Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Shannon’s Dilemma: Ideas Anyone?

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.

Before ReaderQ

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.

Version1

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:

Version2

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].

Comments

    • Sara says

      What is the point in being first to comment if you’re not even going to say anything useful??? Apparently you haven’t even read the post!

    • Jessica says

      Do people really comment before reading, all in hopes of being the first comment in the thread? Why? That’s as pointless as writing a book review before actually opening the first page.

    • lesismore says

      kati, go ahead and be excited about being first! it’s like being the champion of all champions to see your name at the top of the comments page. ;)

  2. OSUJillyBean says

    I vote option two. It seems much more cohesive and still has some color without being too in-your-face about it.

    Reply

  4. Miranda says

    Those bookshelves are a great idea. When I first saw this space I instantly thought “faux fireplace” but don’t know if there’s already a functional one in the space…. It would be a great place to display mantle decor and you could hang a larger mirror over it to open up the space. Or you could hang your TV above it and build out some kind of cool doors or cover for it. Good luck with your space!

    Reply

  7. Rose says

    Love the idea of built ins! I think that neutral palette needs some bold contrast though…imagine a dark blue rug and some wood tones!!!

    Reply

  8. Jen C says

    Grout, grout, let it all out. That may be the best one-liner of the day! Got to love a shout out (ha) to Tears for Fears.

    The built in you modeled is fantastic! Really pulls the space together. Are the “books” on the windows supposed to be painted by hand, or is that something they could buy. A patterned window would also look nice, I think.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I just made a bunch of boxes in photoshop that I thought could represent books (the tan ones) and some other colored boxes for accents (like vases, decorative baskets or planters, lacquered boxes, etc).

      xo
      s

  10. Abby J. says

    My first thought was built ins too! Love them! They could even do drawers below and open shelving above..or just keep the top open and center the tv there.

    I love the idea of putting art on the stairs–even do a family portrait there to fancy it up!

    Color wise I’m digging the first one–gotta match Eugene the horse head :)

    Abby

    Reply

  11. Karen says

    Good idea! I prefer #1, but with some art in stairway. I think the key to that space is making the built-ins go all the way to the ceiling, so that it looks purposeful and always been there, instead of “this is an awkward space we’re trying to fill”.

    Reply

  13. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    Love the built in idea!! First thing that popped into my head before I even scrolled down to see your suggestion.

    And if she wanted extra seating – it could be a built in bench with storage underneath and maybe a shelf or cabinet above too.

    Or an entryway type ideas like this – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/184436547212825063/

    and if she needed desk space something like this (if her nook was big enough) – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/159877855494409952/

    so much fun! Nooks can be a lot of fun!

    Reply

    • Kelly says

      I love the idea of a nook for a reading bench that could open and hold toys or a nook desk. Depends if that is a high traffic area and sitting in a chair would be in the way but then she could work in the living room while the kids have rest time.

    • lesismore says

      I love the “mudroom” idea, but it’s really hard to suggest a certain idea without knowing exactly what is opposite. I assume a couch, since there is a TV there.

      I only have a picture in my mind, but I was picturing something more like floating shelving, or something geometric above to house books and horse heads, ect., and a sitting bench below, if seating was something desired.

    • Kerrie says

      I also wondered about some sort of desk/ nook space – I’m sure nook space is a real thing ;). I was thinking about the space being next to the garage door, and if this is a good landing spot for the kids gear if they often come into the house via this door. Any space that includes storage is always a good thing. I love the idea of joining the colour of the toilet (its not called a half bath where I come from LOL), to the rest of the space, and the idea of art in that stair well.
      Sherry, such a fun idea to have suggestions for others – fabulous idea, Cheers

  14. Jessica says

    My first thought was also built-ins. It could be cute with some open shelving, too.

    I like both of the Photoshopped pieces, but #2 draws me in more.

    Reply

  15. Emily says

    Love the built-ins…as for colors I’m partial to option 1, I really like the fun color she already chose for the door. Hemnes storage would look great, we have it all over our home :)

    Reply

  16. Rebecca says

    I like both options but option 1 seems a little more formal to me and option 2 more relaxed. So I’d pick 2. That space immediately screamed “Built-in!” to me too!

    Reply

  17. Alivicwil says

    Love that 2nd version – the blues are beautiful!

    And I think bookshelves are the way to go there! We get the keys to our new place soon, and we have a nook I’d love to put similar shelves in – though I’m thinking of cupboards below (not drawers), and open shelves on top.

    My problem, though, is our nook is created by a fireplace… Can i build up hard against a brick chimney? Or does it need a gap for air circulation? (I’ve never had a chimney before!)

    Reply

    • Jenny C. says

      Is your fireplace gas or wood burning? I would check for easy access to the fans, air circulation passages and any other vents before building anything. These items need plenty of breathing room (literally). Plus you dont want to impede any access panels to the flue or firebox (I’m sure you already know that).
      Anyways, you can attached directly to the sides and back of a brick fireplace. I wouldn’t get too terribly close to the front where hot embers or heat could escape the fire box. But I would recommend using furring strips attached to the brick with masonry anchors. But whatever method you choose, I would double check for any building codes in your area regarding fireplaces.

    • Tara says

      We have a built-in bookcase directly beside our bricked fireplace/chimney. The bookcase is set back about a foot from the front of the fireplace, which keeps things from getting too hot. I wouldn’t put the edge of the bookshelf flush with the fireplace, especially if it’s wood burning rather than gas (wood tends to “throw” sparks more). I have no science behind it– just what we have in this 100 year old house, but I think it would be fine :)

    • alivicwil says

      It’s a double (front and back?!) fireplace – leads into the living room (where I would love to do shelves) and also the kitchen on the other side… The living room fireplace has actually had a slow-combustion heater built into it – so it has a glass door front. There wouldn’t be open flame, but I’d imagine the chimney would still get hot?

      Totally gotcha on not covering any vents or flue, Jenny C, and thanks to you and Tara re: the top about setting the shelving back from the front of the fireplace – that’s not something I’d thought about!

      (The new house also has ducted gas heating, so I’m not sure how much use the fireplace will get – but, still, I’d hate to do something which would prevent future owners from using it if they wanted to.)

  20. Katy says

    I LOVE this post! It reminds me of your design dilemmas that you used to do so many of back in the day! (Everyday when I checked your site I would hope for after photos) :) Love both these ideas!

    Reply

  21. Nicole L says

    Love the idea of built-ins! I first thought fill it with open shelves – top ones for mom’s decor items, and bottom for bins for the kids. Or fill the whole thing with books (swoon!)

    Reply

  22. Megan says

    I love option 1 – apparently in the minority here. I think you could easily incorporate the TV into the upper shelves with the added benefit of being able to close it off when not watching.

    I also thought that a desk area could work there with storage above and below. Kind of a dry bar for when you are entertaining/craft-homework area when your not.

    Reply

    • blythe says

      I liked the built in idea, but this is great too! A built in desk would be fantastic with some floating shelves.

    • Maya says

      I love #1 too! Seems much more fresh, happy, and colorful. I agree that the key will be to repeat colors against a relatively neutral backdrop… the room will still feel fresh and colorful!

    • Mary cole says

      I love option 1 too. Option 2 seems too neutral and drabby, and she’s all about color! I am loving that green door she already has. I would add art to option 1

  23. robyns says

    love the built ins idea….she could also add a bright pattern wallpaper to the back of the shelves, antiqued mirror (a la Candice Olsen) or another hit of paint (a la YHL’s builtins from house #2).

    and I think it’s time to quit calling it the sunroom and call it the sunporch……

    Reply

  26. Heidi says

    Love the idea of a built in – but I would just do a built in buffet without the glass front cabinets to the ceiling. I’ve found it is really difficult to decorate those shelves so that they look stylish and cohesive, plus it gets expensive to purchase the right accessories. I would mount a huge mirror above the buffet with the frame painted in a fun color.

    Reply

    • Alison says

      I would build floor to ceiling but have opaque doors (like normal wood cabinets) on top, so you get lots of storage without worrying about what it looks like inside.

    • Jennifer says

      I agree with Heidi on the built in buffet but I would consider doing a nice color for the wall. You could decorate the top of the buffet seasonally and mirrors make great backdrops for candles or cute table lamps. Alternatively you could do a fun wall gallery of family photos and art on the wall above the buffet.

  27. cheryl says

    You know, I was thinking that with that space being by the garage door it might be a nice place for a bunch of closed door cubbies to store jackets and out door things, with a built in seat with extra storage for shoes underneath. Then you could have open storage above, with glass doors for pretty things, all the way up to the ceiling… so similar to what you have Sheri, but with a different function.

    Reply

    • Ann says

      This gets my vote to, especially since it is so close to the garage. Looks like there would be just enough room for 3 little cubby areas – and believe me as they get older… you will long for an area that they can drop their backpacks and shoes and sporting equipment in! PLUS – there is electric in that wall already – wire those cubbies so each one has a plug for the cell phone charger! Believe me, it is hard to think that far ahead but you will be thankful you did when that day is here!

      And wouldn’t it be super functional to find some old gym lockers for added interest? I love that industrial/vintage look and what a fun place to add that – maybe with a vintagy looking light above it? swoon…

    • Pam says

      I love the colors on the YHL second option, but I thought of cubbies, too, for an area close to the garage, because you can never gave enough storage for kids’ stuff! Since it is so visible to the rest of the living space, and little ones don’t always stash their belongings neatly, how about adding doors to the cubbies–like lockers, but with wood doors that her handy hubby can make? Above the locker doors, how about open cubbies for bringing in colorful displays?

  30. Lauren says

    I like option 1 the best! But I love the art on the wall in the staircase. Maybe it would be nice to have some art on the wall going to the garage, too, since it looks like it wants a little decoration, but there isn’t much room for anything else.

    Reply

  31. Courtney says

    LOVE built-ins! So much storage and so pretty too :) I love the colors in option 2 but if she wants to go bright she should go for it :)

    Thanks for sharing,
    court

    Reply

  32. Brenda says

    What a great idea for a brainstorming session. I like this solution(s) and am looking forward to hearing other ideas. I’d be curious to know what is opposite this dilemma space.

    BTW, I’ve just found your blog. I can see why you’ve been so successful. Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned.

    Reply

  33. Jayme says

    I love the idea of a built-in but my other thought was an entryway system… do they need storage for coats, boots, hats, scarves, etc.? A bench with storage and some top shelf with hooks, etc., there are a million different ways you can build an entry system that would provide storage but also have room for decorations. To add color, you can paint the wall a bright color between the bench and shelf part.

    Reply

  34. Robin says

    I like the built-ins, but the first thing I thought of was using it for a ‘cozy nook’ with a chair, maybe a chair-and-a-half, footstool or ottoman, small table, and a lamp. Love a good reading corner!

    Reply

  36. Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says

    This new feature is so fun! Thanks for bringing it back. I love the idea of the built-ins but would simplify the colour palette a bit. What about keeping the navy accents from option 2, but doing muddy emerald (from option 1) on the back of the builtins? Eugene would really pop against the green! A few gold trinkets on the bookshelf would tie it all together.

    Reply

  37. Sandi says

    I like the built in idea…Maybe some sort of dresser/storage on the bottom half, and then wall mount the tv with an ornate frame around it? I’ve seen a few of those recently to look more decorative. The space wouldn’t lose it’s tv-nook functionality, but it could have more storage and look more purposeful.

    OR, a few narrow mounted bookshelves up high, reading chair, warm throw blanket, and a pretty floor lamp.

    Reply

  38. Casey says

    I love this post-what a great idea! I vote Option 2; the color combo is fantastic, and I love the idea of hanging a piece of art in that stairwell to tie in the colors.

    Reply

  39. Cristina says

    Shannon was right, this is a tough spot! I love the first one, I think it’s great for a family and looks more “kiddo” friendly.

    Since she mentioned she likes color so much, she can always wallpaper the back of those bookshelves (similarly to some recommendations from your book) and change them out if she ever wants to!

    Reply

  41. Carrie says

    Apparently, I am in a destructive mode, but what about bringing dow the walls that add separation? If they aren’t load bearing, bring them down and have that as one big space instead of 3-4 chopped up ones.

    Reply

    • Liz says

      Carrie, I agree that was my thought. If they get rid of those separation walls they might be able to put the couch there if they wanted to. They could add a cute little bannister for the last two steps.

    • haverwench says

      That was my first reaction, too: “What are all those walls doing there? Get rid of them!” Opening up the space would give a lot more flexibility. This little nook could then be used for seating, storage, mudroom, or any of the other ideas that have been suggested–or you could just put up one big, colorful piece of art and make that a focal point.

    • Deb says

      This was my first reaction as well – take down those mini walls and open up the space. Then paint that wall section a nice dark accent colour. I like tearing down walls :)

  42. Allison says

    So I love the idea of helping people out with their awkward spaces. I think we all have places in our home like that! I like option 1 best, but I think it will depend on the homeowner’s preferred colors. The built in cabinet is a great idea. She could also do built-in open shelves so that they could keep the tv there and then use baskets on some of the shelves for storage. Or, have the cabinets below and the top open for the tv. I really hope we get to see it after it has been renovated!

    Reply

  43. Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says

    Great ideas! I was also thinking built-ins. I would love if someone else would throw out other ideas though :)

    I think your ideas will help her find a starting point. She didn’t really lay out her color pallette for the home, so the colors in your examples may not work – but it should help get the juices flowing.

    Good luck to you Shannon!

    Reply

    • Shannon says

      Thanks!! There is no color palette yet, other than some corals, teals and yellows in our accessories! I’ve been too stumped to paint!! ;)

  44. Katie O says

    That nook is SCREAMING for a built-in. Before I even read her letter, I started to silently chant “built-in . . . built-in . . . BUILT-IN!” She could two skinnier bookshelves on either side to make room for her TV (which she should absolutely hang on the wall, not have sitting on top of the cabinets). Cabinets below could hold games, puzzles, toys, and books for the kiddos, and the bookshelves could hold her pretty stuff. Maybe she could do a faux brick backing on the bookshelves (painted a cool grey or maybe even white). The walls on either side of the nook don’t necessarily look the same distance out, though. I would build one out a bit to make the walls the same size on either side of the nook.

    Reply

    • Brenda says

      I am totally picturing some faux grey brick with white glass fronted cabinets and glass shelves. How pretty would that be with lights inside?

  46. BamaCarol says

    I was immediately thinking ‘that space needs built ins’ when I started reading and looking at the picture. Love your version. I like the closed doors over my trinkets but maybe that is just because I hate dusting! I like the colors in option 2 but I have been wanting navy somewhere in our house for a year now. I like the idea of painting everything in that main area a single color (we have a grey in ours entire house) and then you can easily add the color pops like that half bath or door. Here is hoping Eugene has a new place to hang out soon.

    Reply

    • shannon says

      Yes!! Eugene is miserable on that sad little bookshelf! Haha! He needs something pretty. Thanks for your ideas!! And I hate dusting,too! ;) –Shannon

  47. meghan says

    Oh my gosh, I was thinking last month how awesome it would be to have you guys and your readers give input on problems because I’m stumped for my family room! Yay! Will be sending you an email tonight :)

    In the meantime, I love the capiz pendant, built ins, and the pop of color on the door! Option 1. But I like the teal she has already, not the green on the door in Option 1.

    Reply

  48. Kristie B says

    I have been wondering what photoshop program you use to make those fab mock-ups of your spaces before you start making things happen. Do you mind sharing the program?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s just regular old photoshop (the one they sell with Creative Suite, but we don’t have the full suite). I just bring images in and skew them or transform them and drag them around. It’s not perfect but if you squint you can get the idea- haha!

      xo
      s

  49. Teri says

    I was going to suggest a bench and lockers/cubbies for each of the kids, but I like your idea better. It gives her so many more options to show off the fun stuff.

    Reply

  50. Leah says

    In the photo, it looks like the walls on either side of the center nook don’t stick out the same amount. So would the built-in go straight across from the shortest wall, or would that wall be built out even with the longer one?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I believe it’s just the photo and my bad photoshop, but the book should be the same depth on either side of that bookcase. If not I would deepen the shorter wall to match it so the built in is level.

      xo
      s

    • Suzanne says

      I think Leah is right, look at the pic on the floor, the depth isn’t the same, so they would have to build out the one wall (garage door) to make the nook walls the same size. That could still work, but it won’t look clean and smooth across the 4 walls, unfortunately.

      Really need a floor plan! Where is the couch now? Where is the front door?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      You’re right! My brain couldn’t see that without a floor plan. I was trying to keep it simple to submit questions but maybe asking for more photos and floor plans will help. I think building out the shorter wall and then adding the built ins could work well though, right?

      xo
      s

    • Alison says

      I also thought the wall on the stair side looks longer. If that’s the case, I would have the built-in be straight across from the shorter wall because there is a light switch on the stair side wall that you wouldn’t want to cover up, anyway. It might not look quite as finished and seamless as if the entire area for filled out, but it wouldn’t require more serious reno work like lengthening walls or moving switches.

    • Alicia M says

      I was thinking built-ins too!!
      I think the wall on the right is a bit longer. If you look close, there’s a light switch there. The built-ins would fall short of the switch (the wall would jut out a bit past the built-ins) or the switch would have to be moved to the other side of the wall if the left wall was extended and made even. Either way….I vote built-ins!!

    • haverwench says

      On the other hand, if you go with the depth of the shorter wall, you don’t have to move the light switch that’s currently on the longer wall.

    • Shannon says

      They aren’t the same size! You are totally right! Brings on another set of issues!! (It’s my living room/dilemma!)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw man, I hope you can build one wall forward if you’re into the built in idea, or there are tons of other ideas here for using that nook in other ways. I’m loving all of the ideas and can’t wait to see where you end up!

      xo
      s

    • Sarah says

      I think it would still look great if it’s built out to the shorter wall, and she hangs a couple of frames vertically on the bit of staircase-wall that juts out from the built-ins. That nook is definitely screaming for built-ins, though, and lucky ducky that her husband and his father are carpentry wizards!

    • Suzanne says

      It could possibly work, but I think that the first wall (from the ‘front room’ is also shorter (same as that first nook wall), so depending on where the front door is, you might get an odd view of something jutting out into the next room. Hard to tell from just this.

      I think I’d be more inclined to want to remove the walls (that would include moving electrical and adding a stair handrail), but then that adds too many questions…

      These are going to be hard without more details. I’d make sure to get (1) floor plan – a simple hand one is fine (2) several views (2) colors they have in place

    • Shannon says

      Suzanne, there are two couches and a couple other seats, all facing that crazy nook area (for now!!)! The main couch is directly in front of it, about 10′ away, and the other couch is about 3′ away from the half-bath on that side wall. It feels like a HUGE room! The front door is in the front room on the left side. If I’d moved the camera to the left a step or two, you’d see the front door in the shot, too. The kitchen/dining area is also open to ALL of these spaces–directly to the left of where the shot was taken. It’s sooo spacious, but another reason the walls need to be cohesive! ;) I wish I could draw it out for you guys!

      Oh, and the colors I’ve got going on right now are teals, corals and yellows, but I’d like to bring in some navy, too. ;)

      Thanks, everyone for all your help and suggestions! This is so much fun and I’m getting so excited!! I think I’ll be up all night just reading your comments and taking notes! And Sherry, I LOVE the light fixture! Christmas present idea!! Woohoo!

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