Designing The Nest - The Empty Nest

In the next few months, high school seniors will be graduating from their respective high schools... And while this is an exciting and thrilling time for students and parents alike, it is also a sad and emotional time for parents. Soon, it will be time to move your student into their new campus dorm and help them make decisions that will impact the rest of their college career - and life... and make some decisions yourself on how best to deal with the empty nest that remains.

Once their senior has graduated and moved on to the next chapter in their life, many find themselves with a room decorated with tons of sports memorabilia, photos of neighborhood children and high school friends, doo-dads, posters of rock-bands, and just plain “stuff”.

As difficult as this can be, it's time to pack those things up and move them into the attic or garage - rejoice in the fact that you know have some freed up space and it is time to think about what to do with your new spare room.

The common thing to do when children graduate, is convert the space to a home office. If this is a needed resource in your home, first, maximize the space with shelves, storage. Then deck out with space-appropriate desk and seating.

Other popular options are converting the room into a guest bedroom, a small workout room, or even a craft room where you can explore your creative interests. Perhaps you need something a bit less typical - such as a media room or even a “meditation room”.

Once you've decided what to do with the space, then it's time to design it. A simple coat of paint and furnishings with function will transform the space into a usable room perfect fit for your new needs as a college parent.

Whatever you decide to do with the additional space in your home, call J. Douglas Design - Dallas Interior Designer for some expert advice on decorating for that empty area in your room. J. Douglas Designs has unique one-of-a-kind furnishings, accessories and more to bring new life to ANY time of space.

Dark Walls Mean Major Pop - Interior Design Dallas Ideas

Are you daring enough to paint your walls really dark - or even black? We are! Dark walls make for great contrast and ambiance in an interior design - considering the lighting in the room, the furnishings - and the overall look that you want to achieve.

If you love drama, (and we do!) then dark walls can really bring out the space in a beautifully bold way. Here are some things to consider if you are feeling really spunky and thinking of painting a room dark.

Lighting: Do you have plenty of windows in your space to lighten things up? This is imperative really, before you paint too much of the room dark. If you paint a space completely dark, and lighting is insufficient - then you will make the space appear much smaller. But don't be afraid to paint a room dark - even in a small room, with enough natural light - it can add the unique feel you are trying to achieve.

Trim & Moulding: do you have chair rail moulding or crown moulding? Are baseboards white? Sometimes, and depending on your design and the architecture - to achieve nice lines and contrast - if you have bright white, clean moulding and trim alongside dark walls - the effect is interesting and bold. If there is no trim or moulding really in a very dark room, then one must offset the stark darkness with lighting and wall coverings, or art of some sort. The whole idea of a dark space is to create illusions and theatrics - so contrasting pieces and colors and shades are key.

Furnishings: Are your furnishings dark too? If they are, then this is not really an option. Your dark pieces will melt away into the background and the stark contrast between items and area will not be achieved. Choose an accent color, a nice light and bright one - and pair it with your furniture in the form of window coverings, pillows, throws, lampshades, accessories - and other smaller areas. But don't go overboard - there is a 'right amount' of 'stuff' to have sitting around and in interior design - you can 'over accessorize'. Remember - the whole idea with a dramatic paint job in your space is to make everything else POP.

Can there be too much POP? You bet, we could also call it busy, mind-boggling, or capable of causing heart conditions of seizures. But you won't get this from simply painting your room a dark color to create contrast and depth for your furnishings and art pieces. This typically comes from mixing scary patterns and simultaneous contrast of pairing the wrong hues of complimentary colors - or over accessorizing with too many unnecessary doo-dads.

Feeling bold but want to chat about it? Call us at J. Douglas Design - your premier source for Dallas Interior Design and fine furniture!

Photo from CasaSugar

Brand Spotlight: Swaim

J. Douglas Design, as your premier Dallas interior design firm - only carries the finest and most distinctive names in fine furniture and accessories.

We're thrilled to have been featuring Swaim furniture and accessories in our designs for years. We always find something special in each collection and are pleased to present them as our featured brand.

Swaim has been creating unique furniture and accessories since 1945. The 'Swaim style' is unique and varied - from very modern and clean looks to traditional and timeless - making innovative use of materials and color.

Because they use extremely distinctive upholstery and fabrics, as well as highly dramatic surface materials (which make for exquisite and durable table tops, sidings and shelving of pieces) - their designs stand out one-of-a-kind.

What we love about all Swaim pieces, is that most of their designs can be used in so many layouts, or genres of design. We mix it up all the time with brands, and sometimes you need something that truly stands out - and Swaim delivers.

For more information on Swaim furniture, our other furniture brands, or for an interior design consultation - contact us through our website. We are where Dallas goes for fine furniture and interior design.