Thursday, April 21, 2011

Virtual Design for Jen & Dan's Enclosed Porch and Patio!


One of the most adorable houses, Jen & Dan's needs some attention to an area of their home that some find difficult to design. She wrote to me looking for a plan that would be inviting as soon as you open the door and also a place to entertain especially in the summer time! The enclosed porch and screened patio are connected and open directly into the main living areas, the dining room and kitchen. Because they don't have an informal eating area, I thought it would be best to incorporate a small nook to enjoy that first cup of coffee or tea but also could be used for an intimate dinner party.They enjoy reading also, so for a spot to enjoy a good book on a cozy afternoon, I created a small sitting area as well. Jen wanted both areas to connect visually, so I chose one color to use in both areas and other elements to join them. Jen is normally drawn to muted colors but she wants something a little bolder and was open to any color scheme, wow was that a challenge in a good way. So here it is bright, warm and bold!

 I hope you enjoy this design as much as I did putting it together for them! The catch for you readers is.....I only did one design so please rate it for me on a scale of 1 - 5 stars *****! I love reading your comments and it motivates me to continue improving and giving clients the best that I can!

The first area of the design.... the small eat in nook for this end of the porch.


Color on the walls, natural woven shades, a centered chandelier and a banquette with bold pillows to surround this gorgeous table!


Ralph Lauren Grange Hall
Smith and Noble


Shades of Light




Etsy
Etsy
Ballard Design

Crate and Barrel

These openings connect the rest of the home to this room. Using this great bar stand centered here with this mirror brings function and great style together.



West Elm

Clayton Gray Home

As an avid reader myself, this end of the room would be perfect for some chairs like she has here already. Ground this area with this great expresso/cream chevron rug in a runner size or a 3x5. Paint these great antique chairs rubbed ivory and reupholster them in this great Peacock Green silk fabric. Sconces on the wall adjoining the rooms would also bring in extra lighting. A small side table and striking pillows and it is complete! Don't you want to sit there as much as I do?



West Elm

Craigs List 
Silk Fabric Store
Etsy
Shades of Light

Wisteria

Are you having a hard time picturing it in your mind? These two photos by Decor Pad can help bring it all together for you, I just love them!





Onto the screened in patio...... great summer room by the way!

Painting the interior wood frames in light gray would brighten and freshen up the patio to start as shown in the photo below. Bring in all the white wicker furniture from the other room and arrange it on top of the sisal rug. Add some accent pillows, candles on the table, pendant chandelier and you begin to have a great area for entertaining! On the back wall of the house, hang a vintage map that you can enjoy while you share your past and future travel adventures with family and friends!




Crate and Barrel

Esty

PB

PB


Finally, along the outer wall I would hang an outdoor drape in each corner for decorative purposes and place a great console table to have your drinks, nibbles and some statement lanterns to bring warm lighting on a hot summer night! Storage baskets are always a good idea.....throws, newspapers, magazines, etc.


Fabric Outdoors
Ikea

PB

PB
PB

Kroll Antique Maps

What do you think? Can you see the vision I see? Share with all of us your thoughts and share the link to my post if you want to!!! It would make my day and thank you so much for reading my blog today!

Enjoy your spring weekend and if the weather is warm, eat outdoors!

PS Don't forget to rate this space for me:)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Recreating One of My Favorite Girl's Bedrooms!

Vintage. Feminine. Rustic. Colorful. Playful.

All these words could be used to describe this delightful bedroom. I thought why not recreate for my readers on a shoestring budget.



Headboard

via Toledo Architectural Door $200
*Note to reader....Check for lead paint before you use it as a headboard

via Amazon.com
Two Pallets $50

via Amazon.com

Eight casters $20-$50

Bedding

these are just suggestions, use any color combination you prefer!


Ruffled Quilt

Euro sham

Decorative Pillow

Accent Quilt

All bedding via Anthropologie, Horchow and Etsy


Lovely wall decor

Fill vintage gold frames with whatever your heart desires!


via Etsy Vintage Alphabet Prints

via Etsy Vintage Gold Frames

via Gooseberry Patch Wire Basket $30


Ceiling Decor!


via Etsy Set of five $20

via FlowerandFavors Six for $15
Do you like it?? Let me know and thanks for taking time from your day to stop by! If you have friends with little girls please share the link with them. I would really really appreciate it!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Spring Colors for Your Home Series! Yellow!

Yellow is one of the first vibrant colors to appear in early spring!







This color in varying shades like lemon, citrine, butter and mustard bring a sunny warmth into any room. I always liked yellow BUT when we were first married I painted my bathroom the wrong shade of yellow and lived with it for 4 years! So I think I veered away from it for a long, long time but I would reconsider using it again after spotting these great rooms!








and last but not the least by any means, my favorite room with yellow!