Using what the client has - BEFORE and AFTER

I had a fabulous day today with a client who is about to have their first baby and wanted their home to be all ready for this new little package!
The best part about this client is that they have moved 4 times and each time I've come in and made their home beautiful with the things they already own.
Today I moved furniture pieces from room to room, hung pictures & mirrors, placed accessories, stole throw pillows from other spaces in the house, hung draperies (from previous house) and shopped throughout the house to find things I needed.  
See what you think! 
BEFORE

AFTER
Much more conversational.  Moved the two chairs in from their office. 
(we had to use plants next to the armoire to cover up some ugly speakers)
BEFORE
Plain and boring, needs some definite interest.

AFTER
Now it has personality.  I moved the chair in from their guest room. 
BEFORE
These pillows were too "copy cat" so we neutralized them with new pillows from the guest room.  The pillows coordinate nicely with the draperies we hung.
AFTER
(sorry for the blur)
BEFORE
This looked okay, but we needed the big picture in the office.  The client had these wonderful wrought iron gates so we placed them on the mantel to create an unexpected look to this room.  I love adding casual elements to a room that tends to feel formal.  These gates immediately made this living room feel more relaxed and approachable. 
AFTER
My suggestion to the client is to paint the mantel black so it makes more of a statement.
BEFORE
There is wallpaper on this kitchen wall but right now they can't remodel the space.  So instead, we hung these draperies in the kitchen to take away from the small floral print.  I worked!

AFTER
The draperies are now the focal point and the artwork takes away from the floral wallpaper.  Amazing how you can do small things with accessories that totally transform the space.  The client is going to update the chandelier too.
BEFORE
AFTER
Layering photo's always makes a nice look.  Who says you have to hang them on the wall.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE

These candles are plain so I added some candles that are still "natural" but add some color.  It's time to say goodbye to the dried rose potpourri.
AFTER
Added moss to the candles and also added this writing pad underneath this grouping to make it more interesting.  Layering always makes things look better.  The color of the candles with the wood is now fantastic. 
Immediately this vignette is delighted to be alive!

BOOKSHELVES AFTER
No clutter, just simple, full of texture and color to coordinate with the rest of the room.

Loved this old typewriter (used as decoration) next to a big armchair in their office.
It was a busy but fun day!
The house is ready for baby now, full of color and light!

Here's the comments that my client sent me:
"Hi Ruth - I wish you could have seen my husband's reaction when he got home. I can't tell you how many times he got up to look throughout the house, amazed again at what you were able to do considering what you had to work with! "
Call DecRenew Interiors if you would like to have a "One Day Room Rearrange" it is the best money you will ever spend. 
Ruthie