New house? Check. Keys? Check. Sofa? Check. So – now what?
Moving in to a new space is an exciting time, whether it’s a rental or a purchase, a family home or a studio apartment. You’ve likely found the perfect sofa as the centerpiece of your new home and are eager to design your space around it. But for every new decorating project there are a number of frustrating design dilemmas to go along with it. Perhaps the architecture is more traditional than your modern tastes prefer. Maybe the shower window looks directly into the neighbour’s house. Or – gasp! – your entire basement is covered in horrible ‘70s paneling!
You might have 99 design dilemmas in your new home, but we’ve got savvy solutions to fix them all. Read on for some of the frustrating design issues homeowners encounter when they move into a new space and creative ways to work around them.
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11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The windows in my kitchen get in the way of adding upper cabinetry
Don’t be afraid to build across the kitchen windows. Install open floating shelves that span the wall, placing glass items in front of the pane so the eye travels through them.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The windows in my kitchen get in the way of adding upper cabinetry
Don’t be afraid to build across the kitchen windows. Install open floating shelves that span the wall, placing glass items in front of the pane so the eye travels through them.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I have a large family but can only fit a small table in my kitchen
Install an L-shaped banquette with a couple of chairs around a circular table – not only does this create more seating, but you can use drawers underneath for additional storage.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My kitchen bores me but I don’t have the budget for a big renovation
Make brass your new best friend! This on-trend metal can take your kitchen from bland to glam with just a few hundred dollars. Switch up old hardware with brushed brass beauties and opt for a show-stopping brass faucet.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My white kitchen appliances stick out like a sore thumb next to my wooden cabinetry
If you don’t have the cash for new appliances or cabinetry, spend a few hundred dollars on good quality paint for your cabinet doors. Complement those white appliances with a pale grey or sage, or go for a monochrome look with a matching white.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I love cooking, but I want my kitchen to be a hub for the whole family, not just me
Bring the family into your sacred space by sectioning off areas for them to do their own thing. Create a nook in the kitchen with reading materials and a laptop, install a sound system for music and bring in a bench or settee for lounging.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My feet get cold on the kitchen tiles, especially in the winter
Keep your tootsies warm in the cooler months by laying down small area rugs in high traffic areas with no-slide pads underneath. It’s also the perfect way to add a little colour and pattern to an all-white kitchen.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I would love a pantry, but no condos include them these days
Build your own pantry! Purchase a wire basket shelving unit and organize to your heart’s content, separating spices, canned goods and baking essentials. Alternatively, install a deep pullout drawer in your lower cabinetry that you can insert shelves into.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The kitchen and dining area are open concept, but I want defined areas
If you’re on a budget, create separate living spaces by papering the wall where the dining space begins. If you have a little more cash to play with, install reclaimed wood beams along the ceiling and down the walls to architecturally border the two spaces.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m tired of subway tile as a backsplash – I want something more unique
A backsplash is the best way to have fun with an otherwise stock-standard kitchen. Add some colour and pattern with Moroccan painted tiles or a touch of Old World France with vintage mirrored glass.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I like a bright, fresh look in the kitchen, but it feels a little too white with the cabinets and countertops
Keep your all-white kitchen feeling fresh by injecting a clean colour – think mint or pale blue – on the walls and with small electrics like the toaster and stand mixer.
11 kitchen design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Baking trays spill out every time I open the cupboard door
You can keep those pesky uneven baking trays in the cupboard, but prevent them from toppling out by housing them upright in a basket or vintage magazine rack.
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8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: There’s no room for a headboard in my teeny master bedroom
Get creative with the paintbrush and make your own headboard on the wall, like in the photo above. Use a stencil for a professional look or search online for stylish wall decals.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: There’s no room for a headboard in my teeny master bedroom
Get creative with the paintbrush and make your own headboard on the wall, like in the photo above. Use a stencil for a professional look or search online for stylish wall decals.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I have virtually no closet space in my bedroom. None.
Whilst a lot of older homes win on the character front, many fail when it comes to storage space. Put your favourite clothes on display on a rolling rack (it’s like being backstage at a fashion show!), and tuck out-of-season items away beneath the bed. You can also build up, with open shelving along the perimeter of your ceiling.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our new condo bedroom is pretty small and bedside tables barely fit
If floor space is an issue, hang floating shelves for a sleek, minimalist look. Make use of the wall behind your headboard and install task lighting for nighttime reading.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our bedroom has a small window, only allowing a small amount of natural light in
Let the light shine in by hanging a large mirror opposite the window. It will not only reflect the light, but it will also mirror the frame and give the illusion of more than one window in the room.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My old bedside tables aren’t as tall as my new bed
If your bedside tables are laying low, add some height by stacking your favourite coffee table books on top for your carafe and reading lamp to sit upon.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We have two windows in the bedroom, but one is too small to hang drapes
Mismatched window coverings aren’t necessarily a bad thing! Hang drapes on the bigger window, then a roller blind on the smaller window. Just make sure you’re using complementary colours and patterns to tie the room together.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We have a bunch of vinyl flooring left over from a recent renovation and I don’t want it to go to waste
Get your DIY gloves on and build up – the wall, that is! Create a cozy cabin retreat in the bedroom by using leftover wood vinyl to span the feature wall behind the headboard.
8 bedroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I love the natural light coming through the window of our ground level bedroom, but it lacks privacy during the day
Hang sheers behind your nighttime blackout drapes, allowing you to enjoy the afternoon sun without neighbours accidentally peeking in on you.
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9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My basement bathroom can get quite damp and I’m scared of water damage on the walls
If you’re without a window in your below-ground bathroom, keep water damage at bay by installing a fan and tiling the walls from floor to ceiling.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My basement bathroom can get quite damp and I’m scared of water damage on the walls
If you’re without a window in your below-ground bathroom, keep water damage at bay by installing a fan and tiling the walls from floor to ceiling.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our main floor powder room is teeny tiny and feels more like a closet
Make that small space shine like a diamond with a few glam updates. Paper the walls in a fun pattern, go bold with artwork and add some shine with brass sconces. It will feel less like a closet and more like stepping inside a jewelry box!
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The faucets in our bathroom send out water full force, making my environmentally-conscious blood boil
Put that water pressure on hold by changing out your current sink faucet with a spout faucet and trading in the showerhead for a spa-like rain shower.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The master bathroom is pretty bare bones – as my haven at the end of a long day, it’s not very inspiring
Give that master bath some love with a few touches of old Hollywood glam. Centre the room with a sparkly chandelier, pair a white ruffled shower curtain with vintage glass hooks and trade in your vanity mirror for a gold framed stunner.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: A soaker tub is an absolute must for me but my husband is more of a shower man – we just don’t have space for both!
Who says you can’t combine the best of both worlds? Enclose the soaker tub in a tiled space with a rain showerhead for a European style wet room.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: There’s not a lot of surface space on the bathroom vanity – my skin and beauty products just make it seem cluttered
Corral your favourite creams and beautiful perfume bottles on a vintage vanity tray and tuck the rest beneath the sink in organized baskets or clear containers.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I love the rich look of marble in the bathroom but need something to fit my budget
You can still get the look of marble without the hefty price tag. For a magazine-worthy bathroom, cover your shower walls with porcelain marble-look tiles, a more affordable option available in slabs or subway tile.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My shower window looks directly into our neighbour’s house
To keep your bathroom aglow with natural lighting whilst also maintaining privacy, frost the windows or change the panes out for textured glass.
9 bathroom design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our bathroom has entirely open shelving, but I don’t like to keep things like toilet paper and other toiletries on display
Tuck the toilet paper and toiletries away in baskets, clearly labeling them so guests don’t need to go hunting for anything that needs replenishing.
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11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I live in an old house and there’s a clunky, unsightly radiator in the living space
Radiators can either be a cool, industrial design feature or a nuisance to your decorating scheme. Hide that heater with a beautiful vintage grill or simply build around it, turning it into a window seat.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I live in an old house and there’s a clunky, unsightly radiator in the living space
Radiators can either be a cool, industrial design feature or a nuisance to your decorating scheme. Hide that heater with a beautiful vintage grill or simply build around it, turning it into a window seat.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My new living room has traditional architecture but I prefer a modern look
For an instant modern update in the living room, take paint to the wooden doors and trim. Brush the doors with a clean white and paint the trim the same colour as the walls for a minimalist, seamless look.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our living room has wall-to-wall carpet but we don’t have the budget for new hardwood
If you’re game for ripping up that carpet, vinyl and engineered hardwood are more affordable options to pure hardwood. If a renovation is out of the question, spruce up that carpeted floor with large area rugs. They’ll tie the room together and will hide any tough-to-remove stains.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The living room in our new home has big, embedded bookshelves but I’m not a big reader
You don’t need a big book collection to fill those shelves. Add any books that you do have, then mix it up with baskets for storage, beautiful objects from your travels and treasured collectibles like old cameras or Wedgwood plates.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I don’t want my TV to be the focal point of my living room – how do I integrate it into my design?
If your wall-mounted TV sticks out like a sore thumb, paint the wall behind it a dark colour like black or deep navy to camouflage. To hide it entirely, conceal it within an armoire.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My thermostat is in a really awkward spot, preventing me from hanging anything on the wall
Instead of trying to work around your centrally located thermostat, work with it. Create a gallery wall with all different frames and objects so that the thermostat blends in to the design.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I want to add colour to my neutral living room, but I’m not ready to commit
If vibrant hues or pattern are your decorating phobias, start small with accessories and items that aren’t a big investment and can easily be switched out. Pillows, throws, area rugs and wall art are all easy and affordable ways to add a pop of colour.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We love to have friends over for game night, but we don’t have enough seating in our living room
Make the best use of your space by using multi-functional furniture that can double as additional seating. That ottoman you use as a coffee table? Clear it off to seat more guests. Same goes for those Chinese garden drums you use as side tables.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our sofa has a lovely patterned fabric and I’d love to use it elsewhere in the room
Getting chairs covered in the same fabric might be too matchy-matchy, so try covering some toss cushions for your side chairs or even framing the fabric and mixing it in with your existing wall art.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our side chairs have seen better days and need a little love
Instead of sending the chairs off to furniture heaven, breathe new life into them by covering them in a fun new fabric or simply by adding new piping in a bold, vibrant hue.
11 living room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We love to throw parties in our large living room, but we have more seating than table surfaces
If you entertain a lot in your living space, ensure there is a table surface within reach of each seat. Besides the coffee table in front of the sofa, set a small side table in between two occasional chairs or a fold down tray table for guests to place drinks.
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8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We have an uneven number of matching chairs for our dining table
Having an odd number of dining chairs is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the dining room. Mix things up with a boldly patterned or vibrantly coloured chair at the head of the table.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We have an uneven number of matching chairs for our dining table
Having an odd number of dining chairs is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the dining room. Mix things up with a boldly patterned or vibrantly coloured chair at the head of the table.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My wee ones have stained my upholstered dining chairs
If you’re scared that reupholstering the chairs will only lead to them getting stained again, look for chairs made of fiberglass, acrylic or plastic – easy to clean and much more durable.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I like a formal look in the dining room, but our new build is pretty stock standard
A few architectural touches will give your dining room the formal design you crave. Add some wainscoting or a chair rail to the walls and give the ceiling that finished look with crown molding. If you want to make the room even more grand, heighten the wainscoting to make the ceilings appear taller.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I love to entertain, but I’m lacking cupboard space in my new condo for all my platters and serving dishes
Condos can be short on kitchen storage, so take to the dining area and purchase a buffet to house all of your favourite entertaining accessories.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We have a big drum shade pendant in the dining room but it’s seen better days
Instead of replacing the lighting altogether, give that shade a little boost by recovering it in leftover wallpaper or patterned fabric. Or try this glam gold DIY here.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The lighting in the dining room is too harsh – I want to create a mood for entertaining
If overhead lighting is too harsh to create that intimate restaurant experience in your dining room, install a dimmer switch. It’s an easy and affordable solution that allows you to be flexible with your light settings.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We don’t have a separate dining room, but there is a tiny nook off the kitchen. How do I best use this small space?
Go restaurant style and create a booth with two settees and a long table in the middle. Not only is it intimate, but you can also make it formal with tufted seating and a chandelier overhead.
8 dining room design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our dining room needs to double as our family table for four, as well as an entertaining space for up to ten
If your everyday family dining differs from your weekend dinner parties, look for a versatile dining table that will cater to both. Opt for a round or square table with leaf inserts that will extend when you have guests over for dinner.
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6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My rental doesn’t allow me to install bookshelves in my home office, but I really love the custom look
You can still achieve a custom look without changing the architecture of your space. Save some money with a standard bookcase (like the IKEA Billy or Liatorp) and paint or wallpaper the back with a gorgeous print.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My rental doesn’t allow me to install bookshelves in my home office, but I really love the custom look
You can still achieve a custom look without changing the architecture of your space. Save some money with a standard bookcase (like the IKEA Billy or Liatorp) and paint or wallpaper the back with a gorgeous print.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The wires in my home office drive me nuts and take away from my beautiful, tidy space
To keep things tidy in your home office, install a power bar to the back of your desk space so there’s only one cable running from the desk to the wall outlet. Also attach a hanging basket underneath the desktop to house any loose wires.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My printer is essential to my small business, but takes over my desk space
Printers can make even the sleekest of spaces look untidy. Hide it in a deep filing cabinet next to the desk, drilling a hole in the back for the cable to run out.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m a creative type and I love to be inspired by the space around me, but my home office is barren
Make your home office a haven for creativity by building a giant inspiration wall. Paint the walls your favourite colour then crisscross ribbon in a deeper shade across one of the walls using brass thumb tacks, creating a diamond pattern. Once all is complete, slide in fabric, photos, and illustrations – whatever inspires you – behind the ribbon.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: The French doors to the storage closet in my home office hit the desk on one side and the bookshelf on the other
If you’re short on space in your home office, remove the closet doors and hang drapes to avoid damaging furniture and give you easier access to storage.
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our home office needs to double as a guest room, but a bed just overpowers the space
If the space will be used more as a home office than a guest room, purchase a sofa bed that pulls out when you have visitors, or a captain’s bunk that pulls out to make a double bed. It also gives you extra seating in the office!
6 home office design dilemmas and solutions
Up next: 99 problems for basements and attics
Find the best solutions to those common basement and attic design dilemmas.
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10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: I want to finish the basement, but don’t want the rustic lounge room treatment that most basements have
You can make your basement area just as grand as your high-style spaces above ground, high ceilings or not. Hang oversized artwork, arrange sleek modern furniture and light it up with ornate fixtures.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: I want to finish the basement, but don’t want the rustic lounge room treatment that most basements have
You can make your basement area just as grand as your high-style spaces above ground, high ceilings or not. Hang oversized artwork, arrange sleek modern furniture and light it up with ornate fixtures.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: I have small windows in the basement and have no idea how to cover them
You can still make a lounge in the basement appear spacious despite low ceilings and grade level windows. Hang full-length drapes to make it appear as though there’s a large bay window hidden behind.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: There’s no natural light in our basement and it just feels dark and dull
The quickest and easiest fix for a dark basement is a fresh coat of paint. Whilst walls painted in a pale grey will lighten the space, a ceiling brushed in a fresh coat of vibrant coral will give it that extra boost.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: Our basement has 70s paneling – yuck!
Natural-hued wood paneling can look pretty dated, especially in a basement. If stripping it off is too big of a project, simply paint it white or a pale grey for that bright beach house look.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: Our furniture in the basement lounge creates an awkward corner
When dealing with an awkward corner, draw the eyes away from it by reflecting the rest of the room. Place a floor mirror on an angle in the corner so it mirrors the space around it rather than draw attention to itself.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: The space under our stairs isn’t being put to use
The empty space under your basement stairs is a hidden gem rather than an awkward nook. Use this space for seasonal storage (like Christmas decorations) or convert into a wine closet. You can also use it as a functional space, creating a cool hangout for the kids or building a laptop station.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: We have a finished basement, but it’s too cold down there to enjoy in the winter
Because they’re underground, basements have the tendency to feel chillier than the rest of your home. Turn your basement into a cozy hideaway by installing an electrical fireplace and laying down plush rugs underfoot.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: My basement ceilings are too low to have fun with lighting
Not true! You can still introduce unique light fixtures in your basement even if you don’t have those grand 9-foot ceilings. Put up vintage wall sconces, and if you do want pendant lighting, hang in low traffic areas like corners or above the coffee table.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: Our bedroom is in the attic and gets incredibly hot in the summer, even with the air conditioning
With the summer sun beating down on the roof all day and air conditioning working overtime to reach the top level of the house, the attic can get pretty toasty. Keep the door to the attic closed during the day to trap the cool air in and install a ceiling fan overhead to move the air around at night.
10 design solutions for your basement and attic
Problem: We have a finished attic but the sloped ceilings make it difficult to use it for anything
An attic is the perfect space to build a quiet getaway for the end of a long workday or a lazy Sunday. Cover the space with floor poufs and create a family movie room by projecting films onto the sloped ceilings. Or, if you’re a yogi, transform the room into a home studio for stretching and meditation.
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7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: My partner is a massive sports fan, but I don’t want the house to be overrun with memorabilia
Football posters, basketball jerseys and signed hockey sticks are great in a dorm room, but not so much in your new home’s living room. If sports are an important part of your partner’s life, compromise by adding a few pieces of their collection as accessories into your decorating scheme, like in this photo.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: My partner is a massive sports fan, but I don’t want the house to be overrun with memorabilia
Football posters, basketball jerseys and signed hockey sticks are great in a dorm room, but not so much in your new home’s living room. If sports are an important part of your partner’s life, compromise by adding a few pieces of their collection as accessories into your decorating scheme, like in this photo.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: We have small kids and I’m worried about spills on furniture and flooring
There are plenty of options available for easy to clean floors – vinyl, tiles, engineered hardwood – and furniture. If you do have fabric chairs, cover them in a durable material.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: Our living room is overrun with kids’ toys
Designate a specific room of the house as a playroom for your kids, housing all of their toys, arts and crafts. If the living room is the hub of the home, keep a small box of toys in there that are allowed in that space but can also be easily be picked up and hidden away.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: The kids love to get creative – with the walls unfortunately
If your child’s budding creativity happens to come out on the walls of their room, encourage them to do so (safely!) by creating a chalkboard wall that gives them a large space to work out their inner Monet.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: My kids come home with artwork from school all the time – how do I display it without making my house look messy?
Proud parents can incorporate their little Picasso’s masterpieces into the existing decor by creating a gallery wall in the hallway or up the stairwell, placing in matching floating frames for a seamless look.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: Our kids love playing in the big backyard of our new house, but there’s no mudroom for them to come in through
Create a mudroom at the side entrance simply by hanging hooks, installing a floating shelf with baskets to store hats and mitts and a moving in a bench to sit on whilst taking shoes off.
7 design solutions for kids and family rooms
Problem: My child is growing out of her kid-like room. I don’t want to redecorate every time she changes her teenage mind!
Invest money on big pieces like the bed and desk that you don’t want to change every few years, opting for classic styles that will grow with her. Then let her have fun with the accessories like bedding, wall art and paint colour that won’t cost as much to change up when her taste evolves.
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Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: We just moved into a new build and the interior doors are just builder’s standard
Instead of changing out all the doors in your new home, save some cash by painting them and switching out the handles. For a custom look, paint the door grooves a contrasting colour like in this photo.
Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: We just moved into a new build and the interior doors are just builder’s standard
Instead of changing out all the doors in your new home, save some cash by painting them and switching out the handles. For a custom look, paint the door grooves a contrasting colour like in this photo.
Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: We have beautiful floorboards in our new home, but they’re pretty scratched in the main hallway
No need to replace those beautiful floors – rent a buffer to reseal the hardwood and restore them to a slick shine. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, strip them down entirely and paint them in stripes or a herringbone pattern.
Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: In the summer we love to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor, but sliding glass doors to the backyard don’t encourage that lifestyle
Make summer entertaining easier and invite the fresh air indoors by switching out those sliding doors with French doors that can stay swung open, or by installing a garage-style door that pulls up (and doubles as a shelter if it rains!).
Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: Our loft space has open doorways, but we want a bit of privacy for the bedroom and a standard door won’t fit
Loft spaces rarely have standard door frames, so you’ll likely have to go custom. Look for sliding frosted glass doors or, for a more industrial look, opt for a sliding barn door.
Design solutions for your doors, ceilings and floors
Problem: Our new home has terribly dated stippled ceilings in some of the rooms
Give your home’s ceilings a timeless look by nailing white painted tongue and groove planks from wall to wall, making it more cottage chic than ‘80s lounge room.
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Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: My front door opens right into the living space – I would love a foyer or defined space
Many older homes lack a distinct foyer space, meaning there’s no defined space to take off your shoes or hang your coat. Install tiles to create an entrance and buy a screen to separate the doorway from the living room.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: My front door opens right into the living space – I would love a foyer or defined space
Many older homes lack a distinct foyer space, meaning there’s no defined space to take off your shoes or hang your coat. Install tiles to create an entrance and buy a screen to separate the doorway from the living room.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: Our front foyer is just a mess of shoes and knapsacks
Make things easy for your family by creating a stop-and-drop storage solution at the front door. Place a bench along the wall front wall with baskets underneath or pre-existing cubbies for kids to drop shoes and bags into.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: Our staircase has a fairly big landing and it’s currently just unused space
Make the most of your home by creating functional spaces in every nook and cranny. A large stairway landing is the perfect spot for a reading bench with storage beneath or a floating desk with stools tucked under for a handy workspace.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: Our staircase has beautiful hardwood steps, but they’re slippery underfoot
Prevent accidents on the steps by covering the stairs in a carpeted runner up the middle. Opt for a rougher pile, like jute – it’s hardwearing in high-traffic areas and will help to prevent slips.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: We have long vertical windows next to the front door that are too narrow for window coverings
To keep the mailman from peeping in through the front door, try frosting the vertical side windows or installing thin Californian shutters.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: Our foyer is quite compact – how do I make it appear larger?
Besides adding a large mirror to reflect the space, paint horizontal stripes along the walls to make the eye stretch past the foyer and down the hallway.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: Our new home is cookie cutter and I prefer a more traditional look with architectural character
To get that turn-of-the-century look in your newer home, change up the newel posts on the stairs for vintage reclaimed ones. You can also achieve the look with ornamental trim around the doors and thick trim along the baseboards in the hallway.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: We need a console in the foyer, but it visually blocks the hallway
If your home’s foyer is lacking a spot to house your daily essentials, opt for a glass or acrylic table. Your eyes will visually pass through instead of blocking sightline of the space around.
Design solutions for your foyers, stairs and hallways
Problem: We have a long hallway that doesn’t get much traffic but I still want to utilize it
Low-traffic areas are great because you can get creative with how you decorate them and what you use them for. Hang folded chairs along the wall or screw in some hooks to hangs coats, umbrellas or any other odd items.
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Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: Our walls are bare – how can I give them some personality without spending a fortune on art?
There are plenty of places to get inexpensive art for your new home. Scout out independent artists on Etsy and Society6, frame your favourite patterned fabrics or display collectibles you’ve found on your travels, like a beautiful pastry bag from Paris or silver medallions from Peru.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: Our walls are bare – how can I give them some personality without spending a fortune on art?
There are plenty of places to get inexpensive art for your new home. Scout out independent artists on Etsy and Society6, frame your favourite patterned fabrics or display collectibles you’ve found on your travels, like a beautiful pastry bag from Paris or silver medallions from Peru.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: My new loft has floor to ceiling windows, meaning no privacy
The easiest solution for high condo windows is roller blinds. Opt for white rollers that give you privacy throughout the day without blocking out the natural light, or for a more dramatic look, hang long velvety, custom-made drapes.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: Our new rental won’t allow us to paint our builders beige walls – how do we inject more colour into the space?
If you can’t paint the walls, paint your furniture! Tie the room together by painting your bedside tables, benches, dining chairs and even coffee table.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: The ceilings in my new home aren’t the 9-foot stunners that I would have loved
Make your rooms appear taller by hanging drapery close to the ceiling (approximately two inches from the top or molding). Extend the rod a bit on either end as well to give the appearance of large windows.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: Our new apartment has a little nook with a large window, but we don’t want to block it with a window seat or bookcase
The awkward little nooks of your home are the biggest gems. Make the space into an at-home coffee bar, sourcing a reclaimed wood beam and wedging it between the walls. Add a couple of stools underneath and you have the perfect window perch for your morning coffee.
Design solutions for your walls and windows
Problem: Our older house has drafty windows
Upgrading your windows is one of the best investments you can do for your home. In the short-term, you’ll save money on heating, and in the long-term, you’ll find it adds to the value of your house when selling. Look for double- or triple-paned glazed glass and don’t forget about replacing the frames!
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9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m an avid cyclist but have nowhere to store my bike in my condo
Integrate your city bike into your condo’s art scheme by hanging it on the wall on hooks – you’ll get a cool, industrial look without taking up floor space. Just remember to wipe down the wheels after a long ride!
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m an avid cyclist but have nowhere to store my bike in my condo
Integrate your city bike into your condo’s art scheme by hanging it on the wall on hooks – you’ll get a cool, industrial look without taking up floor space. Just remember to wipe down the wheels after a long ride!
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m always having to fold clothes on the kitchen table because my laundry room has no flat top surfaces
Build a flat top over the top of your washer and dryer. Or if you’re tight on room, install a thin tabletop that folds down from the wall.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: My laundry space is tight – no room for a drying rack
If floor space is tight in the laundry room, use the walls. Attach a flexible drying rack that pulls out from the wall that you can hang delicates on without taking up precious real estate on the floor.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our new build has unsightly air vents
Newer homes often have large air vents that can detract from your decorating scheme. To make them less unsightly, make your own by heading to the hardware store and buying a latticed radiator screen, building a frame around it out of ornamental trim.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our older house doesn’t have a linen closet in the guest room, but we don’t want guests to have to ask for extra pillows, towels and blankets
The best hosts aim to make guests feel at home, and giving them everything at their fingertips is one way to ensure that. Place a chest or storage bench at the foot of the bed to house any additional linens or comforts guests might require for their stay.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: We moved into an old house and the fireplace isn’t functioning… it’s just a gaping hole
A beautiful hearth with no fire to light it up? Not a problem! Create a makeshift fireplace with dozens of pillar candles or use it as a spot to stack books that won’t fit on your shelves.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our new condo has a ‘den’, but it’s only a small 6’6’ space
Sometimes the ‘den’ space in new condo suites is really a glorified closet. Install a wall-to-wall daybed that gives the space multi-functional use as a reading nook, guest room or home movie theatre with a projector hung from above.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: Our new ‘70s home can be easily updated with our modern furniture, but the fireplace is really dated
Not all fireplaces are cut from the same cloth, and many stone or brick designs can scream ‘70s. Paint the stonework white or build a mantel around it to match the rest of the updated house.
9 common design dilemmas and solutions
Problem: I’m a real trend-follower and crave a home makeover every season
If seasonal trends are the name of your game, save yourself some money by grounding your space in timeless, classic items like a charcoal sofa and marble-topped coffee table. Allow yourself to switch up lower cost items that can reflect the changing trends, introducing copper candle holders or faux fur throw cushions to your heart’s content.
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