Before and After

I am excited to share a living room that is about 90% done. I have been working on this project for a month and all but the mirror over the fireplace has been installed. Here is the before shot..

We used all of the client's existing furniture...just reupholstered! The homeowners have many treasured books and accessories that are displayed in bookcases. We plan on adding a fireplace screen and a mirror above.

Embriodered Linen Pillows

Fireplace Tile Detail

Animal Prints

Animal prints are one of those things that people either really love or completely stay away from. I am usually a stay away from type (it reminds me of Peg Bundy!) but I DO like an animal print in moderation. Quality of material is huge too! Polyester cheetah drapes or calf hair skin in a zebra pattern? Here are few rooms that nailed it!

Kitchen Dining

What do you think of having a dining area in the kitchen? It was popular in the 50's and 60's to have the kitchen closed off from the dining area so you would not see the "mess" in the preparation area. Nowadays it is popular to have big open spaces so the cook is not isolated in the kitchen. I really prefer having the open design in anticipation of the meal. It is nice to smell the food and gather around before the meal is presented. Here are some kitchens that provide the eat-in experience either as a full dining room or a casual eating area.

Sources Unknown

Source Unknown

Marcson Homes Ltd

MJB design group

Splash Kitchens and Baths LLC

Chad Eisner

Family Living

Designing a room around TV watching and casual get togethers is actually hard for designers or at least me. Large "comfortable" seating for laying around tends to look sloppy and cumbersome. Design elements that make up formal living spaces are usually banished in such spaces. No one wants fragile and delicate things surrounding them while the kids and friends are hanging out. This is why in my opinion transitional design is so popular. Comfortable furniture now comes in clean sophisticated lines. Here are some sofas that will do the trick!

Simple Change

It is amazing to me that making small simple changes can have such a huge effect on almost anything. In furniture for example, changing out hardware can completely alter the look of it. Here is a console that looks very transitional. Some traditional lines but the clean classic hardware makes it more modern.

Imagine what changing the hardware could do to such a simple piece...Whether you want Spanish, Colonial, Rustic, Beachy or Glamorous...changing the hardware makes a big impact!

Fly me Away

I find that the outdoors are one of best places to find inspiration. This morning I received an email with a variety of birds and the colors were so intense and rich that it inspired me to design a living room. Just add hardwood floors and luxurious area rug and you're golden!

 

 

Green Leaf

The Green Leaf Niseko Village is a ski in ski out resort located at the base of Mount An'nupuri in Japan. Recently renovated by award-winning New-York based firm Champalimaud Design, the hotel successfully merges restful retreat with cultural infusion. The rooms interiors are luxurious, restful, and are dotted with local artisans work. It's the best of both worlds when you want to escape and yet get a sense for the area you visit. See for yourself...

Local Art