Install of the Day !

Howdy !

I am seeing a lot of friends out there that are happy to kiss 2016 good-bye.  I thought it was a pretty great year though.  Worked on a lot of fun projects here in Charlotte and out of town, which is has it's challenges, but is always fun to install.  With my last "day off" thought I'd post the last of the 2016 shoots Mekenzie and I did just before the holidays.  Because of the craziness between Nov and Dec historically, this being no different, just now having the time to reflect a bit !! So . . . take a look at one of my favorite dining rooms.

Why one of my favorites you ask?  The simple fact that it's usable, casual, yet styled.  It all started with the wall paper !!!

One of my favorites, it has a striking black and - silver actually - pattern.  We gave the walls tons of movement and interest and it can be dressed up or down.  I chose a rustic wood dining table with metal legs, very kid friendly, and mixed up the chairs.  Four wood with a black and grey ticking on the back and two leather arm chairs for the ends.  

Industrial chic mixed with graphic glamor.

The details that followed were a pair of matching mirrors with a heavy shell detail.  When the light hits them, they sparkle just enough.  Two short lamps, as not to block the mirrors and still give you room on the sideboard for serving.

I styled it up with simple vases and for the season eucalyptus branches !

A Stark jute rug in silver to keep it clean and simple . . . 

. . . and the mix of a mid-century fixture !  Love !!

Opposite the dining room is a would-be "formal' living room and entry foyer.   We decided to keep these spaces casual as well, so they will be used !! First of all in the foyer, we changed the look of an existing wood dresser with a heavy lacquer finish in a dark slate blue and painted it's hardware with a dirty brass finish (for metal).. easy !  Bringing the metal back from the dining room in this simple mirror, but adding the contrast of a brass lamp !

The "lounge" across from the dining room is all about cozy.  We started with a warm, darker grey on the walls Ben Moore 1551 and a new neutral sofa and two chairs.  Then the layering began.  I love the combination of blues with blacks and whites so we brought in touches in the side chest, pillow and art as well as this killer rug that instantly added pattern and a dose of color.  

This space is definitely collected and cozy.  I felt it needed the warmth of coppers to compliment to rustic dining table across the hall and the large distressed leather ottoman was a must.  An eclectic look for sure with a little Asian inspired, Mid-Century, and Southwest all living in this space.

art by keith keim

all photos by mekenzie loli


Have fun mixing it up in your spaces !

Install of the Day !

Yo.

While I am working on the entire downstairs at the Filman-Carter home, our last install upstairs was daughter number three - Lily's room.  She wanted - a "den" feeling, the Serengeti, and a punching bag, yep that's what I said.

This room, small as well, was a huge challenge.  With closet doors, entry door, 8 foot ceiling and an overall small floor plan the loft bed idea was something I really didn't want to do.  It can be first of all a pain to make up and just something that eventually runs its course and you have to get it out of there, not to mention expensive.  I had this idea to center the new dresser in the room and create fabric panels on two sides of it. This created a cozy and tucked away sleeping and lounging area, keeping the floor open for that requested punching bag !  Leaf patterns, distressed wood and the stamped hide rug with zebra pattern finished it all off for a walk down the animal trail.   Different for sure . . .  What do you think?

I had a low upholstered headboard made to run down the side of the bed creating both a "sofa" and a bed.  The same fabric as the headboard falls at the head of the bed from the ceiling.

I love this rug - have one in my office !

all photos by mekenzie loli

Such fun working on the Filman girl's rooms, stay tuned for the downstairs !!!

Install of the Day !

Hey !

Sister no. 2, the youngest.  Her only request, curtains around her bed.  A simple thing (and something we can easily ditch when the novelty wears off - lol).  How pretty is this space.  The wall paper IS the room and it's gorgeous.  The look of hand painted flowers, subtle with it's simple brush strokes in shades of pink and navy.  It's a small room and she's a small girl - so we pulled in a simple four-poster bed, layered a rug and sheepskin, new side table and dresser.  Not a ton of furniture, but impactful for sure.

Take a look at Catie's room.

She may be young, but designing a little more grown up will give you lasting power !

all photos by mekenzie loli

Install of the Day !

Hey !

When you have three girls, each with different personalities, all needing rooms in a new house, what fun it is to create and actually see come together!  I had several requests when working on this project - soft, tactile, grown up, cozy, all with a little boho vibe.  I think we got it ! While it didn't cross my mind at the time,  the book - Where the Wild Things Are is a favorite and the room has the feeling, so yay!  What thrilled me the most, my Kate, all of 12 accessorized it herself for us - perfect job.  I think I am rubbing off on her . . .

Take a look at this new teen room for Emma, the color combination - charcoal and white with a touch of lavender and mint.

all photos by mekenzie loli