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Small Apartment

Special Presentation : Episode HLFS1-S -- More Projects »
Lisa Johnson is a busy teacher and tutor who doesn't have much time for redecorating. She loves color and would like to liven things up in her cozy but sparse apartment. Designers Jules Moore and Brian Toffoli work with Susie Coelho to breathe fresh air and add spring-time flair to Johnson's kitchen and bedroom:
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White cupboards, white appliances and no accessories make this kitchen very boring. She's open to adding color and new accessories to liven it up for the warmer weather.
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Colorful accessories in lime green and black instantly liven up the room, while a new stainless steel shelf over the stove presents an opportunity to combine function and whimsy with a rubber boot to hold utensils. Potted plants throughout the room add life and more green.
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The other side of the kitchen is equally as bland and offers little interest. Plus, the window has no treatment so the light can be too bright at times.
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Two shades of bright green on the walls in this area wake it up, while a rattan shade adds a natural element and softens the light. A tablecloth folded into a runner and matching trays used as placemats set a beautiful spring-like table.
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To create a cleaner look in Johnson's bedroom, the furniture will be rearranged and color will be added through the bedding and window treatments. Since spring means clearing clutter, the bike needs to find a new home.
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Mixing red and orange with the lime green from the kitchen allows the bedroom to blossom into a bright tropical paradise. Placing the bed in the middle of the room is an unexpected twist and several textured memo boards secured to the head and footboard add to the theme.
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Find a table in a store and lay out the items you're thinking of using to see how they look together. Adding a contrasting color such as black to a lime green color scheme makes each color pop.
Design Tips:

  • Incorporate texture using items like rattan and bamboo baskets to add a tropical and warm feeling to a room. Natural elements have a lightening effect so consider using bundles of bamboo as curtain rods. Small rattan boxes can be used to hold anything from socks to scarves to CDs.

  • Use trendy colors for accessories. They add interest and are less expensive to change than the larger items in a room.
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There is nothing that transforms a space for spring as quickly, dramatically and inexpensively as a fresh coat of paint.
  • Try rearranging furniture and accessories for the easiest, no-cost way to freshen a room. Why not be unconventional and float a bed in the middle of the room?

  • Add color and brightness to a window by pinning scarves in two different colors over a rod instead of curtains. These create an airy feeling since the light can come right through.

  • In a bedroom, mix and match old and new floral and striped sheets for an entirely different look each time you make the bed. Be daring and use bold colors for a dramatic spring change.

    Kitchen makeover items:
    wall paint (upper wall: Lemon, Lime and Bitters; lower wall: Apple Crunch) (Sydney Harbor Paints)
    black vase on table (Pier 1 Imports)
    yellow clock, green bowl (Marshalls)
    oversized clothespin hanger (Pottery Barn)
    stainless steel shelf, green espresso cups, rattan shade, green trays, bowls, plates, tablecloth, lime wall prints, organizer for sink items (IKEA)
    salt and pepper shakers, lemon sponge, green glasses, clay pots for plants, dust pan, rugs (Cost Plus)
    green rubber boot (Urban Outfitters)

    Bedroom makeover items:
    memo boards (used on bed) (Marshalls)
    scarves, bedspread and pillows, decorative umbrella (Cost Plus)
    leather-bound books, rug (belonged to homeowner)

    • Resources
    decorative project materials
    Pier 1 Imports
    Website: www.pier1.com

    decorative project materials
    Marshalls
    Website: www.marshallsonline.com

    decorative project materials
    Pottery Barn
    Website: www.potterybarn.com

    decorative project materials
    Ikea
    Website: www.ikea.com

    decorative project materials
    Cost Plus World Market
    Website: www.worldmarket.com

    decorative project materials
    Urban Outfitters
    Website: www.urbanoutfitters.com/

    paint
    Sydney Harbour Paints
    Website: http://www.sydneyharbourpaints.com
    Guests
    Jules Moore, Designer
    Jules Moore Design
    289 S. Robertson Blvd., #216
    Beverly Hills, CA 90211
    E-mail: email@julesmoore.com
    Website: www.julesmoore.com

    Brian Toffoli, Designer
    Website: www.briantoffoli.com
    Also in this Episode
    Special Presentation : Episode HLFS1-S
    •Small Apartment
    •Modern Home
    •Traditional Home
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