Calm Living Spaces

Is your space stressing you out? Relax and get some tips on how to create a calming atmosphere in your home. According to Joseph Schiavo, a simple layout and neutral design elements create a harmonious space and he provides these ideas for toning down a hectic room:

Schiavo thinks a room has to be as simple as you can manage to serve its purpose. It should look as if nothing needs to be done so select things that are easy to maintain and if something isn't working, remove it.

Be extremely sensitive to how colors are communicating with one another in order to create a space that's in harmony. Use a fairly neutral color palette, but that doesn't mean that it has to be just cream--it can be all shades of a color with other colors introduced as well.

• Another way to keep a room simple is with comfortable fabrics. If the fabrics on the sofas and chairs look like they're off limits, people are not going to feel welcome in the room. In contrast, incorporate fabrics that seem welcoming and low-risk for the visitor as well as you.

• To truly have a calm space, you may have to get rid of some stuff. If the scene can be left lean, leave it lean. Less stuff means less to worry about, which is also calming.

• Avoiding clutter doesn't mean that you have to go completely minimal. By keeping just favorite accessories around, they can help calm you.

Designer Ashli Mizell helps homeowner Peggy Friend convert her chaotic living room into a serene sanctuary:

This living room is certainly attractive, but it's definitely not calming. Lots of clutter and bright colors don't put the homeowner at ease.

The difference is clear. Where there once was harsh color and disorganized furniture, there's now peacefulness and simplicity. It's definitely a room that's easy on the eyes and ultimately more relaxing.

makeover items:
curtains, throw pillow, leather and wood chair (Donghia Furniture/Textiles Ltd.)
faux fur throw (Pierre Frey)
glass nesting tables (Usona)
black window painting by Vladamir Makarov (Mimi Ferzt Gallery)
clear glass vase (IKEA)

Resources
decorative project materials
Donghia Furniture/Textiles Ltd.
Website: www.donghia.com

decorative project materials
Pierre Frey
E-mail: contact.usa@pierrefrey.com
Website: www.pierrefrey.com

decorative project materials
USONA
Website: www.usonahome.com

artwork
Mimi Ferzt Gallery
114 Prince St.
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-343-9377
Fax: 212-343-9469
E-mail: info@mimiferzt.com
Website: www.mimiferzt.com

decorative project materials
Ikea
Website: www.ikea.com
Guests
Joseph Schiavo
OLC, Inc.
152 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-923-6085

Ashli Mizell, Designer
Phone: 215-546-7606
E-mail: am.id@comcast.net
Website: www.ashlimizell.com
Also in this Episode

Smart Design : Episode SDN-405
•	Calm Living Spaces
•	Playful Tabletops
•	Buying Windows
•	Magazine Racks