Client Living Space Renovation - Phase 1

Now that the master bedroom is complete, my client wants to start tackling their overall living space. Currently, their living room is being used as their toy room and home office area. The sunroom off their kitchen is used as their main TV and living room and their formal dining room is just not used. They wanted a plan to better utilize the space they have and take back some of their living space while still in the midst of raising young children.  

My fist goal was to get the home office out of the living room. And since the dining room is underutilized for eating, I suggested they use this space as a multi-functional den/dining room.

My client already has great built-in cabinetry in their dining room.

The plan is to simply remove the middle, lower cabinets and dress the former bar as a desk area.

Similarly, use the built-in buffet as a bookcase.

A round table for easy traffic flow and a chandelier that is large enough for the table but with a slightly masculine, den feel.



I added a narrow console table in front of the window for serving when the room is used for dining. The dining table I chose for them also converts to a larger oval when the leaf is in.

 I am so excited about this first phase of my client's living space renovation! Giving this space a purpose opens up an entire new area for them to live and love.

Stay tuned for the living room and sun room plans! {Erin}

Say hello to my little friends.

Chances are someone you know has made friends with Alex and Ani. But if you haven't been properly introduced, then let me be the first. 

Alex and Ani is an innovative jewelry company whose mantra is providing it's wearers beautiful symbols of positive energy and empowerment. They offer an assortment of jewelry, from rings to necklaces to earrings, but I'm most infatuated with their bangle bracelets. Their designs are simple and elegant and can be worn by themselves or layered with lots of different types of bracelets. And, for those of us with infamous "man hands," they were kind enough to make their bangles expandable for fuller figured hands! 

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I'm loving these bracelets and the multitude of styles, symbols and finishes you can choose. 

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Happy Shopping! 

{Erin}

Black is the new black.. . Finally.

Black is often overlooked as a neutral.  Often when we think of a neutral palette, our first impulse is to think gray, white or khaki. But black is back in a big way in home design and the results debunk any preconceived notions we have about the color. 

Myth #1: Black makes a room feel dark. True, the color black is the result of a complete absorption of light. So it would make sense that a room painted black would, in theory, seem dark and drab. These rooms prove the contrary. Black is an almost subtle backdrop to bright colored furniture and accessories. 

photo via: Pinterest

  Coco Cozy

 Black used as a focal wall in this nursery has a grounding effect on the room, balancing the white wall and the bright yellow ceiling.

Bright Bazaar

Black looks almost playful when mixed with these candy colored tone for a child's room.

Rouva Jones In Kotona

Myth #2: Black makes a room look smaller. Of course our black leggings and black skinny jeans make our bums look smaller. With a closet full of black, I am in no way debunking this theory! The effects of black, however, can be different in decorating. In these two bathrooms, the use of black lets you focus on the details of the vanities and accessories. The walls almost disappear making the room feel larger.

Vintage Lifestyles

Interiors by Studio M

The same effect occurs in these dens. The books, furniture and accessories take center stage with black walls. The black makes the room look cozy, but not small. 

Style Carrot

My Home Lookbook

Black is also a great way to show off architecture. The black crown moulding and walls juxtaposed with the white ceiling accentuates the detail. 

House and Home

The black walls in this room accentuate the architecture of the fireplace.

The Style Files

The black in this bath helps your eye move to the detail and beauty of the floor.

The Style Files

Black is the perfect backdrop to accentuate this gallery wall.

photo via: Pinterest

And the black works in harmony with the other neutrals in these rooms.

photo via: Pinterest

Greige

Are you brave enough for this neutral? {Erin}