Immediately I get to introduce my BEST FRIEND of 27 years!! Nicely, type of. I get to introduce you to my greatest buddy of 27 years’ three greatest “downside areas” in her dwelling, and provides “no reno” strategies that she will likely be seeing for the primary time with all of you:) She and her husband purchased this dwelling about 4 years in the past (with their candy child boy) and, since then, have made some upgrades. Nothing large because the dwelling was completely nice and livable…and once more that they had a child, which did and has taken up most of their time and focus. They changed the flooring (after a really wild slab leak scenario), painted their present cupboards, eliminated the fish tank that was in the midst of their dwelling (a challenge she needed performed asap!), and lastly, took care of some needed upkeep for his or her pool so they may really use it. This brings us to now. They nonetheless aren’t actually in a spot the place they wish to closely spend money on altering aesthetics; they do, nevertheless, have just a few areas they’d like to make look a bit higher. Naturally, I requested if I may put my concepts for these areas on the weblog for the world to see, and since she loves me, she mentioned, “Go for it, Bunge”. So together with her permission, let’s get to our first downside space…
The Load-Bearing Accent Partition Wall (Formally Identified As “The Fish Tank Wall”
Is it really an issue aesthetically? Completely not. Was it when there was a fish tank the place that sq. gap is? I’ll go away that as much as your personal preferences, however they didn’t like it. Ideally, they’d have taken the entire wall down, however it’s, in fact, load-bearing. So this was their resolution, and it’s completely nice. However since she/they aren’t in love with it, listed here are some concepts I’ve.
My fundamental thought is to simply give it a bit extra character with some wooden accents, some totally different lighting, and artwork that isn’t their stunning household as a result of I’m a monster. I promise there are three different spots on this room with fantastic household photographs, so I’m not suggesting that they by no means cling a household picture once more:)
Blue Farm Valley Print | Botanical I Print | Anders Porcelain Sconce | Les Crêtes White Textured Vase
Listed here are my strategies above expressed visually (as greatest as I may:)). Since their dwelling type leans fashionable conventional, a easy wooden body inside the gap, in addition to making an identical shelf for the part under, would add instantaneous heat. I do know mixing woods might be tough, however so long as the undertones work with the flooring, it can work superbly. I, in fact, consulted Julie (EHD alum designer), and she or he urged changing the can lights with mini flush mounts! I cherished that concept and thought one thing like these porcelain sconces with the brass base would look actually fairly, however not be visually overwhelming. Now, my candy nephew is 5.5 years previous, so that enormous sculptural vase ought to most likely be secured to the wooden someway. We’ve had many “Aunt Jessica, attempt to catch me” races round this partition. We’ve by no means damaged something, however you’ll be able to by no means make certain! Additionally, since he’s younger, he must have quick access to his toys and books, so these ought to keep on show as is. Lastly, let’s discuss concerning the artwork. In fact, these aren’t the precise items she should purchase per se, however I like the thought of actually upping the size and having them be tremendous intentional. To be honest, I’ve a big artwork obsession. I selected that exact panorama as a result of their sectional couch which you can’t see can be a vibrant peacock shade. After which to maintain issues nonetheless on the calmer aspect, that impartial botanical print could possibly be an excellent possibility.
Botanical I Print | Detailed Department Illustration
Listed here are two different artwork configuration choices. The one on the left was simply an concept in the event that they nonetheless needed to maintain their artwork out of the “race zone” however nonetheless go bigger. Mainly, the upper the higher. The one on the suitable is for in the event that they most popular one lengthy piece over two quick ones. Plus, Julie made an excellent level that by solely having one piece, you break up the “two items of artwork subsequent to the 2 wall containers” look. However once more, I like seeing their household photographs on the wall, so if that’s what they need, that’s what I need:)
Onto the issue space #2!
The Kinda Random Constructed-In
In a super world, all of us agree that knocking this construction out can be greatest style-wise. However proper now, that will be fairly disruptive, more cash than they really feel like spending, and would require extra flooring ($$) and a brand new furnishings retailer piece ($$), which they do recognize having with the present setup.
Actually, I used to be probably the most stumped with this one till I requested Emily. Instantly, she mentioned, “They need to add cabinets and make it extra like a bar.” DUH, Jess! For some cause, that hadn’t even occurred to me. Design is a crew sport, individuals. Listed here are my (and Emily’s) strategies:
I feel they need to set up 2-3 floating cabinets to show glassware, vases, small artwork, and many others. Additionally, to hook up with the fish tank gap, set up the identical mini flush mounts (or totally different, however I feel they need to be all brass if they need one thing totally different), and make a wooden cowl for over the stone countertop. I feel utilizing the identical wooden because the fish tank gap border would additionally join the 2 areas seamlessly. In case you are confused about what I imply after I say wooden cowl, my dad made me a wooden cowl countertop in my final residence’s kitchen! I don’t assume this one wants a backsplash although:)
Right here’s the bar space of Emily’s kitchen and my inspiration 🙂
Anders Porcelain Sconce | Trendy Ball Brass Gallery Shelf Rail
Tada! My photoshopping expertise aren’t excellent, however you get the thought. I selected a extra fashionable brass rail to suit their type and their dwelling higher, however I actually like this! After I confirmed Julie, she made an essential level that the cabinets is likely to be a bit lengthy to not want a middle help. If that ended up being the case, they may both determine a option to reduce by means of and make a gap within the glass (not completely positive how that works) or probably set up the cabinets with rods coming from the ceiling of the nook. That’s a future puzzle to determine in the event that they find yourself wanting to do that, ha. See how useful I’m??
Final however not least…
The Underutilized Entrance Porch
Right here is their entrance “porch” with items left from the earlier proprietor. Their son loooooves taking part in “development” out right here, so mother and pa want to have a nicer-looking space to sit down and cling whereas the chaos is occurring. Plus, it’s a fairly large, underutilized space! Listed here are my ideas…
Fact be instructed, I’m unsure how they really feel concerning the iron wall artwork. My hunch is that it’s not their type, so I say take it down. After that, add a pleasant closed storage cupboard for the entire “development instruments” and different entrance out of doors gadgets. Then prime it off with some crops (actual or fake, as much as them) and another decor.
Modica Sideboard | Fake Potted Tropical Tree | Boan Spherical Terracotta Planter | Ornamental Out of doors Lanterns (Set of two)
That is what I’m imagining. Now this piece isn’t technically an out of doors sideboard, but additionally, there aren’t very many good ones that aren’t over $2k. What a gap available in the market! I really feel like since they reside in Southern California and this area is roofed…perhaps it might be okay? Then that bigger potted plant is faux, however from the photographs appears so fairly! Plus, I’d love to not add one other residing factor for my buddies to must maintain alive if doable:) It additionally goes with the opposite, extra tropical actual crops they’ve of their entrance yard. The opposite one is definitely only a pot, however I feel a similar-looking plant can be excellent. I like the planter textures and patterns collectively, too. I additionally assume that some metallic lanterns would look so fairly. These don’t have glass, so no stress about a bit development employee knocking them over and hurting himself.
Now let’s discuss concerning the seating space. As you’ll be able to see, this loveseat is ok, but it surely has seen higher days. Let’s envision a unique future.
Out of doors Wicker And Acacia Wooden Loveseat | Textured Indoor/Out of doors Throw Pillow | Dartford Geometric Sunbrella® Indoor/Out of doors Throw Pillow (Set of two) | Concrete Out of doors Facet Desk | Photo voltaic Ranttan Out of doors Chandelier
The imaginative and prescient! Whereas seat cushions are virtually all the time going to be extra comfy, they simply get worn-looking so quick (even in Southern California), which I do know she hates. So this candy and reasonably priced woven loveseat could possibly be an incredible different. It really works with the type they/I’ve going for them (lol), and by including some cute out of doors pillows, we’re including some consolation. Like Emily, my bestie is a blue lover, so blue pillows give her a bit of that. And what’s a seating space with out no less than a aspect desk for a espresso or a “espresso” to get pleasure from whereas your little one digs holes within the dust. This desk is likely to be a bit fashionable for her, however would I be a greatest buddy if I didn’t push her stylistically?? I feel not. Then, for a bit purposeful decor that brings your eye up, I discovered this nice photo voltaic woven pendant to deliver a bit extra dimension and lightweight. It’s 12″ in diameter, so it’s an incredible dimension too!
Okay, we’re performed! I hope this was enjoyable so that you can see real-life options for a real-life dwelling. When you have any concepts, go away them within the feedback! However bear in mind that is my greatest buddy whom I like greater than life itself, so solely constructive/sort feedback will likely be allowed:) Additionally, thanks SO MUCH to my BFF for letting me put her dwelling on the web. You’re greatest<3
Love you, imply it.
