4.09.2014

One Room Challenge: Week Two -Second Floor Landing

This week I thought a lot about trying to achieve visual balance in the upstairs landing.  This area is tricky because it has some strong visual elements fighting each other for the center horizontal axis of the room.



On the stair's side, the cutout that looks down to the flight below and the stair's landings are laid out symmetrically.
  
On the opposite wall, a door to the left of the bookcase disrupts the symmetry. The bookcase is centered on the shorter wall.


This makes this room feel wanky. The bookcase is definitely fighting with the table on who is the center of attention.

I realized that one way to deal with this problem is to use a runner in front of the bookcases that runs almost the full length of the room. 

Also, placing a more substantial chair at the end of the bookcases will help to balance things out with the long table.

I have neither the rug nor the chair, so I've been searching… 
The rug will be persian, not quite sure yet on the chair. I've got to get busy.

You can see week one of this challenge here. And please do go see the other linking participants over at Calling it Home, you won't regret it!

9 comments:

Songthatdoesntend said...

Caitlin, I do hope you find the items you need to complete this space. Your plan sounds awesome though. Luckily, you figured a way to create balance. Good luck.

kate@willowinteriors said...

Sounds like a perfect plan! Love your sketch (i always need to visualize things). I believe I spy some Nat. Geo.'s!!! So jealous. My parents had a wall of them in bxs in the garage when I was growing up. As kids we would go tear them up and use photos when doing school reports! A collection of them have such visual impact! Good luck with your finds!

aquahaus said...

I love the thought you put into your space. And I agree, I think the rug and chair will make a great difference. Hoping you find the perfect pieces!

Laetitia said...

Caitlin ,

going to put this idea out there and maybe you will want to do it or not (submitting the idea to my husband about it ....) but he still have some connection with the editors of http://www.remodelista.com/diy-remodeling PLEASE check them out !!! they are so good !!!
Anyway if he did pitch the idea would be interested to be feature on it ?:)
Email me ! :)

C a i t l i n said...

Yes, yes and yes. I can't find your email anywhere and your blogger setting is on "no reply" so this is the only way I have to get back to you. Can you email it to me at caitlin@theshingledhouse.com? May sounds good for get together. I am SUPER envious of all the running you are doing. Enjoy your family visit. -Caitlin

C a i t l i n said...

Thanks Celine. Time to get busy :)

C a i t l i n said...

My husband and I used to get them when we were newlyweds and that must be about a decade's worth. And we had them as kids too. I've had moments of weakness when I've considered purging them (during moves -jeez those things weigh a ton) but am so glad I held on to them. I've got stacks of elle decor though on that shelf that I'm debating donating. I go back and forth -I pretty only much look on line for image inspiration. Keep or toss? I don't know. -Caitlin

Alana in Canada said...

This is such an interesting space and I enjoy hearing your thoughts about how to deal with it.

Rebecca { MyDarlingHouse} said...

I think a more substantial char is a great idea! And the bookcase are great, I too love those Nat Geos! Excited to see what kind of rug you chose!

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