Nesting With Grace

by Brooke Christen

Ask a Designer Series- Entries, Bedrooms, Bookcases and More

WHOA! I got  A LOT of design questions this past week! I love it! That means a lot of new friends following along and more homes we get to peep into and learn and gather inspiration from! I answered about 10 design questions via email then I selected 6 to answer here today on my blog. I select the ones to share here if I can find a good “inspiration picture” that helps to show what my design suggestion is. So if you subscribe to my blog…thank you! If not then you can read how to subscribe at the end of this post along with how to send in your one FREE design question! Let’s dig right in! Today ‘s design questions are all about entries, bedrooms and pillows!

Ask a Designer Series- FREE Design Questions starting with Entries

#1 Design Question-

“Could you help me with my entry. Specifically the entry table and blank wall!  I’m happy with most of the spaces in our home, but this one has me stumped!” Thanks, Courtney

Ask a Designer Series how would you style this Entry Piece?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

Your question and picture you shared is one I see often. A piece of furniture where the accessories just need a couple of tweaks to complete the look and pull it all tougher! As you can see from the inspiration pic I would move your lamp to the left of the table rather then right in the center. You really could work with what you have! Then group the picture frame with your jar with the greenery. I like to lean a piece of art in front of a mirror or the frame would work- just look the inspiration pic! You could add books or a low bowl for keys or other small objects. Hope that helps!

 

 

#2 Design Question-

“I just moved into a new house and I’m getting settled in. I have a blank canvas for you! These pictures are my entryway area. Right now I have a mirror up (I think you have this mirror too!) and I have no idea what exactly to do with the area below the mirror. Practically speaking, I have lots of shoes that are always laying around and it would be great if a table or dresser had some storage. But, that isn’t necessary. I want to walk into my home and see a beautiful space right here! I’m not on a strict budget and would be willing to spend up to 1k on this area so any advice you have is greatly appreciated!” Thanks, Rachel
Ask a Designer Series- What would you do with this small Entry?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

Yes! A small entry can make a statement too! I love you mirror:) and yes I would do a dresser for storage. Notice in the inspiration pic the mirror is hung right above the dresser- so you might have to adjust your mirror once you get a dresser. I would highly suggest a lamp, that would really cozy up the space. Also a fun colorful entry rug would look great and complete the space. You could do a dresser like THIS with drawers or one like THIS with doors or THIS one is a little taller.  White would really brighten up the space! I am not sure of your space- but I would get a rug that fills it up, without going under the dresser.

 

#3 Design Question-

“This in by our entry – to the left in the front door.  The wall is curved – so it puzzles me.  So far I just have this bench that has a little curve on the back rest.  Pictures on the wall with  – what would you do w that weird triangle area of a wall- what size, clusters of frames? Anything else to jazz up this space?” Thanks so much, Lori
Ask a Designer Series- What do you do with this Curve Wall?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

I always love curved entries! You have a really nice bench and a great start. Yes I love a grouping of art that is all framed the same so it doesn’t feel too busy in this small space like the Inspiration pic. I would go all the way up the wall like they did and fill in that small triangle space. You can find inexpensive frames at Target or Ikea and find prints online that all coordinate. You could do something fun and do Temporary wallpaper here in a really subtle pattern, like THIS.

 

#4 Design Question-

“This series is the best! I have lives in this small cape for more than 20 (!) years, and I still don’t know what to do with this extra long mantel and the shelves below it. In general I like a clean and uncluttered look, but when I take things away, it looks like I’m moving out.” Thanks so much – Martha
Ask a Designer Series- Bookcase Styling

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

Oh I LOVE your fireplace. I would want this same set-up in my next home! I actually think you did a great job with your mantle! You have layers, varied height and not a lot of small accessories on it. Maybe in the space between your mirror and the art on the left you could add a large glass jar like THIS to put fresh clippings in- large branches for a statement and some life. I attached an inspiration pic for your bookcases below. I think the key to making them look not cluttered is the colors you use. Notice how both images of bookcases are monochromatic? They repeat colors and textures. And also have one larger piece on a shelf and nothing else- giving your eye a rest.

 

#5 Design Question-

“We have a very small room with a  king size bed.  The bed goes right to the side windows. I can’t decide what to do about whether or not we should get a headboard…as well as what to do about window treatments. The shades that are currently up are terrible and were here when we moved in. Ideally I’d replace the shades and either do a valence or a panel. What do you suggest? Would love you insight on the headboard and windows!” Thanks so much, Kristin

Ask a Designer Series- Should I do a headbaord between these two Windows?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

That is a great question! I looked through some pictures of bedrooms on Pinterest. Typically when I look for ideas I just type in the search bar “bed in-between two windows” and see what comes up! I like this inspiration pic the best because they used a low headboard and one that is curved, a shelter type bed to soften the lines of the windows with the bed. It works perfectly! I also like the idea of fabric or a wood color to break up your trim. My headboard is a shelter bed HERE or I found this tufted fabric one HERE. I hope that you like that idea too!

 

#6 Design Question-

“Was wondering pillow colors and patterns you would add to my couch to jazz up my living room? Having such a hard time with a pattern because of my impulse purchase rug from Pottery Barn. Rug is indigo.” Thanks, Colleen
Ask a Designer Series- What pillows would brighten up the sofe?

Nesting with Grace Suggestion-

Your rug is a great contrast with your sectional! You are right, you could use a bold pattern or statement pillows. I love to always keep a couple of “basic” pillows on my sofa then maybe one or two splurges or statement pillows that really pull the space together. I would leave your navy pillows but add some white next to them to brighten up the sectional. I personally think the more eclectic the better, not too matchy. A throw would would also look nice on your sectional. I would do two pillows on each corner and three in the center.
Here are a couple that I liked-
Basic Cream HERE
Statement Bird Pillow HERE
Mudcloth HERE
Kidney Pillows HERE

Throw HERE

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.

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!

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