My Client’s Family Room; Before and After; Getting Proportion Right!

I am a little bit sad to post these photos because it marks the end of a really fun project. It all began with a one hour consultation about bathroom tile and the next thing you know we are redecorating the entire house. In the process we became great friends (my favorite part of the job) and I will really miss our weekly meetings.

This is how the family room looked BEFORE:

My clients were frustrated with the space because it was so cramped, especially when they had large family gatherings and everyone wanted to be in this one room. The space is long and narrow which called for a longer sofa and smaller scaled chairs (the opposite of what was there). So this is what we did!

By replacing the furniture with properly proportioned pieces, it made the room feel much bigger. We created additional seating on the sofa and ottoman, (which can be used in a pinch). We originally planned on two ottomans but my clients loved the rug so much they didn't want to cover it up. Adding three extra seating options was A LOT for this size space.

You can see the drapery fabric behind the sofa. It was the only element in the room that had to stay, which was fine with me because I love the classic Ralph Lauren print (it provided us with the perfect springboard for the project). The room is right off of the kitchen and breakfast area so it gets a lot of use. All of the fabrics that we selected are very grandchild friendly with high durability and camouflage factors. The herringbone fabric on the sofa is a Ralph Lauren fabric as well as the beautiful wool paisley pillow on the right. A Pindler fabric was selected for the club chairs and tangerine pillow.

Here is another view of the seating arrangement, which faces a fireplace with a flat screen above.

We were all so happy with how the room turned out and my clients have reported that their family gatherings are much more comfortable, thanks to the new furniture! If you would like help creating a properly proportioned, child friendly room, contact me; bethany.christensen@gmail.com

Diamond Baretta Designs

I learn so much through blogging! Don’t you? This week I came across a link to Diamond Baretta Design. You know how you follow a link to a link to a link? Well, that is what a did and I was so excited  when I saw these photos.

 

I have had an article about one of the homes they designed in Connecticut (probably from Country Living) in my inspiration book forever.

You can imagine my delight when I saw more images from their portfolio. What struck me the first time I discovered Diamond Baretta seemed to echo through all of their work.

First, their interpretation of a traditional New England look is so much fun and playful. It is like they have no fear when using color and pattern.

Second, all of their rugs are out-of-this-world. I remember looking up the source for the rug in the Country Living Magazine years ago and discovering that it was custom. I thought, can you do that? LOL. Seriously, look closely at every room.

Third, don’t miss the wallpaper and ceiling treatments. Look how they bring every vault to LIFE.

 

Fourth, The quilts!!! In my old inspiration photos they even had upholstered a wing back chair in a quilt. I am a quilter, my mom is a quilter and my aunts, cousins and grandma are quilters too. I love displaying treasured family heirlooms in my home.

Wouldn't you love to have a custom rug created for your home? I would.

Las Vegas Furniture Market recap…part 2

As I mentioned in my last post, I spent last week in Las Vegas at the Furniture Market. It was so much fun. We had a long list of showrooms that we wanted to go to – but we also loved the unexpected new names and no names.

Company C and Dash and Albert were on the list of showrooms I was looking forward to visiting. Who says I don’t like color? The ottoman above and rug below were purchased for clients!!! I can’t wait to see them in their homes.

I loved this indoor/outdoor rug from the Rug Market…still looking for a spot for it.

Like I said – the small unknown temporary booths were some of the best. I loved everything in this one…

We loved shopping in the accessory showrooms as well. The way this showroom was styled was fabulous. Look at how interesting and dynamic this arrangement is…and the fact that it is done all in neutrals just goes to show how important texture, scale, and tone are when accessorizing.

Thanks for viewing my travel photos! Next time you should come too!

Childproof decorating with seagrass rugs

My puppy Moose - one year ago – he looks so innocent here

A year ago I was given three rugs; two seagrass and one sisal. We had just moved into our home and I wasn’t sure how I was going to cover the hardwood floors in the living room, dinning room, and family room. We also welcomed a new puppy into our family and began potty training him AND my son at the same time. Translation – these rugs would really be pushed to their limits. Two big dogs, one busy boy and muddy unfinished landscaping was a recipe for disaster so you can see why I was grateful for the free trail rugs.

Photo: Cottage Living

After a year of abuse I have come to one conclusion.

SEAGRASS ROCKS!

I have to admit that Joni’s blog post on Cote de Texas and Lauren’s post on Pure Style Home really helped me sort things out. Not all natural fiber rugs are created equal. My free sisal rug has absorbed every liquid that it has come into contact with. I won’t go into details here – you can use your imagination. This includes cleaning supplies.

Photo: Cottage Living

Seagrass repels moisture, which means that even a spilled red slurpie won’t soak in while you grab a paper towel; dried applesauce can be vacuumed; and everyday dirt won’t show up on the bumpy textured surface. There is only one thing I don’t like about my rugs and that is the 100% cotton fabric borders. They looked dirty the day they entered my house, and I am not going to scrub my fabric borders, let’s just be honest.

As you can see from the photos, these rugs are also available in custom sizes to fit your room and without the borders. (and you can order it through me if your interested)

Photo: Costal Living

So now I am about to order wall-to-wall seagrass for my dining room and living room, but am also considering mountain grass, which is a little bit softer then seagrass. I have a sample here and it does feel softer when I test it out against the seagrass. Either way, I don’t think I could find a better looking child and pet friendly floor covering! Can’t wait.