution. It may make the room look too formal.

The Solution

I think Michele is on the right track and should follow her instincts. While one can move furnishings to a warmer climate, one can’t take the quality of light, and the general atmosphere. This means that Michele should bring a little bit of Florida into her formal living room. As you can see, color and window treatments play a role. Here’s what I recommend.

Adding Color

Before we get to the window treatments, let’s look at the light. Michele feels there’s not enough. (Many people worry about this). There are many ways to address this issue. One is to add color to the room to create contrast and better reflect the existing light. The second is simply add additional ambient light for rainy days.

I decided to painted the ceiling blue – Tibetan Sky from Sherwin Williams. Michele will need to check this color in real life. The blue brightens the room, and helps the formal room look more at home in Florida.

Window Treatments

Similarly, the window treatments need to reflect the fact that this is a southern climate. The room can remain classic, but it needs a more relaxed attitude. Formal cornices would create the stodgy look Michele wants to stay away from.

I recommend a formal, yet light and airy solution. Full, linen drapery panels are the perfect answer. The color should be ivory. A bronzed rod would fit the scene perfectly. They can be hung from rings and left open so that the sunshine can shine through. Fullness is the key. If Michele has enough trim, she can add it to the inner edge of the panels for a custom look.

Restoration Hardware‘s Sheer Belgian Linen Drapery ($54 – $129) comes in various lengths and colors. Pottery Barn also sells a similar linen drapery ($39 – $69).  I think with a more substantial hem (which effects the way the drapery hangs). It also comes in various sizes. Their rod choices are also good and worth checking out.

Final Thoughts

I would also like to suggest that Michele change out some of her accessories to invite the sunshine in. A large glass vase filled with Hydrangeas would both brighten and soften the room. Place it on the round table. Do something similar with the vase across the room. I added a Pygmy Palm by the chair as well. Think of it as Colonial in the Tropics.

Your Thoughts?

I can’t possibly be the only one with a good idea or two. Do you like this solution? What would you do?

Tags: color, living rooms, space planning, Window Treatments