Furniture Arrangements

Bedroom Sketch by Valene Greene 

Understanding a few basic concepts about furniture arrangements will have you right on your way to a more efficient living space.  Effective furniture arrangement ensures appropriate traffic flow and increased emphasis on focal points.

Traffic flow allows individuals to maneuver safety throughout a space. Stepping into a room only to be blocked by furniture is awkward, accident prone, and an insufficient means of egress!

Never block doorways and entryways. Furniture pieces should be sized relative to one another as well as the room in which they are placed. Always check the dimensions of hallways, stairs, and door widths to make certain furniture pieces will fit when moving them into their designated space.

Decide the intent of the room; will it be used for entertainment, a study, or T.V. viewing?  Build around the focal point of a room, whether it is an architectural feature or piece of furniture. For a cozy atmosphere arrange furniture close to one another. For a more spacious feel, place furniture farther apart from one another. Place the largest piece of furniture on the longest wall. Try not to group too many large pieces of furniture together; it can at times upset the balance and harmony.

AutoCAD Drawing created  by Valene Greene 

Furniture is arranged to fit the odd shaped floor plan. The entertainment center has been custom built to fit the angular shaped wall. Doorways are unblocked and furniture is spaced apart establishing a spacious mood. 

AutoCAD Drawing created by Valene Greene 

Above is a home office which resembles the work place; ample storage, book shelves, a desk /return, and comfortable seating. 

AutoCAD Drawing created by Valene Greene 

This large open space is divided into two spaces, a gathering room and dining room. Four plush arm chairs surround the fireplace, the focal point, creating an intimate setting. An area rug defines the dining room. Traffic flows smoothly through the open space.

AutoCAD Drawing created by Valene Greene 

The bed above is flanked with bed side tables on either side creating balance. The dresser at the opposite end fills the empty wall. Doorways are free of obstruction inviting safe movement throughout the room.  

Interior Design is not solely the enjoyment of choosing décor but also the practice of safety and effective traffic flow.

By Valene Greene 

www.veluxeinteriors.com 

Window Treatments

Swag & Valance 

Window treatments are in fact the icing on the cake, the jewelry to dress the gown, and the spice in the soup. Enjoy the fun details of dressing a window by aiding in its purpose and accentuating the decor.

Options for window coverings are vast and at times make the process overwhelming.  On that account, begin by first deciding the type of window treatment needed based on the intent, and then choose the style based on the décor. 

BLINDS & SHUTTERS: SKYLIGHT – An easy treatment for skylights are roller shades as shown in the photo above.  

BETTER HOME & GARDEN: ARCHED WINDOW – In this photo the arch is left exposed while the French doors are cloaked with flowing curtains. 

HGTV: BAY WINDOW - Ceiling to floor length curtains encompass the bay windows creating a secluded seating area suitable for reading or an afternoon nap.

Window Treatments are needed for a variety of reasons, for instance; privacy, noise absorption, sunlight control, heat loss prevention, connection to the outdoors, and resolving architectural issues.  

VOGUE: Vertically stacked windows are covered with floor to ceiling curtains, creating architectural emphasis.

SOUTHERN LIVING:  Café curtains are used to control glare on the computer while still allowing sunlight to flood the room. 

TRADITIONAL HOME:  A Shoji Screen is used as a form of window treatment and accent to the eclectic décor.

Hard window treatments consist of blinds, shutters, and shades. Soft window treatments are draperies, curtains and layered treatments such as swags & cascades or valences & draperies. Traditional window treatments emphasis on pleating and embellishments where contemporary window treatments show case fabric choices while maintaining simplicity.

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST: Thick floor to ceiling velvet draperies (Traditional)

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST:  Stripe pattern Roman Shades (Contemporary)

HOME INTERIOR DESIGN: Swag 

HOME&HOUSE: Cornice

Window treatments are worth the extra attention needed.  Not only do they make a space attractive, they also execute their intended purpose.

By Valene Greene 

www.veluxeinteriors.com 

Nurseries & Kids Rooms

A new addition to your family will arrive in just a few months and you’re now scrambling to get a nursery together; but where in the world do you begin? Begin by determining what furniture pieces will be needed for a nursery suitable for both parents and baby. Basic Furniture necessities for a nursery include a crib, changing table, seating, dresser, and storage units.

Consider thinking ahead and choosing furniture and themes that will transition easily out of babyhood. Fortunately, nursery furniture is designed to convert for growing babies.  For instance, most cribs convert into toddler beds and some changing tables convert into dressers.

Oeuf Conversion Crib 

CSN Baby Changing Table 

Add charm and personality to the space with thrift antiques, vintage fabrics, homemade art work, & creative storage ideas. Tie the design together with secondary necessities: lamps, bedding, window treatments, paint and rugs.

Nursery 

Design Board by Valene Greene

This conceptual nursery is a great unisex design where you’re not inclined to think pink or blue.  When the baby arrives and time goes on, pink and blue can be added as you wish.

Girls Room

Design Board by Valene Greene

Most little girls want to be princesses. What better way to make them feel like a princess than creating a princess themed room. Lilac, pinks, greens, light fabrics, and crystal chandeliers will most definitely do the trick.

As the child gets older give them a sense of pride and ownership by allowing them to participate in the evolving décor and layout of the space. Have fun and enjoy the bonding that will come out of the collaboration. 

Below are a few awesome examples I found of teen boy and girl rooms

Teen Boy’s Room -HGTV

This Hunting Themed boy’s room is a great pick for a nature loving adventurous teen. From the camouflage bedding to the animal trophy, vivid imagery of the outdoors is successfully executed.

Teen Girl’s Room -HGTV

This teen’s room has matured significantly from the typical pink and lilac for little girl’s rooms, but still holds true to youth by using bright splashes of color and bold flowing patterns.

By Valene Greene

www.veluxeinteriors.com

This Blog Entry is dedicated to my nieces and nephew!