A Marriage of Masculine and Feminine Design

We just finished an awesome install last week. What makes the install amazing is working with fun clients during the process. I have to say that this client was one of my favorites. As a designer, when the client is joyful and excited about their reveal, that makes it so rewarding!

They totally put their trust in me during the whole process which enabled me to do my job well.

 BEFORE ENTRY

The client hired me for the remodel portion of their home and then to finish it out with accessories, rugs, lighting and draperies.

AFTER ENTRY

The entry had some great pieces but they just weren't making a statement. The desk in the entry was too deep for the space so we moved it to another room (see details on that in a later post).

Ruthie Tip: In small spaces, I try to use anything that gives the illusion that the space is bigger. Example in this entry would be open legs on the console, a mirror, crystal lamp, glass vase and white stools.  

We painted the clock a pretty gray, added a round rattan rug (notice the black that ties into the stair runner) and slid some fuzzy ottomans underneath the console for some fun and a casual flair.

 BEFORE ENTRY

AFTER ENTRY

 I incorporated some of the antiques that were spread out throughout the home because antiques mixed in with new items makes it look collected, not decorated.

We painted the stairs white and added a black runner to the center of the staircase. We also painted the staircase railing black. We had a barn door custom made especially for the music room that adjoins the entry so they can close that room off. The detailing of the barn door is fabulous and can really be seen better from the inside of the music room (this is the back of the door).

BEFORE FAMILY ROOM

Their family room needed some lightning up, that's for sure. The Tuscan "old world" theme was everywhere.  She loves traditional and he loves a more contemporary style. I encouraged them that we could marry the two and get something that they would both like. I created a transitional look for them and they LOVED it.

 The leather sofa and 2 chairs were in decent shape so we reused them, along with the coffee table. We painted the entire downstairs walls as well as the bookshelves and mantel.

AFTER FAMILY ROOM

Amazing transformation, right?

TV was moved to top of the mantel. Added new lighting, a new rug, draperies, artwork, coffee table & bookshelf accessories, side tables, lamps and pillows. It made a huge impact to the feel of the room. When people say, the details don't matter, THEY DO! Just look at the details above!

BEFORE

AFTER

I love layering the coffee table accessories. The tray can be removed easily if they want to play games, etc. I collected all of these items over the month at different places I shop and it makes for a nice mix and loads to talk about when entertaining. I found the tiny binoculars and painted them gold (they are my fav).

The rain stick from Mexico is cool too.

Loved these gold candle holders.

The rug!!!

BEFORE BOOKSHELVES

AFTER BOOKSHELVES

The chairs swivel so they can easily watch TV and can pull in chairs from their dining room for extra seating when needed.

Ruthie Tip: Notice how we painted the candlesticks white with a gold leaf dusting? Reuse what you have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BEFORE KITCHEN

Notice the faux brickwork!! Remember when we use to love this?

The kitchen felt closed off from the living room, due to the funny opening on the right. We took out the sheetrock column and opened that area up. We wrapped the support beam with rustic wood all the way across and stained it to match the barn door. It now feels so much more open.

AFTER KITCHEN

We added new lighting in the kitchen, above the island.We took cabinets to the ceiling and that made a big impact to the kitchen vibe. It is now so much more updated, and we didn't have to gut the entire thing. I love how you can see the entry in this photo too! You can see here that the desk that was in the entry, is now a place in the living room to pay bills, etc., it is also painted cream.

 The family room feels a part of the kitchen now!

The client had this camel saddle and I thought it looked perfect on this shelf, rather than on the floor. The colors I incorporated on the bookshelves brings in the colors from the fantastic painting.

A animal print throw on the ottoman pulls the room together. Small detail but you can see how it makes a statement. Another small detail is that we added hardware to the drawers and cabinets under the bookshelves. They don't match but I love that!  Leather pulls and crystal knobs!

Pillows, pillows, pillows, and they don't all have to match! Texture, texture, texture. I love to mix it up.

Fabulous, colorful artwork with gorgeous lamps on a console table that the client painted black for me with chalk paint.

Ruthie Tip: You can mix gold and silver! It makes it more interesting.  

Here is the video of the reveal as well as a walk through video of the entire finished project.

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I'm working on my next home as we speak!

Hope you mix it up this week in  your HOME!

Hope it's a great week!

Decorating In A Day/One Day Design

This home has had a makeover over the past few weeks.  
It was time for new wood floors, tile in the kitchen, painted kitchen cabinets and then some updated decorating.  I chose all the flooring and the paint colors to make sure good choices were made.
I met with the client for an Initial Consultation and we determined her budget first of all.  I recommended we do a "One Day Design" which allows me to use what the client has as well as add some additional accessories, rugs, lamps and artwork.  I established her design style and had her approve some items to make sure we were on the right track.
A few weeks later, the client left for the day and we got busy transforming, starting with the entry.
The client has this piece in the entry and wanted to use it since it is what they had (budget didn't allow us to purchase a new one).   We added new mercury glass knobs and  painted the hardware to match. The mirror above the dresser was painted with a dry brush black finish and it made it look so much better.  You will see the before in the video below.
I stole a pillow from upstairs and found the chair in the corner in their game room.
She really wanted a family gallery wall.  I purchased some new frames for her and used some of the ones she had as well.  She will add her family pictures later.  I had the metal "M" made for them and then incorporated the other items from pieces I found in other rooms.  I especially love the vintage camera on the shelf (top right), it adds some charm.  I found about 5 of them in different cabinets around the house.  I placed them all together in their family room and now they are a great conversation piece and collection.
We also had the stairway spindles painted black and the handrail gel stained the color of the new floors.  This was a stretch for my client but she is super excited about it now!
 This wonderful airplane artwork was originally hanging over their couch.  It didn't add much to the room and it felt too masculine in their main living room.  We added it to the top of the stairway and it looks amazing there.  Kinda looks like it's coming in for landing when you stand at the bottom of the stairs.
The dining room got some new table accessories and a pop of color in the artwork we added. The funniest thing is that when the two young boys saw the new art they said "mom, look it's our new target practice."  Got to love boys!
A new rug lightens up the space and adds some amazing personality.
You can see the gold mirror below "before" we painted it.
We then headed on to the living room.  We added this geometric rug.  Kept all the furniture but just added accessories.  Isn't the ceramic frog adorable?  I knew their 2 young boys will really enjoy that.  I found it sitting in a cabinet upstairs all lost and lonely.

A collection of new down filled pillows really made this room feel refreshed.
They had the lamps and I found this carved elephant from their travels.  I also found some vintage medicine bottles upstairs that she had forgotten about.  Layered on a mirrored tray, it makes a nice little collection.
  I made a collage of places that are special to the family.  The Atlanta skyline where they met. The Dome in Florence which was one of their favorite vacations, a colorful scene from New Orleans  where they lived for 6 years. Finally, I included their favorite beach getaway. 
 I don't have a before but you can see the before video below!
This new rug added some color to the kitchen and married the living room and kitchen together.  The colors are beautiful with the framed artwork in the living room and they make her new tile shine!  Great to stand on while doing the dishes as well.
We put together a video of BEFORE AND AFTER.  It's fun to see the transformation.
Isn't it amazing what you can do with what you have?  Just by adding accessories we transformed the place.  No new furniture, just a beautiful refresher to this beautiful family home.  It is now a house that invites them in and welcomes them HOME.
Call me for  your "ONE DAY" DESIGN!  You won't regret it.
 
Click right icon to go to my website to see more Before and After photo's as well as my Portfolio.

Well Adorned Entry Before and After

Just completed this entryway this past week.  These before and after pictures are a true example of how scale can transform how a room can look.  If you have a giant wall in your entry, it is so important that you use the right scale accessories to make your home look fabulous. 
BEFORE
My clients often struggle with trying to find the perfect thing for their entries.  Just about every consultation I have with people is about using the right scale.  What happens so often is that they shop for items and keep shopping for items thinking they will look good when they get home, only to find out they aren't right when you place them in their intended spot.  After a while you have a collection of a whole bunch of things that say absolutely NOTHING.  Just like this entry above, all the items are beautiful individually but not for this large walled entry.
AFTER
Now this entry has the right scale mirror, wall sconces and accessories and it immediately says 
COME ON IN with grandeur!
Color and beautiful texture.
Ready for a party! 
The stairs in the mirror are going to be painted to make them updated.
Sophisticated elegance.  Simplicity was key in this home   It had a "formal" feel to it previously when you walke in.  We wanted to make it gorgeous but also wanted it to add a relaxed, casual feel to it.  Makes it less intimidating and much more  "lived in" and comfortable vs. staged.
Loaded with personality and warmth.
(Wall sconces are from Restoration Hardware)
So much fun when my vision becomes a reality and the client is happy!
On to the design plan for Phase II of this project!  Need it ready by Thanksgiving!
Is your house ready for the holidays?
Visit my website to see more about my services as well as before and after pictures.

Entry Before and After

I've had fun over the last few weeks working with a client.  We've done updates throughout the whole downstairs as Phase I.  The floors have been replaced from carpet to wood, all the walls and trim have been repainted, the staircase got a revamp and the fireplace received a makeover.  The downstairs powder room got a total remodel as well.  Yesterday I spent the day doing a final install since all the work is finished.  We placed their furniture, added rugs, lamps, artwork and accessories. Of course, we incorporated the items they have collected over the years too! It was a fun day!
Here is a glimpse at their entry for today.
ENTRY BEFORE
Photo by DecRenew Interiors
ENTRY AFTER
Photo by DecRenew Interiors
An entry always makes such a grand difference when updated!
Below is a little niche as you enter their house. 
Photo by DecRenew Interiros
Photo by DecRenew Interiors
It was a waste of space before and now we have transformed it into something special.  By using a narrow rounded buffet we kept the space open!  Perfect for storage too.
I'll share more photos after Christmas! 
Photo by DecRenew Interiors
I'm taking some time to spend with my family.  I hope you have a special time with those you love over this Christmas holiday.
Ruthie
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to be inspired!