Over the River and Through the Woods...

...to Grandma's house they can now go!
Two sweet grandkids got a surprise guest room makeover when they came to visit their grandparents! We took a bedroom and transformed it into their very own getaway. Our client had some wonderful antique twin headboards that we paired with some inexpensive bed frames from Ikea to make a shared room for this bother and sister. 

We also added some personal photos and toys to the bookshelves to make sure they felt like this was truly their space. Check out the chalk painted antique bench! LOVE!

Then we gave them a little space to hang their things... on either side of another chalk painted / updated antique piece of grandma's! 

We had so much fun updating this room for two sweet little kiddos! Hope they enjoy it! 

Until next time, go get inspired! 

What have we been up to?

As we work with each client on projects, we like to take pictures along the way. Before photos are necessary to keep our memories fresh as we make selections and decisions and after shots are fun to look at and see the changes that have been made. 
We have been working hard all spring and summer, so we thought we would share a few of our completed project photos. We loved working on each one of these projects. We hope that something will spark an idea and inspire you!

Bringing the Inside... Out?

We live in Texas... it's hot... sometimes VERY hot. Fortunately, we have been blessed with a fantastic summer so far. This had one of our clients excited about her back patio. They have a fabulous pool and amazing landscape, but a covered patio that just wasn't doing anything for them. 
We love to design any space. The chance to showcase a family's personality and fit their needs all at once. Which also means that no two projects will ever be the same. Here are some photos of this fun and one of a kind outdoor living space!

Let us know what you think of this space. 
Want a topic covered on the blog? Tell us!

Until next time... Go get inspired!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I know what you're thinking... "You're so vain. You probably think this song is about you!" I can't help it, I love mirrors. Not that I like standing around checking myself out, but I love what they can do for a room. Mirrors bounce light, open spaces, and give interest to everyday objects. Look what I found...

On The Wall
The obvious option is a mirror on the wall. However, find one that is interesting. Treat it like a piece of art, not just an accessory. 

Seguro Mirror from Crate & Barrel

I love the texture of this wood frame and the scale!

Rhona Round Gilt Mirrors from Pottery Barn

Love, LOVE these mirrors over a bed! Unexpected and a lovely touch. 

Sacha Mirror from Ballard Designs

This is shown with 4 individual pieces grouped to make one fabulous statement. This is sure to bounce light around your room without being an overly obvious use of mirrors.

Still on the Wall, but as a Window

In small or darker spaces, sometimes you wish you could just add a window. By adding a mirror that LOOKS like a window, you can give the illusion of space, light, and interest. 

Eagan Multipanel Large Mirror from Pottery Barn

I love the scale and paneled look to this grand mirror. Great for any space, but I love how they show it in a dining room!

Grand Chateau Window Mirror from Ballard Designs

This mirror gives a beautiful look to any space. The arched top creates interest in this simple and classic style. 

Parsons Floor Mirror - Bone Inlay from West Elm

Not only is the frame wonderfully interesting, but leaning a large mirror like this on the floor can create the illusion of a large window or doorway. 

The Accessories 

Mirrors aren't just for the walls. Using mirror on accessories, lamps, and furniture can create visual interest and give you a wonderful conversation piece. 

 Faceted Mirror Side Table from West Elm

LOVE this piece! Classic to contemporary, this piece can be used anywhere!

Mitzie Mirrored Jewelry Box from Crate & Barrel

Boxes are a great accessory in any room. Pair this mirrored box with a larger wood or painted box. 

Mirrored Candle Sconce from Pottery Barn

This small accessory will have a big impact. The sections of mirror will play with candle light for a constantly changing piece of art. 

Abeille Side Table from Ballard Designs

This table uses the classic and timeless antiqued mirror to jazz up any seating area. LOVE!

See, being a little vain can make your home a little fun! :) Find yourself a spectacular mirror and get inspired!

Rewind!

Wow! To say that life gets away from you is an understatement! I have many excuses for not updating, none of them good, but for now we'll blame my two year old son since he can't read. ;) 

In case some of you haven't noticed, trends tend to recycle themselves. As younger generations come of age, furniture styles, fabric and paint colors can rewind and try round two with none the wiser. While our mothers say "I can't believe you like that! That reminds me of my mother/grandmothers house" some of us just can't help the "vintage chic" magnet drawing us in. 

I'm inspired this week by all the old made new. 
Revisited, renewed and redesigned!

Classic Rewind:
Mid Century Modern Drexel Declaration Dresser, c. 1950s (Furnish Me Vintage)

Revisited:

West Elm Mid Century Nightstand (West Elm)

Classic Rewind:

Louis XV Arm Chair, c. 18th century (Antique Royale)

Revisited: 

Stick Around Arm Chair (CB2)

Classic Rewind:

Gothic Quatrfoil Pattern, c. 19th century (Dallas Design District)

Revisited:

Gorthic Quatrefoil Mirror (Restoration Hardware) 

Classic Rewind:

Chesterfield Sofa, c. 1890 (Antique Swan)

Revisited:

Chesterfield Leather Sofa (Pottery Barn)

Everyone has their own ideas of what looks good, what should come back and what should stay gone (PLEASE don't bring back pink appliances!) :) it's fun to see what furniture designers decide what to reinvent. I love the idea of someone's original idea inspiring an entirely new generation all over again!

Until next week, go get inspired! 

Design Faux Pas?

We recently worked with a client helping her place her belongings in a new home. While hanging pictures, she stopped to ask if it was ok to have family pictures out. We stated, "Of course, it's your home, as long as they are placed well." She asked because several people had told her that this was a big no-no in NICE homes. 


This conversation took me a little by surprise. In the opinion of this blogger, the business of interior design is very subjective. There is no clear right or wrong, good or bad. There are times where even in our office we disagree about what we like. Even more often, we will flip through well known magazines and say "if we did that in a client's home we would be asked to leave!" All that to say, just because one person doesn't agree, does NOT mean that it is wrong or bad. It is YOUR home! YOU are the one who has to look at it everyday, not me! We can give suggestions of what we like and what we believe looks good, but in the end, it is up to you. I love the work that I do because it is always different, always changing, and there is always more than one way to do it! 


If you work with a designer, or have an opinionated friend, please don't forget that it's still your home. Suggestions are welcome, and sometimes taken, but there is no opinion more important than yours. Your home should be a reflection of you and your vision. Whether that is comfortable and family friendly or picture perfect and magazine quality. If someone is telling you otherwise, kindly remind them that you appreciate the advice, but you are happy with your home just the way it is.


I appreciate each one of my clients for who they are, their personalities, design-opinions, and their families. We try to have their homes reflect them, not us. While we may try to sway them away from an idea, we try very hard not to intimidate or imply that any idea is wrong. 


Flip through some magazines, surf the internet, walk through a store or tour some homes... there are lots of different ideas out there, and any one of them could inspire you! 


Until next week... Get inspired!! 

Play on Patterns

There will always be a wide selection of patterns to choose from. So, when selecting everything from bedding and pillows to shower curtains and artwork, these playful patterns are what's trending. Remember though: everything in moderation! No need to overdo it... ESPECIALLY with bold patterns!


Chevron
This classic pattern is updated with a larger scale and bold colors. 

West Elm, Organic Chevron Duvet Cover & Shams

West Elm, Zig Zag Floor Poof

West Elm, Zig Zag Rug

Botanics
Botanical patterns are classic and never go out of style! Love, love these uses!

Crate & Barrel, Fiona Outdoor Pillow

Lamps Plus, Uttermost Set of 9 Botanical Study Framed Wall Art

Crate & Barrel, Josie Pillow

Pottery Barn, Woodland Organic Duvet Cover and Shams

Ikat
I am loving this pattern! You can find it in almost any color combination right now. 

Pottery Barn, Ikat Outdoor Pillow

Lamps Plus, Ikat Print Linen Pillow

Crate & Barrel, Taza Pillow

West Elm, Ikat Links Rug

Stripes
ALWAYS one of my favorites! Stripes can make a bold statement or a subtle change.

Pottery Barn, Plaza Shower Curtain

West Elm, Stripe Favorite Throw 

West Elm, Seaside Vases Stripe 

West Elm, Stripe Shower Curtain - Citron

Trellis / Ironwork
This pattern works well with any design scheme and can give interest to any space. 

Crate & Barrel, Chloe Chair 

West Elm, Hand-Blocked Nile Quilt 

West Elm, Organic Ironwork Duvet Cover & Shams

So, get brave and have fun playing with patterns!
See you next week!