Interior Design Dilemma: A Space Planning Challenge For A Long, Narrow Family Room
Patti Z. recently asked me to help her decorate the family room of her new home in Toledo, Ohio. She hasn’t moved in, but sent me every interior designer’s dream of information – starting with these photos of the room. Wow! This is a challenge. The room is long and narrow (22′ x 10′), has lots of windows and doors, and boasts a “lovely” heater, which Patti hopes to lose when she paints. What should Patti do? Read More…
6 Decorating Ideas For Stylish Living In A Single Room
How do you live in one room and maintain a sense of style? Having once lived in one myself, I can give you a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Jennifer’s Tips
1. Buy a few bold pieces instead of lots of little things.
Lots of tiny things may seem like the way to go, but they’ll actually make the room look smaller. Your eye won’t know what to rest on and will be buzzing around. The large, graphic artwork in this room works really well. Also, notice the careful selection of furniture. Not too much!
2. Define “rooms” with translucent fabrics and/or area rugs.
You might want a bit of privacy in the bedroom. Even if you’re alone, being able to close off the bedroom will create a cozy feeling that’s easier to sleep in. IKEA makes a great system that suspends from the ceiling.
3. A vibrant paint can define a separate space with-in-a-space.
A large block of vibrant color can visually separate a space. If you’re living in a rental, painting only one section makes it easier to return it to “Decorator White” before you move out.
4. Buy furniture that does double duty.
A dining table can be a desk. An ottoman can be a coffee table. A coffee table could also hold some storage.
5. Light colors will make the space appear larger.
If you want to go with color on the walls, remember that cool colors recede and will make the room larger. A pastel will also reflect more light and work to that effect even more.
6. Finally, mirrors are an old stand-by for tricking the eye.
One-foot square mirrors are sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Why not create a mirror wall? Your room will double in size in an instant.
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images: visiondecor, 200 Water St, Venturska
Chair of the day: Wisteria Bistro chair
These are cute and colorful. Wisteria’s Bistro Chairs and Table set ($139.90) are shown outdoors. Why not use them indoors?
There’s not much room for more than a cup of coffee on that table. I’d use the chairs with a different table. Use the table at a bedside.
It’s a good little set for anyone just setting out on their post-college journey through life.
