A Peek at Pine Fair

I have another new construction project that is finishing up and I was able to stop by right before Christmas to check on it.  Pine Fair is a home for a great, young family and I so enjoyed working on it with them.  It's a wonderful mix of traditional design and some slightly modern touches.  There is still lots of cabinetry work and cleaning to do, but it's really close to being complete.  Here are few sneak peeks...

What started out as an idea on the floor of Home Depot...

...turned into this beautiful master shower.

The boy's bathroom

The kitchen is pretty chaotic right now, but hopefully you get the idea.

Stay tuned for final photos...

Final Look at Summer Duck

When a project comes to an end, it's always bitter sweet for me.  I love my work and my clients, so it's hard to say "good-bye".  Summer Duck was one of those projects where I had the best clients who trusted me to guide them through the difficult task of building a new house.  What's even better, they trusted themselves to make some gutsy decisions and pushed through to get them done.  I was able to get over one last time before they moved in and of course, the painters were still there doing last minute touch-ups.  I really wanted to have this house professionally photographed, but it just didn't work out.

This entry foyer is a perfect example of what this room should do.  It welcomes you and gives you a preview of what is to come in this home.

The perfect powder bath.  My client found a cute antique cabinet to use as the vanity.  Just needs a mirror to complement that chicken wire light!

I just don't have the words to describe how wonderful this kitchen turned out.

Farmhouse sink with Torquay counters by Cambria. 

My client and I spent a lot of time finding the perfect lights.  Here is one of three vintage ones she found over the summer. 

The family entry, off the garage, with interior brick pavers and board and batten trim.

Here's a laundry room that took a little effort, but so worth it.  Yes, that light is red!

For the sink, my client found a metal tub and paired it with a wall-mount tub filler.  Genius!

Master bath with wood floors.  My first time doing this on a project and so happy with how it turned out.  With just a little extra care, these should last for years to come.

Another vintage light...

Their son's bathroom turned out so great!  Vintage hexagon tile on the floor, white subway tile in the tub and a blue cabinet. 

In my last post about Summer Duck, I promised there would be a red front door.  This is the best photo I could get of that for you.  Oh, and here's the last vintage light. 

You can see more photos of Summer Duck on my Houzz profile and I can't wait to share more projects with you after the new year.  I wish you and yours a safe and joyous holiday.  We will continue to cherish our time with family and do our best to remember the real meaning of Christmas!

Design Made Simple

A few months ago I was asked to speak at a Holiday Open House by one of my favorite stores, Chrysalis Fabrics.  I really needed to step out of my comfort zone, so I agreed.  I was the only interior designer on the agenda and I spoke about how to bring color into your room using fabrics.  I was super nervous, but was told I did a great job.  I definitely prefer the one-on-one presentations best, but this was a fun experience I'll always remember.

I'm sure I was talking about something really important here...

This was my look for a family room where I discussed how to layer fabrics, rugs, trims, wallpaper and accessories to bring in color.

This was my master bedroom look.  I loved that embroidered fabric and had to use it for my inspiration piece.  Sorry for the bad photo, but because I did this look last, I didn't have time to create a vignette.  This was my practice shot from the day before.

Here is the "script" I followed for my talk and I also handed this out to the audience.  It's just some simple tips you can use to bring color and design into your space!

Tips for Mixing Fabrics and Patterns

TIP #1

Start with an inspiration piece!  For me, that's a fabric, but it can be a rug or a piece of art.  If it's a fabric, select one with a pattern using the colors you want to bring in the space.  You don't have to use this particular fabric on anything large, even just a pillow is enough of a statement.

TIP #2

Then, start looking at coordinating fabrics.  Don't think about where a particular fabric will go, just get as many choices as you can.  Stripes, textured solids, small scale patterns, etc.  I'd find six or seven options, as you can easily edit once you are home.

TIP #3

Finally, when thinking about what fabrics will go where consider two things; the scale of the fabric and how durable it is.  Woven fabrics, with texture, are great for upholstered pieces that get a lot of use.  Linens, silks and embroidered fabrics work best for window treatments and pillows.  Color AND texture are important when mixing fabrics.  You not only want the fabrics to look good, but feel good.

 

TIP #4

Trims are your friend!  You can put them on pillows or use them as bands for simple drapery panels.  These are the details that will give your room its personality.

TIP #5

Keep trends for the smaller, inexpensive items in your space like pillows and accent chairs.  Bigger items (like your sofa) should be upholstered in a neutral fabric so you will love it for years to come!

TIP #6

Follow your gut.  9 times out of 10, you will go with the first fabric you liked.  Don't wait thinking something better might be out there.  Once you make that first commitment, then all the others will fall into place much easier.

If you have any questions about this post, or anything else.  Please leave me a comment.  I love to know that someone is actually reading my blog and will do my best to respond quickly.

Now, go bring some good design into your space!