bedrooms

Airy Sanctuary: Before & After

March 11, 2019

I’m so excited to share a two-part reveal with you this week! Especially during these gray, dreary “pre-spring” days, I think you’ll enjoy the bright and airy feel of these two rooms. First up, the Master Bedroom!

These clients are SO fun to work with. We really didn’t change much from my original design board and they were so ready for a completely different look and style than they had had in the past. Here is a picture of the master bedroom when I first saw it:

And here is the after …

The only thing we kept were the drapery panels as they were fairly new, and I knew I could incorporate the classic pattern into my design.

Because this room does not get a ton of light despite the wall of windows, my goal was to keep everything as light as possible. We painted the walls my favorite Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. It creates the illusion of a white room, without feeling too stark or cold. This room is a great example of how you can mix light neutrals: white, gray, ivory, taupe. Navy lamps and a soft blue rug injected a fun pop of color. And I specifically asked my photographer to capture the fan in this shot. There is often a debate about whether to go with a gorgeous chandelier in a bedroom or a fan. Oftentimes the husband wants a fan and the wife wants a chandelier. In this case, both husband and wife agreed that they love having a fan in their room but wanted to replace the ugly existing one. We found this sleek modern fan and I think it looks great. Form AND Function for the win!

How pretty are these nightstands?

I love how much storage they provide while also giving ample space for pretty styling.

I love doing over-sized mirrors above a nightstand to reflect more light around the room and I find that it usually makes hanging anything over the bed unnecessary.

This room is huge and my clients weren’t sure what to do with this long wall …

I knew it could be a pretty spot for art with a console beneath.

I love the details on this one.

On a king-size bed, I like to use three large shams and one long lumbar pillow. I love the block print fabric on these shams mixed with the graphic pattern and color of the lumbar.

On the other side of the room is their TV, so we added a pretty dresser with a textured shagreen finish below.

And for the other “what-should-we-put-here?” space next to the bathroom door …

We simplified things with a pretty ladder to hold blankets and a fun little basket, as you can see in the mirror’s reflection.

While we talked about adding 2 chairs and a little table at the foot of the bed (they definitely had the space for it), we ultimately decided a new bench was all they really needed, and this was a great spot to bring in some more texture.

And how about this beautiful vintage inspired rug? The darker color makes it very …

Pet-friendly!

My clients are thrilled with their new room, which now feels more like a peaceful sanctuary. Check back tomorrow for the Before & After of their Living Room makeover.

Photography by Marina Storm: Picture Perfect Photography

Shopping, Champagne and Chandeliers … oh my!

January 19, 2016

Have you been to the new Restoration Hardware in the city yet? (Technically it’s called RH Chicago, The Gallery at the Three Arts Club). Judging by the steady flow of people mingling around the place with drinks in hand this past Saturday afternoon I would guess that there are quite a few of you who have! Did you love it as much as I did?

Tip: If you’re planning to dine in this lovely glass-roof atrium, (and I highly recommend you do!) put your name in for a table immediately upon entering. We were quoted a 1 hour 15 minute wait, which ended up being about an hour. But that’s okay – grab a coffee … or a Bellini (!) at the 3 Arts Cafe counter and start your own tour through this amazing store – all 5 floors of it!

The restaurant and loungey areas are take up most of the first floor. The 2nd floor is set up as a series of to-die-for bedrooms and bathrooms, all decked out in RH’s signature rustic elegance.

(I would move into this bedroom/bathroom/sitting room combo tomorrow!)

I’m putting this rolling ladder shelf on my Wish List.

The 3rd floor is Baby, Child and Teen – they were honestly some of the most fun and creative rooms.

In my fantasy world – this would be my daughter’s room. (I would also need a daughter, ha! I did say this was fantasy.)

Who am I kidding – I could live in this room just fine by myself.

Love this subtle wall treatment –

How about the entrance to this “hang-out” room. Heavy metal chains hung in the doorway. It’s very Brady Bunch meets Keeping up With the Kardashians …

Of course, there were some very cool boys rooms too – I love their use of dark colors, leathers and vintage pieces to make these rooms feel cozy but cool.

Love these bookshelves …

And the nurseries … so sweet and perfect for boy or girl. I just love the map wallpaper.

And here’s a precious idea to steal – photographs of animal babies hung over the crib:

Is it weird that Dan and I stood there for several minutes oooing and aaahing over how cute the baby animals were?

They continued the use of rope in a cool ceiling treatment too –

On up to the 4th Floor which was RH Modern and Artwork. Definitely a different vibe –

This gives new meaning to the word “bar-cart” –

Finally up one more flight of stairs – (there’s an elevator too – but you don’t want to miss this staircase)

And the view is worth the walk up …

A lovely rooftop to showcase their Outdoor Collection – I ‘d love to throw a party up here, wouldn’t you?

At this point you hope you’re receiving a text that says your table’s ready. But if not, just head back down stairs, lounge a little on the comfy sofas and enjoy the view.

(I really want to figure out how to do those uplit wine racks in my house.)

And finally – Voila!

Such a cozy spot on a cold winter’s day. Are you ready to plan your visit?

Don’t be afraid to go bold …

September 13, 2011

Have you heard of the online magazine Lonny?

On Saturday the September/October 2011 issue went live and it is just a smorgasbord of visual delights! With lots of great ideas and incredible homes designed by the likes of Celerie Kimble and Eddie Ross, just to name a few, it is fun to curl up on the sofa with your iPad and and flip through it’s colorful pages. What’s so cool is that oftentimes, if you see something you like, you can click directly through to the website where you might purchase it, or at least get more information.

What I loved about this issue is that these designers and homeowners weren’t afraid to go BIG and go BOLD. It makes each space unique, fun … a little quirky. You kind of feel like you can guess the personality of these people, just by looking into their homes …

Take a peek.

Using bold color, bold wallpaper AND a bold chandelier …

Who says you can’t cover your walls in animal print and butterflies?

Or put a peacock in your dining room …

More butterflies that cover the wall …

Quirky, right?

Bikini art and medieval busts … who knew they went together?

Elephants, zebras and huge lamps, oh my!

Why not mix some Jaws in with your vases and bowls?

Even bathrooms can be bold …

Are you on the fence about doing something bold in your own home? If it makes you smile, warms you heart or says something about you, then go for it!

This is addictive …

June 6, 2011

Have you heard of Pinterest? I am forewarning you … it is addictive.

Basically it’s like a virtual pinboard where you can “pin” things, pictures, etc. you see online to create collections of things you love. You can also follow other people’s pinboards for more inspiration. There are lots of different categories … Home & Furniture (my fave), Food & Drink, Travel, Fashion, Photography, Kids, Weddings … you get the idea. So you can make something like this …

… but keep it all stored on your computer.

Technically, you need to be “invited” to join, but you can go on the site and request an invitation and you should get an email a few days later.

I love being able to “pin” things from any site I’m on by just clicking the “Pin It” button on my Favorites Bar and you can create your own categories like “Lovely Bedrooms” or perhaps “Kitchens I Would Die For.”

Among others, I created a pinboard for “Unique Headboards” and here’s a sample of what’s on there …

Source: housebeautiful.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Amy on Pinterest

Source: None via Amy on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: thediyshowoff.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: dwellingsbydevore.com via Amy on Pinterest

If you’d like to see what other things I’m pinning, just join Pinterest yourself and then click on the “Follow me on Pinterest” button I’ve added to my site on the right-hand side.

Well, it’s a crazy week with the last days of school … so I apologize in advance if my blog gets a little neglected while we adjust to our new summertime schedules.

Have a good week everyone!