Nesting With Grace

by Brooke Christen

Ask a Designer Series- Family Room, Fireplace, Facebook Group and more!

Hello! Today I am helping my Email Subscribers with their one FREE Design Question for my “Ask a Designer Series”! I offer this service to my email subscribers as thank you for following my blog and supporting me. It sure is fun to see what my readers are needing advice on! So far I get the most questions on fireplace walls, TV stands and what to put on wall!  I am answering 7 of your design questions today! I also replied to about 5 others via email- some design questions are harder to find inspiration pics for or the design question doesn’t require it. Let’s get peeping into your homes! You can find how to ask a question at the end of this post.
Ask a Desinger Series- Design Questions Answered

#1 Design Question-


“My house is pretty small. The living room, kitchen, and dining area all flow into one so this wall is seen from all areas. I have oak wood floors and the cabinets you see in the picture are built ins. I am willing to do anything to make this area attractive.” Your designer wanna-be, Rachel 
Ask a Designer Series- How to add charm to dining space?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

How nice to have all that storage! You mentioned that your floors, the built-in and the dining table are ALL the same color. That is exactly what is the issue. I would suggest painting your built-in cabinets. You could do a white that would be timeless and look good with the dark marble counters. I also love from the inspiration pic adding some scones up top and the chalkboard wall is super fun! You could even do temporary brick wallpaper like I have! You can find it HERE. Have fun adding some charm!

#2 Design Question-

“I guess my biggest question is what type of furniture to use since I really want to stay away from a couch.  I want something that I can easily scoot off to the side if the kids want to play.  But I would like some furniture/décor for when we have company.  Also, the carpeted area is really not that big so I don’t think full size furniture would even fit (we had time deciding where to stop with the wood floors).  I am lost on how to place everything and what to get exactly. A tip for the cut out would be great!  Again, a kid area comes to mind.  Do you think I can make that work?  I having a hard time trying to make the entire space adult-ish plus kid friendly at the same time I guess.”Thank you, Ceci Rolf

Ask a Designer Series- Ideas for Family Room that is Casual

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I am going to be honest- I struggled with what to suggest for you! I really don’t know what you could do that is not a sofa but that is furniture for the area by your TV. From the looks of the picture I think you have a lot of space for a sofa? What about a sectional that is in pieces that you could separate and scoot off to either side? Something like the Inspiration pic where basically all you have is a sectional and not a lot of small things. The two chaises could slide and be up against the walls and still look great! OR you could do four chairs around an ottoman that you could slide around easy- but that is not the best for watching movies on your TV. As for your little nook you could do something like either one of these-
Ask a Designer Series- Nook cutout ideas

inspiration pic or this inspiration pic

#3 Design Question

“The previous owners left their bedroom furniture and the dressers were all in good shape, but were an oak color I didn’t like. I’ve painted the side tables and one dresser. But I hate the bed frame. It’s not our style at all. Any suggestions for a king bed that would suit this room? I thought of doing a canopy bed since the room is so big, or maybe just something with reclaimed wood. Suggestions? I feel like the right bed will pull the whole room together.”Best, Noelle Black

Ask a Desinger Series- What bed should I do in our master bedroom?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

You are smart to paint the nightstand and dressers and use them! Paint can make such a difference. I agree that a different bed would break up the set and complete the room. I love the idea of a poster bed because of your tall ceilings. I found the inspiration pic and really like mixing iron with all the wood you have. I found two iron poster  beds with fabric headboards to keep it soft and cozy. I think THIS or THIS iron poster bed would look great and in your budget you were looking for!

#4 Design Question-

“I’m really struggling with finding a rug for this room! I’m so bored with all the neutral. And I don’t love the coffee table/ottoman because everything is cream or brown. I just feel stuck. We’re definitely on a budget for a rug… do you have any suggestions?”Thanks so much, Regan

Ask a Desinger Series- How to add color wtih an ottoman?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

Ok your home is gorgeous and you have some really nice staple pieces of furniture! I think your rug is great. If you want to add some color what about adding in a pop with a new ottoman? I am sure you could find a spot for that great leather ottoman somewhere else! I rounded up a variety that would look good and also be timeless- while adding some character!
#1- Ottoman Green with Pattern HERE //// #2- Green Velvet HERE ////#3-Green Poof HERE (I have these)

#4- Blue Ottoman HERE /// #5- Rug Ottoman HERE /// #6- Small Green Poof HERE ///

#5 Design Question-

“I’m having such a hard time with my fireplace and I am at a loss! I don’t know if I should add bookcases, shelving, a chair etc to the sides. I’ve thought about painting the rock, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I am open to any and all suggestions, even moving the TV to the side of the fireplace if you feel that makes most send. I really appreciate your time and help!”Thanks, Haliee 

Ask a Designer Series- What would you do with Fireplace wall?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

YES! YES! YES! Paint your rock fireplace! You will LOVE it! I found the perfect inspiration pic for you. I love how they added simple pieces of wood for shelves then notice that really low cabinet on the one side?! Love it all! Yes you could add a chair to the other side of the fireplace or you could move the TV to a stand on the right and do a piece of art above the fireplace. This has great potential!

#6 Design Question-

“We moved into our forever home in June and this has been my “I don’t know what to do with you” spot. I painted it brown just to have it done and to get us by till I figured out what I really want to do. I hate the look of the fireplace, the wall color, no idea how to do decor on either side of fireplace…the whole thing baffles me…. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I hate how having the tv there, I know lose my mantle to electronics… Christmas is coming and I need a place for my stockings!”Thank you so much, Amy

Ask a Desinger Series- What would you do with Fireplace Wall?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I really do like how the dark wall disguises the TV! I think you should paint your fireplace like the inspiration pic in a bright white- I love the pop against the dark wall. Are you wanting to move the TV? Is that an option? You could do it on a TV console to the right of the fireplace- looks like you have the room, but unsure of the entire space. I hope this helps!

#7 Design Question-

“I have a design question about my kitchen. I’m wanting new backsplash. I would like lighter, farmhouse feel. I love your home!!!! I’ll include pictures so you can see what I’m working with! Thanks in advance!”

Best Regards, Elizabeth

Ask a Designer Series- What backsplash should I do?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

You are so sweet! YES! I would lighten up your backsplash. I am a subway tile lover thru and thru. It would give you that look you want. I would do a dark grout to tie in your countertops, I used charcoal and it looks like the inspiration pic did too! And notice the inspiration pic doesn’t have the marble lip that comes up?  I would pull that out too! It will totally change your kitchen!

This next question was answered by our Facebook group- Look at the difference furniture placement makes! And others who are passionate about design as I am!

Ask a Desinger Series- Join our Exclusive Facebook Group!

If you are already subscribed to my blog and want to ask more questions or want your design question answered quicker and by the Nesting with Grace Community you can join our Facebook Group HERE! (we keep this group to only email subscribers).

I hope that answered or gave you a good start with your Design Questions! If you would like to submit a design  question you can subscribe to my blog HERE and you will be sent an email with how to submit your question. (Keep in mind I am about two weeks out)

 

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Comments

  1. Katie Dunne says

    I enjoy your blog so much. I always look forward to reading your posts and think it’s so nice of you to offer design help for your readers. Thank you for being a bright spot in my day 🙂

  2. Esther says

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful home! You have a wonderful blog that is so inviting & friendly. I recently subscribed & would love your advice on adding more comfortable seating in my family room while keeping a table or mini desk for the computer. Thank you for offering your one free question to subscribers, but how do I go about that?

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