Friday, November 7, 2008

Room makeover, a before & after: Making the inside as lovely as the outside

A client recently called me with a challenge: She was tired of the layout of her family room/dining room, which had essentially been the same for 20 years.

The challenge: The room was already quite nice, with beautiful furniture and a fine layout. Its water view along an entire wall didn't hurt either.

But I did see a few ways to improve the room. Notice how boxy and square the furniture arrangements were, both in the living area and the dining area in the "before" photo? I put the dining table at an angle to add some interest.

And I place the sofas opposite one another. This not only adds furniture on the water side (the room was a bit furniture heavy on the non-water side before), but now you get a direct view of the fireplace as you walk in the room.

Overall, the arrangement really opens up the room, giving you an expansive feeling, similar to what you get when you look out the windows at all that water.

The room also felt too brown before. I borrowed red accents and accessories from other rooms to add splashes of color.

Finally, I created a third use for the large room. The table that used to be behind the sofa is now in a corner, where it can serve as a desk or a spot to play a game...or stare at that view...

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15 comments:

ROXY said...

You did an awesome job! I love that the room is so big but yet feels so warm as well! Great job!

Debra from Bungalow said...

Great makeover! I love what you've done. Thanks for following me, I'm following you now too.
Take care, DebraK

Pretty Organizer said...

Wow what a talent you have! Thanks for visiting my blog:) It's great to get to know such gifted ladies in interior design. I love the chalkboard idea too! Hmmm... Christmas presents? I've got to get to work!

Unknown said...

wow love the befores and afters! I wish you lived near me I could so use you....stoppin by from allmed to say hi!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Mary, I really like those changes. It's fun to see how just the little things can make a big difference.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Great job! I love how you opened up the room with the furniture AND the rug placement...perfect space planning. And that addition of the "office nook" was brilliant.

DESIGN BY CATHLEEN said...

Awesome job, I love the angle with the dinning table.

Cathleen

Nora said...

Thank you for getting this house ready for us!! Now just send me the address and I will send the rest of our stuff over...

Nora said...

FYI, enyek is me, Keyne - enyek, keyne, keyne enyek, get it?

Cindy said...

Wow, I'm amazed at the difference. It looks so much better now!

Screaming Meme said...

It looks great! Nice wiork! Oh...and I'm Meme from Screaming Meme...I'm a Model Home/ Interior Decorator...It's always nice to meet other decorators....:)

Karyn said...

Looks great!

Corner Showers said...

Awesome changes! Maybe I should get a pro to do mine.....

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