Adventures in space
Finding creative solutions for your problem areas
Emily Henderson is Target’s home spokesperson and founder of Emily Henderson Design, an interior design firm, blog and lifestyle brand. In this edited exchange, she answers some design questions about clutter, colour and colliding styles in less-than-ideal spaces.
Q: What is the best way to blend styles for a couple and break it to your spouse that certain pieces will never fit into the overall design of your home? Compromise is, of course, important, but my husband’s framed sports posters are important to him.
A: First, come up with a shared colour palette both of you like. Make sure to have some cooler tones (grey, blue, green), to keep it looking fresh and modern and warmer tones (wood, leather or creams), to help it feel inviting. Keep your basic pieces, simple so most accessories can work with them. Each of you gets to nix a piece from the other you just can’t live with and get a piece in there that you love. As far as sports posters, go vintage and go black and white.
How can I get an office space in my living area without it looking too cluttered?
Make sure the furniture works together. Don’t get a desk that is super office-y or generic. Get one that has pretty wood or a sophisticated finish so it looks more important and elegant. Put the desk behind the sofa.
My husband and I have many beautiful pieces, but definitely need to downsize when we move to a new apartment. What should the order of tasks be?
When downsizing, look at each piece and make sure it fits into two of these three categories: beautiful, sentimental or functional. If it fits all three, you have yourself a wonderful piece. If it doesn’t fit into any, it’s time to donate that sucker.