New Orleans: where a door is not just a door

Hiiiiiiiiii!!! I’m such a bad blogger lately, ugh. These last few weeks have been a little crazy with all sorts of events, travel, projects… and you know, life. It always seems like this stretch from spring to summer is so busy, like everyone and everything is coming back to life at full speed. Speaking of, this is my first spring at the barn and it is so fun watching all of the plants and flowers pop up. When we moved in last year everything was so overgrown – its amazing to see the beautiful variety we seem to have going. Even had a nice surprise stumbling upon a plentiful supply of asparagus. Yum! Can’t wait to see what else we find.

But really, this post is about our recent trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Every time I go back I fall a little more deeply in love with that city. Katrina shook things up, but this city is full of resilient and passionate people. I’ve also matured [a little] since my first trip to the fest in 1999. Bourbon St is now a drive-by for me rather than a destination. There is just so much to take in, I always leave there feeling more inspired. I wanted to share with you some of our trip, but apologies for the iphone pix as I was packing ultra light now that we have a kiddo in tow.

Why do I love New Orleans so much? It is the simple combination of music, art, food, and people – with Louisiana soul. The city honors culture and a passion for all things that please the senses.

the streets of new orleans

Jazz Fest brings us there every year because of our love for the local musicians. From the jazz tent, to the blues tent, to the gospel tent, to the kids tent and all of the main stages – there is music for everyone. Not to mention all of the artisans selling their talents, the kids craft area, the to-die-for selection of local foods [I am a total spice lover], and the experience of so many people coming together to just have a good time. Here’s a pic of one of the stages we pretty much set up camp at for the weekend, but there are several stages like this around the field.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Tribes parade through the crowds in Native American ceremonial apparel. You can imagine how excited I get over the feathers.

feathers!

more feathers! (photographer unknown)

Artisans come from near and far to sell items, I always buy a piece of local jewelry but enjoy seeing the funkier items like this paper mache…

paper mache

paintings of local legends

Jack loved the kids tent so much he cried when we made him leave, screaming “I want the doggies!!”

kids tent

There is a whole area devoted to kid crafts and activities. Great concept to have them leave their mark on the festival with painted cloths.

kids crafts

Music, music everywhere.

Galactic with Trombone Shorty and War Chief Juan Pardo ©2012 Douglas Mason

It is not just the fest that we love, in fact my favorite trips there have been the ones when there are no big events and we can just enjoy the city. This year we took a few extra days after the fest to unwind and experience a city that speaks design. If you walk down any random street it’s hard not to get swept up in the architectural details and creative urban landscaping.

The Spanish-style architecture of New Orleans dates back to the 1700s, known for the quaint doors-windows and intricate wrought iron balconies. Let me tell you, this is a city where a door is not just a door. The scale and variety of details-colors is inspiring for anyone who loves design with character. Entries for this city are about the experience and an opportunity to make each home unique in an urban space.

doors of new orleans by ashley jacobsen

doorway by ashley jacobsen

There is an interesting concept behind one of the most common architectural styles known as the shotgun house, which is a long narrow single-story building set on a raised foundation of brick piers and typically has some great Victorian detail under the front eave. The Shotgun is a descendant of houses in the Caribbean – the first documented shotgun in New Orleans dates back to the early 1800′s. This style experienced a revival at the end of the 20th Century (following its decline after the Great Depression).

The design provides a necessary and natural cross-ventilation system in the hot Louisiana climate, but it also maximizes space while minimizing historic property taxes. Old tax laws used to be based on the width of the house and-or the number of rooms (closets and halls were considered rooms at one time); the shotgun floor plan minimizes both with no closets or hallways. Essentially you can shoot your shotgun from the front door all the way to the backyard without hitting any walls – ahhh, the simple things in life!

the typical New Orleans shotgun style, note the scale of windows + doors

The creole cottage is another popular style that you will find in the French Quarter with its gabled roof and front porch, blending Caribbean and French-Canadian designs.

the creole cottage

The american townhouse is common in the lower garden district with its beautifully ornate iron balconies.

American Townhouse; intricate iron balcony designs are pre-Civil War

The double gallery is also found in the garden district with stacking front porches and beautiful columns.

the double gallery

The arts/warehouse district is really a revived area now with large commercial buildings that showcase a new orleans flair.

Children’s Museum in the Arts/Warehouse District

And of course my trip would not be complete without a stroll down Magazine Street, filled with a range of coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. I have two favorite stores here, but I just love the variety of home furnishing shops that offer vintage new orleans to mod. Peaches has great mid-century modern finds that take you away from the traditional new orleans. Perch is a combo retail and interior design studio that always leaves me drooling a little. My photos do not do them justice.

Turquoise @ Perch

Perched @ Perch

fabulous ottoman @ Perch!

So there you have it, a fun-filled trip with lots of inspiration. I’ll spare you all the details of the food and drinks consumed, but lets just say the several miles of walking [and dancing] we did each day was a total necessity.

the rain dance

Can’t wait to get back there soooooooooon!

Graham and Brown

So… did you resolve to change any of your ways for this Earth Day?  If you are a skeptic of global warming, just do it for you and your family.  It’s the little things like swapping out harsh cleaners for non-toxics that provide for a safer environment.  Some things my family is doing to reduce, reuse and recycle: composting, freecycling, and reusing our beer bottles for the hubby’s home brew (ok ok, totally saves trips to the dump and $).  I also pledge to shop at Todd Farm a LOT this summer, ha!  A resolution for me, and the earth.

Anyways, onto some more product talk.  I’m loving the comeback of wallpaper but I also think we should consider the environmental impacts when making selections. Common sense tells you that the process of turning wood into a perfect and decorative piece of paper is not energy or chemical free.  The basic ingredients are wood, water, and energy – that is why recycling your paper is good!!!  Even though recycling uses water, energy, and chemicals (consider bleach required to get you your white paper), it uses a great deal less.  You really do save a tree.  and water pollution.  and energy.  and air pollution.  and landfill space….

paper mill

Look for wallpapers printed with water-based inks on recycled or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper, natural wall coverings made of rapidly renewable materials such as grasscloth and bamboo, and vintage papers produced before the advent of vinyl.   Stay clear of PVC-coated products, which are chemical cocktails for your home.

I love Graham and Brown wallpapers – they are fun, fresh and creative with bright patterns like this one by Amy Butler..

lacework was selected as an Honoree for Interior Design's Best of Year Award

or their paintables, which give texture and creativity to any space.

paintables

for subtle drama, paint paintables white to allow the pattern to take center stage

Even better, Graham & Brown has embraced the environment through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives which originated long ago.

Graham & Brown’s manufacturing process incorporates efficiency by:

*printing on paper from responsibly managed resources – meaning for every 1 tree that is chopped down, 3 are planted

*using vegetable oil in the hydraulics of their tractors so they do not contaminate forest floors

*burning off pollutants in an incinerator so that emissions leaving the factory are clean; this energy is recycled to heat ovens in the production process

*separating production waste so cardboard and paper could be re-pulped and white spirits (chemicals) are recovered from liquid waste

*their distribution center incorporates manages drainage to prevent flash flooding of the nearby river (water use), and natural light is used throughout the warehouse facility with a series of occupancy sensors to manage and reduce the energy used

The Eco Collection follows a four-month collaboration with Central St. Martins, one of the country’s leading design colleges.  The designs featured in the collection are inspired by environmental issues to playfully inspire a lower carbon footprint amongst consumers.  These papers are decorated with water based inks – meaning totally VOC and solvent free, and the packaging is made from corn so it is completely compostable – no tape or plastics.  Here are some of my favorites.

traditional birdcage mixed with modern idiosyncrasies of human urban architectural influences

bittern feather illustrates the Bittern, a bird that lives in reed beds - with rising sea levels due to global warming they are under serious threat

peony illustrates vibrancy that can be found in nature

summer shows that its uncomplicated charm is on a par with that of a summers day, when life need only be simple and laid back

Graham & Brown was founded in the UK, but has since open locations globally including the US, Canada, Russia, Holland, France, Poland and China.   Having these central locations allows the company to truly understand the local design markets.

Check out Centsational Girl’s blog post on wallpaper for info on more sources, here.  Also look for homemade wallpaper paste recipes found all over the internet.  Have you ever made one?  Share with us!

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spring clean your health, mind and home

Easter has passed and that means I need to get my b-u-t-t in gear and start a spring cleaning frenzy. There’s nothing better than heading into the summer months with a freshly organized home so you can enjoy time with friends & family. Even though our New England winter was unbelievably mild this year, it was still mentally and physically draining. I don’t know about you, but our family was sick a good 80% of the time from December through February. Fun times…I just coughed a little thinking about it. Without fresh air circulating we are exposed to more toxins and more viruses: indoor air quality can be 2-5 times more toxic than outdoors. Top that off with dry interior heat and cold dry outdoor air, and well, that explains some things.

indoor air continuously re-circulates

All set with that. Spring is a time for us to restore our health as we transition to increased levels of fresh air and daylight. Yeah! So here are some things you can do to get started.

a molly janicki delight

De-clutter and organize. What items need new homes? What clothes have you been hanging onto, only to cause you stress because they still don’t fit? What piles of paperwork and bills have you just thrown in a drawer (hope I’m not the only one)? What toys has your child outgrown? What foods are still lingering in your pantry or fridge? Find your stashes and piles, go through them, and give them whatever new home you deem appropriate. Organize, donate, swap, sell, repurpose, and recycle as much as you can. Getting the physical clutter out of your home will give you some mental clarity to deal with the remains.

ahhh….

clutter free

simplicity

Ok, ok. Maybe not so realistic… but a girl can dream, can’t she?

Clean, safely. After you have determined what stays and what goes, give everything a good cleaning. Heavy winter boots have brought pollutants to your rugs, closed windows allowed toxins to continuously re-circulate, pets have nested on your furnishings, food has spoiled in your fridge, hard to reach places have collected dust. A good cleaning can feel as good as a home makeover, but to keep you feeling good avoid harsh chemicals that lead to headaches and respiratory issues. They might do the job, but they will also do a job on your health. Avoid products that contain ammonia or chlorine bleach, and especially anything that says “Keep Out of Reach of Children”. You don’t need to drink out of the bottle to ingest a chemical. Chemical residues and fragrances left from these products can be ingested through our skin and respiratory tracts through inhalation. Look for products with a Green Seal, or better yet use a homemade solution. So many great resources online, spend some time researching.

Bring the outdoors in. Give your patios or gardens a head start by planting seeds inside. Or create an indoor herb garden with decorative containers that spruce up a neglected space in your home. Indoor plants help to cleanse your air and add a fresh and natural aroma.

plant a seed

DIY plant markers

kitchen garden

Design a small cutting garden that will allow you to pick fresh flowers to display.

design a cutting garden

If you have no clue where to start, we do – so ask us we have resources for you. Get a master landscape plan. Get a one-hour consultation and then DIY. Take a class at a local nursery like Pettengill Farm in Salisbury, for you locals. There’s a range of options to fit your needs and level of aggression.

fabulous molly janicki creation

Revive your décor. Now that you’ve cleansed your senses, home, mind it’s time to think about bringing some summer living inside. There are so many small and budget-friendly things you can do to prep your home for the changing seasons. Focus on textures and colors as these are the elements that enhance a connection with the outdoors. Slipcovers/upholstery, layered window treatments, area rugs, bedding, towels, dish clothes, table linens, pillows, throws, lampshades, paint, and accessories can totally change the feel of a space. Invest in the core items you want to last forever – pillow or comforter inserts, furniture, wall art, and allow your décor to be a continual process of discovering things that you love.

focus on textures and colors

Spring/summer is the time of year when all the outdoor markets start up – find some great bargains and DIY projects. Check out the Newburyport Home & Garden Expo on April 21st. Take the family and visit Todd Farm in Rowley on Sunday mornings, spend a few days at the Brimfield in May/July/Sept, and get over to Pettengill Farm in June/September for their Vintage Bazaar. Of course you better come to our open house @ the studio on April 29th! If nothing else, to see the cows.

Don’t forget – Earth Day is April 22nd. Make a pledge to do one thing that brightens your health and our future.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Interlam Architectural Wall Panels

It happens every time I swing into my favorite Design Center showroom, EcoModern Design.  I always find something new and cool, and get totally sidetracked from what I went in there for.  I most certainly was not on the hunt for this pineapple wall panel… but how could I resist?  And where can I put it??

Interlam Valchromat Pineapple Wall Panel

Interlam is a designer and manufacturer of high-end sculpted and carved wall panels, specializing in innovative architectural / design product.  Interlam’s newest line of decorative architectural carved wall panels is called “ELEMENTS”. Each design is inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s  simple twentieth-Century architectural style and his use of the aphorism “Less is more.”

Elements retro

The wall panels are homogeneously coloured (color is throughout) or plain panels of HDF (high density fiberboard) whose surfaces have been carved or sculpted into dramatic organic forms with CNC routers. The panels are manufactured from 100% recycled/recovered wood chips dried to appropriate average moisture content of 4-6%.

Elements v-hatch

Elements is available in 22 unique patterns, with a variety of finish options which you can find here. Interlam also has several other lines including Art Diffusion and Screens, which allow you to have fun playing with layers of texture, color, and dimension.  Think of the possibilities!

HSPVT Screen with brushed aluminum overlay.

Art Diffusion panels + screen

The decorative panels and screens make fantastic feature walls and are complemented nicely with linear grazing light sources, positioned just a few inches off the surface.

Art Diffusion panels

How fun is this one with all the funky shadows?

Whether it be in your master bathroom, dining room or living room, a textured wall is a great way to add a modern touch to your space, and create a major wow factor focal point.  An alternative to tile, paint, or wallpaper especially if you have imperfections.

dining room

a dramatic dining room

funky living room

But back to the pineapple.  This one is actually made from a material called Valchromat, whose fibres are colored individually, impregnated with organic dyes and chemically bonded together by a special resin to provide:

• moisture resistance
• greater internal cohesion and, therefore, higher mechanical strength – it is on average 30% stronger than standard MDF
• colored throughout, so repairs are easy
• non-toxic
• greater resistance to bending
• requires less effort to finish
• FSC mixed credit certified

Check out the manufacturing process here.

Valchromat is produced in different colours, sizes and thicknesses that allow its use in different applications such as furniture, wall cladding, partitioning, flooring, doors, bathrooms, kitchens, shopfitting, decorative panels, and acoustic panels.

Valchromat is produced in Portugal, in Famalicão da Nazaré, by a factory called Valbopan, SA so unfortunately it is not a made in the USA.   However their wood is sourced from forest waste, residue from timber mills and recycled pine. The manufacturing process is very environmentally friendly with full waste recycling, no toxic fumes, no waste water, and zero carbon emissions. Total bonus when a great product is also responsible.

Check out the beautiful routed designs done by their South Africa distributor here.

General Info:

The Interlam architectural panels can be installed with Z-Clips or direct screw attachment on thick panels;  liquid Nails or “PL” Premium Polyurethane on structurally sound surfaces.

All panels must be sealed or back primed before installation. The specific finish depends on ordering options and includes lacquer or latex finish and or membrane pressed vinyl on the face and all edges. It is important to note that sealing the back is imperative to reduce the possibility of excessive bowing and warping.

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Icestone

Oops, took a minor hiatus. Wish I could say I have been sunbathing in this amazing weather, but, nope. Working on some fun projects though that we will be telling you about soon. What do you think about making a vanity from an old bed frame? We might just do that.

Anyways, on to our featured material for this week. We do have a slight obsession with countertops because they are such an important element, both functionally and aesthetically. And I hate to tell you that granite is one of my least favorite materials because you might curse me and never read my blog again which will make me sad so Im not going to tell you that. Im just going to keep telling you about more and more options that are not that thing that Im not going to tell you is one of my least favorite materials.

Today we are talking about IceStone, which is a recycled content material that has been used in a variety of residential and commercial applications such as kitchen countertops, bath vanities, bar tops, conference tables, reception areas and window sills. If you have any doubts about the sustainability of this product, just check out its many 3rd party certifications. IceStone is the only gold level Cradle to Cradle® certified surface in the world (basically everything about it is sustainable), and has even been installed in the USGBC’s headquarters. Sold.

The three main ingredients are 100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and pigment. It is not made with petrochemicals or resins, so it is free of VOCs and will not fade. The surfaces are made in Brooklyn, NY and the cement is sourced from York, Pennsylvania.

A Designer’s dream, it comes in 21 different colors in ranging hues and vibrancy so you can have some fun with your selection. In order to make darker colors, pigment is added to the cement binder. To make lighter colors, the glass fragments become the color and the binder is white. So pretty…

Icestone is a truly sustainable company, dedicated to helping the environment and their community. Since 2003, they have diverted over 10 million pounds of glass from landfills.

Icestone is also a “For-Benefit” corporation (otherwise known as a B corporation), meaning they value social, environmental, and financial considerations equally. IceStone’s goal involvement with the B Corporation community is to provide leadership, teamwork, and the models to fortify the presence of sustainable businesses. They strive to treat their employees well and pride themselves on being diverse. Because production of Icestone involves the use of a lot of water, they have a large water recycling system in which they reuse the water within the factory which is located @ the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

To learn more about the manufacturing process and company, check out this video.

What do you need to know?

Since Icestone does contain a mixture of porous cement and glass, it is not truly as durable as granite. Hairline cracks are a common problem in concrete products, so installation needs to be done carefully. Get an installer who knows this product.

Icestone has to be regularly sealed. The product should be sealed and waxed every 6 months depending on use (how to know when it is time to seal: if you put water on the slab and it beads up, you can go a bit longer without sealing, if the water sinks into the slab, it is time to seal). Granite usually also has to be sealed, although not as often. Sealing is easy, don’t be scared off by this. Give a little, get a lot.

Excessive heat may also be an issue with Icestone, the company does not recommend placing a hot pot on their surface. But hey, that’s what trivets are for. Soapstone is one of the only materials we recommend placing a hot pan directly on.

Any liquids or stains should be cleaned up immediately, Portland cement is porous so staining could occur especially if not properly sealed.

Icestone is made partially of glass, so what about scratching and etching? Icestone claims that scratching is not an issue unless you take a key and run it across the surface, however it may etch with contact of acids and strong alkaline cleaning products. According to Dwell magazine, who did a test on several new countertop materials, yellow mustard etched the surface. We are just the messenger.

our materials vignette

Since Icestone is sensitive to heat and subject to etching and staining, it may not be the perfect material for your kitchen depending on your use. Consider how much you abuse, or don’t abuse, your counters. Perhaps it is better matched for a bathroom. Mix it with a clean white, warm wood, pop of color and you have yourself a fun little space.

Maintenance: no oil and vinegar based products, harsh chemicals, bleach ammonia, and/or acid based cleaning products.

Price: $80-160 per square foot (installed)

Each slab measures 52.5 inches wide, 96 inches long and 1.25 inches thick.

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Design Studio @ Ox Pasture Hill Farm

It was love at first sight in every way, the first time I looked through the windows of our studio at 136 Fenno Drive in Rowley, MA. I’ve always said that a functional and interesting space is the key to a great design. Wow does this place have all of that and more.

In the early 1900′s it was a working farm, when the studio housed manure and cattle. The original posts and beams are left untouched, and the Ox Pasture Hill Farm sign hangs inside now. I love a place with history and character, and this place is full of it. The barn is meant to be shared with and experienced by others. So we are sharing some photos with you.

The original farm.

We moved here in August last year (2011), and immediately put to rest any fears we had living in a place like this. It’s nothing but comfortable, peaceful, and inspiring.

sign was made from old barn wood

The main room is an amazing space filled with natural daylighting, original beams, and many custom details done when the barn was converted to a home.

We created a 6'x12' work table from doors and reclaimed barn beams. A necessity for crafts, cutting fabric, drawings, display, and larger gatherings.

Opposite view at work table.

The original farm sign.

We have trade accounts with many designer fabric lines, but also love to hunt for boutique and vintage options to find the perfect one.

Design Library filled with magazines and books for inspiration.

Our kids craft room is filled with our handcrafted designs so they can explore their creativity too.

See our custom murals.

With every project comes new concepts, new preferences, new conditions, and our desire to provide a unique design. That means we have done a lot of product research and have acquired many many samples over the years. We have an entire room dedicated to displaying samples and catalogs so that you can see how every element in a project can work towards one cohesive design.

Lots of space to get creative. Bring friends, family, colleagues.

We display a large variety of materials including countertops, flooring, paint, tile, veneers, wallpaper, fabrics and so on, including many sustainable options. Since we rep over 20+ designer furnishing lines you will also find a range of lighting, furniture, rugs, hardware, accessories, and window treatments including the full line of Hunter Douglas products.

Lots of samples to play with.

One color or material can inspire an entire project.

Constantly hunting for fabrics...custom window treatments, pillows, cushions, upholstery, bedding, and more.

Emily from Carriagetown Kitchens displays samples from her line of Medallion cabinetry. Local artisans also show their talents. Steven Sackmann is a furniture maker in Amesbury who has his mock-ups, sketches, photos, carvings, and finish samples in display to demonstrate the custom design process.

Hand carvings in process.

Custom furniture designs.

And finally, our sustainable wreaths. Design your own.

All the makings for custom wreaths, pillow embellishments, etc.

wreaths made of burlap & straw

So there you have it, a creative paradise. Need samples? Want to learn about sustainable options? If you are local, come use our studio as your resource. We are open to all design and construction professionals, as well as the general public. We can even mock your space up for you in 3D while you pick out things you love.

Open studio hours are Tuesdays 10-12 and Thursdays 2-4. Always open by appointment. Its a magical place, we hope you will come visit us.

The studio is just beyond the barn structure with it's own driveway for guest parking.

Ashley’s Living Room

So you’re moving into a new apartment with a living area that’s a little snug, and need to figure out the right furniture layout?  Let’s see if we can help some.

Here’s Ashley’s new apartment (furnishings not staying, they are courtesy of the current tenant).  What, you don’t like the couch snuggling to that built in?  

living area closest to entry (left side of space)

That’s the side of the living area that is closest to the main entry.  This next photo is looking across the room, and the kitchen is to the right before the dining area.  Great, big, windows by the way.

view from entry towards right side of room (dining area)

We don’t have all the measurements or much sense for style preferences, but here goes.

The first thing to do is envision how you would use this space.  How many people do you want to fit comfortably, and what activities do you want the space to function for?  Ashley wants a space that will allow them to entertain, but most importantly that will be functional, cool, and comfy.

They own a 47″ TV, which needs to be considered when determining the furniture plan.  A TV this size typically requires a minimum of 6 feet viewing distance, but preferably 9 feet.  With a total room width of 9 feet (fireplace wall to opposite wall), if you are looking for *optimal* viewing that means the TV would flip to face the length of the room since you need to factor in seating, fireplace, etc.

This plan places the TV to the left upon entry to provide optimal viewing distance from a couch.

With this plan you can see the TV from the couch and dining area, if that is desired.  In any plan it is really important to consider the main circulation path, which for this room is from the left entry to the kitchen entry (right, before dining area).  It is also important to create a conversational arrangement where chairs and sofas face into each other.

If you need additional seating you could place a small profile bench along that circulation path with some throw cushions, or even a few movable ottomans which won’t be too intrusive.  The bench could also have storage underneath.

tufted cushion from Urban Outfitters

Here is another plan with the TV left.

This plan also places the TV left, with 2 chairs flanking the fireplace and a couch opposite.

This plan does not provide optimal viewing of the TV for most of the proposed seating.  This is OK if the TV is not to be the focus of the space, but rather you want a comfortable conversational arrangement and to maintain an open feel between the dining and living areas.   That is a good consideration if you entertain more people and some will overflow into the dining nook.

Here’s a third plan that keeps the TV facing the length of the space, but now it’s on the right side.

This plan offers a clear divide between the dining and living areas, keeping the TV facing the length of the space.

This places the TV in a room divider between the living and dining areas.  If you want a clear separation between the spaces, this could be a good option but you’ll have to walk around that chair.  Here’s a visual of the TV divider concept…

Create division between the spaces with an interesting TV stand.

The final option is to flip the TV to the right upon entry, placing it opposite of the fireplace.  This would allow you to enjoy both the fireplace and the TV, but consider that the seating arrangement will require you to turn your head to watch TV unless you are lying on the couch.

This plan places the TV opposite the fireplace.

You could do 2 couches facing each other, or 1 couch and 2 chairs, or 1 couch and 1 large chair.  It all depends on what would be most functional for your use of the space.  The biggest thing you need to consider with this plan is how you will handle your TV components.  Since this is a main circulation path you really should maintain a 3 foot path.  If you put the TV on that right wall then you need to consider how far the TV will jet into this walkway even if mounted on the wall, what you will do with all of your components (do you need a stand, too), and how annoyed you will be when everyone walks directly in front of the TV to go in and out of the room.

At this point we would want to hear from you as to what plan best accommodates your preferences and how you see using the space.  Each offers its pros and cons, so which do you think would be most functional?

You may be asking why we don’t propose to put the TV over the fireplace so everything is on one wall.  It’s not a stellar idea, especially in a space this narrow and with that size TV.  We guarantee an instant and painful neck strain if you do it.  When you are seated you should be comfortably looking straight ahead, not up.

Now let’s talk furniture.  Given the size of this space, we have proposed loveseats for couches.   Somewhere around 5′ is most ideal, a little bigger would be OK depending on the final configuration.  The style you pick is also important – a tailored look and smaller profile will really help in making the space feel larger.

Company C Parker armless 68 inches

Anthropologie Astrid sette, 60 inches wide

John Derian Dromedary sofette, 56 inches wide

Chairs will depend on which plan you go with.  Side by side chairs should be smaller profile, but if you pick a plan with single chairs you can go larger and more comfy.  You could even consider a smaller rocking chair.

West Elm Ryder Rocking Chair

Using ottomans is going to be key in this space as they can be multipurpose – additional seating, coffee table, leg rest (necessity with small sofas).

matching small scale ottoman-tables

You could do something like this pouf from West Elm.

West Elm Andalusia Dhurrie Pouf

Or an upholstered one with legs.

West Elm Turned-Leg Dhurrie Ottoman

You could even throw some floor pillows in there in front of the fireplace to soften up that tiled hearth.

And place a mirror above the fireplace to create a larger sense of space as well as add a place where light can bounce and reflect (also note shelves here which we will get to).

Use a rug to define the living area space, but don’t allow the edge of the rug to intrude into the circulation path.  Either have it cover the entire path, or stop just short of it.

And lastly, for that recessed area over by the dining area we love the idea of built in shelves for additional storage.  There are a few fun options.  You could paint or wallpaper the back wall, and/or paint the shelves.  Place them in a  random pattern like this.

random shelving

Or mount them straight across.  You can go to home depot and have them cut boards to the exact size, and then mount them with brackets (go find some salvage ones and paint them, or Ikea has lots of cheap options).   You could also use hardware that will allow them to appear as they are floating.

shelves with painted brackets

Or how about wallpapering the shelves?  Consider even making that little nook a desk area, if you need one.

wallpaper shelves

OK Ashley, so hopefully we gave you some ideas and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!!

Does anyone have a favorite plan?

Happy weekend!