Rethinking the Look of Things No. 62 - Multipurpose Rooms

When we are creating a home, we have a determination to find spaces for all our lifestyle needs. An area to entertain and dine with family and friends is one that can be a challenge. Multipurpose thinking is the key when it seems a lifestyle need isn't possible in our home. Where we don't give up until we have exhausted all options. 

The memories created around a dining table with family and friends is priceless. Even if those times are only several times a year or the every Sunday family dinner. The heart leaps despite an occasional desire to change an attendee or two. So how can one create a space in our home for this precious space. Most of us have mastered the art of multitasking on a daily basis - let's try our hand at multi purposing. Think about the dining surface and how it can be used for an everyday need that allows for it to be uncovered into dining anytime you want.

Why make room for only a dining area or a office area? Why consider the area behind our sofa only console-worthy when by adding another 18" you have a dining surface? Need a craft area or a place to stack your library? Why make room for only a play/study area or a dining area when one can serve both purposes?

Your multipurpose space becomes office/dining, play-study/dining, craft-dining, reading library-dining. Voila! Get those invitations in the mail, create your menu, select that signature drink for the evening, and bake your favorite desserts; because you have a dining area whenever you need it or the mood strikes to entertain.

Call it your superhero piece - the one that doesn't need a closet to change into its "cape" and pick up its superpowers. Living Room by day - dining and after dinner charades by night! 

However, let's not ignore the obvious challenge that stills exists and that is where do the dining chairs go if you don't have the space to keep them around the multipurpose surface when it is not acting as a dining surface? And don't you dare say folding chairs, that's a cop out! Be inspired! 

We are still in the multipurpose mode here. Think multipurpose for the dining seating. Those cool stools you tucked under the table are now dining seating. That occasional chair you have in your bedroom is now dining seating. That bench that is in your hallway is now dining seating. Get the picture? Multipurpose! Who's wearing the superhero cape now?

Play on your multipurpose talent by setting a mix and match table setting to add to the fun of your new found discovery. I think you will walk past your multipurpose dining surface in its day to day form and smile. Smile at planning your next gathering. Formal or casual - the opportunity for memories is reclaimed. 

Rethinking the look of things is a way to never give up on the dreams for your home spaces. Consult a professional interior designer when you get stumped. Don't give up. "To him that wills, wais are not wanting". George Herbert

Sources: House Beautiful, Decor Pad, Atlanta Home & Lifestyle, Gerald Bland, Crate & Barrel, Pinterest

Gotta Love No. 58 - Stacked Wood Walls

 

One of the most attractive things about our home is how it tells our story, reflects our lifestyle, holds memories and brings home things that inspire us from places we have traveled. Stacked wood accent in our home is one of those elements as it can hold a story if we allow it to. This design touch can be reclaimed wood from a barn - but from where - what is the history of the barn? A collector of reclaimed wood should be able to tell you. The story could be where the inspiration came from - someplace you've traveled that had a stacked wood touch that created a link to your adventure.

I fell in love with the organic feature when working on a local symphony showhouse years ago. We were doing the living room of an historic property and the fireplace, though a focal point in the room, had gas added to it and the property owner didn't want that changed during the showhouse design and tour. So we filled it from bottom to top, side to side with stacked wood - the symmetry of the natural shapes and sizes of the logs was an intriguing sculpture-like addition to the formal space and I loved it!

Creating stacked wood accent areas in expected spaces like lodge or industrial settings is a marriage made in heaven. The unexpected spaces, like formal living and dining areas is just as fantastic. This installation works well as a functional room divider or a way to display the perfect piece of art or as a sculptural art in itself!

Planning is important for a stacked wood wall. I highly recommend that a drawing is done so that scale and the right wood is selected. This is a permanent architectural feature so it should be done well. Consider the shape, scale, finish or not, the day to day maintenance of the feature and how much is too much.

If your stacked wood is a feature that is a loose install, like the fireplace stack in the photo above, it is a puzzle that needs to still have the end result look in mind while being developed. Another important factor for any stacked wood install is to make sure the wood is dried, clean and treated prior to being brought indoors for install. 

Like any architectural accent in your home - restraint is important. Too much of a good thing is simply too much. 

What story will your stacked wood wall hold? Old whiskey barrels? Wood from a generational family farm?

Sources: Architecture Art Designs, Norwegian Skifer Hotel, Pinterest, Instagram, Hidden Pond

Be Inspired No. 90 - Matte Black Interiors

Hygge happens in matte black. This Danish word, whose closest English translation is "comfort", is one feeling we need to get back to in our homes. Disregard trends, revisit what makes you feel comfort. You will be pleasantly surprised to find it isn't just the furniture - it's the layers.

We already know the elegance of black, the simple chic of black, and the timelessness of black. What I love of about black is the calmness and harmony it can provide in our living spaces. Using matte black raises these qualities; black doesn't need sheen to shine. The subtleties of matte black are warm and relaxing.

A room that is designed well is one that has a color palette that creates the feeling the homeowner wants to achieve for their lifestyle; has the fine touch of layers. Matte black is a perfect compliment to a neutral color palette and is handsome on a variety of surfaces. Wood, brick - even the hardware. 

To keep the matte black interior timeless a neutral color palette suits best. However, if other colors meet your present lifestyle, rest assured that if the matte black is chosen for the architectural features of a room, the other colors can be changed as your tastes and lifestyle evolve.

Wood surfaces in neutral finishes sing with matte black! Lighting with natural material shades wink at you in a space with matte black. Fuzzy throws belong, area rugs on top of hard surfaces compliment, organic accessories play to the calmness and artwork becomes defining.

I go back to the mention of the feeling of calmness in a space with matte black as I find that to be the most important factor in a room, after comfort. Calm, serene, harmonious. Done right, matte black delivers.

Whether you choose to paint your walls, trim, doors, fireplace or a bit of each - matte black is that "I finally found what I was looking for." Matte black becomes that "I'll know it when I see it."

Matte black interiors will be that outfit you add to and then pull back on some of the embellishment, because it doesn't need much. Be careful, with a keen eye on the layers - a matte black room isn't meant to holler "look at me". It, instead is a wonderment. 

 

Be inspired to consider if matte black is what you have been striving for all along. Welcome to contentment.

Resources: House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, Restoration Hardware, Pinterest, Country Living, Instagram.

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 61 - Lighting Design Plan

One of the most overlooked renovation projects, in one's home is a lighting design renovation. The hardwired lighting fixtures are not timeless and can date a home. We seem content to flip the switch and light up a room, but often ignore the fixture that is providing the light source. 

Besides the technology of lighting evolving, the style and function of hardwired fixtures change with our lifestyle, likes and dislikes.

So where does one begin with a lighting design renovation? A good interior designer who partners with you to develop a lighting design renovation plan and will ask questions to help find solutions to how you and your family use the spaces in your home. This will lead to changes of possibly adding more lighting, changing the layout of lighting, and considering future plans for each space so the lighting design plan keeps the future in mind.

As with all home design projects, a plan is important. We invest in our homes, doing so with a plan will prevent mistakes. A plan will show the end results even if you choose to do it in phases. Lumen, efficiency, LED, kelvins, watts - all terminology that is part of a lighting design plan, and important factors to consider while developing a plan.

So take a walk through your home (don't forget the outdoor lighting walk too)! Then call for an appointment with your interior designer to do the lighting walk with you. Sit down and share your ideas, challenges, and problems with your current lighting. Then let your designer work their magic!

This will be one of the most exciting renovation projects you will complete! 

Resources: Instagram, Pinterest, 

Well Dressed Home No. 64 - Christmas in Black & White

Glistening snow, flock laden evergreen branches, gatherings of family and friends...tis' the season. A season filled with traditions old and new. This year I'm thinking of a sophisticated, timeless - yet simplistic holiday decoration color palette. Christmas in black and white.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog you know I love black painted interior doors and stair treads and this Christmas palette would be a lovely compliment. Haven't taken the brave step towards painting those doors and treads yet? No worries - Christmas in black and white could still be a new tradition for your home. 

The contrast between the black and white color palette and evergreens is striking. And the shimmer of gold or silver is the glitz that makes this combination sing like your favorite Christmas carol.

Be sure to incorporate your everyday home accessories - they don't need tucked away. A white compote is a perfect spot for greens and candles. That large white serving bowl would be delightful with greens and a spilling of ornaments. The mirror in your hallway is a great place to feature a holiday swag of greens, branches, and a great patterned black and white ribbon.

If there ever was a better Christmas color palette to fit a perfectly flocked tree - black and white certainly is it. Be natural with how you apply the flocking effect to your tree - it should be as beautiful as your outdoor evergreens after a freshly fallen snow. 

Some dream of a larger bedroom closet, and yes I am one of those people. But the home dream closer to my heart is a dish closet or butler's pantry. I love to mix and match china and a black and white Christmas color palette lends itself to this love well. Black and white china and dishes with pattern, seasonal etching, texture and shape aren't difficult to find. Add those black and white decorated cookie treats to these pairings and the holiday meal is complete.

Wreaths indoors and out reflect the simplicity of this Christmas color palette, though a lush spray of garland and swags won't hinder this reflection. The contrast of neutral colors against the greens is crisp as the winter air. So take it where you heart delights. 

Just like any color palette, your personal style is not defined by the combination of color - Christmas in black and white is at home in tradition, transitional, as well as modern rustic or modern contemporary home designs. 

Comfort and joy can definitely be found with Christmas in black and white. Joyous noel!

Sources: House Beautiful, Country Living, Pinterest, Instagram, House with Silver Lining, Life on Virginia Street, eab design, One Kin Design, Ballard Designs