I am back to answer some Design Questions I have gotten from my blog subscribers. I offer this service as a THANK YOU to my loyal readers. I love connecting with each of you this way. And hopefully these blog posts can answer others design questions too! I think it helps to have a visual- I know I learn and respond to things better that way. Today one of the common themes was “What do I do with my empty walls” from wallpaper, art to paint. A fun game to play with these posts is to think what you would do before you read my design suggestion! Let us know if you would suggest something different!
Design Question-
“I connect with everything that you do as I live in a small 800sq ft classic Philadelphia row home. I have a trouble spot though, the wall below my steps. It’s technically the main pass through to get to the kitchen so a piece of furniture would really block the walk way, and thanks to the awful placement of the thermostat and light switches art doesn’t really fit. It just looks bland to me, and I’m thinking temporary wallpaper to liven it up. I’m thinking pattern but not too bold and I’m just having a lot of trouble finding the right fit. HELP!
ps- it’s already on my list to paint the hand rail black like you have in your home” From- Rachel
Design Suggestion-
What a charming area! I totally agree that wallpaper would be a great addition. I think THIS paper would look great- pattern to contrast the brick wall and bright! Also doesn’t lock you into a bold color pattern. Below are a couple other great options (you can click on an image that you like to find source).
Design Question-
“I have been struggling with this for a while, I have a window in my kitchen in between 2 walls. This is currently what it looks like. Messy kids included! The quote on the wall says “keep your eyes on the stars and the stars in your eyes” which is one of my favorites, but what would you put on the other side. It seems unbalanced because it is. I pondered on a mirror, a hanging olive basket with stuff in it, but couldn’t ever find anything I loved. I don’t really have a budget if it’s the right piece but would love to keep it under $100-$200 or cheaper if you find something that you think would look great. I’m very open, just really struggling with it for a while now!”From, Kailey
Design Suggestion-
Love that quote you have! I would do two pieces of art to balance out your sign. You can see I added two pieces in the photo above to show you. Minted has really affordable art that has limited edition, unique pieces. I put in THIS landscape and THIS funny llama. Art is personal so look for something that speaks to you! I would stick with colors that are in the room- whites, a calm scenery and white frame. Avoid mirrors in dining rooms- most people don’t like to watch themselves eat.
Design Question-
“We have lived in our current house for six months and I have yet to hang anything on a wall because it terrifies me. My husband keeps asking when I am going to get a plan together so we don’t completely look like squatters. So with this semi open floor plan we have, there is the fireplace and a big wall right beside it (where two chairs will be) and behind the dining table is another big wall. All three have to go together and I don’t know how to just make one focal point with three big places, or how to make three big areas look cohesive and not overwhelming if something is on all three walls. Help!”From, Kristi
Design Suggestion-
I have talked about that before- I see it all the time…fear of hanging things on the wall! You are not alone. You are right to look at ALL the walls at the same time and make a plan. I would suggest a gallery wall or grouping of art in the room by your tv. You don’t want the art to feel heavy and the same shape as your tv. I put in THIS clock and some black and white art from Minted. The black and white looks great with your gray rug. Also over by your dining table you could do a larger piece of art, so it doesn’t feel busy and compete with the squares on your windows. I put in THIS art because I liked the colors with your rug. Again, art is personal but hopefully that sets you on the right track!
Design Question-
“In June we bought our first house and we have been slowly transforming each room from their slightly funky 80’s ranch vibe. We have a second living area that is used quite frequently, and the awkward (and huge) corner fireplace has us a bit stumped. I’m not sure how to decorate around it or what to do with the wall next to it. This room is next on the list to receive updated furniture, paint, and decor on the walls, but we’re holding off until we figure out the fireplace situation. While we don’t have the budget to replace the fireplace itself, I’d like to paint the brick above it. This room has poor natural light, so to diminish the cave vibe we’re thinking about painting this room a warm, light gray with white trim (like the rest of our house). Do you think we should paint the brick and if so, what color (match the soon-to-be gray walls or go white)?” From, Emily
Design Suggestion-
You are right, that is a tricky spot! You mentioned that the room doesn’t get a lot of light. I would really recommend painting your walls and fireplace all the same color. It would help to disguise the large fireplace. I know tile can be painted over as well as brick (you will just have to find a good tutorial on it:)). I talked about my favorite white paints on THIS blog post. I could see Cloud White from Benjamin Moore in here. I wouldn’t put furniture on the walls by the fireplace, just a wall grouping of art would look really great to balance out the large fireplace. (Fireplace inspiration source).
Thank you for sending in your design questions! If you would like to send in a design question you can once you are subscribed to my blog- find out how HERE.
You can also read past “Ask a Designer” Blog Posts HERE.
I love reading this series! Thank you for the effort you put into doing this!
Thank you Emily! It is a lot of time- but comments like yours and others make it worth it! I appreciate you reading my blog
This is my favorite type of post you write. Very good ideas. I struggle with walls too.
Awesome! Thanks Angela! I am glad it helps.
Love your ideas! Always a great post and I enjoy reading it so much.
Thank you Tracey!
I look forward to this post that you now do each week – it is so interesting and it gives so much inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.
Thanks Claire!