Cultivate a fuller, more beautiful life at The Studio at K|D. Opening August 2023!
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THE ‘WHY’ BEHIND THE STUDIO AT K|D
We have had the privilege to work in some of the most amazing homes over the last three decades. We have fostered deep connections with numerous families and individuals, embarking on a shared journey to empower people with the art of embracing their homes to the fullest. This is why we decided to start The Studio at K|D!
The Studio at K|D is a testament to Julia’s unwavering passion for innovation and her steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of both loyal clients and the vibrant Tulsa community.
This new venture – sitting on five acres and conveniently located in greater Tulsa – gives us the opportunity to share with others the Kirkendall Design experience. The Studio at K|D will offer a broad range of interactive workshops and nature-inspired experiences, while also imparting invaluable knowledge on living life to its utmost potential.
THE STUDIO AT K|D OFFERINGS
Lifestyle Workshops Develop new skills, cultivate relationships and learn to live more beautifully.
Signature Events Host meaningful celebrations and signature events at our unique, intimate venue.
Photographer Memberships Receive exclusive access to The Studio, offered to a limited group of photographers.
Flower Farm Visit and shop our boutique, garden-inspired grounds in the heart of the city.
Artisan Gallery Experience curated artisan installations from local artists on a rotating basis.
The Studio represents the culmination of our journey, as we bring our expertise full circle. We are on a mission to inspire and empower others to cultivate fuller, more beautiful lives. We cannot wait to host all of you here soon!
The Studio at K|D officially opens August 2023. Be the first to hear about the grand opening and other upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter below!
Over the past 30 years, I have had the privilege to develop, design, and style many outdoor living spaces. It is often a follow-up request from clients after we have transformed the space in the interiors to continue the same “feel” on the exterior.
I always aim to create outdoor living spaces that are an extension of our clients’ homes. By incorporating elements of a client’s interior style, my team can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces that feel cohesive and inviting.
Personally, I draw inspiration for life, love, and design from the outdoors. Nature has always given me a sense of peace and clarity. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves in the wind or the sound of water flowing in a nearby stream, nature has a way of calming our senses and inspiring creativity.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve mood. Having a functional and beautiful outdoor living space can have a profound impact on your overall well being, which is why I love designing outdoor living spaces for clients.
Outdoor Living Essentials
The best outdoor living spaces have a certain magic to them. They have a way of drawing you in and inviting you to stay awhile. What is it that makes these spaces so special? It’s those “most loved spots” that everyone wants to be in. When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor living space, there are a few essential elements that every design should include.
Take a Seat, Stay Awhile
Comfortable seating is a must for any outdoor living space. Whether you opt for a cozy loveseat or a collection of comfortable chairs, make sure your seating is both comfortable and durable. Consider incorporating a porch swing or chaise lounge into your outdoor living space to create a peaceful spot for reading, napping, or just soaking up the sun. You can add some color and texture to your seating area by incorporating outdoor throw pillows and blankets.
Naturally Chic
The beauty of outdoor living is that you are surrounded by nature. Make the most of this natural setting by incorporating plants, rocks, and water features into your design. You can create a natural garden oasis with a variety of plants, trees, and shrubs, or add a water feature like a pond, fountain, or waterfall for a soothing sound.
Sky’s The Limit
An unobstructed view of the sky can be a breathtaking addition to any outdoor living space. Consider incorporating a pergola or other outdoor structure that provides some shade while still allowing you to enjoy the view above.
Gather ‘Round
Whether you are hosting a family barbecue or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, having a designated gathering space is essential for any outdoor living area. Consider incorporating a dining table, bar, or fire pit into your design to create a focal point for socializing and entertaining.
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Looking to transform your outdoor living space into a beautiful and functional extension of your home? We would love to help. Submit a design request today to get started on creating the outdoor living area of your dreams.
Great interior design tells the story of the people who live in that home. From the front door all the way to the more utilitarian spaces of the home, your home should reflect who you are and how you want your home to feel. This month, we are talking about bathroom styles while highlighting some of our favorite interior design projects in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As interior designers we are constantly asking ourselves, how can wetell the storyof your life through design? We have recognized bathroom designs that stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at our favorite bathroom styles that do just that. I’d love to know…which would you choose?
Fresh and Timeless
Bathroom styles that are fresh and timeless are all about choosing a combination of materials that feel both new and classic. You want your new bath to look new now–who could blame you? Yet, you also want it to look new in five, ten, even 15 years! In most cases we accomplish this by keeping the color palette neutral and choosing simple, ageless fixtures and patterns.
Your tile selection is a great place to add interest to your design. (We talked bathroom tile trends here last year.) You can keep it fairly neutral, so it doesn’t look dated anytime soon. But remember, if you love it and it reflects who you are–chances are you’ll always love it!
Mixing your finishes is another way to accomplish the fresh and timeless look. If you’ve chosen chrome fixtures, consider a black or wood mirror. Not only will it add visual interest to an otherwise calm space, but it helps avoid dating your design. Win, win!
Warm and Textural
In the room where one of your main focuses is to see how you look and will present yourself to the world, you should choose a palette that will aid in enhancing your beauty regimine. Warm and textural bathroom styles will help you look and feel your best while getting ready.
You can create warm palette bathroom styles by using stained or painted wood–it doesn’t really matter as long as you choose saturated tones. Choosing marble or quartzite can also make a big impact.
Another great way to bring in warmth is with wallpaper. We’ve sourced everything from earthy botanical prints to textured leather wallpapers (image above). Any way to bring in those warmer interior design elements will help create a cozy and texture-filled bathroom style. Not only will your room look great, but you will, too!
Relaxed and Refined
When a client is drawn to relaxed and refined bathroom styles, we hone in on creating the most serene setting possible. This means that simplicity, luxury and rejuvenation are at the top of our list when choosing each interior design element.
When creating a spa-like bathroom style, focus on choosing calming and fresh colors, fixtures, and surfaces. Each one should complement the other in a way that primes the room for a peaceful experience.
Moody Neutrals
Black is the new neutral. And, boy do I love dark and moody bathroom styles, or any room for that matter. I often have to talk clients into making this daring move. I’ve even bet a client I would pay to repaint it if she didn’t like the end result. However, I’ve never had an unhappy customer when all was said and done.
Truthfully, it doesn’t even have to be black. We recently used a coffee bean colored wallpaper (above) that still gives that dark, moody feel without being stark black.
Afraid to go dark? There are so many ways to introduce depth of color without using paint. Maybe it’s a white quartzite with an inky vein running through it. Or, a dark hide wrapped mirror for a little burst of drama.
Pops of Color
Throughout the years, we’ve done many colorful bathroom styles. There’s no better way to tell the story of who occupies a space than with bold color choices and pattern play.
In a recent new construction home project, we designed this perfectly pink bath intended for the owners’ granddaughters. From the floral wallpaper, to the patterned floor tile and pink accessories, this room screams little girls. If you want to keep the focus on the wallpaper, use a wall to wall mirror instead of a framed version. As you can see, we chose pink tile for the shower/tub wall and let the tile texture and pattern take center stage.
There is an art to mixing color, patterns, and textures in bathroom styles. When you do it well, (or with the help of an interior designer) it creates a fun and fresh look that maximizes your unique story and style.
Which of these bathroom styles is your favorite – classic and understated or the daring and bold designs? Tell us in the comments!
If you are planning a bathroom refresh or remodel, let us bring your design to life. Submit a design request to get the process started.
Recently, I stayed at The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. From the moment I walked in the door I was keenly aware of the accessories. Or, should I say how many of one particular accessory they had on display. Any guesses? Whoever said plants, you’re the winner!
Friends with benefits
Biophilic design is a hot topic in the design community. Essentially, it’s the practice of connecting design with nature. The one way to do this – and what I recommend – is to add houseplants to your accessories, just like I saw at the hotel in Dallas.
There are many benefits to incorporating plants inside. Houseplants have an abundance of homeopathic benefits. Incorporating a plant into your home adds a living organism in your room. They instantly bring in life, color and texture all of which can enhance and boost your mood.
Plants also give off oxygen, which can improve air quality and soak up volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We often think of VOCs coming from paint, but they can also be emitted from something as simple as your home printer’s ink and tone.
My Recommendations
To find houseplants in Tulsa, Southwood Landscape and Garden Center and Ted and Debbie’s Flower Garden carry some of the best houseplants out there. Both shops usually offer an exotic variety, too. If you’re using a plant as an accessory, often you need some visual interest, something really striking and different whether in shape or color.
Here are some of my favorite houseplants that are easy to care for and add visual interest. Click each plant name to see what they look like and start pinning ideas and inspiration for your next houseplant.
A couple of tips when it comes to using plants as accessories: First, before you pick your plant, find a nice cachepot you like the look of. Then find a coordinating size of plant. Remember you do not have to plant the plant- just keep it in the container it came in (that 4-to-6 inch pot you bought at the store).
Secondly, you may need to move your plant around the house from time to time. Perhaps you want the plant as an accessory for your bookshelf but it doesn’t get enough light there? That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have it where you want it. You just may have to let it spend a little time in a more sunlit part of your home.
Pro Tips
Most people know to water plants and perhaps even feed them, but were you aware you need to clean them, too? The leaves give off oxygen so if they are dusty, they won’t be able to get the CO2 they need. Don’t use a fancy cleaner. Simply take a wet rag and wipe them off. Or, if the plant has a very fine leaf you can even take it outside and use your blow dryer or leaf blower to dust off the plant.
Additionaly, if you’re going to be gone for a week or two, fill your sink with an inch or two of water and set your plants in it. They will self water as needed for the duration of your trip.
Surviving and Thriving
Not only will local plant nurseries help you find the perfect plant for your lifestyle, they can also be somewhat of a plant doctor. Take in a plant on its last leg and they can tell you exactly what’s wrong with it.
However, if you’d prefer to troubleshoot at home, there are several apps that can help you identify what could be wrong. We’ve used Planty, PlantSnap and Planta and had good results.
Above all else, don’t fret! Don’t overthink your next plant purchase. There’s nothing wrong with a good old five dollar plant from Trader Joe’s. If you kill it, you say goodbye, move on and buy another! The main thing is to enjoy the many benefits of bringing nature inside – one beautiful houseplant at a time.
We would love to help with your next home improvement project – no matter how big or small. Submit a design request.
The holidays are over and the decorations are all put away (or will be soon!) and your house feels a little blah, right? Understandable. January is always a month we want to give our interiors a little refresh. So, let’s talk about my favorite way to do this with accessories. I’m willing to bet you already have quite a few of these.
1) Conversational Pieces
The best accessories are the ones that define your own personal style and tell the story of you and your family. Using decorative pieces that have been passed down through a family for generations can add a unique and personal touch to a space. These items often have a rich history and sentimental value, which can make them great conversation starters when people see them displayed in a home.
Pro tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have any family heirlooms. Explore estate sales and flea markets for unique conversational pieces that have interesting histories or uses. As a rule of thumb, if you come across an item that you are drawn to, consider it a keeper.
2) Vase or Bowl
Vases can be filled with fresh flowers to add a pop of color and bring life to a space, or they can be left empty as a statement piece. Bowls can be used to hold fruit, serve as a catchall for keys and other small items, or simply be displayed as a decorative element. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and materials for a cohesive yet eclectic look. Grouping vases and bowls together can also make for a visually interesting display. When decorating with vases and bowls, consider the style of the room and choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic.
3) Small Art
Perhaps you have an artist in your family (lucky you!) but if not a great place to find art and make it memorable is to pick up pieces along your travels. It doesn’t even have to be a large piece. Get in the habit of picking up little 8x10s when you travel. They can be unframed prints or canvases and they make great little pieces to prop up in bookshelves to add texture and color.
4) Table Top Pieces
Every family has that one dish that is always used when a certain recipe is served. Maybe it’s the family turkey platter. Why not make it a display piece? Sometimes that platter can sit up in your kitchen and become an accessory rather than be stored in a cabinet only to be used once a year. Rethinking these pieces as accessories gives them a whole new purpose.
5) Cookie Jar
Special treats are naturally going to elicit special memories. My aunt has a large commercial sized mayonnaise jar that she always stores her homemade cookies and treats in. It’s nothing special, yet it’s still proudly displayed in her beautiful kitchen. These are things that are more sentimental. You can buy accessories anywhere, but using things that mean something to you makes your house a home.
6) Books
With more and more people switching to Kindles and reading on their iPads, book purchases have been on the decline. As a result, we’ve been seeing fewer books in people’s homes. But I’ve noticed a trend of people starting to buy books again, and I’m really happy about it. I think having actual books, even cookbooks, can add such a personal touch to a home. We often put a couple of really pretty cookbooks on the kitchen shelf when we’re styling a space. It fills it up nicely, adds some color, and gives a sense of the homeowners’ interests or travels.
7) Handmade Items
Handmade items often have a special meaning or story behind them and make a meaningful addition to your home. I have many beloved items in my home – one of them being a pig-shaped cutting board that my husband made as Christmas gifts for us and our siblings when we were newly married. Most of our siblings still display them in their kitchens. Recently, I visited a client’s home and saw that she had a similar pig-shaped cutting board. She told me that it was her most treasured item in her kitchen because it was so unique and well-loved. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community. There are many ways to find great handmade home accessories. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community. Local markets and art crawls are a great place to start, as you can often meet the makers in person and learn about their process and techniques. Online marketplaces and social media platforms, like Etsy and Instagram, are also excellent sources for finding handmade items.
8) Picture Frames
Picture frames are a great and personal accessory! I don’t know about you but I sometimes get tired of seeing the same frame and image sitting there. So, I have a box filled with framed pictures and I rotate them with each season or sometimes each holiday. It’s fun because my family enjoys them more that way, too. Even my two-year old granddaughter recognized her uncle from his senior picture–how fun is that? Printing pictures anymore is a novelty, so don’t forget to print your pictures and display those memories.
9) Blanket/Throw
A few months ago we were styling a client’s whiskey room and it was just missing something. Everything was dark, with clean, modern lines and so we added a soft throw over a leather chair and that was it! The texture and softness was exactly what the room needed to pop. We all use blankets so why not make them part of your decor?
10) Family Clock
This may be showing the old-fashioned Julia, but for years (during our grandparents’ generation) clocks were frequently given as gifts–perhaps for a wedding, anniversary or retirement. Sometimes they were mantle clocks or brass clocks under a glass cachet or even pocket watches. When I can find a clock in a client’s home I always use it. It’s just a great reminder of how precious time truly is.
Being an interior designer means you have to have excellent detective skills. Why? As designers, our job is to understand human behavior and figure out how people want to live; Then we create designs for that lifestyle. And, let me tell you, previous living patterns are constantly being rerouted to center around new environments within the home. Case in point: the home office.
For a long time, the communications center was the big trend. You walk in the door, drop your things down, and there’s a built-in desk with the computer and family calendar right in the kitchen. We aren’t seeing that as much now. People want a dedicated office space where you can actually WORK–imagine that! So, let’s take a look at what this space needs to function at its best…
A Multi-Purpose Space
The past decade or more has been defined by open concept living. But, now people are finding they need little spaces within the home to…well, get away from everyone! Whether it’s a place to pay bills, take a phone call, or work on homework, people need quiet workspaces. Sorry, Dad, the home office is now the family office. People simply don’t want to give up that much square footage in their house for a separate room for each of these tasks so you really need a space where all of these activities can happen. Essentially, a landing spot for working. One of my favorite ways to offer the most flexibility within the room is to opt for a table as a workstation rather than a traditional desk. Even better if you can either float the table in the room or have it coming out from one wall so you can get chairs on more than one side. This opens up multiple workstations so, for example, you can be working on your laptop while your child is doing homework across from you. This typically allows for a larger work surface–perfect for school crafts or assembling holiday cards!
Well Equipped
In order for a home office to function well in today’s day and age you need to make sure you have the right equipment. At the top of that equipment list is…you guessed it, the Internet! Connectivity is key. If your router isn’t located in this room and you are not able to get a strong signal, then you simply add a booster. I love Google Boosters and am often surprised how many people don’t know about them–you don’t need an AV guy, just add a booster and you’re set! When the weather is nice the last thing I want to do is be stuck inside my home office. I’ll often take my laptop to the patio, so I added a booster out there–and voila! Working from home is almost like being on vacation….well, almost.
Another must-have item is the wireless printer. If you don’t have one of these already, the next printer you buy should be wireless. It can be easily hidden away in a cabinet or closet and accessed only when you need it. This saves you from unsightly cords and yet another thing on your desk to dust and keep clean.
Work, But Make It Pretty
Office spaces tend to be smaller spaces so, like a powder room, we see it as a chance to do something a little bit more impactful and daring. Perhaps you want to use a color in this room or wallpaper. You don’t have to commit to painting or wallpapering the entire room, believe it or not accent walls are making a comeback—hello, ‘90s!
If you are painting woodwork, be careful to select a color you are NOT using in the kitchen otherwise you will feel like you’re still in the kitchen! Either paint cabinetry and trim the wall color or a new accent color to give this room its own signature.
Mix It Up
It’s perfectly OK to wear a shirt from Target and carry a Gucci bag. We are all about that at Kirkendall Design! So, why not do the same in your home? Mixing and matching styles and eras helps create fresh interiors that celebrate the past, present and future of design. Maybe you love your grandmother’s vintage dining table–use that as your desk! Top it with a lamp from Target and spend money on your rug and fabric to upholster a pair of chairs for either side of the work table. Try to reimagine spaces so they can incorporate things that have meaning to you and that will make the space uniquely yours.
Always look for unexpected material combinations that are intentionally collected. In other words, don’t just go buy the office suite of furniture from Mathis Brothers! When we design for longevity and create spaces that are ambiguous in era they stand the test of time so they may be passed down for generations to come.
Find Your Inspiration
People are pushing back against hustle culture, and rightfully so. As a result, rest and wellness is at the center of each design decision I make. Creating common spaces and peaceful vignettes within the home of our clients helps us tell the story of where people have been and where they are going.
All this gives us a sense of purpose and serves as a huge source of encouragement–especially important in a room where we may be doing something rather uninspiring to begin with (ahem, paying bills). I always try to incorporate a reminder of the past, present and future–this could be an object, a photograph, or even a piece of furniture. It causes us to remember where we are from and who got us here, not to mention who you are working for and where you are going. What could be more motivating than that?
I want to talk about kitchens this month, but rather than reiterate the trends I know we’ve already covered, I thought we’d have a little fun with the topic. While this is meant in jest, there actually is a method to my madness!
When designing a kitchen we always ask our clients how they plan to use their kitchen…what stage of life are you in and how do you want this room to function? If you’re not going to be cooking then maybe you don’t need to allow room in your budget for the big Wolf range. All this information helps us identify what that room truly requires to function at its best–after all, whether you cook or not, this will be the most used room in your house!
I also can’t help but remind you that the holidays are quickly approaching. So, as my present to you, I’ve included some gift ideas that may just help you check a few people off your list. I’m certain as you are reading this you will not only recognize yourself, but also think of some friends or family that fit these characterizations!
Without further ado, let’s see what your kitchen says about you!
Gourmet Kitchen
If your prep kitchen has a prep kitchen, I’m talking to you. You are a true foodie. Your favorite show is America’s Test Kitchen and you are always trying a new recipe. You need top of the line appliances (because, let’s face it, you actually know how to use them) and plenty of storage for all the latest kitchen gadgets and service pieces.
Get them: A gift card for a home organization service. The gourmand already has all the latest kitchen gadgets, but all those kitchen gadgets need a home! We recommend Stay Golden Organizing and The Hull Space to help get any kitchen in tip-top shape.
DoorDash Kitchen
Whether it’s a life full of travel, work or play, you live life on the go. Obviously, you need to order food on the go. Your kitchen doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. But you do need easy access to utensils, plates, and your favorite condiments. And, the only stocked fridge in your house is your beverage fridge.
Get them: Isn’t it obvious? A meal delivery gift card. Kidding (sort of) … leftovers are likely the only food in this kitchen, so give them something nice to put it in. We love this matching glass set.
Bougie Kitchen
You are very particular about your beverages. There is definitely a Vitamix lurking in this kitchen. If you don’t have a wine cellar in your house, then your kitchen has multiple wine refrigerators. You drink protein shakes during the day and graze on charcuterie boards for dinner. You love to entertain, but rarely set a table, and while you have a built-in coffee maker, you still love to go to Starbucks.
Get them: Buy them a beautiful cheese board (we love this one and this one) and have Charcuteray top it with a bougie spread for the holidays.
Meal Prep Kitchens
You cook, but only one day a week. You have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership to buy all those recipe staples in bulk. You need a workhorse of a kitchen with a full size refrigerator and freezer. While you love the efficiency of your meal prep recipes, you secretly live for eating out on the weekends.
Get them: When you spend that much time cooking, you don’t have much energy left for doing the dishes. Good thing the GreenPan skillet cleans up in a breeze and is totally non-toxic. I use mine every single day.
Family Kitchen
Your kitchen has zones. And it’s a good thing because you are not the only cook in the kitchen. Mealtime is your time to make memories and your kitchen has a place for everyone to be part of the action. Your double islands are always lined with helping hands and hungry mouths.
Get them: Everyone loves “make-your-own pizza night.” This pizza oven churns out one delicious pie after another. Talk about making meals memories!
Outdoor Kitchen
You know your way around a grill or live with someone who does. And you know that if the mess is created outside, it stays outside. Smart! You are always up for a party, preferably poolside. Your main dish is meat and the sides are simple.
Get them: These melamine plates look like the real deal, but they are completely shatter resistant. If you’re going to cook outside, you may as well eat there, too!
Assembly Kitchen
You cook, but only if the recipe requires five ingredients or less. You have kids, and probably more than two. At times you feel like a short order cook, but everyone in your house is fed and happy in between their 2,395 activities. You need an induction cooktop to boil water for dinner in minutes and a crock pot for days when you aren’t even home until dinner time.
Get them: A massage. No seriously, they probably need one. We love Yume Spa on Cherry Street and Ihloff Salon and Spa.
Grandkid Kitchen
At one time you were in the bougie kitchen. But now your pantry is full of goldfish, pretzels and fruit gummies. You have a bottom drawer dedicated to measuring spoons and tupperware that your grandchildren can play with and not get hurt. You still cook, but more often than not it’s cookies with your grandkids. And flour is everywhere.
Get them: Let’s face it, kids spill and go through a million cups a day. Grandparents need dish towels, and lots of them. We love these Geometry dish towels–they work well and come in a zillion cute designs.
In honor of American Business Women’s Day this month, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of the incredible women I have had the pleasure of meeting through the interior design industry. Of course there are many talented women in design, but these five women have served as an inspiration to me and I am grateful to have them in my life. Please take a minute to check them out on Instagram and consider following them if you feel inclined.
Traci Connell
Traci is one of the most talented and respected designers in the industry. She is known for her luxurious and elegant designs, as well as her philanthropic work within the Dallas design community. Our team took a trip to Dallas last year, where they got to meet Traci and see her work firsthand at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.
Bria is someone I’ve known for almost seven years and I am continually in awe of her creativity and bravery. She has an ambitious vision and is also very down-to-earth and easy to be around. She has been featured in Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living…just to name a few! Additionally she owns a delightful store, Brooke & Lou, which you can explore online here.
Christi is a force to be reckoned with. She and I share the same enneagram type– We’re both eights! She has more tenacity than anybody I know and I truly admire her for that. Additionally, she doesn’t take herself too seriously and will play with her food at fancy restaurants! Everyone needs that friend who provides much needed comic relief at times!
Staci is an immensely gifted interior designer who has also proven to be a masterful business owner. It is interesting to note that she never initially thought she would enjoy the business side of things, but she now leads a team of designers much greater than she ever dreamed possible. In addition, she has won multiple design awards. For all of my Oklahoma friends who bleed orange, Staci got her interior design degree from Oklahoma State University.
Last but certainly not least, Ginger is a remarkable friend who knows no bounds when it comes to love and kindness. This talented lady purchased an old firehouse, which she renovated into a design/event center now known as the Urban Firehouse. As you can imagine, she’s an incredible visionary, blazing (pun intended!) a path for interior design.
We use the term “great room” pretty loosely these days. To put it simply, it is the room that encompasses the biggest living space in the house. It’s also often connected to another room, such as a kitchen or eating area, making it even larger.
The funny thing is–I think the term “great” has less to do with its actual size and more to do with the fact that this room is so greatly used and greatly needed for all your family’s functions. Whether or not your room is large in size, the need for this room in the house is always great.
My first rule when it comes to great rooms is that it must function for everyone that will be using the space and it must do so ninety percent of the time. Whether you want a space to read, watch movies, play games or simply converse, that room should be able to function for all those needs and then some.
We often ask, “who lives in this house?” because the room has to function for everyone in the home–even the four legged inhabitants! Are they allowed on the furniture? If not, is there a space dedicated to them within the room? Conversely, if they are allowed on the furniture, will it withstand the wear and tear our little furry friends inevitably will create?
Are there sports lovers in your home? Believe it or not, what you’re watching helps dictate how your room should function, too. Football season in my home means the lights are on, windows are open, we are in-and-out grilling–there is more action, more eating, more pacing–it’s usually a very lively moment in our house! Allowing for this traffic flow when placing furniture in the room is a key factor to making it great.
On the flip side, movie watching calls for darker, cozier spaces. If you don’t have a separate more intimate room for TV watching in your home, then you need to find a way to create that ambiance whether it’s with drapery, dimmable lighting or simply cozy furniture selection and placement.
We recently had to move where our TV was because we couldn’t get enough viewing areas. A general rule is that the TV should be placed in the largest viewable area in your room. Frequently this is above the fireplace, because rooms often are already centered around this focal point. But, if this is not the case in your home or you don’t have a fireplace in the room, you may have to place it on a side wall so you can accommodate enough seating around it.
The list of possible needs in a great room goes on and on. From toy storage needs, both for new parents and grandparents alike, to a space to study or work puzzles, the key to making this room truly great is identifying the needs for the space and planning solutions into your design.
Now that you’ve identified the needs of the room, you can start planning the layout of the room. Think about the room’s flow and (no surprise here!) how the room needs to function.
Start with seating selection and placement to ensure there is not only enough seating but also the right kind of seating. Think about the needs of those using the room and the room’s walkways or traffic patterns when determining where the seating should go within the room.
Perhaps you have family members who struggle to get out of deep seats or those with a medical need to keep their feet up. One of my favorite items of furniture to include in a great room is an ottoman. It serves so many purposes from a foot stool to extra, easily moveable seating–it’s the greatest seat in the great room!
Next, think about tables in your room and their purpose–from coffee tables to game tables to end tables–where will these pieces be most useful to those in the room? Consider where people will want a place to set a drink down, or play a game or simply have a space to set their phone down.
Finally it’s time to ground the room with a rug and address lighting. Look at the four corners of the room and make sure the light is distributed evenly in both daytime and evening. Maybe you need to add a table lamp or reading lamp depending on how you desire to use the various spaces within the room.
Last but not least, I always try to think about the five senses when I am designing a room:
SIGHT: Is the furniture placed well? Is the room too cluttered? Is there enough visual interest?
SMELL: Bring in some natural oils or a candle or something that can give a fresh smell to the room so it doesn’t get stale.
HEARING: Make sure you have a good sound system for those game days and movie nights.
TOUCH: Layer various textures in your room and add an element of coziness by incorporating pillows and throws–perfect for snuggling up to a good book or show.
TASTE: If this is a room for gathering, chances are you will be eating in here too. Don’t forget about performance fabrics to guard against inevitable spills, whether it be the cheese from the game day nachos or red wine from the holidays.
When you have all those boxes checked, rest assured the room is going to be pulled together. But remember, the fact that you’ve thought about every possible need for every person (and pet!) that will use the room–that is what will truly make the room a great room.
I can’t tell you how many of my clients have moved in the last year—I’ve lost count! And with a new house, of course they want and often need new furniture.
Sadly, with all the shipping and supplier issues we are seeing, wait times are now up to six months or more! Additionally, manufacturers have whittled their lines down to fewer options in order to meet production demand. The right furniture for your space may not be in that limited line.
To put it simply, “new” is just not as reliable as it once was. When people are moving or looking for a change, they need to be able to refresh their old furniture to make it look new again. And I’m going to show you how…
Rework, reupholster and reuse
When it comes to upholstered goods, I always say, ‘a frame is a frame is a frame.’ If you have a sturdy, hardwood frame sofa, it can be rebuilt to look like any sofa. Sure, it’s going to be that size, but it can have rolled arms or straight, a tufted back or cushions, modern lines or curves–you name it!
We used to say it was more economical to buy new. Anymore, you’re probably going to spend the same amount either way, but when you rework and reupholster you don’t have to wait nine months.
While I admit this trend in my business was born out of necessity and demand, there are some benefits I absolutely love. First, we are able to use our talented artisans for this work and keep those dollars local.
Second, it’s nice to be a little more sustainable in this field. In the past it was always, “out with the old and in with the new,” whether it was driven by trends or something like a move. Now, we are using more of what we have and repurposing those items, instead of just adding to a landfill.
Case in point
Casegoods are no exception to this trend. Our design team is always looking at how we can take something old and make it fresh and new again. We may consider changing a finish, updating hardware or taking out glass in doors and adding mesh panels. Just updating the look of a piece and using it in a new way is something we are doing now more than ever with our clientele.
If you don’t already have that perfectly well made piece–it does not mean you can’t have it. If something has good bones you can usually find it in a resale shop or somewhere online like Facebook Marketplace.
We recently moved a client into a new home and barely purchased anything. This particular couple, now in their 70s, remembered some swivel barrel chairs that they had when they were newlyweds. Of course it’s a style that is now popular again and we all love, but they really liked that particular chair. So, she got online and found someone who had two, shipped them here and we reupholstered the pair. They’re exactly like what she had years ago, but in a new fabric that she loves–talk about coming full circle!
But, can it perform?
While we are on the topic of reupholstering, I want to mention performance fabrics. As designers, we have been inundated with information about these fabrics for years, so I’m always surprised when clients don’t know about these options. I had a client in absolute shock that she could spill red wine on her sofa and not stain it!
Most important to note is how far performance fabrics have come in the last five to seven years. They don’t feel like steel wool anymore–they’re actually comfortable! They also have more patterns, more color selections, and even more available types of fabrics–virtually anything from leather to velvet.
Whether it’s protection from spills, crayons, sun or weather, there is a fabric that is able to withstand that threat. So, when you’re considering repurposing and reupholstering that old sofa or chair, don’t forget to look at performance fabrics.
Tell your story
We are always nudging clients to recognize that every home has its story. It should say something about you, what stage of life you’re in, where you came from. We gather all this information when we first meet with clients so we understand who they are, what their story is and how we can make their interiors reflect that.
Adding a piece of furniture that has history in your family, whether it’s your history or even beyond you, brings a certain solace to a room…it speaks more about who you are. Think of it as something that grounds the room and gives it some meaning.
If you love your old dining set, but think it looks too formal or dated, consider using a more modern chair with the old table. There are plenty of easy additions such as art, lighting or even a new rug that can seamlessly blend old pieces with new yet still hang on to those items that tell your story.
We think each design should be as personal as your own signature. Incorporating old pieces in new designs is such an easy way to bring character to your home. So, don’t be afraid to hang on to pieces that mean something to you! After all, it’s part of your story.
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When a client is drawn to relaxed and refined bathroom styles, we hone in on creating the most serene setting possible. This means that simplicity, luxury and rejuvenation are at the top of our list when choosing each interior design element.
