New Dining Room & Family Room and a time to be thankful.

What a great install we had yesterday! 
 
I put a Design Plan together several months ago for a client that wanted a Dining Room, Family Room and office transformed "using what she had" as well as incorporating some new pieces.  We had the install yesterday so here are the before and after's.  I was quickly taking snapshots so sorry my pictures aren't as clear as usual. It was getting dark out too and I was trying to finish up so we could do the big reveal! My clients were waiting next door anxiously.
 
BEFORE
 
Previously Formal Living Room
 
My client wanted to change her existing formal living room into her dining room.  They never used this space and she needed an office.  We made her old dining room into a great space for her now to have a desk. 
 
AFTER
 
NOW the Dining Room
 
Painted this room and her "new" office (across the way) a dark rich blue/green.  We transformed her existing chairs by painting them a soft distressed grey.  Her china cabinet got the same treatment. 
 
BEFORE
 
Chairs and china cabinet BEFORE.
 
 She had the parson chairs in storage so we had those reupholstered for each end of the table.  I tried to use as much as "what she had" as possible to save on the budget. 
 
AFTER
 
Painted and waiting to be picked up to be re-upholstered in a great red fabric.
 
 It not only saves on the budget but it gives us the "collected over time" look that I love so much and what my clients usually request!  The table has an extension so we painted and reupholstered ALL the chairs so they can be pulled out when entertaining.
 
BEFORE
 
Old dining room
 
AFTER
NEW DINING ROOM where formal living use to be.  You can see the china cabinet peeking out.  Sorry it's not a great picture but you get the idea.
 
Grandma's silver tray was put on the table and a blown glass vase was added along with the flowers.

Added electric wall sconces and a chandelier. We kept the existing rug and added new draperies and the large mirror. I love how now the mirror reflects the chandeliers in both rooms beautifully.

 
 
FAMILY ROOM TRANSFORMATION
 
BEFORE

 
Goodbye yellow paint!  Their family room needed personalizing.  The "matching" set of leather furniture wasn't working for the room and made it feel very dark, especially since they have wood floors throughout. We decided to keep the entertainment center and the large leather couch.  The rest of it got put in another room and we added lighter wall paint and brighter colors.
 
AFTER
 
 
Our rug was the inspiration for the color scheme we went with in this room.  The new custom draperies really add style and height to the room and added the color and pattern we needed.
 
 
 I had the two club chairs made from scratch and they turned out beautifully and are extremely comfortable.  New pillows and some lamps and the room is good to go.  A round coffee table is coming soon. 
 
I asked my client to clear the rooms before I got there and create a shopping room for me.  As I worked throughout the day, I shopped in that room for items to place that were important to their family. 
 
 
I was so pleased with the chairs and they go beautifully with the rug and draperies.  I found these pillows on one of my shopping excursions and thought they brought in the brown from the leather couch and pulled the room together nicely.
 
  
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
 
 The fireplace was painted a darker color and the green dated fireplace surround tile will be replaced eventually with a nice slate tile when the new carpet goes in upstairs. 
 
BEFORE
 
 
See what I mean about everything being the same color?  It made it boring and dull.
 
AFTER
Now it's light, open, fresh and stylish.   Much more like the homeowner's personality!  We add that island light fixture in the background too!
 
 
Getting darker outside by the minute.  My client was scared of this fabric because it resembled an animal print.  However, she trusted me when I told her that it would be the star in the room and she was pleased to see that it was!
 
Crazy over this lamp.
 
 
If you follow me on Facebook, you saw that I posted about this little side table.  The base of it was a cherry wood before, passed down from the family.  My client wanted to keep it for memories sake so we gave it a makover.
 
A peppermint candle filled the air during the reveal and these little wooden handpainted birds were a gift from me.
 
 We had it painted this wonderful metallic silver with a turquoise undertone.  Placed the heavy marble on top and it looks fantastic in the room now and totally updated.
 
The inside of the lampshade has a leopard print that is to die for.
 
 
These velvet embossed down filled pillows are one of my favorite things in the room.
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
 
Added this beautiful console under the stairs and stacked some of their favorite artwork.
 
I used their existing buffet that was in the dining room in their "new office" and it makes a nice welcoming statement to guests who walk into the entryway!  This rustic metal mirror makes the traditional space feel less stuffy and pretentious.  I wish I had been able to take some photo's of their new office but the lighting wasn't good by that time at all!  I'll have to go back and snap a few.
 
 
I found this glass candlestick holder that was filled with potpourri in one of her rooms and got rid of the potpourri (a dust collector by the way) filled it with moss and artificial floral stems.  No vase needed now and we "used what they had".
 
BEFORE
 
 
 
AFTER
 
 
I learned a wonderful thing during this install!
 I was disappointed  that I didn't get good pictures because of time and it getting dark.  However, when the client came to the door to see the big reveal they were so overjoyed, tears and all.  The neighbors came over and we walked from room to room talking about all the items that had been passed on from family or painted by special people in their lives, I realized something
 at that moment..........
I don't need pictures to capture that moment!  An even better thing to have is that memory of making their house a home for them.  The memory of their reaction (yes it was like on HGTV)  will always be in my heart and that is way better than a picture any day.   That's why I started DecRenew Interiors in the first place.  I wanted to be able to use my gifts that God gave me to help others make their humble abodes feel like a place that they want to spend time with friends and family.  No picture can ever capture what I felt last night and it was a special  gift and a reminder of the blessing of my business.  It was a good way to start the Thanksgiving break with my family. 
 
I drove home  with tears filled in my eyes feeling truly Thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I'm taking the week off to spend with my family!
 
 Visit my website at DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after photo's as well as my Design Portfolio.  Let me make your house a home!

Kitchen remodel just in time for Grandbaby!

6 weeks later and we are done with this kitchen remodel.  Haven't placed any accessories yet but my client had a grand baby yesterday!!!!  Whew we made it just in time!!!
 
This couple wanted a classy, clean and fresh look with little fuss.  They have raised their kids in this home, paid for graduations, college and weddings, etc. etc.  It was now time for them to get the kitchen they so desperately wanted. 
 
BEFORE
(sorry for the fuzzy photo but I really wanted you to get the idea of the horrible before)
 
AFTER
 
 
Took the cabinets to the ceiling, added crown molding and painted them a soft gray!
The stacked stone was the one thing that they were really scared about.  It's now their FAVORITE thing about their kitchen.
 
 The black ceramic back splash is out of this world.  Pictures don't do it justice.
 
AFTER
 
The granite and stacked stone are the shining stars in this kitchen!
 
My client started off very scared of change but moved forward trusting me each step of the way as we followed the design I put together, just for them. I was so proud of her! She says she was stretched way beyond what she thought she could do and she is incredibly glad she took those risks.  She LOVES everything now and so does her husband.
 
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
We made the island round to give them more space and add some shape and interest.
 
BEFORE/AFTER
 
 
AFTER
 
 
The gold door handles will be changed soon to brushed bronze by the homeowner.
 
 
See what I mean about the stacked stone? It's like art!
 
AFTER
 
All of her items she only uses once a year are stored up in the new cabinets.
 
AFTER
 
Recessed lighting and pendants make everything feel up to date.
 
  Ruthie Tip:  Don't overdo the recessed lighting, it can make a kitchen feel busy! 
 
 
 
Such a great little work space!  This backsplash makes my heart stop every time I see it!
 
 
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
Good bye old lighting!
 
 
These wall sconces really add some beauty and character to the eating area and can be dimmed as needed for ambiance.
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
 
Furniture shopping is next.
 
BEFORE/AFTER
 
 
We modified the mantel some by taking away the "fussy" molding.  We painted the fireplace insert with heat resistant black paint.  We didn't like the pink brick so we had it painted a similar color to the kitchen cabinets and then sanded them down.  Instant change with paint!  Dramatic don't you think?  Amazing how much bigger the space feels now!
 
BEFORE
 
Yikes!
 
AFTER 
 
 
We adjusted the entertainment center to house a bigger TV. Painted and added new hardware. 
It will look amazing when it's all accessorized.
 
 
Don't skimp on your hardware! 
 
The laundry room and pantry got some extra attention too.  Painted this wonderful color blue called "under the sea" by Sherwin Williams.  This color is also in their pantry and behind their bookshelves.   A mini bar will be installed underneath the counter.
 
 
The hardware matches the color of the walls in the kitchen which is right off the laundry room.  Great way to bring the rooms together!
 
 
 Great colorful pantry!
 
 
Their dining room got a transformation too!  Gone with the old floral wallpaper and in with a powerful red that makes a statement when you walk in.  Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire home all the way into the master bedroom! 
 
Hope you enjoyed the tour!
 
Next, we are on to a big install this Friday.  Installing brand new drapes, furniture and accessories for another wonderful client.  Her entire downstairs will be transformed!  I'm so excited and feeling blessed that I get to do what I absolutely love!
 


See more before and after photo's on my website DecRenew Interiors
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Before & After "Old World" Kitchen Makeover

 
 
Just finished a kitchen and I have to say, they were one of the best clients I've worked with.  They were enthusiastic, excited and so incredibly pleasant.  I created a design plan for them based on some pictures they showed me of kitchens they loved and we took it from there.
 
BEFORE......drum roll please.....
 
 
The kitchen was in terrible need of an overhaul don't you think?
 
AFTER
We lightened it up and made it happy.
 
AFTER
 
 
 
Installed tumbled stone tile all the way around the window and it makes a statement!
 
 
New floors and granite!
 
BEFORE
 
 
Good bye ceiling popcorn!
 
AFTER
 
Took out fluorescent lighting and added recessed lighting and a chandelier.  Added a coordinating light fixture above the sink.
 
 
 
I especially like the sconces we added to each end cabinet.  She really wanted some bling!
All the lighting was installed with dimmers so you can create the ambiance you want.
 
 
Every kitchen needs a little accessorizing if a decorator is involved.  Love jewel tones in a kitchen, especially with this beautiful granite.
New black, deep sink and new faucet and soap dispenser is a must.
 
 
We expanded the island, added a slide out drawer for the garbage can and attached some detailed columns to the island.  A little distressing and it's just like the client wanted it!
 
 
Cabinet hardware always  makes the kitchen come together!
 
 
We curved the island to make it a little bigger.  The ceiling medallion added some old world charm which is what the homeowner really wanted.
 
We added molding to the top of the cabinets too so now they go all the way to the ceiling, making them more to scale for this kitchen.
 
BEFORE
 
 
Of course every kitchen needs to have a lazy Susan on their island.  Made by special request!
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
Installed double ovens just in time for the holiday season.
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
Added the microwave above the new stove top.
 
Under counter lighting is a must if you have gorgeous granite!
It's time for this couple to celebrate with a party!
 
I created these knobs for their little desk area!  Had to have a "Ruthie" touch somewhere!
 
 
There kitchen chairs will be reupholstered in this fun fabric (the client is taking on this project)
Don't you love the way the knobs on this built-in desk match the fabric so beautifully!
 
 
We added molding to these columns that were originally just sheetrock.  Dresses it up and makes it smart!
 
 
New draperies and a new lamp and it's a wrap!
 
Can't wait to show you the kitchen we are finishing up next!

Follow my on pinterest and be inspired!

 
Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after pictures as well as my design portfolio.
 
 
 
 
 

"ONE by ONE" Uniquely Renewed Furnishings & Accessories

So excited to launch a new adventure as part of
 DecRenew Interiors - Fine Decorating on a Budget
 

 

As most of you know, I love to make old things new.  I'm constantly find myself around great furniture and accessory finds that need a makeover.  I'm drawn to items that look eclectic &  interesting and I feel I have the eye to envision them turned into something wonderful.  Sometimes I will just purchase an item because it's cool and I know I can create something out of it at some point. 

 I finally decided to take the plunge and start
 ONE by ONE - Uniquely Renewed Furnishings and Accessories. 

I realize it's adding more to my already busy plate but it's my passion and I can't let it go.  So here goes!!!

See some before and after items I've done in the past to give you a flair of what's to come.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

BEFORE

 
AFTER
 
 
BEFORE
 
 
AFTER
 
 
BEFORE
 
AFTER
 
 

It will be a collection of unique, renewed furniture along with accessories (lamps, pillows, etc.) that will be available to purchase for all my local followers.

Below are two chairs that are getting their overhaul this week at the workshop.  They just got painted a distressed black and they will be reupholstered in a fabric similar to the above black and white velvet geometric fabric.  I can't wait to get rid of the yellow, urggg.

  I've named this pair "Mr. and Mrs"

BEFORE

 
Hope you will join me for the ride. My facebook page has been created but I don't have much activity yet.  My facebook page will be up soon.
 
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement!  I appreciate all of you so very much!
 
 


Kitchen Remodel Glimpses and a Time to Serve

This week we are wrapping up a kitchen remodel.  It's been an incredible process and I've enjoyed working with such amazing clients.
 
We installed the hardware today on the cabinets in their desk area. I couldn't find what I was really looking for so I created these little lovelies above. I love creating something from scratch and making it a "Ruthie Original". 
 
BEFORE
 
 
I can't wait to show you the after when we are totally complete.  Here's a few tiny glimpses.
 
 
The cabinets!
 
 
The lighting!
 
 
The kitchen chairs are being reupholstered in this beautiful fabric above!  I found these adorable knobs for my client and she instantly fell in love with them.  Her daughter's did too!
 
 
The back splash got installed yesterday...wait til you see the finished product!  I'm so in love!
Draperies are being made in the workroom as we speak and we are so close to being done!
 
I just have to say that it's such a blessing to work with such an incredible crew!  God has really blessed me with talented and reliable people that work along side me and make my work look incredible. 
We are a TEAM and I couldn't do it without them!
 
They have worked especially hard this past week meeting deadlines because I'm taking a week off next week.   I'm off to serve at a WOI (Woman of Influence) conference.
 
Hospitality Team Last Year!  We had such fun and worked our tails off too!
 
 I'm going to be on the hospitality team, similar to what I did last year in Spain.  See my blog post from last year here.
 
 
 I love to serve and it will be fun to bless these woman!  They serve all over the world and need some encouragement and a break from the stresses of missionary life.  It fills my tank up too!
 
 
We are in the middle of a giant kitchen remodel as seen above. I can't wait to show you more pictures as this project unfolds when I get back from my trip.
 
Blessings,
 Follow me on Instagram "DecRenew Interiors" and you will see what I'm up to on my trip :)