The contractor/client always ends up with the leftovers from his clients’ moves and spec homes. So his office was a hodge podge that didn’t even have adequate seating for his staff meetings. He needed a revamp! World Market had this great work table with pull out seats! We positioned it in front of the window with northern light. We gave the room unity and interest by adding vertical stripes. He had staff in there working the next day. Everyone was happy with the change and a new look.
Color Makes Big Impact
From dark to light is the least expensive way to make changes to your décor whether it be wall color or cabinetry. In this home, the client selected a gray tone even though my color choice was slightly closer to the travertine color on the floors. The rugs in the kitchen with both colors pulled the palette together. A new lighting fixture replaced the ceiling fan. An updated lighter look!
Need a Refresh?
These are clients I have worked with for many years. They need an update from time to time! It is so gratifying to work with returning clients as the results get better and better. The living area in this remodel has a new rug, two chairs, a small round table and ottoman. Look at the difference! Stay tuned for new additions.
A Chance to View One of My Favorite Projects
Just prior to the 2008 recession, I was working on a spec home that local architect had designed in Verrado. I had introduced him to the contractor and the contractor had two other investors. During one of our meetings, we also met with a potential residential client. The “architects” were actually architectural designers. (Architectural designers can do a lot of architectural type work without the education and requirements for an architect.) I started working on the project and obtained samples for the exterior materials. The contractor and I also knew the structural engineers. The project had stalled. The contractor and I worked on the samples and re-draw of the plans, the home passed review!
I have had three outstanding CADD assistants over the years and I had an especially good one at the time. The interior of the home was all drywall without detail. The client wanted Rural Mediterranean style. After some discussions, we felt we could draw the interior for the client to review. He approved it
- an interior atrium for growing orchids
- a mirrored display area for orchids in the dining room
- a large entertaining area and kitchen complete with pizza oven
- master bath with overhead rainshower
- lit onyx divider with showers behind (pictured)
- theater with the client’s favorite movie posters
- leather insets in the wood beamed ceiling
- all custom lighting fixtures (pictured)
The client approved the drawings and because most of the workers had no other work due to the recession everyone just kept working! The client did not want photos taken at the end of the job. After all these years I can finally look back at the work as he is selling the house!
A Cleaner Bathroom
As we have all experienced a year with increased focus on cleanliness, here are some options for your bathroom.
Changing to a bidet may be as easy as adding a Toto Washlet C5 bidet seat to your current toilet! Touchless faucets and self-closing toilet lids make for less contact on germy surfaces. Faucets may be voice activated, have temperature memory and a 20 second washing mode. Look at these Grohe Ladylux L2 Smartcontrol Faucets!
A Beautiful and Practical Design Solution
On a current project in an apartment complex, the client just wasn’t happy with the existing dark brown accent tiles in the master bathroom. Of course, whenever there is contrast your eye goes to the dark color. So you don’t use contrast unless it is the intended focal point! Up 5 floors, down a long hallway and over new white carpet is not the most ideal tear-out. And let’s not forget that grout is made of sand and water! I called one of the detail painters I have used for thirty+ years as we have done many custom backsplashes. Would the same paints work to just paint the existing dark tile to a lighter color? Yes! With all of her past experience painting columns to look like stone, blending the new paint with the existing stone would look seamless. Voila! We saved the client time, money and achieved the end result we all wanted!
Art to the Rescue!
Here is another example of the power of custom detailing! Unsightly AC access doors were in the hall between the main living area and the master bedroom. They were right beside the powder room. From my art file I selected a couple of photos for inspiration. The end result looks nothing like either! The point isn’t to copy; it’s inspiration! The former owner had found a painting large enough to cover the space – a primary colored horse. But the painting needed space to be viewed properly and it had a heavy frame which cluttered the narrow hall space. Dawn Bowman, one of my all-time favorite artists, had a canvas stretched for a perfect fit and painted this neutral piece that carries the eye down the hall to the grey toned master. Interior design professionals have artisans they have worked with for years to call on who can bring the project together!
Cool Vibes for Warm Weather
When the temperature goes up, we are ready for the beach! No matter the location or price range, a cool color palette of cream, sand, and blues creates a soothing space. With the most popular wood floor a sandy/grey neutral, the next step is upholstery with a casual inviting look. All of these elements can be quickly changed to some holiday pops of color, but for now will continue on with a cool look for summer. Art with sky and or water will carry the feel throughout. Accent pillows pick up the tones. Many options of upholstered chairs have swivel options and do not look like Grandma’s chairs! Rugs with neutrals and blues pull the seating areas together or add a bedroom accent. White is a great bedroom look and again bring in the blue accents. Get the breezy feel whether you are in the desert or on the shore!
