Advice on bookshelves, botanicals
Designer Erica Burns, who participated in the 2017 DC Design House, joined staff writer Jura Koncius last week on The Washington Post’s Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.
Q: I like the idea of creating interesting, well-designed vignettes in a room vs. trying to tackle the entire room at once and becoming overwhelmed. How do you ensure those smaller vignettes are cohesive and coordinated?
A: I think you have to just start one at a time and pick up things you love as you go along. Tackle one vignette first, and if you start another months later, you might end up changing the first one a little because one piece might fit better elsewhere. That’s part of the fun of it. I often change up my bookshelves and coffee tables after finding a fun book or piece at a flea market. The key is to do it slowly and add things you love, as opposed to buying a lot of stuff just to fill the space.
Q: Do you like to put live plants on your bookshelves?
A: Yes, if someone will water them! Succulents are great because they are small and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Q: Do you like the idea of painting a different color inside bookshelves?
A: Yes! I do it all the time. Also, wallpaper can be a fun way to add pattern or texture.
Q: Do you have any ideas for how to declutter books? I can’t bring myself to get rid of any.
A: I’d say bring in a friend for moral support. Or put them in a box, and if you don’t miss them after a year, then you know you can part with them.
Q: Do you think a whole bookcase arranged by color is a good idea? Or do you prefer it in small doses?
A: It really depends on
space. In one project, we did an entire bookcase with books arranged by color in every shade. It was a dramatic statement that served as a focal point in the room. At the Design House, I was not going for a statement, as it is a more understated design. I opted for layers that complemented the other items in the room.
Q: What if you have so many books that you have to fill all your shelves with them? Should they be arranged by size or by subject? Some standing up and some not?
A: If you use them often and want to reference them, I would arrange by subject. But if you are mainly concerned with aesthetics, then I would mix them up in size and make each bookshelf different. Make the books stand upright on a lot of the shelves, but at some of the ends, turn them on their sides. Repeat this and flip which side you turn the books, etc. Add in a couple of objects or frames on top of the side stack just to break it up.
Q: Any recommendations for a small, goodquality sleeper sofa?
A: The most comfortable sleeper sofa I have tested out is by American Leather (americanleather.com). It does not have springs and is easy to use. American Leather has a lot of upholstery options, too. Don’t let the name fool you!
Q: We are trying to take back our guest room and make it more of a craft room. We are looking at Murphy beds that free up floor space and can be customized with storage that matches the craft storage. My wife noticed that many are now using foam-type mattresses and worries they won’t be comfortable for guests, as we have always had a traditional bed. Should we be concerned or just go for it?
A: Murphy beds are great ways to save space. I have had clients purchase
the mattresses online that come rolled up in a box and have been surprised by their comfort. I also think that if this is just a guest room that will not be slept in for an extended period of time, it will hold up better than it would in a main bedroom.
Q: I want to update the plumbing in my master bathroom. What metals are trendy? Or should I go with a classic stainlesssteel look?
A: Antiqued brass is very popular in bathrooms at the moment. It leans classic, but paired with some more modern tile, it would have that mix you are going for. And if brass is not your cup of tea, I always say polished nickel works with all design styles and never goes out of style.
Q: My brick Cape Cod home has white trim, a bright royal-blue front door and a concrete porch supported by a brick foundation and brick pillars. I’ve always wanted a Southern-blue porch ceiling. What would be a good color for the concrete porch floor and steps? I have thought of leaving the concrete bare or picking a color that matches the mortar in the brickwork. What would you recommend?
A: I’m originally from Atlanta, so I love a good porch ceiling as well! Try Open Air by Sherwin-Williams. For the porch floor, I would keep it neutral by painting it a soft off-white. Matching the mortar color is a smart idea, or a shade darker. Something like Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore could be nice.
Q: Which color front door would go well with a red-brick home (and no shutters)? The home has a large gray shed adjacent to it. I am thinking something with pep, like fuchsia or lime green.
A: I love a bright door! Fuchsia could be tricky against the brick, so I would say a green or even a deep teal. Check out Gathe
lápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore or Bosporus by Sherwin-Williams.
Q: I have a front entranceway with an open staircase to the right and a hall to the left. I haven’t added any artwork on the wall up the stairway or on the top-floor wall, which is exposed to the first floor. I was planning to add shelves and plants, as well as artwork, so it doesn’t look so formal. Thoughts?
A: I think there are forms of artwork that are less formal that you could consider. A gallery wall of photography always looks great going up a stairwell, or groupings of smaller art paired with large pieces. The key is to mix up the types, sizes and frames so it doesn’t feel like a museum. And I like your idea of plants; they are always a great way to warm up a space. Adding a fiddle-leaf fig could be a great way to fill a corner and give some height to the room.