Struggling to figure out what rug size is perfect for your family room or how to update your kitchen on a budget? Help is here.
Interior designer and winner of HGTV's "Design Star" Danielle Colding is answering your home decor questions. Need help navigating a decor challenge? Send your question to TODAYhomehelp@gmail.com and Danielle may answer your question in an upcoming TODAY.com post.
What are some guidelines to follow when pairing a coffee table with a sofa?
The biggest issue when considering a coffee table is function. There are so many choices and so many ways to play with this area. From pull-up tables used for writing or a small pair of garden stools that can multitask as additional seating, the selection of coffee tables runs the gamut. In my work, I always like to consider the storage factor. Is this an area where we need to keep books, remotes and coasters? In that case, I usually try to pick something with a bottom shelf. If storage is not an issue, I tend to lean towards sculptural artistic pieces that add another layer to the design story. These are prime surfaces for accessorizing.
One of my favorite solutions when designing for kids is using an upholstered coffee table in a durable fabric such as leather or vinyl. I have used this quite a bit for clients where the coffee table is in the line of fire.
I have a small kitchen with one window and oak cabinets. What can I do to brighten up the room on a budget?
The easiest way to brighten any space on a budget is a can of paint. While paint on the walls is an obvious solution when dealing with a tight kitchen, think creatively. Painting a vibrant color on the ceiling can bring your eye up and make the space feel bigger. If possible, and not a rental, I also love the idea of painting or staining the cabinets themselves. While very labor intensive, there is almost nothing more transformative in a kitchen.
Also, consider installing a new backsplash or countertop. In a small kitchen, backsplashes can have a huge impact and bring in color and pattern in a great way. Finally, changing out the cabinet hardware with something artistic and colorful is another way to add personality to a space.
What is a good rule of thumb to use when it comes to choosing the right rug size?
There is nothing worse that a rug that is too small. I am always encouraging people to move away from the postage-size rugs that float in front of a sofa or in the center of a living area. Rugs are meant to define spaces and should help to being a space together. A great rule of thumb is to make sure the rug can sit halfway under a sofa and that every piece of furniture in the conversation area is sitting on it — at least partially. For a dining room, you want to make sure that the rug is big enough for someone to move their chair back fully and still have all four chair legs on the rug. That means you need at least 36-inch to 42-inch around the perimeter of the table.