Have you been collecting without enjoying your collection? If so, it may be possible to group your collection together for an interesting visual! Over many years I collected the string wall hanging (very inexpensive) from MOMA’s gift shop, the African basket, small, woven baskets from cousin Gwen’s travels, a zebra rug knock off, an Indian drum, a beaded wind chime from MIM’s gift shop, various textile garlands-red silk, hand crocheted discs from cousin Gwen and an African girl from Home Goods all on Kuba cloth! Have fun with your collected treasures!
Design Tip
Best Option for Kitchen Countertops
These are examples of light countertop materials that are available in quartz (man made composite) to quartzite (natural and perhaps the most expensive). Granite is still the most widely used surface but quartz (composites) gives you the option of a surface that is as hard as granite without additional upkeep. If you’re going black then quartz or granite can be used but I would opt for natural and go granite!
Centerpieces
There are many different things that you can use for a table top centerpiece. You can use some of your favorite pieces and just add flowers to them; pick something that helps give that wow factor to your table. One thing that will help bring a cohesive flow to your table is using the same color in different aspects of your table. For example your dishes and flowers can have a common color while your table cloth and napkins have a different but complimenting color.
Where is the TV?
Many people don’t like the look of a TV in the room. They can be distracting and become an unintended focal point. There are many different things you can use in your decorating to detract from the focus of the TV but still have it in the room for when it is wanted. Try an attractive TV cabinet or even hide it in plain sight by having be a part of a wall collage. You could also use this neat wall mount where you can easily flip to view your TV or conceal it with a piece of art.
Focal Point
A great piece of furniture can become the focal point of your bedroom. If you have busy or colorful room you can do something as simple as an all white bed. Or you may need that wow piece to have as the focal point!
Lighting
Lighting directs the eye and should be layered. Overhead lighting should be dimmed. Then add lamp light or task lighting for an inviting balance. If it is dark outside, the only objects anyone will notice are the ones that are lit, so an entirely different ambience is achieved with control of what is accentuated.
I have lots of lighting examples on my Pinterest boards.
Expanding Spaces
Closets and Pantries
Many homes have a walk-in pantry and walk-in closets in the master, if not two, and additional smaller scale walk-ins in secondary bedrooms. All of these eat up the standing space that could be part of the open space in the room if it wasn’t in the pantry or closet. A dream closet idea would be to have several closets facing into the room with mirrored doors and voila! Open your winter closet complete with wools and boots (maybe cedar lining). Then an all white summer closet. A third transitional closet would hold the remainder! If more pantry or closet space is needed, look for an entire bedroom wall that could be build out 2 feet for a wall of closets. You can add shelving, drawers and dividers to make a kitchen area into a pantry. Storage for can goods, cereal and other boxes can be shallow. It is easier to see what is in the space and rotate it.
Some great examples are available on my Pinterest boards.
Area Rugs
An area rug that covers most of the area will make the room look bigger. An additional benefit is that covering wood or stone floors with area rugs is a must for sound moderation and visual warmth.
Draperies
Surprisingly, draperies to the ceiling will give the room height.
Large Furniture
Fewer pieces of large furniture or accessories will also expand the space.
Storage Solutions
Get rid of the junk and make the space look orderly. Remember useful, beautiful, meaningful or it has to go! Proper storage will allow both a great look and easy access to the items you need.
