My sister, Brooke, and brother-in-law just bought a "next step" home. It is spacious, and has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on it! So, I guess it's a good thing she's already been hitting me up to put together some inspirations and ideas. I wonder if there's such a thing as putting a decorator on retainer? Hmmmm....
Anyway, because the house is quite a bit larger than their starter home, they'll need a good amount of furniture - not to mention the layering it'll take to make it feel really special. Almost the entire house will get a new coat of paint - right now, it's a mish-mash of colors they'd never select. Obviously, some rooms, like the family room and master bed/bath, will take priority.
The dining room probably isn't one of them, but I keep coming back to it for some reason...
Anyway, because the house is quite a bit larger than their starter home, they'll need a good amount of furniture - not to mention the layering it'll take to make it feel really special. Almost the entire house will get a new coat of paint - right now, it's a mish-mash of colors they'd never select. Obviously, some rooms, like the family room and master bed/bath, will take priority.
The dining room probably isn't one of them, but I keep coming back to it for some reason...
Since it is one of two rooms seen immediately upon entering the house, I pause at the idea of leaving it blank for too long. I also pause over the fact that someone recently sponge-painted ANYTHING, but I can see why the previous owner might have tried to give the room some sort of architectural interest. It is screaming for it, is it not?
I immediately thought of panels, and likely using them to frame out some wallpaper or fabric. I recently spied this particularly brilliant idea - bamboo yoga mats framed out to give the incredible texture of grasscloth, without the investment. It's waaay more interesting, too!
I immediately thought of panels, and likely using them to frame out some wallpaper or fabric. I recently spied this particularly brilliant idea - bamboo yoga mats framed out to give the incredible texture of grasscloth, without the investment. It's waaay more interesting, too!
Brooke isn't looking for a tightly traditional aesthetic, and so far her color palette is neutral. Something soft like this might work, if she wants to keep it calm.
I'd be more inclined to go the way of something like this. It maintains a "safe," traditional element, without going geriatric.
We're heading to The States for Christmas, and I'll have about three weeks to pull together at least a room or two, so let the project planning begin! BTW - it's Brooke's birthday, today - so this post goes out with big hugs, kisses and Birthday wishes!
I'm a decorator, wife, and busy mom of three. I believe in elevating the average space, and bridging the great design divide. I love homes, and aspire beyond builder-grade blah. This blog chronicles our own home projects, what inspires me, and sometimes, just what's on my design-track mind. Taking ordinary homes to higher levels is my little happy place.
9 comments:
That sounds like fun. I wish my sister lived near me so we could do all kinds of projects-in my house of course!
I like the panels, too...the yoga mats are fabulous. I'm looking forward to seeing what you both do with the dining room.
A big Happy Birthday to Brooke!!
XO,
Jane
Framed wallpaper always looks so chic...
Love the panels and I especially love the wallpaper in the first picture!
www.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
All fabulous examples of how a pop of color or texture can change an interior! Loving that faux grasscloth look!
I love decorating a dining room -- and I'm similarly unhappy that mine has taken a backseat (despite being right up front) to "more important" spaces. But I love the idea of the inset panels with grasscloth or wallpaper...very chic! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Grasscloth panels? Brilliant. Good luck with the rooms, and happy birthday to Brooke! She must feel very lucky to have you as a sister.
this would look amazing!
CANNOT wait to see what you come up with! That house has so much potential!
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