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!

Simple Holiday Home

Come On In....

There's no family like a Snow Family!!

Every year I take something to represent the family. Last year they were gifts,

this year snow family!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

From Study To Dining Room

Many times when putting your home on the market, staging is a must. Converting a study into a dining room can be done pretty quick. In the space below we took a 48" round painted mahogany table the perfect size for this square dining room and added some parson chairs with new fresh natural linen slip covers. Next hanging a chandelier and adding a cabinet from an existing area of the home to create a buffet. Keeping an existing natural jute rug for texture and keeping the windows simple with real wood shutters create a great invitng space for the home!

Keeping Room With Lots of Personality

I have said it before it is always great to work with a friend. It was great to help out when my friend began to build their home. Using great accents and bold paint colors this Keeping Room is a sure hit. Pops of color, great art, and comfortable furniture draws people to the space. Check out the pictures!

More Of Christmas 2009

More To Come....

Christmas 2009

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I have many memories of how excited I would get year after year when my family would decorate for the holidays. Just the thought of the holidays makes me happy anytime of the year.

Well the 2009 Christmas Season has started!!! Since well about a week before Thanksgiving I have found myself in and out of homes decorating for Christmas. I really enjoy helping out everybody and seeing what I can come up with for the Holiday Season.






Up On THe House Top... This paper house makes the perfect tree topper. It is light weight and just make a hole in the bottom and place it on top of the tree!








Peppermint Pendant! Sometimes there is not really any room to make statement in the kitchen. Most counter space is needed for food prep or serving during the holidays, well think about what you can add to your existing lighting. I took 4 Candy Canes and attached them to the down rod of the pendant then some ribbon and a few other touches and now the kitchen island is holiday ready.

Beadboard Backsplash

A beadboard back splash is without a doubt the easiest back splash one could install. It is simple and can add some color and cover up an older back splash that has already been installed. Such as a laminate back splash or an ugly tile back splash.

Beadboard is paneling with a vertical routed detail. Lately it has been very popular in homes and has been incorporated in many Creative ways.

A Calling Card That Measures Up

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Last weekend was really busy I gained another client and will start off the upcoming week with one more. I am always trying to find a new and exciting way to get may name out there. Well I think it is great to use something that really gets the client involved. Most of my clients love to join the hunt when it comes to finding the perfect art or furniture for their space. Here is a great tool to get them started!

Pretty cool and simple!

The Holday Season Starts

I think that once the clock strikes midnight on October 31 st there should be a huge gun shot! After all the Holiday Season has begun!! The next 2 months are my favorite time of the year. I have already started the season off right...

Making a house, into a home

Lately most of my clients have been seeking help with their existing homes. Time after time I find people who have been in their home for awhile and still are not sure what to do with their stuff! So I tell them THROW IT ALL OUT!! Just kidding that is what most think I will say when I get to their home. Sometimes it just takes a new set of eyes to see solutions to each room.

Iwas approached by a friend not to long ago with this same issue. They have been in a new home for about a year and a half, and struggled with certain rooms. One room to start with was the Living Room they had past issues with seating they did not want to feel overwhelmed with large sofas and wanted it to have a feel of more space and have functional seating that would really be used by all. Also needed just a few things to finish of the room.

After a consultation and some brainstorming a design was presented...They wanted more seating, but not a large sofa which would take up the room. The love seat seemed to fit well. The thought of 2 chairs was considered but could be a bit much, we were already keeping 2 chairs on the room.

With the ottomans even more seating if offered with additional function.

The Drapery panel style and color were inspired by an existing rug used in the room.

Throwing in a plant can really add to any room it is simple solution and something anyone can add it will always go with any room.

A few new lamps and some other existing pieces from the owners personal collection and now they call this living room home.

DIY Gifts

These days it seems to be worry for some when it comes to gift giving. With tight budgets it can be quiet hard to get the perfect gift for your loved ones and friends. I think it is a great idea to give a gift that shows one of your talents. It could be painting, scrap booking, maybe even gardening. Taking the time to create the perfect gift I think really shows how much you care for someone.

One great thing I like to give especially first time home buyers is a render of their home. Taken from a simple picture and designing it to look like a sketch! It makes a really great house warming gift. I have done it for many people and what I once thought was a gift I have done way to many times is now thought of as a specialty by my friends. Some have even requested the drawing to be their gift before I can even ask what they need for their new home. I really enjoy taking the time to create something they will treasure.

Here is one of my favorites I did for a friend, she actually passed it on to another friend to give them a housewarming gift. Currently I am working on a really cool one that includes a render of the home and the house plans. I will post a picture of it once it is framed.

I wonder what creative gift can you think of to give??

Coming In For A Landing...

Today I was thinking about one spot in the home that gets overlooked. The landing of a stairway can be a hard and tough place to put a piece of furniture, but why not make a focal point. After all the landing is a high traffic spot so placing some eye catching art or furniture is a real great idea.

One of my favorites...

A few months ago I got a chance to work with the wonderful designers at Signature Homes and any chance I get to work with my old friends it is great. This table found a perfect spot in the landing! The size is great and the color is fun.

Where might I pick up this table??? Well it can be found at one of Birmingham's newest hot spots for great furniture Nadeau located in downtown Homewood. Yes if you know me well I do work there and it is great to see all the wonderful pieces.

So take the time and see what you could do with a landing or small area in your home. I gave the same table above (painted red) to a friend for a wedding gift they found a perfect spot for it in their bath room. Another great spot to add interest. Maybe you could add a piece with character like the one above, or some really great art.

Looking To Blog

Well I have been thinking about starting a blog!! After spending many hours reading other blogs and seeing other designers talents and ideas I decided to join everyone else. It makes you wonder will others read your blog... will they enjoy it...Well only time will tell.

I have been out of design school for almost two years, I have always enjoyed design and had a good sense of space and proportion. While in school I began to understand a good designer is for the most part talent and desire. I have really worked with a lot of great people and continue to learn something new each time. Many times I know my clients think they have gained so much from working with me, honestly it is the other way around. Just the chance to help someone with their home is truly a gift to me.