Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Here is a quick little before and after.

Just want you to see how simple it can be to fill a space
when using the right design principles.


BEFORE
The space above this buffet is quite tall and
needs something in the right scale to make it feel complete.


AFTER
See how this is a simple solution. 
The mirror is large enough to balance out
the piece of furniture and is the right size for
the space on the wall.

By hanging it vertically it is taller as well as narrow enough
 to come in about 6 inches on each side of the buffet.

 When you look at the whole grouping,
the height of the mirror, the lamp and the glass bowl
are three different heights.

This is a simple way to create a unit that works!


Here is a little more of the room...
 I will show you the rest soon.


Monday, July 18, 2011

This room makeover was done all by
the homeowner---herself!

She hired me to come and do a consultation,
 we walked throughout the house and talked about
what she could do to make the family room more inviting. 

After an hour and a half I left. 

Some months later she called and said I am DONE!
Come and take the after shots.


Here is the entry BEFORE
The end table was just too short to fill the space.


AFTER
We found this dresser down in her storage room
(it was previously white).
This space needed something taller so that the scale would feel right.
See how a coat of paint, a little larger mirror and a lamp
 magically changed this space.

Wow! the paint on the wall made such a difference,
  the molding and the door really stand out now.
It also warms up everything---so much more inviting.



BEFORE
Notice the mirror propped above the fireplace,
 it was really not reflecting anything interesting,
 mostly just the ceiling. 

This is the mirror that is now in the entry. 
 It adds light and movement to that space.

 I really like mirrors in the entryway.



AFTER
She painted the wall a light beige and added the accent brown. 
The homeowner also added new furniture which
really does update the family room.

Notice how we flanked the two sofas on either side of the fireplace. 
This helps to create a nice focal point,
and a great conversation area.


BEFORE
Here she had a number of smaller items on the mantle
as well as hanging on the wall.


AFTER
Look at how much better it feels to take a collection of items
 and place them together in a group---the box shelves on the left
and the three framed photos on the right.



The fabric on the chair is repeated
with a couple of toss pillows on the couch.


See the touches of red throughout the room. 
 It gives a pop of life to the space.


Nice simple focal point.


It is always important to have items in the room that you love. 
 The painting was important to her,
 as well as the quilted wall hanging that her mother made
specifically for the new colors in the room.

This makes the room yours.

Okay, I want to sit by the fire and read a book here!

So... see what a great transformation was made. 
This homeowner just needed a little direction,

She knew what she liked but was
not quite sure how to get it.

I came in and gave her a few ideas and
suggestions, but she did all the work!

I am so happy to help any of you . . .
This also makes a great gift.

My consulting rate is $50.00 an hour.

Monday, July 4, 2011

I wanted to post a few more observations that I had
while touring through the Utah Valley Parade of Homes.

So many of the rooms in different homes had
 white trimwork up the walls.

I really like it! 

 I think it gives the space a fresh and clean updated feel.

I really like this headboard
 and the pillows with a touch of blue and green.


Here is more white finishwork on
the walls of this bedroom.


I like the white trim in the ceiling, with the tan color paint.
It looks so great with the stone!


I love this style of house!


Look at the white trim going up the stairs ...
 and the railing finish work.

Very refreshing! 

 I love the white with the chocolate brown rail.



Notice how the cabinet and the artwork
 make a  very nice grouping. 

Also love the lamp lighting.


In this laundry room notice how the fabric
 in the curtain ties in with the pillows on the chair. 

Isn't this such a lovely space.

The peach color on the wall would not have
 been my first choice, but look how great it all ties together.

The chandelair finishes off the room perfectly.


Still love this style.


Here is the inside of the previous house.


This boy's room was fun. 

 Notice the wood finish on the blue wall. 
It makes for a nice texture,
 and of course the mural is great!


Now this is a unique boy's room. 
My son who is 11 loved the room
except for the metal on the wall.

The wood on the ceiling, the quilts and the
 red accessories cozy up the space.

It is always fun to see the new trends and get some inspiration. 
 Even if we only take a small idea here or there.

Hope you are all having a great 4th of July!!