~~~This “live” session is now closed for questions, but I will hopefully be doing another “Ask Emily” post in the near future. Thanks to everyone who participated and for all of your great questions!
Good evening! Welcome to my first live design Q&A blog session. I’m a little nervous, since this is the first time I’ve tried this–so go easy on me :) If it’s successful, maybe we’ll make this a regular occurrence around here. . . .
Just to recap, you can post your questions here in the comment section, and I’ll respond there, as well. To keep seeing my answers and other questions, you’ll need to keep refreshing the page. I’ll answer as many as I can for about an hour.
I’ll get things started by answering this question I received earlier today from a reader:
When decorating a family room, what sort of formula do you use when determing how much pattern/color to mix. I am making curtains in a blue-green and citrine on white ikat, and there are so many patterns I’d like to use for pillows that I don’t know how to narrow it down. Should the pillows be in pairs or is it okay to have all different fabrics? Should one color be more dominant or is it okay to have an equal amount of blues and greens? The patterns I am considering are a blue-green and cream zigzag; citrine trellis; a subtle blue-green, citrine and cream houndstooth; and a solid spa blue with a zigzag pattern. Can you give any advice? Thanks!! Noelle
I’m posting my answer in the comments section–now!
@Noelle To be honest, I don’t really have a “formula” for mixing patterns. I believe you can mix lots of different patterns, and it usually ends up being a much more interesting room. It’s less about the number of patterns and more about the scale of the patterns. For example, in my family room, I started with a really, large patterned chain-link rug. I have chairs sitting directly on the rug that are done in a much smaller scale pattern and then I’ve added some pillows in a larger scale again. Things usually only start to look too busy when you’ve got scales of a similar size layered directly one on another. And, of course, it’s always easier to bring in a lot of pattern with your accessories if you start with a more neutral sofa. Be brave–and I would love to see your finished space!
Do you have any suggestions for how to break up a large blank wall to make it interesting? I thought about wallpapering an accent wall but our walls have rounded edges (not neat end lines) so I threw that idea out. We don’t have a large piece of artwork but I need a way to bring some color into the room as the overall wall/curtain/carpet scheme is very neutral!
Emily- I had no idea you were doing this. I think this is such a fantastic idea and something I haven’t seen anyone else do, which makes me love it all the more. I don’t have a question right now but I sure hope this isn’t the last time you do this!!
What do you think should be done with windows with no trim around them? What kind of window treatments would work the best? Or do you always recommend trim to be installed? Thanks!
Hi Emily!
Is a question about your success at blogging ok??
How did you get yourself out there and really get a large following?
And this is such a cool idea!!
I absolutely love the floral/bird fabric you used in “Jazmin’s Cozy Living Room Update.” What is it and where can I find it?
I see you talk about craigslist being a great online place to find great deals on furniture ….. what about other items ….. I see designers on design shows going to great salvage places …. Have you found any great places like that here in Charlotte?
~ Katrina
Every pulled together, nicely decorated room I see a picture of that I LOVE has white woodwork. Is it possible to make a room look fresh and pulled together with stained woodwork??! I can NOT paint mine!
@Caroline Yay! Someone is reading this :) Was worried for a minute there. My suggestion would be to break up the wall into sections and not necessarily try to treat it all as one space. If you want to fill some wall space without spending alot of money, I usually suggest buying a great art book and framing the individual pages to make a big wall gallery. Another great way to break up the wall is to use stacked floating shelves.
I just found you today through Nester. Thanks for doing this! I have so many questions I don’t even know where to begin. What about built in shelves on both sides of a fireplace. Right now I have the bottoms and the middle above the mantel in my accent color. The shelves and the back of the shelves are off-white. I’m wondering if I should paint the whole thing/s off-white and leave the accent color to accessories?
Hi Emily! This is a great idea, btw! Do you have a guideline you use when deciding on what color picture frames to use (i.e.: black vs white vs gold)? For example, does it depend on the color on the walls or the colors used in the room? Or if you want a modern vs. traditional look? Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
@Elisa Our windows don’t have trim either and I think the easiest way to dress them up is to just use curtain panels layered over shades or blinds. If you just wanted to use a simple roman shade, I would just mount it higher over the window. In other words, just ignore the fact that you don’t have trim and add interest with your window treatment.
P.S. Just posted the link to this post on my fan page All My Treasures on facebook- Hope some people head over!!
@Katy Well, before my official seal of approval from the Nester today :) I have just focused on writing alot of original content. Those are always the kinds of blogs I’m drawn to. While inspiration pictures from magazines are great, I really like to see what “real people” are doing in their homes.
@themoveablelife It was from Ballard Designs. Not 100% sure if it’s still available. . .
I have come from The Nester’s page (but am located in Australia). I look forward to reading your answer to zeelandchik’s question re stained trim as I have the same issue. I rent and cannot change wall colours or trim.
Kind regards
Michelle
CONGRATS on all your publicity lately!! You are star status for sure. :)
Ok…here is a question for you. I have a space in my Master Bedroom that is in need. It is the wall that my long dresser is on. On one side I have my “Layla” chair…and the other side. NADA! I have dreamed up everything possible from stacked suitcases to a plant to an antique coatstand. I have nothing. My husband turns the corner into a dumping ground..so I need to claim it, but I am just up in the air even if something should go there. Any thoughts? Could I be any more vague? :)
Cheers~
e
@Katrina I also love going to Goodwill stores, yard sales and consignment shops (we have several of those here in Belmont!). I also frequent a great second-hand furniture warehouse off of exit 19 on 85-S. Email me and I’ll give you the info.
I’m wondering what the next big color after turquois is? Any ideas?
hey! this is a wonderful thing you are starting :)
i have a room in my house which i love – which becomes the guest room but is used to store cartons and ddecorations and other such stuff we dont use round the year. The stuff occupies a big corner of the room, plus their are two bedding, suitcases and a table. I want to get this organised – but I have no room – or no place spare. How do I hide all this? I really don’t want to buy a cupboard – but will if that’s the only option. But I do hope if there’s anything else that can be done?
Thanks so much!
@zeelandchik Absolutely! I would concentrate on lightening up the space in other ways. Use a lighter wall color, bring in lots of whites/creams through window treatments, big pillows, a light rug, painted pieces, etc. It also helps if your upholstery is lighter, as well.
OK dear friend. How do you feel about the area below the chair molding in a dining room. Should it be white or the same as the rest?
@jenny I’m a little lost :) Is it possible for you to post a pic of your shelves and fireplace on my FB page?
I live in a rental and can’t paint, I’m stuck with this horrible beige with very yellow undertones, any ideas on how to down play the wall color. It’s frustrating because I feel I can’t get a fully cohesive look.
Emily, we live in military housing in Hawaii! yes, please come for a visit. We have a tan, microfiber sectional that I don’t love. It’s big and I just wonder about placement in the living room. Thankfully, I’ve coupled it with a white regular couch and white arm chair (regardless of having two small boys). Tan/Beige for couches is NOT my favorite color, so I’ve pulled in navy and white. (we have a navy/tan links pottery barn rug) SO — lots of rambling — what to do with a sectional? What are the best ways/most distinct ways to make our walls beautiful and homey? Lastly, what’s the rule about rugs in dining rooms? how big does it need to be? THanks for all your help, Meredith
Hey Fran! I have absolutely no rule for that :) I am drawn to lots of white frames and big white mats lately, though. I guess I just make my decision based on whether the room needs to be lightened up or if it needs more contrast (in that case, I would probably opt for darker frames).
OMG Emily! This was a great idea! And don’t be surprised when you see other start to do this (like me!)!!!
Anywho, my question is more so about inspiration. What inspires your designs? And what would you say your style is? I love the colors that you use and how you mix fabrics. Are there colors that you try to stay away from? Or do you just “go with the flow”?
And one question that I don’t know if it’s okay to ask: How did you know and when did you realized they design was what you wanted to do?
Thanks again girl! This really was an amazing idea!
@Megandvd You’re funny (about the star thing)! Well, depending on what’s over your dresser, you could possibly do a tall leaner mirror on the other side to give it some balance. Another idea might be to stack two big framed prints/photographs one above the other.
@hunnnydew I have to be honest, I pay very little attention to the “next big color” and just go with what feels good to me. I did, however, go to a home show today and noticed that almost all of the homes stuck with a neutral palettes, lots of pale grays, rich browns, etc. Maybe the next color trend is less color???
Thank you Emily for this evening! I also found you today on Nester and have many questions. My “biggest” issue I’m looking at as I type! I have a very narrow living room with a large fireplace in between two windows on one long wall. The mantel is large and white and matches my trim and the surround is red brick. It feels like a monster! But I’m so scared to paint it! Thoughts?
How do I find you on fb?
@Rain Girl Okay, I think you’ve stumped me :) Seriously, we’ve all got alot of stuff and it’s hard to make it pretty! Here’s my thought on an alternative to buying expensive cabinetry. . . I haven’t figured out all of the logistics to this in my head but would it be possible to use some type of curtain in a really pretty fabric to just mark off the storage section of your space? I feel like I’ve seen this done somewhere. If I can find the picture, I’ll email you. Yikes!
I have some dining room chairs I want to makeover… but I can’t just remove the seat and recover… it’s a woven/wicker type seat that doesn’t just “pop out”, so it would make painting and recovering tricky. And I’ve also thought about just doing some sort of slip cover/cushion deal? but I’m not in love with it. any ideas??
@Rene Hello! You know, my personal feeling is that I like it painted a glossy white. I just think it makes whatever color you do use on top pop even more. In our previous house, I had color on the bottom and eventually painted it white; I thought it was a major improvement.
Hello! I’m a new visitor from Nester and I’m so excited about this opportunity to get questions answered. Here is my problem: We purchased a house a few years ago and it is entirely covered in navy blue carpet except for the kitchen and bathrooms. It is good carpet as far as wear, I just hate it’s dark color. We are not in a position right now to afford to replace all the carpeting, so I’ve been trying to decorate around it. Since it is so dark, I feel like it takes away from any decor. Do you have any suggestions on how to overcome this obstacle with out breaking the budget with all new carpeting or flooring? I’d appreciate anything you have! Thank you~Becky
@Jenny Nicole I would use alot of light color accents, frames, etc. so that your eye sees those things more than the paint color. Of course, there’s always the trick of covering big plywood panels with a pretty fabric or paper to cover more of your wall. Not being able to paint is so frustrating!
Hi Emily Great idea!! Do you recommend painting a large, expensive item like a dining room table? I love the size/style of our table but it’s oak (blech!) My Dad gave it to us and it holds many special memories for our family. I really want to paint it but I’m not sure if that would be the right thing to do. Do you have suggestions for me? Thank you!!
Emily congrats on you great blog and Nester!
I’m looking for ways to add color to my log home living area. Logs are round, stone fireplace. Saving for furniture. Have rustic wood end tables
@Emily: ohhh I get it!
This could actually be pulled off! Maybe like those curtains screens they have in hospitals…
… thanks again! :D
I need to replace my kitchen sink. Presently I have a composite one that never looks clean. I have a white kitchen (white cabinets, white counter, white refrigerator, black oven, black dishwasher front) I am thinking I need to go with a stainless steel or a white porcelain. I also need to purchase a new faucet. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks so much! :)
Hi Emily!
We just moved into a very traditional home built in the mid 90’s (think red brick exterior similar to the house in “Home Alone”. My previous style was really traditional with lots of french country furniture. Recently I have fallen in love with the breezy cottage style and would love to incorporate more of that into this house. Do you think it would look odd to have that cottage style in such a traditional home? I feel lost on how to begin. I’m considering hitting you up for a mood board to possibly spur some creativity in me.
Thanks!!
Beth at Unskinny Boppy
I LOVE this idea of answering questions! Here are my questions for you….
1) What is your favorite neutral paint color for main living areas?
2) What is your favorite color of gray paint that you recommend?
3) Also, I have antique white furniture in my dining room-what is your opinion about painting the walls a dark chocolate brown?
Thank you SO much for taking time to answer these questions. Looking forward to reading your blog.
@TwoBecomeThree So, you don’t like your sectional, I take it ;) My advice would be to add some big white pillow, maybe including a few in a fun print and fold a white throw over it. In other words–disguise it!
As for your walls, the quickest (and cheapest) way to warm up your space is to have your children do some bright artwork and frame their masterpieces. You could also buy some canvases at a craft store and have them paint on those.
As for the dining room rug, I always like it to cover most of the space. While there’s nothing wrong with the backs of the chairs coming off of the rug, I just find it a little irritating when trying to scoot my chair in and out from the table.
Hi Emily! I love this idea, so I’m excited to hear your answers! I live in the Hickory area so you’re not too far from me. That being said, do you have any favorite places you like to shop in this area? I know you said earlier there is a second-hand furniture warehouse you like…could you share their info with me too? Thanks for sharing:)
Where is the best place to put the sectional? against a wall? or where a table can be behind it??? (right now it’s under a window) Thanks for your help!
Hi Emily! Thoughts on the sleigh bed recently? We have a dark wood one and I had always loved it. . .butthe trend is the upholstered headboards and nate said ditch the sleigh bed. Do it ditch it???
@L.Duncan (aka Lakeitha!) What inspires my designs. . .good question. I don’t think there’s any one particular thing. I can see a pillow that I love and my mind will start racing with ideas for how I could build a room around it. I think fabric is always an easy way to get inspired and a great place to start.
I would say my style is eclectic–by necessity. I buy what I like, if it’s a great bargain :) There’s not really anything I try to stay away from. I do try to make the downstairs of my house “flow” colorwise just because it’s pretty open but I don’t really try to match anything.
I guess I knew that I wanted to help people decorate their houses soon after I graduated with a PR degree (go figure!). I just loved working on my own homes and eventually got up the nerve to start helping others.
Hi Emily!
We have recently moved into our new place, it is fairly small and has a open plan/combined living/dining/kitchen area, opening out onto a patio, with lots of windows. We have a dark chocolate leather sofa, white walls and a beige rug, but I don’t really know what else to put with it as I am scared to mess it up! All the pictures I like have lighter coloured sofas, and some colour in the room (often blues/greens), but do you have suggestions of how to make our chocolate sofa look good in the area (we can’t replace it)? Thanks so much!!
@Jen Mac My advice–paint that thing and don’t look back! Sometimes you have to take a risk to get a great result. (That’s what I told myself when I painted our family room wall a dark navy, as my 3-year-old kept screaming “it’s black! it’s black! me no like it!”) It’s your house, so if it bothers you, just go for it.
Okay, I sent the picture on FB. Looks like I sent 2 on accident. Sorry!
@Jenny The link to my facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Emily-A-Clark-Interiors/139179236123744?ref=sgm
Does anyone know how I can shorten that?
to shorten the link, go to tinyurl.com.. paste the url you want shortened and it will give u a lil link you can copy paste :)
Use a bit shortener like http://bit.ly/
Loving the live Q&A! You’re such a superstar.
What do you recommend for filling apothecary jars?
@My Three Snakes and Snails I’m not really sure w/out seeing the chair, but one crazy thought that initially came to mind is to use a fabric paint for the seats. I’ve seen this done on a few other blogs and I’m sure you could google it. If you’re wanting the seat to have a cool pattern, though. you may end up having to go the pricey upholster route–or at least get some professional advice from them on how you could possibly do it yourself.
Sorry, some of these questions are tough to answer online!
Hi Emily! Just found your blog today via Nester. We’ve just repainted our living & dining rooms with Bedford Gray from Martha’s line, white gloss trim. We are shopping for seating furniture with no luck (probably because we have no real “vision”) I’m curious what upholstery you recommend for families? Our children are 13, 11, and 22 month old twins. We aren’t looking to purchase “heirloom” furniture right now, just something comfortable, durable, and easy to clean!!
Thanks so much for this question venue!
Heather in Fort Mill
@Becky My solution for carpet that is dirty or just annoying? Layer with rugs! I also hate our carpet but wood floors are not in the budget. That’s why you’ll see rugs in almost every one of my rooms. Sisal is a great, casual choice and I’ve also found several cool wool rugs (in wonderful condition!) on Craigslist.
Just a simple question – what are your thoughts on white kitchens? Do you think they are a trendy thing, or classic? Also, I am looking for a way to update my current kitchen cabinets, which are wood. The cabinets are fine, so I don’t want to paint them. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Here’s a quick one for you. Would you paint dark wood ceiling beams? If so, would you match the ceiling color or the wall color or an accent color? Or would it just totally depend?
Our 2 yr old daughter & 4 yr old son just got bunk beds and the room is painted pink walls, chocolate brown ceiling and cream curtains–kind of like a Neapolitan ice cream look. I love the room but I am struggling to figure out what bedding and how to make it a little less girly without painting. We are expecting our 3rd in December.
I also took the closet door off and want to hang a fabric curtain, but again, not sure what color. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
thanks Emily! Any advice on wher to start to accessorize a large wall unit? I love the style of Ballard Design, but short of ordering everything they show in ($+$+$+$!!!)their display, where should I start? Are there basics I should use to fill up some of the space and then fill in? I am overwhelmed. Right now it is filled with little chotchkes that are all sentimental to me- but it is time for a change! I need a fresh look!
@Angie I think you can paint anything but with that being said, I have a similar table in our breakfast area now. It was my mom and dad’s and when I got it, I was ready to paint immediately. I paired it with some painted chairs, however, and the oak has grown on me. In fact, I like the marks, too. It just means it has been well-loved, right? (Plus, did I mention I saw almost the exact same table, scratches and all, in a Pottery Barn store soon after?)
@Keitswiff If it were me, I would start with a colorful piece of artwork (maybe over the fireplace?) that has colors you are really drawn to. Once you find this, it should be great inspiration for pulling in other color through pillows, fabric shades, etc.
Great job Emily!! Janell
Wow! I didn’t expect such a great response. I’m going to try to answer a few more questions. . . I think I might be getting carpel tunnel (is that how you spell it?!) :)
I wish I had seen this earlier – I have a HUGE design disaster of epic proportions…. Oh well, maybe next time?
Love your blog – can’t wait to read more of the past posts.
I love your blog and I get a lot of ideas from reading it everyday, but I’m stuck on how to add accessories to our master bedroom. One of the main problems I’m having is how do I accessorize our bedside tables? I have no idea what to put on them. We also have three frames hanging above our bed with nothing in them. Do you have any ideas or websites that I can print something to put in them? I’d love your help.
@Anne My first thought on your sink would be to go white since you have alot of other white in your kitchen. As for the faucet, I think you could go stainless or chrome there. Did you see Courtney’s kitchn on my blog yesterday? A great example.
Emily,
So excited that you might answer my question!! :)
We have the world’s smallest master bedroom. seriously. tiny. and we have a king sized bed. nice.
anyway, i really want to do stripes on the wall in a pale grey…should I do grey and white stripes {i had been thinking alternating matte and gloss both in the grey for more subtle stripes…}? and since the room is so small, should i do horizontal or verticle? and do you have a fave grey paint? i’m just trying to think of what would help make the room seem….less small! :)
thank you, thank you for any help you can give!
cheri
I have 8ft ceilings and recently raised my curtains to the ceiling which is approx 18″ above the top of the window. The curtains are sheer panels and so the space between the top of window and ceiling shows thru. Should I cover that area with a faux roman shade or add an opaque fabric to the top of the panels? or just leave it?
I love your blog and I get a lot of ideas from reading it everyday, but I’m stuck on how to add accessories to our master bedroom. I would love to accessorize our bedside tables and I have no idea what to put on them. We also have three frames hanging above our bed with nothing in them. Do you have any ideas or websites that I can print something to put in them? I’d love your help.
Hey Emily!
I don’t know if I’m going to catch you in time, but I thought I’d try…
I have a working mom question…I know we briefly talked about this in NYC, but when you have to time to juggle work with having kiddos? I’m totally stuggling with this right now and wonder how other designer mommies do it??? It’s tough!
@[email protected] I definitely think you could go more in the direction of a cottage feel. It sounds like your exterior is pretty traditional so it wouldn’t be such a stretch (like if you were wanting to do a really stark, modern zen theme or something like that, for example). Would love to help you; just let me know!
@AmyB. Okay, here goes:
1) What is your favorite neutral paint color for main living areas?
Well, I recently painted our main areas Benjamin Moore Sherwood Tan. It’s on the darker side of tan, but I think it’s really warm.
2) What is your favorite color of gray paint that you recommend?
Depending on how light or deep you’re going for, Benjamin Moore’s Gentle Gray is a really pretty light shade with slight blue undertones.
3) Also, I have antique white furniture in my dining room-what is your opinion about painting the walls a dark chocolate brown?
Do it!!! Of course, this is coming from the girl who just painted her dining room mocha :) I think the dark walls w/ the white furniture would be a stunning contrast.
I have a tiny tiny bathroom my kids use, and it is has good light in the shower area but I have no idea what to do to make it feel larger than it is and using fun but classy colors so it strikes a balance between kid and adult.
I was thinking of painting horizontal stripes but just not sure.
It is a blank canvas.
Thanks
Brooke G
@lauren I don’t get to Hickory nearly as often as I would like.. . You could probably tell me more about the best shopping there. Email me and I’ll send you directions to the furniture warehouse.
@TwoBecomeThree I always try to avoid putting a sofa right up against a wall if I can help it. A sofa table behind it would be a great place for lamps and accessories.
@Courtney What? Nate said ditch the sleigh bed? Hmmmm….I might have to disagree with him on that one. Personally, I think they’re pretty classic. And, if you love it, that’s even more reason to keep it! I think you can update things with your bedding, nightstands, etc., if you want a different look.
@Caitlin Well, you have alot of natural light going for you so I think the dark sofa can work, even if you’re wanting to lighten up the space. What about adding a pair of cream chairs or something in a light pattern? Then, you could also bring light pillows, throws, etc., onto the sofa. And, don’t forget about lamps with light shades. If you layer lighter fabrics and patterns in the room, the dark sofa can actually work as a great, neutral base.
Okay, everybody–my brain is fried and my wrists are aching from my speedy typing :) I can’t believe how many great questions you threw at me. I’ll look over the questions I didn’t get to, and may try to do some blog posts on some of your topics.
And, since this seemed to go pretty well, I will plan on doing another one of these sessions in the near future. I’ll post the date on my blog, as soon as I figure it out.
Thanks to everybody who decided to “hang out” with me tonight. It was lots of fun! Good night all.
You are talented and generous. Thanks so much for doing this!
That was so fun to read through…and so inspiring to hear about so many people with their hearts invested in making their homes beautiful! Your talent and blog make it more accessible for us.
SO thrilled for your success!
Oh, and I don’t post a lot of pretty pics on my blog…just a lot of my hacked projects…feel free to check it out! ;)
xo, cass
I got home from work at 9:30 and I’ve so enjoyed reading all the Q&A’s it was fun and I’ve learned alot, thanks for doing this♥
Can I mix a Dusty turquoise a spring green, some tan, with black and white successfully? I have black furniture, and have always wanted a black and white library/ office. Now with the chairs we have I think a blue and green mixture would look nice. Is that too many colors or just not a good combo?
I love that I found you through the nester and I loved reading through all of the Q&As. I’m looking forward to following your blog in the future!
So I need to paint my kitchen cabinets and am debating white -more timeless- or black, grey or a color. Is white still a modern choice for kitchens or too country?
Emily-
While I didn’t make it on for the live Q&A, I read all of the comments and your answers. I think so highly of you!
Elise
can i still ask questions? i am not sure of the time now…
Emily, thanks for your suggestion!! This was so great – a true rally!!
I’m just tuning in again to say that this was so much fun and such a great idea! Thanks Emily!
Hey Emily! I couldn’t tune in for your live Q&A but I just checked out all the questions and answers. Congrats to you for having such a successful forum! You deserve all of the success that you’re having!
what a great idea Ejmily!! loved reading the Q & A!!
xoxo