chandelier

Patience Makes Perfect: Part Two

November 8, 2022

If you missed yesterday’s post, Part One, click here to read the background story and see the Kitchen Transformation.

I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s post. Moving into the Family Room … this is the only picture I have to give you a feel of the “Before” look …

(This is sweet Chloe, who greeted me at the door every time I came over. She passed away this summer and it felt so sad not to have her there for Photoshoot Day.)

You can see a little bit of some of the previous elements … traditional furniture, rug, window treatments in shade of red, green, gold.

Here is the room today …

Such a transformation! We definitely lightened things up but with those tall ceilings and white walls I wanted to bring in some warmer-toned elements. Two-story rooms can be tricky, the architecture is beautiful but as a Family Room, you still want it to feel cozy.

One of my favorite features of this transformation was adding this beautiful wood paneling to the ceiling. And of course, this stunner of a Chandelier naturally draws the eye up. The existing skylights bring in lots of light.

Here is the view from the Kitchen …

While most of the pieces in this room are new, we were able to incorporate some things from the previous design.

We reupholstered this chair from the first picture that is oh-so-comfy and solidly built.

We painted this brown-stained wood Built-in a crisp white to match the trim, added new doors and hardware.

This gorgeous cabinet was not touched but we added a modern lamp, accessories, art, and mirror.

Layering art over a mirror is a favorite look of mine. This collage by Renee Bouchon is beautiful.

Speaking of art, let’s go back to this beautiful piece over the fireplace.

I shared a peek of this beauty on Instagram awhile ago. We commissioned it from Jennifer Daily and were able to really customize the colors we wanted.

The red brick fireplace was painted white and we added a reclaimed wood mantel.

All of the other furniture in this room was thoughtfully selected. My client previously had a matching sofa and loveseat and the layout worked well for TV viewing. But this time I suggested doing two different sofas. With sleeker arms, we could get more seating. When doing two different sofas in the same room, I like for them to be as different as possible. So … fabric+ leather, light+dark, bench cushion + three seater.

I love an eclectic mix of pillows – these are from Susan Connor and McGee and Co.

The coffee tables required thinking out of the box. A single coffee table, even some of the larger ones, was not working to fill this large space and serve booth sofas. I was worried it would feel too dinky. I suggested using two rectangular coffee tables and my client loved the idea. Not only are they functional, but there is even more space for styling all the fun and pretty things!

A few other favorite elements we added. This gorgeous wool rug from Loloi Rugs …

This adjustable height side table from Noir Furniture …

And of course, a room with these high ceilings and windows called for a tall tree. This beautiful Fiddle Leaf came from English Garden Flower Shop.

Ok, that’s all for today. Thank you again to Marina Storm of Picture Perfect Photography for her photography. Come back tomorrow to see the transformed Master Bedroom!

Now & Zen – Master Bathroom Reveal

November 20, 2018

When it comes to home remodeling projects, what’s better than getting a whole new space? Getting three of them! When my clients decided to update their Master bathroom, we talked about how their laundry room and powder room where also needing some love. While the Master was a full gut remodel, the other two spaces were completely transformed as well. Working again with Stephanie Frees of Plain & Posh Distinctive Cabinetry Design, we came up with a plan. Today I’m revealing the Master Bathroom. Are you ready to see where we started?

The builder of this home was obviously of a “More is More!” mindset … more arches, more walls, more steps – all if it making what is not a huge space to begin with feel even more cramped and choppy. While the colors were neutral, they still felt dark and dingy. We wanted to make the room feel light, bright and luxurious … and to tie in with the style we created for this family’s kitchen remodel a couple of years ago. (See A Modern Rustic Kitchen Reveal.)

Ready to see the afters?

Our clients could not be more thrilled – and neither can I! It is the exact same square footage as before but now it feels huge! Even with all of the lights off – it is so bright and cheery. And check out the ceiling! With all of the arches gone, we were able to create this unique hexagon shape from which to hang this gorgeous wood bead chandelier.

One of my preferences when doing bright white spaces is to bring in a warm element. We could have easily done a light floor – white or gray marble, and it would have been beautiful, but maybe a little cold – and certainly not as cozy feeling. When I approached my client about doing a wood-look tile in a herringbone pattern for the floors – (especially since the adjoining bedroom is carpeted … we wouldn’t be competing with more wood), I wasn’t sure if she would be on board. Thankfully, she loved the idea of giving the room a slightly more rustic, farmhouse element.

To refresh your memory – here was the old shower …

And the new …

The entrance is now on an angle and a high window was added inside to bring in light. Another large window was added facing the tub to allow you to see through to the gorgeous mosaic tile on the back wall.

In addition to the sparkle the mosaics add, we dressed up a classic white subway tile with beautiful marble hex tile on the shower floor, gleaming polished nickel fixtures and a stunning lucite door handle.

I have been dying to find just the right project in which to use these vertical double light sconces, and I knew this was the one. As big as they are, they don’t take up much visual space when mounted to the mirror, yet they still make such a statement in the room.

And … just the right quartz counter tops are still a win-win in my book, for both their beauty and durability. This one has such great movement and even some soft brown tones that tie in with the flooring.

Remember the old bathtub?

In it’s place is a curvy soaking tub with a gorgeous free-standing tub filler.

What used to be one straight vanity and a big empty wall …

… is now a beautifully designed double vanity that wraps the corner with mirrors and provides and extra spot with seating for putting on makeup.

What do you think? The perfect place to relax after the Thanksgiving guests leave – am I right? Stay tuned for Part Two of our transformation featuring the laundry and powder rooms!

Photography by Picture Perfect House.

Shopping (and sipping) at one of our favorite stores

October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween! Yikes … tomorrow is November! Is it really time to start thing about the holidays? Apparently so! Kristy and I were invited to attend a little Pre-Holiday soiree at one of our favorite stores, Classic Remix Chicago. Us and a handful of other bloggers were given the task of tagging 5 of our favorite items in the store to use or give during the holidays.

That’s Mary, the owner … and her cute pup Charlie.

… and a toast with all of the other fun bloggers we met. Check out some of their creative and fabulous lifestyle blogs: The Kittchen, An Eventful Life, Hunter Style, Cedar and Rush, and Mushroom Stew.

With wine in hand, we set out to peruse the store.

Classic Remix has tons of great gift ideas in their store, and many of the bloggers chose their favorite items to give as holiday gifts. Kristy and I decided to tag things we would recommend for sprucing up your home for the holidays.

Like this chandelier for instance …

With an influx of holiday guests coming into your home this season, why not swap out an old or boring light fixture in your entry with this glamorous number to greet your visitors?

And every good holiday party deserves and good bar cart, doesn’t it?

What a fun place to showcase your fancy barware and cocktail fixings. In a dining room, living room, study … this could work in various rooms of your home.

Next up … these fluffy Mongolian fur pillows ….

Changing out pillows is such an easy way to give a quick update to a room or piece of furniture. These pillows are soooo cozy … and in winter white they feel festive for the holidays.

Our next pick wasn’t exactly one “item” but rather this tablescape of glass votives and hurricanes.

What a lovely and elegant way to dress your table for the holidays, right? You can keep it neutral with white flowers like they’ve done or add in some colorful blooms.

Our fifth pick is small and could also be a good little gift idea …

Aren’t these acrylic coasters cute? Typically you don’t think of coasters as being very glamorous .. but these have a very chic vibe, don’t they? We thought so!

Of course, we were only supposed to tag five items … but there were certainly many more we could have happily put our little Swoon Tag on.

Many thanks to Classic Remix and Nicole Regan of Cedar and Rush for organizing this fun and unique event.

Even better, Classic Remix is offering Swoon readers a 10% off anything in the store from November 10-16! Wouldn’t you love to knock some things off your gift-buying list BEFORE Thanksgiving? Just head on down to 24 E. Erie Chicago and mention Swoon!

Enjoy your weekend!

Some illuminating finds ….

September 26, 2013

So, do any of you have this problem in your homes? I call it Boob Light Syndrome.

We have a few too many of these lights in our house, put in by the builder. Ick. Boob Light. This one is in our mudroom … but there are others … hallway, laundry room, closets, even the front entry. It is my goal to eradicate them all over time.

I’m happy to say that last week two of them came down along with the Boob Light Fan in my office. I have been searching for and collecting the right replacements for some time and finally had my trusty handyman in to do the swaps.

The hallway that leads from our kitchen to the mudroom had one single Boob Light to illuminate it. It was replaced by two of these white Barn Light pendants I snagged on One Kings Lane.

Next up, my entryway. Another Boob Light. I have been back and forth and probably looked at 3 dozen different options for this spot. But I kept coming back to this one. Our entryway is not very big so I wanted something simple with clean lines, but also a little drama. I think this fits the bill.

Finally, out with the Boob Light Fan in my office and in with this Antique Brass Lantern I’ve been swooning over from Circa Lighting.

Of course, I had to get someone’s approval first. No, not my husband. (Sorry honey.) Another male in my life.

Fortunately Leo approves. (As a side note, that chair has become the world’s most expensive cat bed.)

Glitz, Glamour and Gatsby

May 9, 2013

The Great Gatsby movie comes out tomorrow … is anyone else as excited to see it as I am?

The Great Gatsby has always been one of my favorite books … so I’m hoping the movie won’t disappoint. I know there have been other movie versions, but I haven’t really loved them.

With Baz Luhrmann directing this one, it is sure to be a visual feast. Of course, the costumes will be to-die-for, but I am equally excited to see the Gatsby Mansion come to life on the big screen.

In anticipation of the Premiere, I thought it would be fun to pull together a few pieces you can use to inject a little Gatsby Style into your own home.

Since The Great Gatsby recounts affluence in America during the 1920’s … glitz, glamour and opulence are in tall order. The Swinging Twenties were also defined by the Art Deco style – geometric shapes, streamlining and clean lines. So here are my picks …

Glamorous Lighting: Nothing has the ability to add more glitz and glam to a room than a few stunning chandeliers, and this ‘20s-inspired version will cast a glittery glow above your fabulous parties.

NEW 1920s Odeon Glass Fringe Chandelier

Geometric shapes: One of the most definitive styles of the era was the use of geometric shapes in everything from fashion to architecture to interior design. This metallic and teal wallpaper pattern from Graham & Brown is perfect for adding an Art Deco touch to a powder room or accent wall

Graham & Brown Wallpaper

Lacquered furniture: High gloss furniture is another way to evoke glamour and drama. Introduce a lacquered piece like this desk into your decorating scheme to give your space an opulent touch.

Jett Desk in White Lacquer

An elegant and well-stocked bar: Jay Gatsby seems like the kind of guy who would want to be able to mix himself a cocktail from any room in “the manse”. A bar cart like this streamlined gold-leaf version, filled with chunky crystal decanters could fit just about anywhere.

Gold Leafed Bar Cart

Traditional Decanter

Art Deco Artwork: The style of the Swinging Twenties can easily be defined in the Art Deco artwork that was produced throughout the decade. I love this poster from Red Gate Arts on Etsy.

Art Deco Bauhaus Poster

Silky, shimmery fabrics: The early Hollywood influence on the ‘20s is evident in the popularity of shiny, luxe fabrics like silks and satins. This metallic throw pillow is the perfect addition to give any room a touch of old Hollywood glam.

Frosted Diamond Pillow Cover

Mirrored furniture: Reflective furniture was all the rage in the ‘20s, and it wasn’t rare to see mirrored tables and chests in the homes of high society like Jay Gatsby. This one feels Art-Deco inspired with it’s circular base.

Splendora Mirrored Console

And there you have it … (cue the fireworks). Don’t you want to bring Gatsby into your home?

All of the fabulous mothers out there … have a great Mother’s Day weekend!