Ask A Designer Series- Hiding a Thermostat, Bed Placement and More!

I am back to answer your design questions that I offer to my blog subscribers. Hopefully these questions and answers give you design inspiration for your home. Today I am taking on FIVE of your Design questions. Now I want to add a disclaimer- I am not saying my way is the ONLY way. These are just my suggestions from where I sit. That being said, change IS good and fun. Worth looking at our home decor in new ways! Let’s get started…

Design Question-

“My specific question is what to do with the awkward space behind the couch. We love the couch, piano and two chairs, but other than that- it’s all fair game to move around or sell. Any thoughts you have on the room are appreciated.” From, Emily

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

You have so many great pieces in here! Here are a couple of things I would suggest- easy changes that will make a difference-

I would move the rug forward so the legs are just on it, allowing the rug to extend into the room more.
Move one of your chairs to the other side of the sofa- so it doesn’t feel as tight in the corner and it will balance out the space.
Remove the accessories from above your TV cabinet, I would only leave the art on the wall. It will feel less busy and make the focal point the cabinet rather than the entire wall.
I would also move the table that is by the side of the TV cabinet to the left side of your sofa (same side as the big black art) and use it as an end table. Again it will simplify that wall- you can leave the mirror to balance out the black art.
For the space behind your sofa I would do a small writing desk- but float it behind your sofa, like a sofa table. Or you could do a sofa table if you don’t think the desk will ever be used. (I wrote a blog post all about inexpensive desks HERE).

Design Question-

“A lot of things in my house have me stumped, especially my TV wall. I read your post on tv walls -the dos and don’ts. I know my tv is probably too big for the stand but financially we won’t be able to change that out for a while. Would you move the tv to another location in the room? Or position it differently on that wall? I feel that it looks out of place where it is currently at but the tv is seen the best from the love seat and couch. I attached a photo of what the other side of the room looks like. When we moved in to the home the tv plugs were on the wall where the big couch is. The wall just feels really big and I felt the couch fit the space better (but what do I know?!)” From, Angie

Ask a Desinger Series- See what a Designer Suggested!

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

You are spot on- I would totally have put the sofa there or floated it in front of the fireplace. It is hard to see the layout of where the TV- but I can guess based off what you said. So if you float the sofa in front of the fireplace there isn’t really a spot for your TV (unless you put it on top of your fireplace). Based off of where it is now I would suggest putting it straight on the large wall and do artwork around it to make it feel larger (you can see the ideas on what to put around your TV HERE). Or if you put it on the wall where your stairs are I would do wallpaper behind it to make it a statement and feel bigger- more of a focal point.

Design Question-

“I am frustrated with the fireplace (I know the picture is too small—put it there because we had a wedding here). Paint a wall? wallpaper? new marble on fireplace? We have lived in the 1966 house for 3 years. No real budget. On the TV wall should I paint it? Get bigger vase? (I read your article on TV walls) Oh what do I do?” From, Jean

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I don’t think the art above your fireplace is too small. You don’t want it larger than the actual fireplace opening. And I personally love your painted brick fireplace! Here are a few things I would suggest-

-You could add a large piece of wood as a mantle above the fireplace opening to break it up and add a nice wood touch.
The lamps you have on either side of the fireplace feel off balance. The one on the table feels a little large for the table.
You could do wallpaper behind the TV if you want to add some contrast. I would suggest removing the accessories on the TV console, it feels a little busy, the TV could be a little lower. (Read more of my TV wall suggestions HERE).

Design Question-

“We just redecorated our bedroom. We would love some suggestions for the walls. The bed overlaps the windows on the back wall, which annoys me! Should we put curtains there, or something on the wall behind the bed? And the far wall. We decorated but now it looks plain! We will put crown molding up.” From, Fern

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I would suggest putting your bed on an angle in the corner like the picture above. Then your bed wouldn’t block the windows! I would do a round nightstand for the one on the right, since it will be in front of the window. You want a round table that is tall, similar to your nightstand you have now. I think that will solve the issues with what to do with the walls!

Design Question-

“I live in a rather small home that had zero character when I purchased it six years ago. I am trying little by little to add features to it such as the shiplap wall you’ll see below. I love the wall but now need help with the decor. Everything on the table is just there for now but I’ve got my eyes open for a different lamp and candles. I’m mostly stuck on what I should do to the wall? The thermostat is in the middle which makes it a little bit tricky. What are your thoughts? Thank you!” From, Carrie

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I actually had this same issue, I guess most people do (unless they had a good builder). For your small space and the fact that you have a nice accent lamp. I would hang a wall hanging on a hook! So it does not lay flat against the thermostat. THIS art would be perfect, because it is hung with a piece of twine. I shared our hall and what I hung over my thermostat on THIS post (an older post) I actually have THIS hanging in front of my Thermostat now! I hope that helped.