To use your reduced space most efficiently, designer Nathan suggests purchasing sofas and chairs that are armless.   According to Nathan, “Armless furnishings create a more streamlined look in small spaces.  They also weigh less than more traditional furnishings and make it easier to redecorate and change the look of your rooms when you want to try something different.  Slipper chairs, for example, can easily be moved from room-to- room adding extra seating where and when you need it.”

Nathan also recommends buying furniture that can serve a dual purpose, such as ottomans that double as footrests, chairs, TV trays, or a flat surface area for a game of cards.  The Hekman plasma lift mentioned in an earlier blog is another piece of furniture that serves two functions.  When the television set is not in use it disappears, and the room instantly becomes more spacious and less cluttered. 

“Instead of end tables,” Nathan says, “consider buying nesting tables or lamps with built-in tables.  And, in order to make your furnishings most portable, use a matching color palette from room-to- room.  This way everything matches no matter where it’s placed.”

Talk with you next week! 

Deborah
A.k.a. Design Sleuth

One of Nathan’s favorite pieces in the store right now is a Hekman plasma lift console.  “I really love this piece of furniture,” he laughed.  “It’s great for those design situations with married couples where the husband wants a television in the living room or dining room or the wife wants a television in the eat-in-area and the other one doesn’t.  No one even needs to know there is a television there.” 

I liked the fact that the Hekman plasma lift comes in several different styles and finishes (DOTI at John’s Creek has traditional model 6-8671 in distressed ebony in the store).   And the dimensions (55-56 inches wide by 44 inches high and 22 inches deep) allow the console to hide a good-sized television with sufficient space on the top to permanently keep some decorative items: vases, candles, photographs, etc., so it doesn’t look naked when the television isn’t out.  The console is part of a modular system, so it can be used alone, or you can purchase storage piers and other components to match.  To see the Hekman line of plasma lift consoles go to http://www.hekman.com/.

With Valentine’s Day coming up the weekend after next, I decided to check with the DOTI at John’s Creek designers to find out whether they had simple suggestions on making the master bedroom more romantic during this very romantic time of the year.  I’ll share Nathan’s and Elizabeth’s ideas with you next Tuesday. 

Talk with you then,

Deborah
A.k.a. Design Sleuth