How to layout a living room for optimum TV viewing, 6 must read tips!

To layout your living room furniture, let's face it, we have to consider the TV! In some situations, you can layout the furniture in the best possible way and still have optimum TV viewing.

layout living room for best TV viewing 

1)  It's best if there is no more that 8 to 10 feet between each seat. This allows the best "cozy conversation areas". As for the TV, it should be no more than 15 to 18 feet away if possible. This often means pulling furniture out from the wall. If you feel it doesn't look right, know that a rug will often "ground it" (the section of furniture you've pulled out from the wall).

2) Add room darkening drapes, this will allow you to watch TV on a lazy Sunday afternoon, with no GLARE!! If possible, make sure to put window treatments that open and close WITHOUT BLOCKING YOUR VIEW - when you can see out the window you won't get that closed in feeling! See photo

A sectional seats lots of people for optimum tv viewing. The one shown in the photo below could have  overpowered the room if the fabric selection was wrong. We made the sectional feel less "intrusive"  by going with a neutral fabric that did not demand attention and by having a variety of sizes & textures on pillows.

AFTER 
Lots of seating for optimum TV viewing, window treatments to solve the glare on the TV  

BEFORE 

2) Add room darkening drapes, this will allow you to watch TV on a lazy Sunday afternoon, with no GLARE!! If possible, make sure to put window treatments that open and close WITHOUT BLOCKING YOUR VIEW - when you can see out the window you won't get that closed in feeling! See photo above

3) "Ground" that big black dark TV with something dark underneath it, whether it be a console table or dark fireplace tile, etc., since the TV is dark, it's less intrusive if you ground it with dark items.

At first the Client felt that the tile needed to be changed. In hind sight, she actually grew to love the tile once the fabrics and art brought all the colors "together".

Surround that is under the flat screen TV

The Fabrics we chose for the above room - they're durable so the whole family can enjoy TV viewing 

4) Consider swivel chairs, if the chairs swivel, it's easy to watch TV. Today's swivel chairs are better looking than in the past! 

5) Consider the distance of the TV, so you're not too far away. If your room is large, you may need to "float" your furniture (pull it out from the wall).  A sofa table can make the back of the sofa look better AND it gives you a surface for a lamp. If it's new construction, you could request a floor outlet from your builder. 

6) Make sure the furniture is not too big before you order! To layout your living room or den, use masking tape or newspaper on the floor, this will help you avoid mistakes by buying pieces that are too big. Also, compare the width, depth and height of a chair or sofa in another room, this will help you visualize & compare. 

To convert a living room into a home office/library - click here:

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=convert+office

For tips and photos on how to layout a long living room or a huge room, see below.

Convert the living room into a home office, with these 9 must read tips !

It's easier than you think to turn your living room into a library or home office here are 8 helpful tips.

When you convert an unused room into a home office or library, it will feel like you added square footage to your home! If the space is rarely used, it's worth it to convert it to a space you'll use daily.

First ask yourself which room in the house is rarely used? - normally it's the formal living room. Or maybe the dining room? Then proceed to set the mood......

A Living Room space we converted to a library
in Greensboro NC 

 1) Paint the walls a rich color ---or---- if budget is unlimited (don't we all wish) change them to cherry or mahogany. If you want to add wood but can't do the entire room, consider one wall (behind the built in shelves).

2) Consider built in book shelves, (if you're custom making them, I recommend file drawers on the lower half). If you don't want to do built ins, add a piece of furniture with open shelves. Built in shelving units can be VERY pricey, so read on for cost effective alternatives.

Home office 

3) Know that a small dining table or a game table (above) can multi-function as a conference table!

4) Think function - need file drawers? You can always paint metal file cabinets found at a local used furniture supply store. Need lighting? Adding floor lamps will be less expensive than hiring an electrician. Need an escape area? A comfortable chair and or a flat screen might be helpful.

AFTER

BEFORE
converting to a home office

5) If budget allows, change the carpet to hardwood floors or add an area rug in rich earth tone colors. This will help to set the Library mood. 

6) And most important - remember to reuse, refurbish, recycle! People always think they have to buy  new furniture, they want to spend a lot of money on a new desk, new chairs, etc. We normally have to convince them their own items will look amazing once they are recovered or refurbished. Notice the wing chairs which are now in a men's wear fabric. We also kept the two mahogany chests, the desk, and the desk chair (which we recovered).  Updating furniture allows you to spread out the budget for the other items you'll need to turn the room into a well designed home office.

AFTER
full lenght drapes made the ceilings feel taller
the wing chairs were recovered in a men's wear fabric with houndstooth pillows

BEFORE

7) Update the window treatments -  remove silk or florals, change them to linen or something with a Ralph Lauren / Library feel. The above before/after shows why this is a must!!  Think outside the box to create a library feeling, perhaps hounds tooth print or a leather trim?

8) If possible, add leather, even if it's just an ottoman or a pillow, leather can create the home office or library look.

9) Need a space to read? Add a floor next to a comfortable chair and or a flat screen might be fun!  

Converting a living room into a home office is something most people say they're glad they did. It will more than likely become a room you'll use everyday! 

How to upgrade a boring bedroom on a budget! 6 must read photos and tips!

Is your bedroom bland and boring? Ready for a quick makeover or a total room transformation but don't want to replace the furniture?  Here's your inspiration to create the WOW factor without breaking the bank. 

1) know that new furniture is rarely the solution, if anything, that will make the least amount of impact.  1) Paint an accent wall 

This bedroom is dramatic due to the amazing wall color
(also see our blog on "should I paint an accent wall?")

2) Add stunning custom drapes! 

master bedroom update through window treatments,
also see our blogs, "window treatment ideas"
When drapes are custom, they can be hung very tall,
which makes the ceilings feel taller & the room feel larger. 

If you can add custom drapes your bedroom will instantly look MUCH more sophisticated. They should be hung above the window to create the illusion of height. Notice that it's not necessary to add panels on both sides in some instances. This window treatment brought in a new soothing "spa like" color, which is repeated in the throw pillow.

3) change your headboard. Notice the one word, headboard, not entire set. know that new furniture is rarely the solution, if anything, that will make the least amount of impact. 

A Fabulous fabric made this master bedroom more cheerful
Click on the link below "upholstered headboards" for many more photos
Or click "romantic bedrooms" for some great tips
Nothing creates a makeover more effective than adding bold colors! 

4) Another inexpensive way to update a bedroom is with an amazing fabric 

wrapped on a board, this can be hung on the wall in place of a headboard. 

5)  If an area rug is in the budget, this can make quite an impact. Notice this homeowner didn't change the wall paint, a throw pillow or throw can "pull it together" 

Our complete "Spa" bedroom update - a little at a time,
through mercury glass lamps, a custom headboard, bed shams,
a bench at the foot of the bed, and linen drapes 

6) Do a little at a time! It's not necessary to do everything at once as long as you have a plan, creating a color scheme, deciding on fabric choices and an overall plan will help you avoid impulse purchases.

Notice the furniture is still traditional, but the amazing fabric on the headboard gave the room a big update.
This bedroom was also updated with new lamps, that can make a huge impact


For many more photos and ideas for updating bedrooms, click on these links:  

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=romantic+bedroom

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=bedroom

How to make a fun, hip play room for children & teenagers, 9 tips just in time summer.

Need a playroom for your preteen and teenage children? Here's some fun tips 

Pool tables are fun, if not in the budget a ping pong table is great! 

Pub tables with swivel bar stools are a nice addition.

A dart board is a cheap & fun activity for teenagers.

To protect walls, surround it with wood or cork. 

A cabinet for pool cue sticks keeps the expensive ones safe,
if children are young and need adult supervision. 

Under cabinet lighting creates an amazing look at the mini bar. 

Wii Games like bowling, tennis, soccer, baseball, snowboarding keep teenagers
busy on rainy days. This room has virtual golf 

To blow off energy, my teen loves jumping on the treadmill,
this is another great way to keep teenagers busy on a rainy day. 

A memorabilia wall with photos of family vacations, favorite sporting
events, fishing or boating, - these are all great conversation starters.
This is especially good in a basement (with very little windows
you'll have lots of wall space to cover) 

How to keep a duvet cover from moving, 5 tips that actually work!

Are you tired of trying to fluff your feather and down duvet so it doesn't get clumped inside one section of the duvet cover? Well here's 4 tried and true options to end the headache!

Option 1- you can sew tufting like these photos

This solves the issue of the down insert moving inside the duvet cover

Option 2 - You can sew snaps inside (to connect the duvet cover and the duvet itself)

Sew the Male snaps on the covers and the female snaps on the duvet. Snap everything into place with the cover inside out


Option 3 - Get clamps for each corner -  I haven't tried them, so I can't comment on how well these work.

Option 4 - Place the duvet UNDERNEATH the duvet cover (instead of inside it)
This is the option I personally chose! Here's why: 

a) it's not as warm to sleep under &
b) it weighs less when you make the bed!
c) it looks fluffy and welcoming just like when you stuff the duvet inside - but you still get the benefit of a & b. In other words, you can accomplish today's look with a duvet, yet you have the same convenience as the old fashioned bedspreads!

Tip # 5 As for how to keep all the down itself from moving into one section --- the baffled type (shown below) will solve that problem for you.....they even come in "his" and "her" warmth, for those couples who have one spouse who is cold blooded and another who is always hot!

Duvet cover in which the down does not get clumped in corners

Is it tacky to display large size family photos on the wall? Here are 6 suggestions.

Some designers say you shouldn't display family photos because it forces your guests to stare at them. Other designers say it's your home, display as many as you want, as large as you want. Here are some tips for making the most of your family photos.

1) If the frames are complimentary, it's much easier to make it look cohesive on one wall (see below)

2) Think about optional rooms for Family photos
They don't have to be in the main living room 

3)  Wall shelves can be a nice way to display family photos, don't forget to have proper lighting.

4) If you have far too many family photos to display, remember that a nice photo album (with your favorite photos) can always be on display on the cocktail table!! This can be fun for friends and family to flip through - if they chose to.

5) Notice how "balanced" this display is due to the shapes & the fact that they're all black & white 

6) It's fun to view family photos that are artistic in nature (example children having fun doing an activity, or a young child enjoying a puppy, etc).  They do not have to be close up head shots!   

CLICK below for other subjects you'll enjoy: 

before after designer rooms http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=before+after

remodeling tips    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=remodeling

update a room      http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=update+room

furniture layout   http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=furniture+layout  

add color              http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=add+color

window treatments    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=window+treatments

granite or tile first    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=granite

Have fun with family photos! You can always display them in areas where friends and family can enjoy them if they choose to  - hallways, a nook beside the kitchen, stairway landings, etc. (instead of on a main focal wall where guests will have to look at them for long periods, such as while seating in your dining room or on the sofa. 

Family photo display is definitely personal opinion. Our mothers & grandmothers embraced them whether we wanted them to our not! They often hung 16" x 18" 

close ups photos that looked like school portraits.  Some were embarrassing to say the least!

What type hardware for my cabinets? Knobs or handles, and what size?

If you are shopping for hardware for cabinets, here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

This kitchen has hinges that show (instead of hidden hinges)
This creates a sort of "old fashioned" style 

Hardware is a great place to make your cabinets feel more unique. It's fun to mix and match knobs with handles to create variety and interest. Here are some photos for inspiration.

To assist the general contractor to know which pieces to attach
in various rooms, we color coded the hardware selections as above. 

The number one question we get is this - Can I mix finishes on hardware?

For example, chrome with brass or bronze. As a rule of thumb, if it is appealing to the eye - yes!

Example, brushed stainless is fine with some bronze door knobs or light fixtures. Especially if you have a stainless faucet or stainless appliances.

We chose this brushed stainless hardware for the master bath, even though the light fixtures and door knobs were bronze. The tile had taupe and gray tones, so this was a nice compliment to the overall cool

Another question we often hear is "does the hardware on all the upper cabinets need to match"? The below photos shows that you can mix and match as much as you want, as long as it's appealing to the eye, there are no rules. 

In this Greensboro kitchen, notice the variety in the way we
added hardware. We turned the handles sideways on the lower drawers
which is more interesting than knobs.
We chose hidden hinges for these cabinets

If you are wondering how to upgrade or replace hardware that is a unique size (when it's impossible to find hardware that matches up to the same holes as your old hardware).....below are examples of handles with back plates. This often "hides" the problem. 

NOTICE THE HANDLES ON THE DRAWERS ARE LONGER THAN THE UPPER DOORS!
It's all based on looks, there is no definite rule of thumb.
It makes it more interesting if you mix and match the sizes and shapes.

CLICK below for other subjects you'll enjoy: 

before after designer rooms http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=before+after

remodeling tips    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=remodeling

update a room      http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=update+room

furniture layout   http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=furniture+layout  

add color              http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=add+color

window treatments    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=window+treatments

granite or tile first    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=granite

Which white fabrics are durable? 5 designer tips and room photos for decorating in white.

To use white fabrics on sofas and chairs, you'll want to make sure the fabrics are durable. Here are 5 tips for decorating a room in white:

1) Outdoor fabrics are very durable, even in white fabrics.
A sisal rug allows is a nice rich texture to accentuate the white fabrics. 

2) If you put white on bedding, it is sometimes machine washable.
Tone on tone fabrics are soothing. Gray and white make a great combination. 

3) You could put two fabrics, durable on the front, with white on the back. Notice the contrast fabric on the back of the chairs. The rich dark walnut coffee table is a nice contrast with all the white in this room. 

3) Bright white trim will help give you more of that "clean white feeling" you might be trying to achieve. The clean white trim & fabrics don't compete with  the textures & colors in the stone

4) Off white & ivory are a nice alternative to white. The rich camel walls accentuate  the beauty of the white window treatments and furniture.

5) Ultra suede is actually washable. And Microfiber is also a durable fabric if you want to use white.

White rooms have always been popular because they are soothing, and they feel clean, fresh, and clutter free. White fabrics should be chosen with special attention to durability, the tips above are a great place to start.