Space Planning Archives - Satori Design for Living

Tips for Moving Forward on a Decorating Project

Jan

2013

This week I met with a client who has wanted to redecorate her living room for over a year, but hasn’t been able to make any decisions to actually move forward with the project. As part of her new year’s resolution to finally be able to enjoy the space, she recognized a need for assistance, and that’s where I came in.

Turquoise Living Room {via}

Meeting for the first time, she had a file folder filled with magazine clippings, paint swatches, and a list of ideas for the space. I prefer when clients have carefully thought about how they want to use a room and what their overall vision is. However, in many circumstances, over thinking can lead to everything staying the same for long periods of time, all because of the fear of making a mistake or a wrong decision. On a whim is never a good idea when it comes to decorating, but taking too much time to ponder can be even worse.

After seeing the space, gathering the information I usually do on a first visit, as well as looking through the contents of the file folder, I was able to get a pretty good sense of what she’s after. We’re meeting next week to go over the plan, and I’m confident she’ll be enjoying her new living room in no time. Sometimes all it takes is fresh eyes to put it all together and come up with a clear vision for the space- a plan to get from A to B (or Z depending on the scope).

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Client Bedroom Design for Small Space Living

Jun

2012

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I recently completed a bedroom design plan for a young couple living in the city. As often is the case with condos, this space was tight and had bulkheads, columns and heating vents running all over. Storage was also a major concern. After meeting with Tanja and seeing the space, I could see why she was having difficulty putting a furniture and decorating plan together given all of the challenges.

These are a few of the requirements she gave me:

Neutral scheme with some pops of bold color
Serene, somewhat modern, with a nod to vintage
Considerations for resale within the next few years
Budget-friendly

Mood Boards

One Room, Two Looks

Mar

2012

14 Comments

Following the completion of a sunroom E-Design for one of my clients a month or so ago, I was asked to create a plan for the bonus room as well. Similar to many scenarios I see time and time again, Patty had purchased new furniture pieces and a few decorative accessories, but she didn’t feel like the room was coming together and it seemed, as she put it, ”kind of blah.” The main purpose of the bonus room was a place for Patty’s teenage daughter and her friends to hang out in. It also served as an occasional sleeping spot for her family when they visited. She wanted this space to have a more contemporary and fun vibe than the rest of the home, but still be classy and comfortable enough for everyone to enjoy.

After receiving photos, samples (paint swatches, carpet, furniture fabric, etc.), as well as written information about the room, I realized that Patty needed elements that would tie the room’s finishes, her furniture selections and accent pieces together. Although the furnishings were fantastic stand alone pieces, the overall look of the room was disjointed. In addition, some of Patty’s original purchases included red accessories, but she was open to any color suggestions.

What I decided to do was create one general plan along with two different color scenarios. I started using Olioboard as a tool for putting mood boards together and it made completing this task much easier. (I’m quite new to Olioboard and I’m definitely in the learning phase. However, after only trying it for a short while, I’m hooked and will be using it moving forward.) The first scheme I put together incorporated the red décor items Patty had previously purchased and the second option included turquoise.

Client Sunroom Design

Mar

2012

10 Comments

I recently completed an E-Design for a client who built a new home in the country. Let me start by saying that after looking at the gorgeous photos and specs of this home, it was definitely a project I wanted to take on. Patty contacted me a short time after she and her family moved in. She found that some of the furniture wasn’t working in the new space and the room lacked cohesion and that wow factor. We decided to start on the sunroom first, since it seemed to be the biggest challenge and was a room the family wanted to spend a lot of time in.

These are a few of the requirements Patty gave me:

Decorative elements to make the space look finished
Comfortable seating for reading or conversing
Work with the existing colors in the main living areas of the home (open to the kitchen)

Mood Board

After seeing the sunroom design, I’ve been given the green light to move on to the next area of the house- the bonus room. This space is where Patty’s teenage daughter and her friends hang out. I think it’s going to be a fun design!

Case Study: Fall Inspired Family Room

Nov

2011

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The Clients

After meeting with my clients to discuss their family room and check out the room’s specifications, I knew this plan was going to require some careful consideration. The family had already ordered a sectional from Restoration Hardware (a big ticket item) and wanted to use the side board they inherited from a grandparent in some way or another. I had previously created a plan for Phoebe’s home office, so I had a pretty good sense of her design style. Although I was given a significant budget to work with, this room had to incorporate the whole family and a lofty wish list. I knew it would be somewhat of a challenge.

These are a few of the requirements they gave me:

Kid-friendly materials
Warm and cozy atmosphere
Multi- functional for gaming, TV watching, reading and other family activities
Comfortably seat 4 with room for more
Ample storage
Classic, yet color-infused

Mood Board

Are You and Your Home Speaking the Same Language?

Oct

2011

3 Comments

I have a confession to make. I don’t always practice what I preach. I am the biggest advocate for creating a home that nurtures your most contented self. In fact, my career involves helping people do this on a daily basis. In a sense I’m like the shoemaker. It’s not that my home is a total disaster. There are rooms I absolutely love being in and most areas are properly organized. However, I don’t feel greeted when I open my front door and, although my kitchen is washed in beautiful sunshine most days, I don’t have the gourmet aspects I crave- yet.

I used to tell myself my next house would be the one I’d really make into a home. This house was only temporary and I didn’t want to sink a bunch of time and resources into it. It was okay that it didn’t reflect our family and that it wasn’t my dream home, because I would have that in my next house. How many times have you told that to yourself?

“A house is made with walls and beams. A home is made with love and dreams.” ~Author Unknown

It wasn’t that long ago that I realized how much our environment can affect our lives and how the state of our homes can represent something much deeper. For instance, an unfinished room can indicate something left undone in the past, such as a relationship that ended suddenly. Every time you enter this room you get a wave of negative emotions that can alter your mood for the day. This down feeling is something I experienced every time I entered my office. It is a room that is mostly for ME, so it was at the bottom of my to-do list for a long time. Then I had a revelation- this is the room I spend the most waking hours in. Shouldn’t it be beautiful? Now, with only a few finishing touches left to go, I enter each morning with a smile on my face, stay much more focused and organized, and best of all, totally inspired. (I’ll be blogging about the transformation soon.)

By tapping into your instincts and noting your reactions, you too can create beautiful rooms that nourish your eye and nurture your soul.

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Filed Under: Decorating, Life Tagged With: Making Changes, Mood Board, Space Planning, Space Psychology

Case Study: Classic Living Room Design

Sep

2011

1 Comment

The Client

After reviewing my client’s detailed questionnaire, room photos and specifications, as well as getting to know her better via email, I knew this living room design needed to be classic, with a nod to nature. These are a few of the requirements she gave me: