A Little Magic at the Holidays

About ten years ago I started collecting Department 56 buildings and figurines.  I found them magical to look at during the holidays.  After a few years and over ten buildings later, I stopped buying them but still enjoyed putting them out especially after seeing how much my children enjoyed them.   Admittedly, there have been some years that I don't feel like putting them out because of the time it takes.  This year was one of those years.   But my kids wanted them displayed so I did it.   Last weekend my Dad took some pictures during our annual gingerbread decorating party and he captured their "magic".  Thanks Dad for making me see the "magic" again!

I chose colored lights this year.  A welcome change after a few years of white lights!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!

Givaway Winner and Pretty Holiday Design

Congratulations to Sophie!  My daughter, Kylie, picked her name out of a hat to win the book of her choice...The Home Within Us.  An excellent choice...Bobby Alpine creates gorgeous homes that combine history with gracious modern living.  Enjoy the book Sophie!

I also want to share holiday pictures that have caught my eye over the last few weeks.  Enjoy!

A Few More Recent Projects

I wanted to share a few projects that I've been working on.  They all have very distinct personalities as you will see!!

Updated Traditional Hallway

For this project, my client asked me to update their hallway to make it more useful and attractive.  They already have a really nice barrister bookcase and oriental rug that were to stay.  

Here's the BEFORE picture...

I felt the hallway needed to look more inviting.  We did this by adding a tall wing chair in a soft blue velvet and by adding more fabric to the window with a valance and long panels.   

Here are the AFTER pictures...

I'm really happy with the pretty branch table from Century Furniture.  It's ok to mix metals like I've done with the table finish and vase finish.

The client invested in a beautiful piece of art.  In person it's even more beautiful.

The long panels help balance out the height of the barrister bookcase that you see in the first picture above.

A Midcentury Guest Bedroom Redo

My client already had the great the John Robshaw bedding and super cool midcentury furniture.   This project was a consultation on furniture placement, window treatments, and accessories.  

Here's the BEFORE picture...

Here's the simple space plan I did after taking measurements of the room and existing furniture.  The room was too narrow to put the bed centered on the far wall so the next best option was to have it face the window.  

The mirror above the dresser now reflects the light from the window.  The window shades block out light so guests sleep well and the panels are soft and airy to go with the feeling of the bed.  We kept the accessories organic and simple on the dresser.

Next step is to add these cool reading lights from Anthropologie on either side of a collage of family photos above the bed.

Converting a Living Room to a Office

This client works from home and never uses their traditional living room.  They asked me to provide them a design plan to convert their living room into a nice office that could also be used when entertaining.  The design plan included a furniture plan with architectural details that significantly upgraded their space.  After reviewing a few space plan options, below is the one they decided on.   The space includes his and her desks, a sitting area next to a new fireplace and built in cabinets behind an executive desk for the husband. 

Here's a BEFORE picture of their living room.

Here's what it looks like now with the built in cabinets on the back wall, executive desk, and newly installed french doors and coffered ceiling.  Notice how the molding for the coffered ceiling lines up nicely with the pilasters on the custom cabinetry.

 

Here's a BEFORE picture of the wall opposite from the desk.

Here is what it looks like now with a ventless gas fireplace and TV.  The husband loves sitting at his new desk and watching the sports channel!

Here's the BEFORE picture of the wife's desk area.  

Here's what it looks like now.  The desk can be closed and used as a console for drinks and appetizers during parties.  One set of new french doors are in the background.

 Here's a picture of their lounge chairs, pretty wool and silk rug and leather ottoman.

Eastport Office

I just finalized a design plan for a client's office located in Eastport.  The office will be installed in a couple weeks.  I can't wait to see it all come together.

Here's the floor plan and elevation of the custom credenza to maximize storage...

I'm really excited about the plan which includes wildlife photography from local photographer, Mike Land and a custom made acacia wood desk.  The Knoll Life desk chair is a classic.  Here are some of my picks for the office...

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my recent work!

Have a good rest of the week!

One very cool chair!

I've admired the wishbone chair for some time now.  Maybe it's the name...I grew up making wishes with dried out chicken wishbones or maybe it's the semester I spent in Denmark and my brief exposure to Danish design that draws me to this chair.  That's all just a coincidence.  This chair is beautifully handcrafted.  The chair somehow looks traditional and modern at the same time.  It's graceful, simple, and strong.  An iconic piece that is meant to last for generations.

Hans Wegner, a Danish architect and the chair's designer, was inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Ming chairs.  The chair was put into production in the 1950s and looks as cool today as it did back then.  After seeing the chair in several rooms that I admired I knew the chair could be worthy of a post.

Before I share pictures, I want to mention...

Don't forget to enter my givaway for a free interior design book.  The deadline to enter is December 11th.  It will only take a few minutes!  Here's more info on the givaway...Givaway!!!

Now for the pictures....

Hans J. Wegner

Hans J. Wegner

I also came across these amazing pictures of the wishbone chair that was used to raise money for breast cancer research.  Last year 20 famous designers were asked to create seat cushions for the chair that were then auctioned off.   This is what they came up with...

Allegra Hicks

Bunny Williams

Celery Kemble and Amy Lau

Katie Lydon

Kelly Behun

Laura Kirar

Lulu DK

Julie Hullman

Kelly Wearstler

Which one is your favorite?  

Have a good week!