Photoshop, my love....

Since I have moved to Oklahoma, I have found myself doing most of my work long-distance.  Luckily I know just enough to be dangerous with Photoshop, which has turned out to be my best e-design friend!  With the woosh of an email I am able to communicate with out of town clients, who are also leading super busy lives and it just makes it easy for everyone.  Don't get me wrong, good old fashioned face to face meetings are invaluable... but my computer definitely has a special place in my design practice!  Take a look and see what I mean...

For a client in Dallas, I was able to create this bedroom design based off of our conversations regarding their needs and preferences.  I sent a few tweaks along the way and we were able to paint a broad picture of what the finished room will feel like.  Then comes the tricky part...

I'm not going to lie, I would much rather be able to present all materials together in-person for the client to see and feel.  I did have the client run by the Peacock Alley showroom in Dallas to check out some of the bedding and make sure they were happy with the "hand" (i.e. way it feels).  Bedding is such a personal thing and you should always feel it in person if possible!  In this case, we are going to do a custom bolster pillow that picks up on the super cool hand painted porcelain lamps we are ordering.  After ordering about 30 samples from fabric houses in Dallas, I narrowed it down to the two above (I have learned to never give client's more than 3 choices or they often get overwhelmed).  This is where you need a good scanner and a client who is decisive. The colors are only a subtle difference, but it's the details that matter! 

Which one would you chose?

Heritage Hills Home Tour

The Ferris' Heritage Hills English Cottage

This weekend is the annual Heritage Hills Home Tour in Oklahoma City, and you don't want to miss it!  I always enjoy a good home tour and looking forward to this one in particular, because it features the beautiful home of our longtime "friends slash clients" David and Merideth Ferris.  Their charming 1907 english cottage is sure to be a darling of the tour and you won't want to miss it.  It is the perfect blend of historic architecture and pretty period pieces, punctuated with lots of personality... making it uniquely their own!  See the living room featured in Slice Magazine.

The Ferris' home featured in Slice Magazine || photos: Carli Wentworth || styling: Brie Dorr

The Ferris' moved into their new OKC home not long before we moved to Norman and I was so excited when Merideth asked me to help her with design work in the powder bath and kitchen.  Let me start by saying that Merideth knows her own style and has some major decorating chops to begin with! She just needed help turning her vision into a reality.

When working with a registered historic home that is over 100 years old, I knew it was important to honor the architecture of the home, so the pre-design phase started with a little architectural history homework.

After establishing some basic design ground-rules, the first order of business was to address the powder bath, since it is the only downstairs bath and was already gutted!

Step one is always to identify design challenges: low ceilings, lack of character, funky mirror set into what used to be a window.

Then comes the fun part... creatively coming up with design solutions!  In this case they were: to embrace the low ceilings with an interesting wallpaper we had imported from England, add architectural interest with wainscoting and crown molding, and to remove the existing window/mirror in order to re-orient the focus of the room.

We were also able to salvage a fabulous antique sunburst light fixture from another part of the house.  It was in a big open hallway upstairs and was swallowed up due to it's petite scale, which was perfect for the small powder bath.

After a pricey bid from a trim carpenter, Dave decided to tackle the wainscoting himself, leaving more budget for the "fun stuff" i.e. fixtures, mirror and wallpaper!

To make sure the wainscoting height was perfect, I drew the room out with everything exactly drawn to scale... I wanted to make sure it hit above the pedestal, but below the mirror.

And good thing Dave is a perfectionist / engineer, because it turned out beautifully!  Let's just say if my gifted-in-other-areas hubby attempted this job there would not be a home tour going on in our house (love you honey).

mirror: Restoration Hardware  ||  faucet: Rohl  ||  toilet and pedestal: Kohler  || wallcovering: Cole & Sons

I am happy to report that the powder bath has officially transformed into a stunner, and is now a feature point of the house.  And Merideth, who has a serious knack for art walls (seriously she should go into business), finished off the room with a cool collection of wall art that will get her guests talking.

"Sneak Peak" of the art that fills the powder bath walls, including a historic black and white photo of the home. 

To see the finished powder bath, you'll just have to venture out to the home tour!  You can buy tickets here.  It should be a great time complete with food trucks, live music, OKC ballet performance and pop-up shops at the Overholser Mansion.  And for a unique way to view the neighborhood, you can even ride the trolley!  See you there!

Secret Source Revealed

Today I'm going to share a secret source with those of you who live in Dallas!  

I have worked hard over the years to build a team of craftspeople who bring my designs to life and make my client's homes look incredible.  Every job requires the talent of a "village" of craftspeople like painters, carpenters, installers and upholstery and drapery workrooms.  I am lucky that I have had designer-friends and other people in the trade share their secret sources with me, so today I am going to pay it forward!

Meet Bob Wilson...

Bob Wilson of Unique Upholstery in Dallas (near Fair Park)

If you have furniture that you need to reupholster then this is your man!  I first met Bob when I was working on a project a few years ago and my client's friend had recommended him.  I was a little nervous to try someone new and to be honest his workroom is a little off the beaten path, but his prices were too good to resist so we decided to take the risk!  And, I am SO GLAD that I did!

I am a big proponent of reupholstering antiques or other old furniture that you love and just aren't ready to part with.  It is such a great way to breathe new life into a piece of furniture that already has history and character.

I am such a "detail" girl and I need workrooms who I can trust to pay attention to the small things like trims, pleats, flanges, contrast welts, etc.  Above is a pair of "bergeres" aka french chairs that Bob recently reupholstered for one of my clients.  I requested a 1/2" flange with pleated corners on the cushions and a gimp trim along the frame... they turned out beautifully!

In addition to being a talented upholsterer... Bob may just be the sweetest man I have ever met!  Please call him at (214) 827-8262 and don't forget to tell him that I sent you.  Enjoy!

Bob Wilson | Unique Upholstery

1615 S HASKELL AVE

Dallas, TX 75223

(214) 827-8262

The Birth of a Home

I have had such a blast working with a wonderful Dallas couple on their new home over the last year, and I can't wait to show you the finished project in a few weeks!  Floorplans, mood boards and mountains of samples and sketches have slowly transformed into the reality of a beautiful home that they plan to spend the rest of their lives in.

mood boards, samples and construction drawings for Del Roy project

Here is the story of where our journey began...

Take an attorney who is an art-collector with a heart that beats for clean modern lines and personality pieces... add a wife and mama with an impressive collection of antiques and heirloom treasures who has traveled the world with her family and loves to entertain... insert a designer (yes, that's moi) who is passionate about the art of mixing periods and styles... and you end up with a beautiful home that is the best of both worlds!

I will be posting a few more teasers before the great reveal.  So come back soon!

Rustic Charm

Living and working in Texas, I often get clients who want to decorate with a nod to their Lone Star roots without feeling like they live at the cattle ranch.  Is it possible to blend rustic pieces with a fresh and updated design palette?  YES!  The key is to bring one or two simple elements into each room, but always paired with simple classic elements and clean lines.  This look very is comforting and inviting, so kick up your boots and look around for awhile!

This reclaimed wood wall has the perfect blend of tones and patina in each board.  I am actually installing an accent wall just like this in one of my client's houses in a couple of weeks.  I hope ours turns out this great!

I fell in love with the goatskin stool the first time I saw it at Mecox Gardens a couple of years ago.  This is for the Metropolitan Cowboy.

This console table is "faux bois" which is actually poured concrete.  This would look great in an entryway or hallway.

Barn doors are a fabulous way to bring either a rustic or equestrian feel to any home.  They are suprisingly versatile and can range from very raw and natural to super slick and modern in style.  FYI I do NOT like this rug.

For you animal lovers out there, here is a nice "faux antler chandelier".  Stick to simpler lines when it comes to these so they don't get too busy and heavy.

The Barn Light Electric company has a plethora of restyled barn light fixtures that make farm life look chic.

                                     

It is no secret that I LOVE a good hide rug.  Some of my favorites include natural ivory, brindles and really any solid colors.  This one is so yummy! 

These petrified wood stools couldn't be cooler!  These would be amazing spread around a patio or even used as stool around an al fresco dining table.

I am so enamored by the beauty of horses.  Natural Curiosities has a great collection of equestrian beautry shots that will take your breath away.  They can be framed many ways, but my favorite is mounted on slubby linen in an acrylic museum frame.

Relaxation ranch style.  Enough said.

Shades of Light  |  Oly Studios  |  Currey & Co.  |  Pinterest  |  Pottery Barn   |  Barn Light Electric   |  Pure Rugs     via BJD Haus Design  |   Natural Curiosities  |  Rachel Halvorson Design

Design Recipe for a Cozy Breakfast Nook

The Breakfast Nook is an ideal way to make the most of a small space!  I don't know about you, but every time we have friends or family over the kitchen is inevitably where people hover... so I might as well give them a place worthy to linger.  With a few simple steps you can create a warm and cozy seating area that might just be your new favorite space.  This is my recipe for a great nook that you might have a hard time leaving...

INGREDIENTS:
1 BEAUTIFUL BANQUETTE - This is probably the most key design element to make the space function well... it is the anchor of the space and likely the place most people will want to sit.  This is also your chance to create extra storage space by building drawers into the base of the banquette. The banquette is typically built into the space and softened with cushions and pillows, but you can also use a great upholstered piece of furniture.  My only suggestion is to make sure it doesn't have arms and that it fits snugly in between the walls.
1 GREAT TABLE - Round, square, oval, rectangular, wood, metal, stone... anything goes here.  Just make sure you leave plenty of space for your guests to slide past the table into the banquette.
2-4 INTERESTING CHAIRS - This is where the personality comes into play, so don't be shy!  Look for chairs that aren't matchy matchy with your table and that have an interesting shape, finish or fabric.  Or you can really think outside the box and throw in some stools or a bench in lieu of traditional chairs.
1 FABULOUS LIGHT FIXTURE -A great chandelier is like jewelry and will always make the space feel intimate and polished.  I also love the look of a pair of sconces flanking your banquette... very stylish!

Mix all ingredients together with a healthy dose of character and style.  Fold in an interesting mix of fabrics and materials.  Add a fun group of friends and fantastic food... Enjoy!

 

Marvelous Mix-Up: Chairs

Today I have a special treat... a post from guest blogger Mari from Design Shuffle.  It's no secret that I have an obsession with chairs, so of course I jumped at the chance to showcase these beauties on my blog... Enjoy!  - GLC

***

Hello, everyone! I'm Mari, a writer for Design Shuffle, the online gathering place where interior designers and design enthusiasts share projects and decorating ideas. I'm so happy to be here with a guest post about one of my design obsessions - chairs and how beautifully they mix with each other. The ideas for mixing up different styles, colors and finishes of chairs in one space are limitless so let's get right to the subject at hand and take a look at eight images showing just how marvelous a chair mix-up can look. Please enjoy!



White is the unifying theme of this chic mix of dining chairs in different styles. The white center of the room is simply stunning against a dark background.



A collection of upholstered arm chairs is beautiful and totally unexpected around a white dining table in this open living space. Different styles from traditional to contemporary are represented in this diverse group.



A vintage, perhaps Swedish, home includes this white dining space infused with the happy vibe of a collection of brilliant candy colored metal Tolix chairs. Red comes to join the party in the form of bright red pendant lights.



In a much more restrained design, two chairs create their own marvelous mix-up in front of the fireplace. There's nothing matchy-matchy about this lovely pair.



Six chairs in different shapes, colors and fabric patterns are lovely around the table in Tyler Florence's Kitchen of the Year.†This space is filled with kitchen design ideas.



The meticulously crafted spaces inside Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's 1865 Bridgehampton house include this dining room with vintage chairs surrounding a contemporary white table. The disparate group of chairs is unified with black paint. The blue glass lighting fixture above the table is a lovely choice.



This marvelous mix-up actually includes two upholstered benches plus rattan and slipcovered wood chairs at the table and in the adjoining sitting areas.



This blue dining room is formal, but definitely not shy about revealing a light-hearted side--enter the casual chair whimsical chandelier at center stage. Doesn't this inspire interior design ideas for infusing a touch of whimsy into slightly stuffy spaces? †Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

As you see, marvelous chair mix-ups can turn up in just about any space. I hope you're inspired to start your own collection of these mismatched beauties.

What do you have a marvelous mix-up of at home? Let us know in the comments section! And also, don't forget to check out our Design Gallery on Design Shuffle, your ultimate source for decor mix-up ideas and inspiration!

Juggling Act - Thoughts from a Designing Mommy

As I was sitting down to get some work done earlier, this is the comical scene that unfolded...

Not exactly the kind of assistant I was looking for...

All this hard work is making me sleepy.

Which got me to thinking about some of the ways that being a mommy has shaped me as a designer.  I couldn't help but laugh at myself as I thought about the ways my "design views" have changed for clients with young children.  In the spirit of humor and humility, I'm here to share a few things I have come to learn along the way...

WHITE FURNITURE IS A BAD IDEA IF YOU HAVE TODDLERS

Yes, I do own an iron!

Three years ago I would have sworn to you otherwise.... explaining that bleach and the occasional professional cleaning will keep things looking good.  I was WRONG!  Unless this pristine fabric is far from the messy fingers of your children, don't even think about it.  The white slipcovered chairs in my kitchen are now a certain muted shade of mac-n-cheese, spaghetti sauce and chocolate milk.  And while an oxiclean wash is helpful, I failed to consider that I would need to iron them every time - and let's be honest, with 2 itty bittys, I'm just not going to do that!

MIRRORED FURNITURE.... SERIOUSLY???

The morning cereal bowl ring, and toddler "paw prints".

This is a sad one for me, because I truly love a good mirrored piece.  But toddlers hands are perpetually grimy and I promise you cannot keep up with the cleaning unless you have a live-in maid!  It's not that this didn't cross my mind when I bought our awesome new mirrored coffee table... I was just naive and thought that I would be able to set up boundaries and rules to keep it looking good.  I even rationalized that since the mirror had an antiqued finish that messes wouldn't be that noticable.  WRONG AGAIN (have you ever heard a woman say these words so much?)!  I am approximately one "lunch-in-the-living-room-please-mommy" away from stashing this thing in the attic until he is 18!

IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO SEE SOMETHING BREAK THEN PUT IT OUT OF REACH

Sometimes it's just worth the risk

I have a great collection of oversize ginger jars ominously adorning my fireplace, along with a great glass lamp that I love!  All of these are in the direct line of fire of my energetic 3 year old and I have just had to be honest with myself that there is a good chance one (or all of them) will become a casualty.  I've decided I'm willing to risk it anyways, because I love them and think they add a lot to the room.  These things are precious, but not as precious as my kids... so please remind me of this on the day that I'm tearfully picking up pieces of porcelain off of my living room floor!

Young "House" Love

For couples heading down the aisle, there are a million things to think about... life as they know it is about to change and there are so many details that lead up to that amazing day!  While tons of time often goes into choosing the perfect color of bridesmaids dresses or the flavor of wedding cake... many new couples overlook much more lasting decisions like the perfect colors for their new home and the "flavor" of their first house together!  I have recently teamed up with Bella Flora Dallas, as a part of their Lifestyle Experts program, to help guide young couples through the process of creating their first home together.  

Here are a few simple tips for new couples on how to make a big impact for a reasonable cost...

PAINT & PAPER - Be bold when choosing paint colors and wallcovering... steer clear of too much beige and instead chose your palette from gray, ivory or gold tones or use a pleasing version of your favorite color.  Notice I didn't say SHOCK, I said BOLD.  Don't use overly bright colors (dark is still great though) that are going to dominate the room.  Instead use an interesting color that is subtle enough to keep your eyes moving, but bold enough that it will be remembered!  As for wallcoverings... small scale graphic patterns, woven textures and the look of hand-painted are my favorite options.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE - Don't let your walls have all the fun... any surface can be painted to add interest (floors, ceilings, cabinets, doors, trim, etc.)   Don't be afraid to try something different.  UNLESS you are painting over stained wood floors or cabinets, you can always change it if you don't like it.  As my mom always said "Nothing ventured, nothing gained"!

WALL ART - Another great way to be bold is by selecting oversize or otherwise dramatic wall art (paintings, photography, tapestry, sculpture).  A large collection of works will give the same impact.  Natural Curiosities has a great collection of reproduction art pieces that are unique and affordable.  (Dallas shops that carry the line include Calypso Home, Gray Living, Vintage Living and I am happy to order a piece for you as well).

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS - And I have recently stumbled on a few great local artists who specialize in contemporary pieces... you can even send an artist fabric swatches or samples of color in the room and let them come up with a custom piece tailor made for you!  Lindsey Meyer, Sonya Edwards, Carol Benson-Cobb, Charlotte Seifert are all super talented artists with approachable price points.  Check out these links to see more of their works.  And another great source for original artwork is SCAD.