Surround Me With Black Leather, Miles Davis & Button Tufting

Imagine dining in luxury with walls wrapped in glossy black leather, drapes that glisten like millions of tiny silver stones, and of course an elaborate silver mirror and  tons of shiny mercury glass.  Your round pedestal table is a rich dark mahogany and feels very intimate as you sit elegantly in a sexy concave backed creamy white leather chair.  The lighting is dim, striking, and romantic.  All you need to finish off the room is the blues sounds of Miles Davis' Blue in Green playing seductively in the background, a very dirty martini in your hand, and James Dean staring at you from across the table (with his 'I will die without you' pained expression) .  

That was my vision for my clients, Debi and Marcel, who hired me to bring Hollywood Regency Design to their newly built home in Harrisburg.  This luxe look is very popular, but with a bit more modern twist, and it is not just for the rich and famous!  For my clients, I brought in things that looked rich, lush, and posh.  So of course their dining room walls are black leather-well not really black leather, but a shiny textured lacquered-like pinstripe wallpaper that is hot!  

I also took the Hollywood Regency Design to their living room......

This is a small glimpse at my plan, using button tufting and  nail heads on everything, mirrored tables, velvet and silky fabrics.  I am refinishing their existing furniture in black and white high gloss lacquer and upholstry that dazzle.  There are chrome lamps, and shapely accent pieces, a mix of glitz and glamour, surrounded by souring blue gray walls. I can't wait to show you the finished spaces!!!!!

'Hey James, where's my martini!'

Earth Day is April 22-Ways To Reduce Your Footprint

Earth Day is April 22. In honor of this special day I am posting a research article I wrote in 2008.  I can keep recycling this post because caring for our planet never goes out of style.  There will be many events happening the weekend before, and to find more information about Earth Day and Earth Day events, visit www.earthday.org.

18 Ways To Live A Greener Life

by Shoshana Gosselin

I keep reading about our loss in natural resources, loss in energy savings, and amazingly high amount of pollutants. And we are the ones responsible for it every day. We are in serious trouble. Studies show that global warming is already occurring and that it is caused primarily by human activities. How soon and in what ways will it disrupt our existence? Our planet is choking from exhaust fumes and burning of fossil fuels and unregulated deforestation is stripping off layer of soil, increasing the incidence of floods. Americans use at least twice as much water and energy per person as anyone else in the world. This is a problem considering that by 2025 the world must increase its water supply by 22% in order to meet its needs. Meanwhile, 40% of the drinking water supplied to homes is flushed down the toilet. As far as energy goes, it’s used mostly for heating and cooling. We need to act now, so future generations will have a chance. We need to act now to make our lives better. There is a growing environmental movement out there, but it will take all of us to help reduce our ecological footprint, which measures humanity’s demands on nature. Here are some simple, inexpensive ways to go green:

1. Recycle, Recycle, But Beware. Perhaps the simplest act to save the environment. Simply dump your cans, bottles, cartons and wastepaper in recycling bins. Be aware, that most recycling centers will only accept plastics that have a certain number, located within a triangle of arrows on the bottom of the plastic (this designates what type of plastic it is). When you mix in unacceptable plastics, it contaminates the mix, turning an entire truck’s worth of plastics into instant landfill. Check with your local township to see what they accept, and what to do with what they don’t. Also, as you have noticed, many fast food restaurants do not have separate recycling trashes that you can use, so do your part in fast food recycling by throwing your trash in recyclable containers wherever available. Even alert the restaurants you like to go to about the possibilities.

2. Ditch the Styrofoam coffee cups. Next time you buy a coffee or latte, bring your own travel mug and ask them to use that instead. Or use one of their ceramic mugs. Your coffee will taste better, and you'll be saving the environment. Most coffee houses, including all Starbucks and Panera Bread, don’t have a proper place to recycle their cups. If you don’t recycle it yourself, where do the billions of cups go?

3. Stop Buying Bottled Water. Filter your tap water for drinking. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it produces large amounts of container waste. A study in 2004 found that bottled water is rising 12% every year, supported by annual spending of about $35 billion. Many Americans who drink bottled water believe that it is safer than tap water, although a study of a thousand bottles sold in U.S. stores revealed known and/or possible carcinogens in a fifth of them. The plastic bottles are made from polyethylene, which although is recyclable, too many end up in the trash.

Check out this study to get a new perspective on the water bottle and its future by going to http://www.worldwatch.org/brain/media/pdf/pubs/mag/EP172C.pdf.

4. Turn the heating down by one or two degrees and install energy saving devices. Save money and save the environment. Turning your thermostat down by a few degrees in the winter and easing up on the air conditioning in the summer won't make much difference to the temperature, but it'll cut your heating bill. Remember to clean or replace conditioner filters. Choose energy efficient appliances, including low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. If you use the dryer, do two loads in a row to make the most of the heat already in the dryer.

5. Adopt Water Saving Habits. Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth. Leaving the tap running while you're brushing your teeth, can add up to quite a bit of wasted water a day. Families in some developing countries struggle to survive on just that small amount each day. Only run the dishwasher and laundry machine when full. Take shorter showers to save water the energy to heat it. Wash clothes in cold water when possible and use a drying rack or clothesline. Take your car to a carwash rather than washing it yourself. Commercial carwashes use less water. Avoid power washing.

6. Buy the Right Light Bulbs. As each light bulb burns out, switch to energy-saving CFL bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs cost a bit more than regular bulbs but they use about 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times as long. These days, almost every store carries CFL bulbs. I bought a few at Wal-mart the other day (Keep in mind that CFLs contain mercury, so look for low-mercury models and dispose of them safely).

7. Turn It Off and Unplug it. Did you know that even when turned off, items like your TV, computer, and cell phone charger still sip power? Unplug your electronics when not in use. Turn off lights when they’re not in use. Another big item to turn off is the engine in your car. Idling 10 minutes less per day can keep 550 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air every year.

8. Office Talk. Consider a laptop the next time you upgrade your computer, as laptops require 50 percent less electricity than desktop computers. Use both sides of paper when printing, and to save even more trees pay bills on-line.

9. Disposing of Electronics. E-waste from discarded cell phones and computers is a growing environmental problem. Dispose of them responsibly. Recycle your cell phone and rechargeable batteries. Local stores like Wal-mart have recycle bins. Check them out on-line to see how it works.

10. Buy Used. If you are planning to redecorate, consider using an on-line service like Craigslist to locate furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. I have found that there is a great deal of good, barely if not ever used items for sale. It will save you money also. Garage sales are another great place to find unique things that have a story to tell.

11. Precycle. Choose products that create less waste from the start. Buy grocery items in bulk and opt for items with less packaging, such as a two-liter bottle of soda versus a dozen single-serve cans in a box. Buy a large container of yogurt rather than individual small plastic containers. Reduce unwanted catalogs and unsolicited mail at catalogchoice.org and dmachoice.org (a $1 fee applies), respectively. At fast food restaurants use refillable condiment dispensers instead of individual packaged ones to reduce fast food waste.

12. Gift Giving. Rather than buying birthday, thank you and holiday cards, make them. Try a homemade gift instead of purchasing one. Re-gifting is a word that most people cringe at, but if I tell you it is a very ‘Green’ thing to do, does that make it all right? Then go for it because it is. Another very creative gift for friends of all ages is to give a tree. Every tree you plant will provide oxygen for two people for the rest of their lives. What a great way to say you care about that special someone.

13. Buy Local. Shop at your local farmers’ market. Sometimes it can be more expensive BUT you can generally count on a higher quality product-and the purchase goes directly to the farmer. Buying goods produced locally saves energy by reducing the fossil fuels needed to transport food and other items across the country and around the globe.

14. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies. Simple ingredients like baking soda, soap, and vinegar, can make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products that work.

15. Decorating Your Home. If you are looking to paint the interior of your home, look for paint products that are labeled “low VOC” (volatile organic compounds)-VOCs can be harmful to the environment. You can find eco-friendly paints at Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and even Home Depot. And it has become easier to find sustainable furnishings for your home. You have more choices of attractive, eco-friendly wares now from large companies like JCPenney, Macy’s, and Pottery Barn, who are launching organic lines, and smaller green enterprises popping up every where. You can ask for cabinets made from reclaimed, renewable, or recycled materials; Get recycled glass and tile; purchase earth-friendly upholstery made of organic cotton fabrics; even get insulation made of 100 percent recyclable natural denim and cotton fibers (Bonded Logic carries it).

16. Compost Your Food Scraps. Composting (getting rid of your leftover vegetables, fruit peelings, tea bags, coffee grinds, and much more) helps reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill, which can save you money if you live in a municipality with a “pay as you throw” system. In the process, you create free, healthy fertilizer for your garden (or your neighbor’s). If you don’t have a yard or space for a compost pile, try indoor ‘vermiculture,’ or worm composting. Sounds strange but I think it is a wonderful project to do on your own or with your kids. Here is a very good link to tell you all about it http://earth911.org/blog/2007/04/02/composting-with-worms/.

17. Decline Plastic Bags Whenever Possible. I read that one plastic bag can take up to 500 years to decay. Use a canvas shopping bag instead (I bought a bunch for 99 cents at my local grocery store). Keep them in your trunk so they are handy. Wow, can they hold a lot. For those in the Lehigh Valley, I was in Kings grocery store and was given paper bags with handles to hold my groceries. If you bring the bags back and re-use them you can save money.

18. Teach Your Kids. They are the future so we need to instill in them the importance of respecting our planet. Do it in a fun way. I was impressed with an article I found at www.gimundo.com called Five Ways to Help Your Kids Go Green. To check it out, go to the website and click the ‘Green’ link. I found Gimundo while doing research on how to help the environment. This site is chock full of positive changes, not only news stories on people trying to help the planet, but positive stories in general. Their tag line is ‘Good News. Served Daily’.

I hope you find this useful. Researching this was a real eye opener. There are many good websites out there that talk about ‘going green’. Www.treehugger.com and www.thegreenguide.com are two of them. Start small, or take these ideas further. Be able to feel good when you celebrate Earth Day next year.

My Resources:

www.worldwatch.org; www.gimundo.com; www.ourcanberra.com; www.helium.com; www.myfootprint.org April 20, 2008

Updates On Projects & A Cozy Passover Setting

Hello again decorating lovers!

It has been a while since I wrote on my blog.  I took this week off from work to spend time with my daughter who is off from school.  But I have missed blogging;  Missed staying up late with a glass of wine to throw out ideas, bs, and share quirky tid bits about my design projects.  How is your SDI (spring decorating itch)?  Mine is out of control.  With the very warm weather, I have shed my winter woes and ready to rock it for my clients.  I am going to tease you with a quick shot of the bath reno I have been blogging about (click here to see last update).  Johnathan finally stopped 'thinking about tiling' and began tiling!  I am not complaining at all. See there is so much prep involved in a bath reno that must be done right before the fun part.  My client is happy so far (I hope he likes the rest of the plans I have up my sleeve). 

The tiles were SO shimmery, I had to put my shades on.

A Cozy Passover Setting

Next up, I want to officially thank my #1 sis who hosted Passover for 18 people and did it in her signature 'delicously fabulous' way.  I love gatherings at her place.  You feel like you are at an intimate dinner no matter how big the crowd- its warm, simple and full of laughter.  Her secret is to surround her dining table with color and furnishings that sets a comfy cozy mood-she extends her table (made up of a few tables and mdf boards) into her living room that is full of french country charm in warm golds, deep greens and rich reds.  Then she turns on lights in different parts of the space which make the whole area glow-perfect for evening sit down dinners.  Good lighting (I encourage dimmers) is key to increasing or decreasing drama in any room.   

My sister shares a great tip for inexpensive table settings- buy a neutral table cloth that you can wash (hers is a burlap brown) that can be used for all occasions.  On her table she added small bud vases down the center filled with white hydrangeas that have been hanging around her home all week (not pictured because I was busy assisting in the kitchen).  She also added some beautifully colored and shaped platters of matzahs.  You can add your own drama and colors, using accessories from around your home, like bowls and vases, and fill them with fresh fruit, candles, or fresh flowers.  You can break up a long set table, using table runners set vertically or horizontally down the table, and if you find a good sale on gold or silver chargers, pick up a few sets.  They look great under plain plates and can be used over and over. 

For Passover my sister uses gold and clear plastic plates for easy clean up (and because you need quite a few plates throughout the Sedar).  The entire table was filled with delicous food, and after, an array of chocolate goodies that included double dipped chocolate covered matzah (even if you aren't a fan of matzah you will gobble up this stuff!).  I am still stuffed!

Adding Art To A Botanical Library Is All In The Family
I have been working on a living room-turned library-that is almost complete (click here for the last update of the space).  The floors are in, the fireplace and designer alcove have been installed, the paint is up, and most of the furniture has arrived, including two funky floral printed wing back chairs.  We still needed art work though, and it had to fit the look of the space.  That's when Linda, the homeowner, showed me some photos her daughter snapped of flowers.  They were so vibrant and juicy that we thought they would look super great on the wall as a gallery.  So Linda commissioned her daughter for eight botanical photos.  We just hung them and I am so very proud of this mother-daughter team (see pic of them below).  They are just breathetaking!  Can't wait to snap my own pics of this Botanical Library when done and share with you. 

I Am Filling Out Design Prescriptions For Bad Cases Of SDI

With the warm weather finally here, everyone is getting SDI. That’s the ‘Spring Decorating Itch’ in each of us.  That’s why I carry my measuring tape, paint samples, and a giant Back Scratcher.  

Cindy, a sophisticated casual living free spirit, had SDI when I first met her.  We scratched her itch by filling her place with spring decadence that include fresh paint colors of soft blues, creamy lattes, and sunny mellow yellows. 

It has been fifteen years since she updated their decor.  Cindy and I created a new furniture layout and added furniture pieces that soothes the soul and feels breezy and beautiful.  Her new upholstery includes a soft natural textured sofa with paisley patterned pillows, a recliner in a sandy stripe, comfy ottoman in soft blue, and my favorite........

two gorgeous shapely chairs dressed in this leaf pattern.  This is an updated eclectic look that will be the 'wow factor'.

The dining room is going from 'Kid Play Place' to 'Decadent Dining'!  This wallpaper will dress up the upper walls, and below a chair rail, this golden yellow paint will add richness to the lower half.  I can't wait to share photos of her new retreat!!!!!

Cindy wrote me "I really love everything and am so excited to get it all done. I have waited so long to do this and am so glad I found you to lead me in the right direction. I appreciate all your help and expertise. I've enjoyed the times we got together - you make it fun and I value your opinions." - Thanks Cindy! 

Can't wait for you to see the transformation-tune in!!

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!