Decorating
Decorating
has nothing to do with following design trends. Just because something
is trendy or expensive, does not automatically make it a good idea.
Your only goal when decorating is to create beauty within a defined
area. For homes of any size, but especially a small home, this means
creating a comfortable, harmonious space that functions as the owners
want. How can you do this for your home? First let’s look at
the three basic elements of decorating: style, function and furnishings. Then
we will apply these elements to each of the common rooms in a house:
the living room, dining room, kitchen, family
room and entrance hall.
Style
There are as many different styles as there are designers and decorators.
The best way to choose a style is to find what you like by looking
through home décor magazines. My favorites are Better
Homes and Gardens, Sunset Magazine and Architectural
Digest. Catalogs are also a good place for style shopping. I
like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Ballard Designs. While looking
through magazines and catalogs, keep in mind that unless you are
a teenage girl, ‘cute’ is not a style. Also, floral prints,
plaids and oriental carpets never belong in the same room. Ever!
Most styles are variations on one of several looks. Let’s take
a look at the most well known styles and whether they are a good
fit for the Jewel BoxSM Home.
| Style |
Description |
| Traditional |
This is a formal style. Woods are dark, rich
and often elaborately carved. Persian and Oriental carpets
are used. Decorative tassels and fringe are found on furniture
and window treatments. Antiques and reproductions set the tone.
The more formal furniture collections by Baker, Ethan Allen
and Thomasville are examples of the traditional style. Because
it feels heavy, a traditional look does not always work well
in a Jewel BoxSM Home. But it can be done, if a light touch is
used. |
| Contemporary/ Modern |
The simplicity and sophistication of this look,
is ideal for the small home. Think the loft on Frasier with
the rosewood Charles Eames chair. Black, white and neutrals
are the primary colors seen with this style. Only the bare
minimum of furniture is used. Shapes are clean and geometric.
When it comes to a contemporary style, less is more. This is
a very nice look for the Jewel BoxSM Home. |
| American Country |
This might also be called American Casual. The
idea is to create a simple, warm, homey feel. Furniture ranges
from upscale wooden pieces to rustic wicker, iron and rattan
finds. The hand-crafted look is key. Ruffles and pleats are
common with this look, as are deep colors, plaids and floral
fabrics. Just be careful not to go overboard. A touch of whimsy
goes a long way. |
| English Cottage/ French Country |
The English Cottage style, features lots of pattern,
especially florals. Clutter decorating is important to this
look. French Country is similar to English Cottage, but less
fussy. Neither of these looks is a good idea in a small space.
But they can work if softer patterns are used and accessories
are not overdone. |
| Mediterranean |
Natural stone, rich warm-toned woods and sun-washed
colors are the focus of this style. Nothing shiny or new in
appearance is used. Light filled rooms and sturdy hardwood
furniture with curving lines are recurring themes. The idea
is to create a peaceful, warm and inviting space. Think of
a Tuscan villa and you've got the picture. I love this style
for the small home. |
| Asian |
Black and red are the traditional colors found
in Asian themes. The furniture is often lacquered and bamboo
is frequently used. Tapestries and framed wall decorations
with Chinese calligraphy might be added as accessories. The
Asian look can be very serene and work well in a small space,
particularly when blended with a contemporary style. |
| Eclectic |
This is not a style, but a blend of two or more
looks. It's a nice way to use elements of a style you like
that might be overpowering on its own. |
Function
When decorating a space, you must always think about how it will
be used. The well-known architectural phrase ‘form follows
function’ also applies to decorating. Let a room’s function
be your decorating guide. To be functional, decorating must be practical
and comfortable. As far as I’m concerned, there are no exceptions
to this rule. If a room is for eating, it must have a table and chairs.
A space for relaxing and reading must have comfortable seating and
good lighting. I don’t care how much you like that nine-foot
long overstuffed couch. It does not belong in the living room if
your feet cannot touch the ground while you sit on it, and its large
size blocks natural walkways.
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Furnishings
The key to successfully furnishing a small home is proportion. Color,
furniture, lighting, and accessories must all be in proportion, both
visually and spatially, to create beauty in a small space. You can
achieve harmony and balance by following some basic guidelines.
| Guidelines for Furnishing the
Smaller Home |
| Color |
Color is the background for a room, not the focal
point. In a small home I recommend using a neutral color throughout
the house. This way your eye flows naturally from room to room
making the space feel harmonious. I like the color "White
Sand" by Benjamin Moore. If you must have different colors
in each room, it is best to use varying shades of the same
hue. Red has recently become popular as a room color. I am
not a fan of red as a wall color in the small home; it is a
bit jarring in a small space. But if you can't stop yourself,
I have seen red used nicely as an accent color on a single
wall in either the dining room or living room. |
| Furniture |
Too much and too big, is the usual problem with
furniture in a small home. To work in a small space, furniture
should be functional, comfortable, good looking and it must
fit into the room. Those oversize pieces might look great on
a showroom floor, but they will overpower a small area. Proportion
is the key. Smaller pieces for smaller rooms. And let the legs
show on all your upholstered pieces. This creates a feeling
of space and light by allowing your eye to travel across the
room and see "through"
furniture. If you can't live without an oversized sofa, then
get it up on legs. This will work better visually. |
| Lighting |
Good lighting is critical in a small home. The
key elements are soft diffuse lighting to create warmth and
focused task lighting for functionality. Don't be surprised
if a good lamp costs as much as a nice piece of furniture.
But this is money well spent; the harmonious Jewel Box look
is only possible with the right kind of lighting. |
| Accessories |
You must use a light touch when adding accessories
to a small home. Cluttering the room with accessories will
destroy otherwise graceful proportions. But here is your chance
to use bold color. A brightly colored accessory adds interest
and depth to a room. A little black is especially important.
It creates a focal point and makes other elements in the room
pop. A black lampshade or black leather chair seat can add
the perfect touch. Every room should have a little black accessory. |
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Accessories Made Easy
We talked about accessories above, but this topic deserves a little
more attention. The right accessories can bring a room to life.
The wrong accessories will destroy an otherwise beautiful space.
So how do you get it right? I like to think of accessories as belonging
to four separate groups. Let me give you a few decorating tips
for each group.
| Tips for Accessories |
Pillows, Curtains
& Fabrics |
Pillows, curtains and fabric accessories offer
the perfect opportunity to use bold pattern and splashes of
bright color. Just don't have too many pillows or heavy curtains
with pools of fabric on the floor. Also be careful with tassels,
fringe and ruffles. All these things can make the room seem
heavy and cluttered. One pillow per chair and two for the sofa
is enough. Keep the curtain style simple and use beautiful
rods for interest. |
| Artwork & Photographs |
Artwork should reflect your personality and feelings.
This is one area where your goal is to please only yourself.
The same is true for photographs. I happen to like black and
white photos hung in groups on a living room or family room
wall. |
| Flowers |
Flowers are an important, often overlooked accessory.
These are living works of art that automatically add color
and beauty to any room. Find at least one place in your home
for fresh flowers. The best spot is near the entryway where
they can be enjoyed by anyone who visits. Plan to change these
often. I buy new flowers once-a-week while grocery shopping.
One or two dried arrangements are also nice. These can change
seasonally if you like. |
| Table Top Pieces |
For the small home, table top accessories should
be kept to a minimum. Be selective, put out only your favorite
things. No more than one to three pieces for each coffee table,
side table or any other table surface. Clutter accessorizing,
popular in many home décor magazines and TV shows, does
not work in the small home. If you have a large collection
of accessories, display them in rotating groups. Remember,
the Jewel BoxSM Home is about harmony. Crowding a table top with
artfully arranged "decorative objects"
just looks like a mess. |
The Living Room
In most houses the living room is off limits for family use. When
guests visit, they perch uncomfortably on the furniture and treat
the room as a museum. At parties, the living room groomed and staged
as the party ‘hot spot’, is empty. Why? It is not a comfortable
place to be. In a larger home, the living room is often cavernous.
It is scaled and decorated to make an impression.
Function. In a Jewel BoxSM Home, the living room is designed
to be used. Its main function is a place for family and friends to
gather. There should be a comfortable area for conversation and a
place for reading and relaxing. You will also want to have a spot
for the stereo, and if you do not have a family room, an entertainment
center for the TV.
Furniture. The living room should not feel crowded with furniture.
People not things are the focus.
| Living Room Furniture |
| The Couch |
Let's talk about seating. In a Jewel Box living
room, plan to seat four to five people comfortably. Start with
a piece that seats two. Instead of a couch, use a love seat.
Yes, a couch has more seating, but when was the last time you
saw three people sitting next to each other on a couch? Did
the person in the middle look comfortable? Trust me you will
be fine with a love seat. |
| Arm Chairs |
Choose two arm chairs. One of these should be
an upholstered piece. This will be your spot for reading and
relaxing. If you have space, get an ottoman for this chair.
In a pinch, this will act as a fifth seat. Your second arm
chair can also be upholstered, but I like to use a graceful
wooden piece. Matching armchairs are fine, but the interest
created by different but complimentary pieces is nice. Be careful
with overstuffed chairs. These can look heavy. To prevent this,
choose smaller pieces and make sure the legs show. |
| Tables |
You will need are a coffee table, one or two
end tables and a piece for your stereo and TV. Choose any style
you like, just keep in mind that simple lines and clean pieces
work best in small spaces. |
| Lighting |
Keep lighting soft and warm, never harsh. Wall
sconces are always nice in a small space. They add light without
clutter. |
| Accessories |
Use a light hand when adding accessories. Do
not clutter table tops with knick knacks or seating with layers
of pillows. Your goal is to bring color and interest into the
room, not create visual chaos. |
The Dining Room
The dining room is for eating. This, by the way, is a good thing.
A dining room that is only used for holidays and dinner parties is
wasted space. It is also not a comfortable space. Rooms feel lifeless
if they are not used, no matter how well decorated.
Function. A Jewel BoxSM Home usually does not have a separate
eating area in the kitchen. Family meals and dinner parties all happen
in the dining room.
Furniture. In the dining room less is more, so limit furniture
to the important pieces.
| Dining Room Furniture |
| Dining Tables |
Start with a wooden table that has graceful legs
and a rich warm tone. Glass topped tables also work well in
a small space. : If the room is large enough, the table should
be able to expand to accommodate eight to ten people for dinner
parties. But if you can only seat six, that is fine. I find
that a solid wooden table without a glossy sheen is both practical
and beautiful. This way it stands up to everyday use and looks
great without a table cloth. The table should measure no more
than 45 inches wide and 72 inches long. Of course smaller is
usually better. |
| Dining Chairs |
Plan on having at least six dining room chairs
to be used with the table. These chairs do not have to match
the table they only need to compliment the look. Put four around
the table, one on each side, and the remaining two in separate
corners of the room. You may want to have washable slip covers
over the chairs for everyday use, and remove these for dinner
parties. |
China Cabinet or
Buffet |
The last piece of furniture you will need for
the dining room is a buffet or china cabinet. I prefer a buffet
that is up on legs. China cabinets can look massive and too
formal. |
| Lighting |
For lighting, use a chandelier with a dimmer
switch. The chandelier should be in keeping with the warm feel
of the home. This usually rules out formal crystal chandeliers.
Wall sconces are nice in the dining room, as are matching lamps
on the buffet. |
| Mirrors |
For dining rooms, I like a large mirror over
the buffet or at the head of the table. This adds depth to
the room and makes people the focus of the room, especially
at parties. |
The Kitchen
Jewel Box kitchens are functional and beautiful. Their small size
is actually their biggest asset.
Function. Jewel Box kitchens are some of the most efficient
kitchens that exist. How is this possible? In Jewel Box kitchens,
food preparation and cooking are the priority. Form follows function.
This is not a family room, entertainment center, study and cooking
area rolled into one space. Small home kitchens that work do not
try to be everything to everybody.
Furniture. To create a Jewel Box kitchen, think of appliances
and cabinets as furniture.
| Kitchen Furniture |
| Appliances |
Start with the standard kitchen appliances—a
refrigerator, stovetop, oven and dishwasher. Treat the sink
as a kitchen appliance. I like stainless steel for the small
kitchen. It reflects light and opens the space visually. Form
a triangle between the refrigerator, stovetop/oven and the
sink. Put the dishwasher next to the sink and you have an efficient
work area. This is your kitchen foundation. My kitchen is tiny;
eight feet by eight feet (including countertop space) and this
triangular arrangement works wonders. |
| Cabinets |
Choose your cabinets after deciding on appliances.
Why? Appliances are the foundation of your kitchen, build the
cabinets around them. Natural woods or painted cabinets work
equally well. Just keep the look simple and clean. |
| Countertops |
Choose a countertop that compliments your cabinets.
Granite is my favorite countertop surface and is worth the
cost. Engineered stone countertops are also good options. Concrete
countertops have become a popular option, but I think they
are too porous and require too much upkeep. |
| Lighting |
For kitchen lighting, the best choices are recessed
canisters in the ceiling and over work areas. Also make sure
to have lighting under the cabinets. Kitchen work demands good
light. |
Freestanding
Furniture |
If there is space, I like to keep a small freestanding
cabinet by the kitchen entry. This is nice for extra storage. |
The Family Room
Most Americans think of the family room as a necessary space. In
a Jewel
Box Home the owners’ needs for living space have already been
met in
the kitchen, living room and dining room so the family room is seen
as a
wonderful bonus.
Function. Family rooms are retreat spaces for TV watching,
reading and relaxing. Above all this room should be comfortable and
visually calm. The style is usually casual in comparison with the
rest of the house.
Furniture. Furniture in a Jewel Box family room should focus
on relaxation and comfort.
| Family Room Furniture |
| Seating |
Choose a couch or loveseat and one or two armchairs.
If space allows, make one of these a recliner. Since most Jewel
Box family rooms are small, overstuffed pieces are rarely a
good choice. These can look too heavy. To prevent this choose
tailored upholstered chairs and make sure the legs show. |
| Tables |
You will need a coffee table and an end table.
Its best if both of these pieces have storage for magazines,
books and other items that naturally collect in a family room.
Make sure you choose pieces that are in proportion with the
size of the room. |
| The Television |
When it comes to the television, flat screen
models, especially when mounted on the wall, are ideal for
Jewel Box family rooms. Because they are so slim, even large
flat screen TVs fit nicely into a small family room. |
| Media Storage |
For television storage, I prefer a small entertainment
cabinet. Media armoires often overpower the room. |
The Entrance/Foyer
The entrance hall is one of the most important spaces in a home because
it sets the tone and feeling for rest of the house. Larger homes
usually have two entryways, a front door for guests and a side door
for family. The front entrance often has a marble floor and a two
story cathedral ceiling making it feel cold and uncomfortable for
guests. The back entrance for family is usually the more welcoming
area. Most Jewel BoxSM Homes have only one entrance hall that is used
by both family members and friends. These are beautiful spaces that
allow family members to relax and put friends at ease.
Function. The entrance hall in a Jewel BoxSM Home does two
things; it welcomes family and friends and creates a smooth transition
into the rest of the house. This space should flow effortlessly into
the other rooms so make sure sight lines are not obstructed by furniture
and clutter.
Furniture. Keep furniture in the entry to a minimum. You
will need a small console table or cabinet for keys and a mirror
for last minute fixes to clothes and hair. If there is no closet,
get a small sturdy coat rack for coats. A neutral entry mat or rug
should be placed in front of the door. I prefer a flat sisal look
rug that is easy to clean. This is not a place for clutter so keep
coats and shoes in the closet.
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