A virtual consultation may seem a little suspect to some people.  How can we possibly give suggestions and share ideas when we can’t see the actual space?  We’re here to tell you, “It can be done, and successfully!”  With some accurate measurements, some photos, and the information provided on our questionnaire, we are able to visualize, analyze and resolve most any home decorating issues you may have.

Gina contacted us with her dilemma – a bland dining room.  She had recently moved into the house and with its high ceilings and large spaces, she wasn’t sure how to give the room (and the adjoining entryway) the punch she wanted it to have.

Gina’s Dining Dilemma

Gina's dining room before

Gina specifically wanted some advice on the long wall in the room and some treatment ideas for down the road.  She had purchased the chair slipcovers in an effort to add some pizzazz but wasn’t convinced she’d done the right thing.

Gina's dining room before

You can see the room is generously sized but currently very plain.  The window could be a great feature, but the ho-hum drapes don’t add any drama.  The mirror is hung too high above the buffet in an effort to fill the wall space.  It’s better to let the wall space be tall and lower the mirror.

Suggestion board for dining room

Using her photo, I used a little Photoshop magic to give her some ideas.  I recommended emphasizing the windows with a darker patterned drapery treatment.  Bring in a plant to add some height and shape to the corner.  The chairs were moved to flank the buffet to help fill that very long wall and anchor art or sconces above them.  Instead of a mirror, a simple piece of art was recommended.  A great trick to fill overly tall walls is to stack artwork – in this case a metal scroll piece wouldn’t compete with the art or colors in the room but would add a subtle addition of visual height.  A taller centerpiece was suggested for the dining table.

Gina's dining room after

Gina kindly shared photos of her “after”.  Working with a silk tree she already owned and adding patterned drapes immediately improved the focal window wall.  Moving the chairs to flank the buffet filled in that wall and changing the orientation of the mirror accomplished filling it more vertically.  Sconces, artwork and the bright green pillows add some color interest.

Gina's dining room after

Gina was also struggling with an over sized entry.  All she had was this sofa table with a mirror over it and dark iron chandelier.  She hates the entry tile and wanted a new chandelier, but on a budget.  I suggested a rug over the tile as a temporary fix until it can be replaced.  We worked through scale and color for the chandelier and she incorporated my suggestions for adding a chair, art and lamps to the grand entry.  She wisely carried the soft greens from the entry into the dining room but made them just a bit bolder – perfect cross pollination.

 

A Polished Space

With just a few additions and changes Gina was able to give her adjoining spaces more drama, interest and create spaces that are polished and finished looking.  I want to thank Gina for sharing her before and after photos ; it’s much appreciated!

If you’re struggling with trying to finish up a space or getting it to look more polished or ‘designed’, contact us for some assistance.  We offer design packages at several price points to help you……a color only consultation for only $30; a single dilemma solution for only $60 (we’ll help fix that main issue that you can’t seem to resolve – drapes, furniture placement, flooring, art or accessories, etc.); or a complete consultation like Gina for $150 where we provide answers to all your questions, shopping list ideas and sources, floor plans, etc.  You can read more here or email us with any questions about consultations at solutions@YourDecoratingHotline.com.

 

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