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9 common design dilemmas and solutions

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9 common design dilemmas and solutions

9 common design dilemmas and solutions Author: Style At Home

Design Lesson

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

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Are lack of storage space, cramped laundry rooms, dated design and tight floorplans topping your list of home woes? We've all been there in some form or another, so we know there is hope! Try these creative fixes to overcome what may seem like a design obstacle.

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9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: I’m an avid cyclist but have nowhere to store my bike in my condo

Integrate your city bike into your condo’s art scheme by hanging it on the wall on hooks – you’ll get a cool, industrial look without taking up floor space. Just remember to wipe down the wheels after a long ride!

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Janis Nicolay

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: I’m always having to fold clothes on the kitchen table because my laundry room has no flat top surfaces

Build a flat top over the top of your washer and dryer. Or if you’re tight on room, install a thin tabletop that folds down from the wall.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Ashley Capp

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: My laundry space is tight – no room for a drying rack

If floor space is tight in the laundry room, use the walls. Attach a flexible drying rack that pulls out from the wall that you can hang delicates on without taking up precious real estate on the floor.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Barry Calhoun

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: Our new build has unsightly air vents

Newer homes often have large air vents that can detract from your decorating scheme. To make them less unsightly, make your own by heading to the hardware store and buying a latticed radiator screen, building a frame around it out of ornamental trim.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Angus Fergusson

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: Our older house doesn’t have a linen closet in the guest room, but we don’t want guests to have to ask for extra pillows, towels and blankets

The best hosts aim to make guests feel at home, and giving them everything at their fingertips is one way to ensure that. Place a chest or storage bench at the foot of the bed to house any additional linens or comforts guests might require for their stay.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Yvonne Duivenvoorden

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: We moved into an old house and the fireplace isn’t functioning… it’s just a gaping hole

A beautiful hearth with no fire to light it up? Not a problem! Create a makeshift fireplace with dozens of pillar candles or use it as a spot to stack books that won’t fit on your shelves.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Michael Nangreaves

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: Our new condo has a ‘den’, but it’s only a small 6’6’ space

Sometimes the ‘den’ space in new condo suites is really a glorified closet. Install a wall-to-wall daybed that gives the space multi-functional use as a reading nook, guest room or home movie theatre with a projector hung from above.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Yale Wagner

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: Our new ‘70s home can be easily updated with our modern furniture, but the fireplace is really dated

Not all fireplaces are cut from the same cloth, and many stone or brick designs can scream ‘70s. Paint the stonework white or build a mantel around it to match the rest of the updated house.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Christy Wright

9 common design dilemmas and solutions

Problem: I’m a real trend-follower and crave a home makeover every season

If seasonal trends are the name of your game, save yourself some money by grounding your space in timeless, classic items like a charcoal sofa and marble-topped coffee table. Allow yourself to switch up lower cost items that can reflect the changing trends, introducing copper candle holders or faux fur throw cushions to your heart’s content.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lauren McPhillips Source: Ryan Brook/TC Media

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9 common design dilemmas and solutions

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