Small Spaces... Big Impressions.
Ever get the feeling that you can never have enough space? Of course.... we all do. The catch is to get rid of the clutter. However, if you can not possibly break yourself apart from your precious yard sale finds try taking a different approach.
Use paint as your design tool.
Ever hear that dark colors make a space feel smaller? In all actuality they make spaces feel bigger, making the walls appear to recede and giving the room more space.
Hesitant about using color?
Start by creating visual space by painting one or two walls a different color. Don't shy away from color, be bold... be daring. Color is a simple and inexpensive way to make a lasting impression.
design questions? Post in the comments to get an answer.
Dear Landon,
Since I left for college, my mom re-did my room and painted it a light pink color assuming that I would never be back there. Well I am back there now, and living in a pink room is less than desirable. I don't think I can paint it again, so what should I do to make the room more manly?
- Un-pretty in Pink
Dear Un-pretty in Pink,
Lots of famous guys are in the pink when it comes to fashion. So consider yourself ahead of the game. Pink looks good with every skintone. Why shun away from pink? Embrace it and even put it into your wardrobe. Become a trend setter and tell everyone I'm confident enough to wear pink. The ladies will love it.
BUT if pink is just not your bag at any expense... what can I say? If you can't paint over it the only suggestion left is to try and tone down the color using 'man accents'. Take the focus off the walls and onto something else. For instance... say you go into a room and see a brand new 40 inch LCD flat screen TV. Are you really going to notice the walls are pink? Unleash the testosterone into the room and make it your man cave. Throw some black framed black and white pictures on the walls to at least cover up some of the wall space, place some chrome lighting elements throughout the room, add a bunch of gidgets and gasmos, and cross your fingers buddy. Also, loose the overhead lighting if there is any and stick with simple task and accent lighting that is focused away from the walls. The darker the walls appear the less likely you will notice them.
Just be glad that the walls are only light pink. It could be much much worse. It could be filled with butterflies, hearts, and teddy bears.
design question? Post in the comments to get an answer.
Dear Landon,
Help. I painted the walls of my dinning room (light turquoise blue), hung cool pictures, and redid an old china hutch to go in it....but there is nothing in the middle of the room...I don't even have a rug. I am stuck as to what to do with it. I want a chill relaxed area but everywhere I look I find stuffy old people dinning room tables. Do you have any suggestions on something relaxed and different? (the room is pretty big and has hardwood floors)
Thanks,
dinning room distress
Dear Dinning room distress,
It seems to me like you want to get a little bit funky, but still keep that dinning room elegance for special occasions. I think your choices so far are right on track... Get away from the boring and predictable, but to polish it off try thinking outside the traditional dinning room box and look into something more expressive. Take your dinning experience to a whole different level by creating a wave of cultural sensation. For instance, instead of a stuffy old dinning room table with chairs try looking to the west for inspiration. What if you had a dark sushi table and large pillows for seating? This would be a perfect way to enhance your dinning experience and to show off the hardwood floors. Throw down a small straw matt under the table...add an asian inspired screen, some bamboo and orchids for flare, a small rock garden for a centerpiece, and Vuala! a space that is elegant but inspiring. Oh and don't forget candles as accent lighting. It's the quickest and most inexpensive way to set the mood.
design question? Post in the comments to get an answer.
Hi landon ;)I have a question to submit. I have a Sofa and i'm choosing between lime green and hot Pink for the slip cover. Can you tell me what color would complement both my zebra rug and my green eyes. - Brad
Dear Brad,
Just between you and me it's not so much about matching as it is coordinating. The juxtaposition* of two contrasting elements can often times make a room more aesthetically pleasing. Simply by adding different fabrics, textures, and colors you can create rooms which are stiking and effective. Try the color that best reflects your personality. Both colors are quite striking and very daring. Not only do they create a visual focus, but they will also serve as a great conversation piece.
* jux·ta·po·si·tion (n.) - the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side
design question? Post it in the comments to get an answer.
Yes that's right... starting today you can check in to your own personal interior designer for advice. Hopefully, on a weekly basis I will answer questions and give design tips for all who wish for me to help them make their dwellings that much more exciting. Let the good times roll!!