The 90's called and they want their fireplace back.
Gold tones come and go and we are currently having a bit of a love affair with them.  But not all golds are created equal.  Brass-trimmed fireplace inserts scream builder-grade 90's and it's time for them to go!

These types of fireplaces are one of the first things that I look for when staging a home built in the 80's or 90's.  There are so many of them in my area and today's homeowners or buyers rarely love the way they look.  Updating them can really go a long way in bringing a home into the current decade and blending in with today's decor preferences.

There are generally a few different types of fireplace insert covers.  Doors like you see in the 1st photo above and permanent screens as shown below.  The one on the right is what our fireplace looked like before we bought the house.  Gold and beige were king!
​

The "permanent" screens are actually not really permanent.  They can easily be removed and, in our case, the trim just popped off while leaving the rest of the screen intact.  I simply took the trim outside and laid it on an old tarp and sprayed with 2-3 coats of the high-heat spray paint until the gold was sufficiently covered.  I let it dry thoroughly, popped it back into place and admired the transformation!

If you have doors with gold trim (as shown in the top photo), you can either remove the doors and take them outside, mask off the glass and spray, or you can leave them installed and mask off the glass and all of the surround and floor and spray.  That approach may be a little risky as spray paint tends to have a mind of its own and gets on everything, but I've seen some owners who have made that work.

Over the years, we've also made a few other updates to modernize the space.  Maple hardwoods, a paint switch to Sherwin WIlliams Perfect Greige and simplified accessories.  If you are selling, this type of look is modern and elegant and will appeal to many different buyer demographics.  

Why spend the rest of the winter stuck in a design time-warp when, for less than $5, you can transform your family room focal point!?

​Thanks for visiting!

Redfin.com is a great resource for perusing real estate in specific areas.  I use it often when I have a new client who is looking to sell because it helps me assess what their neighborhood has to offer and what the comparable properties are looking like.
I firmly believe that a home must be staged to the demographic of the neighborhood, or the house will likely sit on the market for much longer than it should.  For instance, if you are selling a home in a neighborhood that is close to great schools and activities, you should definitely stage at least one bedroom as a child's room.  Buyers need to be able to envision their family living there.  Redfin helps me determine for whom the home should be staged.

Redfin recently reached out to me for contribution to an article regarding common staging mistakes that can hinder the sale of a home or reduce the sale price. 
My advice was to be wise when making updates prior to sale.  Unless you live in a luxury home, major renovations such as floor plan changes and complete, high-end kitchen and bath remodels are not going to recoup your investment.  Instead, concentrate on projects such as widely-appealing wall paint, cabinet paint, updated countertops, fixtures and lighting.  Keep these items classic and on-trend, but moderately priced.

Take a look at this article before you begin preparing your home for sale...there are some great tips here!

Thanks for visiting!

I live in a lovely neighborhood with lots of great amenities.  A lake, soccer field, tennis courts, volleyball court, pool and more.  At the center of it all is the clubhouse, which neighbors use for various events throughout the year, but which is also a great rental space for others in the community who may have a tie to someone living here.

While the outdoor spaces in our neighborhood have been receiving their due upkeep and beautification over the years, the interior of the clubhouse has taken a backseat to other projects.

Check out these photos of what the clubhouse looked like just a few months ago.  It was lovingly decorated several decades ago, but no real attention had been bestowed on it in quite awhile and it was showing its age.  Not to mention, the key architectural features like the soaring ceiling and tons of windows were hidden and darkened by the very taste-specific burgundy colored paint and heavy draperies.

So many neighbors have, for years, been pining for some updates to this space, but no one knew what to do or how much it would cost.  That's where my friend Melissa got to work.  Her conversations with several key neighborhood association Board Members eventually got them on board with allocating a small amount of money to the project.  Melissa then reached out to me to see if I would be interested in developing a design plan and working with her to project manage and implement the updates.  I was tickled pink to play a role in this project.

Melissa and I spent several weeks brainstorming and coming up with a fresh, updated look that would bring the space into this decade...and on a very limited budget.  Once we had vendor quotes and other pricing nailed down, we set to work putting together a presentation for the board.  I was kind of in my element on this one, as I was accustomed to making client presentations from my years in advertising.  I was also really excited to talk about some creative ways to integrate affordable decor that would really speak to the special things that our neighborhood has to offer.  Many of these were DIY projects, making them even more budget-friendly.

We presented the recommendation in 3 phases.  Phase 1 was general updates to the main common area that you see above.  Phase 2 was intended to maximize existing architectural features by covering the central fireplace with stone veneer and adding beams to the vaulted ceiling.  Phase 3 included a comprehensive kitchen update.

The Board was thrilled with our presentation and pretty quickly approved Phase 1.  Here are some of the Phase 1 elements as they were presented to the Board.

1 - Paint throughout:  Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige on the walls, Alabaster on the ceiling
2 - Slipcover the existing couch and chair frames and cushions in medium grey
3 - Rattan blinds to replace all draperies
4 - Focal point artwork to determine accent color scheme, which would then be carried to pillows and select accessories
5 - New lighting to replace existing chandeliers and floor/table lamps
6 - Photo wall to feature iconic moments from the neighborhood

As with any project, there were some hiccups along the way.  We had to change painters, which impacted the budget, forcing the new chandeliers to take a hit.  The total slipcovering of all the seating also ended up being cost-inefficient and the Board wanted us to keep the existing frames, rather than purchase new couches.  We therefore, decided to just slipcover all of the cushions and paint the frames ourselves.  Other than the wall paint and upholstery, Melissa and I, with the help of a few great friends, did all of the work.

So without further ado, here are the after shots.  We are beyond thrilled with the transformation and have heard nothing but positive comments from friends, neighbors and the Board.  Look at how light and fresh it is!

The lake painting on the fireplace was the inspiration for the accent color scheme.  We love that it is a tad abstract, brings in colors from the outside and looks just like our beautiful lake.  It came printed on a canvas, but I wanted to give it some weight, so I framed it out with 3"x1" pine and stained it with Minwax Provincial.  A few simple and modern accessories complete the vignette.

The blinds are a significant change, letting in light but also adding color and texture.  In addition to making slipcovers for the cushions, the upholsterer also reworked the batting to give them a boxier, more updated look.  I saved the existing throw pillows and ordered very affordable pillow covers online, drawing colors from the painting into the living area of the room.  A tripod floor lamp (and matching table lamp in the other room), new coffee tables, a basket tray on the wall and fresh faux plants make it cozy and homey.

Our photo gallery is one of my favorite features.  I took a few shots and also used photos generously donated by neighbors to complete this sentimental journey of neighborhood moments.  Melissa worked her Photoshop magic, making them sepia-toned and somewhat impressionistic.  We then printed them poster-size and Mod Podged them to canvases.  The last step was a simple frame-out using stained lattice boards from Lowe's.  I simply love this part of the clubhouse.

Finally, the space had a few other furniture pieces that had seen better days.  Melissa suggested that we paint this credenza with one of the accent tones so that the back side of the fireplace has a colorful focal point and usable surface for parties.  The oars are a great nod to lake-life and the fern fronds add color and height to the tablescape.

We are so happy with the outcome and feel that the finished product is pretty close to what we envisioned.  Melissa is a rock star for getting the ball rolling on this and being a great design partner.  And we are so thankful to the Board and the neighborhood for trusting us with the plan and implementation.  The Board also loved Phases 2 and 3 and we are hopeful that those might come to fruition in the next couple of years.  Fingers crossed!

​Thanks for popping by!

Pillows can be addictive.  Even when you have more than enough, a beautiful pattern or texture in a trending color can make you want to start all over again.

Before you get sucked into a pillow-buying frenzy, here are a few guidelines that might make it easier for you to set some pillow collection boundaries.

1 - Find your inspiration.  
Before you buy, make sure you have a clear idea of what your palette is.  Typically, you will develop your palette by pulling accent colors from an area rug or artwork.  Try to choose 3 and use a ratio of 60/30/10 when introducing those colors around the room.  Your pillows should either match or be in the same color family as one of those accent colors.   Neutral toned pillows can also be a nice addition, if that's your palette or if you want to break up the color continuity.

2 - What's your vibe?

​If you love an eclectic look, vary your pillows by size, color, texture and shape.  Casually toss them about to achieve a boho or wabi sabi look that's so prominent in the trendiest designer Insta feeds.

If your look is a little more put-together and carefully curated, you will want a more symmetrical look.  For a standard size sofa, try a pair of 22" matching pillows and a pair of 20" matching pillows.  Finish them off with a small lumbar or round pillow in another color to put the cherry on top.

3 - Think in 3's
3 is my favorite design number and I have a whole slew of "rules of 3" that apply to all kinds of design elements.  When it comes to pillows, the easiest rule of thumb is a solid, a pattern and a texture.  This combination should give you the perfect mix of visual interest and cohesiveness without being too busy.

Don't forget to add a throw to maximize the cozy factor!

​Have fun pillow-ing and thanks for popping by!

I just wanted to do a quick share of one of my new favorite things.  For any of you who would love to dabble in some artistic endeavors but are unsure if you can do it.  This is for you!!  

I have been wanting to learn to paint in watercolors for years.  My Mom dabbled in it and I have always been drawn to the dreamy, somewhat abstract images that the medium produces.

However, work and Momming (pretty sure that's not a word) have not allowed me time to take a class. But now thanks to the generosity of online art teachers, I am finding my happy place!  

These are a few of the projects that I have learned how to do through a site called Let's Make Art.  Sarah is just so charming and she really makes it so easy to follow along and produce great results...even when I have no idea what I am doing!  You can either purchase their kits individually, subscribe to their kit service or just access the online tutorials and use your own materials and supplies.  They make it so, so easy!  I also love the idea of their gift service.  At $15 per project, it's a great, affordable way to share creative arts with a loved one.

I'm also loving YouTube instructor Creations CeeCee.  She gives fantastic advice on how to spark creativity and find your own look.  Her videos are especially useful after you learn some of the technical basics of watercolor.  Then you can play with some of her exercises to develop your own personal style.  She also explains how to build your own supply inventory (so you don't waste money purchasing the wrong materials).  I now have a list of cool things to request for my birthday and Christmas this year!

My goal is to set aside a couple of hours each Friday or Saturday to watercolor and sketch.  It is a wonderful way to quiet my mind and de-stress from the weeks' craziness.  I love love love it and am so inspired to see what these ladies can teach me next!  I hope some of you will check out these resources and give this medium a try.  Please share if you do!

​Thanks for visiting!

Thanks for popping in!  This is Chapter 4 of my office reno series.  Click these links to read all about the DIY paint treatment, wall unit and butcher block countertop projects.  With those stages complete, I started composing the rest of the space.  The budget was tight, so you won't believe how I stretched my dollars and also infused some really personal moments into what is now one of my favorite rooms in the house.  Please note that this room was not put together in a day.  It evolved as I found things that spoke to me.  Patience is definitely a virtue in personal design, so I encourage all of you to just keep looking when you are seeking the perfect piece.  Here are the details!

Main Furnishings  I'm a lover of mixing styles.  While the wall unit is fairly traditional and the paint is ornate and glam, I wanted a little classic and a little modern in the mix.  These three items were the perfect combination at the perfect price.  The loveseat is from Target and I scored it on sale and with free shipping using my RED Card.  The desk is my fave.  Small, but I get twice the surface space with the bottom shelf that is easily visible because of the glass top.  Only $135 from Amazon!  The chair was also quite affordable and so comfy.  $95 from Amazon.  With my loveseat sale price, the main pieces in this room came to less than $500.  Such a great deal for pieces that I love and fit the room so well.

Capiz Globe Shades  This room did not have overhead lighting and I did not have the budget to hardwire, so I found plug-in bulb fixtures that I hung from the ceiling.  Cord covers do a pretty good job of hiding the cords along the ceiling and walls.  Not perfect, but I am ok with it.  I tried several different drum shades with these fixtures, but none of them were special.  And then...I stumbled upon these blingy beauties at Decorator's Outlet here in Richmond.  This store offers seconds and slightly damaged goods from high end lighting company, Shades of Light, and it's a treasure box!  These globe shades were $10 each!!  What a score.  I looked for some similarly affordable options for you, but the closest I could find was this slightly larger and more expensive version from Pottery Barn.  I love the organic texture and reflective quality that they bring to the room.

IKEA Hack Coffee Table   Never underestimate the power of a can of spray paint.  This is a popular hack that is all over Pinterest and it was the perfect solution for my glam office.  It's a small room, so I wanted something glass that wouldn't take up too much visual space.  And gold.  So the answer was this coffee table from IKEA and a champagne finish gold spray paint.  $80 for the whole thing.  Not bad! (If you prefer, you can separate the two tables and use one as a coffee table, one as an end table.  I love that versatility!)

Personalized Art  This may be one of my favorite things in the house, but I am not going to lie to you.  It was not as easy as is advertised.  It started with 2 favorite photos of my twins (yes, I know.  They are obviously fraternal).  I wanted to turn them into paintings, but as crafty as I am, I am not a fine art painter unless I have something to copy.  So I thought "wouldn't it be great if I could have a paint by number kit of these photos"?  Well.  Ask and you shall receive, I guess.  I searched and found this company, Easy 1-2-3 Art, that offers custom paint by number kits of your photos.  I loved the modern impressionistic effect that they offered, which you can manipulate until you get the look that you want.  So I ordered and was thrilled when they arrived.  I got to painting right away, but was dismayed that the included paints were not at all matching the original photo colors.  The entire palette was much darker than it should have been.  So, I bought some white paint and set to work lightening every single color.  It was a pain and the project took me months rather than weeks.  However, I love love love these paintings.  A little abstract, colorful and full of subject matter of my favorite things on earth.  It was all worth it.

Made-it-myself macrame   I have a few tried-and-true design tricks that I always recommend for clients and use in my own home.  One of them is to mix up wall decor so that you don't end up with all photos or all art, etc.  So my general "wall rule of 3's" is to use at least one piece of art, one mirror and one textile or organic accessory per room.  This formula adds so much interest and keeps the room from looking flat and one-note.  I've loved macrame since I was a kid in the 70's.  It was my go-to craft of choice.  So when it came back recently, I was not about to buy one already made!  I found this pattern on Etsy and whipped this up while we were watching a football game.  It's not a complex design, but it sure does make me happy and I love the texture that it adds to the room.  And the best part is that it is a really affordable piece of large-scale art.

Hide & Seek Shredder  These photos speak for themselves.  Ingenious, right?  Thank you, Pinterest ;)

Well, that's it for the office series!  I hope you found some nuggets of inspiration that you can use in your own home.  

Stay tuned for some more money-saving DIY projects, including the big reveal of my neighborhood clubhouse makeover.  This was affordable transforming at its best!  

​Thanks for visiting!

I was back and forth on a new color for this room and after some trial and error, decided to stay with the neutral background that we have in the foyer and halls.  I'm happy with that, as it gives a more peaceful transition between the downstairs spaces.  However, I wanted something in the room to make it special.  I had been coveting a stencil that I had seen on Pinterest, so I decided to give it a try here.  To the left is the inspiration shot.  The tone of this home reminds me alot of some of the areas in our home, so I was pretty sure it would work.

​When I started researching the technique, I found that the ready-made stencils can be quite expensive.  This design was about $50, plus shipping.  Too much for me!  So, I set about creating my own pattern.  Not a stencil, per se, but more of a tracing technique.  Photos of the process are above:
I folded a piece of letter size paper into quadrants.  Then with the folds on the left and bottom, I sketched out 1/4 of the medallion.  This took a little trial and error to get the right curves, angles and proportions, but it was not difficult.
I re-folded the paper and cut on the line that I drew.
Then I did the same thing to create the inner line of the medallion, stacking them to make sure the points were lining up and the lines were the proper width.

This paper was too flimsy to use as the actual pattern, so I transferred the designs to poster board that I painted the background color.  Before applying to the wall, I set out to the find the perfect accent color.  I love the metallic effect in the inspiration pic, so I experimented with several colors to get that effect.  I ended up combining light champagne and gold toned acrylic craft paint...perfect! 
Time to cut out the medallions and start tracing!  This was a very time-consuming process, mostly because I used a level to make sure that the outer medallions were lined up straight.  Once the outer medallions were traced, the inner tracings were pretty easy to align.

I tackled this over several days - grabbing an hour or two when I could.  It took alot longer than a stencil probably would have, but I am beyond thrilled with the result!  You can't tell by the picture, but from one direction, the accent color reads darker (like you see here), and when the light hits it, the accent is lighter and metallic...just like the inspiration!  It's pretty much one of the first things you see when you walk in the door and I love the tone is sets for the rest of the house.  A little bit ethnic, a little bit glam and totally DIY...that's me!!

I finally got it as smooth as I was going to get it and then started the staining process.  I wanted a rustic look..kind of a golden oak color that would not match, but would complement the maple floors.  I used a wood conditioner first, then applied the stain in sections, and finally 3 coats of matte polyurethane. ​

Here's the finished unit, with hardware, baskets and stools.  Since completion, this room has evolved from kid craft space to my office work and storage unit.  It houses my design supplies as well as photo albums, party supplies and stationery.





​Stay tuned for the next post for details on the paint treatment, some accessory favorites and how this room evolved into my happy place!

Trying to save a buck, I took these home from the store myself, fitting them in the back of my CRV.  It took 3 separate trips to get them all in.  My back has been killing me since.  But, too late to turn back..on to the painting.  I cleared space in the garage and set up shop for what would be a two week process of sanding, priming and painting. ​

This is my second collaboration with Outdoor Dreams, the hardscape and landscape architects with which I have recently started working.  
In this project, they designed and built this no-maintenance deck that is truly a comfortable and spacious extension of the interior space.  
Outdoor Dreams is truly full-service in that they help homeowners fully realize their vision by not only designing and building, but also furnishing the spaces.  In this case, the homeowners chose the beautiful Trento collection from Castelle to outfit this exterior room.  

I brought in accessories to complement the navy and white palette.  A cozy throw, pillows and a pouf to rest your feet and some hot tea and pastries might be all you need on a lazy morning.  I love this classic color combination.  It's timeless and so pleasing to the eye.

To highlight the fantastic gas grill, we got a little creative.  As this shoot was staged to give a casual breakfast vibe, we decided to include a grilled breakfast dish.  Shown below are scrumptious grilled French Toast skewers and bacon..both prepared on the grill.  Here's the recipe from The Food Network if you would like to try this at home.  For optimal richness, Greg recommends soaking the bread in heavy cream instead of buttermilk.  Indulgent, but so worth it!

The homeowners also asked Outdoor Dreams to update their existing screened porch and it's gorgeous! This room is such a relaxing retreat and serves many purposes for this family.  The furniture was theirs, so I went with their existing color palette and prepared the room for a quiet morning breakfast with friends.

Again, these stunning photos are the work of Becky Rees Creative.  She's a master at bringing these spaces to life.

​Thanks for visiting!