Living Room and Dining Before and After

I thought I would share with you some before and after pictures of a home I just finished this week.  We painted the entire house, changed out the lighting, added accessories, rugs,  incorporated what they already had, mixed it up and made the house SHINE!  There were some furniture items the client wanted to keep so I worked with those pieces and they really fit into the space now that we've added all the details.
Enjoy the tour!
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AFTER
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Here are some miscellaneous AFTER shots.
I was less wordy this time so I could hear what your thoughts were about the after pictures.  I'd love to hear your comments!
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after photo's and to schedule your appointment.
Remember, I do "walk-thru" consultations too!

Staircase as focal point...

A staircase can be the focal point of the home! 
As you know one of the services I provide is a "Walk-Thru" Consultation. Visit DecRenew Interiors to read more about this service.
 A typical client for this kind of consultation is one that is stuck and just needs tons of inspiration to get them over the hump.  During this consultation I give ideas, answer questions, think outside the box, brainstorm with my client and most of all help them create a vision for their home.  A lot of times it is just small things that can make a dramatic change! 
My client usually has writers cramp by the time I pull out of their driveway!
(BEFORE)
I met with a client a couple months ago and one of the things we discussed  was her stairway!  She didn't want to go overboard ($$$) but wanted to smarten it up and make it look beautiful.
(AFTER)
Sorry it's a little blury, she sent it from her phone.
 I suggested that she stain the "oak" banister because that made it look dated.  It needed to match the new wood floors.  I also suggested she paint all the spindles black which is what really made this staircase look updated!  The side molding was also painted a dark rich khaki (looks lighter in this photo). 
I was so happy when she sent me her before and after pictures.  I LOVE to see what my clients do after they have met with me, it means the world to me! 
(BEFORE)
oh my!
This week I met with another "Walk-Thru" Client and one of things she wanted me to help her with was this pathetic little arrangement. She bought some new florals to add to it to freshen it up but wasn't sure how to do it.
(AFTER)
I took out the ugly, added the new, fluffed and tweaked and in a few minutes it was feeling much better and ready to face her dining room.
I'd love to see what you have transformed lately!

Simply paint....to get radiance.

This is the AFTER picture of a front sitting room that just got painted 2 weeks ago.
AFTER
The walls and behind the built in cabinet were painted "Chat-room" from Sherman Williams.  The cabinets were painted "SW Kestral White" and we also took out the carpet and added dark-wood floors.
BEFORE
This pickled wood was looking shabby and dated and needed freshening up.
AFTER
(Flooring done by Nationwide Floors - Jeff Teller)

We are just in the beginning stages of this project.  Painting and flooring was first.  We still need the base trim touched up and this phase will be finished and ready for Phase II where all the finishing touches and the fun begins.  Lighting, hardware, furnishings, draperies, rugs, and accessories!
AFTER
This wall color is so restful and my client absolutely loves it!
  We will put all the shelves back but I probably won't use all of them.  They need to be spaced out a little more so they don't look so busy and cluttered.
BEFORE
The previous flooring was 12X12 tile and didn't add any character to this home. 
AFTER
We have character now!  Main hallways, dining room and living room were painted "Toasted Pine Nut" from Sherman Williams.  Doesn't the wood look gorgeous?   Of course pictures never make it look JUST like it is in person but you get the idea! 
You can see in the above picture how the two wall colors work together.
BEFORE
I encouraged the client to put wood floors throughout and it really has opened up the spaces.  From the moment you walk in you see wood floors!
AFTER
She has a breathtaking view of the lake right outside those beautiful floor to ceiling windows.  Now, after the painting has been done, the earth tones inside work with what is going on outside!  Previously the walls looked pink...yikes.
DURING - what a mess!
  I always to try to prepare my clients for this process but there is just no way to truly explain what goes on.  All this tile had to be jack hammered up!  I've got some clients that are having this done in their home next week and they are leaving town for the week so they don't have to deal with the mess and noise!
BEFORE
Built in cabinet in the dining room.  The color wasn't going to work with my design plan!
DURING the spray painting process.
AFTER
We also glazed the columns to take away the pink tones that were there originally.  We highlighted them so they now have a stronger presence in the room.
Once again, goodbye pink!

Hello warm tones. 
Hard to see wall colors in this photo but wanted to show you the view.  See what I mean?
Until Phase II begins, my client can now enjoy her view and the inside of her home now feels a part of the exterior!  
Here are a few inspiration photo's that I'm working with for PHASE II of this project.
(the decor is the personality and soul of the home)
Tuscan Style Magazine
Photographed by Michal Venera
Living Room Inspiration - I want warm hues, rich patterns and textures that give the space a radiance from within.
Tuscan Style Magazine
Entry Inspiration
Tuscan Style Magazine
Drapery Inspiration
Hope you enjoyed the tour!
Thank goodness for color and paint, we love you!

Homes on the rocks, Canary Islands

Dwell Magazine
(Photographer, Gunnar Knechtel)
I was struck by the absolute beauty of the above home while reading "Dwell Magazine" today. 
This home is built into volcanic rock in the Canary Islands. 
Here are a few more similar homes that have literally been built into the coastal rock or are volcanic caves made into humble cottages.

This home is near a town of Las Caletillas and built painstakingly by hand by its owners.  Imagine sitting on these rocks to relax and read.  Perfect for a couple but scary for little kids, don't you think?

How about waking up to this view!

Surfboards become benches on this cute little cottage patio. 

The natural shelter afforded by the volcanic cave not only keeps the homeowners cool during the summer, but makes for a striking whitewashed ceiling. 
 Tiny cottage near El Chorrillo.  Definitely cave like.  As long as their were no bats I would be okay living here, especially with such beautiful views of the ocean.

No frills kitchen but a view is what they are in this home for!
Hope you enjoyed a quick tour of unique homes on a Sunday afternoon!
Visit my website at DecRenew Interiors to see before and after pictures of my work.
Set up your design consultation today!

Painted Ceilings

I'm a true believer in dressing up your crown molding and ceilings.  You can really make a statement like in the above picture.
(Bryanne Pritchett)
Stencils can be bought at any of your local craft stores.
This summer, think about the ceilings that you have that could be enhanced.  It is a project that can be tackled in a weekend and makes a tremendous difference to a space. 
I am in LOVE with this room!  The ceiling treatment is what makes this room so incredibly gorgeous.   See how the warmth of the ceiling coordinates with the rug tones?  It makes the room come together so beautifully and took it from fantastic to breathtaking.
The crown molding painted with the same color & technique is so elegant!
(Zuniga Interiors)
The copper tin ceiling is a compliment to the sink and the tile and makes the room look SO SO much more dressed up!
Isn't this glam?  If I had a dress boutique, this is what it would look like.
Continuing a paint color and technique onto the ceiling really opens up a space!  I often have clients tell me that they don't want the room to feel closed up with a painted ceiling.  Once they have trusted me with my suggestion to add color to the ceiling and the job is complete, they admit that the room actually looks bigger when all the walls AND ceiling is painted. 
The color on this bathroom ceiling makes the mirror look so much happier!  The light fixture doesn't look so lonely either because it has a backdrop to rest on!  We are getting ready to do this above copper finish in a clients living room and I can't wait to see the end results.
(Fabulous Finishes)
A little accent on this ceiling, that is a replica of the design on the wallpaper, bring this room into the WOW league.
(Cristi Holcombe)
What child wouldn't want this playful ceiling?  Make it fun!
(Erika Ward Interiors)
These high ceiling has such great architectural interest but the color is what makes it all showcased.  See how the rug and the ceiling pull the whole room together?
Take on a small project over the summer and paint, wallpaper or faux finish one of your ceilings to create an accent in a room.  You may need to hire a professional if it's a large space.  You will be surprised how it can finish up a room and make you thrilled you did it!
(Simply Grove)
Often times small changes make for a HUGE impact.
Ready, set, go!
Need some inspiration?  Schedule your "walk-thru" consultation today!
Visit my website  DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after pictures.