Creating “Just Right” Spaces (Part 2)

Last month’s article discussed some basics of a well-designed room. This month’s tips will help you put on the finishing touches, letting your personality shine, while have fun making your house a home!

Be Consistent. Every room in your home can and should be different, however, you do need to maintain continuity from room to room. When arranging and decorating your family or living area take a look at everything that “touches” it, all the connected spaces. Think of the way you dress yourself, tying the pieces of your wardrobe together is much the same as tying together the rooms in your home.

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Be creative! Furniture does not need to be against the wall or even in a straight line. An intimate, cozy furniture grouping should be the goal of your seating area to promote easy conversation and pull it all together!  Angle or group furniture to fit in with the architecture of the room, always keeping the traffic flow areas clear. 
Accent your Neutrals. Neutral colors will stand the test of time. Unless you can afford to change things often, use neutrals on the walls and for larger, more expensive pieces. Incorporate the latest trends or colors in easily replaced accents such as pillows and throw blankets.

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Anchor your Rug. If you are incorporating an area rug in your room, you want it to “belong” there and not look like a bathmat. An equal amount of exposed flooring around your rug (typically 12 – 18”) will frame your rug and help balance the room. In small spaces anchor your furniture with a 4 x 6 or 5 x 8 rug in the center with furniture placed around, not on, it to create a feeling of openness.  For larger spaces, use an 8 x 10 rug, placing the front legs of your furniture pieces on the rug. In an open plan, it may be best to use a 9 x 12 or larger rug that most of your furniture can fit on comfortably, placing all the legs on the rug.

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Personal Touches. Use things you love, make your room unique and allow it to reflect your family. A signature piece, such as a family heirloom, your shell collection from a vacation, an antique lamp, or Grandma’s cabinet may become your inspiration for the entire room. Select art you love or frame your children’s artwork to adorn the walls. 
Final Touches. One item often overlooked are window coverings. They are functional, blocking glare on TV screens, protecting flooring and furnishings, reducing heat or keeping the cold out, and adding privacy. They also put the finishing touches on your room’s décor. A local window covering expert will help you consider your options and find the best choice for your budget, décor, and lifestyle. 

Follow these expert tips, add your own style, have fun and before you know it everything will come together in your family room making it feel “just right” to you and your guests! 

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