::design your space, Part 5

Now that all my parents are empty-nesters (all of us are graduated and married), my mom said she's finally going to start "refreshing" the house a little bit. Some of what she's doing isn't necessarily decor-related....but I figured I'd thrown in my $0.02. I'm the outspoken daughter, after all. So, mom...if I had to start from scratch and design your space here's what I'd do...

Let's just start with the entryway.

I love this vignette. Take a lovely weathered dresser and add a vintage map over it instead of a mirror (though I do love a good mirror in an entryway) Maybe you could set one on the dresser! ;) Then we'll walk into the den. I can see the panic in her eyes as she sees the rug in this picture. No, you don't have to use it. But it totally works in this space without being too WOW. Keep everything a clean white for your paint, some dark furniture and then have some fun with the seating. You entertain enough to keep things a little lively. Plus, the grand kids would think the red chair is cool. (Take a peak at the desk chair...who would've thought to use a white, blue and brown fabric in this room but it's so cute!)Then we'll turn back around and head towards the dining room:

This should stay understated and classic. I like the colors of the first picture. Her dining room table is sort of that dark wood like in the coffee table. I would upholster the armless chairs in that tan leather and do fun accent chairs at the ends of the table (like in the second picture) in that green color. So pretty. I like the chandelier in the first picture as well. (I think hers already looks something like that). Then I would finish with a coat of that dark tan/almost with a hint of olive paint in the second picture. Onto the 1st guest room:

She'll be using her bedroom furniture (currently in use in her master bedroom) into this room. This is a dark wood, somewhat antique looking, kinda Louis XIV. Keep it dressy and simple. I would actually use a paler green paint than this to avoid a green overkill. Her current guest room is the perfect pale green. Instead of the upholstered headboard, use a print like that for your wall hangings above the bed. Keep all the accessories light colored and the drapes luxurious.

Guest room #2:

I don't believe the pictures are from the same house..so don't judge the same paint color! We're assuming she's going with the lighter green for Guest room #1, so this would be a great compliment. If you wanted to go in a whole other direction, a yellow or even certain shades of a brownish-rust-orangey color would look great in this room as well. Tie in some white accessories but make your accent color a rose pink. I love how put together this room looks. I also like how everything is covered in fabric, the table, the ottoman...

Last but not least, the office. Keep all furniture, paint and accessories in a neutral palate. Bring in visual interest to the room using texture. Corduroy futon cover, linen curtains, fur pillows. Let subtle patterns be the wow factor instead of color...like the rug and curtains. Let this be your peaceful, reading room.

I kept the kitchen and master bedroom off since they were both just redone. But if you want my opinion about those, I'll be happy to share! :)