Client Instructions
Hey There!
This page is designed to help you with execution of the process of installing and styling all your new design pieces!
I’ve put together general rules to guide you in your installation of all the new lovely things you’re adding to your space. They’re arranged by category. Use the ones that apply to you and disregard the rest. For any confusion or questions give me a shout. I’m happy to help!
Lighting
The general rule is to hang your chandelier 30-36″ above your dining table. This allows plenty of visual clearance while you’re seat and yet keeps the lighting close enough to be cozy. This applies to standard ceiling heights between 8′. For higher ceilings add 3″ per 1 foot. In other words for a 10′ ceiling add 6 inches more than an 8′ ceiling.
For rooms where you want ambiance, choose bulbs in the 2500-3200 Kelvin range. The lower the number the warmer the glow. And wherever possible install dimmers!
Furniture
Don’t push your furniture against the wall—give it room to breathe. Even in small spaces. Leaving 3-5″ between the sofa and the wall will visually help the room not to appear so tight.
The sweet spot for the coffee table to sit from the sofa and chairs is about 16-18 inches. This allows you room to pass between the furniture, yet its close enough to reach while seated.
In larger rooms don’t push the furniture too far from each other. Keep the placement tight enough for easy conversation.
Curtains
Hang your curtains high and wide!
Width
Hanging them wide allows space for all the lovely natural light from outside to shine in. The goal is when the curtains are hung and opened most of the window is showing and not blocked by the curtain fabric. Typically this means hanging them 6-10 inches wider than the window frame on each side. If your curtains are thick and voluminous aim for the wider dimension. If they’re lighter in weight and bulk they’ll take up less real estate on the wall so you don’t have to go as wide.
Height
Hanging them high draws your eye up and makes the window appear larger. Aim for installing the rod two-thirds the distance between the window and the ceiling.
Length
Choose panels that are long enough to hang just graze the floor or slightly hover above it. Unfortunately this usually means ordering panels that are too long and having a tailor hem them for you. The industry standard measurements are not exactly ready-to-hang friendly. I recommend installing your rod, hanging your curtains, and then measuring them to get the exact dimensions before sending them off to the tailor for hemming. It’s an extra step, but one you will be glad you did.
Throw Pillows
For pillows that you want to really stand up and demand attention (like on a bed)—or pillows that you will lean back against on a sofa—choose inserts that are one size larger than your pillow cover. The extra dimensions will fill out the pillow nicely. For instance, if your cover is 20×20 choose an insert that’s 22×22.
For pillows that you want to have a cushy-comfy feel chose the insert that’s the same size as your cover.
I prefer the feather-down inserts, but the down alternative options are also great.
Rugs
Layering your new rug on top of a rug pad instantly upgrades it! It not only gives it a visual lift it adds physical comfort to your step adding padding and anti-slip protection.
This is my favorite rug pad for use on hardwood or tile floors.
If you’re layering the rug on carpet this is the one I recommend for keeping the rug in place. The trick is to install it correctly. Some of the reviews say there weren’t install-directions included so you may need to read some of the review feedback to get instructions.
These L braces help to hold down the rug and restrict the corners from curling up.
Art
Art is best appreciated when it’s hung at eye level. That’s aiming for the center of the piece to be somewhere between 55″-65″ inches above the floor. Consider your family’s average height and the height of your ceilings and aim for a happy average. (Taller ceilings allow for the art to be hung towards the higher end of the average.)
If you’re hanging art above the sofa allow 5-8.” This keeps the art high enough not to crowd the sofa, yet close enough to appear cohesive.
A good trick is to use blue painters tape to mark off the dimensions on your wall and then stand back and see how it feels.
