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).