Introducing our popular column, Design SOS, where we provide practical style advice for reader-submitted rooms. We appreciate the vulnerability of sharing personal spaces, so thank you to all who submit photos. Check out previous Design SOS posts here. Now, let’s dive into today’s lineup!
Practical Style Advice For: Rounding Out a Blue-&-Brown Color Palette
From the Reader: “Here’s my predicament: The couch is a cool light gray, and I’m not sure that it goes with the new rug I’ve just added from Quince. I’d love any advice on how to style the couch to make it blend better with the rug and how to style the rest of the room to pull it all together. I did read and love the long post on all the different couches you’ve reviewed, and eventually I think I’ll replace this couch, but I’m not ready to do that yet. In the meantime, I’m looking for some design solutions that can pull the room together and make it feel intentional with the current brown leather chairs and gray couch alongside this rug.”
In this scenario, adding variety to the color palette can elevate the room’s design. By incorporating more blue and grey tones, along with balancing warm and cool colors, the space can feel more cohesive. To achieve this, here are some practical steps to enhance the room without spending any money:
Design SOS Checklist:
- Adjust the sofa placement to ensure the front legs are on the rug.
- Position the leather chairs strategically on the rug’s edge, side-by-side.
- Use rug tape to secure the rug edges.
- Move floor lamps for better balance.
- Consider removing plantation shutters for more light.
- Introduce blue and warm tones through curtains, pillows, and decor pieces.
For a visual representation, check out the moodboard below featuring suggested decor additions to tie the room together.
Curtains | Roman Shade | Curtain Rod Pivoting Corner | Coffee Table | Media Console | Rug | Throw Blanket | Striped Cream Pillow | Floral Lumbar Pillow | Rust Striped Pillow | Navy Striped Pillow | Blue Plaid Pillow | Sectional | Leather Chairs | Glass and Wood Side Table
The sectional, leather chairs, and rug in the moodboard align with the reader’s existing pieces, with added blue and warm tones for cohesion. By incorporating a variety of colors and textures, the room can achieve a more intentional and balanced look. Explore the linked products for more design inspiration!
If she agrees, I would suggest replacing the wood mini blinds with a white or ivory drapey Roman shade to add some softness against the squared-off angles. A navy pillow on the couch can bring in the darker shade of the rug, while an oatmealy-cream option with a fun, modern pattern can also be added. To avoid going too wild with the color palette, consider adding an orangey rust pillow to complement the blue and orange color scheme. A dusty, floral lumbar pillow can bring in browns and oranges in an unexpected way, preventing things from feeling overly matchy-matchy. To round it out, a creamy white throw with a navy grid pattern can be added. It’s important to note that no more grey or true brown should be added to the room. Even the new coffee table and media cabinet should be a lighter yellow-toned oak to break up the monotony of wood finishes and introduce contrast and warmth. When you think about the current prices of baskets, it’s amazing how affordable these options are compared to others of similar size and quality. I chose a Sandberg striped wallpaper for the space, which has a charming hand-sketched quality that adds a casual vibe to the family home. To keep things light-hearted, I selected Auburn ceramic bell Schoolhouse flushmounts and a console table in a slate blue hue. The table’s slim design, at only 12 inches deep, is perfect for a narrow space like this, allowing for easy movement without feeling cramped, especially when carrying groceries.
Moving on to practical style advice for creating a cozy multi-purpose kitchen nook, a reader sought ideas for a versatile space in their kitchen. I suggested adding a rug to define the area, opting for a mix of seating options, introducing lighting for a brighter ambiance, and incorporating art or a floating wall shelf for added character and storage.
I kept the design choices neutral to cater to the reader’s unspecified style preferences. The banquette offers hidden storage, the bistro table is on sale, and the chairs are lightweight for easy rearranging. A narrow shelving unit from Etsy is great for displaying small decor items. For a more realistic visualization, a Spoak rendering is provided. To shop the look, links to various furniture and decor pieces are included.
For a personal touch, I recommend adding a gallery wall with photos or small art pieces to enhance the bistro aesthetic of the nook. A gallery wall rail system is suggested for easy installation. Readers are encouraged to share their room design challenges for future features in the series, providing details on their needs, style preferences, and color choices.
Overall, the goal is to offer practical and creative solutions for small design dilemmas, creating functional and stylish spaces tailored to individual preferences and needs. information in your own words. following sentence:
The cat ran quickly across the street.
The feline dashed swiftly across the road.