Room by Room Tips for your Home

Whole House Whether you are decorating one room at a time or your entire home, developing a whole house plan is important. A whole house plan does not mean that your house has to be the same from top to bottom, yet it is important, I believe, to have some form of continuity within your home to create a comfortable flow throughout. Rooms within your home can be connected in various ways. Often it is the architecture and unique structural details that define your home. It can be a color pallet that ties the rooms together; or even one common color that is carried from room to room. It may be a style of furniture that you love and use through out, or even the finish of the wood on cabinets, doors or baseboards. The personality of a home is created by many of the above details. By keeping some elements consistent throughout your home, you create a style in itself which is a great foundation to start upon.

Entry  The entry is my first impression when visiting. It is where I should get a first glimpse of your home’s “personality”. Imagine walking in your house for the first time. What is the focal point? It could be a fountain, or a beautiful floral arrangement. Maybe it’s a favorite painting, chandelier, or group of family pictures. Whatever it is, it should be something that is beautiful to you as it is the first insight to what makes your house your home. Even if you do not have a defined entry way, it is possible to create the feel of one by creating an intimate space upon entry that perhaps includes an interesting table topped with a beautiful lamp, mirror on the wall, and candles. If using a rug at the entrance consider a larger one, or even a runner to tie the room together. One large rug is better than several small.

Living Room My favorite quote about living rooms is by Lucy Abbot Throop. She says “I like to think of the word “living rooms” as being short for the Joy-of-Living rooms. That is what they ought to be-full of life and happiness and beauty. You may prefer a formal style or even more of sitting room, whichever you prefer, don’t forget to make it a room you want to spend time in. If it is a room that is rarely used, it may be the perfect place to create a special space for you to read, drink a cup of tea, and unwind. We all need a place we can call our own! If you entertain a lot, it may be the perfect place to retire for an intimate after dinner drink. Often a living room is the “forgotten” room, or a place that is off limits except on special occasions. I invite you to make a space that has fond memories for you, your family, and those who visit.

Study A study can have many uses. It may used as an office space either during the day or in evening hours. Does one person use this space or do member shares a computer here for various tasks. I think it’s important to evaluate every use; business, home management, school work, studying etc. before jumping into your project. Organization is the key to a good space. Do you need a computer, cable connections, telephone, electric etc.? If you are not willing to relocate the connections, this may determine where a desk is placed. Do you want to sit looking out the window or do you prefer facing the door to view the activity inside of your Home? Also consider what visitors will see entering the room. Can you hide the wires to electronic connections? Draw your floor plan and place furniture pieces in various configurations. Imagine yourself working in each layout. It’s much easier to plan ahead, than to connect all those computer wires and change your mind!

Family Room/Great Room This room often requires extra thought when planning. It can have many used by several people. It especially needs to be functional as well as beautiful. I suggest making a list of what activities take place in this space. Do you watch TV? How many people do you need to seat? Do people eat in this room? Is there a lot of traffic in and out? Do you play games? Do people read or study in here? Are there often more than 1 activity going on at the same time? You may answer yes to all of them? Try to create more than one seating area-one for a large group and another for conversation. Additionally, try to plan for additional seating. Perhaps 2 ottomans can be tucked under a sofa table and a large one used for a coffee table. An extra chair can be placed next to a desk that can pulled out for guests. You may want to include a table for cards, eating or crafts. Fabrics and finishes should be chosen not only for beauty, but durability. It is possible to have both! Of course you need lighting for the entire space, but don’t forget about lighting to read by and just as important lighting for ambiance. I love dimmers! They are easy to install and with the flip of a switch you can instantly change a room from bright to dramatic.

Dining Room  Dining rooms are a place where special memories are created. Whether using for holiday meals or entertaining throughout the year, it is an intimate space for friends and family to share. The table is usually the focal point of this room. A great centerpiece, candles and gorgeous chandelier will get you started. A great way to accent this space is by doing something special on the ceiling. Faux painting on the ceiling, crown molding, and a medallion around the chandelier are added touches that can create drama and interest. Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs or china, it can give an interesting flair to the space.

Master Bedroom This should be a place for your own personal retreat. Instead of thinking of it as a place to sleep, consider creating a room that you want to spend time in. Perhaps, if space allows, you can have a seating to read or watch TV. If you don’t have enough space for a seating area, treat your side of the bed as your own haven. Have a table with storage for your special books, a candle, a journal, etc. Choose a lamp that provides enough light for reading or journaling. A chandelier instead of a ceiling fan can be very romantic. Consider a mini bar or refrigerator for those special nights that you need to “get away”. We typically spend (or dream of spending!) almost a third of our lives sleeping, why shouldn’t we create our own getaway!

Master Bedroom This should be a place for your own personal retreat. Instead of thinking of it as a place to sleep, consider creating a room that you want to spend time in. Perhaps, if space allows, you can have a seating to read or watch TV. If you don’t have enough space for a seating area, treat your side of the bed as your own haven. Have a table with storage for your special books, a candle, a journal, etc. Choose a lamp that provides enough light for reading or journaling. A chandelier instead of a ceiling fan can be very romantic. Consider a mini bar or refrigerator for those special nights that you need to “get away”. We typically spend (or dream of spending!) almost a third of our lives sleeping, why shouldn’t we create our own getaway!

Master Bath This is usually a pretty busy area of the house, whether sharing with a partner or not. When planning a bathroom, consider what will go into the area. Of course you want to reflect your master bedroom in style and design, but function is just as important. Although the bath room may be one of the smaller spaces that you will work with, there are many considerations and a countless number of choices to be made from flooring to tubs. Do your research by visiting a well know showroom in your area and ask a lot of questions. People love to tell you what they know, and it’s easier to make decisions when you are armed with information! Considering colors for your master bath? Remember that the colors you choose will reflect in the mirror with you each day. If you don’t look best in green, it might not be the best choice for your bath! If you walk into the ladies room of an expensive restaurant, chances you will look fabulous! Probably because they are using pink light bulbs which make your skin glow!

Child's Bedroom Decorating a child’s bedroom can be great fun and yet often a source of frustration. What you want and your child wants can be two different things. By involving your child in the decorating process of their room, you are encouraging them to develop their own creativity and personal style. Begin the project by helping them find an inspiration picture from catalogs and magazines. If you can find a comforter set that they like, it’s a great start! Personalizing store bought items such as drapes, pillow cases, and lamps with beads, fringe, stencils, etc. is a wonderful way to add your own touch. Find ways of compromise. If they want a black ceiling and you can’t bear the thought, offer to have black accessories.

Hall Bath When decorating this room, consider some different touches. Instead of a plain mirror, consider using a framed decorative mirror with beveled glass. A beautiful small chest of drawers can often be made into a vanity for a unique look. Try a small chandelier in the corner or a spray of flowers in a wall sconce. Instead of hanging the traditional hand towel, put elegant disposable towels in a stylish basket.

Guest Bedroom This can be a fun room to do! Imagine the room as   it were part of a cozy bed and breakfast. Provide a pitcher with glasses and water. Have a fold up stand for luggage. Place a picture frame with a favorite old picture of you and your guest on the dresser. Leave a few of your favorite books and a film or 2 that they can watch on their TV. A basket in the bathroom with toiletries that they may have forgotten is the perfect touch!

Kitchen The kitchen can be the heart of your home, with a whirl of activity. If possible, opening it up to the family room or great room can be a wonderful idea. The head of the kitchen can now cook and interact with family members and guests without missing a beat. When considering flooring materials, ask yourself the following: Is warm or cold to the feet? Is a softer, more cushioned floor better on your back? Will something shatter if dropped on it and is that a concern? How easily does it clean?  When choosing cabinets, there are wonderful trims, knobs and details available for at every price range that can make kitchen special. Details make a difference and can be the difference between a good kitchen and a great kitchen. Lighting is very important. Overall room lighting is crucial, but remember that fluorescent light may not be the best choice. Food looks more appetizing in incandescent lighting. Think about it, you only see fluorescent in fast food restaurants, never in nicer restaurants. Task lighting is important in food preparation and cleaning areas, but consider using ambient or accent lighting under the counters or in decorative shelving for that extra touch.

Breakfast Room/Morning Room This room is usually an extension of the kitchen and can be a gathering place for friends and family members. Consider using a large round table for something different and make sure the chairs are comfortable for eating, reading the daily paper, and conversation. Ideally, the room is set towards the sunrise for a bright and cheerful greeting each day, but if not; try to create your own sunshine by providing light and cheerful touches.

Sun Room This may also be a four season room, or screened in porch, but whichever, it provides a link from outdoors to in. It’s a great way to provide an area for relaxing and unwinding. Breaking this into several conversation areas is a good idea. A mini bar may be great for setting out ice tea and snacks for a sunny afternoon. A large area rug is a great connector for furniture and tends to make the space a little cozier.

Laundry / Mud Room It’s something all of us need to have, yet really don’t want, so why not make it as convenient and time saving as possible. Organization is key. Add cabinets and shelving to organize cleaning supplies. If you have room, include a separate hamper for towels, whites and darks. Have a basket for each family member to carry (and return) to their rooms to put away clothes. If you don’t have room for a drying rod, consider a line that pulls out when you need it and then retracts when you’re done. Include instructions on using the washer and dryer so there are no excuses as to why your family can not help out! (I even marked the line on my washer and dryer with a permanent marker as to where to point the arrow when starting – it worked!) Add some draperies, a small lamp. If you must be there, at least it can be a place you enjoy looking at!

Lower Level/Recreational Room Typically, a lower level is for entertainment and fun. It’s an extra space for added enjoyment. When planning this space, make sure you consider what activities will be taking place. Is the most important aspect of this space relaxing and having fun? Make sure that you choose the finishes carefully, so that they are easily cleaned and durable. It’s a great idea to create multiple areas within the space – a work space for crafts, wrapping gifts and work projects, a gaming table for cards and backgammon, a cocktail area for conversation, and a media area for movies. If you are working with a small space, consider how you can make use of one area for several activities. Perhaps a card table can be converted to a craft table and the chairs in the cocktail area can be also used around the Television. Remember to use lighting for work and play; task lighting is great for cards and crafts – but dim the lights and light some candles for evening cocktails.

© Assistant Product Group, Inc. 2005