Hello, hello! Wonderful to see you again :) And just like that - it’s September.

A popular project this time of year is what I like to call a redesign. This is when we give an existing space a new look or function. Examples may include breathing new life into a living room, turning a guest room into an office, or improving the organization of a mudroom. A redesign may include new furniture, a new color palette or accent color, flooring, lighting, window treatments, accessories, and possibly minor construction.

Contrary to popular belief, not every designer is bound and determined to reinvent the wheel that is your home. I love to incorporate existing pieces and achieve the desired results as efficiently as possible. Most importantly, I work with each client to develop a recipe for change that best fits their needs and goals.

So what project are you looking to tackle in the coming months? Fall is an excellent time to create order after a chaotic summer as well as plan ahead for holiday entertaining. Let’s start the conversation - call or write today!

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Depending on the size of the home, some families may have both a living room and a family room. For others, these terms may be interchangeable. I consider living rooms to be more mature, slightly more formal in nature, whereas family rooms are kid-friendly and casual.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: comfortable seating, appropriate materials, and extra pillows or blankets for snuggly moments. Carefully consider what activities this room must accommodate as well. For example, include a side table and lamp for reading, flexible furniture arrangement for morning yoga or family dance party, and storage for board games/movies/books/etc.

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Last but not least, metal is also trending strongly these days. Another classic element to design, metal is great for adding variety, sophistication, and a touch of sparkle to a space. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, but be mindful that different finishes may support or conflict with the character or vibe of a room.

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Another hot trend for 2014 focuses on the beauty of natural wood. Not only can this trend transition easily between styles, but it has the potential to be truly timeless. Personally, I’m in love.

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Apparently “Vintage” is in… but was it ever out? Regardless of whether you consider it vintage or retro, I call it classic.

The wildly popular TV series Mad Men may have increased visibility for vintage fashion and décor in recent years, but many contemporary retailers have delivered this aesthetic all along. For example, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, and Mod Cloth all exemplify a vintage vibe.

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So… I realized my last post on geometric trends was very… well, pointy. Here are some other images to help illustrate this trend in greater detail.

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Some projects are small, some projects are large. Some projects are fast, some projects take years.

As you will recall from previous posts (here and here), I have had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the Endicott Hotel renovation for the last year or so. At long last, our chapter has closed on this project and the happy tenants have moved in.

The images below capture the large unit (blues/green), the smaller unit (reds/orange), and the common areas we furnished/staged.

I know what you’re going to say… How’s the house coming along? My answer: Slowly.

The last month has been wonderful, getting settled in. Grilling dinner just about every night, hanging out, and loving life. Normally I would feel a sense of guilt for taking it so easy, but then I remember that we went from wedding planning straight into packing and moving. A month of reprieve was well deserved and much appreciated!

Now that I’m ready to jump into home improvement, I thought I would get my feet wet with a smaller project - styling the built-in bookshelf. To be honest, I was preparing for this to take the whole day. A bookshelf can be more complicated than it sounds. Yes, I am being totally serious.

I wanted the bookshelf to be functional (similar subject matter grouped together) but aesthetic and artistic too. Here are some images I used as “research”.

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And now… Before.

and After.

Surprisingly it only took me 2 hours. The first of what will likely be MANY configurations.

Another hot trend you’ll see in 2013 is black and white. Don’t be fooled - this palette is not as boring as it sounds. Black and white can be glamorous, sophisticated, classic, modern, and easily adaptable by changing your accent color. But nevermind me, I’ll let the images speak for themselves…

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In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I have a MAJOR thing for Ikat fabrics. They are graphic, they are colorful, they are exotic, and simply sensational. Ikat (pronounced e-cot) is a dying technique utilizing a resist dyeing process (sorta like using rubber bands in tie dyeing). The yarns are strategically dyed prior to being woven, resulting in a fabulous striated pattern. This design has been known to various cultures for centuries, and it’s a hot trend you’re likely to see more of in 2013. Absolutely love it!

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