Happy Fall and Catching Up

Just back from a weekend at Bethany Beach, DE, it has hit me hard that fall is here.  It was 52 this morning when I got up!  The end of summer is beautiful at the beach and I was happy to get a break from our workload this summer. The bonus was that I went with Bethany, as the two of us don't get to go out of town together very often to just play!

Here are some peeks of projects going on, starting with a lovely dining room client, a traditonalist, art collector and horse lover, who took a leap with a bold vintage Kilim as a jumping off point for her room.

As you all know, it all begins with a plan....

The window treatments will be in early October after which we'll get some professional photos.

The Phillip Jeffries ( Grey on Blue) grass cloth is so beautiful and the perfect compliment to the newly painted millwork in the room.

Next is a whole office that is being installed this week.  It has been so fun to build the design from a blank space. Here are some shots of it shaping up:

This week we install the marble on the reception beverage center, hang the barn door in the bathroom,  install some custom wood features, lay more rugs, hang art, style and accessorize...so fun!

A really fun project we both are over the moon about the textiles with, is a wonderful couple who needs a total living room makeover and partial kitchen makeover.

We presented kitchen options...

and love the flow from the living room to the eat-in kitchen.  [We're waiting on their decision.]

Another prospective project is couple who wants to meld their existing things with newly acquired pieces inherited from her mother.  With a mix of his, hers and moms, we are neutralizing the basics and adding layers of rugs and accents to pull it altogether.

[Neutral drapes are waiting a selection of trim banding.]

The exciting thing about this busy summer of projects is how we are honing our brand, business model and skills.  

Have you heard of a "Hobson's Choice"? It is basically when you [more specifically a client] think there are unlimited options and are overwhelmed, the more you define your likes and dislikes and delve deep into the problems and solutions, the result boils down to just one or two ideal solutions.  This is a great way to handle the customers dilemma and insight in working with them. 

Have a great week!

THE REVEAL

When some of you suggested I bit off more than I could chew, I thought 'nah, I can do this'.  Well, I do have another day job, a huge beckoning yard AND I didn't factor in mistakes, so this was a great learning experience for me. 


Here is my breakfast room BEFORE:

Here is the AFTER:

(alright I seriously need to makeover cabinets and counters next, maybe a pendant light ASAP )

 I do want to know how to make all these things, so I took on the challenge and the deadline. (which was the hardest part!)  So many of my rooms are not 100% finished, so this made me realize all the little finishes I need in some of my other rooms, cause IT REALLY MAKES AN ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE! (duh)

One of the big challenges was my faux roman valance over the kitchen sink.  I watched a few online videos and researched directions, but getting those folds straight and aligned without sagging was tricky, to say the least.  AND, in my blinding effort to forge through this I accidentally cut the extra length off my shade on the width end (and made it 42" wide) not on the bottom of the shade. So I had to piece another width to the side of the valance so it would span 54" and then add another piece of lining to the back all seamlessly so no one would notice.  I think I pulled it off.  My husband helped talk me off a ledge at midnight one night 'cause I was bound and determined to get it installed in one day.  It took me one whole day to make a little valance!

                      Here area my Danish modern (MCM chairs that are 40+ years old) BEFORE:

DURING:

Here they are recovered in Primitive Stripe Navy, Natural AFTER:

Here is my light fixture  BEFORE (I upgraded 5 years ago to stainless and never was thrilled with):

and here is my new fixture, AFTER:

The  trim fabric ,Sumter Ikat Sky, was added to white panels from West Elm,  BEFORE:

    DURING:

with assistance from the cat:

                           

 AFTER:

              

My kitchen window BEFORE, sans valance:

  DURING: ( see big mistake here)

with faux roman valance AFTER:

Add the Jill Rosenwald "Fallon"  rug:

Here are some more pics from our own photo shoot:

Total cost of makeover = $406.

light fixture $89.99

Drapery panels: $40.00

2 yds. Trim fabric: $17.96

2 yds. Seat fabric: $121.45

Scotchguard $7.99

Rug $129

Thank you Linda, the founder and fellow "undaunted dozen" for joining in this challenge and pushing us to finish a project!  Can't wait for Spring Into Action, Part 2 -- no time soon, please!

Kerry at Design du Monde

Suzy at Saved by Suzy

Tiffany at  Living Savvy

Laurie at Traditional & Modern

Cathy at Room Rx

Carrie at Hazardous Design

Lisa at A Room with A View

Sam at The Junk House

Becca at from Gardners 2 Bergers

Jean at Flower Hill Design

    Linda at My Crafty Home Life

xo Nancy

P.S. There is no solution for a crimped shade. Im ordering a replacement for $40.