Planning for a successful makover!

If you are going to make over a room, think about what you would use it for first.

This unattractive breakfast/family room was right next to the kitchen. The client never really ate breakfast here. But when she entertained the guest chose to linger about this room.

So the logical choice was to make a comfortable seating area near the window. The room was cleared, painted in a soft butter cream.

Old items: Worn out, broken, and unusable furniture pieces were recycled at the local recycle station. Usable items were donated.

New items: Two identical small convertible day sofas, two drapery panels, drapery rod, and a small coffee table purchased at the the local discount stores cost under $1000. The Sofa arms unfold to create more seating (or serve as extra beds) if needed.

Client's existing lamp was placed here for additional lighting in the evening. Her Moroccan brass tray was placed on top of the small coffee table to make a larger table space. Her textile art previously folded in a drawer was framed prominently to create visual interest and speak to her personality and style.  The kitchen peninsula counter is used as serving station for parties.

A wool rug from another room grounds the space. Wool rugs are inherently stain resistant. Perfect for an accidental party spill. Every guest loves to spend time in this room!

Need a zen space, convert an underutilized space

If you own a lot of "things" chances are some land in one room with the door closed.

A friend of mine also a designer wanted to create a meditation space in the "catchall" room upstairs. We took everything out. Painted walls in a beautiful color, used a few existing objects, rug, pillows, and lighting to create the ultimate meditation space.

What happened to all other stuff? The craft and jewelry tables were de-cluttered and found a new home in the office area. Many storage boxes were labeled and stacked in the garage, in the office or other appropriate rooms. Old papers and magazines were recycled. Unwanted, usable items were donated, and some craft items were given to kids to get creative.

Everyone is happy!

Before and after photos show how much space you can gain by spending a couple of days repurposing a catch-all area.

What does your living room say about you?

Many of us make the TV the focal point on our living room. What does that say about you?

" I love TV!" that is fine if that is true about you.

If not, reorient the furniture to focus on a beautiful view from a window, the fireplace, or an art collection.

A sofa or two chairs looking out a window into your garden can be relaxing to you and your visitors.

Your fireplace mantel can host a few of your favorite objects. Even in summer tha firebox can be soothing with a few burnign candles.

If you make your art collection a focal point, group them in odd numbers. Use various sizes to create balance or create a complete symmetry by grouping objects on a wall. 

Use one main neutral color, add a secondary complementary color, and finally a touch of surprising red, green or purple.

A good interior designer will take advantage of the pieces you already own and incorporates them into your environment. So be sure to show everything to your designer if you hire one.

Taking advantage of the beautiful view of the garden

After all, a living room may be the first impression about you and your family. If watching TV is not all you are about, turn things around!