Interior Design Photos – Before & After or After & Before?

I’m always trying to decide what blog readers like to see first – the before or the after portion of a design project?  Do you like to be wowed, at the start, or do you like a big reveal?  Inquiring minds want to know!

For this post, I’ll start at the beginning:

A client’s guest bath, accessed directly from a guest bedroom, also served as the main level powder bath.  It had a traditional tub/shower combination with white tile.  Certainly clean and crisp with Ryegrass walls.  The challenge was to make it seem less, “bathroomy”, while maintaining the bathroom function.  Covering it up just seemed to call more attention to the bathing area and it closed off the room.

The Before:

The After:  Presto!  (Well, it always seems to be so in the photographs.)  The tub and surround were removed, added an overhead light, a new shower pan was installed, along with new tile, new fixtures and some dust and labor. Though this doesn't bode for an overnight process, my project’s contractor did move things along!  (A note to myself . . next time, turn off the vanity lights for a photo!)

The Before:  A nice sized vanity for any guest.  It just wanted to be a bit more special.

The After:  Another viola!  The original drawer layout worked but the cabinet height was raised.  We had a vision to add wainscoting to the walls, so we chose a recessed panel style.  The cabinet was topped with leathered, mocha limestone.  The arched valance base makes it more furniture-like.  Gorgeous porcelain tile looks like stone but is much lower maintenance.  (An extra molding strip, at the side, will be finished to match the rest of the paneling.)

Here is a detail of the wainscoting.  It’s simply a series of wood rails and stiles, with a top cap, added to the walls.  An added shaped insert prevents the panels from becoming too Shaker.  It also catches the glaze.

The mocha limestone – close-up view:

We decided to add the glaze to the entire bathroom to tie it all together.  With the texture of the limestone and the tile, straight-out painting would have been too dull.  We left the walls alone to let the moldings pop.  We’re going to go back with just a touch of the wall tint for the ceiling.  It will keep the spa feeling flowing.

The project is almost done.  Just a few bathroom touches and I’m off to do the adjoining guestroom!  After that, my pro photographer, Whitney Gray will capture the images with her magical lens!

So, which do you like to see first?  The before & after, or the after & before?  Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

. . . And in the end, let me know if I can be of help! ~ Wanda

Saturday Simplicity – Villas & Bungalows

What a busy week this has been!  The hours have flown by but I had some beautiful designs I wanted to share with you from Royal Design Studio Stencils/Modello Designs - Facebook Page. I’ve posted a whole article on my other blog, Villas & Bungalows.  It’s just a quick click away for you to see the rest of the story.

(Image From Royal Design Studio)

I know I’m kind of chatty about the whole world of design but my other site is a little more casual, especially if you love cottage design.  Thanks for sharing the visit in the spirit of enjoying some Saturday Simplicity.

All my best! ~ Wanda

A Day of Interior Details

Yesterday, I visited a project that was about three years in the making.  (I’m talking about from the blueprints to the finished home.)  We keep adding little layers as this home is like a special woman who enjoys having a little extra attention.  It makes for an extra glow!  It is also the type of place where the words “simple” and “minimal” just can’t be applied.  There is also a fine line to the process of layering.  Too much, too soon, can be overwhelming.  My philosophy always is, “It’s easier to add than subtract”, so with clients who can embrace that concept, we create not only magic but memories, as well.

 

Sometimes I have some pieces in my treasure trove, of which I’m not sure where they’ll eventually be placed, but I have a “feeling” they will certainly land in a lovely spot.  This Belgium tapestry was one such item.  It was a little small so I had the workroom add an aged velvet with cording.  I ordered custom iron rods from Helser Brothers.  They do beautiful work and made the brackets so that I could reverse the acanthus leaves, from top to bottom.  The tabs and rods allowed for the tapestry to be stretched out in order to prevent wrinkling in between.

Here’s a close-up of one of the brackets.  Beautiful!  (Since I’m only 5’1”, I was so happy my new Canon G-12 camera zoomed to capture that shot.  Just wanted you to know I didn’t climb a ladder to get the photo and risk ruining my career with a broken neck!)

The groin vaulted ceilings are a magnificent architectural detail.  If we had only allowed for a flat painted surface, the depth would have been lost.  Adding soft texturing, which compliments the marble floors, let the lines pop forth.  After standing back, just one more layer did the trick . . . the hand-painted leaves are a reference to the light fixtures. 

We’ve decided to build a couple of custom wall-mounted tables for the walnut paneled library.  My inspiration will come from the cast stone fireplace supports. 

The scroll pattern will be repeated in some corbels.  My fabulous craftsperson, Phillip Stapp, will make these pieces seem as if they have been in place, from the beginning.  He was so pleased he had just acquired some reclaimed walnut boards! We changed the original function of the room, from an office to a retreat.  It’s now home to a pool table and some comfy chairs. 

Here is the area we’re going to address.  I can’t wait to show you the finished results.  Stay-tuned, in late March, for some new photos!

It’s always so nice to step back into a project.  Not only am I able to enjoy seeing the work we’ve accomplished, I enjoy catching up with clients to share their latest events.  Even in a few months, those events can change the focus of their home and I’m happy to be there to make the tweaks.  I call it “planning with flexibility”. 

“Love the home you’re in and allow for the details to honor it well.” ~ Wanda S. Horton – Interior Design

All my best! ~ Wanda

Design Projects Are Under Construction!

Thankfully, my desk isn’t quite this bad . . .

. . . but it’s a reminder of how important it is to stay on top of the management of interior design projects.  Interior Design is more than the “pretty” selections we make.  In fact, the behind-the-scenes or the “during” process can be downright unattractive.  Most people are anxious to get from point A to point Z, in the blink of an eye, but aren’t interested in managing the work that takes place in between.

Sometimes it’s difficult to have a concept of how the whole process will come to completion.  I’m glad I have my “virtual design vision” to rely upon.  Of course, I appreciate all aspects of design.  I actually thought my client’s “before”, framed-out-dome was quite beautiful.  The fellow who did this was an artist, in my opinion!

Okay . . . This might be the scary stage for some!  In order to arrive at an aged, metallic copper finish, the dome had to be base-coated in a pumpkin color.  For the folks, in my area, who are Clemson Tiger’s fans, this color could have been cheering them on!  Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder.

Each additional layer brings the room closer to focus.  Remember, if you have any doubts, be careful in pulling the plug midstream.  If my client had done so, in the “pumpkin” phase, we wouldn’t have made it to these glorious results.  Having a professional designer by your side, during all of the project applications, gives you peace-of-mind . . . and a hand to hold.  (And a big Thank You goes to my fabulous decorative artist, Whitney Preslar Bayer ,for her consummate professionalism and talent, on this massive home project.) 

Now, the table is ready for setting and for receiving guests.  (And for the professional photographer!)  We left the chandelier a little higher, if she decides to use a taller arrangement for special events.

I’ve been working on my “Designing A Room At A Time” series.  It’s still a work-in-progress, because, aside from being a Design Blogger, I am first and foremost, an Interior Designer.   Client projects are under construction so they’ve been needing my time and attention.  Just like any project I undertake, I want to make sure my list is complete in order to allow for the best outcome. 

In the dining room, shown above, here is the list for creating this room, from floor to ceiling:

1. Review plans with architect.  (In this case, we swapped the dining room space, for a living room.  The original dining room was to be in an area with a 24’ foot high ceiling and a glass dome.  There would have been difficulty in placing a chandelier in the glass dome, maintenance issues, and we wanted the room to feel a bit cozier for guests.)
2. Space planning, based on meetings with architect, builder, and blueprints.
3. Meet with framer to design dome size, dependent on depth of room space above this ceiling.
4. Meet with woodworker to determine molding profiles, size of crown mold, and flex molding for dome base.
5. Select cast stone base mold.
6. Meet with electrician to review layout of outlets, switches, positioning of chandelier, and wall sconces.
7. Meet with smart home wiring company to determine placement of security sensors and audio speakers.
8. Select flooring – polished and honed marble combination with inlaid stone border around the perimeter.  Meet with installer to review placement.
9. Select door styles, (not clearly shown in photo), wood species, stain color, finish type, hardware style, and function.  (May want to open to loggia or keep fixed.)
10. Get specs for windows to begin the window treatment design process.  Pay attention to where attachment may be needed to decide if board mount is better.  Discuss options with workroom.
11. Pull color palette together for walls, ceiling, dome, windows, and chair seats.
12. Source fabrics, trims, hardware, furniture, and future accessories/artwork.
13. Double-check all measurements, post completion of construction, for accuracy against blueprints and changes.
14. Create quotes, order product, coordinate deliveries, and installations.
15. Be available to oversee all processes.

Today’s interior designer wears many hats.  While some may specialize in certain areas, we all still must be involved in the project management.  The wise client will select someone who can be a team player and act as the liaison for translating the pieces of paper to a real life experience.  Rooms just don’t pop off the magazine pages or the internet screen!

Back to my “construction site”.  I’ve got more lists to make into reality.  What project do you have in progress?  I would love to know more about it!

A Bathing Beauty – Modern Design Meets Italian “Fusion”

I’m sharing a little side “trip” from my series, “Designing A Room At A Time”, by featuring a portion of a new-build project I completed, last year.  Actually, my client and I are still adding personalized touches, due to the scale of the process, but the bulk of the work has been done.  You’ll be able to view the architectural designer’s featured link to the home – Here. (It may be best viewed if you have Flash.)  I was the project’s interior designer, from blueprint to finish, and from top to bottom.  (The architect’s photography was done in an earlier stage, but you will have a good grasp of the overall design concept.)  There were so many special spaces in this home! It has been difficult to decide which one is my favorite.  Each area has its own little story.

One bath and bedroom area, in particular, required a little extra thought, given the overall design is an Italian Villa meets the French Mediterranean.  This area was designated to be a guest suite, as well as to be a retreat for a daughter, during her visits home.  She loved the aesthetic of a streamlined, fabulous hotel suite.  As I was pondering how to create this area, while still honoring the areas leading into this space, I knew I could call on color to be my “first assistant”.  I decided to focus on some of the softer palettes of green, mocha, and brick. I’m sharing with you the final results of the bath, and I do think “she” turned out to be a real bathing beauty!

 

The cabinet compliments the strié tile, with the sparkling deco inserts of crackled glass.  The broad horizontal plane, painted in the same color of the trim, creates the perfect location for placing crystallized, tile-like color accents.  It also brings a tall ceiling down to human scale.  The vanity light defers to an iron scroll design, used in the bedroom window treatments.

 

A closer look at the crystallized accents.  You can see the glimmer of green on top of the rust base.  Every girl loves a little bling!

The location of the bedroom and bath faces a very sunny exposure.  The mostly green palette virtually brings the temps down on a hot day.

This paisley bedding adds some feminine curves to the bedroom.  We are still tweaking that area so watch for a future post on the completed look.  The colors are spot on!

The starting point . . . This beautiful White River granite made us feel as if we were sailing on the Italian Riviera.

It was fun travelling with you, today!  I would love to hear about one of the most beautiful bathrooms you’ve seen.  Tell me what made it so special or about a favorite feature.

Con Grazie!

Great Beginnings, Part 2

So. . . the New Year is here, and you’ve packed away the decorations and cleared out or reorganized the clutter.  (At least the thought has arisen, right?)  As I promised my clients and readers, I’m working on a series, “Great Beginnings”, to be a guide for planning and implementing any home design project.

Space planning is just one of my first priorities in planning a room, whether it be a simple or a complicated layout.  I use a special program to scale the design and the furniture for the best fit.  (More on this subject, later . . . )

In a previous post, I addressed some points on organization, not only to open up space, but to plan it in a way which promotes for ease of living and less wasted time in trying to locate important possessions.  A method for achieving that was briefly covered in multi-functional rooms or even multi-purposed pieces of furniture. I’ll get back to some more detailed examples of that, in Part 3.  For now, I want to chat about what emotion or lifestyle you want your well-designed space to evoke.

Identifying this takes a little extra thought.  Many of my clients have collected pictures, prior to our meeting, to show rooms they like.  I study them carefully to see if I can put together a pattern, be it the color scheme, the design style, particular pieces of furniture or accents.  In most cases, the bottom line revolves back to how the room makes them “feel”.

Do you crave a cheerful, airy space – such as this room, featured on my AVA Living Space?  I named it the “Glorious Morning Room”.  It was designed for a shingle-style home and the original artwork, by Jan Yearwood, was the starting point for the color palette.  Many visitors have said this room made them feel happy.

Or . . . is it more your preference to create a cozy retreat, enveloped in texture?  My client’s dining room, dipped in delicious, dark chocolate, achieved the desire of having guests linger over coffee and cordials.  No dinner bell required.

Is your wardrobe more formal and tailored?  Chances are, you’ll love an elegant entry . . . smooth and polished, with the details of a custom couturier. (Custom build project for my client, with Arcadia Homes, Inc.)

If you are a free spirit, (or a ‘tween of the feminine persuasion), you’ll dream of a personalized nest to reflect your passions, plans and ponderings - with vivid hues placed in a play of patterns.  (Photographed by Chanda Pope – Room featured in “Little Ones” Magazine.)

The rooms, above, were completed down to the last ingredient.  They had to have a Great Beginning, in order to achieve the Best Ending.  I was so fortunate to have clients who allowed me to take them through the entire process, from the first questions to the finishing touches.  After all, even with the right recipe in hand, you can’t enjoy a cake, half-baked!

Stay tuned for Part 3 . . . “Thinking Inside of the Box”.  If you would like to receive these posts, be sure to subscribe to my feed, here, or on Facebook Networked Blogs.  (The buttons are to the right.)

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your dream room.  What does it feel like, to you?

Cheers to “Feeling Good”!  Wanda

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The Secret Formula for Age Reversal

Every now and then, I’m able to release my “inner child”, through the eyes of another.  My most recent experience was with a client, with whom I have been acquainted since she was anticipating being introduced into the world!  (I met her mother when she was expecting her.)  Twelve years later, we are watching as she is becoming a lovely, soft-spoken, smart and generously-spirited “tween”.  After patiently waiting for her birthday, she was given the gift of my time and design concepts, along with the talents of Whitney Preslar Bayer, a fabulous decorative artist, who translates those concepts to reality.  Add into this special mix, artistic photographer, Chanda Pope, and I am able to share with you a front row seat to the world of fantasy and frivolity.  It’s a coming of age, for one young woman, and a return to the past, for a slightly older one.  I think I have discovered the secret formula for age reversal!

The process began with a blank canvas – literally.  Neutral window treatments of sheered Austrian shades with clear crystals, off-white furnishings, purchased five years ago, and cream walls.  (These pieces had been selected for a previous residence.)

In order to honor the choice of the favorite color of orange, I was a little concerned about too much stimulus not allowing for a restful night.  Since one of her other favorite colors is aqua, I suggested we bring that down to eye level in order to calm the flow of energy.  I also wanted to be sure the doors didn’t pop out like two large white “teeth”, so Whitney painted the panels and added the monogram accents from the chair back.

The ceiling fan was enhanced by hand painted “streamers” and applied “confetti” crystals.  Her dragonfly seems happy to be suspended beneath such a party of designs.

Happy harlequins march across the chest top, where once, a solid color reigned.  “Mirror, mirror on the wall” . . .  were you plain, too? I can’t recall!

Bath time is far from boring, as the party streamers and confetti are tossed on the wall. 

The Pindler & Pindler fabric, in the shower curtain and shade valance, marry the circles, from the bedding and the diamond/harlequin shapes in the chest painting.  We reversed the wall and ceiling colors, from the bedroom.

Little details make all of the difference.  The crystals, on the painted metal shade, add the bling every girl loves.  The candle cover “drips” with aqua and green.

Even this white wood lamp received the “full” treatment.  The tulle Fabricut trim is appropriately named “TuTu” and was added to the top and bottom of the shade.  The base was painted to pop the colors.  Even the little lamp pull was covered in crystals!

Yes, we, (and I mean, Whitney), can “handle” just about anything!  Crystals, painted accents and drawer hardware all receive the artist’s touch.

Hand-screened damask squares allow for a play of pattern and color, without distracting from the graphic wall pattern.  The bookcase, with shelves and practical storage bins, was painted to bring some weight to the larger wall area.

At the end of the day, when my “tween” client returned home from school, she couldn’t contain her delight, in regards to the outcome of the project.  They say a smile takes years off our faces.  If that’s true, I can hold off on scheduling that nip and tuck, for a while!

Cheers to all!  Wanda

(All photography credits go to Photography by Chanda.)

*Note, this is a sneak preview of a magazine shoot, going to press in November 2009.

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