How To Plan A Room: 3 Easy Steps

How To Plan A Room: 3 Easy Steps

Get A Room!

Have you ever meandered and wondered what the purpose of a particular room was used for in your own home? I have been in many homes, and I am always up for a game of name that room. I gently ask questions with my clients, “Where did you get that piece of furniture? How is the flooring working out in here? Who hangs out in this area?” If they answer only the cat or dog we are in serious trouble.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn

I have always enjoyed a good mystery. You have to piece things together to figure out what is going on. A room in your house should definitely not be a mystery. I am amazed to hear of people that have fully decorated a room and have spent some serious money and it is an unused space… What?!

Once a plan is in place, the mystery of the room can be solved. I have seen this over and over. As life changes take place, rooms need to be re-evaluated.

It’s best to come up with a room plan by first writing it down. Split it into three categories: Room, Purpose, and Function. E.g., When I was discussing the purpose of a client’s Family Room (Room) the husband disagreed on this being a space for homework. He considered the office a more suitable space. The wife did not want to give up her real estate in the office and have kids competing for time in her area that she needed for business. They talked through everything and reasoned that they would make the family room a place for children to play and accomplish study activities (Purpose).  It would be complete with individual desks on one wall for each child, sofa to watch movies, and game table for activities (Function).  They were both on the same plan.

Photo by Minh Pham

Step 1: Locating which Room needs your attention.

Step 2: Define the Purpose of the room. Is this room supposed to be an office, living room, or home gym, etc. What daily activities will be performed here. 

Step 3: Execute the Function of the room. Make a list of which items need to be here that help the purpose of the room. Moreover, note the items which need to be removed that hurt the purpose and the overall functionality of the room.

After that task is complete, it is time to execute the room plan. This is where the fun of designing and individualizing the area can take place. Sometimes a room is not being used because there is not enough light for the intended purpose. Limited seating can be a problem if this is their main entertainment area. Flooring can be problematic in a space if traffic flowing through can cause damage. So the elements of design are important for a good look but for functionality. It is always amazing when good communication takes place and the discussion leads to clients seeing how easy changes can be made to that room and it is well appreciated by every family member. It is a good feeling to know the purpose and function of each room.

Print out the printable below and get started on your Room Plan now!

 

 

 

Cover Photo by Collov Home Design

5 Things About Textiles & Why Designer LOVE them!

5 Things About Textiles & Why Designer LOVE them!

Textiles. That word is being used more than ever. I know people in the interior design world who have graduated from places like the School of the Art Institute in Chicago — in Textile! I didn't even know that was a major. 

When I thought about what I would write in this post, my mind raced; I knew I wanted to share all of the increased textile knowledge that has just soared over the past years. Because no matter the client or project, fabric always comes up. When discussing textiles with clients, they’re amazed at the knowledge that flows — I can’t help it because textiles are game changers.

Here are five things I love about textiles, and why you should too!

1. Textiles are super easy to add to your home. First, and foremost, let’s establish that adding texture to your home, in the form of textiles, is super easy, and they’re so welcoming. Textiles include: rugs, pillows, linens, and drapes. I hope I didn’t lose you at drapes! There are so many wonderful, updated fabrics that really frame your windows, and the view you see through your windows. No matter the textile — they bring a home to life! They also wick moisture, add comfort, absorb sound acoustically, and keep colors vibrant.

Photo Credit: Studio G

 

2. Textiles perform. Durability is such a hot topic today. So, when dealing with upholstery fabric, be aware that there is a durability test— a rub count. The manufacture uses a machine to apply a standard amount of pressure and rubs it across the face of the fabric. If the fabric says 3,000 double rubs, that means it will first show wear at that count. The rub count is listed on all the fabrics in my studio, so it’s fun to see a client searching for the number to narrow their choices. Both natural and synthetic fabrics can also be rubbed in a way that provides superior durability. 

            

In the past, most of my clients never would have dreamed of using a nice fabric with kids and sippy cups around. But even a mother of four, with three of those being boys, can now find fabrics that withstand the wear and tear. And, the right textiles on a pillow can handle people who drool while napping on a pillow; I know, we hope it won’t happen, but you can plan on it!  Rugs will be walked on and unplanned spills are guaranteed, and I won’t even get started on our furry friends that keep homeowners on their game. Still, I have recommended outdoor rugs for indoors many times, because of their durability and the fact that they really no longer look like the outdoor rugs of yesterday.

 

3. Textile technology protects. Technology that was previously only available to the trade, and used strictly for commercial, is now available residentially. And that’s only the beginning of how technology has been applied to textiles. There are so many options to be used indoors and outdoors--UV and fade-resistant, mildew-resistant, and even bleach cleanable fabrics. Fabrics are engineered to combine the highest level of design and performance. Other textile technologies are Crypton, where most liquids just roll off, and microbial resistance to control fabric odor and is easy to clean. Nanotex is another fancy name that resists spills and still maintains the natural hand of the fabric as well as being eco-friendly in all its technology. And, finally, did you know there are upholstery and drape flammability tests?

Photo Credit: LebaTex

 

4. Textiles enhance. When designing a piece of furniture, we always include Frame – Finish – and Fabric. Just trying to land the frame style can be difficult with a custom seating piece such as a chair or sofa, then we have to select the wood finish. Each of our manufacturers has well over 25 or more finish samples. Next, we get to the textiles where we have more specifics such as cotton, polyester, leather, or a blend. Then you have solids and patterns. Creating luxurious vibes can be illuminated through modern-feel textures. 

 

My favorite for the past few years has been Ombre -- a fabric made by laying in wefts of yarn that are closely colored hues, and that after weaving created a shaded effect. It is purely described as a color fade. When I held an alpaca hombre pillow at market I was in heaven! Botanicals are sophisticated and they are rich in colors, or very tone on tone. Plaids are making a comeback and they are popping up everywhere. Solids are classic and the updated weaves add texture. 

 

5. Textiles have sustainability.  Sustainability has led to greater awareness on organics and textiles that are friendly to our environment. I was interviewed about the interior design world’s lean towards going green. Eco Cradle to Cradle Green Organic is the buzz. 

So with all of this info about textiles in interior design, you are now ready to go into nerd mode! But all of this textile knowledge isn’t just for the cool factor of knowing it, it’s to help you select the best for your space!!   

Sweetly Yours,

Jeanette

 

 

Information on LEED, consult the U.S. Green Building Council at www.usgbc.org

ACT & ACT Guidelines: www.contracttextiles.org

Bella-Dura: www.bella-dura.com

Sunbrella: www.sunbrella.com

Crypton: www.cryptonfabric.com

Crypton Green: www.cryptonfabric.com/eco-friendly-fabric

Sensuede: www.sensuede.com

Nano-Tex: www.nano-tex.com

Cover Photo by Jaipur Living

January 29, 2020 — Jeanette Scarboro
Making It Through This Season

Making It Through This Season

‘Tis the Season!

As an adult I often ponder - WHY so much in so little time?! Doesn’t it seem like we have to pull ALL things together in just one month?!  Every. Year. How come it is all in one month!?!!

I do love the transparency and raw emotions in conversations during this time, though, that I would honestly take it 365 days a year, but there is just SO much to do! As a Designer, my favorite conversations are about decorating the tree. It is truly a very complicated floral arrangement to say the least, and it is approached differently by everyone. It’s the focal point in any space, so it needs to be a showstopper! (no pressure!)

 

In addition to the tree, there’s the gift buying that must take place for every single person that has been a part of your life for at least a decade...The endless lists that your children have conjured up overnight from ALL the influences hitting them at once...the meals...the relatives... the travel... the parking!!....


B R E A T H E.   

Take in the hygge of this magical season. – Sorry, new word hitting you! 

hyg·ge

/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/

noun: hygge

  1. a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Think steaming mugs of cocoa by a fire...egg nog...candles...evergreen scents…cozy socks…bundling up in a warm throw …

Sounds WONDERFUL, doesn’t it?!

 

With all the To-Do’s, it’s hard to remember to take it all in. To savor and enjoy the warmth & comfort this season has to offer.  “Celebrate each moment and enjoy the journey,” were the words I whispered under my breath as my 4th born (and only girl) was in her teenage years. I remembered that we would not pass this way again, and I needed to capture the little things that I treasured so dearly.  (I say this now, in another season that seems to be flying like film off a movie reel!!)

So HOW to we take in the "hygge," and those cherished moments, and savor the Season? Look for easy ways to check things off your list. (MAKE a list!) Start there! Get the ball rolling! Aim to accomplish a few things each day, but also remember YOU in the process and recharge with some hygge & self care each night!

Service is a big part of my DNA-- I continually strive to be there for many, but I also look for those that can be there for me. I rely on other experts to do THEIR thing.  At TheHiveExperience.com, for example, we’ve already done the heavy lifting to source, and plan, and curate unique items for you to GIVE or to snap together your space before everyone comes through the doors to celebrate!  By relying on experts to do THEIR thing, you’ll free up a few extra moments to savor, pamper, or whatever else--to do YOUR thing, and practice that Holiday Hygge!

Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Sweetly Yours,

Jeanette

 

December 13, 2019 — Jeanette Scarboro