One of our favorite clients had this mostly empty sunroom that was adjacent to the breakfast area and kitchen.  She wanted to furnish it in a way that allowed the room to be used on its own but also be able to accommodate an overflow crowd when entertaining.  She found a magazine photo that she liked which we used as a reference.  The photo had antique style occasional pieces surrounded by fresh and bright upholstery that kept the room from looking dated.  The client likes greens and golds with pops of red and these colors flow throughout the house.  Given the open nature of the floor plan, we had to select fabrics that would blend nicely with the nearby living spaces.

Suzanne, our design consultant on the project, suggested the bench seat in order to accomplish the goal of seating in the room that also allowed seating facing the kitchen during parties.  The paprika bench with barley twist legs is fun, functional, and does not block the view of the open room.  You can’t see the doors on either side, but the bench can be moved against the wall on the right, between the drapery and the door, if the client wants to open up the room.  Click here for a full size photo.

The rug is a banded grass cloth, which keeps the room casual and is consistent with a sunroom theme.  The lamps on the rich walnut console table are shabby chic, with distressed bases and contemporary brown shades.  The side tables are available for drinks or books and complete the desired eclectic look.  The client didn’t want the room to look “matchy matchy” (a designer term!).  The nonfunctional drapery panels are intended to add color and frame the windows without heaviness or blocking the view of the outdoors.  They are hung on wrought iron poles that bring in a touch of black but do not draw the eye up or conflict with the molding.  The chairs are covered with a large scale apple green contemporary botanical which also reinforces the sunroom theme.  Notice the little leaves?

The client is thrilled with the fun and casual yet elegant results, and come to think of it, the room really reflects her personality.

To learn more about Suzanne, click here.

Next, Nathan would look at accessories.  Those of you that have display space above your kitchen cabinets might  want to consider purchasing some new display items.  Nathan likes blown glass ornaments in various shapes and sizes and silk florals such as orchids to add pizzazz to a modern interior.  For a more traditional look, he’d go with Italian vases, silk magnolias, and lots of ceramics and pottery.  Sometimes, he said, just buying a new light fixture or replacing the shade of an existing fixture can make a big difference.

Another simple but more expensive change, would be to replace your under-counter bar stools.  Should you decide to go that route, DOTI at John’s Creek has a nice selection.  If that is more money than you want to spend, consider re-covering your current stools with a durable, stain-resistant fabric as an easy do-it-yourself project.  Adding rugs and floor mats in today’s new colors is another low-cost way to make a room more exciting. 

On Thursday, I’ll talk with you about some common mistakes people make with their home offices.  After talking with Nathan and Alan, I know I’m guilty.  In today’s world, even those who don’t work at home need a place to set up at least one computer!  Talk with you then.
    
Deborah
A.k.a. Design Sleuth

Designer Nathan said the key to making the master bedroom more romantic was to think in terms of stimulating all of your senses.  Something as simple as keeping a vase of fresh flowers in the bedroom, lighting scented candles, and purchasing new lamps or adding a dimmer option to your current fixtures would all help to create a more romantic mood.  Costing a little more money, he suggested buying exotic fur throws for the foot of the bed or for strategic placement on the floor.  He’ll be checking out a wonderful line of exotic furs at a design show later this week to see whether it is something DOTI at Johns Creek may want to start carrying.  For those who prefer faux, there are some beautiful high-quality faux furs that are also fabulous for romantic cuddling.

For romantics who really want to step up the sensory excitement of their boudoir, designer Elizabeth suggests custom bedding made of silks, satins, and velvet.  This luxurious bedding would be a true sensory treat and appropriate for year-round use.  Prices start at $1,500 and go up from there.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Talk with you Thursday,

Deborah
A.k.a. Design Sleuth