Today I can introduce my best friend from 27 years!! Well, in a way. Introducing best friends from the three biggest “problem areas” of 27 years, and suggesting “no reno” that she will be meeting you for the first time 🙂 She and her husband bought this house about four years ago (with their sweet boy). There wasn’t much of a thing as the house was completely wonderful and livable, so it again gave birth to a baby who took up most of their time and concentration. They replaced the floor (after a very wild slab leakage situation), smeared existing cabinets and removed the aquarium in the middle of the house (I wanted to do it as soon as possible!). This brings us up until now. They are not yet in a place where they want to invest heavily in changing aesthetics. But they have some areas that they want to look a little better. Naturally, I asked if I could post ideas for these areas on my blog. With her permission, let’s reach our first problem area…
Loading accent partition wall (officially known as the “aquarium wall”
Is that actually an aesthetic issue? It’s definitely not. Was it when there was an aquarium with that square hole? I’ll leave it to your own preferences, but they didn’t love it. Ideally they would have put the entire wall down, but of course they are under load. This is their solution and it is totally fantastic. But she/they don’t love it, so here are some ideas I have.
My main idea is to give me a little more character with some wood accents, some different lighting, and art that’s not their beautiful family, as I am a monster. I promise there will be three other spots in this room with great family photos.
Blue Farm Valley Print | Plant I Print | Anders Porcelain Sconce | Lescletes white textured vase
My suggestions above are visually expressed (I am the best I can :)). Their home style leans towards modern tradition, so creating a simple wooden frame in the hole and matching shelf for the lower section will instantly add warmth. Mixing wood can be difficult, but as long as the undertone works on the flooring, it works beautifully. Of course, I consulted Julie (EHD alum designer) and she suggested replacing the can light with a mini flush mount! I loved the idea and came up with something like that These porcelain foci The brass base looks really nice, but it’s not overwhelmed visually. My sweet nephew is now 5.5 years old That big carved vase It probably needs to be fixed to wood somehow. We raced a lot of “Aunt Jessica, I’m trying to catch me” races around this partition. We’ve never broken anything, but you can never be sure! Also, since he is young, he needs to have easy access to his toys and books, so they should remain on display. Finally, let’s talk about art. Of course, these are not exactly the exact pieces she should buy in itself, but I like the idea of really raising the scale and making them very intentional. To be fair, I have a massive artistic obsession. I chose That particular landscape Because their cross-section sofas you can’t see are bright peacock colours. And to keep things on the calm side, That neutral plant print It might be a good option.
Plant I Print | Detailed brunch illustration
Below are two other art composition options: The one on the left was just an idea if they still wanted to keep art out of the “race zone” but still grow. Basically, the higher the better. The one on the right is if you prefer one longer piece over two short pieces. Furthermore, Julie said the good thing about getting just one, splitting “two pieces of art next to two wall boxes.” But again, I love seeing pictures of their family on the wall, so if that’s what they want, that’s what I want 🙂
In Problem Area #2!
A little random built-in
In an ideal world, we all agree that knocking out this structure is stylistically optimal. But for now it’s pretty destructive, more money than you feel you’ll feel like spending, and you’ll need more flooring ($$) and a new furniture store ($$).
Honestly, I was most confused by this until I asked Emily. Soon, she said, “They need to add shelves and make them like a bar.” Ah, Jess! For some reason, it didn’t even happen to me. Design is team sports, people. Here’s my (and Emily’s) suggestion:
I also think you will need to install 2-3 floating shelves to display glassware, vases, small art, etc. Also connect it to the aquarium hole and install the same mini flush mount (or if you want something different, but I think it’s all brass). I think using the same wood as the boundary of the aquarium hole, I think it will seamlessly connect the two areas. If you’re confused about what I mean when I say wood covers, my dad made me a wood cover countertop in my last apartment kitchen! I don’t think this requires a backsplash 🙂
This is Emily’s kitchen bar area and my inspiration 🙂
Anders Porcelain Sconce | Modern Ball Brass Gallery Shelf Rail
Tada! My photoshopping skills are not perfect, but I can get ideas. I chose More modern brass rails To better match their style with the house, but I really like this! When I showed Julie she made the important point that the shelves might be a little longer so that they don’t need center support. If that turns out to be true, they can find a way to cut through the glass and drill holes (I’m not entirely sure how it works), or potentially install the shelves with rods coming from every corner ceiling. It’s a future puzzle to understand if they want to do this or not. Shall we see how useful I am?
Last but not least, it’s important…
Underutilized front pouch
There is their “porch” fronted by the artwork left behind from their previous owners. As their son is “constructing” here, mom and dad want to have a good-looking area to sit and hang while chaos is occurring. Plus, it’s a rather large and underutilized area! This is my idea…
The truth is said, I don’t know how they feel about the art of iron walls. My prediction is that it’s not their style, so I say I’ll beat it. Then add a nice closed storage cabinet for all “construction tools” and other front outdoor items. Next, refill it with some plants (real or fake, leading to them) and other decorations.
Modica Sideboard | Fake pot tropical tree | Bone Round Terra Cotta Planter | Decorative Outdoor Lantern (Set of 2)
This is what I imagine. now This work Technically it’s not an outdoor sideboard, but there aren’t many good ones that aren’t over $2k. What a hole in the market! They live in Southern California and feel like this space is covered… maybe that’s okay? after that That big potted plant It’s a fake, but it looks very beautiful in the photos! Plus, if possible, I want to avoid adding another creature for my friends 🙂 It also goes well with other, more tropical, real plants they have in their front yard. One more It’s actually just a pot, but I think a similar plant is perfect. I also love the planter textures and patterns. I think it is the same Some metal lanterns It will look very beautiful. These don’t have glass so there’s no stress about a bit of construction workers knocking them and hurting themselves.
Now let’s talk about the seating area. As you can see, this love sheet is fine, but I’ve seen a better day. Imagine another future.
Wooden love sheet with outdoor wicker and acacia | Indoor/Outdoor Throw Texture Pillow | Dartford Geometric Sunbrella® Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow (Set of 2) | Concrete outdoor side table | Solar lantern outdoor chandelier
vision! The seat cushion is almost always more comfortable, but she wears it very quickly (even in Southern California) and I hate it. So This sweet and affordable woven love sheet It could be a great alternative. It works in the style they/I do for them lol. And by adding some cute outdoor pillows, we’re adding comfort. Like Emily, my best friend is a blue lover, so I give her a little blue pillow. And what seating area does not have a side table for you to enjoy coffee or “coffee” while your child digs holes in the soil? This table It may be a bit modern for her, but if I didn’t push her stylist, would I be my best friend? I’m afraid not. Then, for a small functional decoration to look at, I found it This wonderful solar woven pendant To bring a little more dimension and light. It’s 12 inches in diameter, so it’s also a great size!
Ok, we’re done! I hope this is fun to see real-life solutions for real homes. If you have any ideas, leave it in the comments! But don’t forget that this is my best friend I love more than life itself. Therefore, only constructive/kind comments are permitted 🙂 Also, thank you for letting me put her home on the internet. You’re the best
Love you and it means it.
Source: Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
