Bonita Van Otterloo

This week Bonita Van Otterloo took her turn at DesignIt 2012.  We had a great time getting to know her and we're sure that you will too.  

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?  

I love color, so I knew I wanted the room to have pops of color in it. Initially, when I was chosen for this, I also knew I wanted to do some type of office area, but I wanted it to be warm and inviting because to me, an office needs to be a place where you can relax as well as concentrate. So, right away, I chose a desk and a fireplace, because what’s more warm and inviting than a fireplace? Next, I chose a chair. At first I had picked another chair, but decided on the swivel orange printed one instead because I had seen the fun orange rug to pair it. 

I also chose the fuzzy chair because it made me think of something I’d like to sit in next to the fireplace when it’s cold outside (and it is soooo comfy!!!). The orange throw and pillow were an added bonus. Then, I saw “THE” cabinet. I love it. I love the shutter doors, and I love the distressed color. I had to have it.J The glass table in front of it with the orange bar stool and metal bar stool adds some shine to the room, as well as an industrial-type feel. 

I thought a little coffee nook for an office would be fun, mostly because my ideal office would have something to do with coffee. Then, I saw the piece with the mirrored circle. Again, more shine, and just an all-around fun piece. I even found vases with circles on them, so that really made everything tie together nicely. I added some pops of orange/red here and there, as well as some birch twigs in birch-like vases and two smaller spiral evergreen trees to give it a hint of winter and Christmas. People who know me, know how much I love Christmas! I thought the picture above the fireplace went nicely with those birch twigs and had some hint of orange in as well. I also used the screen and went with hanging the clock from it.

How would you describe your design style?

Like I said, I love color. Whether it’s pops of color through accessories, paint, a rug, or a dramatic colorful piece, I need to have color. I’m really into the rustic and distressed pieces right now. They are so fun and add a lot of character to a room. I also like anything warm and inviting because a home is where you spend the most time, and I think it needs to be a place where you can relax and unwind.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I thought it would be a fun challenge and a good experience, and it was! To have a whole furniture store at your disposal and design a room where you can use anything you want was just such a fun way to express how my personality is through a designed room.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

We've been talking about getting a new sectional, but I would also love to use it toward some of the pieces I used in my DesignIt room.

What else would you like us to know?

Thank you to Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring for putting this on! What a fun way to get your name out there but also letting people use their creativity to display your furniture and accessories. I encourage people to get out there and check out what they have to offer. You will have so much fun! :)