I Spent My Day In A Basement And Then Updated My Own

I spent today re-designing a basement for Lisa and Matt, two hard working parents of an adorable 2 year old in Freemansburg. They finished their lower level, bought a few things for it, but are stuck with how to use the space to its greatest benefits.  They gave me their wish list of functions for the space, which is a pretty tight area, so every square foot counts. I call that prime real estate. So in order to have the all important TV watching, adult socializing, game night with the guys, and of course, a spot for their little one to have fun, careful planning is vital.  We used our muscles pushing furniture pieces around, stretched our creative thinking for storage, and came up with a really great layout.  The color scheme is blue, red and chocolate, which are not only hot colors right now, but fun powerful shots of color for a basement-it's that fire and ice look I adore. 

We had a very successful day. Along our journey I found out Lisa has a little secret. She is a picture frame addict. As we walked around her home looking for pieces for the basement, I noticed frames in every single room; black, brown, white, small, large, and all……EMPTY. Lisa and I are going to work on filling each frame (and not with photographs because that is too predictable).  OK, when the basement's final touches are done I will post the before and after pics, with tips on how to make the most of your prime real estate....and show you what we do with the frames!  


p.s.-I just received an e-mail from Lisa.  Here is what she said "Hi!  I had a great time re-designing our basement.  I can't wait to get the furniture and finally have a family room that we'll enjoy!  Thanks so much for all of your help.  You are amazing!" - That made my day Lisa-aaawwww!

Meantime, here are photos of where my own basement remodel is at. The last time I shared pics, I had zoned out areas, sheetrocked, and painted (click here to see that blog entry). Now the laminate floors are in but the trim still needs another coat of paint and caulk everywhere, and the playroom is missing the custom blackboard and bench cushion. I am aiming for a contemporary beach glam feel.  Just a casual space to hang with enough bling to make me smile.  It is a slow process due to a busy schedule right now, but until the basement receives the attention it deserves I am filling it up with possibilities.

This built-in is my favorite addition to the basement.  It is large and in charge.  And very streamlined like the rest of the place.  I can't wait to add all our books and read stories to my daughter here.  I have had this Crate&Barrel table and chair set for ten years.  I am going to repaint it and add funky cushions.

I was very pleased with the paint colors because they really brightened my walls which don't get much natural light; And the large mirror creates openness (what a find!).  The sconces add the glam factor.  And I can't say enough about this sectional.  We have already fallen asleep on it - it barely fit down the stairs.  VERY IMPORTANT TO MEASURE YOUR ACCESS DOWN TO THE BASEMENT WHEN LOOKING INTO BUYING LARGE FURNITURE!

I am still waiting to come across the perfect chairs for my counter, but until then, I will simply stare at my custom drapes-'hey, I have one large window in the whole place, so it deserves to get all dressed up for the party'.

Directly across from the large window is my bar - my jewel, my bling.  The glass tiles are from Lowes, the counter is from IKEA, and the cabinets are from Home Depot- painting them and adding new hardware (IKEA) turned these stock pieces into one hot bar.  Lighting is essential in a bar area.  It really creates a mood.

The playroom is not complete yet but that isn't stopping my daughter from playing in it. 

Storage is key key key!  Create it where ever possible like in this alcove which nicely hides the toys from the eye.

My husband gets to pick the game table that will go here, but I get to choose the hanging light above it.  Yes, I am a lighting nut, but different lighting options create different moods.

What do you think of this beachy chic lamp?  I purchased them for a steal and I LOVE them but my husband is on the fence- Note that the plastic is still on the shades.

We even worked in a gym with a wall mounted TV.  I plan on cranking up 'It's Raining Men' and running my little heart out one day :)

Stay tuned for the finished photos :)

5 Ways to Get Your Bathroom 'Guest-Ready' & Progress on My New Bath Reno

 

I have begun work on a guest bathroom in Allentown and it has me thinking about guest amenities.  It is important that your guests feel comfortable in your home, especially the bathroom.  I have made a Top Five list below that is easy to incorporate in your guest bathroom.

My TOP FIVE Tips For a Guest Ready Powder Room

1. ALWAYS have extra toilet paper on hand.

2. NEVER let your hand soap run out.

3. HANG a hand towel right next to the sink for easy accessibility and have it on a hook or ring that allows your guest to grab it, use it, and hang it back up without any fuss.  DON'T skimp on the hand towel.  Make sure it is fluffy and absorbs water well.  You can find great buys at Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning.

4. KEEP a little bowl or tiny tray of mints to refresh your guests.  Make sure the candy is individually wrapped!

5. ALTHOUGH powder rooms tend to be small, you should still incorporate a spot to hold a magazine and air freshener.  In the example below I have used a rectangular basket, but, depending on  your space layout, you can use a leather or metal basket, or any other fun holder that keeps with the theme of your bathroom.  

I love the look of these storage pieces also:

-BLOMUS Magazine Rack from Stacks and Stacks

-Neu Home Bath Tissue Dispenser Magazine Rack in Chrome or Oil Bronze from Bellacor

-Lilac Magazine Holder from Bellacor

-KASSETT Magazine box in an assortment of colors from IKEA

-Toilet Paper & Magazine Holder - Stainless Steel - by Umbra from The Storage Store

My Allentown Bath Reno Progress

I will incorporate the five tips above into the bathroom I am currently renovating in Allentown.  This is an important bathroom because it sits on the first floor and will be used by guests often, especially during the summer, because my client holds the best pool parties!

BEFORE

It is a very small space that will, when finished, pack a powerful punch of function and dramatic contemporary design. I blogged about this bathroom reno a few weeks ago (My Split Personality - A Tropical Eclectic Living Room & Modern Glam Bath), showing you the tiles that will be used on the walls.  I just chose the floor tile planks but don't have a photo of them.

This has been a fun project because my client rocks and because I get to work with Johnathan, my fave tile contractor.  He is an artist, and very fussy about his work.  And above all, he is a joy to work with.  Here he is in the space, which looks a bit underdressed right now!

 

I will update you again on the progress!

Important Body Part For An Interior Decorator

The most important body part for an Interior Decorator to possess is a good set of ears. From the first sit down, to each and every pow-wow there after, my client is counting on me to pick up on what he/she is looking for in a design plan without actually saying it outright. I figure it out through casual responses to my questions, through visual aides that include hand puppets and miming, and by listening to how hard they laugh at my jokes.

Just yesterday, I helped an adorable couple in New Tripole, through this process. I knew it was going to be a good meeting because Roxette ‘Dangerous’ came on the radio as I neared their home. After screaming along with the song, I parked, popped the trunk, and dragged out a million and one decorating tools.  By the end of our meeting, we put together a super stylin’ and eye catching design plan that includes a graphic wall treatment and very fun fabrics (diggin' thomas paul).  Check them out below:

We had a good time figuring out if the pattern in this juicy green thomas paul fabric was inspired by a mushroom, maracas, or a ping pong paddle.  Whatever it is, they loved it and we are making them into drapes for the living room.

This bold black and white diamand graphic by duralee will be such a grand statement hanging in an apple green dining room.

These bold colored and large patterned thomas paul fabrics screamed to be framed, so that is just what we will do. Using crisp white mattes and oversized black frames, they will be a focal point in the dining room, and tie the living room and dining room together.   

Can you tell I am ready for spring!!!

The Craze Over Kristens Way of Photographing Kids

"Hey Bob Marley, I'm about to get my photo taken, how's my smile?"

I did something today that I have never done before.  I had a photographer come to my home to take pics of my daughter.  I am not the kinda gal that gets professional photos taken.  The whole idea of dressing up and posing like an overly happy statue until your smile twitches - is just way too much pressure for me.  So when a client recommended a photographer who comes out to you, my ears perked up.  I have to say it was a wonderful experience for both myself and my daughter.  If you live in PA, NJ or NY I highly recommend Essential Imagery.  The 'pho-toger' as my daughter says, captured her 'having a blast' face and I didn't have to do a thing!  Check out their website www.essentialimagery.com where they call their photography 'Feisty'.  And speaking of feisty, while on the website, click on Kristens's blog.  You will love the shots of pets!  She actually makes doggies smile :) 

p.s. - the horses pictured above are my father-in-laws, and they were more than happy to show off for the camera.  I am going to do a series of large black and white framed pics that will hang in my basement once it is finished (it is almost done). 

"We Are So Over Our Living Room" - part I

This adventurous couple are done with the floral skirted sofa, the traditional wing back chairs, the peach paint, the pastel painted oversized ceramic table lamps, and the idea of a 'living room' in general.  They are ready for designs by Shoshana!  We are in the process of creating a new space that will be a loungy library chock full of this couples spirit:

So far we added a fireplace, and designed a custom alcove that, when complete, will house a water feature.  Two sconces will be added in an oil bronze finish.

A beautiful wooden floor was installed, a dark chocolate leather sofa has been ordered, and two double bookcases in a nice rich merlot.  Walls will be painted two tones of green.

Two chairs will be upholstered in this fun floral pattern, along with dramatic blue drapes, and round ottomans will finish the updated room.  Their daughter is a talented photographer whose photographs of luscous flowers will be displayed in the space.  Should be complete in a few weeks- STAY TUNED!

Snow Over My Head

We were hit with a wee bit of snow a day ago. Two feet six inches by mid day.  Flakes fell all day non-stop in the Lehigh Valley.  

And check this out.... Because I am in the remodeling business, of course I have a few doors hanging around...which my creative husband turned into a roof for a cool fort.....

Hadn't had that much fun since I was a kid-and p.s. my snowball throwing arm is much better than back then!  It was fun but i am done with snow..do you hear me weather gurus?!!

Then again, isn't this scene so beautiful and serene..

Bringing Fire and Ice to a Library

Fire and ice is oh so nice!  Above is a large serving of ice, for a home that is hot! I have been working with a fun mother of two, helping her put the final touches on rooms in her home.  We combined very warm colors with very cool ones, to create the glitz and glamour that is all the rage these days.  Our fire color is rustic orange, and our ice colors are pale blues, crisp whites, polished silver and lime greens.  Such a great combination! Below is a room we just completed.  We re-designated and re-designed the kids' toy room into a very hip library by painting the walls my fave Sherwin Williams' Spicy Hue color and using the cool accents above. We re-purposed some of her furniture and added new pieces with very fun and comfy appeal, including a chic chandelier that really sparkles at night. 

The final touches included hanging her framed family photographs because every home library needs to be filled with memories............

If you follow this blog, you know how I hang art by now: create a pattern on the floor, trace the frames, number them and the frames themselves, then, using painters tape, place the traced paper on the wall to where you want them, and, nail them in!

Master Bedroom Becomes A Lodge Retreat

When my clients, Scott and Karen, asked me to design a master bedroom that brought in their love of lodge style, full of warm colors and rustic pieces, I was up for the challenge.  I wanted them to feel like they were at a resort in the woods that included luxurious bedding and fun natural accents.  The space is in a cape style home so it includes a number of angled walls and entrances to the eaves.  I had so much fun on this project and was very excited to present my design plan to them.  I had to use an extra big board to hold all the ideas and products I included.  Here are some of my ideas:

To erase wall angles, I will paint it all one color, so a warm golden yellow will go on all walls and ceiling, except the two end walls, which will be painted in a barn red.  And what lodge wouldn't be complete without a fireplace.  This one is electric so it is simple to set up, not requiring structural changes, and really adds to our look.

The windows and sliding glass door will get striped drapes which bring in greens, golds, browns, and reds, and two comfy chairs will be covered in this beautiful rich pattern.

Although the bed had a headboard and footboard made of rod iron and wood, I wanted to create more texture and drama. I proposed framing out the wall behind the bed using 1x3s and painting it in a deep dark chocolate (all the trim and doors will also be painted in this chocolate color -yum!). The grasscloth wallpaper you see below, which contains lots of reds, golds, and tans, will fill the center of the frame.  Dark brown bamboo wall arm sconces will be hung above either end table leaving the table tops free for lots of woodsy novels.

I didn't just want Scott and Karen to have that lodge feel around them.  I wanted them to lye in bed and feel it above them, so I included 2 fans with antler chandeliers.

And of course, faux wood beams, which are so easy to put up. 

I will share the Before and After photos of this soon-to-be romantic lodge getaway bedroom suite!

Update Your Candle Wall Sconce

The candle wall sconce.  Everyone has at least one.  The quickest accent you can nail into your wall, light up, and get instant romantic ambiance.  Raise your hand if you have one of these.  Now raise your hand if your candles are dustier than the tops of your kitchen cabinets.  Although your sconce is a nice accent, it is time to update it.  Try spraying it a bold color, try replacing the candle with something else.  Here are some simple ideas:

-In a kids space, prop up a small stuffed animal;

-In a kitchen, use fake or real fruit;

-In bathroom, use decorative sea grass ball;

-For holiday sparkle, use an ornament, and hang more from it;

-Flowers work well also!

For this family, I used a plump artificial succulent.

My Split Personality - A Tropical Eclectic Living Room & Modern Glam Bath

I have a split personality lately and loving it! I began work on two totally different spaces, two totally different clients, who want two totally different looks.  One is a living room in Bethlehem and one is a bathroom in Allentown.  I thought I would share the progress so far.

A TROPICAL LIVING ROOM WITH A TWIST OF ECLECTIC WORLDLY PERSONALITY

Aren't these fabrics fun-so full of texture and curves! This couple's design style is truly a reflection of their passion for life and bright personalities.  Their living room, which opens into their dining room, will get a creamy coat of Convivial Yellow (SW6393) on the walls.  A nice warm backdrop glow for introducing the tropical flavored fabrics above on the windows and furniture.  We bring on deep finished woods and furniture pieces, which are, to say the least,  one-of-a-kind and shapely!!  And the lighting will make you 'EEEP'.  We've just begun and I can't wait to see the vision in my head-in person!

 

MODERN GLAM BATH

This full bathroom is the size of a six foot person in length and five foot person in width.  It is tiny, to say the least.  BUT the new reno will make it feel big and G-E-O-R-G-O-U-S!  This space does not represent my contemporary client at all.  The bathroom has a stand up shower that takes up way too much space, little room for anything else, dark wood paneling everywhere, and a vanity, that has me shutting one eye in distress.  We will be replacing it all!

  

We will install a smaller shower that is all glass and add built-in shelves on one side to hold towels and essentials. We will wrap pure white subway tiles around the space, halfway up the walls and completly around the shower. It will be very minimal- then comes the bling! Adding sleek and sexy tile down the center of the floor and all the way up the shower wall. Yes, like a runway. And also around the walls as a border above the subway tiles. With the Hep Green (SW6704) paint, new lighting, new vanity, niche, and accents I have planned-it will be a show stopper!

I will show the before and after pics when I have finished the projects so stay tuned! I am also working on a very cool master bedroom with a rustic lodge theme, a fun library, and contemporary asian style family room.

Tikkun OIam's First Good Deed is A HUGE Success

Tikkun Olam is hebrew for 'repairing the world'.  It is now also the name of a new committee dedicated to helping people in need.  I had been ready to do something good for my community for a long time.  This recession has hit us all so hard.  I approached the Jewish Federation in my area, in November of 2009, and founded Tikkun Olam, the social action branch of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's Young Adult Division (YAD).  There are nine of us, all amazing, caring, friends, committed to three worthwhile projects a year. 

We just completed our FIRST good deed-a winter wear drive benefitting Central Elementary School's clothing closet and the United Way.  Twice a month anyone from the community can get the outerwear items from this closet and they were running low on coats........well we more than filled their need.  We raised over 700 coats and over 200 gloves, hats, boots, and scarves.  Today we dropped off all of our items at the elementary school and we were thanked by the asst. principal, the clothing closet program manager, and United Way spokesperson.  It was such a wonderfully fulfilling moment for me that I will never forget.  Below are some photos.  ENJOY!!!!!  Can't wait to begin our next initiative.

We filled up 2 cubicles!!

Everyone was involved including my daughter!

We used 2 trucks, a mini van and an SUV to transport it all!

This is a few of us at the Central Elementary School!

Way to go my friends!!!!!!!!! - Shosh