*Note that “before” pictures are NOT my work. My changes are only on the “after” pic.
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Tips on design changes found in the comments below
If the tv has to be in the corner, mimic the look of symmetry by including similar furniture pieces angled similarly on both sides of a mantel.Client wanted a room similar to an influencer’s. I used the client’s headboard, side tables, and lamps and added items from the influencer’s inspo pic. I follow the shelving advice of this decoratorEvery room in a home besides the kitchen, dining room, and foyer need at least three sources of ambient light. This room had none. I added two to cozy up the space Maintain a gap of approximately 6 to 8 inches between the top of the console table and the bottom of the mirror. Art needs to be 2/3rds the size of a bed’s headboard When the tv has to be the focal point of a room, consider art as your screensaverThis client wanted to cut out a wall and add windows. I recommended pieces that went with her inspo pics An easy coffee table look is plant + books + paperweight + candle trio If you have to choose between window treatment and art, always choose window treatments. When in doubt, group items in twos or threes of varying heights Don’t be afraid to cover windows if they don’t serve you The secret to working with gray is to add all warm elements to the room besides two other items (art and vase in this case) If items on either side of the mirror are not identical, they need to be different sizesTo add juxtaposition, don’t buy matching chairs and tableThe best pendant lights for kitchen and islands are drum pendants or pendants that shine the light directly down. Avoid pendants where guests have to stare at a naked light bulb. This will lend for a cozier atmosphere Every bed needs at least two throw pillows, three are ideal Always configure your modular sectional so that it resembles a couch or a sectional A coat rack always looks less cluttered than visible linear hooks Making the fireplace black added much needed contrast to this neutral space. When you paint your walls, paint your trim the same color. Windows look undressed without window treatments. Unsightly light switches can be covered by an artificial tree
Don’t forget to add ambient lighting in your living room to add a cozy glow and so you can avoid using harsh overhead light.
Make sure your rug is close to your fireplace so that the fireplace feels like part of the conversational area and not separate from it .Shelving looks best when groups of 1,2, or 3 are separated.You want to mix different types of foliage in a space for juxtaposition and balance. A great way to organize throw pillows on a sectional is to have three low contrast pillows that are the same on each corner, two high contrast pillows on the ends that has a color from the rug, and add one more high contrast pillows in the center, again a color from the rug.I chose warm oak furniture to bring out the warm tones in the throw pillows and rug. If you feel like your space is just missing something, add one piece of print (pillows here) and one new color family (maroon and mauvy pink in pillows and art). Since the space under cabinets mostly horizontal, lay objects and art also horizontally. I chose a rug that played off both wall colors. I moved the shelves to the other side of the room so that the couch could have some symmetry and so that every corner of the room had ambient light. Make sure your tv is 2/3rds the size of your console for balance. I chose high contrast curtains, lights, and foliage to add drama to this dining area. Client didn’t want window treatments but wanted to find art for this space. I chose portraits to mimic the windows. If you have a table against a wall, the same rule applies to the art. You want it 2/3rds the size of the table. I chose a rug with similar green tones as the art. Even if you want a neutral palette, you can add print and one color to add a little more interest to your space. Using Ai, I changed the color of the wall from gray to white to provide a neutral backdrop for the warm colors I chose for the space. Moving the single seaters to the opposite side of the room makes the space feel more open. The space above the fireplace calls for a taller piece of art.Even if your windows have very little space for curtains, you can still make it work. When in doubt, move towards warm colors instead of cooler colors. Many times, when the eye enters a room, it is drawn to symmetry. Even if your tv is not centered on a wall, you can give the illusion of symmetry by spacing out furniture equally next to your console. Subtle differences can make a huge difference.Remember, if you don’t love your couch, you’re not going to love your room, no matter how you spin it. If your canvas feels like it’s missing something, don’t be afraid to add depth and contrast by adding very dark art or high contrast decor like throw pillows and foliage. Upon entering a room, typically you want the largest piece of sitting furniture to be front and center and not the smaller chairs if possible as this setup feels the most open and inviting. If you’re having a hard time decorating your fireplace, consider choosing three groupings, all with different heights.
