DesignBeete's Profile

The NEA has a great series of Art Works podcasts with all sort of artists and arts community folks. They come out once a week (on Thursdays). Recently they've talked to Josh Rittter, Clive Gillinson (Carnegie Hall), and John Collins who directed Gatz. (Full disclosure: I work there!)

Here are some sources for some of the fixes already mentioned

www.classicrug.com is having a clearance sale on 4 beautiful Gees Bend rugs. The rugs are cotton, super easy to clean, especially with a dog, would give the room a cohesive feel, and add an amazing pop of color. I just bought a 6x9 rug for $99 plus shipping. (They're in NY, I think.)

For art, check out 20x200.com. Produced by gallerist Jen Bekman, the site features works on paper and photographs by some amazing contemporary artists from the U.S. and abroad. Small editions, which on average are size 8 x10 inches cost $28.50 (that includes the $8.50 shipping). There are also editions available for $50, $200, and up. For less than $100, you can get at least three pieces--matched by theme, subject, color palette, or not at all--and frame them with readymades from IKEA or Plaza Art Materials or somewhere. (when budget allows you also can get them framed professionally.)

Hope this helps--it looks like you have a fantastic space to work with, and I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

Oh, one last thing--"asked you first" made a good point about looking thru an IKEA catalog to see how furniture is placed. I'd also glance thru a House Beautiful, Metropolitan Homes, or a back issue of Domino if you can find it, just to see how folks have laid things out. There are also a lot of great books out there that specifically feature small spaces that would make for some good browsing (including one by our very own Apartment Therapy). Whatever you do, don't be shy about continually moving things around; you'll know when it feels just right.

I love the framed candelabra pix in your bedroom? Were they DIY or do you have a source you'd care to share/

I think they're fun and would star in a great tableau, maybe a collection of b/w photos and silver objects with the candlesticks to give a pop of color. Or separate them and put them on different shelves on a book case. Don't worry too much about if they're candleholders or not; they work gorgeously as little pieces of sculpture and you should just keep moving them from place to place they till "fit."