Interior design maven and host of HGTV's "Myles of Style," Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that's chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. "My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive," she declares. Today's topic: Decorating a two-story living room Read more: For more "Life, Style & Design" stories, click here.Kim Myles: Before and After"Myles of Style" Makeovers
Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: Decorating a two-story living room Dear Kim, I think you are super creative so I know you will be able to help me. Two story living rooms are quite popular now, but very hard to style. There are several walls: one connected to the stairs, the one that hits you when you first walk in that is more like the overhead wall since you pass under it to get to the dining room, and one full wall that is opposite of the stairs. There are three large Mexican inspired pieces on this wall. However, the other two walls look so bare. I don’t want the room to look bare but I’m not sure what to do that won’t seem as though the walls are competing with each other or with the height factor. Since the walls are two story I feel like only big statement pieces can be hung so they won’t look “dinky.” The room is painted in a warm golden yellow brown color which is very inviting but I think the bare walls makes it seem unfinished. Thank you for any help you can provide. I so love your show and can’t wait to see more of your great designs. KIM MYLES: That floor plan is challenging! Something that would be simple and effective would be a second paint color. With the art occupying the full wall, it’s a great idea to allow that wall to be its own “feature” color. Maybe you stay with the warm golden brown, or maybe paint it a chocolate color (or any color that works with the art). This way, the rest of the walls are differentiated from it. I also think that textiles are a great way to get some interest without being too loud. Why not choose a fabric in a rich color with interesting texture (no pattern), have it cut into a panel, and then mounted and hung for display? Simple, inexpensive, and not too competitive with the art wall. Read more:
Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!