An office / guest room design

Our latest completed e-design, came from a client who like many, had a spare bedroom that needed to function as both an office and a guest room for the occasional visitor.

A couple requirements she had were A) when the room was being used by a guest, she wanted the ability to tuck away any office related items so that it felt more like a guest room than an office and B) she needed storage for her many books.

Based on the space, we decided the best option was to have a pull out sofa in between built-in bookshelves. The sofa could act as both a comfortable place to read and a bed when needed.  We selected a streamlined desk with a storage drawer and suggested running electricity into the closet so that she could keep her wireless printer, filing cabinet, and other office related items behind the louvered doors. 

For the color palette, we wanted to keep the room light so that it would be conducive to studying and also flow with the rest of the house. We kept the walls white, chose a pale gray for the built-ins (BM Owl Gray) and layered the room with neutrals and blues. The end result was a contemporary, beachy look. I absolutely love the contrast of the peacock blue sofa against the natural wood finishes!

Well, I hope you got some ideas. If you have a design challenge that you need help with, drop us a line. Whether it is finding the perfect coffee table or designing an entire room, we can help.

5 Versatile Pieces for Every Home

Furniture for a home can often times be a big expense.  There are definitely deals out there (thank you, Craigslist and estate sales), but sometimes you just need to invest in a good, solid piece that can live in your home for years.  It's even better when that piece can function well in many rooms in your home...especially if you're like me and like to change things up every now and then without making any new purchases.  

Here are a few items that can be used for years to come (and rooms to rearrange) in your home.  I know because I have them in my own home and have used them and moved them around for years!

1. WINGED CHAIR
These can be used in a small seating area, living room, dining room (as head chairs) or even as a desk chair.  This particular one is available at Ballard Designs in a wide variety of upholstery to fit any style.

2.  SETTEE
My husband and I purchased one of these when we first got married and picked out a new sofa.  It was an easy decision because it was on major sale but looking back, it would have been a great buy even if it wasn't.  We've used it at the foot of our bed in our first tiny master bedroom and now it sits on the wall next to the bed.  It's a great spot for reading, laying out an outfit and holding all of the decorative bed pillows at night.  Eventually, I might move it to the dining room for extra table seating or possibly even the entry.  I love versatility!  Make sure to choose one on the small side (like this one) for maximum use in different areas.

3. SMALL WOODEN STOOL
Mine in particular is a short (17") dark wood saddle stool that's been great in a small bath, pantry (as a stepping stool), side table in a seating area and a small end table for a low-lying sofa.  You don't have to go the saddle route, though.  Any small stool with a classic design will work.  I'm particularly loving this teak one sold at All Modern. It would be a showstopper in any room.

4. SHORT CHEST OF DRAWERS
Perfect for an entry table, storage in a living room, side table or hallway these guys are a great piece to have.  This one sold at Soft Surroundings has a great transitional style to fit many spaces.

5. TOPIARY
Okay, so obviously this last one isn't a piece of furniture BUT it's still a great buy that can be used throughout your home.  Topiaries instantly bring life to a space whether that space be a bathroom, kitchen, entry, mantel or bedroom.  They bring in texture, height and greenery--a must in every home.  Pick up one at your local nursery or buy one here at White Flower Farm.

So there you have it--five versatile pieces that can work in every home!  Do you have a favorite?

Until next time...

The Power of Black

Unfortunately, I started the New Year off by getting sick.  Not the best way to kick off 2015, but luckily I had already started refreshing my home a few days prior.  My husband was home, and we kicked it into high gear after getting our Christmas decorations all packed up.  I was on a major cleaning/organizing kick, and it was great.  I LOVE organizing things--my things, my friends' things, a messy shelf at the store---you name it.  My mom says I've been this way my whole life.  The trouble is, as with most things we love to do, there isn't always time for it.  So when I had a few days to spare over the holidays, I ran with it.  

I started small by reworking and cleaning out my pantry.  The thrill of a completed project spurred me on to other areas (my gift wrapping bin, my closet (still needs some work), our filing cabinet (Jon did all of this one) and the top of our desk.  And we hung some window treatments in the sitting area off of our kitchen that has been bugging me since we moved into this house over two. years. ago.  Procrastination, much?  (excuse the quality iPhone photo).  Now to find a new light fixture...

Anyway, it was great to conquer so many areas in our home that we'd been putting off.  And I really did start my year feeling like I was on top of things!  For those of you who don't know where to begin tackling the chaos in your home, I have some tips.  

Start small.    When I started doing my pantry, I started with one shelf.  When I saw how great that one was to complete, I moved on to the others.  Finishing a project will give you the confidence and desire to move on to another, bigger project.  Start with the junk drawer (don't we all have one?) and go from there!  The same goes for home decor updates.  Dana touched on some great ideas to help you refresh your home, and none of them were too overwhelming.  Making a small change in one area will give you the fuel you need to tackle the rest.  You just have to start.  

Make a list.  Write out areas you want to improve in your home and then rank them in order of what you'd like to complete first.  Start with ones you can achieve NOW and start planning for ones you want to achieve this week, this month, this year.  Having everything on paper will hold you more accountable and be a great reminder for your goals.   

Get to work.  Easier said than done I know.  But carve out time in your schedule to tackle things on your list.  Scheduling an hour or two (or however many you need) on a certain day takes it from a "one day I'll to get to it" project to a "I'm getting to done at 9:00am on Saturday" project.  

Contact us.  If you know you have a room you don't love but have no idea where to start, contact us.  We do this for a living and more importantly, we love it.  We love making a space come alive.  And we want you to love your home!  

None of this is rocket science, I'm aware.   But complex things are conquered with a bunch of simple steps right?  

One simple step in refreshing a space is painting.  We all know that, and we've all heard it time and again.  And for good reason.  It is so true.  But today I'm going to take it a step further and say the easiest way to transform a space is with black paint.  Before you all freak out and think my sickness has made me crazy, hear me out.  

I have no desire to turn your home into a dark, dreary cave.  If you've read my blog posts in the past, you know I'm a neutral girl at heart--white, creams, grays and taupes are my playground.  However, when you throw some black into that world, the result can be stunning.  Here are a few examples to show you what I mean...

These black hallway walls are the perfect backdrop to make a gallery wall really stand out. 

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Black garage doors.  Showstopper.  

A black kitchen island in a light and bright kitchen...and don't even get me started on those bar stools.

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Or how about a black fireplace...

This bedroom is amazing on its own but that black ceiling takes it to another level.  The entire home, designed by Amy Morris, is stunning.  You can see it here.  

A black vanity update would be a great weekend project. Especially if you top it off with some brass hardware...

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I still need to tackle our front door, but I'd love it to look like this.

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Who wouldn't want to cozy up with a book in this moody library?

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Black makes an entrance...

Hopefully you're as inspired by black as I am now.  If it's still too much, maybe navy or dark gray are your guys.  Either way, look for some ways to add contrast to your home in the new year.   

If you'd love to but aren't sure where or how to begin, that's why we're here!  Give us a shout if we can be of assistance in making your home a place you love!   

Happy belated 2015!  Now get to writing those to do lists!