Interior Design Sense

Congratulations! You bought a lovely house with a lot of potential! I own a similar small house (stuga by a lake) myself in Sweden. My house was built in 1959 and your house also seems to have been built around that time?
I find it important to stick to the age and character of the house and the setting when renovating a property like that.

I agree that it looks quite messy with the different height windows. You see that often in properties like this where people make renovations themselves without thinking of the big picture. I would recommend that you do not haste your renovation work but take a step back, just use the stuga for the Summer without doing any major work, and think carefully about how you want to use the rooms, what style/look do you like to have throughout the house, what are your renovation priorities and what could be step two etc.
Sorting out the facade should look like seems to me a high priority. You already have a door and ‘hallway’ on the left so I wonder whether you need to keep the main entry at the front? You could remove that door and that hallway and add the space to your living room, or to the kitchen (dining space?) or you could extend the bedroom (or make a walk-in closet or extra toilet?)). I would then make a glass door (same topheight as the other windows!) where the window is at the veranda-side of the livingroom and keep the windows in the corner. I really like these corner-window blocks which are so typical for houses built in 50-60.

You may later want to change the layout of the bedroom, bathroom and part of the livingroom on the other side of the house somewhat because that area seems a bit strange. e.g. make a little hallway (on top of the current bedroom- and bathroom doors door on the map) i.e. with a door to the left to the bedroom and to the right to the bathroom. This would give more privacy (and less noise from the livingroom) to both rooms and create more wallspace in your living room (since less doors).

Outside: Please keep the stone terrace, staircase and especially the railing, since so many people rip our these 50-ies details and just make a wooden decking… This makes it look so ’2000′ and the same for all houses… Is the stonewall original from when the house was built? Then definitely keep it. It is so lovely when the stone of the terrace and the wall collects the warmth of the sun during the day and then radiates it in the evening. You may want to clean/paint (lightgrey, concrete colour) the concrete floor of your terrace though.

I would change the colour of the house. Which colour depends a little bit on the other houses in the area and your taste. Off-white would look bright and fresh and would be nice against the concrete terrace. Since the house lays by the see I would avoid a very dark colour like (almost) black, which would be nice if the house would have been more in a greener area.
Good luck!!

For some reason I feel like all of my projects lately have had one thing in common… ottomans! Random I know, but it seems like these multi-purpose pieces have solved some big design dilemmas for us at EJ Interiors! Whether we are working on a family room, bedroom, home office, or even’ an outdoor living space, ottomans have been the perfect solution when we are tight on space or need the room to serve several functions! I searched my go-to sites (Pinterest and Decorpad) for some fabulous examples of how ottomans can transform ANY room.

IN THE MIDDLE OF FOUR CHAIRS-

I must say that my favorite use of the ottoman is a square ottoman set on the diagonal placed between four chairs.’  This seating arrangement makes for a very cozy conversation area-

{Traditional Home}

IN PLACE OF A TRADITIONAL COFFEE TABLE-

Sometimes you just want to put your feet up when on the couch watching TV, but this is never as relaxing with a regular coffee table.’  With this layout, you don’t have to feel guilty kicking back and relaxing and it’s super comfortable too-

{Elle Decor}

In this situation, I like a tray on the ottoman- one that can hold books, vases, and other random accessories-

{Elle Decor}

BETWEEN TWO CHAIRS-

J Lo chose to put a coordinating ottoman between her two two matching chairs.’  This ottoman can serve a few different purposes…it can be pulled up in front of one of the chairs as a foot rest, could be an extra seat, or if it had a tray, could pose as an accent table to hold drinks.

{Veranda}

This ottoman poses as a foot rest and/or coffee table between these two chairs in this gorgeous gray library-

UNDER A CONSOLE TABLE-

You never know when you are going to need extra seating at a party, so the placement of this ottoman is a great solution for when you have to accommodate larger groups. Not to mention, this ottoman just looks good as an accent under the console table and softens the lines of it.

IN FRONT OF A CHAIR-

This is the most obvious place for an ottoman, in front of a chair..however, where the chair and ottoman are, couldn’t be more unexpected- in a master bath!

AS EXTRA SEATING IN LIVING ROOM-

These round and oval ottomans are pretty fab and are a great way to add extra seating to your living room. Usually placed right in front of a coffee table, these ottomans provide a place for guests to perch and enjoy their cocktails!

Jamie knew what he was doing when he added this huge round hot pink ottoman-

{Jamie Drake}

And here he did it again!

{Jamie Drake}

AS A BED BENCH-

Ottomans in the bedroom are perfect for breakfast in bed! (or more realistically, a good spot to sit and put on your shoes!)

{House Beautiful}

{Tobi Fairley}

OUTDOOR OTTOMANS-

Ottomans in an outdoor living area add seating without blocking the beautiful view OR they could serve as footstools for days when you just want to lounge!

{Architectural Digest}

{Windsor Smith}

AS STORAGE-

How amazing is the Rousseau storage ottoman from Lilly Pulitzer?? 16 storage pockets inside for shoes!! This is seriously every girl’s dream…

IN A CLOSET-

Well actually, maybe THIS is every girl’s dream. Great use of it, wouldn’t you agree?!

And another…just so I can live vicariously through these women with their big closets!

So I guess the question is- is there anything you can’t do with an ottoman?!!

Zeno outdoor fireplaces are made of Corten steel and ideal for revamping and bringing a special atmosphere to your outdoor space. The beauty of Corten steel is that it does not rust – perfect to be placed in your garden, on your patio or veranda. Apart from looking great, the stoves are also equipped with a perforated bottom plate on which a Zeno grill can be placed. So your cozy, comfortable fireplace can be easily turned into a spot for a gourmet grilling feast. Zeno make their fireplaces in a variety of shapes and sizes, one of which is sure to be right at home in your backyard. Visit Zeno for more details.

http://interiordesignsense.com/tag//

Welcome to an incredible waterfront home that takes in the beauty and peacefulness of the nature reserve it neighbors. Found on Skeppsholmen, the project consists of an imposing building which serves as the main living area and two other small constructions. The main building offers a stunning kitchen with wood furnishings, marble countertops and a breathtaking fireplace. Dining takes place in the glass veranda with spectacular views over the water. Two living rooms, up to six bedrooms, three lavish bathrooms and a’  dressing room make up the main residence, a perfect place for family gatherings. To top it all, there is a lovely pier on the property and a fascinating lighthouse for a genuine near-water experience. Have a look at the photos below and raise your hand if you are a fan of living in waterfront homes.

It’s really hard for me to believe that Easter weekend is already here. ‘ This year has just flown by!

As I sit here with my own honey bunny, Zoey, getting ready for a busy weekend of family and fun, all things pink, purple, blue and green keep popping into my head.

I’m not normally a fan of pastel colors, as they remind me of my dentist’s office circa 1990, but here are some rooms that I found where designers did the pastel thing SO right-

{Elle Decor}

{Elle Decor}

{House Beautiful}

{Domino}

{Decorpad}

{Veranda}

{Elle Decor}

Have a great weekend everyone!

Add some color to your closets and dressing areas with these cool, colorful coat hangers by Bonaldo. The Eos features a fresh, flower-like design that will put a little spring in your style. The unique design by Mario Mazzer has a whimsical, crocus-inspired silhouette in mid-bloom, ready to hang up your raincoats, jackets and throws – essential springtime gear. Made of molded polyethylene, the Eos coat hangers have a modern look that comes in white, anthracite grey, orange, green, red and light blue – cute hues for a foyer, mudroom or front veranda. Check out these colorful home accessories by visiting Bonaldo.

http://interiordesignsense.com/tag//

Luxurious inner city living means either a superb apartment or an extraordinary house. Owning an urban residence is probably one of the best things for active people. They can enjoy the benefits of a well-designed home and a fresh garden in the proximity of social and entertainment facilities. Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, this next residence was renovated and exceptionally lit up by natural light to offer the perfect background for a relaxed lifestyle. Respecting its traditional roots, the interior design shows the residence in a new light: a modern, sophisticated and bright place to live. Describing the residence, Judy Goodger, the realtor, says: “A beautiful reflection of old meeting new, classic features include VJ walls, high ceilings, fretwork, restored timber floors and a front elevated veranda overlooking the pretty surrounding suburb. All 4 bedrooms plus study are spacious with the master suite located on the upper level, boasting a private balcony that overlooks the pool area, and is serviced by a simple and stylish bathroom.”

http://interiordesignsense.com/tag//

Having a light and airy residence can mean that over 50 per cent of the exterior is made of glass, just like this next house designed by the renowned architect Shane Thompson and located in Brisbane, Australia. Modern features are explained by the realtor: “This is the definition of wide open living. Featuring a sweeping floor plan that effortlessly meanders from one living space to the next, this residence boasts sharp, clean lines and the highest quality of trimmings. ” The living and dining space is well defined by natural light coming from floor to ceiling sliding glass doors on all sides. A massive timber veranda lies at your feet every time you step outside in the backyard. An open gourmet kitchen overlooking the dining area features white cabinetry perforated by stainless steel appliances. A master bedroom with en-suite, a secondary bedroom and a third room that can accommodate guests represent the private quarters of the residence. Use the magnificent interior design of this residence to find inspiration for your own home, or even buy this property from Judy Goodger. Either way, let us know what the most beautiful corner of the house is.