I very rarely show the homes that I help decorate, but this week I had the pleasure of checking in on a few so I grabbed some iPhone pics and thought I would share. These are not styled up. These are how people live. When I wrap up more I will grab some more images with our good camera and really share!
This is the home of a friend that I have helped in the past. I shared their beach carriage house here. I am currently helping with the main house at the beach. This is their main living room in their everyday home. They wanted it to become a space they actually use and make it more of a den. She was ready to do away their old scheme of red and gold's and go neutral and serene. She wanted to walk in and feel peaceful. Where the tv sits now used to be a huge built in cabinet made for a tiny tv. We had it cut down to fit a movie worthy screen. As I took this image I sat in one of two chaises that flank a beautiful fireplace. This is only a snippet of quite a grand {as in huge} room.
This is another house that I have been working on. They have been slowly but surely renovating it. When It came to the final decorating touches they were simply burnt out and ready to hand it over. They started of with some gorgeous pieces already. All the rugs are amazing!!! This used to be a dining room at the front of the house. They never needed another eating space, but were in need of an office space. These are only 2 snippets, but I think you get the idea. The rug, desk and chairs were brilliant buys from the homeowners that were worthy of building around. The sconces where already in place. She originally wanted them removed all together, but I knew I could make them work. I honestly loved the shape. I centered the desk and added large scale frames + prints and voila they sconces now add to the space rather than take away. The sofa now makes this a room they actually use more often. I so believe in using every bit of your home.
This is from the same home as above. The sconces were already there as was the sink and counter tops. She was at a loss on how to make it work for them rather than fight against the style they inherited from the previous homeowner. I honestly didn't do much. We added some fouta towels layered over cotton ones. I added brass candle holders and the antique mirror. Sometimes simple changes can make all the difference.
The final home visit I had this week was to this house. It is stunning!!! She had it done {not by me} about 7 years ago, but is ready for a change. Most of her kids are off to college and she is ready to simplify in a big way. This bookshelf was once filled with plates, knick knacks, and books. It was gorgeous, but not the direction she wanted to go in any longer. I added the black pots for a graphic element and rearranged what she already had. I really can't wait for the furniture to come in for this space. It will be quite a before and after. Both designs are beautiful, but very different. It will also show how buying a few classic pieces can work in two completely different design schemes.
So there you have it! Only a few snippets. Each home was done on completely different budgets and had completely different needs. The first was a "everything is going" room and do what you want. The second was working with what they started, but needed help polishing it off. The third home is working with what they have + a few new pieces and coming up with a whole new look. As long as everyone is nice then I will be sure to share more often. Ha.
