Room makeover, a before & after: Now everyone's going to want an invite

I thought I'd fill you in on a redesign I've been working on for a family in Massachusetts. Their home is beautiful; it just needed to a little punch and a little more color. I employed few design strategies that I thought I'd pass along.

The kitchen table was originally surrounded by four chairs. I pulled in a bench that was in the mudroom and was really too large for that space anyway. This not only provides two more seats at the table, it makes the dining area more interesting.

Next, I added a cushion to the bench to warm it up. The foam was cut to size, something most fabric stores will do for you. I covered it in a cheery blue, green and yellow stripe. The fabric is outdoor fabric, meaning it should stand up a bit better to the two children in the family. I also added a pillow with flowers in the same colors.

The original table centerpiece was too small. So, I found a cutting board with feet that the homeowner already had and grouped items that are used at the table anyway: salt and pepper shakers, napkins, oil and vinegar holders.

The lemon tree was lost as an accessory elsewhere in the kitchen. But on the cutting board, it provides a nice bit of color.

With a bit of contrast (the iron of the bench vs. the wood of the chairs), a little softness (from the cushion and pillow) and some drama (the height of the cutting board and the grouped accessories), the space is much more inviting.

Later this week, I'll show you a few other spaces in the home...if you behave.