My Home Office Through the Lens

Looking at a room through lens of a camera can be an eye opening experience.  I recently decided to take photos of my home office so that I could make some decisions about a decorating direction to take.  I love the Hershey chocolate color of this room and have had it repainted twice this color.  So the color will remain.

Sitting area across from desk.

Bookshelf wall with down loveseat.

I love the seating area across from my desk.  I keep small objects in the lighted shelf that remind me of people that have touched my life.  The cowhide on chair is one I have had forever.  It came to me as a black painted chair with bordello red Naugahyde.   The bookshelves other than  needing a good cleaning out could use a coat or two of paint.  I have often thought cream high gloss enamel would make me happy.  The baskets hold paint decks and other unwieldy samples that are necessary to keep.  

Vintage Bessarabian rug.

The vintage Bessarabian rug  softens the antique oak floors.  When I had these floors refinished I chose to have the stain rubbed in with no polyurethane finish and they are soft and beautiful.

 My desk is an old government issued oak court reporter's desk given to me by a beloved relative.  The old typewriter well could hide a small child but is difficult to access.  It is almost always messy but provides a great surface to lay out samples and small floor plans.  This photo gives me much information.  My inspiration board definitely needs to be larger.  Why hats you say?  One never knows when one will find it necessary to run out with unruly hair and the hat is the perfect camouflage.  The photos also demonstrate my need for some type of soft window treatment but I have found it difficult to commit.

Closet

Behind this closet door is a scary combination of file cabinet, oversize samples, old computers, art supplies, etc.  I am almost too afraid to open it.  Out of sight out of mind.  I am sure there are buried treasures here but they will have to wait until some dark winter day.  Assorted professional books (not used often anymore) and various strange art line these shelves.

Faux copper ceiling tiles

I love these ceiling tiles.  They are made of foam and faux painted by an ingenious company and cover old unattractive acoustical tiles installed years ago by the music teacher that once resided here.  I had to get my left brain friend to help my husband glue these up as my right brain just could not do the geometry involved.

A list can be made by looking at these photos.
(1) larger inspiration board
(2) soft window treatment
(3)  CLEAN UP MESS

My Home Office Through the Lens

Looking at a room through lens of a camera can be an eye opening experience.  I recently decided to take photos of my home office so that I could make some decisions about a decorating direction to take.  I love the Hershey chocolate color of this room and have had it repainted twice this color.  So the color will remain.

Sitting area across from desk.

Bookshelf wall with down loveseat.

I love the seating area across from my desk.  I keep small objects in the lighted shelf that remind me of people that have touched my life.  The cowhide on chair is one I have had forever.  It came to me as a black painted chair with bordello red Naugahyde.   The bookshelves other than  needing a good cleaning out could use a coat or two of paint.  I have often thought cream high gloss enamel would make me happy.  The baskets hold paint decks and other unwieldy samples that are necessary to keep.  

Vintage Bessarabian rug.

The vintage Bessarabian rug  softens the antique oak floors.  When I had these floors refinished I chose to have the stain rubbed in with no polyurethane finish and they are soft and beautiful.

 My desk is an old government issued oak court reporter's desk given to me by a beloved relative.  The old typewriter well could hide a small child but is difficult to access.  It is almost always messy but provides a great surface to lay out samples and small floor plans.  This photo gives me much information.  My inspiration board definitely needs to be larger.  Why hats you say?  One never knows when one will find it necessary to run out with unruly hair and the hat is the perfect camouflage.  The photos also demonstrate my need for some type of soft window treatment but I have found it difficult to commit.

Closet

Behind this closet door is a scary combination of file cabinet, oversize samples, old computers, art supplies, etc.  I am almost too afraid to open it.  Out of sight out of mind.  I am sure there are buried treasures here but they will have to wait until some dark winter day.  Assorted professional books (not used often anymore) and various strange art line these shelves.

Faux copper ceiling tiles

I love these ceiling tiles.  They are made of foam and faux painted by an ingenious company and cover old unattractive acoustical tiles installed years ago by the music teacher that once resided here.  I had to get my left brain friend to help my husband glue these up as my right brain just could not do the geometry involved.

A list can be made by looking at these photos.
(1) larger inspiration board
(2) soft window treatment
(3)  CLEAN UP MESS

Big Family Moves into a Neighborhood

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a young blended family that had outgrown their rural home and bought a larger home in a neighborhood.  As the home was only a year old we made the decision to use the existing colors in the living areas.  We purchased many of the furnishings as the layout was much different than that of the previous home.  As the rooms were without much natural light we opted to use bright yellow as an accent and the concept rapidly came together from that point.

Portion of plans including public spaces.

Our focus for the first phase was the great room, breakfast room, dining room and foyer.  Our first purchase was this comfortable Chesterfield sofa in gray velvet.  It is the anchor for the entire great room making it a big decision.  We ordered it from the www.CoCoCohome.com.  This a product that is Made in America and the attention to detail and reasonable price point made it a winner.

The bright yellow accents make this otherwise dark room happy and bright.

Antique silk ikat pillows.

Bright Graphic pillows; Etsy

Love this used as a lumbar pillow in wing back.

The settee was purchased because it was not deep and could easily fit on the wall across from the tv/fireplace and allow traffic to flow well.  The settee was moved as the family used the modern wingbacks more for tv watching.  This is a good point in how one must make design adaptible for practical use.  The bright yellow garden drums are adaptable and can be used as surfaces or additional seating.

Settee divides breakfast room and great room.

The modern ikat wing backs have become a family favorite.  White leather hassock gives feet a rest and keeps all bright and light in that area.

Modern ikat wing backs. Original spot for settee.

These metal racks provide display opportunity while remaining airy in front of windows leading to covered porch and pool. The racks also provided space to add small Ralph Lauren lamps for some much needed ambient lighting.   The French linen drapery panels in soft gray provide a tailored finished look.

Scenario seen as you enter foyer.

Racks provide display space and accent lighting.

As seen from breakfast room.

The great room is brought together by a fabulous vintage rug.  Some of our sources are listed below.  I have found my under 40 clients are very happy with using online sources for product.  I loved doing this and found there are many reliable sources online.

SOURCES:
Sofa - The Comfortable Couch Company; http://cococohome.com/; very well made and good delivery
Settee - Joss and Main; https://www.jossandmain.com/
Yellow Garden Drums;https://www.jossandmain.com/
Various pillows - www.etsy.com; NAOMIFRANCIS, Sweet Nature Designs,
Ikat wing back chairs -www.jossandmain.com

Doing a room online can be a fun experience.  Know your room measurements and note them carefully. 

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. 

Almost There

With May 22 almost here my party preparations are slowly coming together.
Clean and spruce up front porch. Done

Porch swing looks inviting.

Welcome basket out on door.

My favorite pink geraniums

An inviting place to sit with coffee or cocktail

Clean and spruce up patio.  Almost there.  Need to add a few plants and #2 wash tub for  beer and soft drinks.

Back door looking welcoming

Sitting area shaping up.  Love this Mad Matts recycled rug.

Another view of the sitting area

Another sitting area.

New light hung in breakfast room.  Done.  This light was created from a basket bought on my tour of P. Allen Smith's farm.  I think I am finally satisfied.

New breakfast room light.

Light in breakfast room setting.

I am planning on making a bourbon slush, recipe to follow.  This is a punch that is cold and perfect for a hot spring in the south.  We will be enjoying; homemade pimento cheese, Sassy's chicken salad, Barbara's ham salad, and many more treats made by a hand full of caring friends.  Soon the American flags will line the walkway, Japanese lanterns in the trees and hopefully a lively celebration for my friend, the next Representative to the House in Arkansas.


Bourbon Slush:

1 (12oz) can frozen lemonade
1 (6oz) can frozen orange juice
2 cups strong brewed tea
2 cups bourbon
2 cups water
1 liter ginger ale
2 lemons cut into wedges for garnish

In a large plastic container, combine lemonade concentrate, orange concentrate, tea, sugar, bourbon, and water.  Mix well and freeze for 24 hours.  Scoop mixture into glass til 3/4 full and pour ginger ale in glass.  Garnish with lemon wedge.   Sometimes I use fresh mint for garnish.  Enjoy.