Archive for February, 2010

Posted on: 02.25.2010

Open Floor Plan Dilemma: Divide and Conquer

by rearrangements
1 Comment »

Tags:


Posted in Decorating Ideas

A common challenge for my clients moving to the Northern Neck is how to decorate an open floor plan. Often, they’re leaving homes in the city with more traditional layouts to newer ones with less defined space, lots of glass and expansive water views. Here are my easy tips for addressing an open floor plan:

Decide on the functions of the space and arrange your furniture in zones for different activities.
57848-pretty-in-pink-xl

Use rugs to anchor your furniture groupings and delineate one from another.
historical-living-room-xlg-23763409

Leave enough space between groups for predictable traffic patterns around the room.
64407-Game-Room-r-l

Choose a color palette to use throughout the space and stick to it.
livable-living-room-in-a-california-xlg-97740336

As a final touch, add a distinctive light fixture to reinforce the function of the space.
1826216-dining-room-xl

Insider Secret: These tips also apply to small rooms that need to serve more than one purpose!

To makeover the look of your home without spending a fortune, please call me at 804.436.3169, email me at ann@rearrangementsredecorate.com or visit me at Brocante Home in Irvington on Friday afternoons.

Posted on: 02.15.2010

4 Steps to Great Looking Bookshelves

by Ann Carpenter
5 Comments »

Tags:


Posted in Decorating Ideas

If you’re like me, these snowy days have left a lot of time to tackle indoor decorating projects. One quick and inexpensive update for your home is rearranging bookshelves.

design-trends-ED0110-Haden-06

Here are 4 simple steps to make your library handsome and functional:

Step 1. Remove all books from the shelves and sort by size. Take this opportunity to dust both shelves and books. You might also consider painting the backs of the shelves. Select a shade deeper than your wall color to suggest shadows and depth.

3-flip-books-0109-xlg-22932568

Step 2. Arrange the books by size creating horizontal rows. Occasionally, break up the rows with vertical stacks. You’ll be able to fit extra-large volumes on the shelf, plus the stacks can serve as pedestals.

bookshelves-2-l

Step 3. Fill the shelves. If you have fewer books than you thought, use accessories to fill in the space. And, if you like the jacket of a large book, try leaning it against the shelf like a painting.

bookshelves-4-xl

Step 4. Create balance and rhythm within the bookcase. Step back and make sure your bookcase is balanced from top to bottom and side to side. Check for rhythm by repeating shapes, textures and colors.

bookshelves-1-l

Now, pour a glass of wine, select a favorite novel, curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy your great looking bookshelves!
bookshelves-7-l

To makeover your home without spending a fortune, please call me at 804.436.3169 or email me at ann@rearrangementsredecorate.com or visit me at Brocante Home in Irvington on Friday afternoons.

Posted on: 02.02.2010

Great Proportions

by Ann Carpenter
Comments Off

Tags:


Posted in Decorating Ideas, Trends

Having just returned from the Atlanta market, clients are always asking, “What’s new for 2010?”  The best answer is great proportions!

1-belgium-entry-1007_xlg-88336536

The chunky white table decorated with a single large bowl, high back chair, and oversized lantern deliver a big impact in this entry hall.

HomesRooms-BraysIsland-2-lg

A grouping of six prints reach from the bench to the ceiling and repeat the grand scale of the painting over the foyer’s table.

whittaker-1-de

A dramatic mirror reflects light and contrasts beautifully with the dark round table centered in this entry.

Try playing around with scale in your home.  A few, well-placed large accessories can really bring new life to your rooms!

If you need help with a new look for the new year, visit me at www.rearrangementsredecorate.com or at Brocante Home in Irvington on Friday afternoons.