Office Makeover in 2 Days

I received a call on Friday from a local business that was in need of a quick makeover by Monday morning, just in time for them to be interviewed by the media about a new unique product.  Ok, time to start humming the entire Rocky Balboa anthem. 

Step 1: take on the 2 spaces that will be seen on Monday:  Reception Rm and Conference Rm

Step 2: Decide what changes to make & measure measure measure

Step 3: Run around like mad to local stores because no time for custom anything

Step 4: stop for deoderant and new hammer

The RESULTS:

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Sorry about the poor photo quality.  I used my i-phone (pretty good for phone quality I say).

Thinking Between Appointments

I am sipping my coffee at a Panera chain, between my last client's home and my next appointment.  It has been a day of traveling for me.  Maybe its all the Regina Spektor I have been listening to, or the season, but I am thinking about time and how fast it is pushing me into tomorrow.  Maybe it's the thirties; Ever since entering this new set of numbers I don't sit around looking forward to something that is over six months away, because so much can happen between now and then.  Earmarks of time are no longer signified by birthdays, but by events that have changed me.  And what I want, who I am, is evolving every day.  My empathy has grown, my self-consciousness has shrunk, and I want to put myself out there, and I want to be surrounded by people that put their feelings, passions, opinions, out there.  Time is but a word, because as soon as you say it, you lost one second; I have to run to my next appointment, as a chill runs down my spine, and a lump mounts in my throat, and yeah, I have listening to Regina Spektor too much.  Go out there and jump into whatever you have been putting off!

A Living Room Is Used For What??

A kitchen is used for cooking, a bedroom is used for sleeping, a bathroom is used for...well you get the picture.  Every room in your home has a purpose except.....the living room.  I mean who actually lives in a 'living' room?   Most times it is used as a good spot for that sofa you have been holding onto, a dust collector for the knick knacks, and the perfect place for that once a year propped up christmas tree.  Other than that it is dead space.  So it's time to re-think it. 

If you could add another room to your home, what would it be used for?  An office space, a library, a game room, a wine room, a bar, or a gift wrapping, scrapbooking, label making, fix it, cut it, hot glue it, space (you know who you are!).  By adding closed doors, french doors, or long drapes, you can conceal a kids play space, or guest room, when it is a mess. 

 

I have turned a living room into a Library/Game room for a family of four in Breinigsville, adding wall to wall built ins and a bench to hold board games, a painted pedastool table and all the little things, not to forget re-thinking the lighting (see the progress above. I owe you the finished reveal). 

Right now I am working with an amazing couple in Allentown, turning their living room into a Library Lounge by installing a gas fireplace, two double bookcases, new flooring, and a large deep chocolate upholstered leather sofa.  When finished it will be a comfortable soft lit room perfect for a pre-dinner or late night drink.  See above for the colors and finishes in the works.  I will post the finished look, along with the library in Breinigsville (just as soon as I get a minute). :)

Designer Tips For Hanging Wall Art

The world is full of inspiration. As a decorator, I love to find out what inspires my clients and fill their space with it. Sometimes I nail inspiration to the wall.

If you like the way multiple framed art looks together on a wall but discouraged from doing it yourself, you are not alone! There are so many things to think about-what frame finish to use, how to arrange the frames, how far apart each frame should be from its neighbor? And, the ultimate question, how many nail holes will it take to get it the way I want? Below are steps to follow so that your wall doesn't end up looking like a drive-by of bullet holes. This is how I always hang frames:

You Will Need:

-painters tape

-paper (re-use paper you would otherwise throw away or newspaper, magazine pages, or gift wrap)

-scissors

-marker
-level & tape measure

-proper hanging material for your frames

-hammer

Step 1: Place a piece of painters tape on each frame and number them starting with 1. 

Step 2: Cut paper to the size of each frame and write the corresponding number on each one. Set aside.

Step 3: Arrange the frames in front of you on the floor.  When you have an arrangement you like, place the pattern on the wall using the numbered cut paper.

Step 4: When you like the look of your arrangement, use measuring tape and level to make sure everything is straight and equal.

Step 5: Finally, set your nail in the wall using the paper as your guide.

Step 6: Hang the frame to its coordinating numbered paper, take the painters tape and enjoy!

My Glamy Lounge Around Basement In Progress

I think my favorite show of the season is Million Dollar Listing.  I realize now after laughing through each episode, that I need to expand my own property so its value increases.  So I am full steam ahead on finishing my own basement.  After creating a design plan, and after my talented husband framed it out, added a  million lights in the ceiling, the walls and cabinetry (sorry Paul), sheet rock went up, it was primed and painted, and well, here we are now:

1. A large plasma will be tucked into the recessed wall, a custom media cabinet will be built below it.  A lot of trim and precise cuts will be involved in this project. 

And this area wouldn't be complete without a big comfy tightback sectional covered in, I think, this pear green upholstry and fun tree leaf shapes and houndstooth pillows.

2. Our bar is built in right under the stairs to save space.  The glass tiles will sparkle under the recessed spotlight above it.  The cabinets will be painted a shade of white and topped with a deep dark chocolate brown countertop.  Opposite the bar will be a 7 foot counter with a few chairs and pendant lighting above it. And a fun ping pong table will take center stage (do they make pink tables?). 

3. The built-ins to the left is a perfect catch all and, now finally, a place to hold all of our books and albums. 

4. We kept a small space available for a gym so we can pass by it every day and think 'Oh I should do a leg lift or push up right after I eat this bowl of popcorn'.

5. There is also a separate playroom for my little girl to go crazy in because every kid needs to let loose (I hope the magic eraser can get footprints off the ceiling). 

6. I am really excited to add the dark wood flooring, and of course the glitzy fun lighting.  Here are a few lights I am thinking of adding:

The lights are, from left, IKEA Lunta, Quoizel Downtown sconce, these cute IKEA Tallvik blingy colorful table lamps, and IKEA Fillsta round pendant, and That's it so far!

A Serene Space In Progress

Just spent three hours doing millwork homework for a project in Lehighton, PA and my head hurts; Can’t wait to get my ideas down on paper. Very excited! But right now I can use a caffeine break at Panera. And this gives me the opportunity to show you the fabrics I am using in another project, a living room & dining room in Center Valley, PA.

My sweet and easy going clients and I came up with a relaxing watery color scheme using soft blue on the walls all the way down to a crisp white chair rail. Beneath the rail, we are incorporating a two inch wide trim vertically every two feet around the room. The fabrics you see will be used on the window treatment and furniture upholstry. They bring in rich pattern and color, keeping the space cozy, serene and elegant. With the proper lighting this space will be perfect for them! I will keep you up to date on the finished room.

p.s. so handy to take pictures with my i-phone but the colors are slightly off.

Retro Glamour Home...Hello Miami

A while back I wrote a blog article called Retro Glamour In Progress. I showed samples of the materials I was using and some lighting prospects for a residential project I was doing. Well fast forward to today......the window treatments, furniture and accents in place. It is really coming together nicely. There is a definite Miami vibe with lots of sparkle and shine. I took some photos of the progress. Enjoy!

Walking Through The Mall

My friends first introduced me to Vera Bradley bags four years ago. Although I have seen them hanging off the shoulder of many stylish Pennsylvanian women, I had yet to step into one of her stores. I finally did at the Bridgewater New Jersey mall. The bags were so colorful and made me wish some came in blanket size. What I really liked was the entryway into the store. I took a photo of it with my i-phone to share with you.

After a smoothie and a pretzel, I walked past the Pottery Barn store and had to back up, walk in and just stare at their holiday display. I am like a child when it comes to sparkle and shine, mesmerized by it all. PB does a good job. Looking forward to the holidays now.

Decadently yours,

Shoshana

Eeping Over Interior Decorating Article

Last week was full of lovely surprises for me!

1. The Morning Call article I contributed to hit the news stands Sunday and I was thrilled with the content! Lots of good information for home owners looking to decorate on a budget, or to sell their home. To my surprise, it included, not only one of my clients rooms, but me as well. Check out the article http://www.loveyourroom.com/morning_call_interior_decorating_article.cfm.

2. I also celebrated another birthday. Yee haa. They tend to come around too quickly if you ask me, but was a good time anyway. I met up with some friends and enjoyed a good meal. Thanks Rhonda, Fay and Rachel!

3. I began working on three new spaces in Lehighton, Center Valley and Macungie. I am excited and 'eeping' over the possibilities.

4. I learned new vocabulary and furtune telling sayings: when you 'Eep' it means you are happy. (thanks for that one Haunani), and I learned that 'as long as you get a good parking spot you will have very good shopping!' Colleen, you and I proved it on our very successful decor shopping trip.

"I eeep over that purple sofa with the lime green skirt!"

A Home Office Inspired By A Pizza Box

A few weeks back my friend Tracy came over with pizza. The most gigantic box of pizza I had ever seen! I had no idea anyone could consume so much pizza, but we all did! And the jokes that ensued became childish. At the end of the day I was left with the box, and a crazy idea.

I thought the box would make the perfect stencil. So I used the box to create a wall treatment in my home office. What do you think?

Here is how I did it:

With the help of a ruler, level, and scissors, I cut out a 29” circle.  Using a graph paper, I plotted out where the circles would go.  Based on my graph the circle size allowed for for circles horizontally and three rows vertically.  After splitting the wall in five equal parts using painters tape, I traced the box onto the wall with a pencil, starting in the center.

I painted the outer and inner pencil lines using a small paint brush with a fine tip first. Then used a larger brush and it took two coats. Paint I used for the circles is Sherwin William’s Reflecting Pool. The walls are Sherwin Williams Egret White.

After two nights, and some frightening expressions from P, my hubby, I finished. 


The large scale makes my walls look very tall. And, no, it does not smell like pizza!


For complete detailed instructions CLICK HERE. Houzz, a design and decor loving website, featured it on their homepage.

Mentioned In Morning Call Newspaper, October 18

Hi friends!

If you get the Morning Call newspaper please look in the Real Estate section of the Sunday, October 18th edition. I will be included in a worthwhile article geared toward homeowners. I will be sharing easy inexpensive ways to decorate your home. I will link a copy to my blog once the article runs.

Decadently Yours,

Shoshana

Home Office Closet

I am on a closet 'roll'. I am finishing up the renovation to my home office. Here is my closet re-do. So much better than before.





I like everything at my fingertips. I can get messy & I hoard things so I need open storage that can handle it.





I will post the finished home office once it is complete.

My Revealing Closet

What is the one room in your home that is:
1. ALWAYS too small,
2. Forever cluttered, and
3. Is such a disaster it is off limits to anyone, & never mentioned in conversations.

YOUR CLOSET!!

It's time to take control of the mess and create a closet that works for YOU! One with cheerful personality that is fun to be in.

Even the smallest closets can be transformed into a smart functional personal space that showcases the shoes, the handbags, and the couture you wear so well. Below are pics of my own closet that I put together with the philosophy of ‘everything will be at my fingertips’. I am a busy working mom and don’t have time to look for a misplaced shoe. And when I put my clothes away, I want to just drop it and go. For me, the look of my closet is another room in my home that I look forward to being in. My Grandmother would be so proud. When I was a kid I had the messiest bedroom on the street. She had to clear a pathway to my bed for me when she visited. Hope you enjoy!


I re-worked the original wire shelves so I wouldn’t waste them. After literally ripping them out of the walls, I patched the holes, and re-used everything on one side of my closet.

I bought an IKEA Expedit bookcase for the other side of my closet and absolutely love it in the space. It works great.

I wear a lot of beaded necklaces, and my collection keeps growing. These hooks hold 'em all!

If you are about to under-go a closet renovation....good luck!!!