Room designs suffering from a few old habits | Chappaqua Real Estate
During my 25 years as a designer, I have compiled a list of habits I’ve observed in the decorating and design world. Habits that I believe need to be broken. Many of these may have begun as good intentions — but we all know where that path leads!
I’ve assembled 12 of those habits here. I’ve struggled with each and every one of them personally and feel I have come out on the other side a better designer for it. Although each lesson is valuable, in the hierarchy of habits to be broken, there is none more important than No. 12.
I’ve assembled 12 of those habits here. I’ve struggled with each and every one of them personally and feel I have come out on the other side a better designer for it. Although each lesson is valuable, in the hierarchy of habits to be broken, there is none more important than No. 12.
1. Foyer neglect. Mama always said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And she was right. Don’t let your entry hall fall prey to lack of attention.
How to break this habit? Most of us with attached garages never use our foyers — and it shows. So use it. Showcase a favorite object that has a story behind it. This will immediately set a personal tone in your home.
How to break this habit? Most of us with attached garages never use our foyers — and it shows. So use it. Showcase a favorite object that has a story behind it. This will immediately set a personal tone in your home.
2. Improper lighting. Lighting in a home is often too dim or too bright. It’s best to define the task at hand and light accordingly.
How to break this habit? Vary the levels and sources of lighting in a room, and by all means install dimmers. In this multiuse dining room, pendant lights are focused on the table. Whether highlighting food or books, the proper lighting makes this room a place you want to be in.
How to break this habit? Vary the levels and sources of lighting in a room, and by all means install dimmers. In this multiuse dining room, pendant lights are focused on the table. Whether highlighting food or books, the proper lighting makes this room a place you want to be in.
3. Built-in refrigerators. Does everyone need to play a professional chef at home? Walls of built-in refrigerators are better suited to the corporate world or an industrial kitchen.
Why break this habit? If it’s coziness you are looking for, a less sleek kitchen with free-standing appliances will give you that homey charm.
Why break this habit? If it’s coziness you are looking for, a less sleek kitchen with free-standing appliances will give you that homey charm.
4. A matchy-matchy look. There is something slightly unnerving when everything matches. Perhaps it’s the lack of soul or just the lack of confidence shown.
Why break this habit? There is a charming insouciance when the carpet doesn’t match the drapes — or, in this case, when the slipcovers don’t match the wallpaper. This dining room exudes a casual, welcoming air.
Why break this habit? There is a charming insouciance when the carpet doesn’t match the drapes — or, in this case, when the slipcovers don’t match the wallpaper. This dining room exudes a casual, welcoming air.
5. All-white woodwork. Where is it written that all woodwork must be painted white?
Why break this habit? Because a bit of color is a good thing. It is surprising and unexpected. Frankly, it just adds interest and personality. Just notice how fantastic this tomato-red cabinet looks.
Why break this habit? Because a bit of color is a good thing. It is surprising and unexpected. Frankly, it just adds interest and personality. Just notice how fantastic this tomato-red cabinet looks.
6. Everything against a wall. It’s natural to want to shove all the furniture against the walls. Fight that urge.
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