carolew's Profile

I agree with the runner and hanging pictures idea. Pick a "stairwell" theme for the pictures. Two other things you could do that would perk up this space and keep everyone looking at them instead of the bad carpeting is: 1) Paint the banister -- pick up a color from the runner you are going to be using and 2) Place a nice vertical sculpture or vase in the corner of the oddly shaped step where the stairs "turn." That gets you focused on a color scheme for the stairway.

First, plant a nice tree. In a few years, when it is large enough to cast shade on the area in question, place a wonderful, bulky and heavy, white wooden bench right on the property line. Be sure to make a little seating area with some chairs. Add appropriate seasonal accents. No way a neighbor is going to move your stuff around in order to mow.

I think best use of space involves having the study/dining area to the left of the door near the kitchen. But I wouldn't place the bed in front of the closet. Move it to the other side of the room, leaving an appropriate amount of space between bed and the windows. Foot of bed toward the bath. Then I'd place the sofa perpendicular to the walk the kitchen is on. That leaves options for where to place a chair, the TV, etc. to make a seating area for guests. You achieve a sense of separation of the seating and sleeping area by having the bed and sofa facing opposite directions. But if you want to use a divider to further achieve that sense of separation, you can. One other suggestion is that you not use all the same curtains/drapes. The drapes in the sleeping area need to coordinate with the bed's clothes. Use a solid in one area -- such as sleeping area. And a print in the seating area. Or vice versa. Looks like a great apartment.

I think I would combine Abigail C's and KittyAtlanta's thinking: I'd choose a very pale shade from the brick, for the wall, but I would paint the beams -- and possibly the railings -- the same color. This room seems very dark to me. However, there is every possibility that just painting the wall a coordinating color like Kitty suggested, along with well-chosen furniture and accessories will lighten it up. The floors are absolutely beautiful.

Rapunzel, how about: "Making Do with What We Got?" Grammatically incorrect, but I like it nonetheless. And a refreshing philosophical alternative in this country where products are often actually planned to become obsolete before we finish making payments!

eveb1123, i am thinking about a diy to ditch the skirt on a sofa like yours. Exact legs -- they are almost part of the frame, right? Did you paint them -- the one's on my sofa are unfinished. Any hints, tips?

Rorshack inkblots as artwork: Love them before and after!

Combined laundry/mud room is always good. Practical, too.

You could try something similar to cogg's suggestion. Use a sofa with a table behind it to define the seating space from the foyer area. Lots of good ideas here for a foyer -- mirrors, pictures, etc. That will open up the little "nook" where the couch is now for a different little vignette -- a small breakfast area, desk, game table or a couple of chairs with a table between -- still close enough to sofa for conversation (and TV can be viewed, too).

Missed the voting on this, but love this cool, shady space between two building -- a place usually ignored.