DESIGN PROJECT:: TIMELESS MONOCHROMATIC PHOTO TOUR, PART II

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A few weeks ago, I shared part one of this three part story here, and I know some of you have been itching to see more since I shared, (and I have been so excited to share as well!) So finally, here is part two!

When I left you last, we ended with the dining room and staircase, so today we are going to check out the upstairs. (don't forget to look at the before photos previously posted, too!)

The homeowners have a love for Maine, so we decided to do a coastal feel with a touch of Maine to greet their guests in the guest bedroom. We combined blue and navy patterns and a simple stripe rug. The dresser has a very stately feel to it with it's warm wood tone. 

I am truly kind of in love with the end table, it's pinstripe canvas finished with a camel leather detail on the edge. So handsome! We topped the end table with a heirloom marble lamp passed down through family, together I think they make a lovely pair. 

In addition to their guest room, they also have a pretty sweet music room, a collection of records, vintage concert posters and beyond. While, we didn't provide every detail of design here, we did have a hand in a few finishing touches, colors, and art placement. I couldn't help but share this really fun room what a great place to unwind!

Finally, the master bedroom, such a simply restful place. Every time I see it, I just breathe a deep breath and feel instantly relaxed. A combination of shades of gray, fine details on the textiles that look like mens suiting and beautiful German Silk drapery. I could go on and on!

In the master bathroom we did a bit of a facelift, with a new custom vanity, mirror, sconces and plumbing fixtures. What a difference they made!

Well, that's it for part two of our timeless monochromatic photo tour, next we will hit part three... it's the not so monochromatic space in this residence!

All photos by Native House Photography

DESIGN PROJECT:: TIMELESS MONOCHROMATIC PHOTO TOUR, PART I

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Timeless, classic, tailored, detailed and monochromatic are a few words I would choose when describing this space I am about to share. This home is so refreshing and calm. I honestly feel a breathe of fresh air (accompanied by lilies, the homeowners always have fresh lilies on display.) right when I walk through the beautiful set of glass french doors in their foyer. Not to mention the Gardenia tree that greets you with it's magical smell at that perfect time of year.

When I first meet with a potential client, there are always some key things that tell me we will either click well (myself and the client) or we will not click well at all. Sometimes it's small things, like an inspiration photo they have pulled that really speaks to me, or maybe a specific style they are drawn too. The first time I met with these homeowners, it was no different. But first, let me show you a few before images of their home. They had just moved into the house, and had a few pieces placed throughout, but as you can see, it was far from finished. 

Myself and the homeowners were chatting, learning more about each other and what their goals were for their home. Then it happened. You know, that moment that something speaks to me and I know this is going to be the perfect project and relationship...

As they were talking, I couldn't help but keep looking past them a little bit, wondering if what I was seeing hanging on their wall, was really what I thought it was. And it was. It was. 

An original signed Slim Aarons photograph, proudly hanging in their (what would soon be) dining room. I died, just a little. That was the moment, that I knew this would be something fabulous, and oh my, how it was. 

I'm so excited take you, on a photo tour of these beautiful space, a space that we turned into a home full of character, love and amazing design.

Because this property is filled with so many details, I've decided to break it apart into different parts, that way we can touch on all the amazing elements throughout the home. So please enjoy, part I... 

When the homeowners returned from London, they brought back a beautiful book filled with botanical sketches. We selected a few of the sketches and had them framed and hung in the foyer on top of the stunning hand blocked wallpaper. It fits perfectly with the tone of their historic home and is a lovely greeting for guests, complete with a cozy tufted wing chair duo. 

The formal living room was a really fun space to work with. The fireplace is on an angle, so naturally you feel like you should surround your furniture with focus on the fireplace. In this situation we decided to throw that thought out the beautiful french doors. Instead of letting the fireplace be the focus, we decided it should be a supporting role in the layout. 

Heirloom quality furniture choices, slivers of gold and different hues of wood tones contrast perfectly with the white textile choices. We decided to add the custom plaid bolsters on the chairs for a bit of a masculine touch to accompany the graceful curves of the sitting chairs. 

I really love antique area rugs, there is truly nothing that compares to modern day. We got the rest the furniture atop this antique vegetable dyed peace of art. 

Our clients have a love for antiques, beautiful books and items that tell stories. We were able to combine the use of heirloom pieces passed down through their families and pair them with modern accessories of today. All together, they blended lovely. 

Just past the formal living room, the stairway boasts beautiful architectural documents of sailboats along with black and white photography of regatta races. We had a lot of fun coming up with the framing and layout for this area.

In the dining room we chose a large scale chandelier to dance over  the Ralph Lauren dining table and chairs. A collection of photos from travels, family, friends and their beloved furry friend, Franklin give the dining room a more casual feel. Not too stuffy and formal for entertaining. Plus lots of light, lots and lots of sunny Florida natural light. My heart just sings in there.

And of course, Slim Aarons stayed right where he had been all along, we just let him share the wall with a stately wine cabinet.

This brings us to the end of our part I story, but I leave you with the above photo, that just gives you a sliver into the not so monochromatic family room... 

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** All professional photography by Native House Photography

SMOKEY MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

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Every year, my husband and I sneak away somewhere new and fun to celebrate our wedding anniversary. This year, we escaped to The Smokey Mountains. We stayed in the coolest digs, the retro condo of Furnish Me Vintage, called "The Groovy Getaway", seriously it was like a weekend time warp. 

The weekend was full of relaxing mountain views, shag carpet (yes, for real.), Elvis, Atari and champagne. 

Every day it was a different beautiful sky. What a relaxing environment. Daytime filled with bright blues, fluffy white clouds and rolling green mountains for miles and miles. The evenings looked like a new water color painting every night.  It was quite magical.

It really got me daydreaming about what kind of cabin I would have if we ever owned a vacation home in the mountains. When I daydream this way, I really go through all of the different design scenarios in my mind. A space of whites and grays with distressed woods; vintage Americana looking, with a large proud american flag and maybe a few denim accents? Maybe really traditional and cozy with warm colors, leather tufted sofas and Persian rugs. The list goes on. 

Finally, I landed on it. A relaxed mountain home with a boho chic vibe. Something with a few traditional elements, mixed with relaxed and cozy pieces topped off with some funky finds. 

 

I know everyone has their own version of what a relaxing vacation home would be. To me, this is it. I feel like I could really unwind and relax here. I love the cozy deep sofa with the tufted arm chair, I could curl up and read a book with a glass of wine easily! Of course I am a fan of pattern on the floor and this rug offers the perfect design. I always love to throw a showstopper piece in somewhere, I think the blue cane chair does just that, talk about conversation starter! I imagine beautiful sun rays peeking through the trees, dancing the on the wood floors. Windows open and sheer drapery floundering about. Preferably, I would like this house situated on a beautiful lake in the mountains. Hopefully one day the day dream will come true! 

After this getaway, I returned to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I really cherish these lovely vacations. 

Happy fourth anniversary, David. Thank you for loving me the way you do, supporting me and always being my biggest cheerleader. Without you, this dream turned into business wouldn't be possible. I am so happy you are alongside me on this amazing journey. Here's to many more years. I love you. 

 

Newlyweds. July 7, 2012 | Chicago

DESIGN PROJECT:: THE PENNY HOARDER HQ

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Every once in a while, we get really lucky! We meet really fabulous people who invite us into their homes to design the perfect environment for them, then they ask us to do their workspace. This project was nothing less of that. A while back we completed the private residence for the CEO of The Penny Hoarder (photo tour of that beauty in the near future!). So, without question, I was more than thrilled to accept.

 

This space is a really cool space, earlier in the year, it was rehabbed and brought back to life by Boyd Construction. The building was on it's last leg (and rumored to once have been a brothel.) They took it to it's bones and made it shine, without loosing it's character of being a 100 year old building. It was a widen open blank canvas. That's where the LG Design team got to work.

Kyle, CEO of The Penny Hoarder, explained he wanted an open work environment. Places for people to collaborate, brainstorm and feel creative. He also wanted to incorporate cozy little spots for people to relax and have conversations. He believes in a healthy balance of work and play, to produce top knotch work. All while having a modern tone.

So we got to work... 

A bright and sunny conference room overlooking Central Avenue. 

An open writers area with individual desks. We decided to design the space with half walls to house all of our electrical needs while creating separation. We finished them off with old brick to bring in that 100 year old building vibe. 

If you know me, you know we are going to try to sneak some wallpaper in somewhere! This time we decided to dress the long hallway with a plum/purple geometric pattern. I absolutely love how it looks with the copper accents throughout the space.  

We also lined the hallway with tourqouise chesterfield sofas, the art was inspired by what started The Penny Hoarder -- couponing! So we had custom acrylic boxes made and filled them with millions of coupons. Okay, maybe not millions, but a lot! You get it... 

While working in an open space is fun, we understand that sometimes you need some quiet spots to get your ideas out and pen to paper. That's where these glass "pods" came into play. Sleek, simple and efficient.  

We mentioned Kyle likes to have a healthy balance of work and play, right? Well if this isn't proof enough... A shuffle board for those much needed breaks! 

Just what would The Penny Hoarder HQ be without some fun with pennies? We love this coffee table featuring Lincoln made out of nothing other the copper pennies! 

More creative writing and collaboration areas throughout the space...

A modern kitchen and break room featuring a stainless steel backsplash in the classic subway style.  

 

Aren't these copper chairs the coolest?! 

Last, but definitely not least, we had some fun in the bathrooms with a bold wallpaper and paired them with funky mirrors. 

So what do you think? Isn't The Penny Hoarder HQ such an invigorating space? I feel like my creativity would constantly be flowing.  

Tell us your thoughts below! 

 

All photography by Native House Photography.