Classic with a Twist

50 Shades Remix - Design Style

50 SHADES of "DESIGN" Grey.

Sometimes we feel like we are designing around 50 shades of grey. We go through 50 shades of grey paint, grey fabric swatches, grey accessories...

just to find the PERFECT grey

Well, now that the 50 Shades of Grey hype has died down (or has it?!) ... we thought we'd bring it back up by revealing some of our favorites behind

Christian Grey's apartment design!

By Covet Lounge, you can actually see THESE pieces in the movie.

We love the thin lines that grace all these pieces. Whether it's on a console table, or the arm of a chair, everything is done with poise and purpose.

One of our favorite things about this particular collection is the use of gold.

Of course we have a keen eye for that shade right now, so we are soaking it up!

"Selected to furnish Mr. Grey’s penthouse apartment, Boca do Lobo, Delightfull, Brabbu and Koket were found to be a perfect match with the story’s nature, and its main character’s extravagant ways, and millionaire taste. Each piece was carefully selected to fit it’s designated environment style, from bold and avant-garde, to organic and feminine, aiming to mirror the film and brands’ common qualities." - Covet Lounge

Who wouldn't love this lavish style loft apartment?!

This asymmetrical mirror caught our eye along

with it's gold flanking wall sconces!

Such an unusual set, yet it all completely fits.

All images credited of Covet Lounge

We love the design of 50 Shades of Grey just as

much as the world seemed to love the movie...wink wink!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Comments: 0

A Crash Course in Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

Lately, we have been selecting
plumbing fixture after plumbing fixture!

(the Delta Vero Collection)

And our first decision is always... what will the finish be?!

Our current top two finishes are POLISHED NICKEL and CHROME.

(the Delta Vero Collection)

According to Houzz, read on the find out the difference between the two finishes!

POLISHED NICKEL:

If you like a smooth, shiny finish but are tired of chrome, try polished nickel.
It's darker than chrome, and with different levels of lighting,
it can appear to change in color.
(totally dig this one and we get to use it!)

(an American Standard Faucet from our visit to Ferguson for a custom Highland Park build!)

(a Brizo Faucet from our visit to Ferguson for a custom Highland Park build!)

Advantages: Easy to clean. A durable finish. A great alternative to brushed nickel.

Disadvantages: More expensive. It's hard to find matching accessories or fixtures for it.

Styles it works with: Like chrome, it looks great in a variety of settings: modern,
contemporary, traditional and eclectic.

CHROME:

Chrome is currently one of the most popular finishes because of its versatility.

(a Brizo Faucet in Chrome Finish)

(a Brizo Shower System in Chrome Finish)

Advantages: It's generally the most inexpensive finish. It's a very easy finish to clean and maintain. It's durable, easy to find and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures.

Disadvantages: Shows water spots and fingerprints.

Styles it works with: Almost every style.

So what's your style? Your "finish of choice"??

Thursday, February 26, 2015 Comments: 0

Before and After: Client Project -A Modern Bachelor Pad - Fit for the Big Game

When we received a desperate call from a bachelor who was embarrassed to have the guys over to watch the game in his current surroundings .... I figured out why when I saw the Rubbermaid storage container with a piece of plywood on top acting as his coffee table.

There was the typical “Man” leather sofa combined with an outdoor lounge chair, so I knew I could help. We reinvented his sad bachelor pad to a masculine, contemporary living and dining space that he is thrilled to call his own.

From the unique circular light fixture with vintage Edison bulbs, to the abstract large scale artwork ... This ordinary home went from blah to BOOM in a second!

A few BEFORE shots to see the transformation!!

And NOW ... the REVEAL!

We recommended a blue accent focal wall (which we don't normally do!) but in this space,
it is JUST what it needed to add that personalized touch of WOW.

With fabrics that were both masculine and durable,

we can be sure that it will be the perfect space for big game entertaining!

We thought outside the box when it came to wall decor and artwork. The client wanted something unusual and distinct. Check out those wall spheres!

Our biggest obstacle was the client doubting design plan-

he thought it was going to be feminine and the paint too light. He said he was losing sleep over it and at the final reveal, he got teary since he loved it so much! Doubts gone… ;)

That's how we like our final reveals here at TCI ;)!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Comments: 0

Design Delivered - An Online Design Option : Kids Bedroom Edition

Many of you may have heard of our "online design" option called Design Delivered!

This is a package specifically for DIY-er's who want to put the whole design together themselves.

We provide you with drawings, elevations, and every single item sourced online where you can go and purchase it directly yourselves! Then all you have to do is assemble the room!

You can read about it more HERE!

And wa-laa you have a Traci Connell Interiors design look!

Lately we have completed 2 children's bedrooms we'd love to share with you!

This little girl wanted a soft, neutral bedroom featuring her favorite animal .. horses!

We gave her that look while adding in some elements she may not have thought about such as self-stick wallpaper and gold accents!

Her brother wanted a "blue" room with airplanes! So we took on a vintage airplane theme, fully equipped with old airplane propellers!

The elevations help the homeowner to know where to place wall decor and art!

Each Design Delivered plan is accompanied by an excel spreadsheet with each item laid out and a direct link to where it can be purchased!

We hope they love it as much as we do!

Do you need help assembling a room you'd like to DIY?!

Thursday, February 19, 2015 Comments: 0

Operation 17th Birthday Surprise Bedroom Makeover!

When we moved in our house over two years ago, my then 14 year old wanted

a fresh start… which equated to a pure white bedroom. Of course we needed to use her existing furniture but she really didn’t want any color.

So there it went: white paint, white trim, white bedding.

1.5 years later… she’s done and wanted a new look.

Her request was “Antiquated, slightly grunge and cluttered”

Ummm…. okay. So I went to work at it feeling not so comfortable with this design aesthetic - since I have never heard of it before - and she basically shot down every idea. Like some of our paying clients,

she could not see the finish line so she decided to do nothing.

Another year later, still talking about a redo, operation “Surprise 17th Birthday” sprung into action! I decided to just go for it while she was at school and surprise her-

no matter what the end result could be.

Here’s a photo story of the tale:

BEFORE Pictures:

As you can see ... white .. and teenager.
(she removed the white drapes already and took off the 3-D
origami art above her bed- sigh)

She HATED this headboard...

The Process:

Thanks to my wonderful team, we had plenty of help putting this puzzle together!

(Jesus and Ozzy, holding down the fort)

If this isn't "antiquated and slightly grunge" ... I'm not sure what is!
(I spent a lot of time in antique stores)

Thanks Terra ... Somebody had to do it.

And of course the longest part of the process ... planning out the wall designs.

Good thing we had help!

Operation SURPRISE:

What would a surprise be without a little iPhone tracker stalking to make sure

we knew exactly when she'd be home?!

BEST Reaction:

She clearly loved it ;)

Check out her video reaction here!

Final Product!!

From the video and the huge smile, you can see that I hit a home run.

Thanks to the TCI team for helping me pull this off!

Happy Birthday, my Avery!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Comments: 0

Happy Valentines Weekend!

Happy Valentines from Traci Connell Interiors!

A few of our BEST Valentines favorites to make your weekend special!

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe:

link

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Whisk:

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. each baking soda and table salt.

Beat:

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter

1/3 cup sour cream

1 egg

1 tsp pure almond extract

Combine the two mixtures; beat on low speed until combined. Divide dough into two portions. Wrap each portion in plastic and chill several hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick spray. Roll one dough portion on floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out desired shapes with your choice of cookie cutters. Transfer each dough cutout with cookie cutter to prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies 1 inch apart; remove cutter. (repeat with remaining dough.)

Bake cookies until edges are set and bottoms are golden 8-10 minutes; cool on a cooling rack. When cool, decorate cookies with royal icing.

Royal Icing:

4.5 cups of sifted icing sugar

3 tbsp meringue powder

1 tsp cream of tarter

1/4 -1/2 cup of warm water. Whisk together dry and then add water and continue to whisk until the icing is the way you like it.

**from Cuisine Holiday Cookies

Best Date Night Idea:

Make it a stay-at-home evening but put on your favorite sexy yet comfy dress, jazz it up with a little lipstick and make pizza together!

link - Adorable ideas from Three Little Crowns

The Best Little Valentines Banner:

Made from small linen sacks, and a heart stamp .. this adorable banner can hold anything or nothing at all! It is sure to spread a smile throughout the house!