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Welcome to Angelo:HOME

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Mom had a stroke in January and can no longer live alone, so she has to go into assisted living apartment, I surprised her yesterday with her fully decorated apartment. I bought your loveseat & chair for her small living room. I worked in mom's old things with new things. Ottoman was bought at Home Goods....not exactly the correct shade I wanted but made it work. Mom loved it! She asked where I bought the furniture and I said, "Got it from my designer friend, Angelo"
- Darlene, Hot Springs, AR



A: Darlene-

WOW! I love what you've done. I am thrilled that your Mom is happy and it's so fantastic that you took time out to do this. I really believe it makes a HUGE difference in people's lives--their surroundings. Also, I love that you used some of your Mom's existing pieces. It all work beautifully. I hope that your Mom is doing well and thank you again for sharing this with us!

Makes my day.

Your Designer Friend,
-Angelo

dear Angelo; I own an Angelo:Home Sutton Accent Chair (charcoal black & white vine) and I've been searching for a slipcover that fits this chair. Since I recently moved in with the BF, the chair doesn't go with his decor. Can you guide me to a vender or website that may have one? Otherwise, is there a specific style of slipcover that may fit this chair even if i have to pin it back?
- Ruby, San Diego

A: Hi Ruby-

You may want to contact these people:
http://www.siscovers.com/index.cfm

They do all sorts of slip covers and may be able to do one that fits your angelo:HOME chair perfectly.

Tell them you reached out to me and I recommended them. Also, e-mail them the link to the chair:

http://www.angelohome.com/products/view/sutton_chair_angelo_surmelis_AC_001_001/

SO they know the size and what it's scale is like.

Hope this helps! Have fun.

Best,
-Angelo

Hi Angelo, You featured my HGTV rate my space post called "using every square inch" on their website back in 2007 in your very first spacecast that was ever done. I had the video for a while and it has finally left the web. I'm wondering if you would know if there is an archive of these videos (?). You gave me 5 stars and I'd love to feature it on my own blog: ChicagoStyledLife.blogspot.com (which is in it's infant stages). I love you and your work! Thanks! Robyn
- Robyn Hagadorn, Chicago, IL



A: Hi Robyn-

Thanks for your question. I remember your room--it's fantastic!

I am no longer at HGTV and they own and have all the videos to "Rate My Space." I would recommend contacting them. Here's a "contact us" link from their web site:

http://www.hgtv.com/contact-us/package/index.html

I hope this helps and all the best with your new blog!

-Angelo

Angelo- My husband and I just purchased our first house in June-immediately followed by him being deployed to Afghanistan in July. He returns home in June of this year and I want to surprise him with a finished living room/sitting room area. I have a very limited budget, little time, absolutely no design skills and an awkward space to work with. It is an open floor plan where the living room is opened up to what should be a dining room area that I am using as a sitting room (see picture) I have painted neutral colors and purchased a neutral living room set (not pictured) Beyond that, I am overwhelmed and lost! Where is the best place to start that will make the most impact on the space and the smallest impact on my wallet? Thank you!
- Sarah, Illinois



A: Hi Sarah!

Great to get your e-mail!

First, congrats on the purchase of your new home. That is very cool and exciting. I think you're off to a great start.

I actually really like your space and I think you can really make it work. The questions to ask when you're putting this together is, how do you and your husband want to use these spaces? Also, I'm not sure what your style is or what kind of looks you guys are drawn to, so I am going to be a bit general in my advice. If you want to describe what kind of style you like and exactly where you're looking to be in terms of budget, I can be even more specific for you.

Here goes:

If you intend on using the dining room as a dng space, I recommend looking for a great big table that can really anchor that room. Look for a flea market/yard sale or thrift store find. It will be less expensive and also, you can add some character to the room. I think rooms looks best when you can combine some new, more contemporary pieces with a great rustic finds that have some age to them. The dining table from the link below is kind of the look I'm thinking for you guys (click on the pics with table to see it better)

http://www.angelohome.com/products/view/bradford_dining_chair_in_black_white_vine/

Then, you can add a modern approach with your chairs. You can do all the same chairs all the way around (The ones from the link above have a great pattern, so it helps to add some movement and interest to a dining room) OR you can do 2 chairs, one on either side of the end of table AND then you can put a bench on the longer sides of the table. Something like this:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/angelo-HOME-Bradstreet-Charcoal-Gray-Renu-Leather-Armless-Settee/6475729/product.html?rcmndsrc=4

If you're going to replace the hanging light over the table, go with a large statement piece. Either one of these would look awesome:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Antique-Bronze-Linear-8-light-Chandelier/3859956/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

OR

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Iron-5-light-Chandelier-with-Beige-Shades/3672027/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

Also, hang a curtain rod a few inches past the window and to the top of the ceiling. Hang 2 curtain panels to the floor, framing each side of the window. This will create the feeling of more height as well as make the rooms feel warm and cozy. You can do the same with the living room window.

You mentioned that you purchased a neutral living room set. What exactly does that look like. Does it include sofa, chairs, and tables? As well as lamps? I can suggest placement, but first I'd like to know exactly what the pieces look like and how big they are. I would definitely think about a large area rug. Since the set in neutral, I'd go for pattern. The larger the rug the better. Place it under the first set of legs of your sofa and it should be big enough to go under the first set of legs on the chairs that would be across from the sofa.

Here are a few great options:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Alexa-Rustic-Paisley-Floral-Rug-8-x-11/5968767/product.html

OR

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Satori-New-Zealand-Wool-Rug-8-x-11/4382595/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

OR

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Coliseum-Beige-Wool-Rug-8-x-11/4118643/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

When you pick a rug, you can take one of the colors from the rug and use it as a way to add accent pillows, accessories and even drapes in order to create a more complete look.

Hopefully this is enough to get you started on your design journey with your new home. Have fun with it!

Best,
-Angelo

Hello, I watched your video and we were about to put a sectional along the wall of this 16 x 16 family room, but totally agree with your idea. There is a fire place in the corner and having a tough time trying to create a layer or making the room interesting.. thank you for any advice. Scott
- Scott Stubbs, Houston



A: Hi Scott-

Thanks for your e-mail and layout of your beautiful home.

I would try and move the sectional a bit away from the wall and maybe even run a narrow table behind it on that wall. You can then layer that table with different sized art work, pottery, lamps, and even books. This will help break up the overall scope of the sectional and give your room some depth. Also, you can think about adding a large armoire/furniture piece, or mirror behind it to create depth as well. Anything that will break up, what may be overwhelming with the sectional, is great! Hope this helps!

All the best,
-Angelo