Hello there! It’s Sunday and Cindy, Annie and I have good things for you. Mine includes decorating solutions for a selected reader, a wonderful cake source that we had for my mom’s birthday, a good book, and more!
Reader Decorating Dilemma and Solutions
This is from Eleonore, a reader in Canada: “I need your help if possible. I moved from a large ranch home on an acre of land to a small townhouse. My house was a Spanish style with bright colours. After 30 years I needed a change. I have gone to the extreme…soft white. The place is small so the white makes it feel bigger. I was thinking of cream white sofa and chair, a patterned large rug because the flooring is so dark. I am not keeping the furniture that is there now. I wanted to use colour in the accent pieces. What are your thoughts?”
Well, of course, I have some thoughts 🙂 My mom grew up in Alberta, Canada and it can get cold! We need to warm this space up but still, keep it light and airy!
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The walls, floors, and lights are good. Here’s what I think we need to do…
- Use a bigger rug like an 8 x 10’…but measure so that all the front furniture legs at least are on the rug
- Floor to ceiling curtains will also warm up the room
- Add color with art and accessories
- Add texture, like the jute ottoman
- A wooden coffee table adds warmth and texture
- In a small space, every chair should be comfortable like dining chairs that can be pulled into the living room
Here are all the reader decorating solutions with sources…
And remember, if you are a subscriber, you can send in a decorating dilemma by replying to the email and you may be chosen. Try to be specific with a problem. I plan on doing one about once a month.
faux tree • leather chair • rug • sofa • side table • lamp • art • coffee table • ottoman • curtains • pillows • dining chairs • fruit bowl • gallery wall • lidded boxes
Note to Eleonore: don’t buy anything without measuring and taping furniture dimensions on the floor!
A Good Book To Read
The Beekeeper of Aleppo “This unforgettable novel puts human faces on the Syrian war with the immigrant story of a beekeeper, his wife, and the triumph of spirit when the world becomes unrecognizable”.
This book opened my eyes to the plight of the Syrian refugees. It makes the headlines real by telling the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and Afra, his wife, an artist…and how their peaceful lives are upended.
The 6 Trendiest Haircuts to Try Out This Year, According to Stylists
Most of these involve fewer trips to the salon… which has been the case for me (see #six on the list).
Amazing Cakes
My sister’s friend, John always finds the best desserts. So when he said he was getting a cake for Mom’s birthday…we knew we were in good hands. He ordered the cake sampler from Smith Island Baking Company. We got four different 1/4’s of a cake…so everyone got a different taste. My fave was the Red Velvet.
Hard to believe that my mom is 96 years old. She enjoyed the cake! We are heading back to San Francisco today. Hope you are staying warm wherever you are!
You may also like 6 Tips For A Casually Polished Living Room
Go check out what Cindy and Annie have for us…
Christine F says
I love my small living space, however I have been looking at it for 9 years! There are some pieces that have to stay but what can I do for a refresh? I need a fresh eye 👁
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’m sure I have blog posts for that. In fact if you sign up for emails…you get a checklist in your inbox.
cincy hattersley says
Great suggestions for your reader. I hope you had fun in Southern California. Those cakes sound dangerous but yummy!
Mary Ann Pickett says
They are great cakes!!
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy Birthday to your mom. Wow, that’s a milestone.
The cake looks delicious.
I like the downsized living room pics.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much for commenting, Karen!!
Paula Moreshead says
I really like your solutions for making that room warm, light, and inviting at the same time, especially the rug and coffee table but really, I like all of it!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Paula. I’ve seen the rug in person and it’s pretty.
Kelly says
Love the decorating plan! Will look forward to seeing more OC these in the months to come.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Definitely, Kelly!
Carol S. says
I love your recommendations for downsized comfort. That gallery wall really caught my eye!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Carol!!