Guest Suite

The Guest Suite a small project I took on for a client. We were able to complete it in one weekend! We took various items from the clients existing collection and some furniture that was no longer being used. At first the client was not going to do anything because of cost. She came to me and said I have nothing to finish off that room. We then went into her basement and found everything she needed. A few things were new purchases. Some fresh paint, two round mirrors and some new pillows/bedding. We started with a fresh blank canvas for the walls! It is true what they say a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. Trim, Walls, and ceiling are covered in a great color brought to us by Sherwin Williams Lotus Pod. It is easy on the eyes, fresh and tranquil! What more could you want in a guest suite. Next we took two old end tables and gave them a new look by painting them. Next we topped the tables off with mirrors! Two round mirrors added to the top of the tables and reflects light into the room. The chairs flanking both sides of the bed are a great spot for reading or slipping your shoes on. The unused bench at the end of the bed helped create additional seating and viewing area for the wall mounted television. One of the best pieces in the room is the headboard once used by the home owner in their own master bedroom now found new life in the guest suite! They said they feel in love with the headboard all over again. Did I mention it was in a pile of items to be given to a local charity!!! So one weekend, fresh paint, in home finds and some creative thinking…well add that all up and you have the new Guest Suite!

The Family Room Continues

The Family Room Continues well it is one of my favorite things to see on my emails. Since this pas t December I have been working with a couple here in Birmingham, we have been working together to make their living room a spot they can really enjoy. First starting with multiple layouts, that would put the focus on various spots in the family room. The family room has a great fireplace but this time the focus places the fireplace on a secondary level. By doing that the client has mentioned to me that now she can actually see her fireplace and enjoy it. But really likes the idea she can now see other ares of the home! It is great when someone can see and understand the reasoning behind your design.

The family room is large so placing a rug in the primary seating area really creates a much needed anchor. Although the space is already carpeted the rug is really complimenting the space.

Our next step is finding the right art work for above the sofa. The client wants to incorporate art that places a focus on family, hobbies, and regional interest. I think it is a great way to involve you guest into your home and your life. Including a picture of traveling, local hot spots, and kids/dog pictures are meaningful and great conversation starter. Here are some quick ideas on layouts I will let you know how it turns out!

I know the images are not that great and the last mock up was a Photoshop quickie so be gentle.

More pictures to come!

Favorite Things

“These are a few of my favorite things..” the tune plays through my head as I look through my favorite photos on my computer. Just a simple file filled with images that include furniture, interior spaces, floor plans, and art. Call it dreams, inspiration, or even better a reminder to why I love design. It is hard to explain how some images can just stop me in my tracks and drive me to success. The most exciting aspect of this little folder on my computers is that it holds hundreds of images and is ready to hold many more!
I am sure many designers would agree with me. I am always being asked what are some great timeless pieces of furniture and what are my favorite pieces. so I thought I would take some time to share a few.

This Side Chair by Kincaid has a great look. It is from a new collection American Journal which features painted finishes and stain. Options are almost endless on fabrics also. This ottoman is also included in the American Journal collection by Kincaid. Leather top and seagrass sides would be perfect as a cocktail table or at the foot of the bed. Added Storage inside is even more of a bonus!

this great side table is shaker inspired and can also be added to a variety of decors. Simply named Adams by Room & Board.

As we know Martha Syewart has her hands in everything, well Bernhardt and Martha are really the perfect match. The Clifton Wood Frame Sofa can be seen in a formal area, a den , or a study.

Okay this sofa is well probably the most recognizable piece I have shared with you....yep Pottery Barn Slip-Covered Basic! It is a new classic! Perfect for anyone you can change colors so quick with multiple slip covers and cleaning it is even easier.

Mantel Face Lift

If you have moved into a new home in the past 10 years maybe more...you should be use to the dull boring plain white/cream mantel. It seems to just get lost when painted the same color as the trim. I just had a recent client who could not vision a glazed mantel, lucky for them they trust my vision and it really turned out great. My first suggestion for any mantel is to paint it another color like black, red, anything different and eye catching but if that is too daring for you maybe you should consider glazing. something that can be done in one afternoon by yourself or a professional. You really can not mess it up and it is easy to create that custom look.

Home Staging

Home staging is the number one need of many of my clients, getting their home ready for sale is key to getting noticed in today's market. First taking a large stair hall and creating a dining room and creating a guest room was the clients request. Take a look below at the finished product.

The stair hall was once used as a music room with a piano. Now with an oval table and four chairs the dining room is created. The central location in the home makes this a great hub for any family.

Double lamps on the bedside tables add some interest to the room.

NEW KITCHEN

Well December did not end so well for me being sick was not in my plans but sometimes it happens. Well in the middle of all the Christmas decorating I also had a great client who needed help with their new home. I really like how the kitchen turned out. We were really able to go custom and work with a great builder and cabinet company. Also notice the great custom open shelves perfect for the family on the go. Offers great storage with everything right at hand.

DIY Design It Yourself

I think the best gift is one that is made by hand. It may be something from scratch or something altered to have a custom look. This past week I have been taking different glass cylinders (used for candles) and customizing them with vinyl letters and designs. We have all seen vinyl letters on everything these days! People use them everywhere. I am not a huge fan of "wall quotes" but I am a huge fan of finding new places for sticking letters and designs. They can even look like etched glass. Check out the ones I did below!

Uppercase Living! has the awesome etched glass look!