"Using what you have" window treatments

I've been working with an amazing couple for about 4 years now.  I helped them with their first home with all the accessories, draperies, furniture, etc. and I feel like I made their house feel like home, I think they feel the same way!  It was good fun to watch the house transform!  Everything we purchased made the house look polished, classy and it definitely looked its best.
They moved about a year ago and were able to take all the items we purchased with them!  Of course their home sold very quickly because it was decorated and the detail showed off the home beautifully.
They were able to take some of the drapery panels we had made with them to their new house.  However, some of them didn't fit their new windows.  I suggested that instead of having new draperies made we could "use what we have" but add some fabric to the bottom to make the length work.  They agreed to my idea and I went on a fabric hunt.
The fabric that I found compliments the decorative trim beautifully, don't you think?
So here's what we did.
Added 12" to the bottom of the panel.
I believe that if you are going to use retail draperies and bump them up a notch with trim, additional fabric, etc. it is important that you don't skimp on the hardware.  The hardware is what can make or break the way your drapes look.  They are the jewelry that finish off the look!  If your outfit is beautiful, you can ruin it with the wrong jewelry.  Same concept goes for draperies.
In this dining room, we incorporated some of the items that were passed down from their family members that had some special meaning to them. 
One drapery panel on each side of the window and they add height, interest, color and a finished look to the room.  This window was a tricky one to work with because of all the trim and the arch.  I love it when draperies don't cover up the whole window but add to the architecture and enhance the space they are in.
What do you have that you can dress up and reuse?
Ruthie

Front yard therapy

We are slowly working on some of our front yard landscaping.    My husband and I enjoy working together on projects and I find it relaxing & good therapy to make things look nice.  I love renewing or improving and thankfully my husband does too.

This past weekend, my 16 year old nephew worked incredibly hard in our front yard.  I had two very large bushes in front of the porch that totally blocked my view and blocked the light in my entryway.  They were overgrown and covered part of the walkway. They grew fast too and constantly needed trimming in order for guests to be able to pass through to my front porch without getting poked to death by a prickly bush.
He REMOVED the bushes (replanted in the backyard) and we replaced them with these large concrete planters.  The scale of the planters works well with the height of the house now.  My friends and family will be glad to know that they won't be attacked by the bushes now when they come visit.
For now, I've filled each one with a large pumpkin for the season.
As you can see, I've got some work to do in the flowerbeds now.  One project always starts another.  This weekend I'll be adding some pebbles and a border to finish it off.
I plan on adding some boxwood topiaries to the urns once the fall season is over.
.  This is what it should look like.  I'll have fun decorating for the holidays with these mini Christmas trees.  I'll add some ivy around the edges so it cascades down the urn.

Now we just need this Texas weather to cooperate with us!!!  It's still so hot.  86 degrees yesterday!

Ruthie

Country Retreat

This past few days I decorated a house for a client that I've been working with for the past several months. I prepared a vision for them and they decided to go for it!  I've been preparing for their installation carefully, excitedly and thoughtfully. This week we redid their family room, dining room, master bedroom, game room and pool house.  They live out in the country with lots of acreage and lots of privacy.  The home and the pool house overlook their stunning pool/courtyard and the views of their property are magnificent.   It truly is a restful retreat! 
My team and I decked out their house and their pool house with furniture, accessories, draperies, lighting, rugs and much more.  It was a lot of hard work but a very rewarding  and fun project.   Here are a some snapshots I took of the space. 

The house is full of light, sorry for the glare in the photos.

BEFORE
AFTER
We incorporated some of their existing items with the new selections.
BEFORE
AFTER
Close up AFTER
BEFORE Re-upholstery
I reupholstered these 2 club chairs..  My client loved their shape and quality and they are very comfortable. 

AFTER Re-upholstery
Added a new leather round ottoman too so the family can gather around and play games in front of the fireplace.  Chess anyone?
Don't they make a beautiful vignette?  Cozy and intimate.  The mirror on the mantel adds some sophistication and elegance to this rustic style.
Pool House BEFORE
Pool House AFTER
My client plays guitar and uses the pool house for practicing with his buddies.  He wanted me to incorporate his existing artwork and we added some new colorful artwork.
Pool House BEFORE
Pool House AFTER
Looks so much more stylish and has an eclectic flare.
These hand carved teak chairs really made the room come together.  I wanted to keep these for myself but I resisted.
Here are some of the accessories
we added throughout the house.
Added a new 9X12 rug to their dining room.
The rug and drapes coordinate beautifully.  Notice how they go with the reupholstered chairs which are in the adjoining room.
The niche which was way up high in the living room is now decorated with style.
Gathered things from here and there to personalize.
Added gorgeous hand painted wall art.  Artwork and draperies can create amazing height to any room.
Yes, scaffolding was needed!
Client had this painting already and It was my inspiration for the colors for the house decor.  I added the tall lamps and the arrangement to the console table and now it is a beautiful grouping.  They had selected lamps but I replaced them with these because the others were way too short.  Scale is everything!
I added a decorative leather box underneath the arrangement to make it higher and to add interest.
Found this wooden box/basket filled with all kinds of trinkets and emptied it out so I could use it for these fresh fall flowers.
I am so excited when my interior design encourages families to gather together.  There is nothing better than being at home with your friends and family that you love.  Home is a place where we should gather and enjoy each other. 
I hope this transformation makes this family spend more time together in their lovely home!
If they do, I will feel like I've done my job well! 
Feeling Blessed,
Ruthie
Today I am also participating in Metamorphis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Contact DecRenew Interiors if you would like to set up your consultation.

Antique Bed BEFORE and AFTER

BEFORE
I was on the hunt for an old antique bed.  I looked and looked and knew I'd found it when I saw this solid oak piece. Antique beds like this are hard to find, especially if you don't want to pay a fortune!! 
I was inspired by Restoration Hardware's new bed line. I especially like their "Empire Rosette" collection. Go to Restoration Hardware to see their amazing new lines.

I had a local artist paint it for me. Didn't she do an amazing job?
AFTER
Perfect gray with a light glaze rub.
Isn't it a beauty?
This bed is FOR SALE for $1,500 if you are interested.  It is a double but I have the adjustments for it to become a queen.  Mattress and boxspring shown are not for sale.
Look around YOUR house today, are there furniture items that could be painted that could transform and update their look totally?  I bet you have a treasure right in front of you.  Hope this inspires you!
Have a good weekend!
Ruthie


Central Market and Fresh Florals

I had to pick up some fresh flowers today for a big installation that I'm doing tomorrow.  I always love to add a couple floral arrangements to the finished design.  The aroma that the flowers send out is always so refreshing and represents "newness and freshness" to me.
Here are some beauties that I found at Central Market.

Don't you love the fresh pomegranate attached?   Incorporating the fresh palm leaf is a fun twist too.
Nothing like the yellow rose!  Simple yet speaks to me.
My favorite color.  I love the black center.
Fall is my favorite time of year.  Such vibrant colors.  Pumpkins have such great textures & shapes.
Yellow and orange together sing such a beautiful melody.
All white pumpkins with some berries intermingled.  Beautiful.
Now this bunch will go with my color scheme for tomorrow!  
Aren't these carry bags the cutest?
Thank you Central Market for doing things with such class!