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].
Kate S. says
REALLY love this ideas for dilemmas thing, and hope y’all keep it around! We definitely all have awkward spaces that need fresh eyes.
Meagan says
I love the built in storage and prefer option 1. If she didn’t want or need the full wall of cabinets, I’d go with a desk area or daybed-type built-in. I’m not sure what the rest of the room looks like or how it functions, but it seems like she has some kiddos that use the space. Maybe a desk and art/craft area for the kids with cabinets above for storage? It also looks like the kids like cuddling up in there for movies, so maybe a built-in daybed/bench with storage underneath for blankets and pillows and a canopy (like the one in Clara’s room) overhead?
Terresa says
I think the built-ins would look great. That space really needs filled in so it doesn’t look like choppy compartments. However I was thinking a nice desk area with upper and lower cabinets. Either one of those 2 choices could look fabulous!!
Diane says
I think the cubby idea is practical but would you want that in the middle of your living space? Could end up looking cluttered if you’re not cleaning it up all the time. I do like the built in idea so she’d have a space hidden for the lego’s and puzzle pieces but still look a little put together.
Lisa says
If Shannon goes the built-in route she could paint or wallpaper or stencil the back walls of the built-ins, kind of like the dinning room building in’s of your last house. I would go with a different but complimentary color to the door if the goal is to embrace color but not all mono-chromatic. Similarly, instead of just painting the backs of the built-ins, the fronts could be painted too. Say a darker color (like a teal or a blue to complement the coral pink of Eugene) on the back wall for access and 1 or 2 lighter up the swatch for the built-ins themselves?
If Shannon is looking for more color on the walls themselves, it’s harder to say without seeing how that room bleeds into the surrounding areas but what about a stencil or pattern on the walls? Like diamonds in a soft, complemtary color to the background? Or a Chevron pattern? It’s hard to describe what I’m seeing in my head but a big, simple geometric pattern in 2-3 colors might be fun and bring in some color without feeling overwhelmed or too mono-choromatic.
What we did was pick a color we liked in one room and as we transitioned to neighboring rooms made sure the two colors looked good together. I hate white walls, it’s just not my cup of tea, so the whole house is varrying shares of blue, green, and teal. We have a soft sage color in our hall, and we held it up to every room you’d be able to see it from to make sure we liked the pairing. So if Shannon is looking for brighter colors on the walls she could try that. Say 1 color in the living room and a complemtary color in the near by bathroom? So when the door is open it looks cohesive but not matchy matchy?
I think Eugene is a good jumping off point. Find a handful of colors that look nice next to Eugene and see what of them you like together and maybe use 2-3 to make the space welcoming, colorful, but not overwhelming. If stenciling a pattern on the walls go big, small patterns might look busy over a big area like a wall.
Keri says
Hi!
I love the idea of built ins – but with 3 kids I think a kid-project center that grows into a homework nook could be a good way to centralize all of things that go along with that. It would be a way to have functional built ins!
You’d have to get some good lighting in there but could go crazy with colors and chalkboard paint!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/112519690659622841/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26388347786109278/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178314466469296785/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/48202658484440540/
Pinterest and I are BFFs – can you tell? ;)
Valerie says
It seems like the box at the top (doorbell or smoke detector) needs to still have function as well as the light switch to the staircase? The niche doesn’t seem very deep either. And the TV needs to stay? I would do this: buy prefab (unfinished) upper cabinets in a 24″ height that would span the whole niche. Mount them so they float above the floor (baskets for toys or blankets could be slid beneath) making a floating TV console. It could be topped in a remnant of granite or quartz or just a plywood top with a molding edge. Above the console I’d build chunky floating shelves (2 or 3 depending on spacing) that could be used for fun accessories and books while still allowing the light switch and doorbell box to stay. The shelves would help tie together the end walls and make them look more deliberate. The console could be painted in a fun color with sleek lucite pulls, the shelves white, and even a bold stencil pattern behind the floating shelves. :)
Lauren says
Sherry–I love the idea of posting reader dilemma designs! :)
I like option 2…the colors and art on the stairs. But I also like the idea of a built in desk/kid craft area.
Katie VK says
Don’t know if it’s already been mentioned/suggested, but Shannon could also use the space as a reading nook. Make a nice seat and even do columned built in storage on either side with a bench that could fold open for more storage. Throw some artwork or something above it, maybe even a special pendant light or two to set the space apart. Then she could also use a nice splash of color in that area as it would almost be it’s own space.
Nell @ Allbritton or Nothing says
I am 100% in support of the multi-purpose built-ins. It flattens an area between two recessed spaces. The only suggestions I would make are to incorporate the TV into the built-ins to hide the TV and all the components (maybe just on one side, depending on the size of the TV) and do mirrored doors with some sort of overlay on them.
Lisa says
Almost forget, I LOVE the shade Shannon painted the door in the first picture. I think it’s very tropical near Eugene. We did our dining room Florida Keys Blue by Benjamin Moore and it is by far my favorite color ever. Not sure if something like that would work but that coral in Eugene makes me think blues, teals, beige, and pinks. Go tropical in your color palette maybe?
shannon says
Aww, thanks, Lisa! I do think the name of the door color was something tropical! My palette is coral, teal, some yellow, and I’d like to add some navy just to mix it up. ;) -shannon
Rachel says
I really love the colors in option 2! I also really like the idea of a built-in in that nook and I have multiple pins of people building in the very Hemnes you mentioned! Just as a second option, what about a landing zone type use? If that green door is the garage door, it wouldn’t be too far away to still be functional. I just know when I come in the door I always have a ton of stuff. I’m seeing a little built in mail sorting station, a cork board or two, stuff like that. The bottom could probably be a desk/workstation. Love this new feature, by the way!!
LoriD says
I think I’d want to do something down the garage door tunnel too. It’s narrow, so maybe some picture ledges built between the studs? Or maybe a window into the adjacent room? I would also paint the door the same color as the walls to not draw attention to the door. I like the built-ins in the center nook. The TV should be on a different wall so that the wall with all the openings is used as more of a corridor than a focal point.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all of the comments guys! So many great ideas!
xo
s
Manda Wolf says
I really like that! I hope she builds it and you are able to post the after pictures for us!
Melissa says
Option 2 – Love it!
Another route would be to do a bench with toy storage and their children’s art display above
Angel says
I think a bookshelf up each side with a reading bench in between ala : http://www.pinterest.com/pin/122512052332815891/
Jen B. says
LOVE built ins. If you have kids, you crave a space to store their gear… and sometimes them. Which got me thinking, there is likely deep unused under-stair space behind the wall that’s accessible from the garage door. Wouldn’t it be supercool to have a mostly built-in on the front (waist high and above), but have a “kid door and window ” to a play nook… use that deep nook space plus crash through to the extra-under-stair space for a second crawl entrance. The kind of project that’s only possible with the help of super talented Daddies & Grandpas ;-)
Megan says
me next!!!!!!!!! remember that pesky over the couch wall I’ve been talking about!? HELP!!! ( also I think a built in is the answer for this reader. It will make the space disappear and be more functional.)
Katherine says
I like the art on the stairwell in option 2.
If you want to keep the TV, you switch things up with narrower built-ins on both sides of the television. Some people over at ikeahackers have found ways to build in a TV too.
Rosie says
I love the idea of a built in there, but if it were me, and if that garage door were our usual spot to enter and exit the house, I’d go with mud-room style function with the built-ins. One of those benches with storage underneath and “lockers” (maybe not open ones… probably ones with doors I think) or something about for backpacks, shoes, coats, that kind of thing. Says the girl with three kids and no mud room. :)
bethanyblntn says
I say, since it looks like you, Shannon, use this space as your living room it and may need the space for your tv, even though it’s awkward, you could find a darling fire place mantel, paint it an awesome color to tie the rooms together and paint the door a more neutral color (if you like). Then you would have a good focal space so it doesn’t look like a mistake in the room, a place to put a flat screen over (I’m sure the hubby would agree ;) ),and something to add warmth and character to the house (if it is a more modern built house more aged pieces can make it feel comfy and lived in instead of stark). you can even add some painted plywood or Flor pieces on the bottom of the mantel to give it a nice ‘floor’ under it or do something like this >>http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/50-living-room-ideas-00400000061600/50-favorite-living-rooms-00400000061653/
kimberly says
Option #2 is my favorite!! Built ins are perfect for that area!!
Morgan S. says
Love that clip! I will still bust that out all the time…”I’m so so scared!” We are totally kids of the 80s. I actually didn’t even click the link because I was “so excited” to comment on it…LOVE!
Allison says
My first thought was built ins as well! You can change out the accessories whenever you’re bored and it’s a chance to add a lot more colour to the space! I really love option #1!
Justine Y says
Both options are beautiful, but I think #1 is a little more warm and fun, good for a house with kids :) (and this coming from someone that LOVES navy!).
I also think built-ins would be a great use of that space, seems to make the most sense! It does look like she has a light switch on that wall though that would be covered up by built-ins so obviously it would have to be moved… not that that’s usually a big deal (we’ve been moving switches all over the place at our house!), but if the house is wired strangely (like ours is), it could open up a can of worms, especially if they don’t have someone who knows electrical who can help them out for free :) Just something I was thinking about!
sarina says
I really like the built in.. and either color scheme seems like it would work.. would just be her preference.
One thing that I think does need some attention is that blank wall going into the garage. The dark door looks a little oddball all by itself. I would maybe put some sort of art that would mirror some of that color and give it some balance.
I also recently saw a lawyer style cabinet where the glass lifts up not sideways. and that could be a cool look if they could do it themselves.
Craig says
The built ins are the perfect idea. The color inside the shelving will tie the garage door and bathroom colors together well.
I have always been a fan of the blue/grey palette so I vote for option 2, but with kids, perhaps the warmer colors will hide dirt better? That or a decontamination/mudroom is required :)
Danielle Purtle says
I love the renderings! Definitely agree with going with a nice neutral color throughout and keeping the door a nice accent color (love the dark one). Love the art in stairway. The built-ins are perfect since she has carpenters handy! I would say maybe have them where she could still have her tv in there? But maybe there is another spot for in that we can’t see? Also I am curious to know what is under the carpeted stairs? I wonder if it is something that could be sanded and stained. That would give some depth and warmth!
Mrs. A says
I was hoping for built-ins too! It looks like this nook was made precisely for built-ins, why else have the walls bump out? I wonder if the house was purchased new, or if the original design included built-ins as an option. Hmmm . . . .
Option #2 is lovely, but I like option #1 best. I get the impression that if she painted the door such a happy pop of color, this might be her personal color choice. And, I like the art on the stairwell to tie everything together. Personally, I am digging cool hometown maps (although this trend might be over) – http://www.orkposters.com/chicago.html
Amelia R. says
The built-ins are a fabulous idea. Maybe Shannon can use power tools, and doesn’t need “her husband and father” to build the built-ins for her. Isn’t that the entire premise upon which Ana White’s site is built?
Amelia R. says
Sorry; I’m a little hyper-girl-power this morning. Just re-read and saw where she says her husband and father-in-law are carpenters, so your response makes perfect sense. Still, it never hurts a lady to diy!
YoungHouseLove says
No worries Amelia!
xo
s
Nancy says
I love that commenters are looking out for stereotypes! ;-) They’re so easily fallen into. Go girl power!!
Nancy says
Of course, I understand that in Shannon’s situation, it happens that her husband and dad are handymen. ;-)
Emily says
What if she turned it into a mud room of sorts? I assume we’re not the only ones to walk in from the garage and drop everything. It would have to be tidy because this also looks like a space that is very visible all the time.
Other idea: Reading nook with a built in bench that also has storage underneath! I’m a sucker for reading nooks.
karen says
I see it totally as a kid area! With three kids I’m sure it would be nice to have some storage for their toys, games, videos, etc. Liked other comments of having a coat closet, key drop place, since located near garage. Maybe split the area into two separate storage areas. One side for coats, purses, shoes, backpacks, and on right side more of an open storage cubbies/bins on the bottom that kids can access, leave TV about mid point for viewing and shelves above the TV to accessorize. Then put two rolling barn doors to hide when needed. And we all know how fun and colorful rolling barn doors can be =)
She mentioned the area wasn’t big enough for couch, but maybe a smaller love seat, table with chairs or stylish bean bags?
susan says
I’ve only read one other suggestion about taking down those walls and eliminating the nook completely, but that gets my vote. If they ARE load bearing, as a mom of 3 boys, I vote for making that space a landing area with a bench and storage, although maybe they already have that in the garage? Love the idea you created too…
Shannon says
Totally FREAKING out!! Thanks so much, Sherry and John, for picking my cah-razy space! I’m loving what you’ve come up with, and everyone’s suggestions rock, too!! I can’t wait to get started!! Since some of you are asking–we do have a fireplace in the room, the walls are NOT even in that little nook, and my color palette involves some coral, teal, yellow, and I hope to bring in some navy, too! Lots of patterns in our accessories, too!
Again, EEK!! I’m sooooo excited and thankful for this post! I can’t even tell you all how many times since July I’ve looked at that space and thought, “What would Sherry and John do?!” :)
Shannon
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad to help! And so happy everyone is adding suggestions! We’d love to see photos wherever you end up!
xo
s
janice says
I love it – “WWSJD?” ! Can we get t-shirts??????????
Alicia M says
I would totally buy a “WWSJD” shirt!! Reminds me of the green logo shirts you guys had way-back-when. Maybe that’s another idea to resurrect?! ;)
Jessica says
I’m just curious what made you choose Behr colors for this room?
YoungHouseLove says
Years ago when we did design dilemmas for people we used a range of brands so we thought it made sense to reference a variety of them (I have so many decks on hand I’ll just rotate them like I used to).
xo
s
janice says
Oh my gosh – can you PLEASE photoshop my entire house? It’s really small, I promise! or better yet, just come DO my house – I’m not too far from you! LOL
This is REALLY cool to see. I love how your brain works.
Laurie says
I like the softer tones mainly because it softened all the nooks and doorways. But I think any palette she likes that ties them together will work.
The art piece really made a difference! That seems like a good detail.
I had the same thought as Sherry with built ins. The bottom part as cabinets would be great for stowing away the family room stuff like toys and games (Am I the only one who is always trying to find more space for all my board games? Even though I don’t have kids?) I pictured more asymmetrical cubes for display items and to break up all the rectangles going on in that area. This would end up being a great focal point for pictures, horse heads, the TV if it is a good spot for it, and decorations during the holidays. I didn’t picture the top part closed in with doors but I like Sherry’s option too.
You are so lucky to have carpenters in the family! They can go to town on this puppy and make it sing!
Lynn says
Love the built in idea. I initially thought faux fire place. THEN I thought. Built in desk/work station…like this…
http://redesigningsarah.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/quiet-desk-nook.jpg
Lynn says
I’d put some storage underneath the bench :)
Lynn says
…the pic is from designing sarah’s blog.
There are other great ideas and different styles for desk nooks that could work here at houzze.com where you can see 52,407 photos….one might strike your fancy! :) I like one on pg 56…but the possibilities are endless!
http://www.houzz.com/desk-nook/p/64
erin says
a fun built in reading nook with storage on the walls that back up to the stairs and hallway to the garage then have the bench.
something like this:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/358036239097355441/
Julianne says
I love that idea, Sherry! That’s the first thought I had when I saw this space, too. The more practical, but prettied-up space a gal can have with lots of kids, the better. This would be a great space to hide the family games, toys, dog gear, cumputer/video games, etc. All the things needed in common famiy space, but preferrably out of site. Great colour choices, too! ;0). Please have her come back to show us the after pics!
Ted says
Something odd is happening with comments. The main article says there are 151 comments. If you click on the comment flag you go to page 1 which also lists 151 comments. If you try to go to page 2 is says 96 comments and only shows half of page 2 comments. If, on page 1, you click on page 3, it says 134 comments and only shows the last one.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just a cache-ing issue (your browser us set to refresh every five mins (or ten mins or one min) so comments can sort of sit in comment purgatory until your browser reloads (even if you refresh it’s not a full reload until that time lapses).
xo
s
Liz F says
Ah-hah!!! The first thing I thought of when I looked at the space is that it reminded me of the IKEA shelving unit that we have in our dining room. I’m not sure what the dimensions of the nook are but a set of deep-set cubbies look like they would be a great fit. The thing I like about the IKEA cubbies is that they’re somewhat customizable.
I agree with everyone in that some sort of shelving unit (be it freestanding or built-in) would be idea here because you could stash and store things (books! ceramic animals! pretty decor!); but DO move the tv out of the nook, unless you plan to put some kind of entertainment center (again, could be built in) and accent the back wall with something darkish.
But I’m not a home decorating expert, so why listen to me ;)
Alicia says
I immediately thought built ins too! Since she loves color, she could even make the built ins a color, not sure what color though. It would definitely turn that awkward space into the focal point! Oh, and I love that light fixture you picked out!
JoAnne H says
I love the built-ins but my eye keeps getting drawn to the door. Maybe the door and the wall that the door is on along with the wall at the back of the stairs need to be the same colour? Dark and dramatic would really make the built-ins pop. (I agree with haverwench they are still do-able)
Good luck Shannon! :)
Julie M. says
I like the green/coral, especially since she’s got a need for color. Also, I would think she needs the TV in that nook, since it is currently there. Look for a built in design, that would allow a TV cabinet to go in there. Maybe even try something with a range of depths to make it more interesting than a block row of cabinets. Something like this:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/tuscan-media-set-4-piece/furniture/media-furniture/13410
Or as always, search Pinterest for “built in media wall” and you’ll find some fantastic ideas.
Effie says
Wow, I love this post! I hope you guys continue to consult readers because it’s so fun to see what other homes look like and hear your ideas! I love both options, but especially love the softer tones of option 2. A lot of newer construction homes have those oddball alcoves and this is SUCH an awesome solution!! I can’t wait to see after pics!!!
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
I like the built-in but I would go with a big desk area and glass cabinet storage above. Seems to make a lot of sense for this space and it’s tucked away a bit which makes leaving it messy more allowed :)
Susan C says
My initial thought was some sort of storage system as well. I thought you could build in some shelves and still keep the TV in that spot to keep it out of the way (if you don’t mind staring at the stairs while watching TV). Below the TV, I would put in some drawers to keep all of the kid clutter out of the way. That nook could definitely be painted a color. I have the same issue in my house where the whole downstairs needs to be one color, and I took the opportunity with our landing area to paint it a bright blue to break up the sea of beige walls. I would pick something that pops in that space. Can’t wait to see what the space looks like when it’s complete!
Jana says
I think it is so awesome that you guys are doing this, it’s so sweet of you!! I love the idea of built ins in that space. Looks great!
Megan says
My first thought was built-ins and some art in the staircase. I like the second option with the muted colors allowing more play room for colorful accessories.