Interiors for the real world
Spring 2021
From the Editor Camryn MacDonald
Welcome to the premier issue of Attain. I’m so happy you’re here and interested in our perspective of interior design. Before I share about the theme of this issue, I would like to introduce who we are and why we were created. We believe that interior spaces should we well-crafted, genuine, meaningful, and inspirational. But all too often, that space comes with a hefty price tag. It doesn’t help either when several other interior design publications only feature expensive rooms and unrealistic styles. While I love admiring custom furniture and window treatments as much as the next gal, it’s not helpful to only witness pages filled with avant-garde designs and museum-like photographs. Here at Attain, we strive for the opposite of those other magazines. We aim to feature the spaces that are honest, practical, creative, real, and sometimes a little messy. We believe that interior design should be spaces that are designed to fit us and our lifestyles, not the other way around. Our goal to provide useful tips and practical advice for achieving the design dream without the expensive price that usually comes with it. We seek to provide a glimpse into spaces that real people can actually attain. See what I did there.
In this issue, we focus on how we can prepare our spaces for the new season. Spring has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The earth wakes from its winter slumber, laughter takes a place in conversations, sunsets are on full display, and stress begins to melt away. With this new season and this past year especially, I am reminded of what we have survived and conquered. We have survived times of uncertainty, heavy weather, civil unrest, unimaginable loss, and dark times. This time brings an opportunity, a fresh beginning, to break from the shadow of the cold season and start anew. While we don’t want to completely forget the past, we must recognize where we have come from and learn how to move forward. In this issue, we not only share how to give your spaces new life, but hope to inspire you to do the same and create something that gives you life. So dust off your cleaning supplies, grab your hammer and a bucket of paint, and let’s go create.
Credits ARTICLES
IMAGES
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Crate & Barrel The Container Store Pottery Barn Crate & Barrel Threshold with Target Pottery Barn Pexels Threshold with Target Unsplash Pinterest
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Contents Spring 2021
Organization
Home Updates: Spring Edition
13 Marie Kondo’s Container Store Collection
32 Update Your Home for Spring
14 Organization Tips
35 Create More Usable Closet Space
17 These Container Store Shelves are a Renter’s Dream
36 30-Day Spring Cleaning Checklist
Design DIY 20 Paint Colors for Every Room 22 Make Appliances True Statement Pieces 25 DIY a $300 Headboard 27 Don’t Demo Your Old Floors to Get New Ones 28 Paint Ideas for Big Design on a Budget
40 Best Places for Dining Room Furniture
Real Renovations 45 Builder Grade Renovation on a Budget
17 | Organization
32 | Home Updates: Spring Edition
28 | Design DIY 45 | Real Renovations
The Ultimate Solution to Cluttered Drawers
Shop the Marie Kondo Collection
Organization How to get your space, and life, together
Marie Kondo’s Container Store Collection is Here to Save Every Space in Your Home Lydia Geisel
Letting items go is a big part of Marie Kondo’s now-famous KonMari tidying method: If it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to say goodbye. But that doesn’t mean the pro organizer wants things to go to waste either. While designing products for her first collection for the Container Store, Kondo prioritized materials that are gentle to the environment, like eco-friendly bamboo, recycled fiberboard.
Overstocking is the biggest mistake Kondo sees people make in the kitchen. Luckily, these canisters aren’t supersize, so you only end up buying the groceries that you need. “It’s important to take inventory of all the perishables you have inside your house and manage all of those expiration dates,” she notes. “It will simplify and streamline the organization process.”
Sustainability is at the core of the 100-plus-product assortment, but so is longevity. The various bins, trays, boxes, and drawer dividers are meant to help you stay organized after you’ve put in the initial effort. Here’s a peek at some of the items we’re coveting this season, plus a few tricks from the pro herself that are worth trying.
BE DETAILED WITH YOUR DRAWERS
To truly maintain a tidy home, every single item, including awkwardly shaped things like bottle openers and whisks, needs to have a home address. Ultra-compartmentalized in-drawer trays help with that. “You know instantly where each item goes,” she says. “It becomes automatic.”
The same goes for personal accessories like hair ties and sunglasses—a little division goes a long way.
START IN THE CLOSET
We all know January is the biggest month for organizing—but where do you even start? In your head, says Kondo. “Visualizing your ideal lifestyle will actually help you through the tidying process,” she says. Once you’ve done that, go into the closet and sort your clothes first. (The open bamboo boxes in the collection feature soft liners that protect your things and hide them from view.) Then move on to books, papers, small miscellaneous items, and sentimental objects.
STREAMLINE THE FRIDGE
Not long after moving to the U.S., Kondo had an epiphany at the farmers’ market: By transferring produce into her own reusable containers on the spot, she could cut down on plastic and cardboard waste. “I thought a lot of the packaging was unnecessary,” she recalls. When she’s back at home, she’ll decant the food items into uniform ceramic jars.
SECTION OFF THINGS THAT DON’T STAND UP
While the KonMari method encourages you to store things vertically so that everything is visible, not all items can stand upright. For tricky office supplies like paper clips, USB drives, and memory cards, Kondo suggests using small hikidashi boxes to separate them.
Marie’s collection is the organization we definitely needed. We love how the collection not only brings order to those hard to organize spaces, but is created from sustainable materials too.
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Organization Tips You Never Thought to Try Jodi Gonzalez
How many times have you looked at the sheer volume of belongings and lack of order in your home and thought, “Today’s the day!” And then promptly turned on a new show to binge and tuned it out. Or started the job and then became too overwhelmed. Here comes Cas Aarssen, known as creator of the Clutterbug method for taming mountains of mess in spaces around the world. Aarssen once was like the masses: Drowning in clutter and no hope in sight. But she had a revelation that led to her Clutterbug system of organizing by personality, and she shares several tips on getting organized that probably had never even crossed your mind. They sound almost too simple to be true! But Aarssen says indeed they do work, so take a look at some of the easy things you can do now to make you—and your home—breathe a little easier. 1. CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO FIVE MINUTES
“The hardest part of decluttering and organizing is getting started,” Aarssen says. “You are overwhelmed and overthinking it. It’s all in your head.” Overcoming the mental block is a huge challenge for many people, and a big reason that the best laid plans to get your gear together never make it from thought to action. So how do you take that leap? “Grab a garbage bag and just do some trash bag therapy,” she says. “Look for things that are obviously trash that can go, and grab a box and hunt around your home for things that you’re not
using and loving. Set a timer and tell yourself, I only have to do five minutes. Usually what happens is you get started and you’re motivated, and you keep going, and it isn’t as bad or scary as you thought. Or even if you stop, your house is better than it was and you’ve done five minutes.” 2. GET RID OF LIDS ON BINS
One of the first things people tend to do when they decide to declutter and get organized is to go out and buy a bunch of plastic bins. There are pros and cons to this idea, depending on your cleaning personality. But if you insist that bins are going to save you from your stuff, follow Aarseen’s lead on something first. “Don’t have lids on bins,” she says. Lids make it more difficult to get at what you have tucked away in the first place. And though closing up the bins might not seem to be a big hindrance doing so plays into a theme for many of us. “Even taking a few extra seconds to take off the lid, you’ll set it aside, right?” Lids require enough extra effort and enough of a block between you and what you want to find that many times, we will just leave the bins alone and walk away. That means the things we had saved in the bins because we didn’t want to toss them out won’t get used at all and will continue to take up space. and won’t use them.
3. ORGANIZE FOR YOUR HABITS
5. GET KIDS INVOLVED
How many of us gravitate toward plopping things down in the kitchen as we pass through? Guilty! But don’t think that necessarily means you should change your habits and find a way to keep your counters clear. Aarssen’s passion is to teach people to clean and organize in a way that works for them and how they live, not how they think it is supposed to be done.
Children are messy. They just are. But Aarssen offers two ideas on how to keep kid clutter to a minimum that is genius in its simplicity and logic.
“I am a huge fan of a kitchen command center,” she says. “Kitchens are where people naturally pile their mail when they come in, school papers, things they have to save, you know, just paper. I love magazine racks that hang on the wall to capture paper. But put it where you naturally pile it. So often we’re like, well, we have an office upstairs or around the corner, it should go there. But we don’t worry about where things should go. We look at where we’re naturally piling things and then we create a system for that stuff where the natural home is.”
them. If something is hard to put away, we won’t.” And that, organizer wannabes, is the central truth. Try some of these thoughtful and surprising tips and see for yourself.
Ditch Dressers for Little Ones
“Dressers don’t work for small children. They can’t see what’s inside and they aren’t about to fold up their pajamas and put them away,” she says. “Ditch the dresser and go with a cube shelving unit with fabric bins. They hold more, kids can access it and it also give you spots for toys and books but takes up less floor space than a dresser.” Add Pictures
She also says putting big picture labels on the outside of the fabric bins helps children know exactly where they can find what they are looking for—and where to put it away.
6. INVEST IN GARAGE STORAGE 4. CREATE LABELS THAT FIT YOUR NEEDS
We’ve all seen the Instagram photos of perfectly lined-up baskets or jars, each with a label listing what’s inside. And Aarssen absolutely loves labeling things. It makes them easier to find. Just pay attention to how you label your belongings.
If there is one space that is over-the-top overwhelming, it’s the garage. Unless you are one of the rare birds who actually parks a vehicle in one, your garage is likely filled with a wide variety of things from car maintenance gear to Christmas lights. It can be tempting to overlook this area, but it can be saved, says Aarssen. You just have to commit to the cost.
“Size matters when it comes to labels,” she says. “I love a little label maker but if you can’t see the label from across the room, it’s pretty useless. Find a font you love and make them big enough to motivate you to put things away.”
“Garages are the one space where there has to be investment to make it work,” she says. “For visual organizers my favorite is a slat wall home organizer, which you can find at any big box store. It is stored vertically on the wall to take advantage of that space.’”
If you need a nudge to discover a label that speaks to you and suits your purposes, Aarssen has a variety of types on her site that you can download and print for yourself.
A slat unit allows you to use hooks to hang everything from lawn tools to bicycles, all without sacrificing floor space - important if you are planning to actually park your care in there. “If you have off-season storage or camping gear, it is important to have shelving,” Aarssen says. “If you have bins stacked up, you won’t unstack 15
How These Container Store Shelves Are a Renter’s Dream Lydia Geisel
When Liz Mundle, moved into her boyfriend’s 500-square-foot apartment, the pair was prepared to make some serious storage compromises. The one thing they weren’t willing to budge on? Their books, which had to be easily accessible at all times. The problems: uneven floors, bulky raditors, and windows blocking the perfect space for displaying books. The duo were not ready to spend dozens on custom built-in bookcases or drilling dozens of holes in the wall to hold up a bunch of separate brackets. The fix: The Container Store’s Elfa Easy Hang shelves. Mundle had used different variations of the shelving system in her past two apartments, so she knew they were rental-friendly and affordable. “When I did research on custom cabinetry, $3,000 was the bare minimum,” she says. Cue the perfect weekend project! Mundle walks through the installation.
THE SUPPLIES
- White Elfa Easy Hang Standards 102” x 6 - White Elfa Solid Shelf Brackets 10½” x 36 - White Elfa Solid Shelf Brackets 14 ½” x 6 - White Elfa Clip Bookends x 5 = $35 - White Elfa Easy Hang Top Tracks 56” x 2 - Toggle anchors - 12” x 1” boards, cut to fit - 3/8” drill bit
STEP 1: MAP IT OUT
In order to calculate how many brackets she would need, Mundle measured all of the different distances on the wall (ceiling to floor, top of windows to top of ceiling, bottom of windows to floor, and the space in between the windows), jotting each down on a rough sketch of the space. At this point, she also calculated how far apart she wanted the shelves to be from one another: 10 inches between the two top planks, 12 for the middle slabs, and 14 for the lowest shelves. “I wanted to create the illusion that the ceilings are taller than they actually are,” she says. Mission completed.
STEP 2: CUT THE SHELVES
To achieve a streamlined look, the couple decided to splurge on 1-inch-thick clean pine versus 1/2-inch knotty pine, which was almost half the cost. “My eyes popped out of my head when I saw the quote,” says Mundle, laughing. The investment, though, was worth it: They handed their measurements to the carpenter and took their freshly cut planks back that day.
STEP 3: DRILL THE HOLES
The biggest pro of the easy-hang shelves is that there’s minimal wall damage involved. To do this, you’ll need a 3/8-inch drill bit to ensure the openings will be large enough for the
toggle bolts, which anchor for the shelf screws and can support more than 200 pounds of weight. The trick is making sure all the holes are level with one another and spaced out about 6 inches apart. To do this the pair held up the shelves next to the wall, as flush and straight as possible, and marked the spots with a pencil. Next, they drilled the holes and screwed in the toggle bolts—very carefully.
STEP 4: INSTALLATION
Once the bolts were in, she installed the top track and screwed it in. The vertical attachments that support the brackets are even easier to attach. These pieces hook onto the track at the very end and slide across it. Finally, the brackets that support the wood shelves hook into the attachments.
STEP 5: STYLE AWAY
Rainbow bookshelves are cute but Mundle organized her books with function top of mind: Titles that get the least use now live at the very top, while prized cookbooks enjoy a spot front and center by the stairs. “I never have to pull up a chair or stool to get them,” she says. After sitting in boxes for months, her favorite reads can now breathe a little easier—and thanks to the shelves, so can the couple.
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Design DIY Make your space uniquely you, on your budget
The Best Paint Colors for Every Room, According to Science Deirdre Sullivan
Colors can convey a sense of style and set the tone for different moods in our homes. The right shades of paint can enhance your quality of life at home. To help you select the perfect hue we share the psychology behind favorite paint colors.
FOR BUSY SPACES: LIGHT PINK
There is plenty of proof that the color pink is soothing and serene. For instance, over the last 40 years, pink detention centers having been keeping inmates calm. We think the hue is perfect for any busy space where you need to be reminded to breathe and relax. Consider creating a fun feeling by mixing pink with pastel shades of mint or pale yellow.
FOR GENDER-NEUTRAL NURSERIES: BRIGHT GREEN
For a feeling of nature and balance, green works brilliantly. Because it has a calming effect, we think any green hue from zesty to earthy can work in most spaces in your home. We are especially fond of the idea of using a spring-like shade of green to create a gender-neutral nursery.
Not a morning person? Having your breakfast in a yellow kitchen can increase your enthusiasm and motivation.
FOR BEDROOMS: DEEP BLUE
While a few recent studies cited by Frontiers in Psychology have revealed that blue light increases alertness, blue walls provide a sense of serenity and protective feelings, which makes it ideal for a master bedroom, according to New York City architect John Mochelle. Look to mix bold shades of blue with lighter tones to balance the look, such as midnight blue with sky blue.
with sadness or frustration, lilac has an air of mystery, awakening creativity. It is an excellent color for sparking imagination in a hobby or craft room. Consider pairing it with a neutral shade such as gray or with pretty berry tones.
FOR DINING ROOMS: WARM WHITE
There are seemingly a never-ending number of white shades to choose from, so which one is best for your dining room? While it can all be based on preference, a warmer white will evoke a more welcoming and inviting tone in the room.
FOR HOME GYMS: BOLD RED
FOR HOME OFFICES: CITRUS ORANGE
Tara Polony, a Texas-based interior designer, shares if you are looking to make a bold, passionate statement, a shade of red can energize your space. In fact, according to a recent study by the Journal of Athletic Enhancement, the color can boost performance, which makes a red accent wall an excellent choice for home gyms.
“Orange is an invigorating color that lends a warm feeling to a room,” says New York City architect John Mochelle. Orange is also a motivational color making it equally suitable for home offices and entertainment areas.”
FOR CRAFT ROOMS: LAVENDER FOR KITCHENS: YELLOW
Butter yellow is an excellent color for eat-in kitchens. The hue boosts appetite while also enhancing one’s energy levels.
Think out of the box with an unexpected paint color like lilac, suggests Dee Schlotter, a color expert at PPG Paints. Unlike much darker shades of purple typically associated
Colors can definitely make a difference in the mood and change the effect of a room. While science may say these are the best color for each room, you’re welcome to paint a room whatever you’d like!
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Turn Ordinary Appliances into Colorful Statements Lydia Geisel
You can buy just about any type of kitchen hardware, from handles shaped like lightning bolts to hand-casted gold pulls. But what about the other knobs we touch all the time; you know the ones on the stove?
This upgrade definitely turns the heat up, but if you don’t happen to own a Big Chill stove, never fear. There are so many other ways to update your appliances on the cheap. Here are a few more hacks we love.
Our only options are usually stainless steel—until now. Appliance brand Big Chill just launched seven fresh knob colors for its Retro Collection gas stoves, and the pieces cost $25 each.
FOR THE WALL OVEN
a bathroom towel rack to the outside of your dishwasher. “That’s really the stuff that’s a game changer,” says Alexandra Gater.
FOR THE REFRIGERATOR
Designer Sarah Catherine made the company’s ordinary white appliance look luxe simply by adding Jadeite Green knobs. Another solid option is to go for a tone-on-tone look. You can also pick from the brand’s 200-plus custom colors.
Katie Sarokhanian changed the look of her dated white oven for $60 by purchasing cling vinyl wrap, like the kind of stuff you use to put a business logo on a car and cutting it to size with a straight-edge knife.
Give the fridge a quick facelift with terrazzo-pattern contact paper. For any of the air bubbles that she couldn’t smooth out with a credit card, she poked holes in them with the end of a safety pin. If she gets bored, she can just peel it off and start anew.
FOR THE DISHWASHER
Pretty tea towels can make your space, but if you don’t have a natural place to put them, consider hot-gluing
Make your appliances work for you by adding a dowel or towel rack, or even stand out with funky contact paper.
The new neutrals
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The DIY Secret to This $300 Headboard Lydia Geisel At the end of the summer Charleston, South Carolina–based photographer Margaret Wright found herself on Amazon ordering pool noodles. But she didn’t have floating in mind when she bought the foam tubes. They were for her guest bedroom headboard. “They sat in my house for five months before I completely figured out how to make it work,” she recalls. The creative took her inspiration from designer Brady Tolbert’s DIY channel tufted headboard tutorial. “I wanted our guest room to be nicer than normal because we usually have a lot of out-of-town visitors,” says Wright. The idea quickly evolved into a tufted arch—that’s where the noodles came into the picture. Wright combined the outdoor accessories with pipe insulation tubes, which you’ve probably seen in a water heater closet, and wrapped everything in velvet. Ahead, she walks us through the $300 DIY.
THE SUPPLIES
- Ten 1-inch-thick pipe insulation tubes - Four pool noodles - 2-inch-wide foam backer board - 1 1/2-inch-thick queen memory foam mattress topper - Low-heat hot-glue gun and glue sticks - Spray adhesive - Tape - Box cutter - Eight yards of fabric of your choice
STEP 1: MAP IT OUT
STEP 4: FILL IN THE GAP
Decide how big you want your headboard to be. For reference, the center of Wright’s outermost tube is 60 inches tall and 90 inches wide (large enough so that it extends beyond the mattress and the nightstands). Tape a few pool noodles together to create your border, eyeballing the shape of the arch. Craft the other channels (Wright made five total) using the thicker pool tubes for the outermost edges and the pipe insulation tubes for the inner layers. “I’m sure there is a math formula I could have followed to make a perfect arch, but I never figured that out,” says Wright, laughing.
Measure the remaining empty middle space inside the channels. Cut the mattress topper and foam board with a box cutter to fit within the dimensions of the half-moon opening. Coat the board in spray-on adhesive and attach the topper. Then spray the topper with the adhesive and lay the velvet fabric on top. Hot-glue the edges around the back of the structure.
STEP 2: BACK IT UP
Cut the foam board for the headboard backing roughly the same dimensions as the combined channels (make it slightly smaller so it doesn’t extend beyond the edges of the foam material). To achieve a truly seamless look, take it a step further by adhering fabric to the foam board.
STEP 5: THE RESULTS
Finally, adhere the tubes to one another before gluing the arch to the upholstered center. Put your leftover scraps to use by stapling them around your box spring so the whole thing looks like one complete piece.
STEP 3: COVER YOUR CURVES
“I’m a major velvet person,” says Wright, who scored panels of emerald green fabric from Fabric Wholesale Direct on the cheap. Cut the fabric of your choice into long strips that will cover each tube. The pipe insulation tubes will be precut, making it easy to tuck the fabric around it, but you’ll have to cut the noodles open with scissors. Glue the fabric to the inside of the seam.
Pool noodles? Hot glue? Memory foam? Who knew that these were all essentials to create a statement headboard. Fool all of your guests into thinking you spent hundreds on this piece.
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Don’t Demo Your Old Floors to Get New Ones Lydia Geisel
When you think of parquet flooring, your mind probably goes to herringbone (the most covetable pattern). The more common treatment, though, is a lot less charming: squares made up of tiny strips of multi-tone wood. That’s what Toronto based lifestyle YouTuber Letitia Kiu and her boyfriend, Stefan, were walking into when they bought their first home. The interior of the house was in good condition, but the layers of wall paint, thin baseboards, and all-over parquet screamed 1970. Fortunately the pair had been hunting for a fixer-upper they could make their own. “It was very controversial,” says Kiu of their decision to switch up the flooring. Friends and family told them to just sand it and stain it. “It was just not for us.” So prior to actually bringing all their furniture in, they moved forward with changing the dated feature—but they didn’t have to tear up the retro wood with a crowbar to do it. Kiu reveals the genius behind the planks they used to cover it up.
THE PRODUCT
Because this isn’t their forever home, Kiu wasn’t keen on splurging on a premium hardwood. Vinyl started to look a whole lot more appealing. “When people mention vinyl flooring, I picture linoleum-style tiles that you stick on the ground, but it’s really nothing like that,” she explains. With the help of a local company,
Decorner, she picked out faux planks in a sandy brown finish. “I was worried they’d look artificial, but when I saw the samples I realized it was the perfect option for us,” she continues. The best part: The boards cost $3.14 per square foot. Before getting started, Stefan screwed nails into the floor joists in any spots where the parquet floors were creaking. “That way we wouldn’t hear the squeaking once the new floors were installed,” says Kiu. The vinyl planks feature a click-and-lock system so attaching the pieces to one another is almost like putting together a puzzle (and not the complicated kind). The only tool you need on hand is a box cutter to slice the edges. “It’s very friendly for first-timers,” notes Kiu. The trickiest areas were where the boards meet the fireplace, because it’s on an angle and around the stair railing and doorjambs.
THE AFTERMATH
Thanks to the protective pads underneath, the boards can float on top of the old parquet floors—no nailing or gluing involved. When the couple does eventually move, they can take the planks with them (all they have to do is unsnap the pieces). “I love that sustainable aspect of it,” says Kiu. See ya, parquet (for now).
Who knew that changing up your floors could be so easy? This is a great way to edit your space and to make it more you without breaking the bank, or your floors.
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Try These Paint Ideas for Big Design on a Budget Jess Bunge
We thought that needed a pep talk for us to take that chance and give our home a bold moment we are craving. And one that doesn’t require all of our money. Some of these ideas are VERY easy while others may require you to bring out your Hilma af Klint and use all of that creative talent you’ve been storing inside. There is something for everyone. So let’s grab our brushes and get to it because your eyes are about to be filled up with a lot of design joy.
HANDPAINTED WALLPAPER
In a year when basically everything and everyone feels restricted, finding moments to breakthrough creatively is important and liberating. So why not try to paint your own pattern on your wall? If you mess up then you can just paint over it! Consider it a budget-friendly therapy session. First off, Carmeon Hamilton has awesome, bold design coming out of her pores. If you want to see her whole process in action, check out her Instagram where she outlines everything, including how she came up with the design for the dining room. Carmeon really loved a Kelly Wearstler wallpaper for her hallway but said it was too expensive to purchase. So instead, she did her own version with her paintbrush (always giving credit to her inspiration, of course). Y’all, you can do this too. I believe in you! But if freehand custom patterns are too much for you to tackle then let painter’s tape be your friend.
Sarah Sherman Samuel gave her little girl a temporary nursery while their home was being renovated. When using painter’s tape to create stripes, the one very hard thing to avoid is the inevitable rough edges. Beward, especially if you don’t have a smooth wall to work with.
A BOLD AND COLORFUL ACCENT
I think that while a neutral room will always be beautiful, we are craving COLOR. But what if you have a mostly neutral home and don’t want to go too crazy. Well, this is the perfect section for you. Bookshelves, wooden banisters, special nooks, etc. can all be your one bold moment. We are really loving these saturated tones but even if you go for something a bit lighter, it’s still going to give you that moment of “oh that’s cool” you are looking for. But if lots of color is what you are after then just dive into the whole rainbow!
walls. You just have to decide if you want to also paint your doors or stop at the frame. It’s up to you, there is no wrong answer.
THE COLOR BLOCKED MOMENT
Color blocking has been taking the design world by storm for the past couple of years. But until recently we hadn’t put one of these fun beauties in one of our own projects. It’s not the type of design you need a lot of experience to execute. But remember that color blocking doesn’t have to always include a bunch of colors and be full of different shapes. You can do something a bit simpler like this office dining nook above. It’s both subtle and bold and I like it. That’s it! Did any of these inspire you to pick up a paintbrush (or tape) and get to mixing it up in your home? Don’t be afraid to try something new!
A PARTIALLY COLORFUL WALL
This idea is not new but boy does it bear repeating. The partial wall gives you visual interest, depth, and color without the requirement of being an artist. Plus if you want to take a chance but are a bit nervous this is a great place to start because it’s a “partial commitment”. Go bold on one wall to add an incredible, exciting focal point in a bedroom. Or you can go full throttle and paint all of your
Paint is a great way to make your spaces reflect your personality and latest trends, without the commitment and stress of wallpaper. Ever get tired of your design or paint job? Simply paint over it and begin again!
Home Updates: Spring Edition Freshen up your home for the warmer weather
How to Update Your Home in Time for Spring Ashley Knierim
There's something utterly rejuvenating about spring. After months of cold and dreary weather, many of us feel an urge to spruce up our homes and embrace the energy that comes with the new season. But it can be difficult to know where to begin to give your space a fresh feel. If you're itching to update your home without making a drastic change, here are a few easy ways to embrace the spring season inside and out.
SPRINKLE IN BRIGHT COLORS
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal in the outdoors, so try having your interior mimic this. While those dark colors felt right in the winter, it's time to swap them for pastels or even bold neons. If you're really feeling daring, change out some of your old dining room chairs for ones with a pop of color.
DECORATE WITH FLOWERS
One of the easiest ways to update any room is to add a bouquet of fresh flowers. From bunches of daffodils and tulips to sprigs of eucalyptus and hyacinths take advantage of all those flowers at your local grocery store. Between stunning centerpieces and nightstand-friendly bud vases, there’s no place in your home that couldn’t use a few flowers.
USE LIGHTER FABRICS
Put away the heavy throws and cable knit blankets, and replace them with lighter fabrics, such as
cotton or linen. Crisp neutrals can make a room feel bigger and brighter. Layering whites and pale pinks can be a lovely way to add a pop of color while still keeping your space neutral.
ADD GREENERY
It can be hard to keep plants alive when the air turns crisp and the daylight fades away. If you’ve sacrificed a few houseplants to the winter season, replace them with new greenery. Before you buy, make sure to pick the right plants for your lighting to ensure they survive until next spring.
PAINT A ROOM
If you have a weekend to spare consider repainting a room for a quick and easy makeover. Green is the color of rejuvenation and rebirth, and thus it is a great choice for welcoming a new season.
SWITCH OUT PILLOWS
Looking for an easy upgrade you can make in just an afternoon? Swap out throw pillows and blankets in your home for a quick refresh that takes minimal effort. Whether you opt for soft pink throw pillows, or you want something a little more neutral, swapping out textiles is a great way to make a room feel brand new.
SWAP OUT CANDLES
If you’re someone who decks out your home with gingerbread and pumpkin scented candles around the holidays, it’s time to swap those candles for something a little more spring-friendly. Reach for floral or citrus candles to liven up any room in your house, or simply go for unscented candles in pastel colors.
ADD BASKETS TO REDUCE CLUTTER
‘Tis the season for spring cleaning. And adding a basket or two is a great way to reduce clutter and change up your look. A lovely woven basket is the perfect accessory to store things from throw blankets to dog toys and stuffed animals while still looking chic and stylish.
UPDATE PATIO DECOR
You don’t need a full patio renovation to update its look for the warmer weather. Simply swap out a chair or side table for something new and fresh. Although it may be simple, a bright throw pillow and some fun side tables are perfect for welcoming spring weather.
SWITCH YOUR ART
Updating your entire gallery wall is probably too much of an undertaking. But exchanging a few pieces of art throughout your home is a great way to make the rooms feel fresh and updated.
A fresh coat of paint, especially in an eye-catching color can really elevate a room (pictured right). New accessories appropriate for the season, such as plants, candles, and bright colors (pictured above), can bring new life to your space. Enjoy your outdoor space in the warmer weather! Switch out outdoor furniture, hang lights, or plant new flowers to reclaim the outdoors (pictured top right).
How to Create More Usable Closet Space Janet Wickell
Extra storage is always a plus. It seems that no matter your home size soon every closet is filled to the brim. Maximizing your storage space will help you stay organized so that you actually know what you have stored in all your closets. Adding storage can be expensive, but you can do it for less money than you might think.
Start by emptying the closets, one at a time, and put items in three piles: Keep: These will go back into your closet. Trash: These are items that you will either throw away, donate, or sell. Move: Put anything that shouldn’t be stored in your bedroom closet in a plastic bin to tote to other areas.
DECLUTTER YOUR THINGS
Do you need to keep all that stuff? Are you as guilty as anyone else of hanging onto things like paperwork, everything from old magazines to 15-year-old canceled checks? Before you decide how much storage you need, decide what you can throw away, sell, or donate. And look on the bright side: Purging all the clutter first will make the following steps easier.
REVAMP YOUR CLOSET LAYOUT
Look at the items in the Keep pile that will go back into the closet. Is the pile mostly hanging clothes, or is it odds and ends that would be better suited folded on a shelf? Do you have tons of shoes? Mostly sweaters? Lots of accessories like belts and ties? Knowing what you have will help determine how your closet should be configured. There are organizational helpers available for every storage need and every budget:
EVALUATE CLOSET CONTENTS
Are there single rods running from end to end in each closet, with a single shelf above each rod? That arrangement is typical in the traditional smallish closets in extra bedrooms, and sometimes even in walk-in closets. There are ways to maximize your closet’s layout without spending a fortune. How about your clothes? Are they packed so tightly that you can’t find what you’re looking for? Are the top shelves filled with things you haven’t seen for years?
- Turn the top, catch-all shelf into a series of shelves that stretch to the ceiling. That will keep items separated and allow you to retrieve things easily, without pulling a stack of boxes down on your head. - Increase space for short items by installing double-decker rods in a portion of each closet. Economical closet organizer solutions such as Closetmaid are made to fit into any size closet.
- Walk-in closets offer all sorts of organizational possibilities. Closetmaid and Rubbermaid both offer storage ideas on their Web sites. Schulte Storage is another good place to explore closet options.
ORGANIZE OTHER CLOSETS
Inspect every closet in your home as if you are seeing it for the first time. This will help you determine how you can improve your storage potential. - Use little totes and bins to help you keep small items under control in a bathroom or linen closet. - Stackable baskets are an excellent addition to a kitchen pantry and can be used to store all types of items, including food staples. - Is your garage large enough to add a series of closets along one wall? Or economical shelving? Storage helps turn a cluttered garage into usable space that will hold a car. Cleaning out your closets is a dreaded, but necessary activity. Just getting rid of unused clothes and other items is sometimes all it takes to make closets appear larger than they truly are. So get started and look at everything with a critical eye.
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The Ultimate 30-Day Spring Cleaning Checklist Elizabeth Larkin
Many people avoid spring cleaning simply because they don’t know where to begin. But the process of decluttering and then cleaning a space is actually pretty easy. Each task is quick; the tough part is getting started.
What You Need
Box Category 3: Put-Away Box
Before you get started, prepare some boxes. Here’s what you need:
That’s where this checklist comes in. This spring cleaning plan outlines a set of tasks to help you declutter and clean every nook and cranny in your home. It will keep you moving from room to room, which goes against traditional advice to work on one room until it’s complete before heading to the next. But with a big project like cleaning an entire home, the impulse to quit when you get overwhelmed or bored can be strong. So tackling a few projects each day will ensure that you stay motivated.
Anything you want to donate or consign goes into these boxes. If the items won’t fit into a box (e.g., a couch), then keep a running list of them.
Say you’re cleaning out a drawer in your kitchen and you find a misplaced pair of earrings in it. Don’t stop decluttering that drawer to go put your earrings in their proper place. Instead, add them to a put-away box temporarily. Once you’re done with the drawer, take that box and return everything in it to its rightful storage place.
Box Category 1: Donate/Consign
Box Category 2: Repair
While you’re decluttering and cleaning, you will come across items that need to be mended or repaired. Place these items in a box until you’re ready to get them fixed. Don’t let repairs sidetrack you until you’re done cleaning.
It’s helpful to keep a pen and paper or a digital list nearby during your cleaning process, or use this list to check off each day as you go. On it you can keep a running list of projects that pop up while you clean that you want to get to eventually, such as organizing old photos.
DAY 1: DUST
- Take a broom to the corners of the ceiling to catch any cobwebs in your kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. - Dust the undersides of every chair and table in your home. - Clean every mirror in your home, including ones in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryway. - Dust your books and the knick-knacks on your bookshelves.
DAY 5: CLEAN SMALL APPLIANCES
- Clean your appliances, including their plugs, sides, and any accessories that came with them. - Deep clean your coffee maker following manufacturer instructions. - Clean utensils that might not be washed on a regular basis. - Replace old kitchen sponges and rubber gloves.
DAY 6: CLEAN YOUR CAR DAY 2: TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR CLOTHING
- Switch out any seasonal clothing. - Wash your winter gloves, hats, and scarves, and pack them up for next year. - Take your winter coats to the dry cleaner if necessary. - Sort your under-bed storage boxes. Add items to the donate or mend boxes. - Remove odd socks from your sock drawer, and either toss them or use them as cleaning rags. - Go through your dresser, and pull out items of clothing you haven’t worn in a year and have no plans to wear again. Put them in your donation box.
DAY 3: CLEAN OUT YOUR MEDICINE CABINET
- Throw away expired medicines. - Organize your emergency supplies. Make sure you’re stocked on first aid necessities. - Declutter your linen closet. Pull out the old towels and sheets you no longer use, and put them into your donation box.
- Use a vacuum to clean the inside of your car. Declutter while you go. Don’t neglect cleaning the floor mats. Then, wipe down interior surfaces with a cleaning solution and rag. - Wash the outside of your car or bring it to a car wash.
- Dispose of any expired bathroom cleaning products. - Replace any old, worn toothbrushes and/or razors. - Wash or replace your shower curtain.
DAY 9: WASH HOUSEHOLD LINENS
- Wash your couch covers, pillowcases, and other linens used around the house. Launder the drapes in your living room, dining room, and bedrooms. If you can’t wash them on site, bring them to the dry cleaners. - Wash your ironing board cover. - Toss small rugs, bathroom mats, and bathrobes in the wash.
DAY 10: CLEAN ELECTRONICS
DAY 7: DEEP CLEAN THE FRIDGE AND CABINETS
- Clean your fridge and freezer by removing all shelves, racks, and storage containers and washing them in your bathtub. Toss any old food. Wash your ice cube trays. Wipe down the sides of the fridge and freezer. Then put everything back in. If you’re afraid of food spoiling, use a cooler to keep food cold while you work. - Take everything out of your cabinets, and clean all the surfaces before replacing the items. - Check the cabinets for any unexpired food you don’t plan to eat that can be donated. Throw out expired or questionable food.
- Clean your remote controls. - Clean your phones and tablets. - Dust the screens of televisions and computers. - Clean your keyboards. - Sort through your old CDs and VHS tapes for items to donate.
DAY 11: REMOVE EXTRA JUNK
- Organize your junk drawer to make sure all items in it have a purpose. - Tend to your plants. Remove dead leaves, toss old cut flowers, etc. - Get rid of worn pet toys.
DAY 12: CLEAN YOUR OVEN
DAY 4: SORT YOUR SHOES
- Sort through your shoes. Add any that you want to donate or repair. - Clean the floors of your closets and get rid of any unused storage solutions.
DAY 8: TOSS CLUTTER FROM THE BATHROOM
- Deep clean your oven following manufacturer instructions. - Clean your cooktop and vent hood.
- Declutter and clean your bathroom storage. Take everything out and clean the backs, sides, and bottoms of the cabinets and drawers. 37
DAY 13: CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
- Remove your window screens, and vacuum them using the handheld attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Soak them in soapy water. - Use dish soap diluted in water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down your windows. Spray on vinegar diluted in water, and wipe the windows with a clean towel to dry them. - Dust your windowsills and frames, and touch up any chipped paint.
DAY 17: SWITCH OUT SEASONAL DECOR
- Remove any winter decorations still hanging around, including throw pillows, candle holders, and blankets. - Switch scented candles, hand soaps, etc. from winter to spring scents. - If you have a fireplace, remove dirt and debris from winter use.
DAY 18: VACUUM FURNITURE
DAY 14: TOSS OLD PAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND NEWSPAPERS
- Recycle old magazines, newspapers, and packing materials. - Organize old paper or plastic shopping bags that are lying around in one location, so you can reuse them. - Shred sensitive documents you don’t need and scan important papers.
DAY 15: WASH MAKEUP AND HAIR BRUSHES
- Deep clean your makeup brushes and hair brushes. - Toss any liquid and powdered makeup more than 3 months old.
DAY 16: CLEAN OUT YOUR PLUMBING
- Clean every drain in your home using this method: Pour boiling hot water down the drain, add baking soda, and then add vinegar. Then, cover the drain with a plug for a few minutes. Follow with another pour of boiling water.
- Move the couch and any heavy chairs, and clean and vacuum underneath them. - Use the handheld attachment to vacuum the couch and chairs themselves.
DAY 19: CLEAN YOUR GARAGE
- Declutter your garage, and throw out any unneeded items you haven’t touched since last spring. - Wash your gardening gloves, rinse and wipe off the shoes you wear to do yard work. - Sweep your porch, patio, or front steps.
DAY 20: CLEAN OUT OFFICE ITEMS
- Go through your desk drawers, and toss broken items, such as dead pens. - Collect and keep office items, such as paper clips, all in one place in your home. - Take your stash of coins to a coin machine or the bank.
DAY 22: ORGANIZE BAGS
- Organize your bags, including backpacks, briefcases, and suitcases. - Declutter the insides, and then clean and store them. - Clean out your everyday bag or wallet. Wash and store reusable shopping bags all in one place.
DAY 23: REPAIR BROKEN OR DAMAGED CLOTHING
- Either mend any damaged clothing yourself or take it to a tailor. - Take any shoes or boots that need repairs to a cobbler.
DAY 24: ORGANIZE HOBBY SUPPLIES AND OTHER COLLECTIONS
- Organize your hobby supplies including crafting supplies, board games, or sporting equipment. - Polish silver jewelry, silverware, and any other items that have become tarnished.
DAY 25: GET KIDS INVOLVED IN THE CLEANING
- If you have young children, teach them how to clean something in their room, and make that their chore from now on. - Go through your and the kids’ books, and donate ones you don’t want.
DAY 26: DUST AND VACUUM DAY 21: SORT YOUR MUGS AND GLASSES
- Declutter your mugs and glasses. Donate the ones you no longer want, and wash and put away the rest. - Wash reusable water bottles and change the filters.
- Dust your blinds, and then vacuum the floor around them. - Dust around your stairs, and then vacuum them. - Wipe down your baseboards and other molding where dust tends to collect.
DAY 27: WASH THE WALLS
- Wash any interior walls that have marks or stains. - Touch up chipped or discolored paint.
DAY 28: WASH YOUR BED LINENS
- Wash your bed linens, including any mattress covers, duvet covers, pillow liners, throw blankets, and pillows. - If you have a guest room and the bed hasn’t been used in a while, strip the bed down to the mattress and wash all the linens.
DAY 29: SELL OR DONATE UNWANTED ITEMS
- Did you keep a list of items to sell? Now is the day to take your items to the consignment store or to photograph them to sell online. - Bring donations to a local charity.
DAY 30: THROW IT AWAY
- Take a trip to the dump to get rid of any large items that are beyond repair. - Check your local regulations for how to get rid of other unwanted items, such as old paint. - Wash your garbage cans and recycling bins. Either do this outside or in your bathroom, scrubbing your tub afterward. Congrats! You’ve made it through 30 days of spring cleaning. We know your spaces really appreciate it.
Using open storage such as wooden containers and wire baskets can help you easily see what’s inside. Use labels to keep items organized and show what goes inside to easily replace items.
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Best Places to Purchase Dining Room Furniture Theresa Holland
Whether you have a formal dining room, a breakfast nook, or both, every home needs a designated space to enjoy meals. In the Internet age, there’s no shortage of furniture available for purchase. While this is a good thing, it can also make the process of finding the right pieces overwhelming. No matter the size of your space, budget, or design taste we researched the best places to buy dining room furniture. Here are the top picks.
If you want to mix and max, you can buy tables and chairs as separates or get a coordinated set. Just bear in mind that while some items are ready to ship, others are made to order, in which case you might not receive your furniture for a couple of months. This higher-end furniture store offers white-glove service, which means they deliver items by appointment to your room of choice, including unpacking and full assembly.
POTTERY BARN
WAYFAIR
Pottery Barn is known for its beautiful and long-lasting furnishings. This retailer’s dining room section includes lots of versatile pieces in various styles. From rustic and industrial to modern and traditional, there’s something for every taste.
Wayfair is a great resource for high-quality, affordable furniture, and has one of the largest selections of products. Within the dining room furniture category, there are over 18,000 dining room sets, more than 14,000 dining tables, nearly 25,000 chairs, and other dining essentials.
Using Wayfair’s handy filtering features, you don’t have to sift through every item to find precisely what you’re looking for. You can sort by size, seating capacity, shape, material, price, and more. In addition to budget-friendly pieces, Wayfair also carries lots of mid-range furniture, as well as some high-end picks. Whether your home has a rustic, minimalist, modern, or classic vibe, you’ll find dining room furniture to complement your aesthetic. Wayfair also has free shipping or inexpensive flat-rate shipping fees. For larger furniture pieces, they offer full-service delivery for a fee.
THE HOME DEPOT
The Home Depot might already be your go-to for DIY construction supplies, paint, and tools. While it’s not necessarily the first place people think of when buying furniture, if you need new dining room furniture, it’s worth checking out. Both their online and in-person stores carry complete dining sets, tables, chairs, stools, and storage pieces from various brands. You can order through the website and have your furniture delivered or picked up in-store, though many products are only available online. If an item is only available online you can have it shipped for free to your local store. Otherwise, there is a shipping fee.
wayfair.com
WEST ELM
TARGET
Furnishings from West Elm have a sleek, upscale appearance with a midcentury modern flair. This staple retailer stocks tables, chairs, cabinets, dining room rugs, and more. You can get pared-down minimalist pieces, as well as statement furniture and eye-catching accents for your dining room. Most pieces come in multiple colors and finishes.
Target is a great place to buy lots of things on your list, including dining room furniture. The big-box store sells charming sets, along with individual tables and chairs.
Like Pottery Barn, many of West Elm’s furniture items are made-to-order, which can take a month or two. For delivery for larger pieces, they also offer white-glove service at no extra charge. They will carry-in, unbox, assemble, and remove all the packing materials—hassle-free.
AMAZON
Amazon dominates tons of online shopping categories. Some people are surprised to learn that the site has one of the biggest selections of furniture. You can get dining room sets, breakfast nook furniture, tables of all shapes and sizes, and chairs in various quantities.
You’ll find affordable, stylish options from a long list of brands, including Target’s own brands like Threshold and Project 62, a midcentury-modern brand. Shipping is cheap, and in some cases, you can pick up your products at the nearest store for no extra fee.
CRATE & BARREL target.com
Crate & Barrel has been around for more than half a century and is a tried-and-true resource for home furnishings. Dining room furniture styles range from classic and traditional to modern and trendy.
Amazon often has hundreds or even thousands of product reviews. Reading comments and seeing photos of verified buyers gives you some perspective when buying their dining room furniture. If you have a Prime membership, most of the furniture ships for free and within a few days.
Whether you opt for a banquet set, a bistro table, plush upholstered chairs, an accent bench, or a buffet, you’ll know you’re getting a tasteful product with reliable construction. Crate & Barrel is another brand with made-to-order pieces, so keep this in mind if you need dining room furniture sooner than later. Crate & Barrel also offers white-glove service, including two-person delivery, placement of the furniture, and removal of all packaging. The fee for this service depends on your location from the shipping point.
IKEA
WALMART
If you’re on a budget, IKEA is a great place to buy dining room furniture. Prices vary, but you can often get an entire set for under $500 or mix and match with an affordable table and chairs. Modern, minimalist furniture is the manufacturer’s signature but not all pieces have the Scandinavian design. New product lines include florals, street-style chic, and more.
Walmart offers dining room furniture to help you keep to your budget. The big-box retailer has everything from full sets, tables, and chairs to stools, sideboards, cabinets, and benches. Don’t forget dining accessories like a wine rack or a bar cart.
ARTICLE
Article is a relatively new furniture brand that carries midcentury-inspired aesthetic and Scandinavian style from world-renowned designers at accessible prices. The online retailer offers solid wood tables with clean lines, round dining tables with centered legs, armless dining chairs, 1960s-esque upholstered chairs, benches, stools, bar tables, and carts.
CB2
Crate & Barrel’s modern and edgy sister brand, CB2, is another excellent place to shop for dining room furniture. If your interior design taste leans toward sleek, lavish, and maybe a little moody, you’ll love the striking pieces from CB2. Prices are usually on the higher side but the brand also carries a few mid-range options. Additionally, many tables and chairs are ready to ship, though some are made to order. CB2 offers the same white-glove service as Crate & Barrel.
Walmart features stylish dining room furniture at prices that are significantly lower than average. If you’re concerned about quality, Walmart offers peace of mind with optional warranties.
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Real Renovations Take a look at an interior transformation from start to finish
Molding the ‘Builder-Grade Budget’ Where they saved and splurged Velinda Hellen
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For this project (which, due to COVID, was put on hold for a few months), budget wasn’t in surplus. Being new to both their first home and lives as parents, they had a very ‘builder-grade’ budget in mind. But my philosophy as a designer is, ‘if you’re working with a designer it should in some way feel special because y’know... you worked with a designer’. So that became the game: builder-grade budget vs becoming something special.
The Budget: This is not mine to disclose, so let’s talk some average ‘builder-grade’ budgets. Believe it or not, here in LA an average kitchen, alone, can easily cost $40-60K. Did my clients stay within their budget? Almost... Did they carefully decide where to increase that budget along the way? They did. So let’s break that down.
To add a hurdle, my clients decided it was fun to request a blend of EVERY style. To give you a basic idea of their desired blend: Boho, mediterranean meets scandi minimalism, english pub, traditional farmhouse, post-modern colorful. Oh, cool. Only that?
Here are the basics: We turned a dark, oddly-divided series of rooms (galley kitchen, dining, and living) into a shared, bright, and spacious entertaining space that is 95% kid-friendly. I’ll confess to the 5% potential kid-failure later. The final design checked every ‘want’ box and ultimately blended their many styles.
But, there were several things they knew they wanted. First, they were coming from this, pictured below and at right.
So, where did we splurge, where did we save, how did we blend high/low and where did we find ‘builder-grade’ that would feel special? Let’s take a look.
But what they desired, was: - Blue kitchen cabinets - Open, entertaining space - Lots of countertop space for cooking - Vaulted ceilings (if budget allows?) - Farmhouse, heirloom table - A ‘Crash-able’ living room... SOFA Storage and lots of places to hide toys and unsightly necessities - Child & dog-proofing - Feel: Warm, welcoming, light, but stylish/hip/modern (without being too minimal, precious, like a gallery you can’t touch.)
The Splurges PLUMBING FIXTURES
I’ve learned the hard way that plumbing fixtures MATTER. Since we didn’t want to end up replacing a cheap knock-off version of a classic-looking faucet setup and didn’t want to watch water spots ruin and corrode an inexpensive finish rapidly, we went for the real deal: Kohler Artifacts Faucet w/ side spray (in polished nickel) with a matching Kohler Soap/Lotion
Dispenser. It screams high-quality. We paired it with another loved-forquality-brand; a Signature Hardware sink. You’re going to pay to have these installed, so why not only do it once? Paying to replace a cheap version will often make up for the price difference between low and high quality. My advice is do it right the first time. I will tell you, my client LOVES this faucet, and I love the combo of classic styles and clean, polished finishes.
PANTRY DOOR & ‘HEIRLOOM’ TABLE
This splurge rested entirely on my shoulders and I held my breath until the very end... When my client gave final, exuberant approval. Given the limited budget, it was a hard sell to spend a couple of THOUSAND dollars on a pantry with a massive, reclaimed door. But, this was our anchor! This piece was a key player in making the whole design feel ‘special, designed, and purposeful’. Try to imagine how much more ‘builder-grade the kitchen would feel with a standard pantry cabinet. Real reclaimed wood = instant ‘heart’ in a space and this wood wasn’t too ‘rustic’ for the desire for overall scandi/modern twists. The idea came from my client’s love for an heirloom, reclaimed table, a 100+ year-old, salvaged reclaimed oak with an Eco-friendly, plant based clear matte finish. So to match, I designed a modern-looking, oversized door
Y’all, I can’t believe we started from this (pictured left). You can see the need for natural light, child and pet-friendly furniture, and lots of places to hide things from guests. Just looking at the final transformation, (pictured right) the splurges were definitely worth it. The pantry door adds life and warmth to the room, while the window treatments add texture and a creamy base for the kitchen.
(also built by What We Make) to be the ‘heaviest’ piece in the house. And we love it. WHEW! WINDOW TREATMENTS
I get jealous of my clients on this one. I’ve never splurged on high-quality window treatments in my own home, but when my clients ALMOST didn’t want to add a window because they hated the view of their neighbor’s house so much, it was time to get creative. Enter the perfect solution for letting light in, while blocking undesirable views: the ‘top-down, bottom-up” custom Roman shades by Decorview. Besides the amazing function of this style, which can actually position the shades anywhere on the window, we ultimately chose these for their blend of subtle, classic style, with modern/textural interest. The other luxury that made these worth the splurge for us is we wouldn’t have to worry about a thing beyond selecting style and fabric because Decorview offers in-home or virtual measuring & consultation services and installation. Considering I didn’t have a team at the time, this attention to detail and quality-look was an INVALUABLE addition to the design overall.
THE SECTIONAL
This one was hard-earned. We went through SO many sofas because my client wanted a MASSIVE, crash-able and ‘inviting’ solution for their living room, but their room wasn’t massive. A ‘cloud-like lounge’ that could fit a ton of people seemed to be one of Olly’s greatest concerns, overall. When he expressed this, I immediately thought of the Sixpenny Neva because when we were styling a shoot for Sixpenny last year, we all drooled over the comfort level and I knew it would fit with the ‘farmhouse’-traditional vibe they were going for. Thing was, to go with a sofa that massive, we needed an open end in our sectional design (an arm would have crowded the built-in) and I had no idea that Sixpenny offered this design. Well, they do! Thing
was, to go with a sofa that massive, we needed an open end in our sectional design (an arm would have crowded the built-in) and I had no idea that Sixpenny offered this design. Well, they do! After many hours of discussing potentials, a few (pre-COVID) trips by my clients to sit on said-potentials, and an ultimate leaning toward giving into something ‘custom’ (but ultimately more expensive?), I reached out to SixPenny on a whim, to see if they offered an armless sectional. I was thrilled when they said they offer new custom options since we used them last. We got a CUSTOM configuration Neva sectional. My clients never sat on
it. They went off my promise that it was incredibly ‘cloud-like’ and they are STILL thrilled. It’s a relaxed-looking piece in durable, classic fabric. This was the only major piece of furniture in the entire room. It had to be right. It was. (And because I know you’ll ask, the selections we made were: ‘custom configuration with armless end’, in Feather Down Fill, Medium Weight Linen Poppy Seed).
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The Saves IKEA BASE/CUSTOM DOORS
Even though we were on a budget, we still wanted an overall ‘custom’ feel. Ikea is an obvious save when it comes to kitchens. But given the footprint, our cabinetry would consume in the space, so going with something as mass-produced/utilized didn’t quite check our desired ‘custom’ box. Enter SemiHandmade for doors. Given the range of style-preferences of my client, I wanted the cabinets to provide a classic base to the overall ‘eclectic’ design, but wanted to keep the color fresh. My client wanted blue cabinets, but finding just the right blue was key. SemiHandmade’s paintable or DIY shaker checked all the boxes. We were able to use a more traditional cabinet style, elevate our affordable big-box purchase while creating a custom feel through a paint color that was unique and personal to my clients. I see a lot of the same ‘navy’ tones when it comes to blue cabinets, so finding something unique was a huge perk.
something with a ‘UK’ vibe. The reason I would say commit to something higher priced if possible upfront is, it can be hard to match exact sizing to replace pulls down the line. But, if it’s not in the budget, look for something that feels a bit unique vs the same pull you see in every ‘builder-grade’ kitchen. A Richelieu model became our solution. It had an ‘old-world’ feel and didn’t have that faux-gold finish. To further ‘customize’ our hardware-world we played with the placement, breaking the typical ‘rules’ that most people follow (all drawers matching and all cabinets matching is a ‘rule’ made to be broken but not for the faint of heart. Designer help recommended).
LIGHTING APPLIANCES
We saved in a couple of ways here. First, my clients had a Kitchen Aid refrigerator already and they were still fans, so why scrap it? Re-using appliances can be key to low-budgets! Already trusting Kitchen Aid, we stuck to that brand for sourcing. We found a our dishwasher, range and even garbage disposal to match. You don’t HAVE to match appliances, but my client liked the uniform look and tried-and-true brand trust.
STORAGE
Building around Ikea boxes, we were able to create a custom built-in. Simplicity was the goal here. For this project the difference in the SemiHandmade slab door and the ones that would have come with are Ikea purchase was subtle but important. We love the higher-quality of SHM’s door, but even more than that we didn’t want the shinier, bright white of an Ikea door and needed to paint the unit to match our room’s white instead. SemiHandmade for Ikea doors made this easy with their ‘ready to be painted’ option. Ikea was a big saving over custom, but SemiHandmade made the ‘customization’ possible too.
CABINET HARDWARE
We really wanted to go expensive here, but the budget simply didn’t permit real brass. We had to go affordable and wanted
on a balance of scale, colors, tones, and styles vs ‘like with like’. Given the overall scale, it was instantly ‘bold’ and really served to bring in the ‘post-modern color pops’. We supplied only a couple of pieces from much-loved artists: MaryAnn Puls & Elissa Barber plus a print from Filling Spaces to what they already had but most of what they had came unframed. Our secret source: Ikea. We also pulled in Ikea frames for some of Duncan’s art (young Picasso and their wedding portrait, to mix in a bit of ‘personal’. This dramatic feature was entirely affordable, barely a thought within the budget.
The original design included a cooktop and oven combo, but when budget proved to be tightening, a slide in range cut out hundreds! If you opt for a slide in range for your island/peninsula: you need a fully reversible downdraft for this type of installation. Our’s was this downdraft solution (Faber) with this motor, due to only a 15 deep cabinet for storage. This may seem boring, but it was one of the most important solutions of our design and will hopefully save at least one designer out there some sleep!
I have a hard time encouraging a ‘splurge’ when it comes to lighting, but you have to select carefully (and, when a splurge is worth it, it’s worth it). But, you can find incredible makers on Etsy, really solid ‘mass-produced’ options, and inexpensive vintage. Here, we did all three. And that became the key to still feeling ‘special.’ For a clean, scandi-vibe, we pulled in 3 Kichler Danika Pendant (a stellar, ‘mass produced’ option), but you’ll catch a couple peeks at vintage within the same eye line (French 1940’s Minimalist White Enameled Metal Dish Ceiling Lamps from Amsterdam Modern, our go-to for mid-century options actually sourced from the Netherlands!). The ambient light in the room came from overhead, recessed lights, but the ‘accents’ were a combo of pieces: (Etsy-maker!) Rara Forma’s ‘scandi/modern-vibed’ Coast Duo Chandelier (in Brushed Brass and Satin White), which really helped blend the worlds and a pretty/simple ‘big box’ solution. The combination wasn’t a splurge, and the blend of worlds felt purposeful and not ‘builder-grade’.
ART FLOORING
The desire for ‘Art Gallery’ could have been instantly expensive, especially if we had insisted on a uniform look. But my clients had cool pieces, they just didn’t know how to display them. Bowser and I proved helpful here, helping them create a pallet based
This is an important one and an easy place for ‘cheap’ to look ‘cheap’. We wanted a real wood, but knew we were looking for engineered planks for easy/more affordable installation. We sampled several options (always sample
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before committing) and finally found the perfect tone and quality at the low end of average price points ($7.50/sq ft). Miseno Santa Cruz Flooring. This will be a go-to for sure because of the pretty, light white oak tones and high-quality feel. Not too light, but not too yellow or orange, this is an affordable winner.
VINTAGE RUGS
My client had a ‘rug budget’ of a couple thousand dollars for living room, dining room, and kitchen. Believe it or not, that’s pretty low. Nice rugs (especially really large ones) AREN’T cheap. You’ll notice there isn’t a dining room rug, in the end, because we opted to splurge most of the budget on our ‘star’ rug (at a designer discount). One that is actually over a hundred years old and is pure SOUL for the living room. We love her stuff ended up finding a super affordable (and still truly vintage) runner for the kitchen. We then rounded out our rug roundup with a super cheap jute (blends with
almost anything). So, by reducing our rug count and mixing ‘cheaper’ rugs with the superstar rug, we stayed in budget.
TILE/BACKSPLASH
I don’t mind a (good) ‘big-box-store’ tile for simpler designs at all, but the warmth a handmade tile brings to a design is undeniable. Alas, it ain’t the cheapest. But, if you can’t afford to totally embrace hand-crafted, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t afford it at all. My client’s eclectic style instantly led me to selecting the Mini Star and Cross in Ivory and Calcite from Fireclay. But we were in love right away. By keeping the quantity of tile we needed low by carefully selecting to only use this special tile minimally in a high-focal area, we were able to anchor the kitchen with a truly special element at an affordable price. We used what we knew would be leftover countertop slab as the remaining backsplash. It’s a quartz that has an organic feel and isn’t too white/stark.
CEILING
You’ll notice the living room opened up drastically, thanks not only to the added light of the window, but also to the vaulted ceiling. When my client asked me if they could vault the ceilings within their budget, I said, ‘not a chance’. They had HVAC running all over their kitchen and dining room, which would have been a BEAST to move, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t vault some ceiling. And what a major feature that limited-vault became. And since we avoided areas with HVAC, the job fell under 5K mostly due to the fact it was already a big job, had it been a ‘stand-alone’ job, we are told it would have been more. But, So. Worth. It. Here it is! Our strategy for stretching a ‘builder-grade’ budget to its max to create a custom world that is truly my client!
It’s amazing how big natural light can make in a space! The open floor plan also plays a part in allowing more light to enter into each space. It’s great to see how each style this family admires came together. I think Duncan enjoys the space as much as we do.
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Interiors for the real world
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