Living Room Furniture Arrangement Tips

Whether your living room is large or small, when arranging furniture, you want to keep in mind 3 things:

1. Function

2. Flow

3. Focal Points

Here are some helpful layout ideas and tips for arranging your living room to meet your needs:

Face the View

If your living room doesn't have a fireplace, orient seating so it takes advantage of whatever view your room has to offer, whether it's a TV or a bank of windows. Create your own focal point by hanging a large piece of art on a wall or create a vignette of favorite objects on a console or bookshelf.

Arrange for Conversation

For face-to-face chats, place seating no more than 8 feet apart. In a large living room, use furniture to create comfortable islands. Face two sofas in the center of a room, and place a group chairs and side tables at one end to create a separate conversation area.

Set Up Traffic Patterns

Allow 30 inches between pieces in places where you need to be able to walk around furniture and 14 to 18 inches between a coffee table and sofa, so drinks are within reaching distance.

Put a Table Within Reach of Each Seat

Use round pedestal tables as side tables between chairs and sofas.The curves of round tables make them easier to navigate around. When space is tight, use nesting tables for flexible use when needed.

Think About Lighting

Install in-floor electrical outlets to service floating furniture arrangements. If you have a small living room, think about wall lamps at either end of the sofa in order to avoid large end tables to accommodate lighting. There are countless lighting options out there - look around the find the best ones for your room.

Difficult Layout Solutions

Problem: Long room, entry at one end.

Solution: There’s no need to crowd; leave room for traffic and an entry drop spot. Cozy key seating pieces up to the fireplace facing each other. Use end tables as landing spaces on both ends of the sofa. Pair chairs to balance the visual weight of the sofa and to maximize seating.

Problem: No free walls, centered fireplace.

Solution: Float seating in the center of a room filled with doors and windows. Face chairs and sofa toward each other to encourage conversation. Anchor the conversation grouping with a rug and large coffee table.  Frame the space with additional seating and cabinets for storage, positioned around the perimeter of the room along the walls.

Using these great suggestions, you can have the great living room, with function, flow, and a focal point, that you deserve!

Go Window (Treatment) Shopping

For window treatments, simplicity meets minimalism with an emphasis on clean lines. No longer are heavy drapes with swags and jabots in style. The trend is much more tailored.

These are some of the looks trending for window treatments now.

Bold patterns: You can’t go wrong with fabric that is bold and bright. Geometric, trellis and large scale florals are used to make a statement.

Banding: Adding a simple band around your draperies give character to your drapes without going overboard on pattern. It creates a clean and sophisticated look.

Sheers: They are taking on a more decorative look with unique interwoven materials and embossed or printed patterns.

Roman shades: Always a favorite, you can go bold in pattern and color with this style of window treatment.

Longer, looser pleats: Pleats are getting softer and longer to create a contemporary look.

Wider Drapes: Drapes are getting wider and longer to make windows look larger. Velvet and silk will help emphasize this rich look.

Eco-friendly shades: The drive to be more earth conscious has made Eco-friendly shades popular. From grasses, sisal, reeds or bamboo, they create a unique texture.

Tone on Tone: If you like a softer look, choosing a fabric that is similar to the surrounding wall color will define the window without making it a focal point.

If you are around the Cincinnati area, a great source for all kinds of window treatments and more information is:

Affordable Blinds of Cincinnati: 

Wyatt Carroll, 513-317-8101

Just Picture It - Complete Guide to Hanging Pictures

The pictures and art that you put in your house are literally the face of your home. It seems like something so simple, some easy DIY, but the reality is that hanging pictures can be really complicated, both conceptually and logistically. How high should you hang them? How should you arrange a group of pictures? What if you mess it up and leave holes in your walls?

Never fear! Aiva is here to help! Here are expert designer and handyman tips to help you put your best face forward in any room:

Let´s take this step by step.

1. A Great Frame of Mind

• Think about the look of the room, the style and colors when choosing the type of frame you want. Wooden frames can be classic or modern, metal frames have a contemporary look, and plastic frames provide a straight-lined appearance.
• Choose photos or art that reflects your tastes and also enhances the room. Think about the colors in the room and the general feel you wish to portray.
• Prints, photographs, posters, drawings, and sometimes watercolor or acrylic painting can be framed alone or with a mat. Paintings on canvas are framed with a canvas stretcher (best done in framing or art shop). When framing artwork that requires a mat, specify a mat with 8-ply thickness; the increased depth can make anything look important.
• For photos that will be displayed together, consider having all the photos framed compatibly. The frames can be in various patterns of the same color or material and should all have the same mat color. Mixing wood-framed pictures with metal-framed pictures works best in an eclectic home. For a more formal look, try to keep the same color for all the frames. 

2. Making the Arrangements

• Don't go poking holes all over your wall before you really know what you want. If you're not sure how to arrange them, first make templates of your frames and hang them to see if you like it. Cut scrap paper to the size of the frame and mark the nail location on the paper. Using painter's tape, move the paper templates around the wall until satisfied. Then hammer the nail through the marks. Remove the paper template and hang!

• There are literally thousands of ways you can arrange your pictures, but here are 54 ideas to get you started:

• Here are some other designer rules of thumb about spacing to make sure you've done it just right:
• Don't put one little picture on a large wall. If there's not enough artwork to fill up more space on a large wall, consider putting mirrors or a shadowbox in the grouping. Conversely, don't overload a small wall with a large picture.
• Keep a minimum of 9 inches between the art and the tops of sofas and chairs
• When hanging a series of pictures together, keep the gap between them 2-2.5 inches to really utilize the wall space
• Always hang pictures with the mid-line at "eye level", or if you're not sure, 63 inches at the center above the floor is perfect viewing height for most pieces
• The perfect amount of space between a mirror or frame and the top of the mantle is 7 inches
• Don´t use mirrors in every room or over every mantle- mix it with artwork
• Don´t hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view

• Remember that pictures do not always need to be on a wall. Also consider resting pictures on shelving hammered directly on to a wall. Or display them on a plate rack in place of plates. Consider a bamboo, wrought-iron or wood easel to complement the room.
• There are lots of ways to enhance how pictures are displayed with picture nails and various knobs. You can also use an eye screw at the top of the frame and then dangle the frame from a wire or ribbon attached to a screw in the wall

3. Getting the Hang of It

• Don't Eyeball It - it takes just a few extra moments to measure, but a badly hung picture will be staring you down, mocking your negligence, for years to come. 
• Once you've measured, put toothpaste where you will want the nail to go. Then, press the picture to the wall where you want to hang it so that the toothpaste from the back of your frame sticks to the wall. 
• For physically hanging the pictures on the wall,  look for a picture-hanging kit at the hardware or home store. It will include everything you need. And keep in mind, the picture's weight will determine what size hook to use. For a very large picture, use two hooks.  For heavy decor, use wall anchors to protect you drywall.
• Try this method of creating a portable picture hanger to make sure you get it just right Picture Hanging Tip
• If using a drill or large screws, add a simple, folded Post-It underneath your marked hole to collect most of the dust made from your pilot hole
  
  

So there you have it- everything you ever needed to know to perfectly arrange all your wall decor. Use these tips and suggestions to make your home perfectly reflect how awesome you are.

Complete Area Rug Guide

Continuing our weekly theme of Furniture Arranging, we are now getting to the bottom of things, literally. You have learned how to arrange the furniture in every room of your house, but you are not done yet. You now need to bring the whole room together, and you do that with, (drumroll please) a great rug!

Thanks to Lisa Ferguson (www.lisafergusoninteriordesign.com), we have great tips for everything you need to know about rugs - what size to buy, what shape, where to put it, and material options. This is your quintessential guide for every room in your house!   

The Skinny on Rugs! The rules, the facts and the options…..

Where to begin?  The first step is to assess what fiber best suits your needs.  If the rug is meant for a high traffic area that is at risk for spills and stains, then you will require a low maintenance, easy clean option.  Once this is determined, the world is your oyster.  See below for the skinny on all things rugs….. I like to keep it simple! Enjoy..

THE RULES

Rule #1 Buy what you love; let the rug inspire the space!  Choose a pattern or a colour scheme that can set the mood

Rule #2 Scale -measure your space before you buy.  A small rug in a large space tends to visually shrink the room

Rule #3 Always! Always! Always!  Use a quality under pad. Not only does it add to the longevity of the rug, it cushions your steps; helps insulate the room as well as aids in noise reduction

Rule #4 Furniture should either fit the rug perimeter and or overlap the edge

Rule #5 Be open!  Be flexible!  Choose a rug with life.  Entertain the possibilities.  A rug that may look a little wild or bold in a monochromatic space can be a fabulous piece of art

Rule #6 Remember broadloom can be cut and bound for an inexpensive coordinate. You can choose the exact size you require vs. using the standards

The facts:

A simple guide to outline the various differences in fiber, cost, usage, and ability to clean:

Cotton-The least expensive, easy to clean, fibers are natural and soft.  Usually used as throw rugs and/or in low traffic areas such as bedrooms and baths

Wool- Mid-to-high price points; requires professional cleaning, Often used in living rooms and/or common low traffic areas

Nylon-The strongest synthetic fiber; easy to clean.  High static probability; therefore not recommended for commercial use or for an office.  Great for basements, family rooms, kitchens and dining areas.  Pricing varies, more than cotton, comparable to some wool

Polyester- Less expensive than nylon and wool. They are static resistant, very durable, and easy to clean

Olefin- Mid price; often used for indoor/outdoor application.  They can withstand moisture and are very durable.  Static resistant.  Perfect for patios, dining areas, front porches and even offices

Pile It On

The options:

Loop-They are just that – loops of fiber.  The most common example is Berber.  Very durable; however, a caution to pet owners, claws can damage the loops

Cut pile/Low pile- Rug threads are trimmed, cut pile is soft, and plush.  Quite durable. Downside is the pile can be crushed and or flattened.

Shag- Plush long threads, a great textural application.  Very comfortable.  A little high maintenance although it hides a multitude of sins

Sisal/Jute/Coir- Natural fibers.  Stains are a challenge.  Wears quickly.  They are not soft underfoot.  They offer amazing textural opportunities. NOTE**  If you love this look there are fabulous synthetic versions available

Flat weave- The weave is flat without pile. They are very durable and can be used in high traffic areas. (Example: A braided rug)

As you can see, there is no shortage of information relating to purchasing the rug of your dreams or finding a temporary inexpensive solution.  Do your homework.  Know what you are buying.  Love what you choose!

WHERE TO PUT IT

Now let´s talk about how you will arrange that great rug of yours in your space. Below are diagrams for all your rooms: 

Dining Room

Bedrooms

Living Room

Now you are fully equipped to arrange the perfect room you deserve.

Good luck!

Layers of Light

Layering light is important in the function and display of a room. Having different lighting options will allow you change the mood of the room to meet different functions. There are three main levels of lighting: general/ambient, task, and accent. Each play an important role in your home and should be found in every room.

General/ambient lighting: This type of lighting provides overall illumination. It creates a uniform light level that helps you maneuver through a space. Overhead can lights, wall washers and chandeliers are all examples of ambient lighting.

Task lighting: As the name indicates, this type of lighting is directed at a specific area to complete a certain task such as reading, cooking in the kitchen, or working at a desk. Under-cabinet lighting, table and desk lamps are examples of task lighting.

Accent lighting: Generally used to create ambiance and warmth to a room, this kind of lighting is used to accent certain areas. Adjustable recessed can lights and track lighting are used to draw the eye to a textural wall or piece of artwork.

We suggest you start with general lighting first and work your way to accent lighting to ensure each level is addressed. Think about the space and what tasks you will be performing. Include dimmers to allow you more flexibility with your lighting.

Color Code

Color is all around us and affects us in many different ways. Adding color to a design can strongly influence the feeling of the room.

There are three types of colors: warm colors, cool colors & neutrals.

The WARM COLORS, red, orange & yellow are energetic.

COOL COLORS have the opposite effect. Blue, green and purple are calming.

NEUTRALS are typically used as a background color. They help balance the more vibrant colors.

Here are some color interpretations to help you create the mood you want in each room of your home.

BLUE = Calm, Peaceful, Sad

PURPLE = Imaginative, Creative, Royal, Dramatic, Rich

GREEN = Growth, Earth, Prosperity, Tranquility

YELLOW = Uplifting, Hopeful, Warm

WHITE/IVORY = Pure, Clean, Simplistic

BLACK = Mysterious, Elegant, Bold

GRAY = Conservative, Elegant, Reserved

BROWN = Earthy, Natural, Warm

RED = Passion, Energy, Love, Anger

ORANGE = Happy, Lively, Enthusiastic

What's In Now

Each year, Sherwin-Williams publishes the Color Mix, a look at the trends in color palettes, and 2014 is turning out to be a great year! From delicate and translucent pastels, to bold colors inspired by nature and art around the world, you are sure to find your perfect shades. 

Click here to learn more:

2014 Color Pallette

Take it to the WALL!

Walls create the backdrop to our homes, so why would you want to leave them beige and void of texture? It is important for a home to have a few unexpected twists that make the space energetic and lively.

One easy way to do this is by dressing up your walls. Whether you choose a bold accent color or you want to add decorative wainscoting, these things can elevate your home to a great custom look.

What are some of Aiva´s favorite ways to decorate walls?

Wallpaper is a great option. There are so many wallpaper books out there with bright colors and bold patterns that would boost the design of any room. From matte to metallic, trellis to stripes, wallpaper is classy and can be styled to fit any type of home.

Paint is another easy way to add drama. Adding a bright pop of color will liven up a room and draw you into the space. Using stencils and tape to create a bold pattern on the wall gives you the same effect of wallpaper, but for half of the cost.

If you fall into the traditional category, wainscoting, beadboard, and picture frame molding with a chair rail are great options. This will add texture to your walls without being overly dramatic. Consider adding paint to the molding to infuse color into the space. Another idea we are loving is the use of reclaimed wood to create an accent wall.

But this is just the surface of thinking of your walls. Let's go a bit deeper...

Not So Dry Drywall

Drywall textures can be divided into two categories based on how they are applied.

Some textures are made by hand tools and are known as hand applied textures. Hand drywall textures vary based on skill level and techniques used. They are applied using special brushes, knives & trowels.

Spray textures are produced by a machine that sprays the texture onto the wall.

There are so many wall options, it may get overwhelming. This is a great start, and of course you can always call Aiva for great personalized ideas.