"Rocky" Inspired Kitchen Remodel

 There has been lots of labor going on with DecRenew Interiors the past few months!

I've been working with these clients on several projects over the years in their home.  The kitchen was Phase II of the projects we have done so far.  Next week we start on all their bathrooms!

They have a wonderful home in a very wooded area.  They purchased the home because of the amazing backyard and the rustic, casual feel of the home.  They love all the wood that is in the interior but felt that the kitchen was too dark. I totally agreed.

BEFORE

So we lightened it up!  They were really hesitant about changing the kitchen because they didn't want it to feel out of place with the rest of their home.  They were nervous that it would look updated and everything else would look out of date.  I assured them that we could update the kitchen and make it look fantastic with the rest of the rooms that flow from the kitchen.

AFTER

We got to work and selected cabinet color, granite, venta hood, faucet, sink, hardware, stone work for bar, gas stove, double oven, refrigerator and lighting.

BEFORE

AFTER

We adjusted the cabinets above the bread box for a bigger microwave.  The island also got a makeover with new legs and a new stylish color.

We worked with the paneling in the other rooms and made sure that we kept some consistency in the kitchen with what is going on everywhere else.  We left the crown molding wood so it ties in with the adjacent dining room.

We added new lighting to the cove in the dining room and that really made it look fabulously updated.

Love these mercury glass pendants that we placed over their curved bar area.  The client wanted to keep her existing island lighting since they had just replaced it a year ago.

The granite we selected was the one thing that my client was terrified of.  She felt like it would make the kitchen darker.  I assured her that it would be the focal point in the kitchen and would be beautiful with the woodwork in the home.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

 

So bright and still looks very warm!

The stone work on the bar is my favorite, it really makes the kitchen fresh and it adds a masculine feel to the space.

Rocky the dog is happy because his coloring matches the kitchen beautifully!

I'm now taking the long weekend off to hang with my family! Hope you take time to enjoy Labor Day too!

Arabesque Master Bathroom Remodel

This summer we completed an amazing master bathroom renovation.  We  just  had the remodel photographed so I thought I'd share the pictures with you.

Carrera Marble countertops provide a modern take on a traditional look so that's what we chose for the countertops & shower surround.

The gray veins in the marble makes a room look sophisticated and classy.  The accent wall in the shower is my favorite.   The large Arabesque pattern marble is stunning.  The word Arabesque means " ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines."  I just love saying the word A-R-A-B-E-S-Q-U-E because it sounds cool.

We enlarged the shower and took the marble tile all the way to the ceiling.  Why have all that waisted space!  We added  niches and a bench so she can shave now without falling, LOL.  I suggested a round ottoman for the space and my client found one she loved.  It has a little chair that matches for her vanity area.

 We took the doors off the built in storage so we could use it to display  towels as well as accessories.  The client never used that storage area so it wasn't a waste of space.  Now it looks fantastic for accessories and rolled up decorative towels.

2 shower heads is also a big improvement for a big family.

We took out the existing vanities and added new ones with overhead cabinets for more storage. I really loved the legs so you can see underneath the vanity, making the room seem bigger.    The client loves antiques and has a lot of wood in the rest of her home so the mix of wood with stone was a great solution.  The round scallopped mirrors soften the space too.

The bathtub was taken out completely and a free standing tub  and bath faucet was installed.  We kept the stained glass window but just enhanced the molding around it.  We put marble on the column ledges and that looks to die for.

 I'm in love with this vintage chair!

The columns were refinished in an "old world"  finish the client really wanted, adding a texture to the space that makes it feel mysteriously aged.

We added new lighting and that made the entire room come together beautifully, adding such charm.  All on dimmers so the light could be adjusted accordingly.

So here are the BEFORE and AFTER shots!

Amazing transformation for a lucky couple and their beautiful family.

There will be loads of soaking in this tub, that's for sure!

College Days Pinterest Board

Source

I've come to the reality that my daughter will be a senior this year.  Where did the time go?  My youngest daughter will be a senior the following year. I've been watching several of my friends as they prep for the big send off.

The decorating and organizational part of it can be very overwhelming.

They have been buying bedding, organizational items, rugs, lamps, etc. to make their new college students room feel like HOME.  The rooms are awfully tiny, but there is no need for them to be boring!  There are great ideas out there to make great use of the space.

 Part of me is hesitant but a big part of me is excited for this stage of life, it will be exciting.

 I've decided to put together a Pinterest board of all my favorite dorm room ideas.  Throughout this year, I'll pin pictures for those of you are in this same stage of life too. Hopefully it will inspire you as you prepare.

Click link below to follow my Pinterest Board.

College Dayzzz Pinterest Page

 Wish me luck as we start this new stage of life as a senior in high school.

Gorgeous Castle Lakes Resort - Colorado

We just returned from Colorado after being there 10 days with family and friends.

We traveled with 6 other families (26 of us in all).  We all have RV's and it was such fun to be on the road together.

Even our doggie Ava loved the ride.

We stayed at Castle Lakes RV & Campground in Lake City, Colorado.  What a gorgeous place.

 I thought I'd share some of my favorite captures my eyes took in.

This was the view from our RV site.  It was breathtaking.  It was a great place for coffee in the morning.  Nice and cold too.

The water was like glass most days and we had spectacular weather all week long.

I just loved how the mountain reflected in the water.

Can you believe how gorgeous this is?

We took walks around the lake and admired the wildflowers and beauty.

Hanging baskets were overflowing with color at the lodge.

I was tempted to bring this fabulous piece of driftwood home!

I'm sure the beavers would have been sad to see it go.

This bridge was perfect for fishing.

All 6 families  rented jeeps from the lodge one day. We drove  in convoy right up into the mountains.  It was an amazing day of adventure and  fun!

I just couldn't believe this view.  The color of the water in this valley took my breath away.

See what I mean?

Waterfalls everywhere.

Sheep grazing.

but lots of dust flying everywhere too.

Loads of belly laughter around the fire each evening. Loads of memories were made!  Some of these friends have been in our lives since high school so the stories that were told were absolute hoots.

Lots of hiking and fishing too!

The jeeping was my favorite, maybe because I had such a handsome driver.

Always so good to be in nature exploring God's incredible beauty.

Hard to be back in the 100 degree heat here in Texas now.  I'm going to miss my coffee spot.

but.... ready to start all my new projects!

I have 2 photo shoots this week. A kitchen remodel and a bathroom remodel completion.  Pictures coming soon!

Creating homes as unique as you are!

 True fulfullment is being able to enrich a families life by creating a home that suits their lifestyle. My goal at DecRenew Interiors is to create a space that is as unique as the client.

 Our tag line is: "Creating homes as unique as you are."

 I  met with this client after they had been living in their newly built home for a year.  This is the second home that I have had the opportunity to decorate for them.  It is always such a pleasure to work with the same client over and over again.

 The drapery fabric (mainly the colors)  was my inspiration for pulling the entire room together.  I adore all the  vibrancy and so does  my client.  As you scroll through the after pictures below, you will see how I made sure these colors were all married together somehow.  Different textures, patterns, shapes, etc. together created a mixed up, eclectic style with a transitional flair.

They had some things that I knew we could repurpose.   These two club chairs were reupholstered because the client loved them and they were super comfy.

 They just needed a makeover after being used in their gameroom surrounded by kids and all that goes with that!

My goal is to use as much of what the client "already have" in order to save them as much money as possible.  Of course, only if the item was  still stylish :)  Often times, my clients will say "really, keep these old things" and I say "yes, they/it has HUGE potential."

Ruthie Decorating tip:  Use unique items for your flowers. This candle holder was perfect for the fresh flowers on the coffee table.  Make sure that the item is not pourous if you place the flowers directly in the vase.  If it is, I put a small drinking glass inside the vase and use that for the flowers.  

 We were going to redo these two ottomans.  As the room started to come together, I thought they could stay "as is" since they go beautifully with the animal print rug.  I'm crazy about the round side table.  Such great detail!

Gus loves his new home too!

 The coffee table is so unique and the texture and color make the reupholstered chairs united.  See how the detail of the book on the coffee table pulls together the ottoman color?

Those are the details that I think about for days and days before the installation.  I often wake up in the middle of the night and get up and write things down.

What color florals to use is also a huge decision.  

Notice how these flowers make the entire room pop.

The new gray sectional is perfect for their family life.  This family room is where everything happens in their house.

The stripes and houndtooth patterned pillows add a masculine touch against the more feminine draperies.

Adding unique wooden side tables makes the room feel warm and cozy.  With the high ceilings in this room, we needed that.  Also adds that shape that we needed to soften the edges.

Unique lamps and a fun shade add personality, fun and a more relaxed feel.  The painting on the mantel is huge and is all the mantel needs to make a statement.  Less fussy!

The chair pillows add a punch of turquoise without going over the top with this bold color.

  I found a cake platter in one of the kitchen cabinets and created this vignette.

Ruthie Decorating Tip: Accessories placed in different heights make more of  statement and draws your eye into each item.  Look for bowls, books, boxes, etc. to raise things up.  It's more appealing to your eye. 

This telephone was in their junk pile.  I rescued it because I think it adds some history to the room.

I have a love for lamps and this one is to die for!

The family also enjoys playing batgammon.  I placed it out as decor since it is used often.  The kids loved seeing their treasures out and displayed.  I also placed some of their other items like family pictures, grandma's clock, etc.

Paired with this cute piece of pottery that their son made a few weeks ago, it makes for a nice combination.

So you probably want to see a totaly before and after right?

It's a hard room to get a good picture of the entire space because of the light that pours in (a good problem to have).  These are the best we could do but it gives you an idea of the dramatic transformation.

BEFORE

AFTER

I loved what my client said when she walked in her new family room.

 "Is this really my house?  I don't feel worthy of this gorgeous space!"  

Yes, you are worthy!!!!  I so appreciate the opportunity to work with such a wonderful, worthy family!  Thanks for trusting me and for allowing me to be part of this project.

Thanks for joining me for this recap! I'll be posting before and after pictures of their dining room next.

See above!