skip to main content

Organizing the Home Home Decorating Design Dilemma

Storage/design help

last year

last modified: last year

Moved in recently to new build home. Brought old furniture from our smaller home and the area looks scarce. Looking for ideas for accent chairs and storage solution for kids toys. Was thinking the Ikea kallax system in black with drawers/cabinets/baskets. Also need to add some colorful decor pieces throughout but can't decide on color theme. Any help, direction is appreciated, no clue what I'm doing when it comes to decor and design, feeling lost. Was thinking built-ins but windows next to fireplace and piano make things seem unbalanced

Comments (9)

M N
last year
1st, the kitchen is beautiful! 2nd, definitely add cabinetry on both sides of the fireplace. That will add storage & more style to the room. The extra storage can hide the toys! 3rd, add an accent chair opposite the sofa. 4th, add curtains. 5th, add wall decor. Another tip is to try something out for a week. If you don't like it then try something else for a week. You have a beautiful space! Enjoy.
Lyn Nielson
last year
a larger area rug.

I would spin the sectional so the largest side backs up to the kitchen area.

I'd put the piano where that mirror and table are...

fill the fireplace wall with enclosed storage, a built-in to unify the space with the fireplace.
Related Discussions
Kitchen Storage and Design Dilemma
Q
Comments (18)
Wow! I think your kitchen has a lot of cabinets, more than my second house had and we had a similar problem. We built a pantry closet on the wall where your cart is about 15 inches out form the wall. The microwaves were deeper then and we used the stud space to increase the depth of the pantry by about 3 inches so that it was 18 inches deep. You could do less if needed depending on microwave you choose. My husband put in shelves according to our needs and installed doors on the top and bottom. That pantry was a lifesaver. That could be a very cost saving solution. The less deep you do it, the wider you can go. Use boxes to get a feel if the pantry would work there. If you were able to move your doorway to the DR and move your fridge to the cart wall and flank it with a pantry on one side and a cabinet with on the other side, that would be nice. It would really help if you drew your layout on graph paper with door cabinet walkway measurements listed.
...See More
Laundry Room Storage/Design HELP
Q
Comments (5)
Having baskets up there would allow us to use the whole depth. And then could put cabinets under the machines. hmm....
...See More
HELP! Small nook + needing storage = impossible design task!
Q
Comments (21)
from the little pink stool in one of the pictures, I'm guessing you have at least one small kid? maybe I'm wrong, but if you want to hide the stuff, but dont want a door, could I suggest a curtain? it would be easier to get in and out of and easier to install and more temporary than a door. just an idea.
...See More
Fireplace and Media Storage/TV design help!
Q
Comments (3)
I hate corner FPs too. You will need to see how much it will cost to remove and redo a FP on thet wall where you have the TV now. Is the FP gas now? I agree about the need for storage since IMO all those toys need a home I do not think TV above a FP is a good plan but I guess I needt o know if this FP is a must for heating or only for looks . If the latter then look at elecric FPs more linear and then the TV coulld go above and still be at close to proper viewing height. Look at Besta from Ikea it is perfect for this application if you go electric IMO if you want that TV then the FP is a no go . How long it that wall that would be helpful. I am not sure how old the childs is but those large plastic ply things belong in a space not in the LR so maybe pull one out for playing and then it goes away at night all the little stuff can have a home in the Besta storge that can go under the TV and even have a bit of display if you wanted.These are 2 options that would work
...See More
decoenthusiaste
last year
Agree with Lyn above; piano should be where the mirror/table are. Do you have room for those in the foyer? You need the right sized rug. I would put a pair of matching storage credenzas on either side of the fireplace with TV above the one near the window and on an articulated arm or a swivel base so it can be toggled to face the sofa, which you should turn with the larger portion to the kitchen. Credenza should be 25% wider than your TV is. Do you have room for that on either side? Add art above the second credenza.
Toronto Veterinarian
last year
Don't tuck the piano in a corner - it will never get used there! I agree - where the mirror is would be a better spot.

I'm a big fan of Ikea's Kallax cubbies/drawers, especially for a more casual living space filled with kids toys and things. They last a long time, are hard to damage, and don't cost a lot. One would fit perfectly where the piano is now.
ptreckel
last year
I believe that your upright piano should be placed on an inside wall for optimal performance. Matching storage cabinets flanking either side of the fireplace will be a nice way of balancing things out and storing toys, etc. I would take the tv off the mantle and put it on the left side where the piano is now located (for less glare) on an articulating arm. And center the sectional with the longest portion facing the fireplace. A console behind it with a lamp on it will bring layered light to the room. A larger rug and some more chairs for seating….done! Lovely home!
Ehab Saad
Original Author
last year
Thank you all for the input. I'm having some quotes for built-ins during the week. My concern, since we extended the kitchen cabinetry to span the whole wall, and we're adding cabinetry on the fireplace wall, will that seem like overload? Should I look at separate furniture cabinet pieces instead?
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
IMO 2 lower cabinets for storage mount the TV at the proper viewing height above one and a nice piece of art above the other the TV is way too high where it is I like Besta from Ikea for this type of use then the piano where you have the console table and make the kids put their stuff away at the end of the day
Ehab Saad
Original Author
last year
What do you guys recommend for above the fireplace if I have tv and art above the 2 storage cabinets?
decoenthusiaste
last year
Wall sculpture.
Living room · More Info

Shooting for Ron Tremblay Design · More Info

Winged Flight Brushed Brass Wall Sculpture · More Info

Crescent Copper Wall Sculpture · More Info

Whimsy Forest Wall Sculpture · More Info

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

DECORATING GUIDES Got a Problem? 5 Design Trends That Could Help

By Becky Harris

These popular looks can help you hide your TV, find a fresh tile style and more

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

BATHROOM DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Clearances, codes and coordination are critical in small spaces such as a powder room. Here’s what you should know

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements for a Dream Bedroom

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Learn the dimensions that will help your bed, nightstands and other furnishings fit neatly and comfortably in the space

LOFTS Designer Helps a Couple Adjust to Loft Living

By Becky Harris

A careful balancing of refined and industrial touches creates an inviting home in downtown Milwaukee

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Home

Architect Steven Randel has taken the measure of each room of the house and its contents. You’ll find everything here

Help Me Design My Wine Cellar - Please!

Sponsored

T. Walton Carr, Architects

Franklin County's Preferred Architectural Firm | Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

best shelves for books on my wall

1

How would you use these shallow shelves?

12

A tale about organizing ...

3

How to organize a long skinny open concept living space with door

6

Not enough bathroom storage. Ideas?

3