American Beauty to French Country

Before

After

This interior was an American Beauty that I designed 20 years ago.  Although it is relevant today, the client was ready for an update to something that reflects her feminine, sophisticated taste.  I must show the before photos as the change was quite dramatic.

In the breakfast room we used the clients own art.  Chest is by Global Views ,http://www.globalviews.com. The linen covered French Chairs and ottoman are by Restoration Hardware, http://www.restorationhardware.com. 

Before

Before rugs

This project began with changing finishes.  Hardwood floors replaced the carpet in the living/dining room.  All walls were painted.  You can see the corner of the Bernhardt http:www.bernhardt.com, sofa in this photo.  Here is a teaser of what is to come......

After

We removed the wall unit piece.  Carpet was removed and replaced with hardwood floors.  Walls were painted a light greige.

On the long wall joining the living room and dining room is a Restoration Hardware http/:www.restorationhardware.com sideboard.  A Global Views Mirror , http:www.globalviews.com, hangs over the sideboard, Jamie Young Lamps complete the look.  The lamps have hand painted shades with a bird and flower motif.

Before

Wall color changed and the cushions were changed to reflect the new direction we are taking.  Television was hung on wall.

After/Before furniture and rugs.

 New pillows are in place to reflect the new decor.

After

 New fabric on Chippendale chairs brings antique into the scheme of things.  Pier I mirror stays through centerpiece changes.  http.//www.pier1.com.



Updates to follow as we continue to take this from being an American Beauty to a French Country Modern stunner.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Kitchen Confidential: Been A Long Time

It is hard to believe my last post was in May of last year.  My friend was elected as a Representative to the House so the party was a success.  I have been working on the kitchen project.  This is where I started.  Fire signal red.  Cork floors were added and then the fun began.

 Paint color was changed to lightened things up a little bit.  New furniture was added.  Rugs, lamps and a few new accessories.  At that point last year the sitting area looked like this.  The settee was in shades of soft green and blue as was the contemporary rug.  There was just so little I really liked about this room.  I loved the cork floors, the light fixture I had made and the style of the settee.  Don't know why I have difficulty making these decisions for myself as my clients will tell you I have no trouble making decisions for them.  I missed my red walls terribly and was not a fan of blue and green. 

It is the favorite of some of my clients but I have found I need color in my personal interiors.  I have always been a fan of suzanis so began the journey of another change.

Of course, the journey began with red and from there flourished.  The process is taking longer because I put myself on the back burner when my people are busy with my clients.  I still lack lamps but I just love sitting in this room having a simple meal, reading a book, or sharing a glass of wine with a friend.

This is a room I can live with for a long time.  The upholsterer used an antique suzani  on the settee.  Only the seat and back are covered in a black velvet.  Red rattan Chinese red chairs are comfortable and light enough to move if I need the space.  I moved two of my favorite pieces of art into this space that were in the dining room.  I did not get to enjoy them everyday the way I do now.

A friend painted the the frog pillow and the butterfly pillow so I cherish them and enjoy them in this room.  There will need to be some different lamps but I do love the space even if it took me so long to find myself again.