I’m back today with another design dilemma. If you’re new around here, welcome!, I started this new blog series at the beginning of the year. Readers write in asking for help with certain design issues in their homes, and then I put on my non-expert design hat to help them brainstorm ideas. While as I’ve stated, I’m no expert, I’m absolutely design-obsessed, and I do have a passion for creating stylish, livable spaces. I also love helping people make their homes their happy places, and I think more often than not we just need a second opinion or a sounding board to help us jump over our design hurdles. So consider me “that friend” you text when you’re shopping at HomeGoods and are having trouble deciding whether or not to buy that OMG amazing side table or those YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE PRICE bar stools. I’m here to help! Please don’t give your spouse my email address though. 😉
Okay, so today we’re talking about what to prioritize in the design of your home.
The Background Story
Nancy, who recently moved into a beautiful newly built home, wrote in asking for help with a few different things that we’ll be discussing here on the blog very soon. One issue, in particular, she is struggling with is where to begin in the designing of her new open floor plan. Moving into a newly built home is very exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming.
Nothing is outdated, it’s a beautiful new home; so what could be the issue? Putting your own stamp on a new build, especially with an open floor plan, can be intimidating. It’s hard to know where to begin when you’re working with one big open space but want each space to feel defined.
The Design Dilemmas
– Nancy is having trouble figuring out what to hang on this big blank wall in her dining room.
– She wants to add a back splash in her kitchen, but isn’t sure what type of tile to use.
– And she isn’t crazy about the builder grade lighting the house was outfitted with, but she isn’t quite sure how to choose fixtures that don’t look matchy-matchy yet flow throughout the space.
So Where Do You Start?
I think she should start with the lighting. Changing the fixtures will immediately set the tone for the design of the rest of the space. Lighting plays a major role in design, and in a newly built home it can instantly bring in a more custom look. I think in any open floor plan beginning by selecting the largest fixture in the space is a great jumping off point. Then you can work around that light fixture when selecting the other fixtures to hang in the space. In Nancy’s case, choosing a new fixture to hang over her dining room table will make it easier to select pendants for the island and a coordinating fixture for the entry foyer.
This will also help to make the dining room feel a little more special and well defined. I’ve already tackled “how to coordinate lighting throughout your home” in a previous design dilemma post, but since this particular lighting dilemma is a bit different I pulled together a few different lighting ideas that would work in Nancy’s home.
Option 1
First up is a simple, classic look that would work well with the architectural style in the home. While the foyer and entry lights match in this scenario the chandelier over the dining table would break things up just enough. Cohesive but not overly matchy-matchy. Although this pendant is totally different and would also coordinate nicely. I’d also recommend adding in a plain white ceiling medallion to the dining room chandelier for a little more drama.
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Option 2
For a look that’s a bit edgier and decidedly more modern she could go with this midcentury meets industrial style. Bringing a little black into every space is something design experts say is a “do”. These fixtures would definitely up the drama and play quite nicely with the kitchen cabinet style as well as the cabinet hardware.
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Option 3
Last but not least is an option that brings in some warmth along with a modern look. The pendants are a modern take on a classic style and pair really nicely with this sculptural chandelier. The muted gold finish is a nice contrast to the stainless steel and pewter metal tones in the space. Mixed metals are always a win in my book.
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I think this may be my personal favorite look although I do really love the midcentury modern look as well. I’d personally lean toward doing something really fun with the lighting as in options 2 or 3 because the overall style of the house is already a good classic, timeless base. Bringing in some design contrast would bring lots of personality to the space. That being said, going with a simple, classic look as in option 1, would work well to bring more of a custom look to this new-build home and further lay the foundation to add in modern touches through art and accessories. It’s really all about figuring out what direction you want to go in, but I do think that lighting is absolutely the best place to begin a design plan for an open concept home. You can see from the three above lighting styles what a difference each plan would make in the space. Each one bringing in a very distinct design direction that would take the lead of the overall look in the space.
Because lighting plays such a significant role I think selecting a style, even if you don’t purchase right away, is something that should be prioritized in your design plan. Then all the other pieces will fall nicely into place.
What do you think? Where do you like to start in terms of designing an open floor plan? Which lighting scenario do you like best? Or would you opt for an entirely different look all together?
Here are a few more lighting options I’m loving lately!
I’ll be back soon to address Nancy’s tile dilemma as well as her blank dining room wall. I’m currently all booked for the rest of 2016 with design dilemmas. I’m so glad you all are loving this series as much as I am. If you’re interested in submitting a dilemma to be tackled in 2017 (crazy we’re that close to the end of the year!) feel free to shoot me an email with “Design Dilemma” in the reference line to Carmel@ourfifthhouse.com. I’d love to help you brainstorm ideas!
