Interior Design Dilemma: finishing touches

Design Dilemma | May 14, 20092 Comments

Interior Design Dilemma: finishing touches

Eric is a Penn State alum and web developer/programmer for the university. He asked me to help him put some finishing touches on his home office, which he “pretty much lives in.” interior-design-dilemma-2

other-pix “At this point,” he says, “I need curtains and some accessorizing, but I’m completely hitting a mental block.”

“The quilt,” Eric continues, “was a gift from my grandfather who attended PSU in the 30′s. He left to help with the farm when his father died. He was absolutely thrilled when I graduated. So, this is sort of our Penn State Room, but I don’t want it to become a PENN STATE ROOM, if you know what I mean.”

Fear not, Eric. Jennifer’s interior design skills are at the ready! First, I think it’s always a bad idea to turn a room into a theme park. Eric is on the right track. And I like what he’s started with. The FLOR carpet is nice. I like the colors and love the bookcase. He really just needs a few things to finish things up.

Here’s what I came up with.

I started by reducing the clutter. I tossed the plants – they’re too tall. The blanket holder needs to live under the window. Ideally, I’d like to see the file cabinet in the closet, or a lower, 1-drawer cabinet under the other window, so the desk won’t intrude into the window. Move those and we’re halfway done.

Eric needs curtains. I suggest a blue and white pattern on grommet or tab-topped curtains. These are from The Curtain Shop and would cost about $600. (Don’t freak on the price – more info to come on that subject.)

Eric needs a place for a cup of coffee when reading in this chair. I added a little side table. This one is from Pottery Barn ($199).

The existing art is too small for this wall. I’d group it with some other framed art and place them over the desk. Here, I chose a print from All Posters. Eric should choose something he likes, but the point is – it needs to be larger.

Back to the curtains. Finding just what you want online is more difficult than you would think. This room needs Navy to tie in with the blanket. And a print gives the room more depth. Custom is the least expensive way to go.

Expect to pay between $75 – $100 a pair for custom curtains
Find a fabricator by asking at a local fabric store
You can find fabric online. Try Alluminare. You choose a pattern and add the colors you like. (Signature Leaves, above, $6 sq ft). There’s also:¬† The Curtain Shop, The Natural Curtain Co.
Or, just go to your local fabric shop

Finally, I’m showing another art option from All Posters.

Done! I love the sentiment Eric showed his Grandfather by featuring a beloved object in his office. Maybe, on a bad day, the spirit and memory of his Grandfather will be there to cheer him up.

I’m wondering if any of you have decorated around a family heirloom. My mother-in-law’s beautiful 7- foot tall “music box” is in our living room. What do you have?