Project Number Seven

Tomorrow I turn in my final project for Intro. to Interior Design class and I'm finally done! It's been fun and a little stressful but it's nice to see it all come together at the end. For a quick recap, my "client" was my co-worker and friend, Michelle. She wanted a contemporary but comfortable space where she could entertain friends. She hates pastel colors and florals, and wanted warm colors like muted red, olive green, and earthy brown. She and her husband Tony love to play games and watch TV, so comfort was a must and space to seat at least 6 people comfortably. They also are learning to cook and are experimenting with different wines, so they wanted a dining room that had warm colors and a more intimate feel.

I felt a L-shaped sectional sofa would meet their needs for seating, and hardwood floors was a must as they have a Yorkie Poo, Chloe, who is still in the potty training days. Leather is very durable and will hide any scratches her little nails might make on the sofa. They wanted space for a computer so I added a desk behind the sofa with my favorite Louis Ghost Chair. Whoever is at the desk, can still participate in the conversation and see their 60" TV. The sofa is at the desired distance of 8-10 feet so they won't be too far or too near the TV.

The dining room gets a little punch of drama and feminity with a gorgeous red leather wallpaper. It's faux, but very hard to tell and feels soft to the touch, much like leather. I also found a cool metal wine rack that can be mounted on the wall and display their wine collection, plus there is a sense of intimacy as the chandelier is candles (electrical, that is). Above the buffet is a framed chalkboard where they can write their menu or any fun statement for the evening.

So here it is along with some photos of what I would suggest for furniture selections and fabric/casegoods.




Suggestions for Furniture in the Living Room




Candice Olson Chair in a Charcoal Velvet

Furniture Suggestions for Dining Room

Chalkboard above the Buffet (but in different frame color)



Images also from Restoration Hardware, Candice Olson Furniture, Pottery Barn, and Ballard Designs

Bainbridge Island Home

For those of you not familiar with the Seattle area, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by the mountains and Puget Sound. If you ever come to visit Seattle, you need to spend a day in Bainbridge Island. The ferry from Seattle is a short 30 minute ride and you can't beat the view of the Seattle sky line and the mountains in the background! My husband and I talk about retiring on this island as there are some wonderful little stores, restaurants, and homes dotting the island. And there is no traffic! Well, at least no traffic until the ferry unloads the cars and passengers :-) This home is for sale currently on Bainbridge Island and you can view the listing here. Again, out of my price range, but I got some great ideas and absolutely enjoyed the exterior and interior design!


























All images from Windermere Real Estate

Windsor Smith Fabric and Some Good Luck

This morning I was enjoying Joni's blog from Cote de Texas and her remodel of her neighbor's home. I particularly liked the light seafoam green fabric she chose for her client's pillows, chairs, and curtains. It's Windsor Smith's fabric by Kravet in Riad and Cap Deluca.





So after reading this blog I decided I better go to a fabric store and continue searching for a few more samples for my Intro to Interior Design final project. I didn't find what I was looking for but while searching their bargain bins, I came across this fabric for $7.98/yard.



It reminded me of Joni's fabric selections and since there was 2 yards left, I thought I might as well purchase it and use it for some future project at home. When I got home, I looked up the label printed on the side of the fabric and was shocked to discover it's Windsor Smith fabric! This fabric normally sells for $80-$120/yard and I discovered it at Pacific Fabric (of all places) for $7.98/yard! Woo hoo! Below are some photos of the stylish Windsor Smith herself and her family room.





Images by Cote de Texas and House Beautiful

Benjamin Moore Paint

I've been a fan of Benjamin Moore paint for quite some time and use their paint often in my own home. I like to see how others use their paint colors to improve their living space and found Willow Decor's use of Benjamin Moore's Arctic Shadow to paint her family room and adjoining breakfast room. I love it!



The gray color can be cool or warm depending on its surroundings and she did a great job of warming it up with the rich leather couch and linen pillows.


The TV was cleverly included in the family room layout by placing it above the fireplace mantle and surrounding it with custom molding.


The breakfast room was expanded to increase the natural light. What a warm, inviting place for the family to dine in!

Exterior Paint

When we purchased our home, it was a mint green color. Hideous! So I hired a designer to pick our exterior paint colors and I love what she selected for us but lately I've been itching to try something different. Currently, we have Benjamin Moore paint: Main Color is Gloucester Sage, lighter color on the "picket fence pattern" is Nantucket Gray, and window/door trim is a creamy white/basic black. Our house was photographed last summer for a book that might be printed about the architect J.S. White (who built and lived in our home).



Lately, though I've been wanting something lighter in color. As we remodeled the kitchen 2 years ago, I discovered the original colors of the home was white and sage trim. Now, I'm not a purist in the sense that I feel I have to get back to the original colors, but it was inspirational to me. And since the paint is already peeling from the paint job two years ago (sad to say but finding good painters is hard!) I've tempted to do something similar to the guest cottage below to give the house a more coastal look.


Image from Willow Decor

What I'm stumped on is how to handle the upside down picket fence design on the 2nd floor. Do I paint it white and paint the little circles/triangles sage? And how can I add shingles to the house without ruining the Carpenter/Gothic style of the home?