THE RIGHT MIX
Dear Designer,
I moved into our beautiful new home 5 years ago. The home is a brick, classic and timeless house that fits well into our older neighborhood. My furniture from my old home functioned in the spaces very well and worked well to delay the cost of new furniture on top of the cost of the new home. It is now time to start the process of designing the living/dining room. Our existing furniture is traditional in darker wood. The designs are classic, a few of the pieces will be staying in the room. They represent my history and I do not want a room that looks all new and perfect. The look, that you do such a beautiful job displaying in your magazine is what I am looking to do. What are the design principles to help guide me in finding the mix between new with good energy and older family pieces?
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Love that you are incorporating your cherished family pieces in your new home. How exciting to give these treasured items a new chapter. I would first ask you to start with your thoughts about the paint colors and the overall palette of the rooms where your are beginning this process. This would definitely be a place for opportunity to lighten up these spaces and then anchor them with the rich warmth of your darker and more traditional pieces. Following the paint colors, you might move to think about how you may incorporate lighting, art and fabrics that highlight the new direction that you want to take the spaces. Are you wanting to add a modern edge, a whimsical feel or even a fresh take on the classic traditional bones of your home? Once you have a piece of art or even a fabric choice that really sets the stage, you can work from there to complement and coordinate but not “match” as you layer in more pieces of art, furniture and even more fabrics or pattern. Most of all have fun, take you time and strive to make lasting choices that you will enjoy for years to come.
Sincerely,
Shannon
Interior Designer and MILIEU Editor-at-Large
RUFFLING FEATHERS
Dear Designer,
What is the best ratio for down and feather sofa cushion? Upholsterers keep trying to push me to foam with a feather wrap and it is not the same. I want the old time down and feather mounded cushions!
Kind Regards,
Susan
Dear Susan,
This is a great question and I too love a good down and feather cushion! I work with a custom upholsterer and our recommended ratio is 75% feathers / 25% down. If you use too much down, you will sink too far into your cushion.
Sincerely,
Pam
Interior Designer and MILIEU Founder & Editor-in-Chief
A GREEN THUMB
Dear Designer,
This primary bedroom has 2 windows with white wood blinds. Window treatment advice? It has a 4-poster bed with linens that are green and white with fern-like prints and a botanical nature duvet color. The room has an Armoire and two bedroom “dressers”. It is on the main floor of the home. What to choose for floor covering? It has wall to wall with no hardwood underneath. Ceiling fan - we live in the South. I love ferns so that is my driving design element. The walls are BM White Dove. Your thoughts?
Thank you
Deidre
Dear Deidre,
Thank you for writing in and sharing the details of this primary bedroom with nature in mind. For the window treatments, you could add curtain panels. I found the “Creeping Fern” fabric in Moss (#75452) by Schumacher that could possibly be fun with your existing fern-like prints. If you do not want to use a pattern, I would suggest a white linen.
For the floors, you will want to remove the existing carpeting and replace it with wall to wall seagrass with padding underneath. This will go nicely with your love of ferns and staying cool in the south.
Sincerely,
Pam
Interior Designer and MILIEU Founder & Editor-in-Chief
THE STRAW THAT DOESN'T BREAK THE CAMELBACK
Dear Designer,
I have inherited my Grandmother’s camel back sofa. What are your recommendations for giving it a modern update? What kinds of pieces should I pair it with in a living room setting?
Thanks for your guidance.
Carissa
Dear Carissa,
I think it is wonderful to work with your family pieces. What I recommend for a more modern day look is to slipcover the sofa in the fabric below, and, add these pieces (sources are linked) for an updated and cohesive living room setting. Since the fabric is neutral, you will be able to accessorize in any colors to tie it together with your home.
Pam
Interior Designer and MILIEU Founder & Editor-in-Chief
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