Recent Project: Contemporary Bedroom Design by Email

This time last year, a super nice young couple who live in Vienna, Virginia, called me because they wanted help with paint colors, placement of accessories, and flooring.    It was a good opportunity to help them make some changes that would make a big impact to their home.  Well, they liked the changes and a few months later they asked for my help on their master bedroom.

This project was a little different from other projects because we developed the room's design based on information we shared with each other by email.    There has been a trend over the last few years for interior designers to offer their services online for a slightly cheaper rate.  All the information for a client's project is gathered by phone and/or email.    Based upon the client's measurements and pictures, design plans are developed and items are selected.  I've been a little suspect of the service because I wasn't sure seeing a space with your own eyes and meeting your client in person could be replaced with information exchanged via email.   I decided to hire another designer to see how the process worked.  After providing feedback on "inspirational images" and information on my room, I was sent a space plan and links to furniture that I could purchase on my own.  I have to say I was pretty impressed with the result.    It's an interesting concept because it allows access to designers without paying full blown designer rates.  I've not formally offered this service on my website (honestly, I've been pretty busy without it) but might consider it one day.

This project wasn't purely an "online"project but was as close as I've come to this kind of service.  Admittedly, I had been in their bedroom several months before so I knew how the space was used and related to the rest of the home.  Nevertheless, they sent me their wish list, measurements and pictures of their room which were used for the design plan.

Here's one of the BEFORE pictures they sent me...

My client was looking "to pump up the color, keep lines clean, and add some texture" and some extra storage to their bedroom.   The contemporary bed and large dresser were to stay.  So after some research, we put this design plan together for them...

We wanted the space to be fun, fresh and contemporary.  We selected lighting, pillows, accessories and furniture for the room and used a mixture of national catalog and trade resources in the design plan.  Yesterday, my client sent me these pictures of their room and I'm pleased with how it turned out... 

We used "pops" of red strategically placed around the room that contrast with the blue grey color on the walls and duvet.

Accent lighting is so important for a room.  Below is a Jonathan Adler sconce we used on either side of their bed.  In case you missed it, check out the post I did on Jonathan Adler's home about a year ago...Fun Interiors.  His home is a good reminder to not take our interiors too seriously and to have fun with them!

Here's another "pop" of red for next to the TV...

Here's the eclectic grouping of pillows we selected for the bed...

Love these contemporary accent tables from Bungalow 5.  This table is finished with a red lacquer.

The other bedside table has texture with red painted grass cloth.  

Here comes the custom part.  It would be hard to offer certain window treatments with an "online" service.  Especially a custom roman shade which worked best for their window type.  I took measurements of the windows, looked at our fabric options in their space and their lighting and confirmed the treatment design in person. 

Below is a BEFORE picture of their window...

After a trip to the Washington Design Center, I found several fabric options for the window.  Our two favorites were the middle diamond pattern and the lower right deep red fabric.  They both had a more "organic" feel that went well with the motif on their duvet cover.

We decided on the deeper red fabric.   My workroom did a beautiful job constructing the roman shades below.  You can also see the dresser we added for storage.

Here's a picture with the shade down so you can see the pattern.  We used black out lining to ensure the room remains dark for good sleeping...

One more after picture of the bedroom...

Another fun project with another great client to work with!  Thank you Ron and Pam for taking all the great pictures of your space for this post!

I also want to mention that I'm on Pinterest.  I've been posting images I'm really liking to this site almost daily.  Click here to follow me and my boards.

Have a great week!