"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.