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Archive for the ‘Family Room Furniture & Design Ideas’ Category

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Board Silly – Accent Tables that will Amuse You

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

An accent table is often used to complement the décor by adding another focal point or additional layer of texture to the living room’s interior design. The distinguishing characteristic of accent tables is their beautiful and detailed design that gives any room a unique, decorative touch. Another defining characteristic of an accent table is that it typically combines functionality with style or esthetics. Accent tables can be utilized in a number of ways: as end tables in a living room; as a side table placed next to a recliner or armchair in a den; or as a conversation piece in a bedroom or guest room. Designed with a den, living room or game room in mind, some accent tables will even amuse you. An accent table that can be unfolded or opened from table to game board or one that has a game board for a tabletop lends a room a decidedly aristocratic and sophisticated air.

The Lexington Barclay Square Newbury Distressed Square Game Table is the perfect example of an accent table that elegantly combines style with function. When it’s not being used as a game table, you can convert into a dining table for four. It’s also the ideal place to put a vase or drink a cup of coffee on a weekend morning while doing the crossword.

To create a space that is both a functional workplace and personal retreat, the AA Importing Weathered Blue Chess Table adds those little touches that will individualize your den or home office. Because of the intricate, hand-painted detail of this table, it has the Old World appearance of an antique or heirloom writing desk. When not being used as a chess board or game board, just by placing an accent chair or desk chair  in front of this enchanting accent table you’ll have a place to pen a short note, update your electronic organizer or an extra place to park your laptop for a few hours.

Accent tables that also do double duty as a place to play chess or a quick game of checkers, lend the rooms they are in uniqueness and a timeless sense of elegance. Cozy up with two oversized armchairs and settle down to a serious (or not so serious) game of chess or backgammon. And when you’re done, your game table will be the ideal accent table to rest your wine glass while you continue to chat with your “opponent.”

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Artwork on a TV Wall?

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Design Question

Dear Heather B,

We have a large flat screen in our lounge with a long cabinet below. I would like to put up a painting of some sorts above or some artwork on either side. I have attached a recent photo (taken during the world cup) which was the only one I could find at such short notice.

My husband says it will be distracting and the wall colour, which is different to the rest of the wall colours is enough. But to me the wall just looks too bare and needs some life…

Let me know what you think… take me out of my misery :)

Design Answer

That’s a great accent wall colour. Well-chosen and thoughtfully placed artwork shouldn’t be distracting: the only time it is would be is when pictures are hung incorrectly; too many pictures are grouped together; or the picture frames selected are too “busy.” It’s such a great space; there are several things you could do with this wall to make it more appealing (hopefully to the both of you).

Option #1: Put two wall sconces, one on either side of the television. It will give you the option of using not having to use the overhead ceiling light all of the time. The mirrored accents of the AF Lighting Candice Olson Hollace 6 Inch Wall Bracket Light create visual interest without taking up a lot of space.

Option #2: Place a set of wall sculptures like the Infinity Instruments Wall Art Reflection Tree Decor Piece and the Infinity Instruments Wall Art Autumn Memories Decor Piece on either side of the plasma TV. It will provide a decorative element while creating a sense of movement in the room. This might sound like it will create the distraction your husband would like to avoid, but walls are “boring” when they are “stagnant.”

Option #3: Hang a larger sized picture on only one side of the television. Another variation is to hang a set of three or four small sized pictures above the TV.

Thanks for writing in. Stay tuned next Monday when we tackle another interior design question. And don’t forget to keep sending me those emails!

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Making Your Living Room Pop

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

While the living room is typically the place where you relax in front of the television, entertain family and friends, or just veg out in the recliner by the window on a rainy day, in today’s housing market many of the rooms in our homes designed to be dual or even multipurpose spaces. From an interior design point of view, the living room has always been a “multipurpose” space, in that it is intended to accommodate a variety of activities as opposed to say a dining room where eating is the predominant activity. Keeping this in mind, living room furniture like a sofa, accent chairs, a coffee table and other occasional tables should be versatile, functional and stylish but above all it should be comfortable and fit your lifestyle.

Pick a Style

To create a living room that is cohesive and esthetically pleasing, pick a style that reflects your lifestyle and personal tastes. Like stopping in to take a look at the trendy boutique in the mall before you start in on your “real” errands? Perhaps contemporary or modern is the design style for you. Do you find yourself admiring the Victorian furniture in a period film? Then traditional style will be a good choice for you. If you like the clean lines and sleek look of modern or contemporary furniture but also find some aspects of traditional appealing, transitional style is ideal, because it combines both contemporary and traditional design principles for a look that is sophisticated yet inviting. There are no hard and fast rules: maybe you’ve decided on a contemporary style décor but need to find a place in your living room for the antique curio cabinet you inherited from your great aunt. By combining different styles together that work for you, you create a look and feel that makes your home unique.

Arrange the Furniture

Once you have bought your new living room furniture or have decided what furniture pieces you will include in your living room interior design, you are ready to move the furniture into place. Decide what will be your principal focal point in the room: a fireplace, French doors, a library wall unit or an entertainment center are all ideal candidates for a main focal point in a living room. Then arrange the living room furniture accordingly, starting with the largest piece of furniture. Your lifestyle will also determine how you will arrange the furniture: if you’re a family that enjoys regular movie nights, then it will probably be important to you that the sofa is directly opposite the entertainment center and that the coffee table is wide enough to hold a couple of bowls of popcorn and a number of beverages in addition to all of the remotes.  You will also want to take into account traffic flow: this simply moves that you will have enough room to move around the room easily without bumping into things; ditto for being able to open and close the doors and drawers of case goods.

Accessorize!

 The whole point of accessorizing is to make the room personable and cozy. In a living room or family the proper lighting is important. You will need a nice balance of table lamps for task lighting and an overhead fixture for ambient (general) lighting. Choose artwork that features colors already in the room, as well as being bright and colorful. When accessorizing a living room, you want to make it homey and comfortable without being cramped or cluttered. Think functional with style like baskets for added storage on a shelf or underneath a coffee table or console table. Place decorative candlesticks and one or two detailed picture frames on a fireplace mantel. These little touches will personalize your living room and make it “livable.”

If you are in the process of furnishing a new living room or updating your living room furniture, send me a picture of how it turns. Still not sure what style you should choose? Write in; maybe I can help.

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Furniture Color Question

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Design Question

I am currently in the process of redoing the family room, since it’s just a mishmash of mismatched furniture with a large plasma TV on the end wall. Because it was previously painted not even two years ago, we’re not planning on doing it again. So the color of the walls are light blue. Same thing concerning the carpet; it’s still new enough that we won’t be replacing it. It’s a soft cream color. I want a contemporary look for the family room, something casual but still smart looking. With light blue walls and cream colored carpet, which would look better, white or dark brown furniture?

Design Answer

The short answer is either white or a darker brown like espresso or chocolate will work perfectly well in a room with light blue walls and a cream colored carpet.

The longer answer is that both choices have their pros and cons. Some people would shy away from choosing white furniture for a family room because it can be easily stained; especially white furniture that has white or lighter colored upholstered seating or accompanying accent cushions. However, white furniture can look smart, especially contemporary style living room furniture. It has the added advantage of being able to go with virtually any other color. White furniture can be a great backdrop for accent pillows of different colors. Or you can implement a standard contemporary color scheme by starting with white basics and accessorizing with black fabrics and other decorative items.

White in a room, whether it’s on the walls or it is the color you have chosen for your family room or living room furniture also has the advantage of opening up the space and making it seem roomier. This is a plus if the room you are redecorating is small to begin with.

On the other hand, choosing furniture with finishes that include chocolate, java or cappuccino will give your family room a much more sophisticated look and feel. Particularly in a room that has an area rug or carpet in a light shade, darker colored furniture will create a pleasing contrast, while adding warmth.

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Flower Power: making plants part of your décor

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Houseplants are an inexpensive way to improve your home and breathe (literally) new life into your décor. Plants such as ivies, spider plants, lilies, palms and ferns act as filter, removing impurities from the air, leaving the environment fresher. They also balance the humidity levels of the room they are in – air that is too dry can make you and your family susceptible to colds; air that is too moist can make the space feel “clammy” or uncomfortable. Just like an area rug or wall-to-wall carpet, plants can absorb sound, reducing noise pollution and the negative effects of echoing sounds from harder surfaces. Sound wise, houseplants can make a room more livable by diffusing harsher tones and pitches. The benefits of having plants around the house are numerous.

Adding plants to a living room, family room or dining area, not only gives your home a welcoming vibe it also introduces some “life” into your living spaces. Here are some suggestions for decorating with houseplants.

Hang Plants Up

Hanging plants from the ceiling will help make the ceiling appear higher. Especially if you place a hanging planter directly in front of a window, it can help create a sense of privacy.

Park Houseplants in a Corner

Put plants in a corner of the hallway or entryway to brighten up “dead space.” They also create a natural focal point in the hallway or foyer, definig the space and making the area more attractive.

Group plants together

Use an accent table or a novelty shelf unit like the Cooper Classics Cordova Stacking Shelves to display a group of plants. It will add texture and visual interest to the room, particularly if they flower at different times. When assembled in one area, it also creates the illusion of bringing the outdoors in. 

Make Plants do Double Duty

Not just another pretty plant, select ones that have a specific function. An aloe vera plant is great for cuts and burns. Or how about designating one windowsill in your dining room or kitchen as a “herb garden?”

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Posted in Family Room Furniture & Design Ideas, Home Decor Design Ideas, Home Decor and Design Ideas, Living Room Furniture & Design | 2 Comments »

Daybed Savvy

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Once the number one decorating choice for a girl’s bedroom or a guest room, daybeds have “grown-up.” With new styles, improved materials and a variety of non-gender specific designs, today the daybed has become a savvy way to make the most of a room’s floor and storage space, for everyone, not just children. There is another reason for the resurging popularity of the daybed. Whether it’s used as the primary sleeping area or as an additional bed for an overnight guest, daybeds are ideal for smaller living spaces like studio apartments, condominiums, attic rooms or even awkwardly shaped rooms.

Because daybeds have the look of a classic sofa, no matter whether the style is traditional or contemporary or somewhere in between, they tend to make the room warm and inviting, much as a sofa makes a living room comfortable and welcoming. Since furnishings such as a sofa, loveseat or daybed tend to a focal point in the room, select a style of daybed that will match or complement the room’s current décor.

The daybed is a viable solution when prepping your home for visitors. Essentially a twin bed, a standard daybed resembles a couch with a back and two arms. Many types of daybeds have features like under-bed storage drawers or a trundle unit, which makes them versatile and ultra-functional. A trundle unit, either the pull-out or pop-up kind, allows you to sleep one other person in addition to the main sleeping area. The pop-up trundle bed is collapsible, has casters and can be elevated to the same height as the mattress on the daybed. If the two are pushed together and made up as one bed, it provides the same size sleeping area as a standard king size mattress.

Daybeds make great additions to your home because they add versatility and functionality to a second bedroom, a den, a dual purpose room or family room. Because they are designed for a twin size mattress and don’t need a box spring, daybeds can be an economical way to furnish several room at once. During the day, daybeds can be used as a sofa.  Depending on the type daybed bedding chosen, a daybed can look quite decorative or chic and tailored. Wood daybeds, especially ones that have a more traditional design, can give a room a touch of charm or sophistication.

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Designing an Eco-Friendly Living Room

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Sustainable living, eco-friendly furniture and ways to leave a smaller footprint are all popular trends that impact how we design and live in the rooms of our homes. Especially if you are starting from scratch, decide to buy your living room furniture from a sustainable furniture manufacturer or a one that uses renewable or recycled materials. It could be as simple as choosing to repaint the room with a non-toxic, water-soluble paint; repurposing under-utilized furniture from another room; or accessorizing with found objects and natural materials like cotton curtains, pillows and slipcovers. If you’re decorating a living room or just want to give it a little spring pick-me-up, there are ways to get the chic and stylish look you want while going greener.

 

Tips for Buying Eco-Friendly Furniture

When buying new living room furniture, avoid furnishings made with plastics, synthetic foam and laminates that have chemical resins and binders. Manufacturers like Legare are offering consumers more green living room furniture choices.

Check to see that the frame of the furniture piece you are buying is made of timber – wood from a tree that has been prepared for production. Frames made from other natural materials such as bamboo or natural latex are also acceptable.

Purchase sofas, armchairs, loveseats and recliners with frames that have been constructed using more traditional woodworking methods rather than with adhesives and metal parts. Coffee tables and end tables with drawers should also not depend on glue but have dovetail joints instead.

Choose furniture with natural stains and non-toxic paints and finishes.

For living room chairs and sofas, choose ones with organic and natural textile coverings and upholstery.

Renewable resources refer to materials taken from nature that can be replaced. Both the frame and the fabric of the Home Styles Cabana Banana L-Shape Sectional Sofa in Cocoa are made from sustainable materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go natural fiber for other décor elements in your living room such as window treatments and area rugs. Crafted from wool and natural vegetable dyes, the Abbyson Silhouette Himalayan Area Rug Pattern 5030 is very eco-friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Eco-Friendly Living

If at all possible, purchase your living room furniture from local manufacturers as much as possible. This will reduce the amount of fuel used and the emissions created when transporting it from the factory to you, the consumer.

Use wicker, rattan or bamboo wherever possible. Wicker baskets are an ideal way to add organization and functionality to an entertainment center or a bookcase. Select a lamp or coffee table made from bamboo.

Arrange your living room furniture in such a way as to maximize the natural light in the room. Replace all the light bulbs in your table lamps and ceiling lighting fixtures with energy saving bulbs.

Don’t use harsh chemicals when maintaining your leather sofa or cleaning your other living furniture.

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Yellow Color Choice for Contemporary Room

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Design Question

I have a very large great room facing north with lots of windows. I want to paint my room a warm yellow using Benjamin Moore paints. I have sampled many and I was just wondering if you have a particular yellow you often recommend. I don’t want it to be too flashy – I have used ecru the past made by c2 but it doesn’t seem to have enough warmth…..any recommendations? I looked at “man on the moon” by Ben Moore and it’s a bit light…..I have white trim, contemporary style furniture……”morning sunshine” by Ben Moore is too florescent…..any ideas?

Design Answer

No one has asked me for recommendation me for yellow color recommendations before – blue, green, neutrals and earth tones, but never yellow. Man on the moon looks too beige to me – I would want something more yellow.

You mentioned “morning sunshine” as being too neon.  I actually liked this one, but it does tend to be cooler than what you’re after. I was wondering if you meant “good morning sunshine” because then I would have to agree – I did find this one too bright.

However, in some of my previous blogs, I have chosen shades of yellow that I am   personally fond of. “Winter sunshine” has the warm tones you are looking for, possessing a little more depth than “man on the moon.” “Light yellow” is warm and lighter, yet still is soft. I like the earth tone appearance of “You are my sunshine.” For something with more traditional primary tones but is soft and brighter, another color I’ve used is “yellow lilies.”

Thanks for writing in. I hope this has been useful. Please let me know which one you picked.

Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., include pictures if you can.

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From the Design Files of Heather B. – Paint Color for a Living Room, Dining Room & Family Room

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Design Question

Room 1

Could you please help me in selecting some paint colors that will go with the current decoration of this living room, dining room and family room? I like greens, mustards, blues, browns and reds. However, I do not like too dark colors on the walls.

Room 2

We are not planning to change the dining set or living room furniture or curtains anytime time soon. Dining and living room have high ceilings. Family room does not. Dining room and living room are together. Attached are some pictures.

Design Answer

Since there are no plans to replace the furniture or curtains, I would select colors that match or complement the living room furniture. Paint colors are from Sherwin-Williams.

Option #1

Option 1

Choose two colors, one light (Lemon Drop or Sagey) for the majority of the space. Then select an accent wall, like the one with the windows, and apply the darker color (Escape Gray or Clary Sage) to it.

Option #2

Option 2

Choose one color for the walls of all three rooms. Again, selecting shades that match the sofa in the living room.

Option #3

Option 3

Paint the living room and dining room (Mauve Finery or Inspired Lilac) a different color than the family room (Golden Fleece or Edgy Gold).

Thanks for writing in. Stay tuned next Monday when we tackle another interior design question. And don’t forget to keep sending me those emails!

To view other entries in the “Design Files Of Heather B.” series, click here.

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Glamorous Hollywood style

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Nelly Upholstered Platform

Hollywood, in its heyday, from around the early 1930s to the mid-1950s, was renowned for its glamour and glitz. Men and women dressed to the nines in evening wear and beautiful, flowing gowns. Hollywood style interiors were dramatic, larger-than-life and daring. Yet Hollywood glam was also theatrically romantic. Above all it is daring and definitely makes a statement. Hollywood glam décor is characterized by rich velvets, mirrored tabletops and drawer fronts, impressive chandeliers and glitter. Old Hollywood style shone the spotlight on the person in the room. The result was lavish and sensual; the focus was on indulgence and luxury. 

Hollywood Glam for the Bedroom 

Hollywood glam décor is perfect for the bedroom where sensual, luxurious and romantic will never be out of place. Start with the color white. Add a button-tufted headboard. Choose something from the Hollywood Palm Collection by Murray Feiss to shed some light in your room. With its elaborate openwork detailing, these lighting fixtures and table lamps perfectly capture the essence of Hollywood style glamour. The bed bench is a must-have accent piece; the curved metal cabriole legs emphasizing its romantic nature.

 Hollywood Glam for the Bathroom 

Sink Vanity

Wake up your bathroom with some Hollywood glamour reminiscent of Rita Hayworth, Carole Lombard and Ingrid Bergman. Nothing says “glamorous” like mirrored surfaces, marble counter tops and polished nickel drawer pulls. This particular bathroom vanity has decorative molding and a beautiful serpentine front that gives it an undulating appearance as well as a luxuriant romantic feel.

Sink Vanity

 Hollywood Glam for the Living Room

 Furniture Chaise Lounge

Scottsdale Cocktail Table

Select furniture that is oversized and theatrical. The backs and arms of sofas, couches, occasional chairs and armchairs should be curved, with flowing lines and dramatic profiles. Decorative detail, while elaborate, should not be too busy, but instead restrained in luxuriantly stylized manner. This style is all about the details. Add brocaded throw pillows to the sofa or club chair. Make sure to include table lamps in highly polished silver or richly gilded bronze. 

No matter what room in your home you choose to give a Hollywood glam look to begin with a color scheme that will create a sense of glamour such as luxuriant creams, chocolate shades, whites and jeweled hues including jade, ruby and turquoise. Furniture pieces should be beautiful to look at, with plenty of curves and embellishments. The room should be textured with gold leaf, lacquered surfaces or lacquered hardware, diamond or cut glass accents and plenty of fur, either in the guise of upholstered sofas or chairs or as accent pillows and cushions. Don’t forget to accessorize with mirrors, bigger and more opulent the frame, the better.

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