Project in Progress - Family Room Part I

Back in the Fall, I helped a client with a design plan for their dining room.  They ended up loving it so much, they enlisted my help with a family room/kitchen renovation!   Now that the design plan is complete for this project, it's time to make it happen!  This week, we are meeting with the construction team (Twin Construction in Homewood is completing this project, and they truly are a dream to work with on renovations) to finalize everything so we can begin demolition.  

I'm going to be sharing pictures along the way, so you can see the progress. But today, I wanted to show you the design layouts and boards for the family room area of the space (kitchen details will come later).  In this renovation, we are opening up what used to be three smallish rooms into one large great room.  In this image, I've included, in blue, the original layout of the space.

When we started this project several months again, I gave my clients two design layouts for the new wide open space that will exist once the renovation is complete.  If you are considering a major renovation like this, I highly recommend getting your decorator involved from the very beginning.  It's really important to know early on if furniture will fit in the space as well as the layout you have in mind. If you have the option, furniture placement should dictate window and door placement rather than the other way around.  In the case below, notice the windows on the TV wall are not centered on the wall (there used to be three windows on this wall) . Rather, we have centered them on the main seating area, and allowed for a piece of furniture farther down the wall for the secondary seating area.  Also, lamp placement will dictate outlet placement (including outlets in the floor).

This is the second option for furniture placement.  I love this option as it will provide a large open feel to the entire space.   

They selected option 2 for the furniture placement! As an aside, budget constraints are requiring us to leave the fireplace in it's original place.  So, as you can see, we have balanced it with a pair of french doors which lead to the screened porch.  Based on this, we are not using the fireplace as the focal point wall.  Instead, we have used furniture placement to create a new focal point and now the fireplace will "read" as one with the french doors on that wall.   I also love that in the winter months the fireplace will add a very cozy feel to the family while enjoying meals in the breakfast room area.    

After deciding on the layout for the space, I gave them two design board of specific furnishings.  Again, it's good to have options to consider when you are investing this kind of money in a project.   Also note, the fabrics of the furnishings in these boards are not the final fabrics we selected (I'll show you those in a later post), but at least you will get an idea of the feel of the space. 

The client selected option 2, and we tweaked the lighting a bit (she actually selected the island lighting from board 1).  The furniture has been ordered (you really need to think about the timing of when you order these items so you're not sitting on the floor once your beautiful space is complete).  Now the construction work begins.  Glad you will be joining me on this journey!  M.

Wood Furniture Guide

This article is provided by Stephanie Lego - take it away Stephanie!  Hi all.  Today, I'm here to discuss wooden casement furniture pieces!

Wooden furniture has been used in homes for centuries, and it is as popular now as it’s ever been. Over the years, wood has been used not only for furnishings but also for flooring, building ships, and constructing houses. Its reputation stems from its strength; it is a hard-wearing, durable material that won’t break easily. Not only do these pieces last well, but they can also add a touch of class and elegance to a home – they come in many different shades, can be painted any colour, and are adaptable to whatever style your home may be decorated in.

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees such as oak, mahogany, teak and walnut and are generally sturdier than softwoods. They are often more expensive, but you get what you pay for; oak furniture and walnut furniture are compatible with many different finishes, creating a smoother, glossier look.

Teak furniture is also extremely strong and resistant to rotting.

Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees – including cedar and pine - and are generally more affordable and thought to be more environmentally friendly. Pine is one of the most popular softwoods, as it can be painted or varnished easily to create different styles.

It is generally advisable to go with dark wood if the rest of your décor is light, and light wood if the rest of the décor is dark; too many dark colours can make a room dull and depressing, whereas too many light colours together can give the room a washed-out look.

Solid oak furniture is popular for its strength and durability. You can get oak furniture to suit any style – traditional, rustic, antique, contemporary and modern. There are also many different kinds of oak wood, from reclaimed and reproduction, to weathered and limed finishes if you want a more vintage look.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Open letter to my Mom

Hey Mom,

Given our week, I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me on what seems to be a bittersweet Mother's Day for us.  I know you already know what I'm about to say, but I think it's still worth saying . . .

Your complete, un-waivering love overwhelms me on a daily basis.  When I look back over my life experiences, you are in every single one of my memories.  You are there.  A true gift from God, you are; and I'm so grateful for you.  

From the celebrations (academic accomplishments, marriage, and births of my babies) to the miserable failures (suspension from school, slamming of doors, paying for a law degree that is not being used,  and the tumultuous friendships) I've experienced in my life, you are always there.  A true gift from God, you are; and I'm so grateful for you.   

Your hands have always been there to support me, preparing me to take flight in whatever new endeavor I'm into at the moment.  All the while, not gripping me so tight as to prevent my flight.  A true gift from God, you are; and I'm so grateful for you. 

Now that I have children of my own, I realize how difficult the dance is - support without suppression, the balancing of work and family, disciplining while continuing to nurture, and eventually transitioning from parent to friend.  I know there have been times I've disappointed you, hurt your feelings and embarrassed you; and I know you have already forgiven me.  A true gift from God, you are; and I'm so grateful for you.  

I also know you've been scared for me and recognized my bad choice long before I could see it, yet you allowed me to experience my choice.  I know this was a very difficult thing to endure.  But, thanks to your ocean of wisdom, it has made me a better person.  A true gift from God, you are; and I'm so grateful for you. 

Yes, Mom, what a huge sacrifice your life has been - a constant selfless act of love and labor.  I can only pray I will be able to love and support my own children in a way that your example has given me.  Thank you for everything you do for me!  It has never gone unnoticed.  I just don't always say it out loud.  But, you already knew that . . . On this Mother's day weekend, here's wishing you joy, comfort and peace.  I love you very much; and I am so grateful to God that he gave me such a wonderful gift!

***I rarely ask for anything from my readership, but today I have a huge request.  My wonderful Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this week, and she is in need of your prayers.  Please pray for her as we tackle this news. 

Leather Done Right

There are few materials I don't like to use when designing a space.  However, I do think the style and scale of a piece can make or break the use of a material.  Leather definitely falls into this category for me.  When it's used correctly, it can totally wow a space.  When it isn't, it can kill a space.  Here are some fabulous example of how it can wow . . . 

Using leather on a very traditional french settee - a total wow.  The contrast is wonderful and gives such an unexpected flare. 

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Martha O'Hara does it again with this amazing room - the ottoman is in gray leather.  

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Leather can instantly add warm to a space . . .  I love it here as a bedside table, paired with crisp white bed linens.  

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I adore this layered look with the ottomans under the console table!

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You can even pair leather and fabric on a single piece of furniture like the winged back chair in this image.  Great look.

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Love this winged back chair in a light creamy tone.  The durability you get with leather is second to none.  Short of a ball point pin or a pair of scissors, it's indestructible while looking very sophisticated.  So, go ahead and choose cream - you will not hear me say that very often!

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Normally, I would never recommend this much leather in a space (noticed both sofas in white and the winged back chair all in leather).  But, believe it or not,  it's the wall to wall carpet that makes it work.  When you pull in leather, you have to balance it out with some fabric.  Otherwise, it will begin to feel cold and sterile.    

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Even a small bit of leather, like these low ottomans in Giuliana and Bill Rancic's family room,  help a space feel varied and interesting.   Love the look of this entire room.

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So, are you a fan of leather?  M.

Interesting Week

As we are quickly approaching the end of the school, I like to refer to this time of year as the second Christmas.  It really feels that busy to me every single year.  There are tons of parties and "wrap ups" for my kids that my head is spinning.  Not to mention all the client projects for families who want to get it done in time to enjoy their summer break.  I say all this to give you a heads up that the blog is going to be lean and mean for awhile.  I hope to be caught up and enjoy some quality time with my children as well as some time to post several topics that have been on mind.  

But for now, I'm going to give you a bit of a tease.  Yesterday, a client and I met with a very talented artist/interior designer who is going to be helping us with a very special project!  I can't wait to give you more details and share pictures of the finished space.  But for now, here's your tease! 

These are images from her studio . . . 

Any guesses what we're up to?  M.

Quickly Approaching the Sweet Spot

The weather here in Birmingham has been beautiful.  There's truly nothing like Spring in the South.  

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At the moment, everything is in bloom.  The wisteria is dripping from trees, and the azaleas are bursting from every yard you drive by in a rainbow of colors.  There are a few streets I drive down during my everyday routine that feel as though I'm driving through a tunnel of every shade of green imaginable (anyone driven down Overbrook lately?).  

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It's stunning, but here's the dilemma.  With all the flowering plants and trees comes tons (and I do mean tons) of pollen.  Everywhere you look there's a thin coating of yellow dust.  All the cars, the streets, patios and lawn furniture are coated in the stuff.  But,  right after the blooms are spent, there is this tiny window of time (two, maybe three weeks if we're lucky) that is completely perfect for dining outdoors.    The evening air is crisp and cool, and it's truly the most pleasant time of year to sit with friends and enjoy a meal outside.  So, it's time to get ready for this window of opportunity.  

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With the sweet spot quickly approaching, I thought it would be helpful to talk about how to prepare for a dinner party.  I have to confess, I'm helping a client pull together a dinner party for her Supper club.  So, I thought it would be fun to share the process with you in hopes you could pull off your very own outdoor dinner party.  Here are my tried and true ten steps for pulling off a dinner party. 

Pick a Date and invite some friends - remember to think about the timing in your region of the country, so you can enjoy the outdoors sans the pollen.

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Decide on a Menu and put together a detailed grocery list of what you need.
I like to create a menu with a couple of homemade recipes and the rest ordered out.  It takes the stress out of the entire event and makes it more fun for you.  If you are not at a place in your life where you can do this, just think of menu ideas that can be made in advance so you can spread out the process over a week.  As my Mom always says, you can eat an elephant a bite at a time! So, do a little each day, and it will not feel so daunting of a task. 

Here's a sample menu for an easy party.

Starters
Signature Drink -Texas Margaritas (this are made with beer and are so yummy - here's the recipe)
 A signature cocktail is always a fun way to kick off a party.  It gives people something to talk about when they first arrive at the party.

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Asiago Cheese Sticks or Rosemary Roasted Nuts (keep this simple so everyone will be hungry for dinner).  The Asiago Cheese sticks at Savages in Homewood are amazing!

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Main Course 
(served Buffet Style)
BBQ Shrimp (here's a great recipe)

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Orzo Salad with fresh basil, tomatoes, sweet peppers (purchased or make in advance)

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Pickled Okra (purchased) It goes great with shellfish and gives you some nice acidity to balance out the richness of the buttery shrimp.

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Buttery French Bread (lots of it for the yummy sauce the shrimp are in)

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Dessert
Key Lime Pie (of course!) - ask around for the best key lime pie in town and order it (for some strange reason BBQ places tend to also have good pie?!)

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Create a time line.  I know this sounds crazy, but I do this for every gathering I have at my house.  I try to put this together three weeks out so I can really think about what needs to be done before the craziness begins and you are grabbing anything you see that might work.

As part of the time line, at three weeks out, I like to evaluate my serving dishes based on the menu I developed for the party.  This gives me time to look for items that I may not have on hand or get comfortable with using something unexpected that I have and maybe would not have thought of at the last minute.

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One other tip here, I love to use white china and serving pieces.

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A simple white platter (any shape will do oval, square or rectangular) makes the food look great.  This is a stylist tip!  These days you can pick them up almost anywhere. 

Two weeks out - order all items you are not going to prepare and establish a pick up time (usually the day of the party).

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Then, this is the task I give my husband!  I give him a list of what needs to be picked up, and he goes to it.  Also, it gets him out of the house so I can clean.  I also recommend he take a kid (or two) with him.  If the hubby's not a option, when that friend calls and says, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" - you'll know what to tell her! 

One week out -  Do your grocery shopping and begin preparing any foods that can be made in advanced (or even steps of dishes that can be prepped in advance).  Read through your recipes and decide what can be done early and put this on your timeline.

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Day before the party or day of party - do your flowers.

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Now I know this is daunting for some of you, so just keep it simple.  If anything is blooming in my yard, I use it.  I have these small "fish bowl" like vases (seven of them) I use for more casual gatherings.

Two hours before the party - pull together the last few items on your list - mix up your signature cocktail; have the shrimp ready to pop in the oven 15 minutes before you are ready to serve; and have your bread buttered and waiting for the oven.

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One hour before the party - take a breath, turn on some music, and pick out something fun to wear.

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Greet your Guests at the door with a signature cocktail and enjoy your fun evening!

 

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Now, who's ready to throw a party?  M.