Vintage Inspired Design- From Home Decor To Wardrobe

This post is sponsored by Shabby Apple.

I'm a busy girl this week packing for my trips to Atlanta for Haven and to Hackettstown, NJ for the Enchanted Makeovers Gala.  The suggested attire for the Enchanted Makeovers (EM) event is a black dress.  EM is collecting dresses for the ladies staying in a nearby women's shelter that will be guests at the gala.  I gave my favorite black dress to EM hoping that someone else would love wearing it as much as I do (click here to learn more about the event).

Funny how things work, soon after I mailed my favorite black dress to EM, I received this in the mail from Shabby Apple to review…

The "Boogie Woogie".  

I'm absolutely head over heels in love with the Audrey Hepburn-esque style of this dress.  I can't wait to wear it to the gala.  Shabby Apple is a vintage clothing shop (vintage inspired).  Their collection of retro dresses, swimsuits, tops/bottoms, shoes and accessories has my drooling over my keyboard.  

 The "Boogie Woogie" is the most comfortable dress I've ever known.  The top is soft cotton jersey material the the flowing bottom is silky sateen. 

I often incorporate vintage elements into my interior designs.  I'm not a wardrobe fashion expert but I'm in LOVE with the idea of applying this concept to my wardrobe with more Shabby Apple pieces (click here to visit their online shop).

I've gotta go…I must find my Grandma's pearls to wear with the "Boogie Woogie". 

I'll be sure to post lots of pictures from my trip to NJ.  

Thank you, Shabby Apple. 

*I recieved a dress from Shabby Apple to facilitate this review post.  All opinions are my own. 

Lower Level Love…A High Style Family Rec Room

Do you have a lower level family rec room?  I do, and this online design project reminded me that mine needs a little love.  This design board is from an online design plan I created for a young family with a beautiful finished basement.  They were looking for a design plan that would give their lower level family rec room a fun and functional design. 

I started this project by separating the large space into three zones.  A tv viewing/video game area, an art area (that would later become a bar once the kids are grown) and a board game/eating area.   

I chose furniture that was multifunctional as well as attractive. 

We gave them a sophisticated design with pops of color and fun geometric prints.   I wanted this space to appeal to the kids as much as the parents.  Although style was high on the priority list, so was comfort.  Fluffy toss pillows and chunky throws were added to a cozy sectional sofa covered in a soft cotton slipcover.  

Some of the family friendly elements of this design include removable, machine-washable sofa slipcovers, a candid family photo gallery, cozy over-sized bean bag chairs and lots of task lighting to accommodate activities in each zone. 

This design plan is a good reminder that every space deserves to be fabulous.  

Especially casual, everyday rooms where we spend our family time.

Would you like a design plan for your home?  I'm now accepting new online design clients!

For information on my affordable design services, please click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

DIY Dresser Makeover

Hey there!  Remember the other day when I shared this room makeover?  Well today,  I'd like to take a minute to talk about one of the main elements in the space.  The dresser.  Our client, Sara had this dresser tucked away in a closet.  During our initial consultation, she mentioned that she'd like me to incorporate it into the new room, if possible.  It had sentimental meaning, not to mention the room was in need of a dresser.  

The piece was in great condition.  It was just waiting to become fabulous.  So... I included the piece into Sara's design plan along with suggestions to give it a makeover, DIY style. {What is a design plan... click here to find out}

Sara's Dad, Rob is very handy.  He got to work on the dresser right away.  The new look started by removing the top drawer and drawer tracks.  {If you are attempting this project at home, your piece may or may not need a piece of wood installed as a false bottom.  If your dresser already has a bottom, then a little caulk or wood putty can be used to fill the holes left after removing the tracks}. 

The piece was then sanded, painted and lightly distressed along the edges.  I chose a nice warm white paint color that provided amazing contrast to the new wall color.  Beautiful dark woven baskets were placed inside the new opening.  This gave the piece a ton of character and provided storage for guest supplies (clean towels, books, toiletries).  

Oversized cup style pulls from Restoration Hardware were used to replace the original drawer handles.  The large scale of this character rich hardware added major personality.  

A gorgeous mirror and a mix of new accessories and some things Sara already had stashed away in that closet-of-goodies created a simple vignette on top.

With a fabulous dresser like this, an ordinary night stand will not do.  

We discussed shopping around for a character rich nightstand when Rob offered to make one.

Using Ana White plans, here is the piece he created...  

Using the same paint color and treatment, and the same storage baskets he built a perfect companion to the dresser for less than $150. 

This is a great example of a design plan coming to life.  Sara and Rob executed the plan we created for this space flawlessly.   

For more before and after pictures of this space, please click here. 

For information on how we can begin a room makeover in your home, please click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Shared with Miss Mustard Seed

Using Existing Pieces In A Brand New Design

Today's featured online design board was created for a client that just moved into a new home.  She came to us for a design plan that included some of her current furnishings.  She wanted a new look but did not want to replace items she already had.  We gave her a complete, professional, stylish design that included these pieces.  

For this project, we designed three spaces.  Her family room, dining room and home office.  

All three rooms are adjacent to one another with the den being separated by beautiful glass pocket doors.  

Here is the three room inspiration board from the custom design plan we created for her…

 Here are some of the pieces she already had before we began the design consultation…

this area rug, 

this chair, 

this sofa, 

an antique writing desk similar to this, 

and a large oval framed mirror. 

We started in the family room where we included her area rug and sofa.  A new set of upholstered chairs, occasional tables, media cabinet and artwork were added to finish off the space.  

You can see in the true-to-scale drawing above how the dining room is very much a part of the family room.  To bring the two areas together, we used the same gorgeous drapery in both spaces.  We also applied the same smoky-blue upholstery to the dining chairs as the family room club chairs.  

To provide a little separation, we divided the spaces with a pair of open construction bookcases.  To give the dining room it's own distinct personality, we added a gorgeous patterned rug under the dining table.  

The new rug we suggested and the client's existing rug play very nice together.   

In the den, we incorporated her antique writing desk, tan upholstered chair and large oval mirror.  

{In case you are wondering, yes, that's a fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases in her home office!  She is so lucky}.  

A similar color palette was used throughout to create seamless flow between all three rooms. 

 Each space has it's own personality and purpose through the use of different patterns, fabrics, furnishings, art and accessories.

There was much more detail and instruction provided to this client than what is shown in this post.  Out of courtesy, I'm unable to share the complete custom design plan we created for her home. Please feel free to use these design boards as inspiration or click here to learn how you can obtain your very own affordable online design plan.  

Thanks for stopping by!

To make your online design consultation reservation, please click here. 

To see more examples of my recent online design projects, please click here.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Hands On Design Class with Emily and Kristin~Haven

I missed you guys.  We spent last week on the lake in northern Michigan.  I did a little blogging while I was gone.  Check out my Instagram feed to see where I blogged from.  It's not easy to find wifi in the boonies, but when you gotta blog, you gotta blog.

We had a great time, though I'm happy to be back.  There are some exciting projects waiting to go down in the design studio {one that includes video footage...}.

While I was having fun in the sun with friends and family, I was also dreaming about my upcoming trip to Atlanta for The Haven Conference.  I'm totally geeked to be teaching a hands on design class along with two of my favorite interior design bloggers, Emily A. Clark and Kristin Jackson of The Hunted Interior. 

I've enjoyed getting to know these super cool chics while preparing for our session.  

Click here for the details on our Hands-On Design Class…

There will be so much to do and so many people to meet.

  I'm looking forward to the trip and can't wait to share it with you.  Camera, get ready.

That new Instagram account is going to be on fire.

 Outside of the conference, I'll have a little time to check out the city for the first time.

  Any advice for me on what to do while I'm in Atlanta?

For information on my affordable online design plan service, click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

A little late to the Party...

In preparation for upcoming summer trips, I've finally established an Instagram account. This will be an easy way to document The Haven Conference and The Enchanted Makeovers "She Is Me" event. It will also be fun to share behind the scenes photos of daily design escapades.  The stuff that isn't shared on the blog.  

Like this high-stress commute to a job site the other day…

A load of precious cargo,

a centerpiece balanced on my lap,

and a giant fern strapped into the passenger seat.

Exciting stuff, right? 

By visiting me on Instagram you will see that we made it to our destination (just down the street from the design studio) safe and sound. 

For more nail biting, day-to-day design adventures, 

please join Theyellowcapecod on Instagram!

 

Before and After~A Dining Room Design Plan Comes To Life

Recently, I had the opportunity to create a design plan for Denise's dining room.  She had a great start to a fabulous space.  She called upon me to help her with the finishing touches.  After getting to know about her lifestyle, design preferences and budget, we created a step by step design plan that included her current pieces as well as new elements.

Here is a look at the space before the design consultation...

We provided Denise with a design plan that included this inspiration board...

...a true to scale illustration of the space, a "where to buy" source list with specific product recommendations and step by step instructions on how to put the design in place...

Denise got to work right away implementing the plan. 

Here is what the room looks like now...

Her room already had great bones.  A spicy orange wall color, picture frame molding, and a beautiful dining table.  The elements we added to the space were a mix of contemporary and traditional in style to compliment her existing pieces and tie the space together.  For example, she had a clean, sleek chandelier...

and a traditional style dining set.

Denise had a piece of art that she wanted to keep in the space (image below).  It was a little small in scale, so to give it more of a presence, we recommended that she add a large black frame and flank it with a pair of sconces.  Now it fills the wall space nicely.

I chose a colorful set of dishes from Pier One for her table. 

The new place setting plays nicely with the fabric used for her custom window treatment.  

One of the biggest improvements in this space was the addition of a patterned area rug.  In Denise's design plan, we recommended a large area rug (the one she had in the space previously was a little too small).  I chose a gorgeous spicy orange patterned wool area rug. 

A common misconception is that a large rug will make a space feel smaller.  In this example, it has the opposite effect, it expands the space making it feel larger. 

To fill an empty area and to provide storage and an additional serving surface, we recommended a beautiful black buffet table with a fun, unique round mirror and a pair of lamps. 

Again, here is a side by side comparison of the space before and after our design consultation…

{Before}

{After}

{Before}

{After}

Thank you, Denise for letting me share these before and after pictures.  You did a fantastic job implementing your design plan!  

For more information on my online design plan service, click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Whole House Design~Creating Flow

Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to help a homeowner {Lindsey} with a whole-house decorating project. Lindsey has a beautiful home.  A new build dripping with custom detail.  She has great furniture and a lovely neutral paint color palette.  She asked us to recommend the finishing touches that would give her home the "WOW" factor.  By working on several rooms at the same time, we were able to do this in a way that each space flows with the next.  {We even offer a discount for multiple room design projects like this.  For pricing click here}

Here is a peek at part of the whole house online design plan we created for Lindsey…

Here is a closer look at some of the spaces we designed for her…

The Master Bedroom

{The stunning pair of extra large, framed blue floral prints shown here can be purchased in my shop.  Click here for more information}.

The Foyer

{On occasion you may be subjected to my family photos when a stand in is needed for an inspiration board.  In this case, it was my cousin Charlotte and I.  Feel free include your family photo with your questionnaire, to avoid seeing my mug in your inspiration board}

The Guest Bath Room: 

The Kitchen

 By placing these inspiration boards side by side, you can see how the spaces relate to each other.   Each room has it's own personality and purpose.  Using repetition of color, pattern and texture the entire home has rhythmic flow.

Multiple spaces, one design. 

As with all online design plans, we provided Lindsey with a "where to buy" product shopping list and step-by-step instructions on how to put each room together.  In this example, the products we recommended were from retailers like Target, Potterybarn and Wayfair!

More spaces in this whole house design plan project to come.  

Thank you, Lindsey for the opportunity to create this design plan for your home.

If you would like an affordable online design plan for your home, click here to learn more.  Online design plans are a great option for local Detroit area clients also.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod