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sandy_gordon

Small space

12 years ago
Does my space work? Despite the size of my space, I would love to be able to entertain my girlfriends so attempted to create a conversational area.

I would like to replace the black and white chair with something else, but I'm not sure what. I would also like to add a coffee table and I was thinking something acrylic would be best to keep the space open.

What about lighting? I don't have any overhead lighting so I need to use lamps for the most part.

All the way in the back of the room, I created a little dining area, but there's no lighting there and it's a bit dark.

Advice please. Have I done the right things so far?

Comments (85)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Well, that is true, I guess.

    Overall rule----when you have a smaller space, you need to have less going on and treat it like one space. Otherwise, it becomes chopped up and just feels very cramped.

    You have very good taste and just need a little tweaking. Your willingness to be open to suggestions is in your favor.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Can you hang the teal vignette in the kitchen, which would bring the teal in there and visually extend the teal, enlarging the space.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    I don't believe the teal vignette will fit in the kitchen and you are right about less is more. A big part of my problem is I love so many colors for different reasons. I love red in a kitchen, but I wouldn't want it anywhere else bc it's a loud color. I love pink, black, white, and gray and small touches of teal. Too much teal would urk me though. But, using too much colors in a small space does make it choppy.

    What do you think of the adding small touches of teal in the kitchen area, but still keeping the red? For example, teal kitchen towels on the stove? And, the teal table from the 'dining' area?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I think adding teal to the kitchen is a good idea. Maybe try eliminating the red from the sightline from the living room. So, keep red off counter portion viewed from living room.

    Keeping canisters in kitchen might be okay.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Yes, moving teal table to kitchen is an option. Can you tell us about the white chairs. Do you eat there? Are the chairs attached to the floor or can you move them?
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    I actually got rid of the white chairs bc they were just stools and I didn't like them once I saw them in the space. They were too modern for the decor.

    What would you suggest I put on the counter portion?
  • 12 years ago
    As a sofa option, what do you think about this sofa from westelm in performance velvet, dove gray. http://www.westelm.com/products/henry-sofa-g178/?cm_src=E%3Asofas%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-&catalogId=33&lineid=1

    or this in Lafayette in stone. I love the white, but that would not standup to dirt.
    Lafayette Sofa, Stone · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Think about mounting that big square teal piece from the LR on the slanted ceiling and matching it with rugs on the floor in the kitchen.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    What is length of WE sofa and what is length of current sofa? With a longer sofa, you will not be able to fit the chairs next to it.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would try teal table in kitchen for sure. How about a long line of battery-operated candles on the counter next to it.

    [houzz=
    Contemporary Dining · More Info
    ]
    Would there be any way to hang a chandelier from the angled wall over the table?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Since you love color, I like the red wall in the kitchen. Why not? Your rooms show your taste and personality. Red does not fight the living room. I would not paint a gray wall in the kitchen. Love it the way it is :) It compliments and sometimes, even tho a small space can always be simplified, I think your kitchen is just that, simplified , neat and uncluttered with interest and some drama. Small spaces are great for adding something different.

    There is no rule in design that dictates that you must do anything. Adding the teal cabinet or teal accents or towels or a teal bowl/vase in a few small doses in the kitchen will bring the rooms together. I think you've done a great job!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    A sofa choice is whatever suits your style. I would keep it a light color and use an off white or similar to the chair colors. Using other contrast colors in furnishings will tend to disrupt a smooth flow and chop up the visual feeling in your small spaces. That is simple and would blend well with other light furnishings. It's a smooth visual with all your wonderful more dramatic accent colors. I like the current size sofa or something close to that size :)
  • 12 years ago
    The size of the current settee is 50" and even though the space is small, it's tiny. An extra 10" would even make a difference. I can't even really fit on it. The west elm piece comes in 66, 76, and 86. I don't mind cutting into the window bc comfort is what's most important to me. For the most part I'm lounged in front of the tv with the occasional entertaining which is always problematic.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    A 60" sofa will work fine :) Is 66" too long? I would go with a size that says comfort for you. You will be using the sofa almost all of the time. I suggest to not decorate around occasional guests :))
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you LB interiors! Your comments made me feel so much better bc I do love the red in the kitchen and I felt sad to change it.

    I get the need to be cohesive but I don't want to be too matchy matchy.

    This space perplexes me and I've redecorated it so many times and have yet to get it right. I will be here for another 2 years until I can afford to purchase something larger and I really want to love the space I'm in during that time.

    I thank you all for your help and inputs!!!!
  • 12 years ago
    You are right! I shouldn't decorate around occasional guests. I was thinking 76". The rug the way it's about 90" long. I would love to be on one end relaxing while my daughter is on the other end doing the same. A light gray color would be ideal.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You are very Welcome! Thanks :) You have a good design sense and it shows. You did just fine! A few tweaks. You had all the basics showing your personality. Love what you are doing!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like the idea of a light gray rug. Again it will make the room even more stylish and smooth.
    Sandy thanked LB Interiors
  • 12 years ago
    Awesome! I will look for one.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    76" is more in the comfort zone. Good choice.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Sandy, love that you are making the place your own. That's what it is all about.

    True, there are guidelines, but never rules. You are good at taking it all in and then making your own decision.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    What's to the right of the TV? Is there room for the eating area or the teal cabinet? Can the dining set be floated in front of the drapes hiding the play area?
    This discussion might be inspirational. I like how the glass end tables are dining height:
    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/living-room-redo-dsvw-vd~687470

    You have a great style going on!
    Sandy thanked brickln
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like the first one better for your space. It shows more of the silvery chenille.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you. Is a 9x12 a good size? It will cover up most of the floor space in the LR space and what was serving as the dining space.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    What are the dimensions of your combined living room/dining room space?

    It looks like you can return the rug. I noticed both rugs say they have blue in them. The second one lists the primary color as blue. However, on my screen, I am seeing no blue in either.

    Bottom line: online colors can be very off. (But, you probably already know that!)
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    I contacted them about the 2nd one and they said the blue is in the design, which I can see. She said, it's like a bluish grey with lots of beige. The good thing is it's returnable. Here are the other items I am looking at.

    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Vanilla-Wasatch-Coffee-Table/6603297/product.html

    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Abbyson-Living-Colin-White-Tufted-Fabric-Sofa/8385970/product.html

    Space where I can actually cover with one carpet is approx 12' x 13'. Quite honestly, I wouldn't mind covering most of the floor because I can't stand the orange looking floor lol.
  • 12 years ago
    I now have the pair of these and I plan to use them as the side tables. I just need to find the perfect lamps to go on them.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I love the tufted sofa! I think it is much more interesting than the first one you chose.

    I also like the coffee table. Side tables good too. Combined height of lamp and side table s/b 58-64".
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    Awesome!!! Thank you!!! Still leaning towards the 1st rug or the 2nd one?

    Now I need to change the starburst. I tried to rehang it after moving it and the thing fell and broke ;(. I think I will go with a dramatic art piece instead.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Rug: so, figure you will have 1/2 foot by your front door and kitchen side with floor showing. Is opening the front door over carpet a problem? Is there enough clearance under the door?

    Other direction, you will have 1.5 feet of floor showing on each side. I think it will work well, as long as front door can clear.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Well, 1st rug is more traditional. Second rug is more transitional. I actually personally like the second one, but the first one appeared to me to have more shine. That is why I chose it.

    They are both more traditional than the rug you have now and I was sort of surprised you chose them. But, it seems what you are doing is choosing more traditional for your staple pieces and then going glam with your accents......smart move.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    Front door will def clear because the rug won't be there at all. The front door has a narrow hallway in-front of it which I didn't account for in my measurement because I knew the rug couldn't fit there.

    I personally like the 2nd rug as well! I liked the shine in the first one though!

    THANKS a lot!!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Buy both and return one? Hmmm.
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Of the the two that you posted, I like rug #1.
    I happened to see this one while opening your links. I think this one is a nice option. 8' x 11' not larger I guess. Does it have too much blue in it? I like the flair of the transitional feeling of it.
    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Whimsy-Ivory-Wool-Rug/5509702/product.html
    Sandy thanked LB Interiors
  • 12 years ago
    It's been awhile, but it took sometime to rework everything. What do you think of the changes?
  • 12 years ago
    Close up accessories
  • 12 years ago
    Looks good - less frenzied. Just lower the art to 5" above the sofa and you'll be good to go.
    Sandy thanked decoenthusiaste
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Wow. It looks great! Yes lower picture. Great job!
    Sandy thanked CDR Design, LLC
  • 12 years ago
    You're having a lot of fun with this apartment- it looks great!
    Sandy thanked brickln
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Looks so nice. Others are right. Lower the art :)
    Sandy thanked LB Interiors
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you all so much!!! I really appreciate all your inputs!!! Huge transformation I think from where I started and it was all because of your suggestions!!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Sandy, don't discount your artistic sensibilities. Few people could pull off what you did. You needed a little tweaking, but your personality really shines in this space!
  • 12 years ago
    I really like the vivid display of "personality"!
    Sandy thanked User
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    This space has really matured. The room still has a similar feel, but with a more sophisticated air than it had before. I hope you love your work, it has really paid off!
    Sandy thanked Total Solutions Group
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you cdrdesign!!! That was my goal! I wanted the space to reflect my personality.
  • 12 years ago
    I do Keesee and Associates! The space has matured a lot and it is comfortable and warming! And, it is so functional!
  • 12 years ago
    Such a fabulous space! Nice work!
    Sandy thanked Meghan
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you meghanalissa
  • 12 years ago
    Great job.