Matters of Style     

                   April, 2012                   

Greetings,

 

Welcome back to Matters of Style, a periodic newsletter from  

To a T Interiors.   In this issue, we hope you'll enjoy reading how one couple swapped their living and dining rooms to better utilize their space.  Also, if home organizing is on your to do list, we've got tips to help you get started on decluttering.  

 

Happy Decorating! 

In This Issue
Reconstitued Space: A Transition from Living to Dining Room
Tips for Getting Started on Decluttering
Reconstituted Space:  A Transition
From Living to Dining Room 
I met Christine, who lives in a split-level home in Bethesda, MD, shortly after she convinced her husband Jonathan to swap their living and dining rooms (LR and DR).  Her motivation was two-fold: Already tired of entertaining in their cramped old DR (just off the kitchen), they were faced with having to decide on what dining furniture to keep after acquiring additional heirlooms  from Jonathan's family.  

By moving the dining furniture into their spacious yet under-utilized living room, they were able to combine some of their existing furniture (having sentimental value from Christine's grandmother) with the newly received mid-century pieces that the couple wanted to incorporate, as they more closely matched their design aesthetic.
New DR, Before Redesign
 Dining Room, Before Redesign (former LR)
Our first order of business was to redesign the new dining room to better utilize the additional furniture and showcase original artwork from the estate. The redesign entailed moving the china cabinet to the left corner (not shown in after picture) and replacing it with the tea server topped by the oil painting.  This served to provide more balance in the room (plus minimized viewing the style differences between the china cabinet and the table and buffet) and encourages the eye to travel around the room upon entry (e.g., from painting to fireplace to artwork on focal wall). 
After Redesign
Dining Room, After Redesign
Dining Room Before
DR Focal Wall, Before Redesign
The couple were keen to use some of the artwork they received from the estate but  were at a loss on how to showcase it.  I convinced them that a grouping on the focal wall would have great impact and serve to fill up the space (seen here before the redesign).  We spent a session playing with the various looks and sizes of the available pieces and come up with the grouping pictured below.  We filled in with accessories on the buffet to complete the look. 
Focal Wall with Artwork After Redesign
DR Focal Wall with Art Arrangement
Next up was choosing paint which was inspired by the art and a new area rug Christine found that better fit with the updated look she wanted.  The couple was game to use three paint colors: one on the focal wall, two on the rest of the DR walls and three on the adjoining entry hall and new LR.  This next picture illustrates the amazing difference that paint can make. 
DR Focal Wall with Art Arrangement (after painting)
The couple shopped for new dining chairs (after ruling out recovering the existing chairs for larger, more comfortable new ones), bought a leather bench for additional seating and visual weight plus a new chandelier that perfectly suits the space in terms of size and style. 

I was called back to assist with new window treatments for the picture window.  We opted for sheer blinds mounted on the window for light control and privacy framed by ready-made end panels on decorative hardware for color and texture.  With that step complete, the Dining Room was finished!
 
Completed Room
Completed Dining Room
Christine is really pleased with the finished product noting that  it blends their heirloom pieces with updated items for a fresh new look.  When asked for feedback on the finished room, she kindly says that:  "I couldn't have achieved the completed look, which was exactly what I was going for, without Susan's help.  From furniture layout, to art arranging, paint color selection and window treatments, she was instrumental in making the selections that worked with the various pieces we were trying to use in the room.  She was very patient and worked with our timetable and I can't wait to get her help with the living room which is next up on our home decorating list."

I applaud Christine and Jonathan for having the vision to transform their space so that it better suits their lifestyle.  Don't be afraid to re-purpose your rooms if they are under utilized and not serving the intended function--this is a great example of what can be achieved by combining old with new for an entirely new room. 
Tips for Getting Started on Decluttering   
You see it on TV, read it in magazines and hear about it on talk shows: clutter is a problem for many of us and there's lots of advice for getting out from under it.
It's easy to acquire too much and it's  not always by  purchasing things.  Merging households and inheriting from family members are common reasons I see overstuffed homes.  Add in dual working parents with small children in a home without good storage and its easy to lose control.
 
The trick for many people is how to get started and what to do with your stuff once you decide to get rid of it? 
Here are some of the techniques I've used to help client's get organized:
1.  Tackle one room or problem space at a time (e.g., family room or family desk space).

2.  Create enough space to sort items into three main categories:  throw out, give away, keep.  Within keep,  sort into sub-categories  as soon as you see common themes (e.g., for this family desk space adjacent to the kitchen:  batteries, office supplies, mailing supplies, note cards, take out menus, coupons, service manuals, cookbooks, reference books, family calendar, etc).

3.  Be realistic about what is salvageable and have sturdy bags on hand to throw out trash items immediately.  When working in an office space or with any papers, you should also be mindful to recycle discarded paper but separate out those that contain sensitive information for shredding.

4. Designate space to temporarily store items you can donate.  Be sure to get scheduled with one of the many non-profits that will pick up items from your home for free (if you don't already have a favorite, go to this great resource for finding and scheduling a charity pick-up).   Catalog what you donate and get a receipt to itemize for tax purposes. Keep in mind that there are lots of folks who can use gently used clothes, small appliances, lighting, furniture, etc. That helps many clutter bugs who can't stand the thought of getting rid of a perfectly good ... well, just about anything!

5. After you organize the things you want to keep into like categories, provide a home for everything that is staying.  Use drawer dividers in an office or kitchen to corral the small things.


6. Review the newly organized space with everyone in the family to ensure they know where to find the things they need.  Plus make sure it's understood items should be returned to their designated space when done.  This is the area where many fall short:  it is critical to get all family members to buy into getting and keeping a space organized or the space will quickly become a catch-all again. 


7. It's best to start with one or two key spaces, such as the kitchen, bath or family room.  Once organized, focus on getting everyone in the family in the habit of putting things away.  As good habits are ingrained it will be easier to address other, less critical spaces.

If storage options are an issue, consider adding built-ins for helping to contain the clutter.  Here is a link to an easy and inexpensive DIY project for adding built-in open shelving.  If storage is the main motivation, it's better to add cabinets with doors at the bottom and open shelves on top to hide more of the unsightly clutter.


As always, if you need help making your home the inviting, comfortable space you envision, call To a T Interiors.  We can help you select the perfect paint color, find solutions to corral the clutter that accumulates for busy families or redesign your living spaces to enhance the beauty and function for the whole family.   
 

 
Susan  

 

To a T Interiors

301-467-3563

 

www.toatinteriors.com  
Q & A Corner
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Q. Mother's Day is next month, do you have any gift ideas for the home?

  

A. Consider giving a custom-made soap to show Mom you're thinking of her.   Hill East Soap Works creates made-to-order custom soaps: click here for link and contact info.  Order by May 3rd for Mother's Day delivery and get 50% off shipping and custom gift wrap.  Try "Lady Di" made with Shea butter and scented with grapefruit essential oil. Or enhance her skin care regimen with Sanctuary Soap, using Dead Sea mud and scented with Peppermint essential oil.  Hill East Soaps make great hostess and shower gifts, too.

 

You can also consider getting a To a T Interiors gift certificate, a unique gift available in any amount, for any service.   

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