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
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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].
ebgb says
My first instinct was to recommend a built in as well. But then I was scrolling through Apartment Therapy (congrats on the shout out over there!) and came upon this idea of turning that nook into a play fort. Seems pretty perfect considering the TV can go anywhere and you have “three littles.”
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-amp-after-fireplace-nook-to-lofted-playhouse-fe-fi-fo-famma-196641
Amanda says
I came over here to link the same thing, but it looks like I was beaten!
Carmen says
I haven’t read through all of the comments, so I don’t know if this was mentioned. Could you create that nook space into a reading space with a comfy chair in the corner with the longer wall and maybe some floating shelves with natural woven baskets for storage? You could choose one beautifully bold color and paint that area, the door, the wall going up the stairs (or just put a painting with that color on that wall), and the bathroom (maybe a stencil in there that combines the two colors?). Then, choose a more muted or much lighter version of the color for the rest of the space (it gives you the feeling of multiple colors while being cohesive). You could also bring more color to the space with bold curtains, furniture (slipcovers if need be), paintings etc. Flea markets are a girl’s best friend for original artwork at an affordable price. Just reframe it. Another idea for that space is to create it into a homework nook. Build in a desk with drawers for storage, and it gives the kids their own space to get things done while they are still under your supervision for redirection purposes. You may not even have to worry about the uneven walls at that point. Not sure if it would be something you are interested in, but that’s what came to my mind. :)
Melissa L. says
Such a great space for a built in mud room area!! Think, shelving up top with baskets, beadboard on the back with oversized coat hooks, and a bench that opens with storage for shoes. Kind like this pic (http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/01/62/17/016217f82608db6219553a2903e284e9.jpg)
Then just paint the whole thing a bright, welcoming color!!
Jill says
here’s another idea: Wall-in the area and create a walk-in closet, opening to the garage hallway. (remove that little wall which is #2 from left). I don’t know if you’d even need a door, bec it would be facing the hallway and not seen. Then you would have a flat wall facing your living room, which is totally normal. Decorate as wished.
Vicky says
If she walled in the nook like Jill says, then maybe they could take down the one between the existing hallway closet and the nook basically enlarge the closet space making it a walk in closet.
donna says
A playhouse. Just saw this over on apartment therapy. (And a cool article by younghouselove. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-amp-after-fireplace-nook-to-lofted-playhouse-fe-fi-fo-famma-196641
YoungHouseLove says
So much fun!! Love all the ideas guys!
xo
s
Shannon says
Okay, so here is more info!!
I’ve created a quick pinterest board with a few shots of our living and problem area! You guys can all see the colors I’m currently using (disregard the browns and lime greens, and also the kids’ table!). The fireplace is so 1985 and a whole other dilemma in my head! And don’t get me started on needing curtains. I’m thinking of bringing some navy in the room, along with the teal, coral and yellow I’m working with so far!
Hope this helps you all!! And your ideas and suggestions rock!! You’ve all got me so excited to get some decisions made and to get started! Definitely “after” pics to come! Woohoo! –shannon
http://www.pinterest.com/shancaisa/younghouselove-dilemma/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Shannon! This was so much fun, and we can’t wait to see where you end up!
xo
s
Shannon says
First, this is a great segment and I hope it becomes a regular!
I love the idea of built-in shelving, either closed or open as another commenter photoshopped. If it were me with my busy family, I’d have a mix of open and closed storage so the area could be used a landing zone coming in and out of the garage and up and down the stairs. Since it sounds like she has plenty of space, I’d probably float the couch in front of the shelves so the couch faces the wall we can’t see where I assume there is a fireplace or TV or some other sort of focal point. That would give the wall purpose and style but it would kind of create a corridor between the stair, entry and other rooms that might help better define the space.
Can’t wait to see the afters!
Ashley says
I haven’t had a chance to go through all of the comments, as there are clearly many, but am I the only one who thinks that the two walls of this ‘nook’ are not the same depth? The wall on the side with the stairs looks to be deeper than the wall on the garage door side. The difference in size would make it a little hard to construct built ins that don’t look silly, by either having a little bump of wall to one side, don’t you think?
My first thought would have been built ins also if I were this home owner, as it’s a good idea, but that wall difference would drive me batty!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we had a thread on here with Shannon and she explained they’re a little different but people said she could make the built ins line up with one wall and hang art on the longer side to balance things or, since her family is handy, they can just build out the short wall to be the same depth (John and I have tackled a matching-drywall task like that on our own and it wasn’t too bad, so that’s what we’d do I think).
xo
s
Susan J says
Color-wise, I don’t think she can go with the cool gray tones because of her carpet, which seems to be a brownish beige?
A TV only makes sense if a couch/comfy seating is directly opposite. Is this really the focal point in the room (or one of the focal points, anyway?)
This leads me to… built-in shelving, as suggested. Or, how about a little reading nook? I’m thinking of something akin to a window seat, only more comfy, where the kiddos (or anybody) could read comfortably. Clara’s new bedroom canopy area is an inspiration here.
Susan J says
here’s something like what I imagine… http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154495/list/Book-Nooks–Looking-for-a-Warm-Place-to-Read
Jen says
How do you take a photo and draw pictures on it? Is that a website or a program?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s Adobe Photoshop. Love it!
xo
s
Elle C. says
I like the idea of a reading nook or a computer station. If her kids are old enough to be on the computer (not sure), it’s always hard to find a place where desk clutter is out of the way, but the computer is still visible and easily monitored by parents for kid safety. I think something like this would be really cute: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/431290101785041573/
Kristi says
Not sure if this was mentioned, but what about a wine bar area? Complete with wine cooler? Goes perfectly with the living room and half bath and then you can stumble up the stairs to bed!!!
Ashley says
Great post!
I love option number 1 with the brighter, but still subtle colors, since she loves color. It would also be cute with teals, corals and another color (maybe yellow).
virginia says
My first thought was a built in :) so out of the two I am really loving the second option. There’s something about it that flows really well and leave more options to adding colour in other areas of the space. I didn’t read all the other comments but did see one about a fireplace which also would be really nice :)
jane says
I am having flashbacks…years ago I had a similar problem in our home. Our ten foot wide entry hall had six “nooks” jutting out (three on each side) of the long twelve foot hallway. Decorating was a nightmare with all those disjointed spaces. We were renting so I couldn’t do any structural changes but I sure thought about it a lot.
The built-in idea is pretty cool but I have another suggestion that might be a little extreme or too costly or impractical but here it is…I would remove the walls on either side of the bookcase level to the wall behind the bookcase so that visually you only see the extended wall to the left of the garage door and the extended wall to the right of the stairwell. To me it visually creates less distraction than seeing four walls jutting out. I might take it a step further if possible or practical and open up the stairwell on the right side to further minimize that closed in feeling. Not sure that I am explaining myself well…I don’t know how to photo shop so the best I can do is draw it if you are interested or confused. Good luck with whatever solution you choose!
Monique says
I like your ideas, and some of the other reader suggestions I’ve had the chance to glance at! I have to say that I love the emerald door. So nice!
Jill says
What about putting in a desk for a computer work station and maybe cubbies to make it a drop off zone for mail/backpacks/etc.? Move the TV to the wall where the sofa is now and pull the furniture out from the edges of the room, arranging it around the focal point -fire place. Just a thought.
Shadlyn Wolfe says
I’m on the bench cadre – especially with kids, I think it would be great to make a little seating nook in there, with thick floofy pillows. and super soft blankets Depending on the style of the room, you could even have some breeze curtains to frame the space and give the illusion of a hideaway in the living room.
That would also let you swap in and out differently colored pillow covers and blankets, to satiate even the most fickle of color lusts.
Jessica says
I’m so excited that I got to feel like a real decorating guru for about 30 seconds since I saw that open blank nook and almost immediately thought, “Huge built-ins to consume the entire areas” before I ever scrolled to Sherry’s suggestion. Of course, I’m glad that you have the computer skills to actually bring the suggestion to life, Sherry, because I do not.
Here’s a crazy thought for the garage door. Could it be move din, so it’s nearly flush with the room instead of down a hallway? There are carpenters on team Shannon, so I thought I’d throw that out there. Then the only space that would be opening up and away from the space would be the staircase. What if you pulled up the carpeting just from the stairs and either rocked a sharp stair runner like the Petersik’s are going to install or put wood treads with some fun color on the risers.
Patty says
I couldn’t read all 500+ comments so forgive me if this is a repeat but, frankly, doors to garages are ugly and should not be highlighted. Paint it the same color as the wall. Hang some art on it to pretend it isn’t there. Don’t emphasize it, please! The rest looks great! I’m a huge fan of built ins!
Laurel G says
I just saw this – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-amp-after-fireplace-nook-to-lofted-playhouse-fe-fi-fo-famma-196641 on Pinterest & immediately thought of this post!
It’s a little built in playhouse w/ a loft on top! It may not be the most logical choice for long term… but how fun!!
Sorry if this is a repeat suggestion, I didn’t check through all 500+ comments :)
Ted says
I love the additional photos that Shannon posted. It helps put things in perspective. Although I originally suggested the mudroom type setup, now seeing just how big the open floor plan is, I’m leaning in a different direction. I see she has the Expedit style cubbies and coat hooks just around the corner in the foyer hallway, so now I think they should build out the two short walls to be even and close it off and add the space to the closet off the garage corridor. Having the big first floor storage closet will make some less frequently used things much more accessible with storage right in the middle of the main floor. I would put things like tray tables and folding chairs and card tables back there.
Haley says
I would do built ins with a spot for the tv. definitely an abstract painting on the stairs. it could be interesting to paint the whole garage door nook a color.
Yalanda says
I LOVE the idea of throwing out ideas to you two! You have and continue to be my design inspiration! We recently sold our home and have not purchased a new one…yet! I hope you will still be doing this once we settle on a new home!
threadbndr says
I was thinking floor to ceiling bookcases, but with little people, closed storage is probably more practical.
Vron says
Hey Shannon, I had some ideas and some time so I photoshoped a little bit around and this is what I came up with. I hope it helps :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/107319775@N04/sets/72157637186673714/
YoungHouseLove says
Love those so much!!
xo
s
Cheryl says
love these ideas, too, but I’d still try and do something with that space before the garage door. Move the door to garage forward with a pretty door or add another door flush with the alcove entertainment center. And definitely blend the door with the wall paint. If you move the garage door forward you can use the ‘hall’ space to the garage for coat hooks, a coat rack, shoe storage, etc. as I commented below. :)
Shannon says
Wow, Vron! Those are awesome! Thank you for putting those together! I can’t tell you how much it helps to see it all visually like that before making decisions! And I have to say I love love LOVE the idea of a little chair in front, like the bottom one you’ve created! Super fun and functional in that space, without sacrificing the wall area for a bench! ;) Thanks again! You are talented! –shannon
Kristin @ Little Corbin Hill says
Oh wow, I love your idea! The built-in looks great and you could add pops of color all over the place with shelves. Oh, and still singing “grout, grout, let it all out!” =)
Seaweed & Raine says
I have an aversion to both blue-greys, and brown. Warm greys I love. Coral and the shade of the paint on door she used actually work together. I have seen quite a bit of it in Australian decorator mags. Petrol blue could also work. I actually thought that mid-area could make an interesting spot for a desk, but I rather like your built-in idea. Sheree
Emily @ Life on Food says
I like more muted tones so I am with option two. The bookcase is a must though for a more cohesive space.
Erika says
I think the built-ins are a good idea, but I wouldn’t put the tv on it. Seems that people would always be walking in front of the tv when trying to get to the garage.
Cheryl says
I like option two, softer color blend. Another option would be to have a custom built in lower cabinet with a marble or granite counter top and some open shelving on top. Then this could be used as a bar or serving spot for appetizers when guests are over. Instead of open shelving on top, glass cabinets could be added over the bottom cabinet to hold bar wear, glasses, etc. Just depends on what your storage needs are. However, I do love the built in cabinet you suggested. I’m all about storage combined with display options in empty spaces like that. You can never have enough storage!
Cheryl says
ok I just thought of another idea but not sure how practical it would be. I think it would look nice if you could somehow put another door in front of the door that leads to the garage. What I mean is, line a regular door or a bifold door up with the suggested built ins. Then you wouldn’t have that deep space opened up that leads to the garage door. I would use a door that is solid on bottom and frosted glass on top. Then you would see the color of the garage door behind it but it would be softened. Also, the glass on top of the door would line up with the glass front of the storage cabinets in that alcove and give it a seamless look. A bonus to this option is behind the door that lines up with the cabinets, you could put a row of hooks on the wall for coats and maybe a narrow storage bench in that space for putting on shoes/boots. I don’t know if this is practical as I don’t know how much space is there. But in a sense, you’d be making that dead space between the living room and the garage a purpose but it would be disguised by the door or bifold door. At the very least you could put a coat rack and umbrella stand in that area and it would be disguised as well. Of course, having to go through two doors to get to the garage might be a pain so that is something you’d have to decide. For me, I would try and figure out a way to fill in that dead space with something practical and the only thing I could think of was another door. It would also ‘lenghen’ the look of the alcove once the built ins were installed and give it a seamless look toward the kitchen. Not sure if what I wrote make sense but I see it in my head…just hard to explain!