Mood Board Making
CJ & Amy’s Design Dilemma
When we heard CJ & Amy’s cry for help with their dated and dark family room, we grabbed our capes and sprung into action. Just kidding, we grabbed our paint swatches, but close enough. Here’s their letter:
Hey youngsters! We saw your information in last week’s Washington Post and of all the companies mentioned you youngsters seem to speak to us the most. Sure you can’t beat your price but your style and taste seemed close to ours and we liked that you live in Richmond which isn’t that far from Annapolis. Let’s have fun! The first room we want advice on is our family room/TV room. Everything in the room can go except for the large yellow framed print. One side of the room is open to the kitchen so you’ll have to ignore the color scheme in there and just focus on the family room. The wood paneling and the red brick fireplace also make this room a doozie. The floor, believe it or not, is ceramic tile. Who would choose tile that appears to actually be linoleum? We’ll be replacing the tile down the line but would like to work with it for the time being. Our style is best described as laid back modern with some funky traditional pieces thrown in as well (we really like Anthropologie). We like to find “different” and funky pieces from many different stores that all seem to work together in an interesting way. We love ALL of your before and after examples on your site. We are so excited to be working with you!!! -CJ & Amy
This is another one of those rooms that will totally transform with some paint on that paneling and some swanky furniture in the space to freshen things up. And thanks to CJ and Amy’s love for color and a bit of funkiness, we can make that patterned blue tile look right at home:
And now for the mood board breakdown.
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Paul’s Design Dilemma
When we heard that Paul was trying to gussy up his pad in time for his daughter’s October wedding we jumped at the chance to help him complete the transformation. Here’s his letter:
Hi and HELP! My daughter is getting married at on October 25th and I’d love to give the room a new look. Currently the room has a mauve carpet (that can go) and mauve furniture (also can go). As for the built-in wall unit, my wife would like to see the whole thing go but for the meantime it will stay with the TV (although we don’t know whether to paint the paneling behind the unit, and/or change the color of the built-in). The coffee and end tables are rosewood and match our dining room so they should stay but the lamps can go. We are also hoping to sell the house in the near future so we don’t want to go too individualistic. The walls and ceiling will definitely be painted any day now and the new carpet and furniture will hopefully be in place by October 25 (but we’d like the wall color to work with the mauve carpet just in case we can’t get it replaced in time for the wedding). Thanks! -Paul
This is one of those rooms that will completely transform with some new furniture and a fresh coat of paint. So without further ado, our clean and current mood board (just in time for here comes the bride):
And now for the mood board breakdown.
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Davis’ Design Dilemma
When this single dad came looking to us for some help with his new condo, Sherry figured I’d be just the man for this man’s design dilemma (although admittedly all of our mood boards are a team effort). Here’s Davis’ letter:
I recently purchased this two-bedroom condo that I share with my daughter. My design challenge is the living room and dining room combo. Because of the layout and placement of the fireplace, I just don’t know how to furnish it or arrange the room. The fireplace is the focal point because of the TV, but because of the fireplace’s position in the living room I realize that my sectional sofa just doesn’t work for the room. Casual contemporary style most appeals to me since a lot of time will be spent in the living room whether entertaining or relaxing. The high dining room table (I’m 6’5) and TV stays, everything else can go. I’m also looking for a new wall color. I really don’t know what patterns I like and I’m open to suggestions. I do like solids and the colors black and brown. I am ready to be swankified! – Davis
Some furniture recommendations and room layout suggestions to help Davis and his daughter better use this space are coming right up. And in the process we’ll try to nudge him towards a slightly more colorful and patternful world than his go-to brown and black. So without further ado, our masculine and comfortable mood board:
Here’s the mood board breakdown.
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Ruth’s Design Dilemma
When Ruth contacted us for help with her expansive living room we were super excited to get down to business. Here’s her letter:
This is great! We moved here a year ago and need some help with our living room. It’s a huge rectangle with a sitting area near the balcony doors and then another large area where the piano and chair are. We entertain a lot so we need a good livable space but without clutter. The TV is in this room and I don’t anticipate it moving out of the living room but it sticks out like a sore thumb but neither of us like large entertainment centers. Though the place gets plenty of sunshine it looks dark and heavy with the big pieces of dark furniture and dark upholstered furniture. Our style is beachy, modern (but not cold) casual (but not frumpy or filled with too many things) and spare lines (but with softness). Spare, elegant but warm and inviting. Crate & Barrel is our favorite store. The piano must stay as does the TV (but I’d love to camouflage it) and I’d love a new wall color (we like warm sunny colors like yellows, peach, dark raspberry pink, taupes, browns etc). Good luck!! -Ruth
Is this space not to die for? Those rich floors! That view! The spacious and open floorplan! Without further ado, our warm and casual (yet utterly clean and current) living room mood board:
And now for the mood board breakdown.
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