Roof Top Homedesign

Paint solves many problems

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com – Paint solves many problems

You know how it goes with decorating. You get one thing to a point where you love it and that improvement only makes other things in the space look dismal. And that is the point where we left off in the last post- loving the chairs and not liking what is happening on top of the buffet.

painting upholstery dining chairs buffet vignette

Almost but not quite

One problem area

Let's start with the lamp. I've always loved this lamp and when I recently moved it from the living room it needed a new home. I perched it on several books as a way to increase the height and connect the dark chair colour to the buffet.

I left it for several days, but I knew what would happen. Every time I passed by I had the same thought

( that shade is way too white). Problem arising... what were the chances I would find this type of lamp shade in St. John's? NIL What was left? Paint it or cover it with fabric or paper. I chose paint knowing if I totally messed it up I could use fabric or paper to cover it.

What colour?

The lamp had to relate to the drapes without overmatching, I trotted to my studio to see what I had there and chose BM floral white OC29 left over from painting frames for an dart show.

Benjamin Moore Floral White OC 29

This is a dirty white with the faintest hint of warmth without looking too yellow. Perfect in my book. Some bloggers recommend it as a good white for cabinets if you have white appliances.

How to?

I watered down the paint by half and brushed it on with a 2 inch art brush -synthetic soft hair for acrylic paint. It's a messy business so have something to catch the drips. If you are careful you only need one coat. It worked like a charm with no buckling or patchy areas. You definitely have to water down the paint or it will look too solid and not be absorbed into the fabric.

Some references I consulted said to use a fabric medium with the paint but I didn't. From my art experience I think you could add acrylic matte medium to replace the fabric medium if you so desired.

Problem two

Once I used red as an accent on the buffet and in my living room, my beautiful landscape by Carolyne Honey Harrison started to remind me of a Christmas tree. The green frame (which hubby made for it) had to be changed. I have a terrible aversion to "seasonal" colour connections.

What colour?

First I painted the frame BM Black panther, a soft black I use for art frames, but it was too harsh for this particular artwork and space. All you could see was the frame. I prefer the art to show and the frame to support it.

Benjamin Moore Black Panther 2125-10

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain 2134-30

Next try was BM Iron Mountain left over from painting my Media unit (see here). Worked like a charm. It brought more dark to that side of the room and played off the chair colour without matching perfectly. My daughter joked that everything in my house would soon be some form of charcoal. Possibly!

The reveal

Almost but not quite

painted chairs painted lampshade painted frame

Subtle changes make a difference

And you might think this room is now complete. I wish! More problems and solutions to come.
Is paint a solution in your home decor? I'd love to hear what you've done with it.

Thank you for reading articles Paint solves many problems

keep stay tune in http://rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com/ :)

Simple spring wreaths

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com – Simple spring wreaths

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com Simple spring wreaths

Welcome spring! It is warm today in St. John's and I finally feel like we are moving on from winter. My friend in England is mourning the disappearance of the daffodil while we are awaiting its arrival. With all the sunshine pouring in, I knew it was time to add a little spring to the front entry. It will be a long time yet before we see the forsythia and tulips. If you read this blog you already know I am not a big seasonal decorator and recycling and dollar store finds are my go tos.

green and purple simple spring wreath Margaret Ryall

Designing Home simple spring wreath

This wreath has served me for three years and moved from a natural colour, to silver, and then on to purple, but today thanks to two different spray paints it is green. Yes, I'm still painting things. Spring greens are so hopeful. The dollar store provided five bunches of spring flowers that I tore apart and reworked . I was so happy to feel the warm breeze I even added a ribbon and I never add ribbons to wreaths!

Here four more favourites I've seen lately on Pinterest.

source

Love this one, because I love circle shapes and eggs are such a part of spring celebrations.

Parker Kennedy Living tulip wreath

Ah, tulips! How can you go wrong when you use tulips and mass them into an inviting circle?

source

This would be called a sway I suppose. The gerbers are so bright and bold and the pail anchors the design.

source

Go on! Find a container you could hang on a door and fill it with flowers and viola. How easy is that?

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Simple window treatments for basement windows

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com – Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement windows are often a challenge to decorate because they are usually small, spaced, and high on the wall - a recipe for decorating disaster. This post provides solutions for these problem windows based on the premise that simple is best. Keeping things light and airy will not draw attention to the negatives of small size and awkward placement. All links to these spaces can be found on my Pinterest board .

shutters window treatments basement windows valance

Shutters and valances work when windows are a little larger

This space would work equally well without the valances if you like a less layered look. Keeping everything light also detracts from the high placement as you can see in this space and the one below.

White blinds on a white wall

One of my favourite looks for a basement space is to keep everything light and add darks in art or accessories. White faux wood blinds are very functional because they let light in and provide some privacy in the daytime. In this room the floor acts as a great foil for all the lightness and the hits of dark in art and furniture break up the space.

shutters basement window treatments simple

Simple light shutters add light and privacy

Nothing works better than functional shutters in a basement. They are sleek and unobtrusive and look tidy.

etched glass simple basement window treatments

Etched glass or window film

What about adding something directly to the glass? Etching glass is so simple these days with beautiful stencils and spray etching available. You can also buy so many window films that provide a degree of privacy without too much fuss. If you aren't sure if you would like the look of etching try window film first because it is removable.

stained glass basement windows solutions

Stained glass provides interest and privacy.

Light walls and light draperies

Sometimes draperies work with short windows. I personally prefer that they are a similar colour to the wall, but there is a place for darker ones. Because the sofa is below these windows it helps to break up the long expanse of wall below each window.

Sometimes you can add something vertical below the space to visually fill in the awkward space.

In my next post I will discuss more complex basement window options that are sure to wow and convince visitors that they are not in a basement. And what about your house? What is your preferred window treatment for basements?

Thank you for reading articles Simple window treatments for basement windows

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Basement window solutions that wow

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com – Basement window solutions that wow

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com Basement window solutions that wow

While a simple window treatment might solve your basement window woes, there's a whole lot more you can accomplish with a little creative thinking. Why accept mediocre when you can have spectacular!

If you think of your window as one aspect of a vignette, you can create stunning spaces where the window becomes part of a larger design. This is a bit of a different way to consider tiny windows, but it leads to interesting ideas and solutions.

Create a centred layout between windows

basement window treatments centered fireplace

Centered fireplace and seating

Christian Gladu Design

If you are lucky enough to build a space give careful consideration to the placement of windows in basement spaces. Depending on how your land slopes you can have sections where larger windows are possible. Centering main structural elements between windows creates interesting designs.

basement window solutions window treatments

Small windows, big impact

Bruce Johnson & Associates

Centre large peices of furniture under windows

Jennifer Hernandez

A centered bed below a small window can do wonders to fill in the awkward space below. Hanging drapes that also frame the bed adds an additional layer of interest to the vignette.

Disguise the size

If centering your layout around a window isn't an option there are other ways to make those cramped windows look more important. Your next bet is to "fake it".

basement window solutions window treatments shutters

Using a custom shutter to fill the space

Houzz

This is a solution I love. A simple treatment with no additional details apart from the shutters. But layering with draperies as you can see below brings the whole space up a notch.

Is that a shutter I see?

Better Homes and Gardens

This shutter is added to the wall below the window to create a longer, more interesting area for the draperies to hug. Adding the table below this faux treatment finishes the look. You could also get the same effect with top down cellulars with an outside mount or even a woven blind attached permanently below the window.

basement window solutions window treatments shutters drapes

Go large or go home

Houzz

Shutters can be used very effectively to give the impression of a large window. The drapes add a second layer of detailing and softness.

Fake it totally

No window at all? Don't let that stop you from having a spectacular space.

This is one wow basement

Candice Olsen

Backlit stained glass

Bayview Donovan

Work with contrast

Window frame painted black

Houzz

Sometimes you can use high contrast to actually make a small window work in a space. It seems contrary to common sense, but it does work if you choose the right setting. If there was only one window in this room and it was smaller it would not look as spectacular. Of course, when using black it is important to have other black elements in the space to move your eye around.

basement window solutions contrasting drapes

Dark drapes repeat the brown accent wall

Habitat Design

I think this space could be further enhanced by having something under each window. I am not a lover of the dark lines and the blank wall showing between them. Check out the next section for ideas to further enhance this contrasted look.

Fill in empty space

Because basement windows are so high up on a wall, you have to deal with all that empty wall space below them. Am I the only one who is annoyed by this? If it bothers you too, there are several ways to solve this problem.

1. Use art to trick the eye

Art used to extend and replicate

Things That Inspire

How much do I love this space? Lots. It is fresh, well conceived with extra sleeping and the art work added below the windows visually enlarges each window by convincing your eye to read both as one unit.

basement window solutions displaying art

Display art to break up empty wall space

Asapela Home Design

Many basements have a half wall created when the concrete meets the wood framing. This space provides the perfect spot for art display but you just need to know how to use them effectively. This might be a good time to say never highlight this type of wall by painting it a different colour from the top portion because it chops the room in half and is not interesting!

art filling space below basement windows

Larger art fills this space beautifully

TEA2 Architects

The power of standard repetition... same size, same colour and layered over repeated shapes. The repetition really works.

Beautiful drapes and art work together

I think this is a stunning space because of how the windows were treated. Isn't it well balanced and interesting?

Think about image shape when choosing art

Sarah Richardson

Doesn't a circular motif soften the look of this artwork? The dark frames relate to the accent wall pattern.

art filling space basement window solutions

Large art can be a great filler

Ziger/Snead Architects

I admit it, I am fussy. While I like this look, I want the art to be a tad smaller and less busy with all the books. An art work needs breathing space and low visual competition from what is surrounding it.

2. Use furniture and accessories

The Decorologist

This is an interesting solution for a small window. A second framed mirror was added below the window to fool the eye into thinking the window is much larger. Then a chest of drawers and a lamp was added to complete the look.

Working with bright accessories

Ginger Freckle

I love the stools and the drapery fabric. This is an excellent example of where a piece of art with vibrant oranges would work below the window or I might add a more substantial piece of furniture. A fantastic start.

Using every trick mentioned

Klang &Associates

The two windows are dressed with drapes, the bed is centered, artwork has been added as well as furniture and lamps, and we have a new solution too - paneling which mimics the framing on the night tables.

3. Use paneling

Basement paneling should reach the windows

Remodelaholic

Window framing is part of paneling design

Houzz

4. Add built ins to integrate small windows

Using window size to determine shelving size

Charlie & Co. Design

Keeping all elements the same size adds consistency to the wall and helps to blend the windows into the construction.

Built-ins, art and accent colour together

Better Homes and Gardens

Built-ins and TV below window works well

Urban Ideas Inc.

And there you have it. A collection of ideas from around the web that will ensure you don't have boring, small windows in your basement. Do you have a favourite from the ideas presented?

Thank you for reading articles Basement window solutions that wow keep stay tune in http://rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com/ :)

Feeling flowers

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com – Feeling flowers

Rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com Feeling flowers

Do you agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that the earth laughs in flowers? I do. Flowers are such an integral part of my existence; I could not imagine a world without them. There are certain times of the year that I think about flowers more than others, and spring (so called, little evidence yet) in Newfoundland is one of those times. As I look out at a light dusting of snow today (yes, snow), I am happy I have beautiful tulips on my coffee table.

Happiness reflected

I can't get enough fresh flowers in my house, but my budget doesn't allow frequent trips to the florist resulting in long gaps between vibrant colour. No deals in this city when it comes to flowers! I constantly joke that if I won a million dollars I would have fresh flowers in every room of my house every day. Yep, that would be the first change I would make. Not a very exciting option according to friends, but it would make me happy.

Flowers also move me to paint. I go through cycles of painting florals and gardens, and several weeks ago when I was in total despair about the weather I went downstairs and painted a fantasy bouquet. I had no reference, these are not identifiable flowers; they are a hybrid I dreamed up to represent the many flowers I like.

Feeling Flowers (2014 ) Margaret Ryall

This work is a joyful expression of my love for flowers. Painting helps me to bridge the seasonal gap between winter and spring while I wait for nature to turn green and colourful. Sometimes my work is the exact opposite of Feeling Flowers. It can be close up, calculated, detailed - an invitation to the viewer to take a closer look at the world of plants.

Garden patterns 1 2010 Margaret Ryall acrylic red poppies

Garden Patterns I (2010) Margaret Ryall

Garden patterns II 2010 Margaret Ryall mixed media on cradled panel red poppies

Garden patterns II (2010) Margaret Ryall

Leyton Gallery of Fine Art

But all the paintings come from my deep love of flowers, a love born early as I lay face down in the meadow and smelled the buttercups.

Red poppies are favourites because they are so brilliant and fragile. I am attracted to them in all their guises: in a garden, painted or as design motifs on household items.

I don't even mind a good fake poppy as an accent in decor.

Where did all this poppy design love come from?

Well, it started a long time ago with the first Marimekko's poppy design released in 1964! I was not very old when I first saw Finnish textile designer,Maija Isola iconic unikko design in a magazine in our local library. A love affair began.

And now 50 years later, I am thinking about this same design for a duvet cover in my guest room.

In many ways 2014 is the year of the poppy because I just received two metres of Marimekko fabric from my daughter . Then my sister got in on the act and made me 12 dinner napkins from the fabric. A family affair for sure.

From tulips in the flesh, fantasy flowers, poppies and wherever your heart desires if you feel flowers.

I will end as I began, with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson...

" Flowers.... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world".

Sometimes you get to combine both !

Happy Mother's Day 2014.

Thank you for reading articles Feeling flowers keep stay tune in http://rooftophomedesign.blogspot.com/ :)

Roof Top Homedesign

Paint solves many problems

One problem area

What colour?

How to?

Problem two

What colour?

The reveal

Simple spring wreaths

Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement window solutions that wow

Create a centred layout between windows

Disguise the size

Fake it totally

Work with contrast

Fill in empty space

1. Use art to trick the eye

2. Use furniture and accessories

3. Use paneling

4. Add built ins to integrate small windows

Feeling flowers

Arsip Blog

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