The secret project progress unveiled.

I can finally reveal some of the progress made on the secret project I've been working on over the past few weeks. While it's not finished-finished, I thought I'd share my five favorites of the space to-date along with some insight into the looming checklist (read: my favorite part) that still needs to be completed. 

But first, a HUGE thanks to the Schullers for being patient, taking some chances and getting their hands dirty.


SIDE NOTE: My apologies for the poor photos. I'm hoping to take better ones as soon as I remember to bring my real camera. And maybe get some photography lessons from my other BFF, Michelle. And maybe get a new camera.


#1: The sitting room stencil work. 
 
I am officially IN LOVE with this room. Yes, it was the room with the most challenges (featured here and here), but I think that's why I'm most proud of it. With the room being smaller, narrow and filled with windows and doorways, it was just screaming for something to tie it all together. Meaning, the room needed something to make it feel more like a room and less like another hallway to the kitchen. To do this, we chose a taupey color (Benjamin Moore's Cedar Keys) to accent a pillow choice and the same white that the kitchen was painted in (Benjamin Moore's Simply White). While I second-guessed it at first (no idea why), all four walls were stenciled (with option 6), bringing the entire room together and making it a prominent eye-catcher as soon as you entered the house.

With the new floor plan, 5" white baseboards, some strategic bookshelf accessorizing, a wall shelf display and (maybe) a new light fixture, it's going to be the sitting room of all sitting rooms.

#2: The vaulted morning room ceiling.

Ok, so I didn't exactly love climbing up the ladder to actually paint the space BUT I did love that the vaulted ceilings allowed for a more dramatic wall color without closing in the space. For this we chose a bright blue (Benjamin Moore's Lakeside Cabin) that complemented the new wood floors and the family's already-owned bright white kitchen table and leather chairs.

Some simple artwork, a refinishing project for the already-owned chest (still TBD), a new light fixture (still TBD) and some minimal table accessories will complete the look.

Oh, and removing the kitchen stove and refrigerator. That'll help a little too.

#3: Dave's mad carpentry skills*.

 *with special thanks to Barry the Sander (get it?)

As mentioned in an earlier post, it's always best to keep the number of focal points in a room to one. So, to do this, we needed to combine both the fireplace and the entertainment center onto one wall (previously split into two). This required some handy work I was definitely not up but Dave graciously took on.

The walls were painted a warmer dark-but-not-too-dark gray (I can't remember the name right now) that brought out the richness of the new wood flooring and brought the whole downstairs together. The hallway was also painted this color to encourage continuity and create a sense of flow throughout the space.

The end result? A susinct focal point that will soon include some shorter Billys (also loved by Go Haus Go), a photo display and some accessorizing. An added bonus? A whole extra wall to place seating along and absolutely zero glare on the TV from the windows.

#4: The striped bathroom.

Mentioned in an earlier post (complete with how-to), I am very fond of little, tiny bathrooms filled with busy patterns and bright colors. So, when I saw that the Schullers downstairs came complete with a teeny, tiny bathroom I got really excited. We chose some bright aquas (Benjamin Moore's Florida Keys and Waterfall) and decided to give the space some vertical stripes, making it seem bigger and brighter.

Keeping the same fixtures in the space and adding a small amount of artwork will finish the look.

#5: The soon-to-be modern-yet-classic kitchen.

Now this is the spot I consider to be the most in-progress. First, we blank slated the kitchen by painting it white (Benjamin Moore's Simply White). This was vital to the downstairs design as the kitchen is the center point between all three rooms (morning, family and sitting room). This allowed us to break up the monotony by painting the other rooms three different colors without making the space feel too disconnected.

So what's next? A subway or glass tile (still TBD) back splash, some brushed nickel cabinet knobs, brushed nickel drawer pulls and eventual addition of an L-shaped island/breakfast bar that will (hopefully) be painted a complementary blue to the morning room, further connecting the two spaces.

I know what you're thinking. The cabinets could be painted to further modernize the space. However, 1) I kind of like the contrast between the dark floor and light cabinet finish and 2) I think the knobs and pulls will modernize them enough to look updated, especially with a new back splash and (eventual) painted L-shaped island/breakfast bar.

And thereyouhaveit! That's the top secret project mentioned in some previous posts and the latest thing I dove head first into. I hope that the Schullers are equally as happy with the space and can't wait for the next part of the project... accessorizing.

Oh, and my favorite part, making the final to-do/buy checklist which is already in progress because I couldn't wait any longer to start making.

A how-to for striping a bathroom.

I get really excited every time I get a chance to redo a bathroom. Well, not just any bathroom - it has to be one of those cute and little half bathrooms. You know, that teeny, tiny little nook off the main downstairs hallway? Love. Them. To. Pieces.

Anyway, when it comes to these little spaces, I think you need to either go big or go home. Half baths should be looked at as a great place to experiment, letting that inner designer go wild and take some risks. For example, is there a wallpaper you've had your eye on but think it's too crazy to fit within your calming, pristine space? Or a color you've become obsessed with but just can't justify painting an entire room with something so bold? Answer to both questions: put it in the half bathroom!

Being on a bit of a stripe kick lately, I decided to stripe the bathroom in the top secret project I've been working on over the last week. Now, I have no idea if I'm allowed to show you this but, since no confidentiality agreement was officially signed and it's a primary part of the design, I'm going for it (sorry, Vest).

NOTE: This should be considered a weekend project vs. an after-work project. While the space to paint is small, the amount of detail that's required to figure out the measurements and making sure all lines are straight can take about a billion years to complete.

What you'll need:
1 gallon of paint color #1
9" Purdy roller (3/8" nap)
9" roller handle (with extension if possible)
Large paint holder with disposable paint tray (or Press 'N Seal!)
1 quart of paint color #2
2" Purdy edging brush (trust me - it'll be worth the extra cost)
3-4" roller
3-4" roller handle
Small paint holder with disposable paint tray
2 rolls of painters tape (1.5" or 2" will work)
Small level

Step one: Choose your paint.
Find a swatch you like best, making sure there are at least two shades difference between the colors. In this case, I kept it fresh with Benjamin Moore Florida Keys and Waterfall. For a more dramatic look, try choosing colors opposite each other on the color wheel.

Once you've chosen the colors, paint the entire bathroom the lighter of the two, leaving the darker color for the actual striping. Apply two coats.

Step two: Do the math.
Measure the width of all walls you want to stripe. For example, if two walls are 80" and the other two are 25", the total amount of wall I'm working with would be 210". Then divide (keeping the stripes between 6-8 inches), trying to get the stripe widths as even as possible. So, if I take 210" of wall space, I will need to make 35 stripes, each 6" wide.

Step three: Measure out the stripes.
Starting at the center of the wall with the most area to cover, begin taping off the stripes. Be sure to consider the actual tape width within your measurement, designating the tape as part of the stripe you won't be painting. Make sense?

To avoid confusion (or at least try to), stick an extra piece of tape in the area of the stripe that doesn't require painting to clearly mark.

Step four: Tape off the stripes.
Using the small level, begin taping off the stripes from the floor to the ceiling based on how you've marked off the room. To avoid continually climbing up and down, I completed all of the tape work I could while standing on the ground first, finishing off with the work requiring a ladder. For those of you that appreciate a better workout, opt for one line at a time.

NOTE: This takes, by far, the most amount of time. If there is a chance you may need to separate the work into two days, consider this task the separator.

Step five: Paint the stripes.

Using your edging brush and 3" roller, begin painting the stripes in the darker color. Work your way from one end to the other, applying two coats.

NOTE: Don't wait a long period of time before painting the second coat. Since interior paint is typically latex based, painter's tape should be removed from the wall prior to the paint being completely dry. Otherwise, the paint may peel off with the tape, causing a lot of rework.

Instead, paint in a circular pattern so that you are able to easily keep track of which stripes have one coat, which stripes need two and which stripes are ready for the tape to come off.

LESSON LEARNED: Double and triple check which stripes were marked off as staying the lighter color before starting to slather on the paint. Luckily, I realized I was painting the wrong spot pretty quickly and was able to just touch up the area once everything dried.

Step six: Remove the tape and touch up.
After you've applied the second coat, immediately begin to peel off the painter's tape, starting at the first stripe you painted and ending on the last. Work your way around the room until all pieces of tape have been removed. Then, once the paint is fully dry, make the necessary touch ups (look for uneven paint,obvious bleeding, corner work, etc.).

Getting my stencil on.

Sitting room resolved! After confirming that the "piano" I thought I saw was actually a desk with one of those white wire shelves on top (pictured here - soooo embarrassing), we opted for a floorplan that created a sitting area great for making small talk or reading a good book. The chaise was a little bigger than I originally had the plans but I think the two bookcases will help soften the edges that don't exactly fit within the bay window.

NOTE: The bare wall in the bottom righthand corner will be used to display floating shelves, kid's artwork and some additional accessories currently TBD.

Now for the fun stuff! Since majority of the walls are either comprised of large floor-to-ceiling windows, bookshelves or a floating shelf and picture arrangement, it's not too huge of a risk to incorporate pattern on not one, not two, but all four of the walls. I know awesome, right?

To do this, I'm choosing to use an all-over wall stencil (also seen here in Jen's house) because I  1) can't stand the seams you get with wallpaper, 2) feel like I have more control over color choices and 3) like stenciling WAY more than wallpapering.

The pattern will need to be a lighter monochromatic in palette, larger in size and well defined to:

• prevent the smaller space from seeming too closed in
• play off the symmetry that's now been added to the space
• avoid looking too busy and overly decorated

I have all the colors narrowed down to Simply White (Benjamin Moore) and a soon-to-be-determined khaki color also in one of the pillows chosen for the space (great job, Chris!).

That leaves the stencil pattern still TBD. Now, I've "narrowed" it down with an etsy search to 9 different choices but am having trouble condensing any further before talking things through with the homeowners. Here's where I'm at, in no particular order:

option 1: taller pattern adding height, more open pattern,

blances boxiness of the chairs and bookshelves

(@ royal design studios)

option 2: very geometric, smaller pattern,

a little more neutral in terms of shape

(@ royal design studios)

option 3: very regal looking, a little more formal

(@ cutting edge stencils)

option 4: adding new shape to the room

(@ royal design studios)

option 5: compliments chair form,

curved edges play to chaise headrest, more open pattern

(@ royal design studio)

option 6: complimentary pattern to all furniture styles, a little more floral

(@ royal design studios)

option 7: more depth to pattern, same complimentary shape

(@ cutting edge stencils)

option 8: adds tons of texture, gives balance between two wall colors,

(@ royal design studios)

option 9: much larger design, larger gap in pattern, mimics dots on pillows

(@ cutting edge stencils)

I can honestly say I have no idea which one to recommend. Turns out, with the room balanced in terms of layout and shape, there isn't necessarily a need for one type of pattern over the other. I think the final decision will come down to comfort level, actual contrast in paint color and what the homeowners consider most relaxing or calming. Stay tuned!

Chaise, you're driving me crazy.

chaise longue [sheyz lawng]: noun. A chair, with or without arms, for reclining, having a seat lengthened to form a complete leg rest and sometimes an adjustable back.

Basically a chair and ottoman combined, this piece of furniture is too cute not to be a focal point but just awkward enough to make for difficult placement.

Ok, let me explain.

I've been tasked with incorporating one of these bad boys into one of the secret project rooms (mentioned here). As mentioned earlier, it's a great piece with a great shape which is why it totally needs to stay. The problem I'm having is that I've never designed a room with one in it before which is why I think it's driving me insane.


To make things even more interesting, the room itself is full of obstacles - two entryways, a giant bay window, a narrow floorplan and half a wall that's being used for the upstairs railing. The room is located directly to the right of the front door, the space typically used for one of those formal living rooms your mom used to (or maybe still does) not let you walk through or go anywhere near. Instead of having one of those rooms, the family decided to use the space mainly for reading, relaxing and just vegging out after a long day - a function I can definitely relate to.
 
So per usual, I put on my little thinking cap and checked out google and pinterest, design books and magazine clippings, trying to find some inspiration or a way to turn madness into a gorgeous room. As you'll notice below, majority of the images I found were cropped photos of a chaise looking all cute and adorable but with no other inclination of what else is going on in the room. For example, is it part of a sitting area? Is it near a couch? IS THE ROOM ACTUALLY LARGER THAN A SMALL CORNER?

Bottom line: the search turned out to be not that helpful. Here is the recap.

looking cute in a corner (@ little green notebook)

and by a dresser (@ pawleys island posh)

and in an empty room (@ belle inspirations)

and by a door (link to pic)

So back to square one. What is this room supposed to do? Answer: provide a place to relax and enjoy good company, a good book or good glass of wine. While the chaise, in theory, may seem like the most perfect piece of furniture to accomplish this, I think the primary issues are 1) defining a focal point to keep the chaise from looking too lay-on-this-and-I'll-feed-you-grapes and 2) creating a balance in furniture arrangement to keep the room from looking too look-at-all-of-this-random-furniture.

While I don't have an answer to the space just yet, I thought I'd share my progress (using floorplanner of course) on finding the perfect arrangement for a relaxing room that contains an adorable piece of furniture.

original: the current furniture arrangement consisting of a chair, chaise,

bookshelf (in corner) and glass top side table (in bay window)

option 1: make a more defined seating arrangement with circular coffee table,

treating the chaise like a couch and featuring it in the bay window, 

adding consistency with another bookshelf and another chair,

leaving the back wall for artwork, shelves, etc.

option 2: more open, less defined but anchored by the addition of another chair,

adding a small side table and moving the bookshelf behind chaise to create reading area

option 3: saw a piano in their garage that could maybe use for focal point,

added an additional chair for consistency and kept same reading area

option 4: created small seating area, making the piano the focal point,

moved bookshelf to open wall but kept at close proximity to chaise

Keep calm and carry on.

I have been one busy girl these days I'll-tell-you-what. With traveling to Puerto Rico, then to Cleveland for part of the weekend, THEN to a new design project this week, I have been non-stop. And on top of all of that, I can't forget about the Jen and Chad redecorating project, my parent's new beachhouse decorating and a refinishing project that's due mid-August. But you know what? I am LOVING it. Every. Single. Minute.

So about this new project... while I can't give away any of the details just yet - thanks to the homeowner's love for suprise and need to unveil - I can offer some things to keep in mind when dealing with what seem like an overwhelming redecoration project.

THE PROJECT
Repainting and recommending design choices for an entire downstairs home (kitchen, dining room, family room, living room, half bath and hallway).

THE CHALLENGE
An open(ish) floorplan that needs to be modern yet traditional, relaxing yet polished, cozy yet sleek, colorful yet not over-the-top and kid-friendly yet grownup. I know, I know, deep breaths.

THE TIPS
Keep it simple. When choosing paint color for an open floorplan, stick with 2-3 colors that compliment and enhance each other. Keep it neutral at the center of the space and have the color branch off depending on how the floorplan is. For rooms you'd like to have a little color but are nervous it may look too over-the-top, choose walls that aren't seen from other rooms and incorporate one of the other colors into the motif to maintain continuity.

Having trouble picking out colors? Check out colour lovers and take note of what palettes your eye tends to gravitate towards.

Color doesn't always have to be on the wall. Even if you are a bright color lover, take a step back before deciding to paint all your walls bright yellow and purple. In my opinion, wall color should be used to either portray a certain tone, define a section of space or complement a function of the room. In other words, think about what you will be doing in the space and then try to illustrate the mood or what you would like to accomplish in a color.

Using a room to hangout, chillax and watch some tube? Opt for more earthy, grounding colors to keep things at a slower pace. Then, use accessories to incorporate the vibrant colors you know and love.

eclectic revisited

handycrafuniqe

Try to keep one focal point per room. When thinking about space design, pick one piece you love or one task you need to have within the room, use it as inspiration and design around it. It's a lot easier to make choices when they are surrounding something stationary.

Can't seem to narrow the focal points down? See if you can combine or cluster into one area (i.e. couch + kid's artwork). It helps balance the room, allowing the eye to begin browsing at a specific point and roam freely and easily around the space.

homeklondike

homeklondike

Always aim to fix at least one functional issue. When you're at the point of redecorating, chances are something aside from the colors isn't quite working the way you'd like in the space. Think of all of the functionally annoying issues within the space and give yourself a goal of minimizing or (better yet) alleviating at least one. And it doesn't always (or ever) have to be "I need more space" or "I need a bigger TV". Challenge yourself to think of the daily annoyances you've been living with over the years that  small tweaks can avoid. For example, "I don't have a place to read" or "there's always a glare on the TV". That way, the solutions are easier and more economical to accomplish.