August 2, 2009

Good Furniture Layout Leads to Better Functionality

Posted under General, small spaces | Comments (0)

Room planning is more about functionality and space utilization than strictly about looks and style. However, the best proof of the design adage “Form follows function”, the very best room designs also “work” the best for the way YOU intend to use the room.

Where to start: The Roomplace Style Guide can give you a good general idea of what style and type of furniture you’re comfortable with. That being said, you also need to adapt your style to your space. A large home in a suburban location will by nature lend itself to a different style and size of furniture than a high-rise condominium in town.

Architectural style and detail and window shape can also affect your choice of style. Crown moldings and chair rails will lend themselves to a more traditional type of furniture, regardless of what room they are in. How you arrange your pictures and artwork can also be affected by the style you choose. ResidentialArchitect.com provides an excellent guide to wall style and picture arrangement.

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January 5, 2009

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

Posted under Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, small spaces | Comments (0)

Use Furniture to Make Your Dining Room Look Bigger

Use Furniture to Make Your Dining Room Look Bigger

One look at the New York Collection by Cindy Crawford Home, and you can see how it’s just perfect for small dining rooms. The glass-top table, available at The Room Place, eliminates the heavy look of a dark colored table top, and gives way to a well-lit and airy space. The sideboard has a slim profile that seems to hug the wall, leaving plenty of room for a walkway and dining comfort.

Do you get frustrated when it comes to decorating the smaller rooms in your home? It’s a common decorating problem, but there are many tricks you can use to open up the tiniest of spaces, and still manage to squeeze in all the necessary home furnishings.

Don’t overlook the amount of vertical space available in any small room. Armoires, china cabinets, and bookcases can work well in small spaces for the amount of storage and interest they provide. And, remember that china cabinets aren’t just for dishes. They can also be filled with conversation items such as heirlooms, books, and special collections to add elements of your unique personality to your space.

After you’ve chosen the furniture for your small space, it’s time to decide on a paint color. Most decorators recommend light colors for small spaces. However, a light color doesn’t have to mean going with sterile shades of white. Any shade of beige, lighter greens, and gray often work well in small spaces. In addition, some decorators recommend tricks for playing up ceiling height in small spaces, as the illusion of height creates a sense of more space. Suggestions include crown molding, and two-tone paint combinations with the darkest shade closest to the ceiling.

The New York Collection and other selections from the Cindy Crawford Home collection are available at The Room Place. Visit www.theroomplace.com for more information.

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