Tips for Designing Memorable Rooms
Last updated on August 24th, 2022
In a perfect world, our homes would resemble our favorite catalogs, Pinterest boards, and Houzz Ideabooks that have resulted from hours spent searching for inspirations and designs we love. And while the entire home should be a memory, we know that it is dramatically easier with a design professional behind you.
So, we are here to give a crash course in creating memorable rooms throughout your home, in places you wouldn’t normally expect. Remember: the devil is in the details.
The first consideration in the design process is the floor plan and the architectural positives and negatives of your home. “Memorable” rooms are not just limited to themed bedrooms and game rooms. They can be great rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and so on.
Look carefully at your home and find spaces that have the potential to create impact.
The Great Room
Pictured below is a great room we designed with “memories” in mind. The enormous volume and magnificent windows are a huge asset here. The question: how do we create a design that shows off what we already have? The answer: draw the eye upward by adding a ceiling box beam detail, highlighted by a large scale chandelier (pictured, Progress Lighting). We then added a simple, horizontal wood trim and designed draperies that frame the view, which highlighted the volume one more time. We created seating that functions for T.V. viewing and entertaining and topped the room off with a baby grand piano. Who could forget this room?
The Kids Room
Now, if you’re one of the millions online searching for ways to create a memorable kids space – look no further. The first thing to consider is that the child should always be kept in mind as the ultimate “designer.” And for kids ages 4-8, you can have a lot of fun with themes. It’s important to remember, however, that organization and simplicity are the keys to keeping the space memorable. Stick to one theme and steer clear of clutter; less is more. You are creating an overall environment for the room, so everything down to the furniture should carry the theme. Take a leap out of the Disney playbook. Do not be afraid to make the theme larger than life. Every little guy would love to see his name “written in the sky” over his bed. Add a ceiling with planes hanging town and you’ve created memories abound.
Girls’ rooms have just as many opportunities for memorable moments. In the room pictured below, we captured the current “candy store” craze to make the perfect little girl/pre-teen room. Candy colors of pink and orange were chosen to carry the theme. The “Bingo” light fixture by Progress Lighting resembles enormous pieces of candy and whimsical stripes run on the ceiling for a twist. What more fun and memorable girls’ hangout could there be?
Last – but not least – a quieter, more mature room for a college-aged boy. Wood flooring was chosen for the bed wall, creating an instant memory and “wow factor.” The simple bedding and leather furniture all coordinate with the age, stage, and interest of the occupant. We added some specialty accent pillows of his college (made from t-shirts obtained in the college bookstore) to make this room a perfect retreat for an older son.
The Guest Bedroom
If you thought the guest bedroom couldn’t contend for “most memorable room” in your house – think again. Pictured below is a guest room we designed with 3D wallpaper to leave a lasting impression. It’s such an easy, cost-effective way to increase perceived value and really give the room a “WOW” factor. This simple addition allowed the space to transform into the enchanting guest room no one was expecting. Everything from the chandelier down to the details in the nightstand compliments the rose wallpaper. And, voila, you’ve created another memorable space using cohesiveness and simplicity.
We’ve only scratched the surface, but you’re well on your way to becoming a pro at creating memorable rooms throughout your home. Just remember: look for focal points in unexpected spaces; be cognizant of scale, and do not be afraid to supersize one theme – no matter what style or idea you choose.
For more interior design inspiration, please visit Toll Brothers on Pinterest.
This story was contributed to by Doris A. Pearlman, founder of Toll Brothers’ design partner Possibilities for Design, Inc., a nationally recognized, award-winning, interior design firm based in Denver, Colorado.
