Rule #5 -Just because you have not seen it done- does not mean you can't try it!

Most of my clients usually have one of two chief complaints. Either we need "MORE STORAGE" or "NOT ENOUGH SPACE". Yet when I walk through, I see many areas of under-utilized space and opportunities for additional storage. Start to think creatively when you walk through your home...how can you use that closet, cabinet, or hallway to make your life easier or create that storage you've been missing.

In our world of two-story living- stairs are typically the first place I go. They can be used to create that extra "space" such as a play room, reading, nook, extra bathroom or even sleeping space. They can also incorporate extra storage in more ways than one....

Rule #4 Ignore those design books-You CAN Blend styles!

Tufted upholstery is signature traditional. Paired with modern
 built-ins and a monochromatic color scheme create harmony

A home I visited recently started me thinking about one of the number one questions I am asked "Is it okay to use modern furniture in a traditional home?" In this situation the couple live in a ranch-style home with mid-century attributes which he loves. She, on the other hand grew up in a very traditional home with antiques. So is blending allowed? Many, many design books will say no. I totally disagree. When you mix traditional and modern styles you can create an individualized, multi layered living space. Furnishing your home should be more about developing your own personal style rather than adhering to any single style unless you are truly passionate about it.
That said, combining modern furniture and accessories with traditional ones can result in chaos if not planned in advance. There are some considerations to make before you decide to mix modern and traditional styles. There needs to be a common denominator like color.

This is a great example of beautiful antique and primitive pieces in an obvious  modern spacewith a cohesive color palette that blends

Modern or Traditional?

First of all you need to figure out if you want your space to be primarily modern or primarily traditional. Decide which style should dominate. It can be a modern space with antique accents or a traditional space with contemporary accents. Letting one style dominate is crucial, because you don’t want to create a space where everything is fighting for equal attention.

domino

Traditional upholstered slipper chairs and chandelier paired with a mid century banquet and Saarinen table

Why Do You Love it?
Once you’ve figured out where your loyalties lie, find out why either style appeals to you. Look at the visual attributes of a piece of furniture. When you find yourself attracted to a piece is it because of its shape and lines, or do you admire it for its color and texture?There is no wrong answer, so spend as much time as you need to. Whenever you see some furniture you like, note it down. Notice how you describe it to some one else. Do you talk about its sleek lines or rich texture? If you collect pictures or pin furniture you like, you will begin to see a pattern. You can then begin to tie in pieces of different styles through their shapes, or material or color and texture.
 
west elm catalog
offers a great variety of modern furnishings that can  add energy and interest to a very traditional rooms

Rule #3- Less REALLY CAN be more...

Particularly in terms of space. I always encourage people to make the most of what they have- especially their space.  I would much prefer to have a well-appointed small home, than an large one that feels empty.  Living in a small space takes creativity and I will admit that those little "350 square foot for a family of Four" vignettes at IKEA, freak me out a little too...but it COULD work if you are really close to your spouse and children! Really, really close.

I equate small space living to "multi-tasking", instead of rooms with one function (i.e. Breakfast Room, Sitting Room, Keeping Room) You may have a Kitchen that also incorporates a small office or desk area, a Play/Art/Craft area, and even Laundry.

The best investment to make your small space work for you is BUILT-INS- customized to fit your needs. Think beyond the kitchen and bathroom. I am talking about sofas with storage, custom closets or wardrobes, even play spaces that double as beds-anything is possible, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Built-in beds are my favorite, especially in shared kids rooms? Build them something like this and I just bet they will never complain about sharing a room! 


room-galleries.myhomeideas.com

latimes.com

dwell

meridianroad.blogspot

houzz.com

hgtv.com

herlongarchitects.com

Rule #2- Think of Accents in your room as you do accessories in an outfit

For example- when you are investing money in a nice suit- you are likely to choose something very timeless, classic in a neutral color (neutral DOES NOT mean brown, by the way).
I think about large investments in rooms the same way. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE COLOR, and Pantones 2012 color of the year "Tangerine Tango" is right up my alley.

But- I believe there are ways to use color wisely to increase the longevity of your room.  For example-staying neutral on furniture and larger surfaces such as flooring, can actually increase the impact of your accent color. It also allows you to change the room by changing smaller items five years down the road- which is much easier on your pocketbook.
 So, when deciding on a palette for your room- think of the large furniture items and large surfaces as the suit and the accents as the trendy, funky, and colorful accessories you wear with it.

My favorite ways to use accent color (we are using orange in celebration of Tangerine Tango- and because it is my favorite color)-  :)

Great Orange accent pillows, throw, and table accessories

accenting one wall with a bold color is a great way to add energy to your room





wall decals are fun, temporary, and do not damage walls

use accent color in smaller or less expensive furniture that you may not mind replacing more often



a little much for most people, but if these cabinets are painted- I'd say Go For It!

Rule #1- Using Color expresses your personality...starting right at the front door

As a designer, one of the first things I'll direct my attention to is the front door. Is it a standard issue model or does it pop? Does it connect the exterior to the interior and tell something about your personality in the process? For little investment, swapping out the front door can make a big impact in overall curb appeal. For next to nothing,you can change the color for one that reflects YOU and YOUR style. What if you don't know your style? Start by finding one thing that appeals to you- it might be the  on a party invitation- is it the color combo? The font? You may find it on a book cover,a magazine ad, a roll of wrapping paper...I once designed an entire home's color scheme around a multicolor fringe around a pillow. So, start looking...when you find it- pull out the color that most reflects you, and try it out.