I thought today I would share one of several design board packages for one of my clients.
Most people are on a strict budget when it comes to decorating their home. I know I am! I am always going for a high end look on a low end budget. I splurge when I can if it comes to a statement piece, but the rest of the time I try to cut corners by doing DIY projects and finding knock-off versions for less.
I was recently contacted by Anna who lives in Oregon with her kiddos. She wanted to have Room Board Packages, completed on a smaller budget, for several rooms in her home.
So we got started on the Family Room first. Anna wanted it to be comfy, cozy, and family friendly. She was not afraid to do DIY projects or find things second hand and re-purpose the items. I designed the room around the idea that some items such as her coffee table and the fireplace would become DIY projects.
Here is the Design I came up with to accommodate her family...
Source List and Hints and Tips
White Bookcase http://www.target.com/p/threshold-cottage-2-shelf-bookcase-white/-/A-11038834#prodSlot=medium_1_6&term=2+shelf+bookcase One of these on either side of the fireplace to balance out the wall over there. Great to put some baskets on to store the kiddos toys, books and games. Silver Mirror http://www.target.com/p/threshold-silver-beaded-wall-mirror/-/A-14137992#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink To go above the white bookcase on the left of the fireplace. It will mimic the window on the right to give the feel of a second window. Basket for throws or kids toys http://www.ballarddesigns.com/set-of-2-newport-braided-round-baskets/260660?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=7 One of these next to the tv unit to put your throw blankets in or for more toy storage. Ikea Frames http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80243542/ You will need three gray frames for over the tv unit. Maybe some black and white photos of the kiddos to go in them. Put the first one up centered over the tv and then space the other two out about 6 -8 inches away. Artwork http://www.ballarddesigns.com/first-light-i-giclee-print/13743?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=0 This print is expensive so since you don’t mind doing a diy project, I would head to the craft store and get a canvas and some deep yellow, gray, black, brown, and white paint and a few brushes and just have some fun creating something similar to this. I always add a tiny bit of black to colors like the yellow and mix them together so that they are not too bright. Then for the gray you can mix in a bit of white to lighten it up. I would do two different shades of gray and gold to add a bit of depth. If you mess up, let it dry, and go over it a bit in the areas you don’t like. To get the black trim around the edge when you are all finished painting it and it is completely dry, use some blue painters tape and a ruler and tape it off and then paint the black around the trim and on the sides of the canvas. Just have fun with it. Make sure the canvas is large enough to fit in that spot over the fireplace. Rug http://www.ballarddesigns.com/sisal-rug/42117?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=4 Definitely check craigslist or Homegoods for one. Cloche http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/search/27296748.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS Would be nice on a console table behind the couch or on the coffee table. Homegoods sometimes has them too. Side Tables http://www.target.com/p/threshold-windham-side-table-with-shelf-black/-/A-14122472 On clearance right now for $55 One on either side of the couch. Lamp Shade http://www.target.com/sb/lamp-shades-bases-lamps-lighting-home-decor/lampshade/-/N-5xttkZ5vf95#?lnk=AdSyndication_SearchResult_Left|&intc=656724|null Lamp Base http://www.target.com/p/threshold-lamp-base-ceramic-beanpot-medium-tan/-/A-13648290#prodSlot=large_1_29 Curtains http://www.target.com/p/threshold-jacquard-ikat-window-panel/-/A-14368360# If you don’t like the gray, You can even just do a plain linen colored curtain. Check target they have them. Pillows http://www.etsy.com/listing/97646220/last-one-both-sides-19x19-fits-20x20?ref=shop_home_active
HINTS AND TIPS I tried to go with as much of Target’s version of Pottery barn style that I could as far as pricing for you. Things like the storage baskets for the shelf or the larger one in the design board can be found at Homegoods, TJMaxx, or marshalls. The pillows are a bit of a splurge but if you can’t purchase them then also check Homegoods, Tjmaxx, and marshalls for similar ones. Items like the bookcases might be found at Goodwill or other thrift stores. Just make sure that they fit the space well. You want them to have a built in look so as close to the size of the space as possible. You may just need to put a coat of white paint on each one if you find it at a yard sale or something.
I would paint your tv unit black and get another two of the brown basket that you have on the left of the tv unit in the picture you sent me to add to the unit. I would also suggest finding a simple shaped rectangle console table painted in a natural wood to go behind the couch underneath the windows. You can put a few stacked books off to the right with a cloche on top of the books with some greenery underneath the cloche. I would paint the coffee table white if you are keeping it as is with the glass in it or I would paint the legs and base a dark brown, have a piece of thin luan wood cut to fit (lowes does the cutting for free or extremely cheap for you) and then do a diy tufted ottoman like this link: http://www.homewithmandy.com/2012/02/diy-coffee-table-to-ottoman.html I would do a plain linen colored fabric with the brown legs base. Put the white dish on the top of the right bookcase and then the vase on the top left of the console table that’s behind the couch. Add some fake branch flowers similar to the ones you can find on pottery barn. I know that Target is currently selling the cherry blossom type branches in store so you may want to check them out. Bring in your clear glass candle holders to reuse and put them on the top of the white bookcase that is on the left side of the fireplace. Put the larger candle holder far left and have the smaller one just next to it put more forward than the larger one. Fill the vases with Epsom salt and candles. For the fireplace, you can take off the top shelf piece and replace it with a large piece of reclaimed wood or get a piece of lumber cut to fit from lowes or home depot and stain and paint to look like reclaimed wood. For the sides of the fireplace, I suggest framing it out similar to the picture I chose for the design board and then adding new tile in the sea glass color that I suggested. There is also subway sea glass if you would like it to look larger. I can send a link to a couple of the sea glass ones that I like if you want to go with something like that. For demolition, all of the original tile will need to be taken down. It would be great if you could take the wood look all the way up and paint it out white like they did in the image. Depending on the amount of work you feel comfortable doing, you may want to hire someone complete the fireplace project for you. If you have any questions regarding anything, please feel free to contact me, thanks so much, Helen
The After pics of Anna's Family Room are not here yet since she is in the midst of the Family Room Makeover, but here are some of the Before pics she sent me so that I could get started on the design...
The white sheers will be replaced with these pretty gray Threshold drapes from Target.
Here are the Target bookcases that I think will fit well on either side of the fireplace.
A fun patterned pillow that will accent each end of the couch.
Here is the inspiration for the fireplace. Although Anna doesn't need the pretty platform base, this will at least give her the option to create a similar finish to her fireplace.
Next up is the post for the kitchen and pantry design to accompany this family room!
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