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!

Comfortable, Elegant Family Room

We finished up an install for a client last week.   They moved into a new house and hadn't done a thing yet.

They wanted to hire a decorator so things were done right.

I created a design plan for them, making sure I heard all the things that they wanted in their new living room space. The gorgeous, rich rug was our inspiration for the space.

They really wanted comfortable, cozy elegance and a place where they could entertain family and friends.

I created that look for them by adding warm colors, crisp textures, rustic elements and a touch of  glam.

Here is a quick video with before and after photo's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBjEm_--J-g

Hope it's a fabulous Easter for you and your family!  I just loved this stained glass I saw at a thrift store this week.  So appropriate for today's celebration.

You will notice I have a new website and blog. We moved to a different platform so now I'm learning Word Press. We are still ironing out all the glitches but it will be great in the long run.

DecRenew Interior's Website

Best Dressed Fort Worth Dining Room

It's been about 2 months since I met with my client to present her design plan for her dining room. She has been beside herself excited for installation day and has been waiting patiently.  Finally, yesterday was the BIG day.  I absolutely LOVE installation day because all the visions that have been swirling in my head come to reality! 

 Lesley (my assistant) and I started first thing in the a.m. prepping for their install.  We went over our checklist and made sure we had everything ready.  It is amazing what work goes into making sure all the details are covered and I'm so grateful for Lesley!  I spend many nights tossing and turning before a project install and often get up to write things down that we can't forget to take or buy for that special day.

  I like to take things that are precious, breakable or anything that needs extra care in my vehicle.  My installers take very good care of my items but I'm a protective mama.

  

Of course, it was raining on the day we had lots to load which was a challenge.  I'm so grateful for an amazing storage facility where I can back my car right up to it, making it easier to manage.

 

 Yesterday, as I was getting into the car, my tennis shoe slipped and I totally fell to the ground, I mean totally flat on my back.  I was a bit stunned at first because it happened so fast!  However, once I realized I was OK, all I could do is laugh and laugh.   When I got in the car I did say "Oh Lord, please don't let this day continue like this."

We headed out to Fort Worth with our coffee in hand, ready for GREATNESS.

When we arrived, we unloaded and placed the rugs.  We then anxiously awaited the arrival of all the custom built chairs that my amazing upholsterer and I designed. We dominated the freight elevator for a while, that's for sure!

 My client already had the table and it was AMAZING so we had 10 chairs made to complete the room. Just imagine the fun dinner parties that are going to happen around this table.  

BEFORE & AFTER

Check out that wine display cabinet, it was just finished up last month!  It is stunning in person, all behind glass! There is a lot of height in this room because it's a loft condo.  The arrangement on the table brings your eye up and adds a splash of texture and a bit of glam.

The captain chairs are a bit taller than the rest of the chairs and they truly add a special touch to the entire look.

 I'm crazy in love with all the colors, stripes and geometrics. The velvet is so soft and has a beautiful sheen to it.

It was a successful day without any other falls!  I am very sore today though! 

Stripes and geometrics make an amazing marriage don't you think?

 Keep a watch out for the living room we did in this home the same day.  

 Take a peek below!

Happy weekend!  I'm hosting a birthday party here at the house tomorrow night for my hubby.  Look forward to having my home filled with all the family! Barbecue is on the menu with blackberry cobbler & ice cream for dessert.

My new website will be launched next week too so I'm incredibly excited about that.   

Visit my Website to see my Design Portfolio.

Tips for Thrift Store Finds with DwellbyCheryl.com

All of you know that one of my favorite things to do is thrift store shop.  There are always hidden treasures that I am passionate about finding.  I so love the hunt and get all excited when I find something fabulous that I can transform, polish, renew, paint or reupholster for a client or for my own home.

When I was in Atlanta a couple weeks ago at the Design Blogger's Conference, I hooked up with Cheryl from Dwell By Cheryl.  We met last year and were instantly friends.

 

 We have the same philosophy on life and design and I feel as if I've known her for a lifetime. 

She also loves to decorate on a budget and is passionate about providing just that to her clients.

Doesn't she do an amazing job?

 During the conference, we were both so fired up about our passions, we decided to do a couple videos in our hotel room, giving tips for our readers. She is just like me in that she has no hesitation about sharing her passion and design tips.

 This past week, Cheryl posted the video I did with Decorating tips for spring.  You can see the video by going to her website DwellbyCheryl.com

 There is an art to finding the right things when shopping.  It takes time and talent!
Here are Cheryl's top thrift store shopping tips!

 Thank you Cheryl!

  You will be hearing more from her that's for sure!

Have a great weekend!

DecRenew Interiors and Design Bloggers Conference 2014

 

I just returned back from a wonderful few days with my Design Blogger friends in Atlanta.

It was a fun filled few days with amazing speakers as you see above.

I so enjoyed getting to see Cheryl Luckett from Dwell by Cheryl.  She has the same passion for Design as I do.  She loves to renew, restore and revamp old treasures and enjoys the hunt of a good find.  Follow her blog, it is full of amazing transformations.

Watch this quick video to give you a quick glimpse into the fun we had!

Of course the highlight for me was meeting Candice Olson.  She is my Design Idol!  I absolutely love her design style.  She is brilliant, incredibly kind and fun.  Of course they took the picture while I was telling her I wore high heels just for her!

Here are my top 25 takeaways from the event:

1. Even the best of the best have struggles in this business.
2. Being an overcomer is key
3. If you fall, get up and try again
4. Find where you shine in this industry and stick with that
5. Comparison is a bad word, everyone has a different walk 
6. Be where you are planted and do that well
7. There is insane talent in the Design industry
8. Don't let fear steal your joy
9. Videos are key in our market right now
10. You don't have to be like everyone else, stand out.
11. There are lots of tools out there for us to use that make our job easier
12. Take time to rest or you will burn out in this business
13. It takes years to build your brand. Stick to it, be consistent and it will pay off
14. It hurts when you grow, get help and don't feel guilty
15. Build a good team that represents you well
16. Social Media is a must but choose the one you like best and be good at that one
17. Trust your gut, don't be shortsighted
18. Just say yes!
19. Collaborate with a fellow designer
20. Find your tribe and do this together
21. Show a piece of your personal side
22. Give your readers topics they want
23. Listen to your readers needs
24. Have rich content on your blog
25. Show before and after pictures, they are incredibly effective