Layout is all about solving a problem. Our homes, inside and outside, are problems waiting to be solved. Fortunately, if you’re anything like me, they’re fun and challenging problems.
If you’re smart and make certain that your home works well, you are able to fix the aesthetic problems in many distinct ways with the very same materials. The majority of the fun of interior decorating is the drama — moving items around, standing back, taking everything in and moving items again. It’s about discovering the satisfying emotion you’re searching for in the action of decorating.
Modularity is key to almost every thing I bring into my home. I want to be able to use a piece several ways in different rooms to distinct effect. I also like to use different rooms in my house for different reasons to change the entire feel and experimentation with new methods of functioning. Staying active in the development of your own design is paramount to the continuing development of your aesthetic.
Emma Reddington of The Marion House Book takes this idea to heart. She introduced another baby to her family and spent the months up to infant Orla’s birth reimagining her house in Toronto, Ontario. Her living room and dining room were swapped, and a few straightforward details turned the big brother’s old bedroom into the new baby’s nursery. The outcome is a new-feeling residence, a new means of moving around the space and a new method of enjoying the things she previously had.
The Marion House Book
Emma’s traditional Victorian home is versatile in that the two chief rooms are virtually synonymous. Here, she has a living room in the front of the house.
Pendant mild, rug, chairs, couch, coffee table, mirror: classic, Commute Home; artwork: Eliza Griffith
The Marion House Book
A simple switch of the living room is currently a sophisticated yet relaxed space that appreciates new light. The mirror, the wood stack, along with the light fixtures all stayed the same.
Mirror: classic, Thrifttown; white walnut table: UpCountry; seats: Eames molded vinyl, Design Within Reach; kilim carpet: classic, St. Lawrence Market
The Marion House Book
The dining room is the bigger of those 2 spaces, along with a household of four, sometimes it makes more sense to skimp on space for a formal dining room.
Credenza: custom, Marion Melbourne Design; bentwood chair: classic, Mrs. Huizenga
The Marion House Book
The living room is currently in the back room of the main floor. Without a fireplace to compete, the furniture layout becomes fluid. Again, art, accessories and lighting all stayed in place. Rearranging that which is a great impetus to inject a vivid colour and experimentation with new textiles.
Pendant light: Mooi, Klaus; sectional: Bensen, Quasimodo; kilim pillows: Sukan, Etsy; java table, Bertoia chairs: Commute Home; rug: Thatch, Design Within Reach; flokati rug; Mrs. Huizenga; painting: Tony Scherman; photo: Eugen Sakhnenko
The Marion House Book
Her kid’s nursery was neutral and organic, and because she’s a thoughtful designer, it’s a simple switch to a new nursery for her daughter.
Crib, changing table: Nurseryworks, Ella & Elliot; tree mural: Inke Heiland, Ella & Elliot; carpeting: Pottery Barn; pendant: Tord Boontje Midsummer Light; drapes: Ikea
The Marion House Book
Including a soft blue and cream striped carpet and some additional storage baskets instantly updated the space and made it ready to welcome baby home.
Rug: Yacht Stripe Ocean, Dash & Albert; woven pouf: Serena & Lily; baskets: West Elm; drapes: Restoration Hardware
The Marion House Book
The huge custom credenza which was housed in the original dining room has been relocated into the nursery, providing ample storage. From barware to diapers!
Elephant mural: Inke Heiland, KolKid; lamp: Ikea; basket: The Arthur
Would you constantly reimagine your house? Share pictures of your development in the Comments below!
More:
Old Dining Room, New Use