I put out a call on Facebook and Instagram stories for your “Rapid Fire Decorating” questions and am answering a few of them in this post which might turn into a regular series if you enjoy it. . . These are just quick ideas, mostly based on the first thing that pops into my mind, and I’ve pulled some pretty images to illustrate my answers. Hope this helps! Feel free to leave your rapid fire questions for a future post in the comments below.
Q. Would love tips on how to create a good mix in a dining room where you are still using a nice traditional table. I love having a nice dining room table (after holding out forever!) but it’s a fine line between a stuffy look and a weird mishmash of items.
A. I love a good mix of traditional and modern in a dining room. If you’re looking for the quickest way to give your space an update, I’d start with lighting, pairing a more modern chandelier with your table. Next on my list would be adding modern artwork and changing out all (or just some) of the matching chairs. More chair ideas here. (Image via Jennifer Barron Interiors.)
Q. Mixing patterns in a room is my problem. I have an oriental rug, solid chair and sofa, printed second chair, but stumble on throw pillows. Designs seem too busy, but solids may be too bland.
A. I do think solids (especially in great textures) are good for anchoring a space. But, my advice on mixing pattern would be to not overthink it to the point where it all becomes too coordinated. The main thing you want to concentrate on is mixing the scale of the pattern. For example, you don’t want too many big, bold prints layered right next to each other. Spread them out so that you’re mixing smaller scale prints in–a ticking stripe or a leopard pillow, for example. If you do this, you’ll be surprised at how many different patterns can actually work in one room. (Image via Nick Olsen Inc.)
Q. Do you have budget-friendly options or tips for framed chinoiserie panels?
A. As you know, the price tags on some of these (especially vintage) are pretty steep. I would order the 24×36″ rolls of chinoiserie wallpaper I found here (most are around $23-$25/roll) and use this 20×30″ brass metallic poster frame that I found here to create “panels”. (Image via Society Social.)
Q. What are your best tips for art arrangement and size of art behind a sofa?
A. I feel like most people err on the side of too small when they decorate the daunting wall behind their sofa. My philosophy is to go big and fill the space visually and usually vertically. A more vertical arrangement counteracts against the length of the sofa and makes more of a statement. I recently added a tall leaner mirror behind my couch and “built it out” by hanging smaller art on each side. See more here. (Image via Andrew Howard Interior Design.)
Q. What do you hang over a four-poster bed or should that space be left open?
A. My personal favorite look is to hang a small (roundish) mirror above the headboard. It doesn’t compete with the grandness of a poster bed but it makes it look finished. I also like a small framed piece of art like a landscape. (Image via Heather Chadduck for Flower Magazine.)
What quick decorating questions would you like me to address?
We have a very traditional formal dining room with antique furniture. I updated it by putting a modern pattern on the wall above all the decorative molding. It’s a navy Dalmatian print, and paired with modern brass lighting, it makes a wonderful mix of old and new. We use the room for formal dinners at the holidays as well as pizza nights with friends!
Painted interior doors…when does it work and when does it not? My upstairs is just a hallway of doors which leaves little space for any kind of decor. Painting them would add visual interest but…I’m afraid it would just highlight that there are sooooo many doors in a small space!
I want to know the answer to this question too!
Would love some ideas for how to decorate with a gray toned laminate wood flooring when your furniture includes warm wood tones, caramel leather couch, cream upholstery with leaf green (think Dunham fig print) pillows. It’s a rental house so I’m stuck with flooring as is, but do you have area rug suggestions that could help pull it together? Thanks so much!
Love this! I would love advise on flooring. What natural fiber rug is best for high traffic. And, what to do with terra-cotta tile flooring that you cannot afford to replace.
Oh, I like terra cotta tile flooring! I think it is classic! I think you can go lots of design directions. Sophie Robinson (English designer) just did her kitchen with some vintage terra cotta tiles. If you just google her name and kitchen you will see – she loves color so she has major wallpaper and lots of color, and I also think the terra cotta goes with lots of other styles.
Hi Emily, Love this rapid fire question help line. The question I have for you is, how do I paint or wallpaper over venetian plaster? My concern is this technique was finished with paste wax. Will Kilz primer work on the wax finish or will I have to sand the wall down before I update? The plaster is in a small powder room.
Love all of your wonderful colorful ideas.
Thanks,
Martha
I have this same dilemma in my dining room… help!!!
how to decorate a wall with a flat screen tv hung on it. What should I put on either side?
Yes! Me too! My wall has a TV with picture frames above it, but it needs something else. I am considering lighting sconces on either side, but where and what would look best? So maybe, how to decorate around a TV.
I would love to know the answer to this too! We have a 65” tv (sigh) on a wall that has no other features. I have no idea what to do with it!
My kitchen renovation started yesterday & I’m having a hard time finding white appliances that match. What are your thoughts regarding mixing white appliances with stainless?
Love this series! Thank you!
Love this! I have the 4 poster bed and a small starburst mirror above it. My issue is I don’t know what to put above the nightstands (if anything).
Do you have any ideas on how to decorate with oak trim and doors throughout the house, without having to paint it? I never see examples of this (maybe for good reason, but still…).
I have the same question on oak trim and doors :)
Love this blog post idea. Looking forward to more!
Love this series! Great ideas!
We have a wonky space between our staircase that is a little more than 2 feet wide and 4 feet deep. I bought 2 pretty plant baskets and put a 6 foot fiddle-leaf fig in one of them, but don’t know what plant to get to put in the other basket. Any ideas?
I love this. You are a master at breaking down design!
I really enjoyed this post. All of your advice was new to me and not the same old regurgitated design tips. Thanks!
Great series, Emily!!!
What would you put above the master bedroom king-sized headboard? We have 8ft ceilings and a taller headboard, so there’s only about 3 ft of space. Seems small, but also empty.
Hi Emily!
Aren’t you the sweetest – what a fun idea!!! Your blog is such a joy… I anticipate your Saturday 6 every week :).
Here is my rapid fire decorating question for my family’s recently purchased 1932 Lake (Erie) seasonal cottage. We have beautiful dappled sunshine thanks to the Maple, Oak and Locust trees on the property. The cottage (and the porches) face North. We plan on painting the walls and trim the same shade of white.
Oops…I guess its actually two questions…hope its okay as they are related!
What would be a foolproof shade of blue for #1 – porch (outside) or #2-sun room (inside) ceiling? Thanks so much!
This was a delight to read. Once again, you help us readers feel like we could mix style with traditional elements and make them sing together!
Other topic ideas? Redesign an older/shared kids bathroom for under $5K? Unexpected art sources? I’ve found some great ‘to the trade’ ideas, but few designers who will “sell” you just one or two items. Thanks!
I enjoy reading your posts as well as your design. I would love a recommendation for a living room that is 20 x 25 with two windows on the full 25′ wall and one centered on the far 20′ wall. The other 25′ wall is across and has an opening for dining room only on the far end and the other 20′ wall has entry opening to foyer. TV and console are against the dining opening wall (only place to put) and currently have sectional sofa across from TV. Am wanting to replace sofa-Help please?
I really like this series, too. For years I have been wondering what to do with a piece of sentimental furniture that is ugly. Thank you!
This was a fun read!
Would love to know what product to make my already existing wall paper have the german smear look to make it look time worn & old.
I thought of another: what to do with a pair of high, small windows in my living room. They look out to a wall, so they don’t need blinds. Floor-length curtains would look silly. But having them bare doesn’t look right, either. What would you do? Thank you!