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Step 2 * Evaluate the box. Walls, ceiling and floor need to be addressed early on in a room design. I took up old carpet and laid wood flooring. I also textured and painted the walls. I wanted to tear the ceiling out and add a wood ceiling with beams and paint it white, but the budget did not allow for that. If you want to add any extra moldings ect. , this is the time .I will also choose the rug and get it down, before bringing in the furniture. I got mine at Lowe's $300.00.
You will remember that "white" was one of my 5 words, but I did not paint the walls white. I do not have enough natural light for white walls, so the white had to come later. I painted my walls a cookie dough color and I am very happy with it.
* I have noticed that I am not getting the comments I usually get with a post. I may not continue with this recipe . . . the comments are how we bloggers judge how a post is being received. So if you are liking this type of post, let me know!
Excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteEvaluate the space.
A major toughy.
It's always easier for me to be objective with other peoples spaces.
It's always so hard for me to see my own space objectively.
I am not a comment-type of person, but am enjoying your posts. I am looking forward to the posts on the furniture arrangement and accessories - two things that I have the most trouble with.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this kind of post, because I am not a designer, only a "wannabe". So I am continually learning and you are one of my teachers. Do what you need to, I will always come by. To answer your questions to me. We now have five weeks before our cabinets go in, so if you look at my Nov. 28 Post, you will see what has been done so far. I will post once a week to show the progression. Flooring is still to be decided. Right now we are still looking to put in an oak to match the rest of the floor. In the event that that should fail, I still think I would like the cork flooring. The colors are almost perfect and the comfort is above average, also it lasts forever, we are told. Ttyl, Cindy S.
ReplyDeleteWe readers can be impatient. Could you add a couple steps to the recipe for each post?
ReplyDeleteHi Vicky,
ReplyDeleteOh don't stop now. I'm so interested to see how others go about designing their homes. I think we all have our methods but because you are a professional it is fascinating to me. I think comments may be low because of the holidays and people are so busy. I know I am and I can't be the only one.
~janet
I love the posts. I've been reading them. Watching other rooms come together keeps me from changing mine constantly. lol I can get the thrill this way too.
ReplyDeleteKelly
I love when a process is simplified. You talked about not having white walls, and the reason for this. Excellent point. We need these steps explained.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested.... Just been sick and not on the computer much ! :(
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested and am enjoying this series.
ReplyDeleteLove it Vicky! Keep going! I don't always have time to comment but I try to always have time to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, I do blog for the comments! I was not sure about how this was being received. But I feel better now. Try to remember that when you read and don't comment the blogger feels like why bother, no one is reading...
ReplyDeleteI always love what you do and I like to listen and learn so please keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
I like learning about your process. I have plenty of my own room creation problems that may or may not be relevant to your process, but if they are, then that's just a wonderful benefit. So please share any way you like, I'm a dedicated reader! Thanks - Diane
ReplyDeleteSo, we're in a box. I've understood that bit so far. Like a metaphor for life... And it was white or blank until we paint it. Got that bit too. But it's still a box? Whatever we do, it's still a box...? Yikes. I hope this is a useful comment. Anyway, it certainly got me thinking outside the box!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested- and I am following along-but I am getting turned off with the process drawn out over many days.
ReplyDeleteSo now we have painted the room, put down a wood floor ($$) and then covered it up with a cheapo carpet (I am cringing)- I can only wait and hope it co ordinates with the upholstered chair I wanted to keep! I am wondering if maybe there is more then one approach to decorate a box, particularly if you have one or two pieces you are hell bent on keeping in the room!
Keep up the good work--you are at the very least providing a framework for those of us with no design abilities.
hahahaha, maybe I didn't want comments after all...I did get a cheapo rug, but I did a cheapo room. There is no reason to pay alot for a rug that will get no use. This is a guest room. I think most prefer a soft place to put thier feet when they first get up and it keeps noise down.
ReplyDeleteI am going to put steps together. Thanks for commenting, just kidding, I like them all.
Okay, I have a question. Why does white not work in a room with low light? Seems like that would be a solution to the lack of light... but, I am obviously NOT a decorator. LOL! Inquiring minds want to know.
ReplyDelete*Wellllll, I'M HERE because I'm INTERESTED, annnd LEARNING all the time~~~ (isn't that the FUN of MOST of this???)~~~ Besides, I adore the friends I've made, with whom I share a common interest... (hard to find)!!!
ReplyDeleteBiggest, warmest hugs, and thanks for taking alll the time & effort to share your thoughts, ideas & putting your "how-tos" together so we can learn something!!
XOXO, Linda *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
* P.S. DITTO to NONI at the BRICK STREET BENGALOW! XO, Me *
ReplyDeleteI am also finding this series interesting. Do you still want us to send pics of a room we want you to design? I have a master bedroom that needs help!
ReplyDeleteIn the hands of the right person, all rules can be sucessfully broken. However, I am a lazy designer and prefer not to fight with a space. When evaluating the box, natural light is concerned. A room with lots of light will be happier in a room filled with bright colors, and a darker space will perfer a darker palete, a no light room , such as lots of powder rooms will be given a very dark color. This is the differance in a room that feels right and one that something feels off... and lots of time you can't quite put your finger on it...
ReplyDeleteI've been reading about light and colors for a while now from a variety of sources. One source that seemed to carry a lot of common sense said not to paint the walls until you have selected your upholstery fabric. But then that implies that I need to select furniture and fabric and get all the upholstering done. Probably not going to happen anytime soon due to competing budget constraints. Wouldn't the room look OK if I just painted it the color I want to paint it and then add more substantial furnishings along the way? What's the big risk? I was going to select a light brownish- grey for the walls and the palest pink for the ceilings above the crown moulding. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeletePoindexter, I think that sounds beautiful! You will never see me in a paint store with a little peice of fabric asking to match the green in that leaf...I hold to the 5 word rule, if it feels right for the space it will be fine! Plus I don't even like a space where everything is perfectly matched. It loses alot of it's interest if done that way.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the info, Vicky! One more question... (famous last words). I have a large living room, 11.5 ft. ceilings, coffered with wood beams, LOTS of LARGE windows, but low light due to porch and eave overhangs... I have chosen Silver Sage for the ceiling and Ash (both Restoration Hardware colors) for the walls with white trim. Do you think the Ash (very light) will be too light? Obviously, I need to mail in for the help! LOL. You are going to ban me from your blog for asking so many questions. LOL. Thanks so much. Tanna
ReplyDelete* G' morning! Just read the latest comments... I sooo agree w/ you on EVERYTHING being perfectly matched up...Heavens, that is sooooo boring (IMHO!)!!! Number 1, it just LOOKS too "too", if you know what I mean. And Number 2, it lacks IMAGINATION. I think Mr/Ms or Mrs Poindexter should go ahead & paint, & it will give her a little "lift"...(BUT, remember, it's EASIER to match paint to fabric, than vice versa, isn't it Vicky?... think that IS a concern to be aware of!). Sounds to ME tho, that the FAB color being choosen is a perfect, chic & very NOW "neutral", so it should be great!!! I'm with you, too!!! *
ReplyDeletethanks so much for your insightful feedback! I get so stressed out when i walk through my rooms believe it or not! :) -Diane
ReplyDelete