My Design Folder Save Your Favorite Furniture
My Room PlannerFurniture Room Planner
Clearance CenterQuality Furniture at Clearance Prices
Sign up for our e-NewsletterMonthly Newsletter from the World's Largest Furniture Store
| DESIGN TIP - Becky Shaw |
|
Fall-in-Love Design Concepts What better time than February to "fall in love" with a new design concept? A recent client I assisted left with not one, but two rooms she was inspired to create. First, she fell in love with a bed. Dialogue revealed that she was renovating her almost new, well-planned kitchen to incorporate an island and change the wood on her cabinets. She worried that her budget prevented her from even considering a bedroom. Fortunately, she had remembered to bring her proposed kitchen floor plan. Did she realize that the cook-top and new workspace island left only tiny aisles large enough for one person, and no space for entertaining family and friends? Was the inconvenience and expense of renovation worth the effort? Would she consider a warmer feel than what matching cabinets could do for the gathering spot of her home? Not until she discovered a double-sided French oak kitchen island - complete with baskets for storage, a chopping block and a marble surface - she also fell in love with! Having smaller dimensions, it would not overpower the space. As a bonus, the island could be moved if necessary. The burnt almond finish blended nicely with the existing oak cabinets, too. With intricate detailing - including wine racks, carved door, a drawer and curved feet - the island allowed her plainer oak cabinets (to be glazed and outfitted with new iron hardware) to serve as a backdrop. We discovered a practical olefin rug with cheerful hues to allow the charming island center-stage status in a room with two scattered focal points: a western bay window and a northern cook-top. A richly finished old iron light fixture could be hung over the island to add the spark to make the room shine! Inspired and excited, we began the hunt for a very narrow, painted cabinet to house her pewter goblet collection. We also found stained rattan peel chairs with hand-painting on the outsides to add another layer of texture to the bay window area. The result of her patience and passion? A redefined, personalized, comfortable and cozy kitchen area. And the bedroom furniture of her dreams! As with this and every client, my role is not so much to "design" but to open a discussion that allows the client to express her needs and feelings about the space to be furnished. Together we arrive at a solution based on the limitations of the room and the stylistic preferences of its inhabitants. Clients come with opinions, color preferences and ideas. They savor the experience of walking through Furnitureland South's immense, ever-changing showrooms, observing the almost limitless possibilities for how interior design comes to life. With a little imagination and a trip to Furnitureland South, you, too, can celebrate the new year with a home that is a pleasure to behold!
|
||||
