Real Simple – Zimply Zakieh

Pattern Play

Leslie will define the small wall area under an adjoining staircase by covering it in a peel-and-stick wallpaper. That unexpected element will brighten up the dark nook. To buy: Lush Palms Wallpaper, $4.50 per sq. Ft.; Love VS Design

Bubble Up

This area is not jsut a pass-through! Leslie chose dramatic lighting–a chandelier with 25 glass bubbles–so people will pause and look up. To buy: The 25 Bubble Chandelier, from $950; The Light Factory

Leslie Corona

Senior Home Editor at Real Simple Leslie has been creating home content for nearly 10 years and likes to stike a balance between minimalism and maximalism (yes, you can be in the middle!). The Brooklyn, New York, native loves bright colors and midcentury modern design with touches of glam.

Walled Off

In this small room, floor space limited, but the high ceilng means plenty of vertical space. Open shelving on the back wall will store clothes pins and dryer balls; an adjustable wall hook will hold cleaning essentials. To buy: Water Hyacinth Laundry Cart, $120; The Container Store

Blue Room

Katie will coat the entire room (trim included) in a soft blue with grey undertone to accentuate the subtle brass and wicker accessories. To buy: Valspar Paint in Rising Tide 4008-3A, from $26 per gallon; Lowes

Shed Some Light

To illuminate both the open shelves and the counter (you want to be able to see when you are spot-treating stains). Katie likes a sconce with an articulating arm. To buy: Task Sconce, $348; Serena and Dilly

Katie Holdefer

Associate Editorial Director at Real Simple Katie has spent more than a decade writing about all things home, covering everything from paint trends to laundry mistakes. She gravitates toward farmhouse and has yet to meet a beach house she doesn’t like.

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