Install of the Day !

Hi !

First shoot of the New Year . . . and loving that's it's across the street from my house.. convenient.  I have new neighbors and happy to report, they are cool.   Having the one of the cutest babies on the planet, future baby-sitting gig awaits my girls.  So, this house is pretty big and meanders, built in the 20's style, bungalow but remodeled with all the new stuff.  This couple, young, had a certain vibe in mind.. a bit of a chic boho look and having had that style myself it came pretty easy.  What is boho chic you ask?  Well in my opinion it is really an eclectic look.  A mix of styles, colors, textures, patterns and furniture periods.  It has a warm and somewhat "worn" look and always brings in nature. Mekenzie shot for me the other day and love the finished product.. take a look.

When designing this living space, I really started with the rug.  Now it is a big room and for the most part square.  Finding a 13 foot square rug is hard unless you have it custom made, so in this case (and something I actually do often) I layered rugs.  By doing this you can fill and define the space and bring in that amazing rug you fall in love with ... in a smaller (less expensive) size !

This rug started my color palette.

By brining in mis-matched furniture, stoops, poufs, metals and somewhat vintage pillows you start creating a look.

Filled with light, I assured them painting the walls in this space white wouldn't be a boring color and once all the pieces started coming in it would take on a whole new feel.

A good thing to always include in a boho look - plants and more than one.  I got lucky finding these tall beauties this time of year.

One of my favorite things in this space, is this brass coffee table.  Being round it fits perfectly with a sectional or sofa with chaise.  I think I love so much I am going to get one.

Take a look at a few of my favorite brass tables !

Now having all your metals "jive" is important and adding another element of brass is important here.  I did that with these short lamps.  I love just the touch of brass over raw iron.  Placing on a distressed wood and metal console, not blocking the window and shorter than the trees all in the effort of having your eye move about at different levels.  Low lighting is always a must and I love these "hand painted" ones, further continuing the vibe.

This pouf - the real deal and they already had it . . . perfect.

So the space is coming together from my original design board... we decided no need to paint the back of the bookcases, we like them all white and per usual, one piece was back ordered - a new leather chair - which will wander in shortly and bring home the vintage, boho vibe.  A bit of leather is key to me to obtain this look.

This open floor plan is pretty great, big enough for a long dining table, and seating for about 8.  True to the look, mixing up the seating is a must.  A combination of  black wishbone, bistro (as a nod to a true wander-luster) and a raffia cloth covered metal bench rounds it out.   Great combination of materials, different heights and looks.   All surround a grey washed farm table and metal chandelier.   Now what is raffia cloth, a.k.a kuba cloth, a.k.a mud cloth. . . really quickly, the Kuba culture is best know for this textile combining a graphic design and embroidery.  I love so much I framed a beautiful piece I found and hung in my dining room.  

Take a closer look at these pretty patterns.

The bistro chair is making a big appearance as of late, these are the real deal, straight from Paris.  As a head chair with slightly taller back.  The color is ideal with the woods in the very next room, but these days you can find in a fabulous array of colors.   What I love is the flexibility and maintenance.  Can be taken right outside on the deck and with spills no problem - hose them off.

Take a look at all the many styles that are out there !

I love a combination of three bowls on a long dining table... but keep the scale big and colors like.

Design board comes to life.

So when you think boho, think mis-matched and you'll nail it, and don't forget a tree or two.

All photos by Mekenzie Loli

Install of the Day !

Yo,

I am all about giving the kids a space of their own if at all humanly possible !!!!  I selfishly want my downstairs living spaces to not have gaming remotes all over the place - yeah I know. . . . This project was a fun one, third floor bonus room with side guest space, my dream for sure.  Having touch every room in this house I was excited to round it out with this space.  I wanted a hip vibe with pieces that did somewhat tie back to the look of the entire downstairs but in a casual, cool way.  No big theme, not to young, just a cool space to send them off to when us Moms want a little bit of quite.

Tough fabrics, woods, and carpet all popping with graphic accent wall papers and cool stuff !

This leather sofa will not lose it's shape and will not get all stained up !  I love leather, especially with kids and dogs.  Deep, low and really modern.  An industrial pipe floor lamp and nesting tables fill the wall.

A swing for all to fight over.  Love this thing.  I have one.  Made of volcanic ash, it can go indoors or out.  Add a sheepskin and it's a cozy, cozy place to chill.

A little gaming table (or snack spot).

Games tucked away int he storage TV piece and a coffee table tough enough to sit on, along with the red swivel chair, all about function.

art by Keith Keim

above photos by mekenzie loli

Loved seeing the boards come to life !

Wonder down the stairs and the vibe does continue a bit !!  Take a look at all these images Dustin Peck shot for me after out first big install !

It's one of my favorite jobs and favorite clients !

Loving this entire project !

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 !