THREE birds with one stone.

Settle in, this post is a long one.  If you’ll remember from one of my very first posts, I have an awkward space between the breakfast bar and the seating arrangement in the living room.  I’ve tackled the issue, and I’m ready to share it with you.  But, not so fast!  I want you to know the three rules I applied to making my ultimate decision for this area.

Three of Sean’s rules:

1.  Don’t force something into your space that your space just can’t handle!  Trust me, it will NEVER work out nicely.  Let it go.

2.  Always provide some kind of display area for your collectibles, books, or whatever can give your home some personalization!  How will someone know YOU live there?

3.  I like to use mirrors in rooms.  They can be cost-effective alternatives to expensive art.  They can also expand a space and provide a bit of glitz.  The rule?  Only one mirror should exist in a room!

DON’T FORCE IT

The awkward space I’m working with was most likely intended to be a small dining area for 4 people.  I assume.  Surely most people would want to squeeze in a table here.  That’s the problem, though.  It would be a total squeeze!  There would be very little circulation around the furniture, and I’d probably have to eliminate the stools at the breakfast bar.

Get realistic about what your space can handle.  If you force something into a room that it just can’t take, everything else will be compromised.  Your space will look smaller and crowded.  I’ve come to the realize the reality that my open-concept living room will just NOT handle a dining table while maintaining a substantial area dedicated to lounging in the living area (my priority).  Luckily, I considered this possibility when purchasing the condo.  A formal dining room doesn’t fit my lifestyle.  I had one before and never used it.  Well, that’s not true…I hung many a coat and jacket on the gorgeous rosewood chairs.  The breakfast bar will be my dining area.  My home will be the “cocktails and hors d’oeuvres” destination…someone else can handle the sit-down dinners!

DISPLAY YOURSELF

My solution?  Storage and display space.  Not simply functional…it’s going to be gorgeous!  I’ll use shelving and closed storage to add a bit of architecture and height to this strange little area.  I’ll be able to display my gorgeous white porcelain collection, my prized books, and some other decorative items that are very dear to me.  Want to know the quickest way to eliminate the “hotel room” feeling in your room?  Personalize it!  Duh.

What’s great is that I get to explore my love of sleek, modern wall units.  Look at the examples below that I’m using as inspiration for my own solution.

(Above:  These are what wall units look like in Heaven.  A Poliform example.)

(Above:  A stunning design by Christian Liaigre.)

(Above:  Simplicity is always beautiful.  A Porro wall unit.)

Here are my drawings for my wall unit and display area.  I’m traveling outside my comfort zone by creating a very asymmetrical layout with respect to the sofa.  It’s good.  Not every space allows for perfect symmetry.  That’s what keeps it interesting and challenges you to think outside the box!

(Above:  Do you see how there’s NO way I can squeeze in a dining table for 4 and still keep the large living room setup?  Prioritize!)

(Above:  See the asymmetry of the room?  It works because the heights on each side of the sofa are similar between the wall unit and the hanging chandelier.  Large artwork will go above the sofa to bridge the two.)

I designed this unit to allow for both storage and display.  Using off-the-shelf cabinetry and shelving mounted to the wall, I am able to create a very high-end look on a modest budget.  The inspiration wall units above are well over $10,000.

(Above:  The shelving is not quite as long as the cabinet below.  I’m using that to my advantage!  The overhang of the right end of the cabinet becomes a “side table” for the sofa.)

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

I love having a mirror in a room.  Many times I use mirrors as alternatives to art.  Many times I use mirrors to add some illusion of depth and a bit of bling.  As I mentioned before…ONE mirror per room!  I had considered using a mirror above my sideboard, but thought it would be boring.  I also considered using a large mirror above the sofa to reflect the view into the bedroom.  With this new wall unit in place, the perfect location for a mirror revealed itself!  I’m backing the entire unit with bronze mirror to fill in the gaps between the shelving and the cabinet to make the whole thing look like one piece.  Take a look.

(Above:  The layout of the components look great, but there is a disconnect between them.  It’s too airy and open.  My collections look insignificant.  Also, it looks like I used off-the-shelf cabinetry!)

(Above:  See how all the pieces now look like one unit?  The impact of this solution is much greater now.  The bronze reflection is soft and adds depth and glitz to an otherwise useless little area.)

It looks expensive, but it’s not really.  Not compared to the inspiration units!  Just remember if you try this at home…When you have mirrors behind your shelving, you get two of everything.  Keep your display simple.  Stay tuned for next week’s post because I’ll share my tips on how to arrange your display shelving so things don’t look cluttered!