Trend Crush: Matte Black Metal Finish

A common piece of advice to bring kitchens up to speed quickly is to change out the hardware. I hear it all the time. And it works well! But the most overlooked piece of advice for the whole home is to change out your other hardware, such as hinges, door knobs, and drapery rods. I recently moved into a new house and all of the walls are beige, all the doors/trim are cream, and all the hardware is stainless or nickel (or in some cases, I'm sure they are "silver color", as builders like to get by with these sorts of things). And it's just not doing it for me. Don't get me wrong--silver-colored finishes (chrome, nickel, pewter) are all still current, but thankfully there are more choices for tired design eyes. 

Oil rubbed bronze is a good choice for any design style, and brass is edging back into the picture (although for all of you that still have brass hardware from the 80s and 90s, that's not quite what we're talking about, so don't get excited). But what I'm really digging these days is matte black. Especially against the crispness of white with a minimalist design scheme. I just drool over it! And thin black window mullions? Don't even get me started. There's a house downtown with two big huge windows that face the street with black mullions. It makes me want to sell this house we just bought and move into that one just for the natural light and black mullions. But that would be impractical. And probably expensive.  As for this house, I'm very tempted to go around house and spray paint all my door hardware (anyone ever done that? I'd be curious to know how it actually turns out before I commit). 

Here's a few examples of products and spaces that really excite my design senses. Click on the images for the source. 

This last gorgeous bath I posted on our Facebook page a while back. I just had to revisit it. I can't help it. I'm in love. 

And if I spray paint my door hardware, y'all will be the first to know about it! 

It's a Jungle Sometimes

It isn't uncommon to hear of people finding great scores on Craigslist. So, in the hope of finding the perfect, kid friendly, round coffee table, I decided to give our local Craigslist a shot. Unfortunately, I didn't come away with any hidden gems. What I did find were several -umm shall we say- unique, animal/mammal themed tables. Take a look.

Someone please massage the kink out of this monkey's neck.

Beary nice 

Pod of dolphins, anyone?

Vendor Spotlight: Urban Outfitters

You mean that trendy hipster store?

Yep, that's the one.

Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite places to scope out unique stylings. They're fairly priced and have better sales in comparison to the big-name home decor stores. And you can usually catch some really good discounts in-store. I scored two round metal side tables for $10 a few years ago and people are always asking me about them. 

Here's just a few of the things from U.O. I have been eyeing lately (I think I need that rug in my foyer). 

1. Around the World Letter 2 for $20 // 2. Airplane Hook 2 for $20 // 3. Louis Armstrong Told Us So Art Print $24 // 4. Geo Pendant $69 // 5. Circle Chain Chenille Coverlet $79-$89 // 6. Ava Large Storage Ottoman $249 // 7. Metal Accordion Side Table in Brass $78 // 8. Margot Tall Spindle Bookcase in Turquoise $169 // 9. Turner Side Table $210 // 10. Edie Velvet Chaise in Mango $649 // 11. 5x7 Batik Bird Rug $89

Client Project- Coastal Chic

We often receive requests from people who would like to change up the look of their space while utilizing their existing main pieces of furniture. We are always up for the challenge and our clients come away impressed by the transformation involving their existing items.

Here is an E-Design we just completed for a client who wanted to change the look of her living room from contemporary to coastal.  She had recently purchased a living room set, which she asked us to incorporate into the design.  Since much of her living room had shiny finishes, we decided to do a coastal chic look and bring in natural materials to soften the room.

Here are some before photos. As can be seen, her furniture is pretty neutral and has clean lines.

To achieve the coastal look, we recommended new pillows, curtains, a new rug and art work. Also suggested was a new lamp shade for the existing lamp and to paint the dark bookshelves the same color as the fireplace mantel as seen below.

We created two design options for our client to choose from. The first having a cooler sleeker look while the second is a bit warmer.

We also showed the client how her existing coffee table could be transformed by replacing the base with one made of driftwood. Like the one shown in this image.

In the end, she was very pleased with our E-Design and how we were able to pull off the look she wanted with her existing furniture. We look forward to sharing with you which design she decided to go with once the installation is complete.

If you find yourself in a similar situation where you would like to makeover a room but the budget does not allow for completely new furniture, drop us a line. We are able to assist you in bringing new life into your space with the furniture you already own.

Kitchen Before and After

We hope you all had a great finish to 2013 and are enjoying the New Year!  We are enjoying it with several new projects but wanted to share some completed ones with you as well.  Today we're showing a kitchen that was transformed from the 1970's to a bright, vibrant space of today.  We don't have professional photos done yet (still need to touch up paint on moldings and scrape the ceiling), but we couldn't wait any longer to show you the transformation.

BEFORE

AFTER

New finishes and cabinets were just what this space needed.  The cabinetry was redesigned with taller builds, wider drawers and a revised layout to offer up a more efficient storage.  A custom pantry was built in the formerly wasted space to the right of the old microwave.  The new microwave was relocated above the stove, and the area that used to house the microwave became an appliance garage, clearling off more room on the limited counter space.  A pullout trash can was also incorporated into the new cabinetry.  Can you spot where?

BEFORE-Empty space

AFTER-New pantry and broom closet

We opted for white cabinets and subway tile backsplash to make this galley feel much wider with the same square footage, and the added crown molding gives the room new height.  A gray quartz countertop offers a little contrast without breaking up the flow.  The former florescent lights were replaced with schoolhouse pendants to work with the other traditional elements of the home and a new pendant was hung over the sink.  Stainless steel appliances, undermount sink and faucet finished off the space.  

We love the transformation and so does the homeowner.  Here's one more side-by-side comparison.  Quite a change and another successful makeover!

Using a collection as art

Do you have a large wall that needs artwork? Consider using a grouping of like objects to create an impactful wall installation. It can be an ordinary object, such as a collection of empty frames or something unique like these wall diver sculptures from Global View.

Here are some other great examples.

All images Via

 Art does not have to be expensive. Look around your house for items that can make a statement when paired with many. Perhaps you have a collection already started. Try displaying it in an artistic arrangement.  Get creative!