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
**********************************
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].
Dominique says
We used the Ikea shelves to build a “built in” across a wall in our living room with weird low windows. For kid stuff and media. We tied it all together with some salvaged wood across the top and we get compliments on it all the time and it was SUPER easy and affordable!
I am a sucker for built ins!
Catherine says
My first thought was built-ins as well and I love that you added drawers to the bottom section. Sooo good for storage of toys or anything really. Much more efficient than cupboards. My second thought was to put a beautiful old painted dresser there with the TV on top and some floating shelves above that for decorative items. I guess it comes down to how much storage is needed. The built-ins as you have drawn them would look fantastic. I would also rip up the carpet on those stairs, have painted white/timber stairs and treads and add a colourful striped runner from Dash & Albert. Although the room is carpeted so that might be a difficult transition. If they are ever planning on redoing the flooring and laying wood floors it would be awesome though! Stain or paint the hand rail as well and use the wall for a gallery style hanging display of family photos.
MG says
I like the way #2 looks better.
WendyMI says
I love the built in shelving unit idea, but you’ve covered up their doorbell chime, so I hope that’s not an issue?
And I love the color scheme, but is she willing to switch her carpet from taupe/beige to grey?
Your color suggestions would work well with taupe still, however. I love the picture #2.. going with the darker blue/navy rug for some texture and accent it with corals.
Or… a long term option would be to take out those walls that are hiding the stairwell and opening it up a little. That, and the wall to the left of the garage door. :)
Joanne says
Beautiful suggestions! Built in’s were my first instinct also. I vote for the 1st option – love the colors! I didn’t realize you were accepting “help us” photos from readers… how exciting! But what room to submit…hmmm… I have a crazy large arched bedroom window that needs major help, but also a new guest room that’s getting drywall right now and is a clean slate – oh how much I’d love some Young House Love & reader inspiration.
Amanda J says
What a tough space! I’d be frustrated, too.
I love the built-in idea, but I’m imagining something less permanent – maybe a wide, low media console with some big art behind it that fits snugly into the area?
And I think some bold, graphic wallpaper or stenciling down the hallway with the stairs could look killer! And could totally tap into an asymmetric, disjointed-on-purpose feel that would add up to a cozy room.
Kristin says
Option 1 with artwork on the stairs
melissa cable says
I was totally thinking built-in too, but also thought a great piece of low furniture, maybe a mid century dresser/buffet with storage space with the t.v. hung above.
Anna says
Great idea Sherry! My immediate thought was built-ins, but I love the idea of having a secret place on bottom to stash kid stuff (every mom needs A LOT of that) and the top for display. And I am a sucker for grey and blues :)
Erin says
I really like option two more, but I think it has more to do with the painting on the wall than anything. I really like the bookshelf idea.
Marti says
Since it’s right off of the garage entrance, how about a built in bench and space for shoes, purses, etc.? Just a thought.
Melissa says
The built-ins are a fantastic choice – we’re putting some in our dining room now and it’s amazing the functionality they provide (and how pulled-together they make a space feel). Also, Sherry, amazing Jesse Spano reference. Best SBTB episode EVER.
Kristen Clawson says
I was thinking they could possibly mount the television onto the wall and do either a fireplace or built-ins underneath it. Also, painting that area with a color that would match not only the garage door but also Eugene as well.
**Possibly do something like this, http://www.joyrobichaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/eclectic-living-room-curved-entertainment-center-wall-mounted-television-wood-paneling-textured-wingback-chair.jpg, with the curved shelves to add some movement to the space.
**Or even something like this, http://ourhumbleabodeblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/family-room-nook-photoshopped-with-painted-walls1.jpg?w=600. They could build a shelf above the tv as well as built-ins below it.
**Benjamin Moore’s colors that would go well with the door and coral colored Eugene,
–Bermuda Turquoise -http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/bermudaturquoise#ce_s=bermuda%20tu
–Tropical Turquoise -http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tropicalturquoise#ce_s=turq
misapb says
reading nook or home office or craft area. Or a purely decorative japanese-style tokonoma with a focal hanging art and low table. i hope we get an update with what they decide to do!
Amy says
Right on with the built-in suggestion – YES!
I think the blank wall coming in from the garage is crying out for this project:
http://www.sadalewis.com/2012/02/entryway-project-board-batten-detailed-how-to.html
We did it in our entryway, which had little more than a flat wall, and it’s transformed our space! So much more useable, and pretty. http://fullcurllife.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-home-improvement-1-entryway.html
Jill says
Which way do the floor joists go? I’m not an engineer, but I think a quick check is that walls perpendicular to floor joists need to stay. If it looks like you might be able to take them out, call in a professional opinion just to be safe! That said, even if those little walls are load-bearing, I can’t imagine you need so many of them all close together. I would at least remove the 2nd from left, and create an L-shaped entryway. Designated by change of flooring, (ie, tile vs carpet). If you want to open it up more, and they are load-bearing, you can always switch to columns instead of full walls.
Ckah says
Awe man I wish I could have your inspiring ideas for my make shift fireplace at my house. Please please please pick me !!!!! If you ever have any more time for help
Mamaw says
Love the periwinkle and coral and the built in bookcase/storage area is genius! Pls share the end results.
Jennifer Sibley says
My first thought was mini-bar, but I also think that it could be the perfect landing area since it’s right next to the garage door. Maybe some cubbies for the kids stuff, coat hooks, etc.
A says
I’ve had some built in lovin’ with Billys from Ikea to fill in aaaakward nooks in my house. Painting their backs add kicks of color, but for a real color junkie, I would suggest painting the wall at the top of the landing an intense color, or the small walls in the mudroom/garage door area a bright color. You could even add board and batten or rows of funky hooks along there to for storage and functionality. Perhaps the mudroom, the landing wall and the bathroom ceiling could all be various shade (or complimentary shades) of a color.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all these ideas guys! You have blown me away today. So many good ideas! Can’t wait to see what Shannon does…
xo
s
caroline [the diy nurse] says
It’s like you guys read my mind! That nook is the perfect spot for something more built in and full of storage. And I love the ideas of gray walls. It will unite the multiple spaces while keeping it bright and airy. Then pops of color can pop more and be changed out easily if she ever gets sick of anything. I’m in love with it and I have niche-jealousy. If that’s a thing.
Geertrude says
Love the built-ins!
But I was thinking, if they don’t really need the storage, why not just empty out that nook (no furniture at all) and hang some colorful art? Or maybe a gallery wall?
Layla says
I was thinking built-ins, too! But I was picturing something that filled out the whole space with big, square, solid doors without knobs (like the Ikea Besta stuff?) and in a fun color, so it would be like an accent wall without being busy, but with tons of hidden storage. =)
For reference: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19005050/#/S19005050
Ana says
OPRAH.COM has been featuring you all a lot lately. That’s awesome! http://www.oprah.com/home/Room-Makeovers-Under-35
I know because I receive their newsletter in my inbox.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ana! That’s so crazy!
xo
s
Megan says
I loved this — reader questions is such a great idea for posts! I don’t have anything to add other than I loved the question and I love your answer!
Andrea says
I vote big chunky shelves made of reclaimed or distressed wood. Behind it you could paint a fun color.
Amanda says
I almost immediately thought ‘built-ins’ when I saw the photo and the idea was reinforced after Shannon mentioned her family’s carpenter skills. It looks like the wall between the nook and entry doesn’t extend as far into the room as the wall between the nook and the stairway, though. I wonder how a built-in would look with uneven walls? Is it hard to seamlessly extend a partial wall by a few inches? This assuming it’s not a rental, of course.
YoungHouseLove says
John and I had the help of a contractor who knocked out a huge doorway for our kitchen and then we added a halfwall and drywalled and trimmed it out it ourselves (it had to seamlessly attach to the rest of the wall on that end). It was our first time doing that, but it turned out great! It’s really not too bad if you find drywall that’s the same thickness as the stuff that’s already being used or just shim it out to match. Then mud and sand and prime and paint.
xo
s
Anne says
I totally agree with the built in idea! I think a more modern, modular cube look with a space for the tv, with cabinets below would fit the space a little better. Also, they could change it up if they decide to move their tv, or they get a bigger one down the line. Adding color to the backs of the shelves would be an easy way to get more color in the space as you suggested.
Theresa B says
I prefer option 2. I do like the color scheme with option 1 but I feel like it is too “in your face” for the main living area. I prefer to keep my central entertaining and living areas with a more neutral color scheme. I dont want to scare anybody or make anybody feel claustophobic when they enter my home. I usually stick to more bold color schemes in the bedrooms.
Lorien says
I love the crisp white built-in idea, but I also love your turquoise door :) If that is the palette that appeals to you, run with it! I’d paint the inside of the bathroom a more muted version of that blue. Personally, I’d leave the walls white as basements can be pretty dark and dreary if made too grey or too coloured. Add some big bright art pieces (say providing kids with a 3′ x 6′ canvas and your chosen colours of paint) and keep the colour in furnishings and the rug.
Danielle says
I think I’d go with option 2 but with a few changes. I’m not a fan of the periwinkle. I think I’d prefer to go with a richer navy in place to add some depth and some additional white or cream depending on the color of the bookcases. I love the built in bookcases though, they really add sophistication to the room.
Aimee says
I like the colors in the first option the best. If it were my house I would totally opt for doing built-ins like this in that spot, especially if I had awesome carpenters in the family! I’m super jealous.
Madeline says
It doesn’t look like the wall lengths on either side of that space are the same? It looks like the left side wall is shorter than the right side wall? I think she’d be better off putting in open bookshelves that are equal with the width of the left side (shorter) wall and then having a little bit of an empty lip on the right side where she could hand some art work or whatever…
YoungHouseLove says
Good eye! I totally couldn’t see that but you’re completely right! We got to that realization in a thread a little while back with Shannon! Someone else recommended the art thing on the longer wall, or she could cheat one out with some drywall to make them even. There are so many other ideas that don’t necessitate those walls being even that I can’t wait to see what she does! Everyone has so many cool suggestions!
xo
s
Elizabeth says
Love #2!
Ashley says
Would love to have storage like this coming in from the garage like a mudroom if they don’t already have it.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/38913984253325652/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks again to everyone for sharing their ideas/links/suggestions/etc! So much fun to read through them all. I don’t know how Shannon will choose!
xo
s
Courtney says
I love the idea of a functional built-in. How about one that incorporates space for the family computer?
Nicole says
Silverdrop is a great grey–it’s very neutral with no blue undertones that tend towards purple. It does tend to wash out if not next to some bright white. But I love it!!! It’s the main color in my home. My son’s room is dolphin fin, which is just a tad more saturated and so doesn’t wash out or need the white against it. Both are great colors…
I was shocked when trying to get a grey right that there can be so much color in greys–mostly blues and purples, but I still really love grey!
Rachel says
I love the 2nd option you came up with, but since she has kids, I like the idea of building out a bench with storage in it! It would provide a seating area conducive to kids for play/hang out and makes the “nook” feeling make sense. Then she could hang a bright colorful art work or make a mural, or chalkboard area (oh gosh the options are endless) so that she gets that bright color that she loves in there. I also love the idea of bright colored rugs and artwork above the stairs. Gosh you guys are so good at these ideas… I stared & stared at that “before” picture and couldn’t come up with a thing until I saw your “after” picture! (then it got the ideas rolling!) :) Way to go helping out a reader with a problem like this! Can’t wait to see the real afters!
eightsandsevens says
Hand made built-in’s – total swoon! It might be great if you are having something custom to have something as rough & natural as this- http://lanarkshirehardwoods.co.uk/products/natural-edge-boards/natural-edge-boards.html. I also love the idea of opening out the stairwell to allow more light & openness to the room. Hopefully there will be an after photo when all is said and done.
Fiona @ Jackadaw says
I love this type of post … especially when we get to see the afters. I haven’t had time to read through all the comments this morning (am in Australia) but what about a desk area with some open shelves above for displaying pretty bits and pieces and some drawers down one or both sides below for hiding paperwork and toys.
Sarah J. says
i love the idea of the built ins if you need the storage and display space. you could possibly even add a space for the tv so you could shut the doors and have it “put away” when you want conversation to be the focal point. :)
if storage isn’t needed, i think a built in bench with lots of fluffy pillows and a couple of wall sconces would make an extra cozy spot with a little storage underneath. a great spot for taking off shoes as you come in the garage, or for the kiddos to cozy up with a book. plus then the furniture in the room could face a different direction and wouldn’t be like all the seating in the room is facing the stairs/bathroom/hall areas.
for little things, i would add a row of hooks in the garage hallway with a little fun art above, a big piece of art or photo in stairs area (maybe a little light above to brighten the space) and a bright coffee table or rug to ground the center of the space.
if you love color, go for it! it’s your house and you live there everyday so your opinion is what counts. ;)
Heidi P. says
I love this dilemma idea! I think I just figured out my dilemma recently – a great feeling to finally figure what to do with a tricky situation. I have an open floor plan from living room, dining room, to kitchen. But I want to paint the kitchen a different color. So I think I’m gonna do a beam across the ceiling and 1×6 boards down each walls. I haven’t really been able to find any pictures online, but have you ever seen anything like that?
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds cool! I’ve seen people use vertical molding to stop colors and start other ones, so maybe search Pinterest for “molding paint colors” or something like that to see if it comes up?
xo
s
Heidi P. says
Thanks Sherry! That was part of the problem – I didn’t know what to search under. I’ll try variations of molding, paint, and colors. Thanks again! And I’m also relieved that you’ve seen it/know what I’m talking about :).
YoungHouseLove says
Hope you find something awesome Heidi!
xo
s
Claire says
I really like this style of post! Its a fun change of pace, not that I don’t love what you guys already do.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Claire! We have been wanting more of a balance of you + us (it felt sort of me, me, me for a hot minute since the move) so it’s fun to get back to a few posts a week about you guys (featuring awesome homes/makeovers as well as dishing out advice) and then having the rest of the posts be projects or crafty things or brainstorming/shopping/planning stuff we’re doing :)
xo
s
Amanda says
As soon as I saw that nook, I thought built-ins too! :) Perfect place for extra storage with kiddos around. Although, it might be fun to paint the backs of the shelves a bold tone or heck, paint the cabinets themselves!!
I would eventually strip the carpet off the stairs and add a nice gallery wall that wraps the stairway.
I love this idea of brainstorming for others! Great addition to your posts!
Kristine says
Just a thought, but for future posts similar to this, could you open a forum tread too? I still love the post, but at the bottom there could be a link to the forum tread so that any readers that either wanted to post their own photoshop versions of the room or upload a picture of a similar space could do so?
As for the space, I love the bottom part of the built ins you made, but I think some thick dark wood floating shelves would look amazing, and display her things better.
YoungHouseLove says
I love that idea! I was hoping that people would post their photoshopped versions here! A few actually have, they just figured out the secret (the key is to upload them to a free photo sharing site like Flickr – set to public – and then just include the link over to them). But Forums would be fun too, just in case people prefer that medium. Please remind me if I forget, but I fully intend to do that the next time around!
xo
s
Christy says
Love the coral and navy idea…and Eugene would be right at home! That is a fave color combo of mine. I immediately thought built-ins as well. Also thinking built-ins could incorporate a bench to remove shoes and some hooks to hang coats since the space is right next to the garage door.
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
I like the first option best. I would take that idea and layer even more color on top of it. It’s hard no knowing which colors where though because it would help to know what the other furniture looks like. I love the build in dilemma and think it would help with the choppiness of the wall.
Gayla says
If she loves color I would go with Option 1 and some stairway art. :) I think the built-ins are a FANTASTIC idea!!
Amandelin says
I immediately thought…bar. Full home bar. I’m not sure what that says about me.
Kerri says
When I first saw the space I actually thought of taking the walls of the nook down, and opening up the staircase and adding a banister and ballisters. Then maybe adding a bench or the tv stand under the newly opened space (if that makes sense). I think it would tie all the spaces together and also add an architectural element to an otherwise bland space. I love the idea of built-ins that you guys came up with (esp option 2), but my first choice is opening it up :-)