Robin's Redesign: After

Remember Robin's redesign from Friday?  Here's her finished room layout and room inspiration board:





1. Modern Jane Sofa from 2modern.  This beautiful, clean lined sofa will help set the stage for the room.  Upholster it with Coburg Dune, a nice neutral colored fabric.

2. Pom Pom Rug.  This piece will help to bring some color into the space and liven things up!  The 5' x 8' size will be perfect for this space.

3. Hammery Modern End table and Round Side Table.  I purposely choose different side tables to have a slightly eclectic, but coordinated look.

4. Polly chair from Target.

5. Billy Bookcases with glass doors from IKEA.

6. Circle Coffee table from artist Michael Arras on Etsy.

7. Accent pillows in Turquoise Poppy and Henley Limeade Pillows.

8. Finish off the windows with 8' long stone colored velvet drapes and some sheers to let in the light while maintaining privacy.

9. Behind the sofa is a perfect place for a series of original watercolors.  Try Log No. 8, Feathery Plumes, and Nest No. 8.

10.  Add a little extra light to the end tables.  These Uplight table lamps from West Elm are the perfect fit.

What do you think?  This is probably my favorite redesign to date, and the best part:  Robin loves it!

Robin's Redesign: Before

Robin contacted us and needed help with a redesign.  She and her husband recently moved from a 1920’s classic home to a brand new home.  Building a new home takes a lot of time and energy so they need some help getting inspired on their interior design for their new home.  They'd like a mid-century/swanky feel to the home.  They've got a fairly open floor plan with the dining room, living room, and kitchen all open to each other.  It will be important to make sure everything coordinates, yet still provide distinct spaces.







We've sent them our questionnaire and here are their answers so that we can better understand their style and design intent for the space.

1. What space are we redesigning for you and what are the dimensions of that space (including the ceiling height)?  If you could sketch a simple floor plan with wall lengths and locations of windows and doors it would be helpful.

I would like for you to help me with my great room.  The ceilings are 9 feet tall.

2.What are your favorite design store/home decor stores?  They can be brick and mortar stores or online stores.  This will tell us a little bit about your style.

I enjoy cruising Room and Board, CB, CB2, West Elm, 2modern, Overstock, and Target for ideas. I am 40 minutes away from Detroit so I can find Ikea to Design within Reach stores.

3. What 3 words would you use to describe yourself and the feeling of the space you'd like?

I am conservative, understated, and safe.  I would like for the room to be simple, clean, but with splashes of color and fun here and there to help me escape my “safe” tendencies.

3. What is the most important thing you'd like to accomplish in your redesign?  Update the colors, new furniture arrangement, etc.

I really want to see how you would layout the furniture.  The fireplace is shared by the living room and the dinning room and creates a different kind of layout.  I’m thinking there could possibly be a little reading nook or conversation area there?

4. What are two of your favorite and least favorite colors?  What other colors are used throughout your home?

I like blue and gray lately.  I do not like orange or yellow.  I am really open to any color scheme.  I am boring…so anything you suggest will be a breath of fresh air! I am open to solids and prints.  I am not creative at all so I will love any of your ideas.  I am too lazy to repaint the walls.  The great room is painted SW6247  Krypton.  The hallways and kitchen are painted Mindful Gray SW7016.  The study off the great room is painted SW7081 Sensuous Gray and the guest bath is painted SW6278 Cloak Gray.  Writing this makes it sound like a prison…I guess we were feeling gray when we picked the colors….

5. Who will be using/living in this space?

My husband, 2 cats, and myself.  We want to use this space to entertain.  We have a small tv room elsewhere and want this room to be available for company.

6. What type of lighting do you have in the space?  We'll need to know if you use fluorescent bulbs or incandescent bulbs as colors look different under each of these types.  We should be able to see from the photos you send us the type and location of all fixed lighting in the space.

We have 4 can lights in the raised ceiling in the living room and 3 on the outer edge of the living room.  I think you can see them in the picture.  In the center of the room it is hard wired for a light fixture also.

7. Is there anything else you'd like us to include or consider in designing your space?  Include here if there are any pieces you'd really like to keep, or anything you'd really love to see!

We want to purchase all new furniture.  Nothing in the room will stay.  I need curtains, couch, chairs, tables, artwork…etc.  I really like the couches you used in your December 2009 Monday Redesigns.  I like the style of the Gus Modern Jane Sofa you used.  I also enjoyed the look of your Redesign that you posted on 12-21-09.

Be sure to check back Monday for her completed redesign!

Before Redesign: Danielle's Living Room

This Monday we'll do something a little different.  Danielle sent us pictures of her Living Room.  It is nicely decorated but she's having a little space planning trouble:

We are struggling with how to place our furniture. We have a chair and a half and we don't like the fact that it sits in front of the fireplace. The only piece of furniture that could possibly leave the room is the black computer armoire. We're trying to make sure we don't have furniture in the entry way and allow flow to the dining room that is on the other side of the fireplace.

So, on Monday we'll layout her space for her, and I'll walk you through the process so that you can learn some too!



Don't forget to send us your Outdoor Redesigns to be entered into the Design Challenge.  It ends today!!

Katie's Living Room Redesign

Katie has a difficult space to design.  There's a lot going on and her house was built in the 50's when they loved using lots of wood wainscoting and sometimes wood paneling for the entire wall.  Remember her before pictures?  Here's her redesign:

1-2. Let's paint!  Paint the Wainscoting Sherwin Williams color  6090 Java (1), and paint the ceiling Sherwin Williams color 2813 Downing Straw (2).  Leave the ceiling beams exposed but paint between them.  This will help accentuate the beams and help to tie in our other wood pieces throughout the space.

3. Linen Wallcovering.  This will provide a nice textured finish above the wainscoting in the room.  It will keep things nice and neutral while providing a more earthy feel to the room.

4. Keep things clean but understated with the Sheffield Sofa from Chiasso.  This is a great priced sofa for the design!  It's very unassuming, and although large, doesn't seem to take up space because of the small scale of the legs and arms.

5.  Accent the sofa with some great earthy pillow covers from IKEA in green and blue.

6. Stumped Block Stool End Tables topped with a glass top for a larger table top space for accessories and a lamp.

7. Light things up with this great Walnut Cutout Lamp.  This is a great clean lined lamp and adds some warmth to the room with the beautiful walnut base!

8. The Audrey Coffee Table from Overstock.com is also a clean lined piece that help us go with the more earthy feeling of the room.  I LOVE the mixture of the dark and light woods.  This piece is gorgeous and a steal for only $220.

9. Custom Paneled Fireplace (idea from Rex Brown).  Build out the sides and top with wood paneling painted to match the wainscoting.  With your leftover linen wallcovering, add it to the insets between the molding above the fireplace.  By building out the paneling you will leave room behind to run the cable through the frame and add enough wood blocking to hang your TV above the fireplace making just one focal point for the entire space.  (This also let's your husband keep some of the brick that he liked, while keeping it understated  and making the mantle and above the fireplace more of a focal point.)

10-12. Top off with a few natural accessories like a vase from Salmon Pottery(10), a bud vase from Lurearts (11), and some walnut picture frames from Black Elm (12).


Thanks Katie for letting me redesign your space!  It was tons of fun and might be one of my new favorite redesigns!  Want us to redesign YOUR space?  Click here.

Allison's Redesigned Family Space

Remember Allison's Family Room?  Here's her fresh, child-friendly design for her living room!

Design Instructions:  Move the mirror that's above the fireplace to above the sofa.  This will help make the width feel larger than the 10'10" that it currently is.  Move the clock you've got on the floor, and hang it above the fireplace instead.  You've done a great job accessorizing the fireplace, the only thing I would add is to put the globe on the left side near the star.  This will help to balance the accessories a little better.

1. Poang Chair from Ikea.  This is one of the most comfortable chairs I've ever sat in and it doesn't take up as much space as a fully upholstered chair.  This chair is great for relaxing and reading!  Use the Sirkon Sand fabric for a more modern vibe.

2. Storage Ottoman from Ikea.  Use this to store games and toys for quick access when needed.  This also makes a great surface for playing games on.

3. Make some simple pillows with the Honeycomb Lime  and Ripple Stripe Green from Amy Butler's Ohio Sky Collection.  Place the pillows on the chairs and sofa to pull the space together and to add a little pattern.

4. Make a simple bench to place behind the storage center.  This can be used for storing outdoor gear below and as a seat for putting shoes on with.  Depending on how sturdy the back of your storage center is, consider placing some hooks there for a small place to hang jackets and keys.  (Or even a Welcome sign!)

5. Extra storage shelves.  These could be used for both games and books.  This will make everything in the room easily accessible and in the end will help the space be used more.

6. The mirror above the sofa will seem a little small in scale so buy (or reuse) canvases and paint it one or two coordinating colors.  These should be about 10" square.  Try using a nice apple green for a splash of color there.  Many times you can find old canvas paintings at thrift stores for cheaper than buying a new one.  Just paint primer on top of the existing painting and use it as a new, blank canvas!

7. Use your old entertainment center for game storage also.  Remove the doors from the bottom.  To cover the storage underneath after removing the doors, make a simple fabric panel to the dimensions of the opening and secure it to the top of the opening with velcro.  This will add a little accent to the piece AND cover the clutter that sometimes happens in storage spaces!

Thanks Allison from Petit Elefant for giving us a peek inside your home and we can't wait to see the finished design!



P.S. Don't forget to enter our current giveaway for a Greener pup bed.  The giveaway ends tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9th.

Room Redesign-Melanie's Master Bedroom

Do you remember Melanie's design dilemma?  She's got a small master bedroom in an apartment.  There's no overhead lighting, the bathroom is directly off of the bedroom with no doorway and we can't add color by painting the walls!  Sounds challenging, right?  Here's your design board Melanie!

1. Storage Ottoman Nightstands in a fun lime green!  Lift off the top for extra storage, or move to different parts of your room for a small seat.  By hanging the lamp above the nightstand instead of putting it on the nightstand we'll keep it free to move around.

2. Hanging Lamps from Ikea.  Use these shades with this cord.  They don't need to be wired into your house.  Just plug and hang!  Try using a larger one in the center of the room for even more general light!

3. Hang a few yards of a large scale fabric from the ceiling behind your bed.  This is a great way to add color to your room with out doing anything permanent since you're in an apartment.  This fabric is from Marimekko.

4. Go for all white bedding from Target.  Usually I don't do all white but in this case it will make the room seem bigger by allowing the bedding to be more light and airy while letting your accent colors show through even more!

5. Accent Pillows in tangerine and lime from Target.  Add some color to your all white bedding with these great silk screened pillows!

6. Replace the fabric curtains with a darker bamboo shade.  We've got a lot of fabric in the room already and the dark shades will be a nice contrast to help the other dark wood in the room be emphasized.

7. Use these sheer panels and hanging system from Ikea to cover up your bathroom entrance.  By using white sheer material we keep the bed and the fabric behind the bed as the focal point of the room.  The white will blend in with the walls and the sheer will let some of the light from the bathroom vanity into the bedroom for the additional light you need.

Thanks Melanie for letting me help you out!

Don't forget to enter our current design challenge!

Before Redesign-Melanie's Master Bedroom

Melanie has a Master Bedroom that we'll be redesigning and featuring on Monday.

Here's what she's shared with us about her goals for the space and her style:

What are your favorite home decor/design stores?

• As recent college graduates, we frequent Target, IKEA, and Pier 1 Imports.  We love budget-friendly stores of any kind.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

• Busy, Creative, Cheerful.

What 3 words would you use to describe the feeling you'd like in the space?

• Clean, Modern, Bright.

What is the most important thing you'd like in the space?

• Versatility!  In a small space, it is really important for everything to have multiple functions, even if one of its functions is just to make the space look dang good!

What are your two favorite colors?

• Kiwi green, or those cheery, modern green we see all the time nowadays, and bright, punchy colors like orange and hot pink.  I'm not sure the husband agrees with me on the hot pink, but he didn't win this giveaway!

What are two of your least favorite colors?

• (I had a purple room throughout High School... I'm purpled out.)  and Navy Blue.  Ahoy.

What are the overall dimensions of your space?

• 10x12, with an obnoxious uncovered entry to our bathroom.

Is there anything else you'd like us to consider?

• If possible, a place to sit with a newborn.  Also, our apartment has NO overhead lighting (what were they THINKING???) so our room is really dim and my husband can't stand it.  We are in a rental, so painting isn't possible but I am not opposed to other ways to put color on walls.

So, do you guys have any suggestions for Melanie?  Check back Monday to see what the designer thinks!

Don't forget to submit your own space!  We'd love to help!

Already done a project of your own?  See if it qualifies to enter our design challenge!

Monday Redesign-Marie's Entry Room

We're doing something a little different today!  We are BOTH doing the Monday redesign for Marie's Entry Room!  Here are her before pictures.  What's a little fun competition between friends?

Erin's Design-I tried to stick within Marie's budget and use what she already had as much as possible.  It was pretty easy since she's got a great neutral sofa and loveseat already, and even the pillows can stay!  Don't worry about the green carpet either, because the accessories in the space will help to tie in the carpet and make it look like you planned it there all along!  She is great at projects so I've given her some ideas for inexpensive projects she can do herself to stay within the budget!

Moving things around just a little.  I'd like to see the mirror moved above the piano and a large clock put above the console.  Currently, the mirrors' scale is a little bit small for the wall, but by placing it about 12"-18" above the piano, it will help it to seem bigger because it is grouped in with the larger piano.

Erin's Concept Board:

1. This simple, elegant console table is actually from Amazon.com!  And with a price tag of only $90 you can't beat it!  The half moon is a great fit for the space on the wall between the entry door and the closet door.  This is the main pathway through the space and a rounded table will seem to take up less space in addition to providing softer edges when walking by.  We wouldn't want anyone running into sharp corners on the way out the door!  (Mini design lesson:  These half moon shaped tables can also be called demilune tables!)

2. Paint colors from Sherwin Williams will warm up the space while still keeping it neutral for the accents to shine through!  The neutral colors I'd like to use are SW6121 Whole Wheat as the main color and the slightly darker accent color on the partial wall behind the sofa is SW6123 Baguette.  Both of these are some of my favorites because their undertones have a warm inviting feel to them instead of a yellow, green, or pink undertone.

3. If you know how to use a sewing machine just a little, Roman Shades are some of the easiest window treatments to make, and they'd fit perfectly in Marie's Bay windows.  All the fabric and hardware needed for this project can be bought for under $100!  I'd make something similar to these from Pottery Barn.  Use a light green fabric for the accent color instead to tie in the carpet color.

4. Round End Table from Target.  This will fit perfectly by your sofa and provide space for a family picture or two and a accent lamp.

5. Jonsbo Orod Lamp from Ikea.  Paint the inside of the glass an accent color of red or green to bring a little color to the area.

6.Homemade Clock for above the console table.  I love this one but it's super easy to make yourself, and you can customize it with images of your family and colors that coordinate with your space.

7. Canvas art above the sofa.  Use this art for a main focal point.  You could buy a piece, but since the feel of your space is a little more modern, buy a blank large canvas and pencil a simple pattern onto it.  Something with a bunch of horizontal lines in different widths.  Then just paint them in different shades of red, green, and brown that compliment the space.  Using horizontal lines will make the wall seem more spacious.

8. For accessorizing above the piano and the new console, find a mixture of light neutral colored vases and containers.  Glass would also work.  It will keep the design clean and let the artwork, pillows you've already got, and new clock shine through as your focal points.

Though it doesn't fit in the budget now, I'd recommend later on down the road getting a large rug for the living room.  It will help to pull all the pieces together and not make it feel so much like everything is shoved against all the wall space.  The ideal size would be a 8' x 10' rug.  The rug will work now over the carpet and will also be a nice change when you put in your wood floors!

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Deb's Design-I know Marie was a little worried about her sage green carpet, and is possibly thinking about replacing it with wood floors someday.  I tried to keep this in mind as I was planning the space so everything could stay around when the time comes to replace the floors.  {Disclaimer: I did go over Marie's budget; however, I have some plans for Marie to use her money wisely.}  I like to plan the space how it should be designed and I knew with Marie being crafty and resourceful, she could find similar items that I recommend.

With the piano, a loveseat and a large sofa, there are too many focal points in the room.  I had to elimate the loveseat to open things up a little bit.  By having a loveseat under the bay window, it makes the room feel smaller so I'm sorry, but it needs to go!  Sell it on craigslist and use the money towards your redesign.  I suggest getting two chairs and an end table to nestled in the bay window.  This still allows for plenty of seating (you can always use the piano bench too if more seating is needed) and it also opens up the room more.  I also placed a console table in the entry way with a large clock centered above.  I am suggesting that the existing mirror be put up on craigslist too.  With the large wall space and vaulted ceilings, the mirror is too small for the space.   Trust me on this one... just see where I go with it.

Deb's Concept Board:

1.  The color palette I chose for this room has a warm feel to it.  I thought it was important with the sage green carpet to accent it with some golden colors and white.  The white will make it feel modern and clean.  I suggest painting the walls in Sherwin Williams Green Earth  SW7748.  It is a grey green and will help incorporate the green of the carpet into the room, but lighten the room at the same time.

2.  Marie also would like drapes on the windows.  I think these drapes from Pottery Barn fit perfectly with our color palette.  Marie is also crafty enough that she could find similar fabric and create similar drapes on her own.

3.  I would place this lamp from CB2 in the corner, between the piano and the chair.  I love its clean and modern look and it's a great deal too!

4.  Target has some wonderful chairs for $299.  A great selection too.  A pair of these would be perfect in front of the bay window.  They add just a little bit of color and fun to the room too.

5.  I recommend placing a side table between the two chairs.  You can't beat  this side table in white from Ikea.  A tall plant like this would be perfect on top of this table.

6.  A large clock like this would be perfect centered above the console table.  It adds some dimension and scales down the vaulted ceiling a little bit.

7.  I love this console table fromPottery Barn {and it's on special too!}.  I love the simplicity of it and its shelves.  If you are wanting something a little less expensive, here is a great alternative from Target.

8.  Above the piano, I would place family pictures in these matted frames from Target.  I would space them about 6-8" apart, side by side.

9.  Ikea is great when you are looking for inexpensive art.  Here is a great large print that can be framed and centered over the sofa.

I would also add a plant in the corner between the piano and the sofa.  Having greenery is one of the easiest ways to freshen a room and give it a different element (height & texture).  A rug and some accent pillows should also be added down the road, but I knew I was pressing my luck with the budget already.  I had fun doing your redesign, Marie and I hope you enjoy it.

Marie also wanted a deadline to finish her redesign of the space.  So Marie, send us pictures by July 1st.  We can't wait to see what you've done!

Here's the fun part!  You get to vote on your favorite.  If you like Erin's, put Erin in the comments.  If you like Deb's put Deb in the comments.  At the end of the week we'll pick a lucky reader from those who voted.  The winner will be one of our next redesign participants!  Our slots are filling up fast so this is a great opportunity to make sure that you get a chance for us to redesign YOUR space at no cost!

and

P.S.  Just a couple reminders...

Want a chance to win a toddler bed?  Enter our design challenge here.

Does your deck need a little TLC?  Enter our giveaway here.

Comments and voting are now closed.  Thanks for your votes!

Before Redesign-Surabhi's Bedroom

Monday I'll be redesigning Surabhi's Bedroom!  She is in a rental property so we can't do anything too permanent.  Sounds challenging, right?  Here is her bedroom currently:

Here are the questions she answered for me to better understand her style and what she's looking for in the space.

What are your favorite design store/home décor stores?  They can be brick and mortar stores or online stores.

• Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, Ikea

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

• Casual, Out of the Ordinary, Trendy

What is the most important thing you’d like done with the space?

• To give it a warm and cozy look and feel.  A place where I would feel completely relaxed after an extremely hectic day.

What are two of your favorite colors?

• Green (the background color of your website), Orange (Although I don't want the room to be too colorful- hints of bright colors will be nice along with existing tans and browns)

What are two of your least favorite colors?

• Blue and Red

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

• I don't really like floral prints.  Not a huge fan of wicker.  Casual and contemporary will be my preference.  I believe I mentioned earlier that since it's a rental property, I wouldn't want to change the wall color.  I would like a headboard and some seating or bench to sit or keep my clothes on (although I wouldn't want to clutter the space too much so if you think it will be too much, we can skip it.)

What are the dimensions of the room?

• Approximately 11' x 11'

Be sure to check back Monday for her completed design!  Do YOU have any suggestions for her?  Be sure to leave them in the comments below!

Don't forget you can submit your own space to be featured here.

Room Redesign-Christy's Ledge

This Monday's room redesign is a space that Christy has had a little trouble with.   Sometimes these ledges can be tricky!  But don't worry Christy!  Help is on the way!

For each redesign we ask the family a few questions that give us a little more insight into their style and how they'd like to use the space.  Here are Christy's answers:

What is the most important thing you’d like done with the space?

I want it to be pretty and make me happy when I look over there.  We spend a lot of time in this room and I always wish that it looked a little more "put together".

What are your favorite design store/home décor stores?  They can be brick and mortar stores or online stores.

Maybe if I had some favorite stores, I wouldn't be so totally design clueless!  Here are a few places that I love to look at for craft ideas and inspiration.  I'm sorry I'm not more "hip".

IKEA

Pottery Barn

Anthropologie (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their bedding)

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Crafty, fun, and friendly

What are two of your favorite colors?

green (celery/lime/avocado---not so much kelly green) and blue

What are two of your least favorite colors?

That depends.  I don't like yellow in general but for home decor, I don't mind it so much.  I hate peach.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I think my design style is pretty casual.  We have yet to invest in furniture (ours is all hand me downs) but I'm drawn to mission style furniture with handmade details (art, pillows, etc...). I want to keep "family" and my tree. The pics on the wall need to go.  I'm going to move those upstairs.  I have 4 new pics that I want to put up there with some new frames (suggestions on those, please!).  One 8X10 vertical, one 5 X 7 vertical and two 5 X 7s horizontal.

Dimensions of the Space?

The length of the ledge is 14'2" and the depth is 8 1/2".

Ready for the wall design?

The first thing I'd like to do is add a little more scale.  Everything on the ledge and wall are small in scale so let's add a little more variety to the objects and clean up that ledge.   Christy told me she had new pictures to put up.  The largest is an 8X10, but I'd still like something bigger so let's frame it in a larger frame with a large mat background in a neutral color with a linen texture.

This frame is from PictureFrames.com, somewhere that I regularly order picture frames for my clients. This will let the pictures show up better, but by using the same frame in different sizes the focus will be on the images, and not the difference in the frames.

Christy also gets to keep her tree.  I found this cute little ceramic dove from Etsy seller MudHutt. Isn't this just darling?  The dove would be perfect to hang on Christy's tree she's keeping and will help to bring in some more blue into the space!

I know Christy is super crafty so I think that she can handle a little DIY project!  The blue background shape painted onto the wall will pull the pictures together on the wall and frame out the entire arrangement of photos!  Possibly with one of these colors:

Sherwin Williams colors are from left to right:  6483 Buoyant Blue, 6478 Watery, and 7610 Turkish Tile.

Then she can keep her Family sign that is currently sitting on the ledge and mount that on the wall, above the largest picture.

I think that's it!  Stay tuned next Monday for the next Room Redesign!  Thanks Christy for letting me design your space!