Big Doings Coming Down the Pike in 2020

Hi There !

I can't believe it's 2020.  I can remember not too long ago thinking about my girls turning 16 and 21 and that year is here.  What happened !  To celebrate those two big milestones I have been planning a summer trip back over to Europe, Ireland / London / Paris.  The planning part is one of my favorite things to do.  I'm a planner, the hotels, the side trips, cools restaurants and as many must sees as I can discover.   This past year was so busy we didn't really go anywhere big so really looking forward to making the trip this year ! I have been really fortunate to be able to travel with my girls and show them the world a bit.   My parents moved us to Ireland when I was a teen and while there we traveled as much as we could so my biggest goal as a Mom was to be able to do the same for my kids.  So... the planning I love.

Planning, planning, planning is something I do on daily basis.  All these homes I am working on are in my head daily and I would be lying if I said I shut it down at night.  I think about all the details on each and everyone one constantly.

This biggest one is coming up in February.   A new build on Radcliffe,  here in Charlotte.  Cannot wait. Having pretty much "free-rein" on the design so I am loving everything!  We are painting this week which always means the end is in sight.  Long time client with a lot of trust.  Lately I have been obsessing over the details, art and accessories mainly.  The big stuff is done and easy.. it's all the little things that really pull it together.  (see earlier post here on some of the details)

Stay tuned !

Two other projects will go into motion around the same time.  We are finalizing the design at the moment but it's game on shortly !

The first is a gorgeous house in the Foxcroft neighborhood.  Wide open with lots of winding hallways, and interesting spaces all designed in a U shape overlooking a fabulous pool.  

One of my favorite spots is right at the front entry.  You step up into the dining room and then can wander back towards a sitting room and master and to the right a large kitchen, scullery and family room.  The goal for this dining room, a table that seats 10-12.  I started with a large 72" square with matching chairs on the sides, bench on the back and different chairs on the front.  We are working with Josh now to come up with a table top shape that keeps you from feeling too far across from each other daily, my client's request after reviewing these boards.

Also plan to create a similar but different chandelier that wanders, visually across the space and table.  We created this one not too long ago and I always like to change it up for each client.

Love the mixture of styles !

And need some good art for the niche visible right when you enter !  Pondering all that.

Have a powder room to work on as well.  Created 3 designs . . . all very different in feel.

The first having a fabulous wall paper, keeping the current sink and sconce.

The second option introduces a killer Walker Zanger Tile.

And the third option is a cement tile and more organic, casual elements.

Just off the dining room is a sitting room that I would never leave.  Cozy and close to the master bedroom.

The goal here is a comfortable chaise, interesting paper and simple desk.  

While the master bedroom might wait until phase 2, I did a design anyway.  Ok so I just did these pendants in a recent install, I FELL IN LOVE with them and wanted them to have an encore.  With floating side chest and a long upholstered headboard I am really digging the clean look.

Ron Royals, a photographer I adore showed this piece of art at last market.. really want to use !

With a love of Scandinavian furniture we are playing with the breakfast area using black and simple.  Starting off with this, but I am sure we will end up with a black table. 

The scullery needs some love.  A new tile back splash and floating shelves.

Lastly the back family room... needing everything. Rug, sofas, chairs.  Playing with all the options I chose for this room will be fun as we do tend to love the same things !

Another project in the works as well is just across the street from the Radcliff project.  How convenient !  Older house needing interior face lift for sure.

I love that they want a little punch in the foyer with this fan favorite F. Schumacher wall paper.

We are going with a dark charcoal in the dining room but brightening it up with art and curtains, a light stone top table and chairs... Love this space.

The front living room will repurpose some of their current pieces with new additions.

Now the kitchen... good layout and bones but need to deal with the kitchen cabinets.  

There are three ways to go with kitchen cabinets.  (1) Replace (2) Spray the right way (3) Brush.  Waiting for the quote to come in from Fine Grit on painting them the correct way !

Love owner (and her crew's) work.  Katie is a perfectionist and if you want you cabinets to come to life, she's the one to do it.

With a great entrance to the back porch we are placing a small banquette and round table just under the window for a little breakfast area.

The master, as well as our other project will be a phase 2 project, but worked on the look.  I tend to get into it !

So one big install coming up in February and two others in between.  Starting off the year with some good looking projects !

DeVol Showroom NYC meet Jersey Ice Cream Co.

Morning !

I have been crushing on DeVol's instagram feed for a while now as well as the design work of Jersey Ice Cream Company.    Definitely a look and one I love.  Having a similar feel I thought I'd write a little about the two this Saturday morning, while in the Forest and looking for inspiration on a new project.

So on my resent trip to NYC I made it a point to go by the showroom on Bond Street which had just opened !! (here).  It was just a pretty as I pictured in my head.

Who is DeVol ?  Well you can read all about them here, or a previous post of mine here, their history and such, but in short - an amazing design firm of some 30 years specializing in beautiful English Country and French inspired kitchen design.  The look is something I would want to come home to.  It exudes cozy, home, sentimental, collected, original, sweet - just words that come to my mind when I am in space with this look.  The look isn't hard, isn't modern (though the function is), isn't cold.  It's a look that does make you want to slow down and just breath and reminiscent maybe of summers away.

Took a few pictures of their showroom.. take a look !

Love it all.  

Now what does Jersey Ice Cream Co, have to do with DeVol?  Well first of all.. nothing to do with ice cream and everything to do with design.  They are a design team who doesn't believe in out with the old and in with the new.  They transform old farmhouses in the Hudson Valley (as well as collaborate on pretty cool boutique hotels) to give their clients a unique dwelling of function and character.  Meet Tara Mangini and Percy Bright.

Their plaster walls, somewhat of a signature look, they believe add depth to a room (as do I) and their use of flea market finds, vintage pieces and an overall cohesive look is nothing short of magical. There's something special about history and age.  Creating a unique space that doesn't scream big box, chain or e-commerce.

What is their method?  They move in during the renovation, smart.  They spend their time moving from house to house leaving gorgeous renovations and designs one right after the other.

Between the two, I am finding all sorts of inspiration.  Take a look at a few images of their work.

The Minwawa Project

Staying true to the space, this 1887 Arts & Crafts home, finished, is a step back in time with it's original details.  The feel is divine. What an amazing get-a-way this would be.

I love the mis-matched chairs and dark walls.  I used a similar color in my mountain house in both a bedroom and the exterior. Client's often think it will be too dark, but it never is !

This kitchen, easy and simple with the open shelving below, gorgeous plaster wall and vintage utility sink.  Trim color does not have to be white throughout, please, please.. so much better complimenting the cabinet color. 

 Nothing better than a claw foot tub and a little afternoon natural light.  Simple ship lap and large vintage stone sink.  Leaving the wood window trim was definitely the way to go.

Bunk Room for late night chatter under the covers.

Two cozy bedrooms, I particularly love the spindle bed (have a black on in mind for phase 2 here in the Forest).  The break in the plaster walls from white to off white is such a simple thing but made all the difference.

 Maine Home

This kitchen is a showstopper for me.  I came across it a while ago.  Not only is the stove divine the slight glimmer of the tile adds such an amazing overall feet.  Located in Rockport, Maine, I can just small the lobster boil.  Timeless for sure.

The London Flat

This is probably my favorite.  I adore the colors, and not to mention it's in London, what a fun reno this must have been. So much inspiration in that city !  I am sure they found all sorts of accessories in nearby shops.

Old mantles, leather sofa, plaster walls, airy sheers and perfect.

Old Chatham Farmhouse

This is farmhouse done right.  Exposed wood joists, wide plank floors and built in cupboards.  I read they lived in the barn while working on this amazing place.

I tell people all this time a little less is best, and I mean it.

All so pretty.

I love the cement sink with the wood base... 

and last but not lease... 

The Lokal Hotel

The next time I am in Philly this is a much.  The Lokal.  This place has six unique one and two-bedroom units in this 19th century brick building in the Old City.  

Pretty amazing I wouldn't want to leave...

Maybe it's because I'm on vacation up in the mountains, maybe it's my love of vintage done right, but I know I love this look and can't get enough of it.

Two of my favorites.. DeVol and Jersey Ice Cream, thanks for the inspo this am !