April Stay Home - Free Designer for a Day (Vol. 7)
/It’s May, but we are still working through all the submissions we received for our Free Designer for a Day in April. And we will continue to answer them all. So, if you are waiting for an answer to your question - hold tight, it’s coming!
Today we’re talking about layout, paint colors, built-ins and metal finishes. It’s another VERY long blog post, so get yourself ready. Maybe quick use the bathroom. We have a lot to share.
Question - I’m stumped what to do with furniture placement as it’s a very awkward room. Along the wall with the dresser and computer desk we are thinking of doing built-ins tied together with a bench under the window. We would like to find a spot to put a couch, or small sectional if possible. We want to get a piano as well (probably an upright). I would like a clean, bright space with maybe texture through bamboo blinds, baskets etc and colour through pillows and art. Also, should I paint the side door and patio door a contrasting colour or leave them white? Same with the built ins we are building. Also don’t know what metal(s) to use. Black or brushed pewter, brass? Any help would be appreciated!!
Let’s start with the trickiest part of this transformation - the layout. This is a difficult room for several reasons: the shape, each wall has a window/door/stairs and (for us) we don’t have the actual measurements.
Let’s look at some photos and try to wrap our heads around it.
Here is one side of the room. In the far right corner of the photo to the left there is a nook…shown in the photo to the right. It’ll all make sense in a bit.
And here is the other side of the room.
The other factor we considered when developing a layout is all the furniture the homeowner wants to add to the space - an upright piano and a sofa or small sectional. She also wondered about adding built-ins and a bench centered around the window in the images below.
We came up with two layout options. Without being able to measure all those walls and nooks, we wanted to give a couple options.
You’ll notice that we did not specify a sectional. Here’s the thing about sectionals - they require a really big space or they cut off traffic flow. They also vastly limit layout options because they’re just really big themselves. As a result, we rarely specify them.
You’ll also notice that neither option includes the built-in considered by the homeowner. We love built-ins - they add beauty, function and character - but they’re permanent. This is a smallish, awkward shaped, “bonus” room and installing anything permanent is a bit risky. So, no built-in. But fear not, we’ve got lots of beauty, function and character.
Option 1
For this option, we are creating two lounge spaces with a piano in the middle. There are a pair of armchairs for a sit and chat spot at the top of the stairs. Then, tucked into the nook is a sofa for a cozy, book reading, afternoon napping spot. We love the idea of the sofa taking the entire width of the nook and a floating shelf or art ledge behind the sofa. Check out these inspiration images.
And here is our first mood board.
The prices below are the full price, but most items are currently on sale! Click through to see the current price.
Chair and a Half - Price varies by fabric (She may want to try this layout with her existing loveseat…if it fits. Trying a layout for a few days before committing to new furniture is always a great plan)
Ottoman - $200
Rug - Price varies by size
Library Sconce (plug-in or hardwired) -
Art Ledge - Price varies by size (length and stain color are customized)
Leather Armchairs - Price varies by leather choice
Black Side Table - $170
Floor Mirror - $500 (The homeowner could also relocate her existing mirror at the top of the stairs)
Palmetto Leaves Art Prints - $4
Wood Frame - $30
Option 2
For this option, we are placing the piano in the nook and creating one, larger, lounge area. We love the idea of a grid gallery wall next to the sofa. Something floor to ceiling. And she could even add the library sconce (from Option 1) above everything. Check out this inspiration.
And here is our mood board.
Again, click through to see the current sale price!
Rug - Price varies by size
Sofa - $900
Pouf - $180
Blue Swivel Chair - Price varies by fabric choice
Rug - Price varies by size
Blue Pillow (on sofa) - $30
Gray and White Grid Pillow (on sofa) - $26
Faux Indoor Tree - $130
Floor Lamp - $250
Tree Ring Art Prints (Set of 9) - $225 (The sconce from Option 1 could be used above the gallery wall)
Creating a Clean, Bright Space
The wall color and the lighting are important for keeping the room clean and bright. We recommend white or pale gray/beige on all the walls. We have a great blog post on popular white paint colors - here. We also recommend adding recessed lights to the ceiling and task lighting (sconces, floor lamp, etc.). For the furniture, she can go with lighter fabrics on the upholstered items to create a real white-on-white-on-light feel. And she can use a natural or washed out jute rug, like the option below (this one also comes in ivory and light gray):
Our Lowell Project is an example of using a very light, neutral palette. Even the decor is light. When going this direction, it’s important to turn the “texture factor” on high volume with lots chunky knit fabrics and lots of woven accents.
LOWELL PROJECT by GRAY OAK STUDIO
Painting the Door
Should she paint the French doors a contrasting color? Nah. Unless she paints the French doors and all the trim in the room (baseboard, window trim) a contrasting color. For example - white walls with beige or gray…or greige trim. Otherwise, we don’t think the French doors are a big enough moment in the room to go different than the walls and trim.
Choosing Metal Decor
We talked about metal finishes in Volume 1 of this series - in the context of door knobs. The general advice we give when choosing a metal finish, whether its door hardware or curtain rods or decor, is stick with two throughout your home…three if you’re feeling confident. You want repetition in a space to make it feel cohesive. It’s a classic non-answer answer. But, truthfully, all metal finishes have a place in the right room, it’s a matter of considering the room as a whole and the general vibe and look you want.
If you’ve made it this far, well done.
- Leah
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