kspears's Profile

I've created a 3D model for what I think would look great for your space. If you'd like me to send pics of it to you, email me at kateespears@gmail.com. And I'm not a spammer. I'm a landscape architecture grad student with a serious side passion for interior design.

i love the look of the horse trough, but all the practical issues listed about are enough to make me second-guess the idea. What if you bought a fairly cheap normal tub and put it in the horse trough. Horse trough exterior, comfortable, non-leaking, heat-keeping tub on the inside. Just an idea!

In the kitchen I would paint the counters. It's very cheap and there is paint made specifically for counters. A final coat of some clear polyurethane or something similar must cure for a few days, but the final result really is impressive for such an inexpensive fix. Also, I'd change the kitchen hardware and the chandelier. I'd probably paint the walls; the living room the same color but a different hue as the kitchen. I'd also replace the railing with something a little more updated. Finally, some people totally oppose it, but I think a painted fireplace would look wonderful. Maybe if you leave the kitchen cabinets white, you could paint the fireplace white. And maybe a mantle. Good luck!! it's a great space!!!

I love the green of the stucco, but I think the green shutters are too much green. I'd go with the charcoal grey for the shutters or a white. But i love the shade of the green stucco and the natural wood door and white trim.

I completely agree with bepsf. As a testament to how bored I am at work, I've created a possible version of your room layout here:

http://mydeco.com/rooms/detail/janel-living-room-326722/

Hope it helps!

Bepsf,

The average American household makes $40-50,000 a year. I would consider double or triple that amount to be "comfortably well off" and 80 times that amount (which is the Obama's $4.2 million) to be quite wealthy. I guarantee that if most Americans were gifted with $4.2 million once in their lifetime, they'd think they'd died and gone to heaven.

As for the Obama's, whether it is a political move or genuine appreciation of monetary modesty and responsibility (and only a few people will ever really know which it is, so the debate on this point seems useless) it is still a commendable move.

I would start with choosing a color scheme you like. I always love green, white and brown together. Maybe with some pops of red or blue as an accent. If the walls are white, I'd leave them that way. I'd add some white sheer curtains and keep the shades up most of the time. I'd get some nice white and green pillows for the couch and chairs, maybe a couple of red graphic ones (if you were to go with that color scheme). Also, I'd get a new rug with some punch to it. I can't tell what's across from the two chairs, but if furniture can be moved there, I'd put the couch there and move the two chairs to where the couch currently is, maybe with a little table between them. Maybe fill the fireplace with lots of white candles. The card catalog thing does need to be moved. If it's going to block a window, it should at least be centered, maybe with a plant on it. The space is great so good luck with your improvements!

I would also suggest getting rid of the bean bag. I'd put the couch across from the TV and the loveseat in front of the window. That would help open the space up a bit. The floor lamp might be better in a corner on the window side of the room. Also, I'd recommend getting a TV stand with a little less depth. Maybe a nice non-bulky chair where the loveseat is now could make up for the seating lost by getting rid of the bean bag and give it a nice finished look. Of course, some more art and a kennel cover-up would improve things immensely. And a little de-cluttering. Good luck!