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].
Megan says
Are the walls fair game? If so, I would make the wall to the right of the garage door and the left of the staircase (i.e. the walls that surround the built-in idea) recess to the level of the existing wall, and open it up to feel like one space instead of three distinct spaces with four vertical lines dividing it. Then any colors or furniture you choose could be more cohesive with the whole space. And the stairs could open up a bit. I know that’s a longer term plan though.
Or a wacky idea…Open up the wall between the stairs and the built-in recess to be even with the existing wall, then run the bottom stair tread or two across to the other wall to the right of the garage door. Then make a stage for kid’s performances or a chalkboard wall for art!
But if I’m choosing color options, I like #2 best!
karin says
Since you’ve covered the built-in idea, what about MOVING that garage door? Bring it forward, leaving the squeezed, strange chute in the garage instead of in the house? It’s tough to disguise that poor little space!
Either that or set the chute free, fully or as much as possible, by cutting a huge window into its left wall, leaving/reinforcing (invisibly, if possible) the bearing end in place.
And let’s see during and after pictures, pretty please!
karin says
I decided to match the finish of the table to the Restoration Hardware sideboard and hutch I made for my dining room HERE.
I used Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut! You can find it at Lowe’s, but do know that the packaging has changed a bit.
Rust-Oleum-Dark-Walnut
This stuff is so great! It only requires 1 coat and it dries in under an hour. I have used many stains, and this brand is BY FAR my very favorite!
Once it dried, I put 2 coats of Rustoleum Ultimate Polyurethane in Satin on it to protect the finish. This goes on white and dries clear. It doesn’t stink and it dries fast!
Rustoleum_Polyurethane
That’s it for the finish!
Connie says
I would get rid of the upper portion of the wall, opening up things a little more between the stairs and the living (?) room, then on the remaining lower portion of the wall, I’d build cabinets/shelves for TV and other storage. Of course, this would involve adding a stair railing, etc., too. Might as well give those handy guys a real work-out :) I would also add a gallery wall going up the stairs that could be enjoyed from the lower level.
gayle says
I immediately thought of number 1, I am smart but not as smart as you! I like the rusty, coral color in number 1. No couch, no fireplace, yuck…It needs the volume of the units and the color and the storage. Nooks do not need anything tucked in but something that fills the nook up as in your suggestion. Fun idea here for all of us to join in and test our talents.
Pam Groom says
I like option two of Sheri’s suggestions. The darker door on the left makes it recede, and the color from the artwork in the stairwell helps balance the two sides. Before seeing Sheri’s suggestion, I imagined a simple floor to ceiling built-in bookcase with a bottom shelf generous enough to house a series of large square or rectangular baskets for toy storage. This suggestion would make sense if you either have a lot of books, enjoy styling shelves, or like casual clean lines over glass doors plus hidden storage shelves.
Tirsa says
I really like the built in idea. It provides lots of storage and display. However, and since she said she loves color, I would go for a warmer color in the general area. In my monitor the grey reads a bit cold. Maybe a greige would be warmer and would still provide a neutral backdrop. Or maybe a grey with clear blue undertones that “go” or contrast beautifully with the door. She could also pick a lighter shade of the main room color for both hallways- maybe two shades lighter?
The main room seems to get a lot of sunlight. As someone who loves color (and based on the door color) she could go bold with something like SW Composed 6472 (the horse would really pop against this color) and he hallways with something lighter like SW Silvermist 7621.
Pam Groom says
Oh, and with the bookshelf idea you can paint the back of the bookshelves as well, to bring in color, like Sheri did in her last house.
Tarah says
This would be a cool space for a mudroom wall if they have kids. A place to store book bags and other miscellaneous items. I think “mudroom walls” can be grown up with a mirror, some fancy wallpaper and perhaps an upholstered bench.
Tracey says
Hi y’all! I just submitted my design nightmare to the advice email you listed and got a canned response? I’m guessing that’s cuz you get so many submissions, but just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a spammer or anything? Sorry for being paranoid like that, but you never know nowadays! I’m guessing it’s all legit & praying you pick mine, cuz I don’t have a hot clue how to fix it! Love ya!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tracey! No worries, that was us! We like to reply to everyone who submits things to us (whether they’re Reader Redesigns, Design Dilemmas, House Crashing, etc) with a canned response since it’s impossible to write back to everyone individually but we like to thank you guys for sending the submissions our way and let you know we’ll look at every last email, even if we can’t reply to them all :)
xo
s
SG says
Hopefully I can pop in her with my own quick question. Do you (or any of the commenters) have suggestions for the best place to buy lamps? Good quality, but not over-the-top expensive? Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
We have a local outlet we love, so maybe try googling your town and the word “outlet” to see what comes up? Also Target and HomeGoods are a few other places we like along with TJ Maxx (I even found a cool floor lamp at Home Depot once).
xo
s
Kerri says
I like Option #1 the best. We have a similar space in our home and we bought a desk from Ikea and made it into a mini-office space with a huge painting above it. I also considered adding a shelf and creating a faux mantle above the desk.
Karen says
Great ideas, everyone! I’d just like to say that I love this new feature on YHL! People have such creative ideas, and I really learn a lot reading about them. Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! I was the most excited about this because I liked the idea of hearing from you guys and how you might solve something, so I love that everyone has played along and chimed in with so many fun ideas! Thanks guys!
xo
s
heidi says
I love the built ins! My first thought as well, but then this happened in my head…. Just another idea
http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/remodeled-austin-traditional-colorful_ss8.html
SarahB says
I immediately thought built in bookcases as well. I love the green door but am more drawn to option 2. Maybe it’s the abstract art on the wall of the stairwell that makes it feel a little more cohesive.
Terri says
I thought of the built-ins also. But, I don’t know what purpose the wall to the left of the garage door really serves. It seems kind of odd. I think I would knock that wall out and open up the living room right up to the built-in. If the wall is needed for support, maybe have just a pillar there instead. That little hall just seems out of place.
Andrea says
I also like the idea of built-ins… http://www.pinterest.com/pin/229331805998580784/
Shannon says
Holy cow! Super cool! Thanks for photoshopping another idea! And I just saw Eugene–yay!!! That’s a great idea, and it definitely helps to see the ideas in my own living room!! –shannon
Cori Roberts says
i think this would be an adorable idea!! http://sawdustgirl.com/2010/03/21/playhouse-closet/
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow that’s so much fun!
xo
s
Gretchen says
I vote Option 2, but I’m a sucker for soft blues. :) But, really, it visually flows better to me.
Josephine says
I was totally thinking built ins!
Option 2 FTW!
Pamela @ Little Red House says
My first thought was to put a cozy little reading nook there.
Lindsay says
Love your Jessie Spano reference! My husband and I joke about that episode all the time!
xo Lindsay
Nastasia says
I’m going through an intense stencil addiction right now, so I’m loving stencils like this one in a bold color for that back wall: http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/charlotte-allover-stencil-pattern.html. Maybe with a low cabinet that the tv could go on like this: http://www.amazon.com/Nexera-101203-Pinnacle-Channel-56-Inch/dp/B00A0I09RG/ref=sr_1_3?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1383092768&sr=1-3, and a bold solid rug that could compliment the wall stencil.
I also love the built ins though – awesome for storage and pretty! Win win!
Melissa says
Don’t know if anybody mentioned this option yet:
What about opening up the staircase? Stairs and railing done well can be really nice architectural details.
Mary says
How about a reading nook? Love the built-in idea so how about a nice storage bench, hardwired lighting and shelving that should include room for Eugene. Someone said wallpaper or maybe chalkboard or whiteboard paint for the walls. I think that comes in lots of colors now, right? Good luck!
Rebecca says
I love Sherry’s idea, but I’d also add a door right at the room’s entrance to the hallway to the garage, both to create a buffer zone, keeping the heat in the house, rather than have it escape out into the garage, and to reduce the choppy feeling of the space.
Erin says
I vote for color scheme #1! It is so fun you are doing this for your readers.
I realize this is practically blasphemy on this blog, but I really like the look of natural wood so I would think about stain it a rustic walnut color and paint the back something dark or bold. I would opt for black because I don’t like how televisions look and like it when they blend in. I would also opt for open, mismatched shelving since it sounds like she can do built ins. It would look so custom!
Anna says
Built-in shelving was my second thought, and I think it works well in that space to fill the void of that awkward nook. My first thought was adding a built-in desk to that space with some open shelving above.
Julia says
At first I thought it might be a nice place for a secret reading nook. Then I realized that sandwiched between the door to the garage and the stairs is a high traffic area, no reading would ever get done there!!
So another possible idea that’s multipurpose. Paint the wall in that area a color you like, anything that speaks to you. Do you love Rust? Coral? Flamenco Red? Peacock blue? Avocado Green? This is YOUR house, I think you should pick a color you love!
Get a console table that fits against the wall. You can use either side for storage — umbrellas? Shoes? A ceramic statue of a dog that you love? — or get a table that fits the whole length of the wall. Under the console table you can put 2 small single person sized benches or ottomans to be used as flexible seating for when you have guests, and if you get storage ottomans, they can be storage too.
On top of the console table, you can make a layered gallery wall of pictures you love, especially of your family, or things that are important to you — maybe candles for a devotional area? A prayer you like? A quote that really puts you in the moment in your daily life? You can definitely put Eugene in there too. That way as you head out the door in the morning, you can look at your wonderful happy corner and love this odd little space in your house.
Examples of some of these elements:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89720217550163448/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/288582288593842077/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11681280257099375/
Thanks for letting us give suggestions, hope to see what you decide to do with your “weird little space”!
Jenn Becker says
I love the idea of built ins. I was thinking a buffet/ built in would be great if this is the main room of the house. Keep drawers on the bottom (big ones that can hide kid stuff) and shelves or glass front cabinets above, but allow some space in the middle for a buffet top for parties or a prettied up drop zone for mail and school papers. I love the art in the stairway too. I hope we’ll get to see what ends up happening.
Anika Ojeda says
I think that nook would be the perfect space (and probably the perfect size) for a little desk. Since it’s in the middle of everything it’s the perfect place for the control center. It’s where mail can be collected, sorted and filed, bills paid, keys and phones collected, etc. Also, it’s not in a hallway but set back from where you walk and branched off an open area. So that’s one idea. But again, it totally depends on how the family would use it.
Anika Ojeda says
It could be a really cool built in desk with cupboard storage overhead or pinboards or whiteboards or something.
Gina, book dragon says
I’m not sure about the color chosen but having a big blast of color in the stairwell looks really nice. I also like having a color in the bath, does it match the garage door? And the light in the garage door hallway gives it a touch of fancy.
I thought of open bookshelves but I really like the built out unit, drawers for kids/animal toys is really nice. I’m not sure I’d want it as deep as the alcove, I’d be afraid of losing stuff in the back.
Ashleigh says
I’m in love with option 2!!
Jess says
My first thought was to make it a quiet place. You have wide open space in the rest of the room for play and activities. I would move the television, and make this a private little reading nook with some storage. You could even add a curtain and some led lights like Sherry and John used in Clara’s room.
Here are some links I like (Pinterest links so that you’re not blindly clicking a link; sorry if you don’t have Pinterest):
http://pinterest.com/pin/106467978663783220/
http://pinterest.com/pin/263249540692380514/
http://pinterest.com/pin/459296861969002625/
Becky Horst says
Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet…but do those mini walls have to stay? Why not knock em down so the space flows and isn’t so choppy?
Diane says
Is that a load-bearing wall to the right of the door? That small closed-in space does not make sense. If the wall cannot be removed the only option would be the built-in cabinet. What about the wall to the left of the door? Could it be removed, or at least cut down? Then you could add lattice on the top half if you wanted the illusion of a divider, or glass shelves lit from within. It’s hard to say without knowing her storage needs, or seeing the rest of the room, but those two walls bother me.
Petra says
Love the build in idea!!! Would you/Shannon post the final result? I apologize if it’s been answered somewhere in the comments.
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! We’re waiting with bated breath for after pics and will share them when they come in! Shannon has said she intends to send them along, but it might take time to do carpentry and paint and stuff like that, so I’m trying to be patient :)
xo
s
Nicky Tennent says
How about turning the middle nook (where Sherry suggests a bookcase) into a command centre/desk area? Shannon could have one of the crafty men in her family whip up a desk the size of the space, as well as cupboards on either side and maybe a floating shelf unit up top. Makes an idea place for returning letters, sorting post, etc. I would suggest painting the wall behind the desk a dark tone, maybe to match the garage door, and then paint all the other walls the same neutral, like a grey.
Good luck and have fun with your new place Shannon!
Lynn says
Great idea from Apartment Therapy. :) Storage for the kids and treats. You’d have to open up the stair case…but I think it would be worth it. Less boxy!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/109001253454831216/
Lynn says
The open wall in the staircase would also give you a great opportunity to add that little POP of color you’re looking for…and allow you do to a picture gallery up the stairs. Hello Navy!
Lynn says
Actually, reading the post again, I’d try to find that blue rug (it’s really similar to J&S’s blue rug in the 2nd pic :) Then accessorize with the same suggested colors, corals, periwinkle and the navy door! I’ve given this a lot of thought…a welcome distraction from work! lol
Caryl says
Don’t forget about the light switch and thermostat!
YoungHouseLove says
They could either frame their built-ins to have access to those or just move them to the other side of the wall (since she mentioned that her brother and father-in-law are handy, they should be able to do that pretty easily).
xo
s
Caren says
I prefer option 1. Not a fan of peachy/pink. Great idea for wall book case. Another idea, in case they needed or wanted a desk area for the kids with shelving included for nick nacks on top and kids stuff near the desk height. Just a thought.
Amy says
I would remove the nook area to create an entrance with more space. Have built in lockers, or a bench with hooks. That little entrance would be cluttered with shoes and backpacks and coats real fast!
Joseph says
So, of the two pictures I think I prefer the second simply because I’m just a bigger fan of that color pallette. That being said the first thing I thought of for that nook was a built in as well, but I’m wondering about one that would include the TV. It seems like such a convenient place to put it as well as the fact that it’s a focal point of the room but it’s still set back so it doesn’t make the room all about the TV.
Also, in regards to Shannon’s comment about the room feeling huge (10′ away from the TV is quite a distance): I wonder if it would be a good idea to implement something like the behind the sofa console table? It would push the couch out further and make the room feel closer while also continuing to add valuable storage space.
Karen says
Will you include a follow up with what she decided to do? Maybe with photos of the finished product?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, that’s certainly the plan! Just gotta give her time to make a decision, execute it, and send us the pics :)
xo
s
Heather says
I am so in with the idea of built ins in this space. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw the space. If this is the location of the wiring for the electronics (ie. cable cords, etc). It may be necessary that the built ins include space for the television. I also like the idea of colour in the back of the shelves. I prefer the colour scheme in the second example. I don’t know why, but I find the green door in the first version distracting. It draws my eye to the door and away from the built-in.
Kim@ReposhtureStudio says
I like the idea of shelves rather thatn built ins. Big chunky barn wood shelves would still give you storage and leave the bck open for that shout of color but the wood would keep the room warm and architecturally appealing.
Brittany says
My first thought was turning it into a reading nook… but I love the built in idea too!
Jill says
What is the room behind that area? A laundry or mudroom? Or just under the stairs storage? Is it a room that could use more space? You could always move that wall out to make it flush and have a fantastic mudroom/office nook back there. I’m always jealous of great mudrooms, but would never want the kids mess in easy viewing all of the time. It would also allow you to mount the tv on that wall (if you like that look) and run the cords back to that room easily. Search under the stair office on Pinterest.
I do love the built in idea as well.
I’m not sure the style you are going for in your living room, but For a completely different idea, what about a play area under the stairs for the kids? Can be used to house all their living rooms toys (not sure how big your house is right now, or where that stuff goes). Go to Pinterest and search “under the stairs playroom”. You’ll be blown away with ideas.
I’d love to hear what you decide! Good luck!
shannon says
That’s a great idea, Jill! Behind that nook is our coat closet, but it’s not very big or super useful to us right now. I’ll definitely be pinteresting that idea! ;) Thanks!! –shannon
Also, I’m creating a Pinterest board of photos showing the floor plan and downstairs setup (decorating colors included!) Here’s the link to the board:
http://www.pinterest.com/shancaisa/younghouselove-dilemma/
Robin W says
I just checked out your pinterest page. You have a very nice home. I think any of the ideas here are great, but what I would do is reposition your furniture. Bring them out from the walls and face the fireplace. Make that the focal point with the tv above it framed. It would give your living room a more defined space. Then the nook wouldn’t stand out so much and built-ins, reading nook or desk would all work, not sure if the murphy bed would fit though.
By the way, I’m definitely jealous, all these good ideas for your space is probably very motivating!
Katie says
Option 1 is my fave! :)