living room
The sunroom is now a bright and relaxing reading room. The existing sofa didn’t fit in the house anywhere, so they donated it to charity. “But I’m very big on repurposing, and the sofas from the family room were in great condition,” Freeman says. She repurposed this one using white upholstery. She grabbed the woven chair from an old outdoor furniture set the homeowners had and repainted it. A circular coffee table creates an easier flow around it than their oversize rectangular coffee table did. One of the most important changes was creating a workspace for the wife to keep the household organized and to work at her computer. Her desk is out of the way at the end of the room, with a nice view of the backyard.
2. Hang your upper cabinets higher. For this 72-square-foot kitchen, architect Lauren Rubin hung the cabinets a little higher above the counter to give the feel of more space. Standard cabinets typically hang 18 inches above a counter. Rubin hung these at 22 inches. “I find for small kitchens, hanging cabinets 18 inches above a countertop makes things feel small and congested,” she says. “You lose some storage, but it’s important to make those small spaces feel as light and airy as possible.”
Add Glass Door Cabinets Here’s another way to lighten your uppers, but without actually changing your storage. Switch out typical solid cabinet fronts to doors with glass inserts to make the look much airier. Use this cabinet to display attractive drinkware, or use frosted glass so you only get a faint peek at the mishmash of items stored within.
For example, switching from a 36-inch sink cabinet (for a double sink) to a 24-inch cabinet (for a single sink) frees up 6 inches on both sides. This can turn 6 inches of adjacent space into 12 inches, which is enough for a usable cabinet. If you don’t think you’ll use that second sink bowl frequently, it’s worth exploring what else that space could be used for.
Rethink the Double Sink Clients often request a double sink — sometimes before anything else. Large double sinks have their uses, but if you’re willing to compromise and choose a single sink (or even a one-and-a-half sink with a slim second bowl), it can open up better storage options and more unbroken counter space. This applies especially to stock cabinet lines, which include a limited number of size options.
3. Go for Slipcovers, but Maybe Not in White While it’s true that you can technically throw (preshrunk) white cotton slipcovers in the wash whenever you want to freshen up the couch, it’s not exactly a quick job. So if what you’re really looking for is an easy, worry-free sofa option, go for washable slipcovers in a medium or dark neutral hue, like gray or chambray blue. Dirt and minor spills won’t show up as quickly as on a white background, letting you go a bit longer between washings.
Another piece of walnut warms up the living area fireplace. The fireplace wall serves as a focal point and is one of the house’s only existing walls the architect and builder kept in the remodel. The screen-printed marble tile around the hearth is one of Brophy’s favorite details in the project — and the priciest tile they used in the house. The beautiful juxtaposition of the geometric pattern and the warm wood was worth the investment, she says.
The walls are covered in a chunky grasscloth wallpaper. “I like the walls in most of my designs to be neutral in color, but I like to mix up the textures,” Giannoulias says. “The grasscloth in the double parlor is a thicker weave than most.” A pair of vintage Murano glass wall sconces above the fireplace
If you want to keep your sofa for decades, choosing the right upholstery is as important as making sure the construction standards are high. Fabric. Hard-wearing cotton and linen are winners, but when mixed with a cheap synthetic, they can often pill after a year of wear. High-quality synthetic microfiber fabrics, however, can mimic the weave and handle of most natural fabrics and are stain-resistant, making these textiles excellent choices. They are also less likely to fade.
Modular. Modular sofas come in a range of sizes and have many benefits. Because they combine various pieces in one unit, they are relatively compact, maximizing the space in a room. They also offer more space for sitting, especially if a chaise or fixed ottoman is attached. Due to their flexibility and versatility, modulars can be set up in different configurations, and sometimes you can create your own combinations. From L-shapes of two- and three-seat sectional sofas with chaise lounge additions to larger U-shaped modulars, which can be expanded by adding a corner or terminal, these are sofas well worth considering.
favorite light bright soft gray, Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore.” She complemented it with Benjamin Moore’s Super White on the millwork, ceiling and beams.
The benefits of cotton. One of the main things that makes cotton such a great choice for upholstery is that it’s breathable. It allows heat and moisture to move away (or wick) from the skin. Cotton also resists pilling and has good abrasion resistance (meaning it’s long-lasting). Many cotton fabrics are also washable, making them a go-to for slipcovers.
Microfiber. Microfiber isn’t technically a performance fabric, but it has a reputation for being stain-resistant and durable, so we wanted to mention it here. Microfiber refers to the thickness of a fiber, not to a specific type of fiber such as acrylic or cotton. These fabrics can stand up to many thousands of rubs before the fibers give out — this is how durability is usually tested. And because the fibers are so thin, they can be woven incredibly tightly. This helps liquids bead up on the surface rather than soaking in immediately. Microfiber drawbacks. Microfiber tends to create static and can be clingy. As a result, the fabric tends to hold on to lint and pet hair. Microfiber has also been known to stretch and distort, especially if it’s on a cushion that gets a lot of use. And while liquids might bead up at first, they will soak in and leave a stain if you don’t blot them up immediately. Liquid that ends up drying on the fabric will also leave a mark, as will oil from hair and skin.
Indoor-outdoor fabrics. One of the most obvious places for performance fabric is on a piece of furniture that’s going to live outside, but these fabrics also provide durability indoors. In fact, a lot of performance fabric is billed as “indoor-outdoor.” Today’s indoor-outdoor fabrics are virtually indistinguishable from indoor-only materials. They’re available in different weaves and textures, even velvet. Sunbrella is one well-known manufacturer, but there are a number of others. How are they made? Indoor-outdoor fabrics are made from solution-dyed acrylic — the dye is added before the fibers are created. As a result, they are colorfast and won’t fade from exposure to the sun. They also resist stains, shrinkage, mildew and insects. Quick-drying and wrinkle-free, these easy-to-clean fabrics can look like new for years.
Crypton. Crypton technology results in a fabric that doesn’t absorb liquid — you can thank an impenetrable moisture barrier for that. So a spilled drink will just bead on the surface, letting you wipe it up with a clean, dry cloth. As an added benefit, Crypton fabrics have built-in stain and odor resistance and are antimicrobial. How does Crypton work? Unlike spray-on treatments that are applied to finished fabric, Crypton is embedded in every fiber and will never wear off. The “Cryptonizing” process can be applied to any fabric that meets specific fiber and construction requirements, so you can find Crypton fabrics in almost any material, including cotton, rayon and polyester.
Revolution. Revolution fabrics by STI are woven from Olefin yarn, and they achieve their remarkable stain-fighting capabilities without the use of chemicals. These fabrics aren’t just easy to clean, they’re also durable, fade-resistant and don’t fuzz or pill. As an added bonus, they’re beautiful and soft and come in any number of colors and textures. What is Olefin? Olefin (aka polypropylene) is used to make milk jugs and is a common fiber in indoor-outdoor rugs. Revolution fabrics are made from Olefin that has been solution-dyed — the dye gets mixed into the liquid polymer before the yarn is created. This makes the fabrics virtually unstainable. They can be cleaned with almost any household cleaner, including bleach, but water is usually enough to handle most situations.
for small living room:Completely Fill a Corner It’s a bit counterintuitive, but if you have a small corner living room space, sometimes going with the largest piece of furniture possible can actually make it feel bigger. Why? A generously sized sectional is comfortable and able to seat tons of people — but because it reads as just one piece, it helps the room feel uncluttered. A modern sectional with clean, straight lines works better in a small space than an overstuffed version.
How to Spot a Quality Sofa Test its sturdiness. Quality sofas should feel solid and heavy. Flop around on one to test its sturdiness and then lift it up by the corner and shake it a bit. If it feels light or wobbly, take a pass. Look for a frame made from a kiln-dried hardwood such as oak, alder, birch, maple or, alternatively, high-quality hardwood plywood or marine plywood. Eight-way, hand-tied springs are a hallmark of fine furniture, but sinuous S-shaped springs can provide nearly as much comfort. Drop-in coil springs are a less costly alternative. Consider the cushions. Most cushions have a core of polyurethane foam; the denser the foam, the heavier it is and the longer it will last. In the cheapest furniture, the cushion is filled with just the polyurethane foam core. In better furniture, the core is wrapped with Dacron batting. Higher-quality options include poly-down cushions, which have down mixed with the batting; spring-down cushions, which feature a core of springs surrounded by foam and feathers; and all down, which is all feathers (and all work, so try to avoid this.) Check the joints and frame. The best sofas have joints that are double doweled and fitted with co...
white paint Tim Cuppett Architects Email Save 5. Use White to Expand Spaces Rooms painted white appear larger due to the amplification of light. Shadows and edges also diminish in white spaces. When creating a palette for your home, try to keep in mind that cool white drops back in space and can be used to enlarge and open your smaller spaces. But remember that spatial perceptions and human habits of navigation are improved when successive rooms on one floor unfold with subtle shifts in hue, not sharp contrasts. For example, using a white that deepens in color as the rooms get larger can diminish the size variation from one room to the next. Find a white that you like on the paint company’s fan deck that you are using. This color can be painted on the walls of the smallest room. Then use the next darker value of color on the next largest room. Use the value (darkness or lightness of color) to enlarge or reduce the overall size of each space. Your guests will not be aware of the change from room to room, but will compliment you on the calm and comfortable home that you have created.
white paint Reconsider the Gallery Look There’s a reason galleries paint their walls and trim the same bright, white paint color: It drops out the architectural details and focuses attention on the artwork. The same method works for homes, too, as shown in this photo. But if your home does not have a noteworthy collection of art or a breathtaking view, white can be stark and uncomfortable as a backdrop to family randomness and clutter. White tends to show imperfections, marks and disorder. If your family is as freewheeling as mine, you may not want to point arrows at this fact. That’s why galleries paint after taking down a show. And young families often choose to postpone the pristine white that they wish for and instead embrace khaki, which hides a multitude of bumps and bangs.
If you have already decided to paint your walls white and your home has a breathtaking view, consider painting the trim to match. Eliminating the delineation between the walls and woodwork with white paint will allow the landscape to remain frameless, expanding the view’s presence in your home. This strategy (painting both walls and trim the same), used to drop out the architecture obstructing the view, can be used with any color, but it is most effective with white because of its reflectivity.
white paint South-facing rooms (in the Northern Hemisphere; north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere) receive the most intense sun during the day. Winter or summer, the side of your home that faces the sun at noon will be illuminated with red-yellow light on a clear day. White walls are a good choice to cool these spaces, and the paint can be adjusted with pigmenting options that will address glare. For example, gray softens the reflective quality of white and will help “quiet” the space if there are large windows inundating the living room with strong light. Know that one color option could not possibly control all diurnal or seasonal light situations. But if you take a look at your use, you will find that there are times of day and certain seasons when your rooms get the most wear. Decide to use the walls to either radiate or dampen what comes in naturally by adding the conditioning element of color. Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection of 140 whites is arranged by hue and can help you select a cool (one with blue, gray or green tones) or a warm white (with red, orange or yellow tones). When using your favorite paint brand, check the fan deck for the white in each color rang...
white paint The same white color, though, would not work in a north-facing family room in New England. White’s visual relationship to the snow and ice outside the windows would be visually chilling. Instead, try tinting your white with red, yellow or orange or selecting a color from Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection for rooms where you plan to eat, socialize and linger. Rooms that do not benefit from sunlight streaming in each day are good candidates. Warm color pigments replicate the heat aspect of sunshine and will increase blood pressure, the level of activity and the positive vibe you want with company. Neuroscience, using MRIs, has documented the physiological effects of color and supported what artists have long held to be true about the power of warm colors to make us feel the heat.
small space JKA Design Email Save Using large art (and simple shade window treatments) will make the walls seem more spacious than a clutter of many small pieces or busy patterns. So go ahead, shop at the full-size-furniture store and find a home for those pieces you fall in love with. By sticking to your big ambitions, you’ll get the most from your small space — no compromises necessary.
saving space Eclectic Living Room by Paul Craig Photography Paul Craig Photography Email Save Seating areas. The same logic of dining seating applies to the living room as well: One large, continuous seat will give you a comfortable place to stretch out on every day. Several compact chairs (which can be pulled from the dining area when needed) or a plush ottoman can maximize seating when you have company. Notice how in this room, space for end tables was traded for more seating space — worth it when you need that afternoon nap.
Eclectic Family Room by Adrienne DeRosa Adrienne DeRosa Email Save Looking up. Filling unused vertical space is a great way to get major impact in a room without shrinking the usable floor area. One large, leafy plant like this fiddle-leaf fig in a corner of the room doesn’t interfere with traffic flow but makes the room feel sophisticated and lively (while helping the background visually float away). Pieces with impact. By choosing big-scale but more simply shaped items, you can create a sophisticated look that feels full size, but not overstuffed, even in a small space.
Beach style
Fireplace surround. Strickland knew she could import the exact mother-of-pearl tiles she wanted for the fireplace from England, where she had lived for years. The real mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles, each three-quarters of an inch square, shimmer and add glamour to the once-uninspired fireplace. She also carefully considered the millwork, designing a clean profile for the new mantel and surround that was less fussy than the original one, which had scrolled millwork and fluted legs. Her trim carpenter made it to her specifications on-site. This mantel also gave her a place to display some favorite things. She found the artwork at House Warmings, a local shop. The child figurine under the cloche was her grandmother’s, and the candlesticks are vintage Scandinavian.
floor lamps. One or two of them will illuminate a room evenly. They also come in a great variety of sizes, and you will want to find one that coordinates with the finishes of your room and that complements the scale of your design. Floor lamps take up relatively little floor space. Plan for a space that’s at least 10 to 12 in. (25 to 31 cm) in diameter and 54 to 84 in. (137 to 213 cm) in height.
Between the Sofa and the Coffee Table In a living room, there are multiple distances to consider relative to your sofa, so it easily can become a tricky web of math. Here are a few sofa distance essentials to keep in mind. Distance from sofa to coffee table: 16 to 18 inches Distance from sofa to opposite sofa or chairs: 7 to 9 feet max (to allow for ease of conversation) Width of pathway through room: 36 inches Distance from TV to sofa: width of TV times 2.75
Keep an upholstered ottoman 18 inches from a sofa or chair, so you can easily put up your feet, and make sure the height is consistent with the surrounding seats. If you get a tufted ottoman, consider the depth of the tufts — especially if you expect to eat on it. Crumbs will find their way into the tufting and are not always easy to get out.
Go for color with an upholstered coffee table, as it will draw people to the surrounding sofas and chairs. Top it with a tray to hold books and other items (and to soften a bold color, such as the pink in this image). Choose your fabric wisely, since people may want to put up their feet (and shoes). Outdoor fabrics can be smart; steer clear of linen and fabrics with high amounts of rayon or viscose. Take a swatch home and test it out with dirt, red wine or whatever you think your coffee table will encounter, to make sure your fabric choice can handle it all.
Metal bases with glass tops are another good choice to keep rooms feeling open. They’re also great when you have a special rug and don’t want to block views of it. Keep your glass cleaner handy, though, as there is no way around fingerprints. Keep in mind that with most glass tops — if they are not inset — you’ll see a green tint on the sides. You can order a speciality glass that doesn’t have this tint, but it’s more expensive.
use of navy blue and art to compliment
Kelly and Co. Design Leather is a great material for avoiding stains because it can be easily wiped clean when a spill occurs. However, it’s usually more easily scratched than most fabrics, so it may not endure animals as well. A leather that already has a broken-in look or a pattern can age especially well.
Three seat cushions provide an individual spot for three people to sit. While many traditional styles have three seat cushions, this look is also found on more modern styles. Three cushions may not look as clean-lined as a bench seat or two cushions, but this is a great choice if you want to maximize seating space.
Final consideration: How many cushions? A single seat cushion is called a bench seat. You’ll see it on many modern styles, but bench seats are also a great way to update a more traditional frame. This style has several benefits: You can squeeze a bunch of people on your sofa without someone having to sit on a crack, you won’t lose change or toys between the cushions. It also transforms into a great makeshift bed for overnight guests. The negative: These cushions are a little more difficult to flip or rotate.
3. Fiber-wrapped. Fiber-wrapped cushions have a foam core wrapped in polyester fiber. These still provide a soft seat, but they’re a little more supportive than the down-filled options. They’re also better at holding their shape, so they aren’t as high-maintenance.
. Down-wrapped. If you like to sink down into your sofa, go with a down-wrapped cushion. This type of cushion consists of a foam core wrapped in down. You’ll still get a nice, soft seat but the cushions won’t flatten out as quickly as 100 percent down. That said, they still may require frequent flipping and rotating to keep their shape.
Seat height. If you have difficulty getting out of low seats, make sure to measure the seat height of any sofa you’re considering. This is how high off the ground the seat is. If a seat is lower than 18 inches, it might be hard to get up from, especially if the seat depth is more than 23 inches.
Empire City Construction If you like to sit upright in your sofa, choose a shorter seat depth. The exact number will vary depending on your height, but 20 to 22 inches tends to be a good range for most people to sit up comfortably. To figure out the seat depth you prefer, sit in a few different sofas and measure the one that works best for you.
Contemporary Living Room by Juliette Byrne Juliette Byrne Seat depth and design. Don’t forget to consider the size of your room when choosing seat depth. A super deep sofa doesn’t work well in a small space — it just looks out of place. If a deep seat is important to you but you have a small space, go for an inside depth of 23 inches. And to avoid having a comically large-looking sofa, balance a deeper seat with either low arms or visible legs. This keeps your space looking open instead of overwhelmed by the sofa.
Commit to one whole wall. Last summer in Europe, when I had the fortunate luxury of time to appreciate the details, I saw a simple but effective formula, over and over: classic architecture + spare, modern furnishings + one wall, stacked from floor to ceiling with books and art. Yes, this is kind of a big leap into maximalism, but by limiting it to just one wall, you can keep savoring your clean lines, bright spaces and (for the most part) an impressive lack of things to dust.
Pre-remodel, the living room had slider doors and heavy curtains, which the homeowner preferred to keep closed most of the time. As a result, the space felt dark and drab. Webb improved the space by installing doors that would open completely to the revamped patio and covered them with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall draperies in a sheer linen fabric that will allow ample light even when drawn. A local artist provided three pieces for the space and referred the designer to another artist who opened up her studio for the design team to borrow some pieces while they were deciding what to place where. The art was surprisingly affordable, and both homeowner and designer were proud to support local artists.
1. Go up the walls. In any home, a great rule to adopt is “declutter first, storage second.” This mantra is essential in a small room, and if you can’t find space for everything, you may need to be even more ruthless with what you choose to keep. To maximize a small room, create vertical storage up to the ceiling. Here, the open shelves keep the room neat and provide space to display personal items, such as family photos and ornaments. Keeping all flat surfaces, like this coffee table, clear allows a room to breathe — and provides a handy space for your cup of coffee.
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