A Warm, Whimiscal Gathering Space


Does artwork get much cuter than this?

Take a peek into the design process of my client Glamma who lives in Gunter, TX-



Any day now, Glamma will become a grandmother to eight sweet babies...
all under the age of 5!

YIKES!

She and her (patient) husband built an addition onto their already beautiful
home to create space for her three daughters and families to visit.

Not pictured is the stylish bar and extra bedrooms upstairs... it goes on and on-





Glamma has a keen eye for design and embraces the use of color...
a dream for me!

My goal was to help her fill these walls with artwork that was unique-
with a splash of whimsy.

We started with this custom mirror she had created and this awesome
venetian plaster wall color in the attached bath.

(Based on this alone, I knew I'd love this!)


The other factors we needed to consider were the upholstery on the chairs,
the existing area rug and the fabric for the roman shades.




It was only natural to bring on the turquoise... woo hoo!

Next, we took a trip to my favorite Go To art gallery
La Montage

for one of a kind... off the beaten path...
down right special artwork.

We nailed it!

Glamma wanted to keep the space comfortable and a bit more of a grown up feel,
not necessarily a playroom look.

This custom piece by artist Steve Taft was perfect---



Unfortunately, the pieces didn't photograph well, but you can see
how well the set filled the space and added a custom look.


Another empty wall where we commissioned the talented
Elle Designs to make us this!!!!

So personal for Glamma's family:)


And the best of the best from Elle!

Together, we designed a showcase for the grandbabies which brings in
all the colors we are working with and a grande touch of whimsy!

(Baby MacKenzie is due any day now!!!)


One of the best features of these canvas beauties is that the photos are
developed on a foam board and Velcros on!

So yes, as the babies grow, the photographs can be switched out!

Love practicality-


(Funny, we created two blank canvas' just in case there any extras in the future!)

----------------------------------------------
Just for kicks here is a true insider look at what "sometimes"
happens during the design process:

We chose lamps and made sure they were the correct color using a paint swatch -



... and cool, this is what came out of the box-
baby blue????



Dear Uttermost,

If you are going to change the dye lot on a lamp,
please contact the buyer before the order is placed!

Arghhh!,
Frustrated Designer


Plan B Resolution:
Replaced with this beauty and will ship directly to Glamma



It was so nice to be a part of a creation of a space filled with so much love!


Until next time,

Traci

Images via* Moi, Uttermost







Saturday, November 20, 2010 Comments: 2
Read more »

Avery's Bath Transformation and a DIY Project Idea for you!


I wouldn't consider myself very "crafty"... I definitely used to be, until I had to
start using my time a bit more efficiently.

But Sunday morning at 6:23, I did a little craft project...
no cutting
no pasting
no sewing
especially... no painting!

My kind of project...

just peel and stick-

Avery's bathroom has come a long way, but of course Mom I thought it needed something...

Before:



After:






(okay, I sort of forgot about this little DIY number... the mosaic only came in blue and white but we wanted to add the brown and tan, so we individually punched out some from the mesh and glued in the tiles we wanted. Worth it but our fingers were numb by the end!)

And After my craft project:




What an inexpensive, classy, whimsical way to dress up your walls, or doors:)...
and rip it off when you are tired of it!

(Note...when she got home from her "spend the night"...
she asked why there was tape all over her door. 
Four days later, it is still there:)


Wall decals are all the rage... see some inspirational ideas below:

How clever...

and under $50!


Absolutely love this clock idea... use one at the end of a hallway with a
 battery operated clock on top

Wow Factor!

 
A bit of the unexpected....


One of my favorite ideas which will save you hundreds of dollars...
a classic headboard... sticker? Yes!






Wall decals are perfect for kids rooms



Definitely wish I saw this when Austin was younger... I actually hot glued
a felt "road" onto the wall....arghhh

Turn a simple chair into a showstopper!




I've seen these Wall Decals all over town, so try it.... and if you already have,
send me pictures and I will post them!


Until next time,
Traci

Images via* Hottel Photography, Blik Wall Decals, Casa Art and Moi
Thursday, November 18, 2010 Comments: 2
Read more »

Entryways that Wow!


Congratulations to Me!

 
The Design Selection Team at Ava Living has chosen my project from among 1,000’s for this week’s feature as Ava’s Choice! The Design theme this week is

Entryways that Wow!




Thank you Ava Living for featuring another one of my projects!!!!
Check out their site for all things Design!


Until next time,
Traci


Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Comments: 3
Read more »

Luxury Closets: Purge and Splurge!



Out of pure frustration, I will be offering a new design service to all of you!

As I've mentioned before, you never know what will inspire good design...


a beautiful painting,
a budding tree,
a stylish pair of boots...


or a large closet that is out of control!


So, why not take my irritation..... and turn it into a fabulous opportunity
 for both you and me!


With the multitude of McMansions in North Texas come mega closets that
are at times, designed well for function and organization and more often...
 just a large room with rods and a few built in shelves.


Now it is your turn to turn the chaos into control!


You too can have a luxurious closet!


My friends...and certain family members... have heard me whining a bit lately
(you know who you are)
about how I want to rip out my entire closet set up and start over-

yes, and 95% of the contents...

(Mike, I won't touch your half side)


I'm not really into clothes shopping and I'm guessing it is because I shop all the time...
 dressing the home instead of people.

I've continued my pouting by suggesting that someone comes to me with
 fabulous, stylish outfits 
 just like I bring fabulous, stylish fabrics to dress your windows, your beds, your furniture-
(just secretly slip me the name:)

Easy enough? Hmmm... quite the splurge- a girl can dream...



Our master closet has two large windows similar to the pic above.

Have I thought about adding a window treatment, not really... but I will now!
(Since it is total wasted wall space, might as well)

So, with this passionate direction I have acquired,
let's not only make my your closet organized,
but let's make it beautiful as well!


A turquoise closet... made for me! (But do the clothes have to be turquoise too?)


This guy is either a nurse or a painter...


Great shoe storage, glass front cabinets and a flat screen


Everything is hidden... not sure I'd go that route but I dig
the idea of a chair to put on running shoes heels and the statement rug


Smaller closets can be pretty too... consider painting yours an accent color

 

Or installing a ladder to reach your boots and perhaps a patterned carpet like Christina- ha!

Maybe we can forget the ladder, but if you are ready to GLAM up your closet and
make it a usable space that is chic at the same time...

We will add:

WOW lighting...
Luxurious draperies...
Patterned carpet...
Cool paint...
Custom furniture...

and a multitude of drawers, doors, cubbies, rods, racks, hooks, shelves, rods...
all designed for you!


We'll have fun extending your master retreat right into the closet...
but for now, here are some tips for organization from www.closetsgurus.com.

10 ways to improve the organization of your master bedroom closet



1.We know it's hard, but we suggest downsizing your wardrobe. Ask yourself
if a garment fits and flatters your shape. If the answer is no, then it's time
to think about donating it to a charity or second-hand store. Honest criticism is crucial
 to this process, so try to accurately assess your need for and love of your garments.


2. Since we're talking organizational strategy, try designating sections of your
closet for different types of garments and belongings (formalwear, work attire,
 summer dresses, shoes, etc.).


3. To achieve organizational bliss, create a particular system for storing your hanging
items and belongings kept in drawers. For example, you can classify your
possessions according to color, season, brand or fabric. Plus, you can put dividers
in drawers and on pull-out shelves to keep things properly stacked.

 
4.  If your shelves are too deep, then you'll struggle to maintain an accurate inventory
of everything stored on them. So we recommend installing pull-out shelves for
easy access to items like sweaters and t-shirts.


5. If you've collected so many blouses and Blahniks that you can hardly think
straight every time you stumble into your master bedroom closet, then consider
adding a little tech wizardry to jog your memory. You can either install a custom
computer system that indexes the precise location of everything you own, or you
can scan images of your belongings and tag their location in the closet.

 
(Maybe there is an Ipad app for this:)

6. Laundry happens. But to prevent it from overtaking your master
bedroom closet, incorporate pull-out laundry baskets into the design.

 
7. Include an island or pull-out table for efficiently packing a suitcase or
folding garments fresh from the laundry.


8. Pull-down swing rods are perfect for easy access to the belongings you want
to store in the higher regions of your closet.


9. Double the space in deep drawers by stacking clear plastic boxes with lids
that create additional layers of storage for, say, seasonal items.
10. Want to maximize your closet's precious corner spaces? Incorporate carousels
designed to tuck into tight corners so you can see everything hanging right
before your eyes.


I'm excited and motivated!

Until next time,
Traci
Saturday, November 13, 2010 Comments: 9
Read more »

House of Blues...and Silver


I know, I know... I need to get out more!  Okay, I did- even if it was a Monday night!

We were privileged to see our friends' talented son, Dylan, perform at the
House of Blues in Dallas- and did he steal the show!

He is a senior at the Performing Arts School, Booker T. Washington,
and has a great future ahead of him on the keyboard.

 (Maybe my girls should have stuck with the flute and oboe?)

Nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the show and I had a blast snapping pics along the way.



House of Blues has locations all over the United States and is known for
live entertainment and southern cuisine.

I was amused with the random items they had on the walls which was sort of inspiring...
can you install jeweled shoes all over your media room?



or random hand cutouts?



or a collection artwork in your gameroom?

(I'm pretty sure your 5 year old could replicate the blonde dude with the guitar-)



So this next part is pretty funny... we sat down to eat with our besties,
The Drifing Woods (sorry, I couldn't resist that one:)



and we noticed this...


(is this a knock off of the cheese head?)

which lead to this!



Behind our table, they were filiming the "After Show" for the Dallas Cowboys
 starring running back Tashard Choice....

 hmmmm.... the place was empty-
I wonder why....geez -

To me, the restaurant decor was far more interesting than any commentary on the Cowboys!

(Given their latest showings, my football fan husband may have to side
with me on this one... I think?!)

Here are some shots from the House of Blue's website:



The ceiling caught my eye right away!


Love the vintage chandeliers and the chairs with the alternating fabrics...


How about colored paper mache' squares for your walls?!


Basically, anything goes to create the warm, eclectic look at the House of Blues.

If you are a restaurant owner and in need of a redo, call me and
we will bedazzle your space too!


Until next time,
Traci

Images via* Moi, www.houseofblues.com
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 Comments: 2
Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.