After weeks of waiting for three dry days in a row to grout, Mother Nature is finally on our side and John’s finishing up the tile in the sunroom as I type this (while singing “grout, grout, let it all out”). He’ll give you the full tiling rundown tomorrow, and in the meantime, I’m more excited than Jessie Spano about this post (and she’s SO EXCITED).
As we mentioned on Facebook this weekend, thanks to your suggestions during our Blogiversary, we thought it would be fun to share some ideas for folks out there who are stuck with decorating dilemmas. We also knew you guys would have a ton of suggestions to add to the mix, so we hope these posts will turn into great group brainstorming sessions for any homeowners out there who are stumped. So let’s dive right in. Here’s Shannon’s issue:
Hey Sherry and John! We just moved into our house in July, and I am LOST. This photo is taken from our living room, which is very open. The area on the left is our front room, the brightly colored door goes to our garage, then there’s the funky bookshelf area (ARGH), our boring but wide stairway, and our downstairs half-bath.
I LOVE color, NEED color, but need to keep it all cohesive down here (everything opens up to the same space). The thought of one color everywhere makes me want to cry! As you can see, I broke down one day and just painted the door to our garage to get some color, even if it’s temporary. I’m willing to buy paint cans tomorrow and show you afters! I just have no idea what colors to paint. Also, that horrible spot where the bookshelf and TV are currently living is too small for a couch, and nothing seems to make sense in that space. Our TV can go anywhere in the room (so it can move out of that nook). As long as I can keep Eugene, my coral-painted horse head, I’m happy!
We have three kids, so storage and function are always great things, but I also love some pretty, decorative things, too. My husband and father-in-law are my fabulous carpenters (they always seem to figure things out together that I throw at them), so again, I’m all about showing you the afters! Oh and don’t mind the blanket on the carpet–it’s rest time and my three littles are watching the Lorax. Love you guys! (In a non-creepy, even though we’ve never met kinda way!) – Shannon
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Guys, I stared at that picture for a while without having a clue, and then I realized that the nook between the stairs and the front door would be awesome with a big built-in to add tons of functional storage. Shannon would gain a spot to stash things out of sight (like kid-gear) from the six drawers down below, and she’d have a place to display her decorative stuff (like Eugene) up top. The best thing about adding something built-in right at the edge of that enclave is that the entire wall would have less of that nook-next-to-a-nook-next-to-another-nook feeling since it would break things up and bring that wall forward to create a great little focal point.
As for the execution of those built-ins, Shanon could either have her husband and father-in-law build them from scratch (since she mentioned they’re awesome carpenters in her letter) or she could buy something like these Hemnes ones from Ikea, which would hopefully be pretty simple to frame out for a nice built-in look. They’d also create a great place to add color. Maybe a soft blue tone on the back of the bookcase could be fun (like Valley Mist by Behr). Then the same bold door tone – except a little muddier with more gray in it so it’s not too intense – could end up on the walls of the bathroom to bring more color on that side of the space. Shannon could ask the person at the paint counter to add 15% more gray to the formula of the door color to hopefully end up with something in the right range.
I also photoshopped the walls a soft gray tone (like Silver Drop by Behr) and quickly switched out the light fixture by the door for this guy (I can’t help it, I’m obsessed with these – and the small one would be really cute there). Then I added this rug to the living area, just because that’s another easy way to add some color and interest, while picking up on some of the cheerful items displayed in the built-ins.
And just for fun, I made an alternate version with cooler periwinkle blues mixed with some warm corals and some deep navy tones:
This time I used this rug and photoshopped an abstract painting on the wall going up those stairs to bring in even more coral and periwinkle to that wall, along with darkening the door and the bathroom to a rich navy tone (something close to Myth by Behr). I also made the ceiling a super soft blue tone (Lime Light by Behr) to layer in there with the light gray walls, and for the back of the built-ins, a sea glass green could be pretty too (Palm Breeze by Behr).
So there are two thoughts I had for Shannon’s space. Do you prefer the Option 1 (emerald and copper with hits of sky blue) or Option 2 (coral, periwinkle and navy with some sea glass green)? Or do you have a completely new idea to add to the pot? We’d love to hear what you guys would do, and I’m sure there will a ton of awesome ideas in the comments, so… fire away! And a big thanks to Shannon for sharing her problem area. We’re crossing our fingers for after photos to share with you guys!
Psst – Got a particularly tricky spot or a dilemma in a certain area of your house? Submit a photo (or two) along with a few sentences about what bugs you or has you stumped to [email protected].
Jill says
I like the second option color wise.
How about opening up the walls between the garage door & living room or staircase to half bath. I think it would give the space a bit of ease/breathing room.
Melanie says
My mind totally went to built-ins too! As a fellow lover of color (like insane color person) I would paint the built-ins a bold color, maybe a shiny navy or emerald green to make Eugene pop, and wallpaper the back with a fun pattern. Curtains, rugs, artwork, maybe even a stair runner could bring in more color. Bailey McCarthy’s style isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I LOVE her. Maybe you can find some inspiriation on her site? Something like this, perhaps: http://www.peppermintbliss.com/2013/09/before-after-one-week-makeover-the-living-room/ I know you said one color would make you sad, but I think if you went for one wild color it might be really fun.
Good luck!!!
shannon says
Woah, that is really cool, Melanie!! Thanks!! –shannon
Leiann says
I do like the built-in idea, but depending on what the other side of the room looks like, what about taking those two walls down? It wouldn’t look so much like three giant rectangles in a row. It could still be the TV area, but get a lower sitting piece of furniture in there to put the TV on. It would look a lot less confined and a lot more like it’s supposed to be there, rather than just a TV/shelf shoved into an odd-placed nook.
Good luck!
Leslie says
I love the idea of built-ins, but I would do a built-in desk with shelves above it. Kind of an office-in-a-nook.
Rachel Laree says
The built in looks good! I’m also into plums and corals these days so that’s also a color to think about. I would also remove the carpet from the stairs and the look would be complete!
Kristen says
My first thought was “I SEE BEAUTIFUL BUILT INS” before I even saw your photoshopped images. She could even include some sort of space in the built ins for the tv if she wanted to keep it there… maybe even hidden away with doors. Maybe keep the drawers on the bottom then have doors in the middle for the tv with skinny shelves for books, Eugene, and other decorations on both sides of those doors. The possibilities are endless! I wish I had a space like this actually. My mind went crazy with ideas when I saw it!
Jessica K says
A lower built cabinet might be a great landing zone! You could hide some filing areas hidden beneath. The closer I can get my filing to my mail, the better.
Lindsey says
I don’t have time to do a Photoshop mock-up, but I think it would be nice to open up the stairway. Like this, but with a more contemporary feel: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/35677022020064206/ Right now it feels like the space is separated by big rectangles and by opening up the wall to allow the staircase to “breathe” might make it feel less cramped. I picture a moody grey/clay color like Benjamin Moore’s Sparrow with crisp white balusters and walnut floors. Maybe some built-in closed storage under the stairs like this: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89438742572834449/ (love those glass doors!!)
Carrie Lea says
Love this idea!
Kimberly says
I immediately thought of built-ins as well – great minds think alike! But, just to throw something else out there (unless someone else already has!), what about bookshelves that line the walls, with a built in bench (with storage underneath, perhaps)? This pin may help: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/353110427003125496/.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Love the built-in idea — a great, functional way to fill a potentially awkward space!
tracy_a says
The first thing I thought was a bigger bookcase/built-ins to fill the space – love your options! Doors or drawers depending on what you need to store (giant toys? Crockpot?)
The other thing – if you don’t have a functional coat closet – this could be a nice area to box in for that purpose. Double doors? Right near the garage if you go in/out that way – kids could hang backpacks and melting winter boots and such in there – then close the doors.
In the same vein – a dresser with a big mirror above – for keys, the packages to grab on the way out the door, etc. – the stuff I leave on the kitchen island that drives me nuts.
I do like the idea of art on the stairs. Could also go with kids’ growth charts there or their school photos – it’s sort of public/sort of private space.
Kelly B says
I think it would be cool to create an entertaining nook in this space. You could build in an interesting countertop with closed storage below. Layer a pop of accent color paint on the top, or use a unique wallpaper or marbled paper (available at sites like this: http://www.papermojo.com/Pirouette-Marbled-Paper–Black-Gold-Silver_p_2945.html). That little alcove is a perfect spot for accent colors. Then, I’d hang a large mirror above the countertop to reflect light in the space, and style the countertop with a tray and barware, accessories, etc.
Jessica F. says
Nice! Those little holes in houses drive me nuts. I mean really, what in the world are you supposed to put there! Don’t constrain my designing by forcing me to decorate a hole! Love this. Yes, please. Let’s solve the design dilemmas we face all the time in homes.
Linda G says
I prefer #1, which seems more subtle, but I think the rugs in both images are too bright and busy. I know that Shannon is looking to add color, but this seems like too much in one place.
LJ Grimm says
Hi, I love design dilemmas! I like option 2, since Shannon mentioned her coral horse head I think the coral and periwinkle would work. I also want to suggest my favorite color Sherwin Williams Timeless Day (or same color just too expensive for me Silver Sage from Restoration Hardware). It’s from one of their old fan decks. It coordinates so great with browns, reds, orange, whatever you like. This color reads differently as the light in the room changes throughout the day. I love to use it in an open concept because it doesn’t look like you used all one color, but you did ; ) and it creates a really cohesive feel. Works great with Agreeable Gray Sherwin Williams on doors and trim. I also like to suggest people create a built in look with Ikea furniture. So budget friendly.
kim says
My answer to every challenge in my house is more closed storage, so built-ins are a win. Also, I’d consider the Ikea wall/show cabinet things that are very shallow in the hallway to the garage. I have two in my entry hall and they are only about 8 inches deep but provide tons of shoe/scarf/mitten/junk storage with a shelf for more (we have a charging station, key basket, and sunglasses basket on them so that crap doesn’t make it to some other flat surface in my house).
Jocelyn says
When I saw the first picture I immediately thought built in too. I pictured having one that had recessed book shelves behind the counter of the cabinet part (if that makes sense) so that you could sit the tv on it. Or I guess, you could have one big shelf area in the middle that is open to fit the tv in and then it could be surrounded by the shelves with or without doors. We actually have a similar problem in our house that I may send a picture of. We have a place we’ve thought of making a built in but it has a weird angle in it instead of having nice straight lines. Oh, and I really like the art you put in the second picture above the stairs to bring more color there and connect it all.
Corne says
Option 2. And change the stairs – white with dark wooden treads to match the dark doorknobs on the built-in, and to balance the dark door.
Enjoy, whatever you decide!
Lauren Sims says
I prefer Option #2, i’m partial to gray tones! Love them. Also, for some added fun they could add horizontal stripes in the little hallway to the left, it will make that space appear a bit larger. The horizontal stripes would be best if they were large (not skinny). Also, I love your idea of a built-in in the middle space, that was my first thought. If they don’t want to have doors on the upper portion, they could have open shelving and paint the wall a bold color, perhaps something to match the rug you photoshopped in the idea.
Fraser says
What a luxe fix! It would dramatically improve the function and look of that nook. Maybe even be able to hide the TV? xo
J Bagley says
Looks like they’ll need a space for their tv, unless they plan to move it somewhere else. They could do a custom build or work with some Ikea products like Besta http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59897529/#/S09908196 (depending on dimensions).
I’ve also recently seen a great way to hide a tv – install a roller shade and DIY some art – graphic print, a map, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
She said in their letter it could move, but it’s great for Shannon to hear options with the TV in there too :)
xo
s
Cathy says
What a fun series! Love your ideas and many of the others presented here. A functional built in is the way to go, whether it is as you designed or as a mudroom or a buffet/workspace, whatever works. Love the first color combo too, go big or go home I always say!
Emily says
I think, with three little kids and the door right there, that they will need a place to sit down. So I would suggest a built-in bench with storage underneath, and a pretty picture or mirror above. Maybe put some hooks to either side, and she could even add high shelves above the bench for extra storage.
Rita says
They’re all good ideas but I was thinking if they use that garage door to enter and leave their house every time maybe a bench seat with storage inside for shoes – a shelf up high for baskets to hold mittens & hats, etc. and a few hooks to hold backpacks or coats across the back?
Olivia says
Definitely voting for option #2!
Carmen says
Already commented, but wanted to say that I love this post! I hope we get to see what Shannon does!
J Bagley says
Oh, yeah, and I really like the colors in both, but lean toward option 1. Great job!
Jennifer says
Desk, desk, desk! I love the built in, but I would alter it to a desk style built in. So much more function. I would have closed built ins below for hidden storage and a combination of open and closed shelving above. It could be used for a desk for her or for kids. It could organize things when coming in from the garage door- so a drop zone of sorts. When company is over, it could serve as a bar or buffet area. I had a similar nook in my old house. We built in a desk and oh how I miss it!
Ursula says
I love the built-ins and love color option 1. I’m also obsessed with crown molding lately and wonder if the whole space would look more finished with crown or is it just my obsession?
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the ideas guys! This is so much fun!
xo
s
katelyn says
Amazing post!! I feel like to bring it full circle you guys should add this to the forum so that there’s another outlet for people to add their input/ideas/images. Such a fun post! Keep em coming! :) xoxo!
Susan says
You guys! I am so excited you have resurrected the design dilemma! Just another reason to love you and your blog even more! I love getting the peak into other readers’ homes and getting your take on solutions as well as all the brainstorming that occurs in the comments.
Built ins are perfect for that nook! And I love the idea of taking the same color from the door and muddying it up a bit in the bath. A graphic print either from a stencil or wallpaper would be a fun visual contrast on the back of the built ins. I’m picturing a moroccan trellis pattern.
shannon says
Susan, I love the idea of a moroccan trellis pattern!! I’ve been dreaming of backsplashing my kitchen with that pattern of tiles, so that’d be a great way to carry that fun over, since the kitchen is also open to this area! Thanks for your ideas!! –shannon
Diane G says
I like the built-ins too. My first thought was a built in desk if you didn’t already have an office somewhere else in your house.
Tammy says
Looks like you have two great ideas to choose from but I prefer the second. Only because I’ve had the first colours throughout my home and am getting tired of the earthy tones. I think the second option is more contemporary and a little more vibrant and fun.
The idea of the built in is perfect. Before I saw the picture my idea would have been a piece of furniture with ample drawer space (maybe even with space underneath for a chair so it could be used as a desk) and a sporadic grouping of photos and/or art (Young House Love Style).
Emily says
I am also a color lover, but live in house with a very open floor plan. In those situations, I think you have to relegate color to pillows, artwork, decor and the occasional accent piece of furniture. Keep the walls neutral.
Love the built-ins for that space. Can they place thier TV/entertainment unit on the opposing wall and float a sofa with it’s back to the built-ins? That’s what I’m picturing.
Isabel says
Love the built-in idea and I like the idea of making it a half built-in and either paint the wall in a bold color/stencil/wallpaper it and add a mirror as per the suggestions. That gorgeous pendant you suggested would also look really cool in that nook over the built-in buffet and it would be reflected in the mirror bouncing around even more light. Or it could become a faux window seat/reading nook to curl up in. If a full built-in is preferred, the mirror could go where you placed the piece of art on the staircase, since it seems a bit dark there, and if the landing situation allows, a small console table underneath. I really like how the grey lightens up the space and neutralizes the carpet.
Isabel says
Sorry, hit submit prematurely. Some art for the hallway leading to the door would balance things out nicely and bring in some nice pops of color.
Emily says
I like the first rendering you did $herdog. I love the door color with the soft gray walls. Those Hemnes cases look amazing but the mudroom idea people have thrown out is also intriguing…as well as the functional desk area for homework. LOVE this feature you guys are killing it with content lately! Can’t wait to see what she does :)
Gray says
Great idea! Love the colors in Option 1, but it really depends on Shannon and her family’s color preferences, because they would both be super functional and pretty. If she went the Ikea hack turn built-in way, Jenny from Little Green Notebook just did a Domino feature and a step-by-step on her blog about turning Ikea cabinets into a custom dresser set-up, including painting & wallpapering the inside (http://www.littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-paint-and-even-wallpaper-ikea.html), would probably be super helpful for Shannon as well! Although with a handy hubby & father-in-law in the picture, she has so many options!
Amanda says
For the t.v. area, I say skip a couch, go for some lovely armchairs and create a conversation nook — two armchairs and a table (or, better yet, a storage ottoman) in between. So people can watch t.v., but don’t have to — and if you get rid of the t.v. it doesn’t seem like the t.v. is missing.
If you do get rid of the t.v. and go for the built-in storage option, you could up it to four armchairs with a table in the middle.
Pinterest has some amazing examples of conversation nooks. It’s a great way to make use of a small space.
Amanda says
Oh, and you can easily bring in a lot of color to the chairs (either with a fun patterned chair or with some throw pillows on top of more neutral-colored chairs). I’d go for the throw pillow option, as it’s easily updatable.
Erin says
I like option 1 only because I tend to favor warmer colors more. I love the storage idea! I think a nook for desk space would be great too. (If they don’t have one elsewhere.) Great for when the kiddies get older and need coloring space or room to spread out homework within arm’s reach for help when needed…or to supervise internet surfing.
http://erinstaussdesign.co/
Reenie says
Sorry ~ ~ I don’t really like either of the color combos for that area. I like the idea of built-ins, but think that the TV should also go in that area. However, it’s hard to tell with just that one picture. More pictures please!!
Thx =)
lori says
I like the idea of the built-ins…but with two kids in elementary school…what would work better for me is a built-in kid desk area. This way they have somewhere to not only color and create their “crafts” BUT a perfect spot for them to do their homework and be close to monitor them. I wish i had a spot like that for them…right now we use the kitchen table…
Traci says
I LOVE this new segment on your blog! It’s the perfect addition. Way to go John and Sherry!
(I also think your house crasing segments are fantastic and would love to see that as a regular feature too).
Susan m says
I vote option 2. I was thinking even open shelves that ran the length of the nook. Would be fine. You could add nice big baskets for texture and color and to keep it from being too busy. But I like the ikea cases too
Dawn says
We have a Hemnes in our family room and I have been very happy with it. It’s sturdy, doesn’t look cheap and was easy to put together – even have the bridge spanning two bookshelves with the TV stand in the middle. I spray painted the back panel a dark gray and it really looks good with our blue walls. Good luck!
Bonnie says
Option #1 would be my pick. Before I even scrolled down, I said out loud…that nook needs built-ins! ha Nice choice and rendering.
Julia says
I really love the cooler tones you used, Sherry. I hope Shannon picks them! They really make the stairs and stairwell as well as the door nook recede a lot due to the fact that the carpet and beige walls are warmer… and pop more when surrounded by warmer colors. Very pretty!
The built in is an amazing idea, I wonder if they’d perhaps want to house their TV there?
Seriously, I don’t comment much but I LOVE LOVE the cooler toned room.
Kylie Helm says
I LOVE the coral. I agree with a reader above…the awesome coral horse head will have a home :)
xo Kylie
Cassidy says
I did a mock up of this, but will just send it to YHL email since I can’t get it on here in comments. I was thinking she should fill the back wall part of it with a brick stone. Through up a faux fireplace filled with the 2-3in slices of wood pasted in it and a fake mantle. Then a colorful mirror over it.
Megan says
I like option 2!
Nik says
Love the built in idea. What about adding some chair rail and picture frame moulding (or maybe even board and batton- am I spelling that correctly????) in the little hall towards the garage and up the walls in the stairwell.