Ask a Designer Series- Help with Fireplace Wall, Girls Room and Gallery Wall

I received a lot of new design questions the past week, that means a lot of new Email Subscribers to my blog! Thank you! I really appreciate the support. That is why I offer the chance to ask me one simple design question for Free. I appreciate your emails and knowing that I can’t go too in depth on my answers with the many questions I get. I suggest the first thing that I see and try to address one of your design questions. Typically what I do is look at the room and think what I would change then search for an image to show my idea. Because I know a lot of us are visual learners. I hope it helps! So let’s get started, today there are SIX design questions I am answering. All about Fireplace Wall’s, Girls Bedroom and Gallery Wall!

Design Question-

Design Suggestion-

At first glance I would suggest painting your girls bedroom a light paint color to brighten it up. Also your eye goes right to the large window, that is bigger than the dresser. It is kind of like hanging a piece of art that is bigger than the piece of furniture it is above. I would take down the canopies that are above their bed. And hang a rod and do long curtain panels. You want the panels to fill in that empty space on either side of the dresser. This will give the illusion the window is smaller and more to scale with the dresser. Love what Emily Henderson just did to her Master Bedroom. Exactly the same look I am talking about. (And love the twin beds in the room, reminds me of my girls room!) Below are other drapery panels I like too…

Design Question-

Design Suggestion-

I love that you make my favorite pumpkin bread! And you are pretty open to anything for this space, that is exciting! What I can suggest easily and first thing I see is the TV and the stand. I would do something like the photo I shared above and actually do it on both sides of the fireplace. I like the idea of painting it white and finding white cabinets. And a good place to start for your room is to find a rug you love, that helps to determine your style. I would also suggest doing two chairs in the bay or a settee would be fun too! (I do offer more design help via email, you can find info HERE).

Design Question-

Design Suggestion-

Love the idea of painting the brick. That will make a big difference. And you are right you can’t put the TV above your wood burning fireplace. I think doing a sofa with two chairs on the opposite side of your tv would open up the room (like the inspiration pic). I would also suggest looking for a narrow TV stand, so it doesn’t stick into the fireplace heart. Also that is a lighter color, if you paint your brick then I would do a white TV console that would blend into the room better. Something like THIS or other below…

Design Question-

“First off, I absolutely would love to change the entire color scheme of the house, but we’re not going to be here long enough to to invest that much into it. Anyway, we’re in Pueblo, CO and this neutral beige, copper, stone look is everywhere and it does grow on you. Only thing is, I have this HUGE framed area of my wall painted copper in my living room that I have no idea what to do with, but I think I could use it for something super cool and special…I just suck at coming up with something cool and special. I can’t spend more than say $400 on it…be it art, mirrors, floating shelves, gallery wall, deer heads, all of the above, WHO KNOWS? I can’t wait to see what you suggest.” Thanks, Dawnee

Design Suggestion-

I get the fact that you don’t want to invest too much if it isn’t your forever home. But an easy change will make it feel more you! I noticed you like more monochromatic, whites and golds. I would do a grouping of six frames with bright white mats like the inspiration pic above. It would really update the space and brighten it up! THESE frames would look great. I would just measure out your space and see what sizes and how many you can do, if you can do 6, I would do that.

Design Question-

“We recently moved across country from Oregon to a small beach community in NW Florida. I am stumped on what to do with the entry in our new home.  We have kept some our “traditional” furniture, while adding some elements to make our home feel more “beachy”.  I would like add some decor above the shelf,  but not sure where to start.  I adore every inch of your home and would appreciate any advice you may have. “ Thanks, Sierra

Design Suggestion-

I don’t know if you saw THIS home tour I just shared. That Coastal beach home? It had so many ideas I am sure you would love. When I think of coastal I think- light, airy, simple. I think THIS mirror would look great in your space. The white would pull out the white in your pillows on that amazing bench! I would keep the top of the bookcase simple- with a vase of flowers or a simple lamp because the bottom of the bookcase is so busy. Hope that helps and congrats on your move!

Design Question-

“My name is Brooke also! I have a spot in my house that I don’t know what to do with. It is a little (or actually large) alcove that sits to the left of our fireplace and it used to house our TV. But then when we entered the 20th century and got a flat screen TV, we no longer had a huge TV to fill in that space. Our TV now sits on the wall to the left in an IKEA shelving unit. I have played around with the spot with different decor items, but it usually ends up looking crowded because its right next to the fireplace which has decor items on it. I thought about shelves, but with the IKEA shelves to the left I thought it might be too many shelves. I once saw someone had a similar alcove and she filled it with family photos and it looked like a shrine…..but in a good way. And I could never get mine to look good like that. Any help or suggestions you have would be so appreciated!”Thanks, Brooke

Design Suggestion-

I have never seen an opening like that for a TV! I see your dilemma. Especially since you have the bookshelves with your TV to the left of that space too, I can see how it would feel busy. I would suggest painting the cabinet the same color as your fireplace and having cabinet doors made for it. I love the inspiration pic with the cabinet with doors and smaller doors on top so it doesn’t feel top heavy with taller doors than the base. If you want a less expensive solution I would still paint it white to match the fireplace then I would do a tall mirror that fills in that entire space like the other inspiration pic. I would then do art or something different above your fireplace so you don’t have two mirrors.

I will be back next Monday to answer more of your Design Questions! Please keep in mind I am about two weeks out. Also if you would like your design question answered quicker and are an Email Subscriber to my blog pop over to our private Nesting with Grace Facebook Group and ask your question to the group! You can subscribe to my blog HERE.

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