Working with various clients in addition to our own properties, I am often forced to abide by certain restrictions and requirements. Restrictions can be anything from a client’s preference to a monetary limit. Requirements can range from HOA rules to using pre-purchased materials and/or furnishings. One of my recent projects had multiple restrictions to deal with and it took some creative thinking to handle. Sometimes there is a simple workaround and other times it takes a complete reimagining. This project was probably halfway between.
The situation would not allow for changing out light fixtures, floors or walls. The floors and walls were a neutral gray, which wasn’t bad, but gray is no longer a trending color and there was just too much of it. The light fixtures were primarily gold (very brassy), with some that were black and gold and even a few silver ones. I needed to find a way to cut the gray without being outlandish and also to tie everything together making it feel on purpose. I did some major calculating, and I am very pleased with the results.
The situation would not allow for changing out light fixtures, floors or walls. The floors and walls were a neutral gray, which wasn’t bad, but gray is no longer a trending color and there was just too much of it. The light fixtures were primarily gold (very brassy), with some that were black and gold and even a few silver ones. I needed to find a way to cut the gray without being outlandish and also to tie everything together making it feel on purpose. I did some major calculating, and I am very pleased with the results.
First, I put a rug in the living room, nearly large enough to cover the entire floor. I found a traditional taupe and ivory rug at Costco and a very pale, pale gray sofa at Costco as well. Next, I told you about the black fireplace (Big Lots!) we used to bring balance to the room, and I added some rustic wood end tables and accessories. The black and the wood help cut the gray, but also they add a warmth which keeps the gray and gold room from looking fake. Finally, I stuck with black and ivory patterned pillows and throws sprinkled with gold flecks to pull in the gold from the fixtures. I chose a single accent color to make things pop—a dark green (Pottery Barn). The taupe, ivory, black, green and wood touches, reduced the gray and made the property feel warm and homey.
Because restrictions and requirements will vary with each project, you should have this skill in your toolbox. Know how to manage workarounds and which colors can be utilized to minimize or maximize what you have to work with. You will be glad you did.
Doing the workarounds,
Karen Conrad Metcalfe
You can find designer hacks in my home staging book, 7 Seconds: How To Leverage The Seven Second Rule In Your Home Designs and Real Estate Investments Second Edition.
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