"Rocky" Inspired Kitchen Remodel

 There has been lots of labor going on with DecRenew Interiors the past few months!

I've been working with these clients on several projects over the years in their home.  The kitchen was Phase II of the projects we have done so far.  Next week we start on all their bathrooms!

They have a wonderful home in a very wooded area.  They purchased the home because of the amazing backyard and the rustic, casual feel of the home.  They love all the wood that is in the interior but felt that the kitchen was too dark. I totally agreed.

BEFORE

So we lightened it up!  They were really hesitant about changing the kitchen because they didn't want it to feel out of place with the rest of their home.  They were nervous that it would look updated and everything else would look out of date.  I assured them that we could update the kitchen and make it look fantastic with the rest of the rooms that flow from the kitchen.

AFTER

We got to work and selected cabinet color, granite, venta hood, faucet, sink, hardware, stone work for bar, gas stove, double oven, refrigerator and lighting.

BEFORE

AFTER

We adjusted the cabinets above the bread box for a bigger microwave.  The island also got a makeover with new legs and a new stylish color.

We worked with the paneling in the other rooms and made sure that we kept some consistency in the kitchen with what is going on everywhere else.  We left the crown molding wood so it ties in with the adjacent dining room.

We added new lighting to the cove in the dining room and that really made it look fabulously updated.

Love these mercury glass pendants that we placed over their curved bar area.  The client wanted to keep her existing island lighting since they had just replaced it a year ago.

The granite we selected was the one thing that my client was terrified of.  She felt like it would make the kitchen darker.  I assured her that it would be the focal point in the kitchen and would be beautiful with the woodwork in the home.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

 

So bright and still looks very warm!

The stone work on the bar is my favorite, it really makes the kitchen fresh and it adds a masculine feel to the space.

Rocky the dog is happy because his coloring matches the kitchen beautifully!

I'm now taking the long weekend off to hang with my family! Hope you take time to enjoy Labor Day too!

Arabesque Master Bathroom Remodel

This summer we completed an amazing master bathroom renovation.  We  just  had the remodel photographed so I thought I'd share the pictures with you.

Carrera Marble countertops provide a modern take on a traditional look so that's what we chose for the countertops & shower surround.

The gray veins in the marble makes a room look sophisticated and classy.  The accent wall in the shower is my favorite.   The large Arabesque pattern marble is stunning.  The word Arabesque means " ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines."  I just love saying the word A-R-A-B-E-S-Q-U-E because it sounds cool.

We enlarged the shower and took the marble tile all the way to the ceiling.  Why have all that waisted space!  We added  niches and a bench so she can shave now without falling, LOL.  I suggested a round ottoman for the space and my client found one she loved.  It has a little chair that matches for her vanity area.

 We took the doors off the built in storage so we could use it to display  towels as well as accessories.  The client never used that storage area so it wasn't a waste of space.  Now it looks fantastic for accessories and rolled up decorative towels.

2 shower heads is also a big improvement for a big family.

We took out the existing vanities and added new ones with overhead cabinets for more storage. I really loved the legs so you can see underneath the vanity, making the room seem bigger.    The client loves antiques and has a lot of wood in the rest of her home so the mix of wood with stone was a great solution.  The round scallopped mirrors soften the space too.

The bathtub was taken out completely and a free standing tub  and bath faucet was installed.  We kept the stained glass window but just enhanced the molding around it.  We put marble on the column ledges and that looks to die for.

 I'm in love with this vintage chair!

The columns were refinished in an "old world"  finish the client really wanted, adding a texture to the space that makes it feel mysteriously aged.

We added new lighting and that made the entire room come together beautifully, adding such charm.  All on dimmers so the light could be adjusted accordingly.

So here are the BEFORE and AFTER shots!

Amazing transformation for a lucky couple and their beautiful family.

There will be loads of soaking in this tub, that's for sure!

Gus dog; trending home supermodel.

I'm just finished up a wonderful home in Flowermound yesterday.

We decorated their  dining room and their family room.  Here are a few "snapshot" peeks from the day.

 We purchased new furniture, rugs, pillows, accessories and also "used what they had" to complete each room.

Gus was our male supermodel for the photo shoot.

Isn't he cute?  He liked the new rug!

Audra's shoes worked well with our color scheme and were thrown into the shoot as well.  Audra is my intern that is going off to college at the end of the summer :(

You are going to love the family room.

I'll post more as soon as I get them from the photographer!

Are you Consumed with Comparison?

While I was away on vacation, I had time to really clear my mind and focus on my life  as a Designer and Business Owner.

 Of course, when your body and mind totally starts to rest and be refreshed, you start to think about how things are working in your life and contemplate what is working and what needs to change.

 One of the things that really was made clear to me was the BENEFIT I have of being in front of so many incredibly great people in the Design industry.  I have friends and contacts all around the world on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

 The inspiration that I have been able to get from those designers is AMAZING.  I could sit and look at images on their profiles as well as read their advice  for hours and hours.

 All of the conferences, workshops, etc. that I have attended over the years has put me in front of so many extremely talented and gifted people that have stretched me, encouraged me and helped me become the best Designer I can be.

However, one of the things that has been swimming around in my head is that I have become very caught up, almost obsessed,  with comparing myself to those designers that I follow on a daily basis.   

I understand and know that it is extremely important to stay in touch with the latest and greatest in the design world.  I want to be the best at what I do and am always wanting to improve and be better for my clients.  Being the best you can be is what we are called to do, right?

 However, I feel as if I have started comparing myself too much, which is making me feel twinges of  discontentment. and stress.   I have been feeling continued pressure to "DO" all the time and find myself thinking things like:

"Oh no, I should be doing that"

"why didn't I get that recognition, I'm doing the same thing"

"I need to be published, I'm just as good"

"I should be writing about that"

"why don't I have that many followers"

"I need more likes"

"why don't I get 50 comments"

"why don't I know about that?"

"Am I as good as they are"

 When I started my business over 10 years ago, I knew that I was doing the right thing.  Everything I did confirmed that I was doing what I was called to do.

 What I have come to realize is that I have stopped having faith that I am just where I am suppose to be at this very moment.   Comparing myself to what others are doing has started to rob me from my day to day JOY as an Interior Decorator.  I have been gifted with talents and gifts that I sometimes forget to see because of my constant comparison.

 The feeling of constantly feeling like I should be doing something better or bigger is not reality and has actually made me feel like a workaholic at times, constantly striving to be more and more and never feeling like I'm good enough.

My takeaway from my vacation is that what I am called to do is be compassionate about what I do and do it well, the rest will follow!

From today forward, I will continue to be inspired by all those that I follow on Social Media.  However, I will have a new mindset.

 I have worked extremely hard to be where I am today with my business.  I don't need to fast forward to anything other than being in God's plan for me which is right here where I am today.  My talents are unique and different and cannot compare to talents that God has given someone else.

My job is to embrace my gifts wholeheartedly and strive to use those gifts to the best of my ability.

Do you struggle with this same thing?  You may not be a Designer, but I'm sure you are just as involved with Social Media as I am.  Do you feel overcome with visual overload and comparison like I do?   Join me as we start a trend of contentment with ourselves and the personal, unique path we have ahead.

Doing what God has called us to do is WAY better than comparing ourselves to what others are doing!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Ruthie's "Walk-thru" Consultation Inspires

I'm extremely passionate about my "Walk-thru" consultations.  As you know this is how I originally started my business.  Hourly consultations have always been my specialty and I absolutely love them.

 

I recently met with a couple that wanted to remodel their master bathroom but didn't know where to start.  They had some thoughts about what they wanted but didn't know how to implement their ideas.  I met with them for 2 hours and helped them define their style and made suggestions for colors, textures, granite choices, tile colors, lighting, accessories and many other details.  Yesterday, they sent me this note:  "

 "Hi Ruthie! Here's a quick video tour of our bathroom. Your guidance was so helpful!! We couldn't find mirrors and lights in the shape and scale we really wanted but are pleased with these second choices. Thanks again for all your help!!"

You can watch the video below.  I added music to make it fun.

Master Bathroom Remodel

Here are some questions to ask yourself to see if you are a candidate for one of these specialty consultations.

Getting too many opinions? Confused about what color paint to use? Dealing with contractors or homebuilders that need your choices NOW? Just moved and cannot figure out how to make things work in your new home? Just married and consolidating? Kids are grown and now you don't know what to do with the space? Sprucing up and need ideas? Have ideas but just need someone to bounce your ideas off of? Need ideas to save you money? Selling your home and need suggestions for updates? Want to receive some design ideas or a glimpse of what we could accomplish, before committing to a full service design project?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, my walk-thru consultation is for you. This consultation is perfect for the DIY that is looking for inspiration but wants to take the lead and finish out the project. Have your pen and paper ready to take notes! We will meet at your project for up to 2 hours and together walk from room to room, discussing design ideas, paint colors, solutions to your decorating dilemmas and design challenges, ways to incorporate using what you have, and suggestions for any new furnishings and accessories.

Call me if you would like to schedule your "Walk-thru" Consultation!