Fresh Kitchen and Bath: Kitchen Edition

There are the times that you go to a new project meeting not sure what to expect... and this was definitely one of them!  I was just getting my business into FULL swing and I received an email from a young couple in Sherman, Texas.  They had just purchased a "fixer-upper" type house and were looking for help mixing their design ideas into one cohesive vision.  (Side note:  Just because you vow “death do us part” doesn't mean you will agree on your love for all things vintage!)  From the moment I met the energetic husband and the endearing wife, I was hooked on making their dream a reality! It was summer and the house had no electricity, so we sweated to the oldies and formulated a plan.

One of the few layers of wall paper that adorned the walls. 

Before Photos:

The house was in disrepair but it had great bones to serve as our starting point.  The couple were very prepared for their first remodel, even opting to do some of the work themselves!  During our first meeting we reviewed images they had compiled of their favorite spaces, decided what needed to stay and what definitely had to go and brainstormed every other option in between.  The project was an hour and half from my office and they wanted to move in quickly so we needed to be super efficient.  Starting with a floor plan we devised solutions to turn funky into functional and bring them into the current style.   

The long wall in the kitchen was broken up with a door to the hallway and a HUGE soffit above the cabinets.  The floors were plywood and there was a portion missing so you could see earth underneath!  Did I mention it was a fixer-upper?

The shorter wall in the kitchen shared space with a great breakfast nook, unfortunately it was so closed in with a small door to the dining area.   The cabinets on this side were basically unusable due to their height and there was little prep space adjacent to the stove top.

After Photos: 

In the end, the kitchen is so much more functional and definitely more beautiful than its former self.  The thoughtful details will keep it as a timeless centerpiece to the home. 

Enclosing the door to the hallway gave us plenty of space for extra counter and cabinets.  We were also able to sneak in a wine fridge and appliance garage.  Who doesn't want that?  White cabinets are crisp and fresh with the stainless and nickel hardware and the countertops play well off the neutral and sage backsplash.  The hardwoods are reclaimed from an older home and leaving them in the original mixed finish adds charm and personality to the room.  To create a more openness, the entry was enlarged to mimic that of the dining room.

With the sink now on the shorter wall and by omitting the separate double ovens, there is much more counter space adjacent to the sink for prep work and dish duty.  We tucked the microwave on a shelf in the far side of the cabinet to keep it out of sight.

The breakfast area is now a bright spot to grab coffee in the morning or wind down with some wine in the evening.  Sage green walls hark back to the accent tile in the backsplash and play nicely with the blue patterned window seat cushion.  Antique style chairs in the same sage color blend nicely without competing.  The window seat hosts storage drawers because you can NEVER have enough storage!

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So Done With It : Teenage Gal Room

A teenage girl is a fantastic muse!  Especially if she has a spunky mom that wants to surprise her with a new room for her Sweet 16.  We worked to update her room from the lavender fairy princess to a playful room where she can "like totally have friends over!"

We were diligent about the budget since teenagers don't necessarily go easy on their bedrooms. So by mixing some great bargain finds like the mirrors we had painted, a chandelier with great sparkle with some designer fabrics the room feels complete without draining the wallet. 

Our goal was to create a hip and timeless room that reflected our teenage gal's playful personality, while still using her great antiques.  How do you make antiques feel young you ask?  Throw in some bright pops of color to make them feel less "grandma" and more "boho".  How do you make it Bohemian enough for a teenage girl but classic enough for a mom with impeccable taste?  Keep the pops of color tailored and geometric while mixing the different hues.

Before this corner of the room was a catch all for all things "teenager".  Now our gal has a cozy spot to text her friends...oh wait, I mean study!  We found a chair with antique lines but added a pop of pink and blue to give it some youthfulness.   Tailored Roman shades ground the space with their strong pattern and great color.

To store away some of the aforementioned teenage accouterment, a nightstand with mirrored doors adds sparkle while keeping clutter under wraps.  To keep it light hearted, a fanciful mirror painted pink and a pair of horse lamps flank the bed.  I love all the mirrored surfaces in this room!

Custom bedding in an array of bright hues lend a lot of playfulness to the antique bed.  The large yellow euro pillows are made from an indoor/outdoor fabric so they can easily be drafted as floor pillows without worrying about them getting ruined.  A pretty monogrammed coverlet and patterned throw pillow tie all the rooms colors together.

By recovering the vanity chair and dabbling some pretty accessories, the vanity area is ready for the daily glam routine.

#DesignDilemma: You've Been Framed.

Creating a gallery wall for all of your family pictures and eclectic finds is a great way to create a statement on a large wall while still having some personal affects on display.  It also gives you bang for your buck, as a collection of items will likely be less expensive than one large statement piece. 

This design element is everywhere right now but I am always getting questions from my clients and friends on how to achieve this look.   As with most things in design, there is no hard rule because designers aren't typically the "rule follower" type. Thank goodness or all of our spaces would be the same! 

#DesignDilemma: You've Been Framed.

Whether you are traditional or modern, if you feel the need for things to be in straight rows and methodically laid out then this layout is likely for you! Frames that are identical can display a collection of botanical prints or a collection of black and whites. Keep in mind that this type of layout doesn't allow for very much flexibility for changing things around so it's best for a collection that is finite.

If you are always finding a new piece of artwork that you cannot live without then a more relaxed layout is for you.  To keep it chic and not a hodge-podge find a connecting element to tie them all together.  Are all of the images different?  Consider framing them in frames that are all the same color and style.  If the content is pretty similar then you can mix the frame color and style!  

You can also arrange the collection to keep growing and evolving by either hanging specific frames and changing out the photos, or keeping the configuration loose so that you can change the frames also.  Just try to hang them in a way such that their is a relationship between the frames.  Maybe they are all lined up along the center or all of the right edges are aligned.  I especially love the idea of leaning a collection against the wall on a picture ledge for a casual display.

If you want more inspiration check out my Pinterest board!

Color of the Year

Ringing in the New Year always means.... Pantone's Color of the Year!  For this Interior Designer the only thing that brightens my sprits after all of the sparkly lights and glitzy ornaments are put away is new inspiration to get the sparks flying again.

This years color is **drumroll**

If you are looking for a major overhaul or just adding a few extra things you can incorporate a new color very easily!

By adding a small collection of green glass accessories and framed images you can add a classic touch to a side table vignette! Image from Charm Home

If you are feeling bold, add a statement furniture piece upholstered or lacquered emerald. Image from Stern Turner Home

In a monochromatic room, a pop of emerald feels regal. Image from Edwin Pepper

If you are a blue person at heart, bring the outdoors in with a hint of emerald in a terrarium.  Image from Atmosphere Design Inc.

Flipping It!

There are some great homes in the Dallas area that were built with integrity and are still owned by the first resident.  As time marches on, they need to be spruced up to meet the needs of a new market of home owners.  Enter trusty builder Jim Womble of Savannah Custom Homes.  He always finds homes with the best bones, then calls his favorite interior designer (yours truly of course!) to help him put on the polish.  He has great vision and it's always a pleasure to work together.

No "before" pictures this time.... just the finished product.  

The kitchen is open to a great dining nook so we wanted a show stopping feature!  The backsplash is light grey subway tile with a glass subway tile accent.  The cabinets were in great shape, so after a quick sanding they were ready for a deeper stain color to make them current.

Clean and simple front entry!  We kept the original ironwork but everything else was updated.  I love how classic the color combinations feels!

The hall bathroom was really the biggest update!  The original this tile was the 1950's blue and was not in good shape.  We did classic white subway tile but paired with a great glass tile.  I selected a warm grey neutral for all of the walls and I LOVE how it turned out.

Book Case Reborn

If you live in an older home you are likely graced with charming architectural details that so many people crave: lovely moldings, ceiling details, arched openings, and built-in bookcases.  As times change and the way we live our lives evolves sometimes these charming details turn into conundrums.  E-readers have obviously changed the way we read books and honestly, unless you are reading beautiful hardcover classics...you likely aren't going to be using the bookcases the way they were intended!  

Here are some great ways to add a little charm back into your bookcases.

So what...you like reading chic-lit!  That doesn't mean you can't make those pink covers coordinate into your decor.  Consider making covers in a solid paper for a great disguise.

Arranging a carefully edited grouping of classic accessories will feel very sophisticated.  Just be sure to give everything breathing room so it doesn't look like a nick-nack resale shop!

If you are still into the nostalgia of reading things on actual paper adding glass doors with some details will polish up the multicolored book covers and the mish-mash of different book heights.  A little cohesion can go a long way in dressing things up.

#DesignDilemma: Mirror Above Console

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!

#DesignDilemma: Mirror Above Console

"Ok, so here's my design challenge...My husband and I got this mirror at an art/antique fair over Memorial Day weekend. It is a 19th Century French piece. We like the spot in our living room where we hung it, but are unsure of how to "style" around it. Would love your thoughts! Our style is contemporary casual and we want this room to have an effortless elegant vibe. We love the scale, look and story of this mirror, but it feels "weird" to us right now. We have existing lamps in front of it, but are open to change."  -Chicago Couple

These are my thoughts: 

I love that you are mixing styles and periods in your home!  It makes your space so much more interesting.  The mirror has a great classical style and is very symmetrical so you need to either play into the symmetry (which is what you are doing now) or go for an asymmetrical composition for a complete departure and make it really stand out.   

For starters I would consider scootching the mirror down.  It might be about 3" too high, which is TOTALLY nit-picky but I'm just throwing it out there!  I would shoot for the middle to be around 5'6" from the floor (or just 3"-4.5" above the top of the console).  Here are two quick sketches...they might look like a crazy person drew them, but don't be afraid.

1) Symmetrical:  Since you already have a pair of lamps this might be the quickest fix.  Your current lamps shades are the culprit in the "weird feeling" you mention since they over hang the decorative side panels.  It creates an awkward break for your eye.  If you replaced the shade with something smaller to fit within the confines of the side portions, your eye will be pleased!  See buffet lamps and lamp shades: http://www.horchow.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=buffet+lamp&_requestid=1620

2) Asymmetrical: I lean toward this for you because the style of your console (and the rest of your house from what I can see) is more contemporary than this mirror.  If you depart from its classic cues, I think you'll make it stand out as an art piece.  I drew a little swooping line to represent how the composition should be higher on one side and float down to the other.

I've drawn it with a larger lamp to anchor the arrangement.  It would be amazing if it was a warm neutral color to play against the cool color of the mirror and pull out the golden colors in the frame.  Try it with a sleek glazed pottery or glass for an added texture (like the above.)

I would then put two smaller objects that vary in size next to lamp like these great coral pieces (like the attachment labeled collection).  On the opposite side stack a couple of great coffee table books and atop place a small vessel potted with a succulent or something earthy…like moss or driftwood.

You have to send some picture when you are done:  Its going to be so special!

Fab 5: MIA Blogger

So, you will be relieved to learn that I am not actually Missing in Action!  Just blessed beyond belief (BBB for short....) with great clients the past few months!  So, it seemed only fitting that for July's Fab 5, I'll be giving you a recap!

Fab 5: Where have you been?

1) Moving a "Fabulous Couple"

Earlier this summer, I had the excellent opportunity to work with a young couple that bought their first home!  They were also celebrating their first wedding anniversary abroad and already had the trip booked during their impending move.  What is a Fabulous Couple to do?  Call in reinforcements!  While they were away, I coordinated new floors installation, electrical updates and refreshed the paint.  On move day, they left for work from their current residence and came home to their new house.  Everything was set in place and ready to use.  I couldn't have done it without my team of awesome movers.  We are working now to spruce up some of their formal spaces!

2) New Projects!

I'm working with a hip Austin resident to "Keep Austin Chic!"  I like weird as much as the next gal, but I much prefer a chic living space.  The guy that inhabits these walls has a great style and isn't afraid to mix styles to create something that has an Austin vibe.  Above is the progress on his dining space.  I see poker nights in his near future!

It's no secret that I adore working on rooms for the pint size population, but I was able to expand my horizons to create an awesome space for a Teenage Gal.  The whole family is so full of life and I loved being a part of this spruce up.  Here is a small sneak peak.  I'll post more pictures later, but I can't give away everything here!

3) Sprucing up HQ for BR Interior Designs

One of my favorite phrases to describe my house is "The cobblers children have no shoes...."  Don't get me wrong, I love, love my abode, but as a designer I know there are so many projects that have yet to come to fruition. I keep them tucked nicely in my head and the second I get a few extra dollars (or let’s be frank...when my husband goes out of town...) I execute a few projects.  My latest overhaul is in my office... AKA "BRHQ"  The image above is just a teaser of one of the great elements.

4) Winning!

I won an award for my Hip Family Dining Room Project!  I am honored to be named alongside great Dallas designers with an Honorable Mention by American Society of Interior Designers in their Design Ovation Awards.  I continue to be so proud of the spaces I design and receiving outside recognition is stellar.  Check out the list of other winners as well!

5) Dwell with Dignity

Charity work is something I am very passionate about.  After all, I am BBB, so I think its necessary to spread the love around and to stay constantly thankful for everything in my life.  What better way than to share my talent and passion!  I've mentioned Dwell with Dignity before and most recently I'm working on a team from the American Society of Interior Designers to complete an apartment install for a family on a journey toward a fresh start.  Check out their website!

I promise to be a better blogger, but if you find yourself needing a design fix, check me out on other media too!

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#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....