I'm a big girl now!

This was a fun redesign! The best part about it was that the client - a 5 year old girl - hounded her mom with "When are we going to do my room???" after seeing the livingroom makeover. As they left for vacation, I moved in! It was a surprise remodel we had been planning for a month. She wanted a Ballerina styled room, but we didn't want to go too heavy on the theme since young girls tend to be drawn to many things at that age. So...here is the before:














And here is the after:

Finally she has girlie accents, a desk for make-up and - someday - gag - homework; a dresser with flower knobs; proper bookshelves and tables for all her accessories; and - of course! - a crown for her bed! My favorite part was the tutu valance!

Mom told me the only problem with the room is that "we can't get her out of there now!" Isn't it great to be a girl!

Hey Ma! Look what I did!

Kids have lots of "show off" projects and papers and, let's face it...sometimes the fridge is just too small! That need lead to this awesome artwork corkboard. This playroom has a rich color and toys are colorful, so why can't the corkboard be colorful also!? Now the kids can hang up all kinds of papers, artwork, awards, ribbons and collectables stylishly in their playroom!

The corkboard was cut into various rectangles for more interest and to allow for more colors. The colors are drawn from the floor rug. That keeps things fun and bright but also sophisticated for Mom and Dad.



I then used simple molding to trim out the board and painted it the same color as the room molding for a more "built-in" feeling.




I was able to find cork "rounds" that helped give the piece dimension and more shapes for the kids to identify.






Next time you need a practical solution to a problem...make an artful solution. You will never tire of the results!

GRRRReat Baby's Room

Momma is expecting in September and wanted to get her little guy's room all suited out. We did quite a lot on this small room.

Before Photos:

First, covering up the lilac and plum walls with soft beige and warm light brown with a high chair rail. Then we accented all the trim and doors by painting them in a deep espresso brown - even the window ledge. Finally we wallpapered a border above the high chair rail and started the mural. Three sweet animals to protect the new baby - an elephant, a monkey, and, momma's favorite, a shy lion. A special touch was added to the animals.

After Photos:

Each has a tactile feature; the elephant's ear is looped terry cloth, the monkey's feet are super-soft sherpa and the lion's mane is clipped felt strips. Not only will the little bundle had lots of visual stimulation, he will also have interesting textures to play with! I enjoy doing baby rooms and think each one should have that something unique - just like the little babies who will make it their home.

The forest hides the trees

Everyone has a personal style...you just might not know it.

I have a client who was a bit color shy. Her sister had done a great job decorating her home and my client decided to follow her lead. She had her home in San Antonio painted with the same colors as her sister's home up north. Sometimes that works...sometimes.

After several years living with these colors, my client realized something was not clicking so we set up an initial consultation. It was very clear to me that the walls were actually hindering the decor. The furnishings were rich and ornate with a bit of old world detailing, but I could not "see" them. The pale yellow walls distracted me from seeing the richness that my client so loved. "Let's paint" I said. "You have great pieces, but the wall color is doing nothing for them." So, we painted. Transforming the pale yellow to a warm, rust-tinted golden hue and instantly her rooms felt cozier and her furnishings seemed to fit. Window treatments and some new light fixtures gave the rooms sparkle. "I can't wait to show all my friends!" For the decorator touch, I faux finished her columns and really called out those architectural details.

We continued to assess her home and her bedroom suffered as well. No bedding, curtains or sparkle. It didn't take long to create a retreat for her and her husband that they both love. Now, they feel that their room is a stylish getaway. "We have spent an entire Saturday in our new sitting area in the Masterbedroom. It's so luxurious!"

BEDROOM BEFORE: khaki green paint; no bedding or draperies

NEW BEDDING: Soft blue and gold silks with coordinating jaquards and taffetas

NEW MASTER BEDROOM SITTING AREA: Custom embroidery silk drapes with custom chairs, pillows and coordinating ottoman. Paint color is now a soft blue/grey.

So, when you feel something isn't just clicking in your home...give me a call. Let's look it over. You may be hiding some of your best pieces in plain sight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It seems that 2009 just flew by! I was very busy this year with a wide variety of projects. Curtains, cushions, redesigns, painting rooms, murals...all filled my days with joy. I want to thank you all for being such a great part of my year.

Since I have not posted photos on here for quite some time, I would like to just load up some of my latest projects with more to follow! Feel free to drop me a line with any questions/comments. And remember, if you are ready for a change in your home or need help with your remodel, I would be happy to help!

Enjoy 2010! I'm sure it will roll by just as quickly as 2009.