BZ DESIGN SCENARIO 2020 CSU Fort Collins
Playing the field: vertical and horizontal stacking of books breaks up the space and adds more of a reason for the eye to continue to travel from shelf to shelf. This is an example of working with what you have or can find cheaply and making unique pieces work as art. Color helps keep it from being boring.
ECLECTIC and classic: I would pair down the lamps...is there really a need for two lamps in this space: NO. The lampshade shape hurts the overall aesthetic - preferable to use one that is NOT pleated. Also a cylinder shape would be a perfect modern update to make the space seem livable. I would remove 2-3 items from the table top and move one of the footstools to another part of the house. A basket with magazines below and one footstool should suffice and add more function.
What I Would Do Differently: I love the mirror and the vanity, just not used together like this. If the vanity were a sleek black, and smooth texture OR keep the vanity but with a different mirror to add contrast, variety and visual interest. This is currently a boring nook of beige, but it has potential to be a striking small space. I would also install a really beautiful wallpaper if the mirror were changed to a round or oval shape. Also, the fabric on the chair is boring and does not seem intentional, nor does the pleated skirt of the chair. The lampshade is dated as well. The art opposite of the vanity, is boring hotel art. It will be seen daily, it should be more interesting and/or colorful.
I like the idea of the dresser, but it was done all wrong. I would place these smaller mirrors to the side and add a large piece of art to balance the wall space. The color choices of the drawers is meant to mimic an abstract painting no doubt, but the color choices are so drab it detracts from its potential.
I love this solution to the bottom two steps protruding...I have a similar situation in my home and the bench is the perfect solution to work with a problem (trip hazard) in a practical way that will be used daily (put on/off shoes etc). The two details to change: storage under bench (perhaps the seat lifts up, but more accessible compartments with baskets or drawers/doors. The second detail to change: the choice to have natural wood on the pony wall next to bench - it would look much better if it were painted white.
No foyer, No problem: I love how this "foyer" has been created with an asymmetrical use of wall decor with the pieces of furniture that make this space functional. I love this example because it represents a common issue people in a single story home or floor level space; which is a lack of foyer. You open the front door to a small space of tile etc....enough for a small rug to wipe your feet off. Then BOOM, carpet surrounds that small square of tile and you are plopped in the living room. I will say that the continuity of the floor helps tremendously here. Then that entire wall becomes dedicated to personal art/photos along with a place to sit to remove shoes and a credenza that adds storage and a place to drop the keys/bags. The lamp is practically placed (though a real reading nook moment can happen with a more comfortable chair...just saying.
Custom Millwork contender: THOSE bookshelves, need I say more?! What I love most is the white interior of a select compartments of the shelving, which makes a perfect and simple showcase for art/ sculptures/ collectibles etc. It mimics a gallery setting (white walls), allowing the featured piece to become elevated and a path of visual interest can keep the eye wandering for quite some time when done right (which this is). Bravo.
Vignette: Love the monochromatic color used (blue), however, I would have loved to see the mirror and CG/entry table to be have some more contrast (both are geometric/ three dimensional. I also would have preferred an oval shaped mirror to break away from sharp geometric shapes. Otherwise, I love the space and can imagine how welcoming this foyer is upon opening the front door after a long day out.
A vignette more fit for a master bedroom, home office or foyer...I love the color variance, paired with the simple fact that only a small amount of items occupy the space (chaise bench, art on wall, floor lamp...two pillows). How visually impactful though, right?!
Q