Interior Design Help

Thank you for visiting the Interior Design question and answer forum of our store. This area addresses decorating dilemmas which have been presented to Open Window Designs. Allow us to enlighten you to seek out a new design scheme for your personal surroundings.

HOME DECOR QUESTIONS

My family room needs updating, but I don't want to purchase all new furnishings - Help! By simply painting the walls and purchasing a few decorating accent items, your room will take on a whole new dimension. A single unique wall decor piece on a freshly painted "undersized" area will make a statement. Then may we suggest an iron pedestal with a stunning floral design in a doorway where two walls intersect. This will change up a room without spending a ton of money. Take your existing furniture and rearrange if possible. If working with bookcases, made sure the decorative pieces you choose are different heights and like colors which complement each other.

I want to make a statement with my entry hall, but my husband does not like a great deal of color. Faux paint one accent wall with a shade of taupe, ragging a darker aged burgundy tint off. Paint the other surrounding walls the taupe color, then add a nice wall grouping with unusual framed art, architectural pieces and metal scroll work. This is a strong statement of wall decor pieces, while allowing for a more gentle declaration of color.

My children never keep the vanity cleared in their bathroom, it always looks messy. Allow your children their space with easy ways to help them contain the hand towels, hairdryer and toiletries. May we suggest a decorative box or basket to eliminate the mess and add a unique visual as well.

I would like to make my kitchen as bright and airy as possible, do you have any suggestions? A decorating secret is to raise your valances (or add them) as high as possible above the top of your windows. It brings the eyes upward, giving a visual of higher ceilings, thus a feeling of openness. Of course keep the paint color light and decorate with airy accents. Light colors, an antique white cross and a functional yet decorative piece like our step ladder adds to the light ambiance in the room. If you don't have natural light add artificial lighting with the use of lamps or "uplights". This creates mood by adding shadows to your room.

When I try to mix different items in a room setting I get more of a shabby look than that of chic! Shabby Chic is not just dumping an antique find in a room with your traditional cherry wood furniture. When you locate an accent piece which does not conform to your room's "natural" setting, you need to remember placement of the object is important. Arrange a "shabby" piece, like our antique screen door, along with a more traditional look of decorative items near a "chic" metal fireplace screen. By blending the different mediums of wood, fabric and metal, you will create that unique look of "shabby chic".

My mantle is stained a medium fruitwood color and I want to add a dramatic "something" to it. What do you suggest? There are many items you can place above the mantle as the main focal point. We suggest a nicely framed print or oil from your favorite artist, or family portrait. For the actual mantle we offer these suggestions: Add a tall slender accent piece, like a tall floral design, or a lamp approximately 24" high to create an inviting feel. Arrange items in a triangle pattern, grouped in three's or five's. Bookends, a decorative box or a heavy scrolled iron container will look nice in a grouping. Also, nice framed pictures of favorite vacation spots in black and white tones add a personal touch that make a house a home.

We need to cover up our return air vent in the family room; it is an eye-sore. What do you suggest? Since this air vent needs to be functional, you'll need to place an accent piece which will allow air flow. A large grandfather clock, armoire, hall tree, etc. would restrict air flow. Therefore, place a stunning floor topiary in front of the vent. This will draw the eye away from the unsightly vent and focus on the impressiveness of the accent piece.

Can you offer some clever ways to display all the countless magazines I seem to collect? Of course, having two or three displayed on top of the coffee table fanned out to interest the on-looker is a start. Additionally, we suggest a distinctive cedar/iron box or chest style accent table. Depending on the amount of space you are dealing with, these are two clever ways to store the magazines (or any number of items) for future reference.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA

My husband wants to have the sound of running water in our covered patio area, but we are limited on space. Any suggestions would be helpful. A great way to hear the relaxing sound of tranquil water running in a covered area are our exclusive hand painted fountains. They don't require much space, and best of all no electrician. Place a fountain on a solid table along side a comfortable patio chair and instantly you have created a conversational area as well as a wonderful place that will encourage you to sit and relax.

Luminaries and Patio Votives; can you offer some information on these new products? These dual functional pieces add an ambiance from dusk till dawn to any open-air setting. When you burn the votive candles the light will cast a subtle glow over the area. If you live in a climate where you have mosquitoes, use citronella candles to keep the pesky insects away. Additionally, during the day nice patio accents and patio stakes are precious to look at as they add color to any outdoor setting.

I would like to add some "things" to my flower beds. What do you suggest? These hand painted yard stakes are our most popular styles of yard art. When a customer wants a touch of antique country, we suggest these durable pieces made of cedar. They will withstand the harsh elements mother nature "dishes out". Place the item in the soil with greenery coming up around the base. It adds some permanent color and a touch of whimsical fun to the outdoors.

I want the front of my house to say welcome home. Why doesn't it? To start off, make sure your outside paint job is in good shape and hose off the area. You must begin with a clean foundation to work with. Next you need to add color and have a focal point. Start with a multicolored, well designed wreath. Don't stop there; adorn the entry with unique, weather resistant stakes. These pieces add an elegant touch to the already traditional look. Our exclusive patio accents will serve as a functional bird bath to adorn your landscaping.

I have a few areas in my yard I need to camouflage. Can you help? Arrange lattice around any area you wish to block. Lattice panels framed out with treated 2x4s work as a good foundation to decorate with. The panels hide utility boxes, pool equipment, garbage cans, dog houses, etc. Next, get more creative by hanging unique decorative pieces as shown. Cedar hand painted crosses or decorative iron scroll work produces a backdrop that add visual interest to your yard. These pieces will act as a good focal point.

What are Permanent Botanicals? These are effortless products which are a longer-lasting way to bring unending color to your patio. Silk plants and arrangements, will add the perfect touch to the corner of your patio that requires some color. Also try our two tier boxwood topiary for just the right amount of color. These pieces don't require watering or spraying - just enjoyment! We do recommend that they be displayed in a covered patio area.

We have just added a sun room on the back of our home and would like a few decorating suggestions. Also, we don't want our new room to look like it is an add-on. You need the room to flow from inside your home to the sunroom. We will assume the new addition feeds off your family room, which means you want to keep furnishings upholstered, and blend the same colors you have in the room next to it. Add a glass top iron coffee table and position an eye catching casual arrangement on top as a focal point. Enhance the room's color with a sheer valance to retain the airy feel. Vivid color from two similar styled floral arrangements make a nice statement, and brings the room together as a complete look.