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I have learned in my various stages of transition that downsizing requires order. I currently live in a much cozier home than previous ones. I also have a new addition, and I am not referring to the kind that adds space to your home. I mean the kind that requires it. To make room for baby, I converted my studio into a nursery.
Design is like a puzzle, and there is always a solution. I take great satisfaction in solving these riddles. The basement now serves as my prop room, a large space housing my fabrics, paint, furnishings, craft supplies—you name it, everything a designer needs in her kit of creative tricks. This room works great for storage and quick projects that are messy or large. However, on a daily basis i need LIGHT!
In my tiny cottage, I actually have a rather generous dining room with huge windows. Here's how i created a beautiful and orderly room that's multi-functional. A room full of countless conversations over meals and homework. A space where ideas are conceived and progress is made. A comfortable place to entertain and work. The perfect room to dine and design...
DINING ESSENTIALS
1. Flowers bring life and color to a room. If your budget is tight and you feel flowers are a splurge, get creative and find some pretty branches from outside. Use a single hosta leaf in a bud vase—it's simplicity is beautiful.
2. Art is essential to any space. The scale of the mat on this vintage photograph draws you in for a closer look.
3. A light and simple meal makes the transition from a busy work day to a hassle free evening. This meal took less than 10 minutes to prepare. I made a light and healthy salad using mixed greens, avocado, pomegranate, goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, roasted chicken already prepared, multigrain rolls, sparkling pomegranate juice that my kids love, and a pre-made dessert selection of lemon bars and a raspberry tart. So fresh, and SO EASY!
4. Cloth napkins bring pattern and texture to your table, and they are good for the environment.
5. Comfortable seating is absolutely required when so much time is spent in this room. Slipcovered chairs in white could not be more practical. I simply remove and bleach. Try mismatched chairs and benches to add variety to the dining room.
DESIGN ESSENTIALS
1. A wireless printer is a must have. When not in use, it tucks into an oversized lidded basket out of view and tiny hands.
2. I get tons of southeast light. It's warm and sunny from morning till evening. For photo shoots on dreary days, I have a light kit to summon the sun despite the weather.
3. Organization is key to every home and office. Order brings clarity. I converted the bottom of my china cabinet to hold all my office essentials, from client and personal files, bills and receipts to a stockpile of pens and pencils, which are constantly disappearing in my house and probably yours as well.
4. I keep books and current magazines I use for ideas nearby and have files handy in my cabinet. I use the interior doors of the cabinet as my bulletin and inspiration board.
5. I love my leather bag that is large enough to hold my laptop, files, and baby essentials at the same time.
6. Last but not least, my laptop is really the most important element in transforming this room or any room into a work space.
By Trenna Travis, Trenna Travis Design Studio
