twoinspiredesign

Why is this room in pain? Because it suffers from something called wallitous. What’s wallitous you ask…well, it’s a painful condition that has the symptoms of all furniture placed up against walls and a big ol’ empty space in the center of the room. Ok, you’re right, it’s not a real condition, but it should be!

This is a gorgeous room–huge windows, beautiful floors and an amazing fireplace mantel. To die over features! But, then the placement of the huge slipcovered couch and chairs, undersized rug and dinky coffee table are just all wrong. I’m guessing they’re trying to keep things open and show off the floors, but in the end, the room loses its sense of intimacy. So what would I change? In the pictures below, while the decor is very different and it certainly doesn’t have the original character and charm of the photo above, focus on the room layout. Large windows at the top of the room, fireplace on the left and a wall on the right.

via Houzz

via Houzz

By moving the furniture off the walls and grounding them with a large rug, you create a set up more conducive to conversations and entertaining. The scale of the table also works better for the furniture and allows everyone to be within leaning distance of a table for a drink.

So what would I do differently in the first room? Moving the couch off the wall about 1.5-2 feet and turning the chair on a diagonal to face the couch, you’d open up the wall of windows so the room would still feel big and open. The coffee table and rug would then not feel as small (therefore no need to spend the money to replace them!) I would, however, replace the side table and lamp next to the couch with a cool arc lamp that would balance the large windows. (Oh, and we would definitely have to deal with that framed picture above the couch–hung way way too high.)

Does one of your rooms suffer from wallitous? Thankfully, there is a cure and it’s an easy one!

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As I’ve mentioned here, one of my resolutions this year was to update my kitchen and paint the cabinets white. I’ve wanted to paint these kitchen cabinets since the day we moved in four years ago. I tend to go for clean lines and bright spaces in my decor and don’t feel that my kitchen reflects that aesthetic. I’ve always thought the best way to achieve that feeling in my kitchen is to paint the cabinets white.

Amy’s Kitchen

Then, I came across this photo and it made me do a complete u-turn in my thinking!

While this is obviously not a kitchen, it got me thinking about my kitchen and wondering if I can achieve a similar look by replacing my countertops instead of painting the cabinets. I love the natural wood paired with the sleek marble. One of the reasons that I’ve been holding off on painting the cabinets is because I’m afraid that down the road, they’ll start to chip which will drive me crazy!  AND, I’ve never really liked our granite countertops so maybe it’s best for me to invest the money in new countertop instead of paint…Do I sound confused? Well, I am!

Here’s another example of natural light wood cabinets with white countertops. Definitely not my overall design style but I’m starting to really love a clean white countertop paired with natural wood cabinets.

David Henig Architecture

Ok, yes, this one goes back to the white (upper) cabinets, but check out that natural wood island!

Jennifer Weiss Architecture

I’ve also been thinking about taking down the upper cabinets on the far left (of my kitchen picture above) and doing open shelving to create a more open feel.

House and Home

While I love the concept of the openness above with the combo of natural wood/marble countertops below, I’d prefer the shelves to be white. I have been concerned how white shelves would look with the rest of the cabinetry staying in the natural wood, but seeing the two shots below am now feeling a little more confident that I’m in fact going in the right direction and it could all go together.

I love how the shelves match the countertop  keeping things extra light on top.

Amanda Teal Design

These weathered cabinets are gorgeous with the classic carrera marble countertop.  I won’t be able to accomplish this look with my kitchen cabinets, but will file this away for my ‘someday’ file.

So, what do you think–should I paint my cabinets or keep them au natural and replace the countertop?

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Yesterday, we outlined one of our favorite home lighting options–tripod floor lamps. Thought we’d share some of the lamps we love:

1. This Circa Lighting Tripod Floor Lamp is a designer favorite–with the criss-cross legs, it has great movement.

2. Love the proportions and black/white contrast of this Rico Espinet Collection lamp by Robert Abbey.

3. This Surveyor lamp from JC Penney is a great choice for a traditional space. Similar to versions you’d see at Restoration Hardware, but a deal at about $200.

4. Looking for a more modern look? The Weegee Floor Lamp comes with tones of different shade choices.

5. With its mix of cherry wood and metal and a simple linen drum shade, this modified surveyor style lamp would fit with any decor. Note on this one that the shade is a little smaller (I’d actually put a bigger one with it!) so it would fit in a smaller footprint.

6. Not only is this lamp the simplest, but it’s also the cheapest at under $70. For that you get black metal legs and a cotton/poly shade.

7. The tripod wood floor lamp from West Elm is closest to the one I have in my own house (since discontinued from Pottery Barn) with the wood legs and slightly tapered drum shade which makes it so versatile.

8. It’s Jonathan Adler and it’s an investment, but it’s pretty! The Ventana Tripod Floor Lamp is available in polished nickel or natural brass.

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