#DesignDilemma: Dormer Window in Bath

Everyone has questions as they navigate their space spruce ups.  Sometimes you end up with a list and decide to call in for professional back-up, but sometimes you just have one question that is plaguing you.  I can help!

#Design Dilemma: Dormer Window in Bath

"My guest bath has a dormer window in it which creates this long narrow space. I have no idea what to do with it, it's just collecting random furniture right now. Ideas?"  -Amanda Vaughn

1) I think you need to create a "destination" in your window nook.  It will make it feel like there is a reason for it and create a special spot in what was once an awkward corner.  A built in window seat is just the thing!  It will also add a touch of leisure to the room by implying you have the time to sit and relax after a long bath.

2) I love storage.  Especially in functional spaces like bathrooms and kitchens!  Think about incorporating drawers to store those loose odds and ends.  Your seat height should be about 18" - 20", so if you opt for a cushion be sure the wooden base below is 15" - 17" to accommodate a 3" cushion.  Also, consider using an indoor/outdoor fabric so you don't have to worry too much about water or humidity.

3) If you don't want a cushion you can also do an all wooden hinged top for storage.  If you go this route, be sure to add detail along the base as shown in the image above.  You don't want it to feel boring.  Also be sure to use the type of hinge that locks open so nobody slams their fingers!

If you have a question Tweet to me @BRInteriors with a picture and brief description along with the hash-tag #DesignDilemma.  I'll post your solution on my blog and tweet you back.  If you don't have twitter, you can post it on BR Interior Designs' Facebook page.

#DesignDilemma: Above Cabinet Display Space

Everyone has questions as they navigate their space spruce ups.  Sometimes you end up with a list and decide to call in for professional back-up, but sometimes you just have one question that is plaguing you.  I can help!

#Design Dilemma: Above Cabinet Space  

From @HigherEdGirl: "I have a #designdilemma: the space above my kitchen cabinets. The blank space haunts me daily! Suggestions?"

1. Be sure whatever you decide to display in this space, that it doesn't completely fill the space.  You want there to be room to breathe between the top of the object and the ceiling and some empty space side to side.  I would keep the space above the cook top empty but nestle two groupings on either side.

2.  It looks like you are working with a really great tonal color scheme.  Keep that going with whatever you place up there to make it feel purposeful but with interesting shapes so that it isn't boring!  Mixing materials and sheen is one of my favorite ways to add interest into a space. Like with these pieces, ceramic, smokey glass and metal play nicely off one another. I would place a grouping like this on the side that is a focal point or an area you see as you walk into the space.

 

 

3.  You can also consider storage on top, in the form of an interesting metal basket.  If you are storing something unsightly consider lining the basket with white linen.  If you don't necessarily need extra storage, I love how they placed selenite logs in this image! Depending on the lineal space you have, I would do a grouping of two or three of the same bins.

If you have a question Tweet to me @BRInteriors with a picture and brief description along with the hash-tag #DesignDilemma.  I'll post your solution on my blog and tweet you back.  If you don't have twitter, you can post it on BR Interior Designs' Facebook page.

Fab 5 on Five: Give Away!!!

Everyone has favorites.  The "go to" places or things that are always the right fit for their sensibilities.  Designers are no different!  If asked, they have a list of favorites for any category in design, whether it's their favorite show stopping sofas or their most coveted accessories. Below is another installment of a monthly "Fab 5 on Five", a compilation of my favorite things on (or around..) the fifth of each month.

This month I'm kicking it up a notch.  I'm not going to just tease you with 5 fabulous design worthy objects, instead I'm actually going to give them to you!  April is the perfect month because there are 5 Mondays in which to spread the love.  All you have to do for a chance to make these yours is keep your eyes out for the posts on BR Interior Designs Facebook page and @BRInteriors on Twitter.  There will be opportunities for doubling your chances, so pay attention!

I picked these goodies because they are just type of thing that will look great in any space while giving it a little extra pizzazz. They are some of my favorite staples to give life to a space, without breaking the bank!  The fun starts today and continues until the last Monday in April.

Fab 5: Design Staple Give Away

1) A crisp candle in an classic container.  I think a room with a candle burning feels warm and inviting. With the recent weather change, I like to start burning something with a light scent.  A simple container helps them fit into any decor.

2) A great metal Buddha head from Big Mango.  Add this to a console for a bit of glint and ethnic flair. 

3) A classic herringbone pattern on a neutral throw blanket from Peacock Alley will definitely add some coziness to your space.  Drape it on a guest bed or on the arm of a chair to invite settling in.

4) Coffee table books are a staple that can be placed on almost any surface to express your personality and add color.  I love the red of this book cover, so I removed the dust jacket.  Stack these two together to show your design sense.

5) A $50 gift certificate to Dirt Flowers so you can bring in Spring with an artful natural arrangement.  Give the talented florists a smooth glossy vessel to place the arrangement.  The mixture of textures is something you are sure to LOVE!

Getting It.

Whew! I finished up the Extreme Makeover service project at the Promise House this weekend!  It was two busy days full of paint, dust, drilling and running around.  I went into the weekend full of energy and ready to get started giving these teens an exciting new room.  I left the weekend physically exhausted but full of the joy of doing something worthwhile.  In total our group of 30 women spruced up 8 rooms that can house 21 teens!  All of the spaces were so different but they all looked significantly cleaner and cheerier!  Here are the after pics from the room I helped on.  To see some more photos go to the Promise House's Facebook page.

Our budget was $180 to complete the overhaul and luckily one of the savvy ladies in our group convinced the amazing people at Sherwin Williams to donate ALL the paint!  

Here is what we got for the money:

$60: Three brand new comforters from Target

$20: New curtain from Target.  It’s actually a shower curtain onto which I painted a green stripe!

$25: New curtain rod

$36: Three desk lamps with storage from Wal*Mart.

$28: Two blue side tables

$11: Art supplies and clips for pictures (see below)

The new paint color says "Teenager" instead of "Baby Boy" and balances the vivid colors in the existing carpet.  We used the pops of color from the carpet for the rest of the room, adding bright blue and green throughout.  The new curtain is actually a shower curtain and to add a little more pizazz, we painted the green stripe on the blue patterned background!

Our custom art project of blue and white chevrons adds some graphic punch of color to a smaller wall.  Each piece was made by a different team member, so they are all different and add a lot of personality.

Since this is temporary home, we drilled small clips onto the wall so they can change out pictures, drawings or clippings within their space to give it a sense of their own personality.  The awesome sketch in the picture was in the room when we started renovating, so we wanted to hang it up for our resident!  The black square above the desk is painted in chalkboard paint so they will hopefully not draw on the other parts of the wall!  The new lamp is stocked with a full supply of brand new chalk in its organizing cubbies.

Just a little proof that this designer isn't afraid of getting her hands a little dirty!  And you better believe I was still peeling paint off my hands for a few days....

Giving It.

Sometimes it's the little things in life that are easily overlooked and that with which we should be the most thankful.   A family that loves and supports, enough food to go around, and a roof overhead. At the Promise House, Dallas homeless and runaway teen can find those basic needs.  It's a safe place to recover from desperate circumstance and get back on the right track.

So, why I am telling you this?  Well, I am volunteering with a group of ladies from the Junior League of Dallas to "Extreme Makeover" the shelter's bedrooms!   The time is short and the budget is SMALL but the impact will be great.  Here is a before picture of the boys room we are assigned.

The carpet is very patterned and colorful but cannot be changed. There is a really fun chalkboard-paint outline of the Dallas skyline that we are keeping.  The paint color is a really depressing blue (a shade I call hospital blue...) and the drapery is pretty much see through.  There is a serious lacks of charm.  Check back to see what we've come up with!

Playroom for Two

I am so excited to be working on another space for children!  This time its a Dynamic Duo of twin boys and the space is their playroom.  These little men are a little over one which is a great time to hire your first designer and put your stamp on the world! (Ok, their mom technically hired me but we are all working for these Two!)

The home was built in the early 1930's and has a classic style; so we are keeping this room clean and neutral.  The room will have a great display area for all things "play" and a daybed for cuddling up with a good book.  After all, these are important men that will need to multi-task.

Here are some elevations sketches that I did to show this discerning duo.   We are moving quickly on this room, so I should have some progress snap-shots soon!

We are going to place two long shelves that are low enough for the little guys to get direct access to everything fun!  Above we'll place the object that require supervision, like special books and art supplies.

I'm reconfiguring the layout of the existing twin size bed to make it more of a day bed.  Also we are framing some existing art pieces from the home owner. 

Impulse Accessorising: Kisses

Most of the time there isn't enough money in the budget for a complete overhaul of a home or room and most of the time people would like a little something new to keep their spaces fresh and evolving.  A few new accessories on a console, mantle or side table can breath new life into a room without being cost prohibitive.

From time to time I come across a piece that I would categorize as an "impulse accessory."  It has to be under $100 dollars (so it doesn't require any major savings or a family discussion) but also it needs just enough style to make an impact.

Since its almost Valentines Day, I thought we should get a little romantic.  Don't get the wrong idea... I already have a handsome Valentine.  I'm talking accessories and particularly these fantastic place card holders.  They are created by Dallas' own F is for Frank and are perfect for a romantic night in. With different types of kisses called out on the tag, you are sure to let your Valentine know what type of action you are anticipating. (anything from "Eskimo" to "French")  They will only set you back $35 a piece!  That deserves a Smooch.