ASK DEB NELSON: TV SOLUTION FOR FAMILY ROOM

In my column, Ask Deb Nelson, a reader wrote in asking about where to place a TV in her open kitchen/family room – she didn't want to put it above her fireplace mantel. Obviously people need to go with a TV solution that works for them – it's a common question – where to put the TV?! But the reality is, for people with kids and an open concept family room, there is probably going to be a large TV in the room. At least the size of TV's has improved, these days most people have a thin plasma screen TV, so it can easily be wall mounted. One way to deal with the TV is to just put it out there on a stylish console (above image shows one from Westelm). I like the style of this console and depending on the room layout it would add some balance and symmetry to have two matching consoles on either side of the fireplace. The TV can be placed on the console and you can add a stack of books, or a few other items beside the TV. On the other side you could have a lamp and artwork behind it to balance out the room. The great thing about a closed door cabinet like this is that is also provides you with quite a bit of storage. It also is made for TV equipment, so the components can go inside and there are holes in the back for the wires. This can help cut down on the unsightly mass of cords.

Here are a few other ideas of great consoles for a TV. From Westelm:

From Restoration Hardware:

From Ikea:

From Westelm:

BEFORE & AFTER: OFFICE MAKEOVER

A few years back I did an office makeover for House & Home magazine. The homeowner worked from home and desperately wanted a new office that was organized, had storage solutions and looked stylish. The room had nice high ceilings, but was so empty it actually echoed! I knew it needed to have drapery and a rug to help with the sound. Here is the room before:

I also wanted to add some colour to the room, so I went with a soft green grass cloth on the walls. I added a new desk and vintage chair (I love this desk chair), and bookcases behind that. I added a large white credenza for storage and made a burlap covered cork board above this. In the opposite corner there was room for a comfortable chair for her office guests.

For people that work from home having a nice home office to go into every day can make you feel more organized and hopefully more productive!

Here are more 'after' pictures from House & Home magazine. All 'after' photos by Donna Griffith.

NARROW CONSOLE TABLE

Often people have small areas, like an entry, where they need a narrow piece of furniture. I find a narrow console table can work well in an entry, by a back door, or in unusual spaces where you can't fit an overly large table. I've had this white console table in my own home/s for about 8 years and I've used it in an entry, bedroom and now by the back door. Originally I painted it white, and it works well in many different areas because of the size – it's a very versatile piece of furniture. From time to time I think about selling it but then I realize how often I use it. Here it is now:

And here it is years ago in my house in Toronto:

A painted white console has a very specific look. I also really like the look of these two wooden consoles, both with a mid century modern vibe!

DURABLE, WHITE COUNTER: QUARTZITE, WHITE MACAUBAS

In recent years there has been a definite trend towards white counters in kitchens. When I was looking for something in my own house I went on a mission to carefully look all my options. Initially I was thinking I would go with marble. I preferred the look of natural stone (to any other materials), but I was very worried about marble due to the possibility of staining.  I loved the look but was concerned about the function. I found a natural stone called Quartzite, and a colour called White Macaubas, it also comes in a colour called Super White. After looking at numerous options I decided to go with White Macaubas, as I was told it had the look of marble but the durability of granite. Here it is in my kitchen – I went with a 2 cm thick slab with a square edge profile. I prefer a thinner counter and have to say I love how this turned out. The stone is durable, attractive and has the look of marble without the worry. Many people assume this counter is marble and they're surprised when I tell them it isn't. The price of the quartzite was more expensive than carrara marble but I think it was well worth it, if you want that look without the worry.

I've noticed some companies will call quartzite a granite, but it isn't – quartzite is a different type of natural stone. And not to be confused with quartz, which is the name of an engineered counter top. It can get confusing with all the options out there, but I couldn't say enough good things about quartzite!

Here is another shot in my kitchen:

A slab of carrara marble I was considering:

 The super white option:

The slab of white macaubas that I choose for my own kitchen:

ASK DEB NELSON: DINING ROOM

In my newspaper column, Ask Deb Nelson, I was recently asked about how to create a casual, light and airy dining room. The reader wanted to have a room that could be used for entertaining or where kids could spread out with their homework. I found the image above as 'inspiration'. You can pretty easily replicate a room like this with a few items. This room has beautiful architectural details, but even without 10' ceilings, you can paint any room in a nice warm white colour. You could also add crown moulding, wainscoting or even a non-functioning fireplace with an old mantel.

Unfinished wooden tables are still quite trendy and easy to find, something like this would be a great addition to the room. 

A couple of glass pendant lights above the table add some sparkle but keep the sight line open. They naturally provide a light and airy feel.

A slipcovered white chair looks great, and as long as it's a machine washable cover, it can be functional for a dining room.