This topic is for those of you who yearn to do something different, out of the ordinary, and very unexpected.

If you have an area in your home that is a transition space, has its own entrance, not easily seen from other parts of the home, you have an opportunity to go a little crazy; as long as it is crazy with a relatable purpose.

My project was on the third floor of a Victorian. It was a bedroom that I was turning into a home theatre. The home theatre had its own enclosed stairway and hall before entering the room. 

We decided to make this area a fun and dramatic introduction to the home theatre. The walls were painted black and a mural artist painted the iconic figures on canvas then applied them like wallpaper. I used track lighting to light each of them and the effect was very dramatic.

I hope this inspires you to think out of the box and have fun with those odd spaces that you’re not sure what to do with.

This room is not quite finished yet, but I couldn’t wait to share the before and after pictures of this family room fireplace.

The transformation was inspired by the exposed brick walls you may see in Philadelphia row homes or lofts.I had a mason come and apply a light mortar right on top of the old, and leave mortar directly on top of the brick. The original mortar was inset deep enough that none of it had to be removed.
No demo. The process only took a day. And it was the best decision for the budget. Look how it brightened the room!

The lack of proper lighting is one of the biggest and most common problems in a home. And people don’t realize what they are missing. How ironic, I had to stop writing for a while because the electricity went off during the storm. I definitely missed my lighting and candles and a flashlight did not help much.

Anyway, lighting needs to be layered and controlled for the right affect and function. By “layering” I mean more than one type of light, and at more than one level in a room. Usually, people put a few lamps in a room and call it a day. But there are so many options to combine that will make a room come alive.

The picture to the right shows table lamps and recessed lights that are controlled by dimmers.  This room is not that big, so the addition of the recessed lights on dimmers creates another controllable layer of light that is adequate for the size of the room. This room has four recessed lights, two table lamps and one decorative light on the dresser.

The picture on the left was taken in a very large dining room. We did not have the option of adding recessed lights. But we do have lighting spread throughout the room. In the mirror reflection you can see a chandelier and wall sconce. We also used buffet lamps. What you can’t see are accent lights strategically placed on the floor to up-light and accent tree in the corner and an open étagère (bookcase) to wash the wall behind it with light, and illuminate the beautiful colored glass it held. The breakfront was also lit from within and that counts as well. There are a total of ten lights in this room. The lighting is soft but perfect for entertaining.

If you are not happy with your room, consider the lighting. It may be just the fix you need.

I proceeded to ask them many questions to determine the scope of the project, their style, and the amount they were willing to invest in the room. They needed all new furniture, carpeting, paint, and window treatments. They also wanted to incorporate antiques into the design. They were willing to invest $10,000.

Outwardly, I was cool. Inwardly, my jaw was on the floor. How were they going to pay me and be able to get everything they want? Here is the kicker; they had been watching Designers’ Challenge. They actually wanted three designers to give them three different presentations and then they would decide who would get the job.

Oh no, a really bad case of unrealistic prospective clients due to what they had seen on TV. I had to break the bad news and educate them. The only way this would have the possibility of happening is if the production company was looking for homes to work on in their area. Designer’s are not in business of doing the work first in hope that they might get paid for it.

Back then, I was just starting out on my own. I could have saved myself the trip to their house if I had the detailed telephone questionnaire that I have now.

There is nothing wrong with people getting to know different designers. You have to find the right fit and believe that you are comfortable enough to trust them to help you get the result you want.

Designer’s will show you a portfolio of their work or lead you to their website so you can see what they can do. They should be able to give you contact information of clients who are happy and very satisfied with their completed projects. They should discuss the type of design agreement that would be appropriate based on the scope of your project.

Designers do not work for free. We get into it because we love design. But in reality this is a business. We have overhead and other expenses and we have to make a living like everyone else. When you are thinking of starting a project and you know you need help from a designer. Save up for what you might need to hire them as well as what you may need to complete the project.

July is the perfect time to plan for your year-end family gatherings. If you’re thinking about updating your dining room, powder room or kitchen to prepare for the laughter, warmth and holiday cheer, it’s the perfect time to start your project so you have time to relax before your company arrives. Here is my Top 10 List of High Impact Spruce-Ups for Holiday Entertaining in Style:

1. Update your powder room with a new mirror, lighting, a new paint color, or wallpaper for a quick and easy makeover.
2. Change your kitchen counters and install a new sink and faucet. Think about adding a hot water dispenser and filter for instant hot chocolate or tea.
3. Install under and over cabinet lighting on dimmers for dramatic ambiance for parties.
4. Enhance your views both inside and out with custom-designed window treatments in your dining room and family room. Trends are moving toward simpler and sleeker styles with understated hardware.
5. Rearrange your furniture, rugs and accessories for a quick update and add decorative pillows that express your personality.
6. Change your wall colors with updated shades for fall
7. Replace your dining room chandelier with a new style and purchases a neutral textured rug to create a more relaxed space to share a Thanksgiving meal with your family and friends.
8. Be voted the most fabulous host by adding special touches to your guest bedroom and  bathroom. Update your bedside lamps with a new style and three-way bulbs for reading, add an iPod docking station, a carafe and glass, a vase for fresh flowers, a guest book for special memories of the visit, and crisp new bed linens and draperies. Select special bath salts, aromatherapy scents and fluffy new towels.
9. Hardwood is the ever-popular flooring choice for dining rooms, so consider a fabulous new floor to show off your brand new rug.
10. Add a small wet bar in a space close to your entertaining areas with a fabulous Sub-Zero Wine refrigerator with drawers for soft drinks and mixers, a warming drawer for snacks and a small dishwasher for convenience.

Please let us know how we can help you plan for the holidays. Take advantage of our Bi-Monthly Promotions. For July / August we offer a Summer Quick Fix: Redesign & Edit. Use what you have and make it shine. Service includes a color consultation, shopping your home, furniture configuration, and recommendations for room enhancement. Just $500.00 per room. Remember, this special is just for July and August so call today!