Too Much Green…What can I do????

A blog reader e-mailed me (see “Contact” on the website) this photo from Elle Décor Magazine where the reader wanted to use some of these ideas for her vacation home. Loving green on the walls and upholstery pieces she had concerns might be too much of a good thing and what other options could she consider?

Photo from Elle Decore Magazine

This is such a great room with many wonderful design elements…just a little tweaking is needed. Let’s begin with the “envelope” of the room which includes walls, ceiling, and flooring. Beginning with the walls there is the upper green wall in two sections and the ceiling which we are not able to see. The lower wall wainscoting and solid surface flooring are light in color/white while the upper walls and sofa are medium intensity green making the room feel a bit top-heavy …the green color visually “weighing” more than the white. The upper wall white trim piece could be removed making the upper green wall visually one piece with the lower white wainscoting in better proportion to the green wall area….and rather than a stark white paint color…a softer warmer white tone will act as a backdrop enhancing the green color tone.

It is difficult to tell if the floor is painted or has a laminated finish over it. Regardless, the bright white as currently shown is very strong plus having a shiny finish reflects not only the exterior sunlight but also the lighting in the room. If you change the floor material/color why not add an area rug with texture and additional color tones. Bringing in your favorite colors which might include terra cotta, golden colors or rich lavender/plum tones adds warmth and interest to the space.

Lighting is so important for reading and just to create mood to the room. The small end table next to the sofa might be taller with the lamp being more “artful” …adding an element of texture and surprise to the space. How about taking the green throw from the sofa and casually tossing it over a corner of the upholstered ottoman/coffee table?
Now we have a wall behind the sofa that is tall (we previously deleted the top trim piece) and ready for some wall art and creative design. Larger art pieces above the wainscoting (lower white wall trim area) will be more impactful than many small pieces. Since the wall area is quite large several pieces and sizes could be relocated here. Why not add the small art pieces currently on the green/art wall to the top layer of the “squared” wainscoting?? This acts as a transition from the larger pieces of the upper wall to the smaller sections within the wainscoting. Be certain to put pieces about the same size and scale in this location.

A client of mine asked, “Where should I put pillows in my room?” The answer is EVERYWHERE!!! Reviewing the pillow grouping on the sofa additional pattern and color could be included along with those currently on the sofa. Pillow Galleria has two wonderful selections…Animal Whimsey and Brights and Stripes would add drama and color to the space. Should these selections not be right for you, add pillows and accessories with color brights and drama that work for you!!!

Go ahead, be creative, show your inner designer!!!

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How Do I Keep My Dining Room Looking Fresh and Inviting? Dining Room Decorating Ideas.

There are many options for freshening a room’s design such as painting or relocating furniture to create a new space plan. The dining area, however, has less flexibility in being able to move furnishings around as the table and chairs are the focal point and occupy the largest amount of space.

This photograph from Traditional Home is a neutral white/soft gray space which lends itself to any and many colors. The table skirt and slipcovers for the chairs are also in coordinating neutrals. The colors in the chandelier and silver cabinet are of the same tones with the color in the room coming from gold colored glasses on the table, the flowers on the side board/table and the greenery in the window area.  

Perhaps the entire home is done in neutral tones or maybe just the dining space but since we don’t know let’s treat the dining space on its own. Fashion and interior design trends run in cycles reflecting our world and country at that time. As we look back at design choices we may have made in our home, they also tell a story about us. The Eighties gave us bold prints…chintz fabrics… lots of color and soft flowing styles. It also showcased slipcovers on any piece of furniture. Casual comfort and fabric table cloths again show a feeling of softness.  This a great example of “upcycling” (link) …not only recycling materials, but also styles of design…. everything old is new again!!

When we think of adding renewed interest to a room, we can change the wall/ceiling color, flooring, lighting, accessories, and/or furniture pieces. Let’s consider updating this room with minimal labor/work. Showing seasonal changes with a wardrobe of slipcovers for the chairs and the fabric table covering is a great way to begin. These items, or either one, can be changed for a new season…. summer, winter, etc. with patterns and color tones reflecting the season.  And of course, special holidays, religious holidays, birthdays, family special days…let your imagination run wild. You can store these items to change out having a new look whenever you like. Another quick and easy way to add color and style change is a table runner down the length or the width of the table. If you choose the width, be sure to make it quite wide for a true design statement.   A “wardrobe” of table runners can quickly change the mood and style of the room. Rather than rattan/textured placemats, use a soft colored fabric enhancing all the elements in the room. Designers love using “charger” plates which are made of a protective material (usually glass or a weighty substance so cold/heat is not conducted onto the table itself) on which the dinnerware sits. Chargers are larger in diameter than a dinner plate so will add texture and dimension.  And don’t forget beautiful full-sized fabric dinner napkins which complete each table setting.

Remember to consider your personal mood and feelings…. some months you may feel more vibrant and some more somber.  Your home and environment can reflect who you and your family are, and that dynamic is never consistently the same. Go ahead, be creative, let your inner designer come forward.

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Living Coral for Spring 2019 – Pantone Color of the Year

photo credit www.pantone.com

Pantone is the bible of color for all products, fashion, interior design and most everything having to do with color, and it has named “Living Coral” as the color of the year. It is the color of underwater reefs, and the sky at dusk. Laurie Pressman, Pantone’s Vice President, considers this saturated orange base with a golden undertone not only warm and welcoming but life-affirming. We want colors that make us feel good…not too heavy. We want to feel uplifted. It is emotional nourishment.” Look forward to your favorite products in the new “Living Coral” color.

Go ahead, be creative. Let your imagination run wild. Remember love is in the details.

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