Great home design starts with great architecture!  Today I am happy to introduce our first guest architect, Bruce Wentworth, AIA.  Bruce has an extensive portfolio that shows his love of historic restoration through a broad array of projects; from bungalows (my favorite) on up to large scale luxury residences.  Recently he has also started his website, “Ask the Architect“  which helps homeowners identify their own home’s period and style as well as answering questions about remodeling.  His blog has great tidbits as well.  Today, Bruce is sharing an exterior project that shows us the importance of curb appeal.  I just love the transformation and the autumn decor is a bonus!

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

The original front door didn't really look like a front door.

Now it's bold and visitors know exactly where to go.

Curb Appeal

Our clients, whose property is gorgeous and has a wonderful interior, lacked curb appeal. The existing covered porch was uninviting, narrow and felt like a back door. Exposed brick walls at the porch looked rough and unrefined, old stone paving was cracked and loose, and a pair of glass patio doors served as the front entry but lacked ‘front-door’ status.  

The color and the "flatness" of the house lacked interest before.

The new walkway reflects the style of the new entry.

This project was all about the details; the details of the architecture and the details of the arrival experience. Starting your journey at the driveway we constructed low stone square piers to announce the new flagstone sidewalk; each pier capped with thick flagstone for a substantial feeling, and built-in lighting illuminates the step. The sidewalk’s flagstone was laid in a diagonal pattern to create a rhythm as you progress parallel to the front of the house. Arriving at a turning point, the walk widens to a square and the paving pattern changes, designating its time to turn and face the porch. To make the porch feel more inviting the flagstone paving was extended beyond the porch roof line. This extra floor space allows visitors to gather and accommodates porch accessories such as benches or decorative pots.   

I love the details on this porch: the round window, column and beautiful light.

The porch offers a new experience by covering the existing brick walls of the porch with flat recessed wood paneling with panel molding. The fake shutters were removed from at the porch windows and door to let the paneling do its work. New trim at the door and windows further enhances the details. The old glass patio doors were replaced with an elegant custom door flanked by sidelights that gives the house a new status.

The home’s new curb appeal puts it in sync with the quality of the overall residence and enhances its market value.

 ”Architect, Contractor, and Author, Bruce Wentworth, AIA, has worked in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for over twenty years as the principal architect on over 100 historic and classic home re-modelings. Passionate about historic architecture, he recently put his survey of residential architectural styles in the D.C. metro area online at http://askthearchitect.org/.  His work has been featured in many local and national publications.”

To learn more about Bruce Wentworth and to see additional projects, visit his website.

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Design Question!

Enjoy!

~Lorrie

I love the fresh and feminine color palette.

Bedroom

The design objective of this project was to create a space for a young woman still living at home but soon leaving for college.  She wanted a look that would be feminine but hip, modern and classy.  Her parents wanted to spend their money on classics rather than on trendy throw away chic.  The challenge was to create a look that would not go out of style and that would be welcoming to this young lady on her visits home.  In order to achieve these goals we decided to create a room that pops with color and glamour.  We combined the shimmer of lacquer-finished furniture, mirrored dressing table and mirrored accents, and colorful geometric fabrics to create a room that is vibrant and exciting.

The Bedroom before.

The bedroom after - It's lighter, brighter and completely transformed.

Ideas that can be easily adapted to your home:

1. Upholstered headboards make a great design statement.  They are ultra comfortable and give lots of visual impact to the bed wall.  They are also easy to reupholster when you want to change the look of your decor.  The headboard shown here has an upholstered border in a solid fabric and an inset panel in a printed polka dot fabric.  We thought that this kept the look of the room from getting too serious for its young occupant.  As she gets older, she can easily replace the polka dots with another print and get an entirely different look.
2. A touch of mirror for a touch of glamour. Mirrored furniture pieces are a great way to “glam” a space.  The mirrored dressing table is mixed with a vintage Lucite chair for a fun place to put on makeup.  The hand painted mirror above the table adds a touch of color.
3. Paint is primary.  When we first saw this room it was painted a dingy white.  The beautiful moldings were invisible because they were painted the same color as the walls.  We decided to highlight the moldings and to make the wall panels a focal point of the space.  We put pale green grass cloth wallpaper into the panels, contrast painted the moldings in white, and used a pale blue on the flat portion of the wall.  The ceiling was then painted yellow.  The excitement of the yellow contrast with the cool wall colors and makes the room feel happy and bright.  Ceilings are usually the forgotten surface of a room.  Painting or papering a ceiling gives a space instant pizazz.  Use high gloss paint to make classic furniture look young and exciting. The bombe-curved night tables are given a coat of white lacquer paint to give a classic style a fresh young look.  Lime green paint gives drama to a classic chair in front of the brightly colored plaid silk curtains.

A classic but very dated bathroom...

Becomes a stunning jewel box.

Bathroom

The bathroom is en-suite with the bedroom.  The concept here was to maintain a smooth flow with the bedroom concept and colors.  Again the look is “glam” and combines the feeling of modern and young with timeless and classic.  Mini mosaic glass tiles wrap the walls and floor.  The geometric pattern theme of the bedroom is repeated in the glass tile checkerboard border around the space.  The “glam” looking mirrored vanity and wall-hung mirror provide a feeling of space enlarging depth and hide very useful storage.  The black granite top on the vanity provides durability.

When doing a bathroom you must remember to:

1. Use durable counter top materials.
2. Try to accommodate storage.
3. Select flooring materials that are somewhat skid proof.  Mini mosaic tiles are good for this because the grout in the joints provides a skid free surface.  It is also important to remember this when selecting materials for shower floors.
4. Remember your basics — lighting, toilet paper holder, towel bars, robe hooks.  Bathrooms must look good but they must also function and work well.

Learn more about Jeani, Jennifer and Ziering Interiors!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

The perfect spot for tea and a chat.

Today I am introducing you to an incredibly talented artist and blogger by the name of Anne Harwell.  The name of her blog is Annechovie and I was introduced to Anne’s work when I saw a drawing she had done of an interior on a fellow designer, Patricia Gray’s website.  Anne has such a unique way of interpreting a room’s design.  It’s the same room but it’s as if you are looking through storybook glasses.  I caught up with Anne and she was kind enough to answer a few questions and give us some insight into her work.  Enjoy!

~Lorrie

Her artwork is all gouache/ink paintings on paper. The prints are available on her Etsy site. (see below)

The detail in the wallpaper is light yet intricate.

How did you get started?

I have always been an extremely visual person and was always working with art supplies, from the time I was a preschooler. My parents used to own an home furnishings/antique business in the Atlanta area and I helped in all aspects of the business and was painting watercolors on the side. They suggested that I start selling some of my work in the store, so I brought in some watercolors, along with a few pieces of furniture I had painted. I started getting commissions after that point and developed my own business that has expanded over the years.

What inspires you most?

I am inspired by so many different things, so it’s really difficult to narrow it down!  Color excites me. Design magazines, blogs, living in beautiful South Florida, good coffee, the love and support of family, friends, fellow artists and bloggers and, most of all, my relationship with my Creator.

What do you do when you are not creating art?

I love to read, be with my family and friends, spend time at the beach or around the pool, cook and travel.

What would you like people to know about you that they would not expect?

I am a total homebody!

How would you describe the decoration of your home?

That’s difficult for me to define, because I do not subscribe to any one style.  I guess it’s just a collection of things that I enjoy living with - objects and colors that make me comfortable and happy.  Is there such a thing as boho preppy eclectic?

A portrait of her grandmother hangs in Anne's living room. She is 89 years old and just celebrated her 67th anniversary!

Bright and cheery colors in Anne's studio. This print and others are available in her Etsy Studio. (see below)

So please jump over and visit Anne at Annechovie and be sure to check out her Esty Site.  Anne is also available for commissions for paintings of your favorite things.  This week she is having a give-away contest for anyone that makes a purchase from her Etsy site from September 8th-13th.  Two standard prints of your choice will be given away and winner will be announced on Sept.14th!  Don’t miss it!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

This week I am happy to introduce an immensely talented residential interior designer, Robin Baron.  Robin was a fashion designer for 18 years before she became an interior designer.  She studied fashion and interiors at two very prestigious schools, Parsons School of Design and UCLA.  According to Robin, “fashion is fleeting but home and interior design have a deep impact on people’s lives.”  I could not agree more.  Her fashion sense is immediately apparent in the beautiful designs she creates for clients located around the country.  Today she is a sharing some classic monochromatic designs with us and some tips on how you can achieve this sophisticated look.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired for your own projects!

~Lorrie

The creamy upholstery is a perfect contrast to these exotic carved tables and the natural tones of the drapery fabric.

Here are some professional tips from Robin on creating a monochromatic look:

Color- When doing a monochromatic color scheme it is important that you use the right cast of the color you are working with. There are many casts, or undertones of any color, even within the same color family (some have a yellow undercast, some green, some pink, etc), and you still have to make sure that the colors, fabrics, paints, etc, all work together…there is not just one tan or beige, and every tan or beige does not automatically work with each other.

Another key to working in a monochromatic color palette is to use different shades and tones of the same color, some with a deeper hue, some with a lighter…this will create subtle differences that will help create interest and move your eye through the room.

This large dining area still looks very intimate and inviting because of the warm wood tones that are highligted with the sconces and recessed lights.

Texture - An important element to create visual interest is to use textures. This is crucial in a monochromatic color scheme. The mixing of texture helps give life to the room, and can be used instead of adding prints. You can use prints in a monochromatic room, as I did on the chairs and window treatments, in this living room but they should be very subtle and used sparingly, or you can easily compromise the quiet, warm, nurturing feeling you set out to accomplish by choosing to create a monochromatic room.
Texture can be used in your fabric selection, your rug, as I also did in this living room, as well as the family room (great room), and especially on the walls in the form of decorative paint or wall covering. In these rooms, I used a plaster treatment on the walls, which allowed me to play with the texture, and layer the colors on the walls.

The light-hearted accent colors are an attractive and logical addition to an area adjacent to the kitchen.

Accent Colors- The other key element, one that takes a bit of artistry, and a strong sense of balance in the monochromatic room, is the use of accent colors. This can single-handedly make or break the room. Balance is the operative word here. Using accents colors has nothing to do with symmetry, and everything to do with balance…and less is always more here. See how little of the accent color I used in this living room, and yet how much impact and balance it creates in the room.

You can use accent colors by choosing a different color wood for the furniture, as I did in this dining room, using a very dark brown, making that an integral part of the monochromatic balance. I then used the green of the plants on the dining table to throw in a bit of the unexpected…and to add a little punch…both being the goal in using the accent colors.

To learn more about Robin Baron and to see additional projects, visit her website at www.robinbarondesign.com.

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Notice how arches are used multiple times in this room: the stairs archway and decorative cabinet. The foyer rug and table are subtle tones so as not to compete for attention.

Today I am happy to share a beautiful project and some words of wisdom courtesy of accomplished Interior Designer, Denise Richards.  Denise is a well respected interior designer that has spent the past 30 years building an impressive portfolio of international residential and commercial projects as President of her company, Q Design.  Along with her studio, she owns a retail shop in LA with a collection of gorgeous furnishings which gives you a sense for her impeccable taste for design.   She did a fantastic job with this California Mission Revival home in Rancho Santa Fe, California.  Enjoy!

~Lorrie

Rich warm tones are perfect for a dining area and I love the contrasting fabrics on the chairs.. The scroll work on the doors and ceiling tie in wonderfully.

In Denise’s words: 

“My goal for this project was to return to a true West Coast style, in this case, California Mission Revival. To meet this design criterion I chose specific motifs that were modified and updated to fit to the architectural layout and the client’s needs. Examples of this strategy include interior iron gates (a bulwark of 20s & 30s architecture), deep colors that have been purposefully aged or patinated, the presence of Moorish references throughout, and over-scaled furnishings, fireplaces, and chandeliers. The result is a home that is both dramatic and inviting, while retaining traditional Southern California flavor.

1. Scale all furniture to the size of your space, making sure to use pieces that enhance the size of your space, not minimize it.
2. Use colors that are dark and aged such as deep reds, greens, taupes and ivories.
3. Sprinkle with Moorish detailed pillows, candelabras, art and frames. Be careful to not include too many pieces that are patinated, or they may overwhelm the room.”

The red walls are bold and bring a coziness to a large bedroom. The pattern on the ceiling ties it in and adds interest.

What a place to host a party! Canopies add intimacy and a festive feeling.

Click here to learn more about Denise and Q Design.

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Today I am happy to welcome guest blogger, Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer.  She has a fabulous website and blog for those of us with a home office or anyone who just wants to get organized!  She does a great job of sharing her expert tips along with links to other sites that are immensely helpful.  I am glad she is with us today and I hope you enjoy her tips as much as I do!

~Lorrie

Get Organized: 6 Steps To Get Started

Ready to get organized?  If you’ve decided to get organized, you’re not alone.  Have you tried before and been unsuccessful? Don’t stress! It is possible to get organized and stay that way.  Pick one area at a time, and move onto the next.  Here’s some tips to help you get real and get going:

1. One project at a time.  Don’t tell yourself “I’m going to get my life organized”.  Guaranteed you’ll be burned out in two weeks.  Pick one room that you want to work on.  If that seems overwhelming, pick one bookcase or drawer.  Small successes will build your confidence and motivate you to move forward.
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify.  I’d just love to take credit for this quote, but I can’t - it’s Henry David Thoreau.  Part of getting organized is evaluating what you have and what you really need.  This is the first step, no avoiding it.  Yes it’s work, but if you don’t do it all the other efforts are wasted.
3. Work with what’s left.  Once you get down to what you really truly need you’re ready to go the next step.  What’s left will determine what sort of products you’ll need, and help you….
4. Assign homes.  Here’s a tip: “being organized” simply means everything has a place (and everything in it’s place…).  If it doesn’t have a home, it’s homeless and will wander aimlessly for all eternity.  So, do yourself a favor and commit to giving a home to everything you’ve decided to keep.  Take it one thing at a time, and put things together that make sense to you.  If that seems a little daunting and permanent, don’t worry - you can always move it later, but you have to start somewhere.
5. Put things away.  You don’t have to live in Perfection Utopia - it’s a myth and just not real.  Period. What you need to do is put things in their homes (see previous step) consistently.  Just like anything else you’ve got to do this and make it a habit.  Once you do, you’ll see your space change for good.
6. Change and re-evaluate as necessary.  Sometimes people move from one home to a new one. The only constant is change, so don’t worry if things in your space change - because they will.  So, go with it and re-evaluate as needed.

You really can change your life with organization.  And honestly, when I type that it sounds caddy and simplistic - but I know it to be true.  Start with changing your space.  Organize your stuff, get real with it, dig deep.  You just might surprise yourself!

Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer, is a dynamic speaker, author and professional organizer.  Brandie helps home office professionals get organized.  Her website includes free resources, teleclasses, personalized services and a blog with dozens of articles. For a free copy of her Top Ten Organizing Tips, visit her web site at www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com, or call her at 971-533-7735.

Today I am happy to share a guest post from my friend and Feng Shui expert, Michele Angelo.  Michele is one of the most balanced people I know and tend to think that using feng shui in her environment plays a big part.  She has helped me bring a lot of balance into my home (a crystal here, a fountain there) and I have given her consultations to friends and family as gifts.  I can certainly attest to the value of this ancient art form and Michele’s expertise.  Today she is sharing her background with us and she’ll share more feng shui tips in the future.

Enjoy! 

Feng Shui gained a lot of mainstream popularity after Donald Trump shared the fact that he uses it on many of his projects. Still there are people who don’t know what it is or even how to pronounce it! (fung shway). When you Google it you are confronted with such terms as: black hat sect, classic Chinese, four pillars, ming kwa number, baqua, bazhai, elements, flying star, a zillion cures, what does it all mean and what exactly is feng shui?

Feng Shui (literally means wind and water) is about the flow of wind and the containment (water) of chi (energy) in our environments. Feng shui maximizes or cultivates the auspicious “sheng chi” or positive chi (life force energy). It is the study of the heavens and the earth in relation to human beings. And the goal is to maximize the good and minimize the negative. It can help us to choose a way of life and a place to live that is in harmony with our way of being human.

The first time I was introduced to feng shui was through a continuing education program for interior designers. This program was based on a type of feng shui called “Black Hat”. I found it to be very mysterious, a bit cult like and without much depth. I was told this was a watered down version that made it easier for us westerners to implement and understand. I personally was put off by the hocus pocus kind of feeling I was getting from this particular instructor, but feng shui wasn’t through with me just yet!

A year or so later I was once again introduced to feng shui, however this time something called “Classical Feng Shui” which is based on the compass directions and goes back thousands of years. I was intrigued enough to embark on a 2 year study which included 5 course modules, then a 100 question test and 4 feng shui projects to be completed in a three month period then sent to the instructor in Australia to be graded.

During these two years I studied the relationship of the five elements, wood, water, earth, metal and fire and the energies that are always at work. These energies affect us all and are happening whether we believe in feng shui or not. I will begin to share some of the basics over the coming weeks and today I am going to tell you a little about your ming kwa number.

A person’s ming kwa number is determined by the year of birth and it is calculated differently for a man than for a woman. The number is associated with an element (wood, water, fire, metal, earth) and a compass direction. This specific direction (say it’s north) is known as your most auspicious direction, and there are three other directions (south, southeast, east) that are auspicious for you as well. The remaining 4 directions are then considered in-auspicious and may need to be cured. Your ming kwa number helps us to determine the compatibility of a spouse, room mate, family members and co workers. The ming kwa number also helps me identify which way your working desk should face, the direction of the head of the bed, how your health might be affected. In addition, I can advise on ways to harmonize the inauspicious other four directions in the home.

You might consider a consultation if you are feeling stuck, moving, wanting a new relationship, having relationship discord, work problems or you want to give it as a gift to a family member or friend you feel would benefit. I am available for feng shui consultations which can be accomplished long distance and the fee is $350.00. Feel free to contact me at fengshuiconsult@yahoo.com. 

~Michele Angelo