Getting A Whole New Look Using What You Have

Some of my Online Design Projects (click here for info on this service) include all new product recommendations while others focus more on using what the client already has.  Today's featured project is a great example of how we gave a space a whole new look using mostly what the client already owned. 

Just prior to reserving her online design consultation, she purchased a brand new area rug (you can see the rug in this design board I created for her).  

She also had a relatively new sofa and chair combination in custom upholstery from Ethan Allen. 

She was craving a fresh new look for her family room, but did not want to replace items that were recently purchased.

We used these items in the design plan and still gave the space a whole new look.  One way we achieved this is by giving the fireplace wall a makeover.  The fireplace wall is the main focal point in the space.  By adding a new, chunky, white mantle…

and gorgeous new large-scaled artwork...

(please click here for details on this art)

...the main focal wall was completely transformed.  Giving the space an overall fresh new feel.  

Solid, light colored drapes freshened up the windows.  We suggested painting her current coffee/end tables as opposed to replacing them.  

We incorporated the clients collection of baskets.  We recommended displaying them by mounting a large peg rack over the media unit.  Pulling colors from the new art piece, we chose new accessories including toss pillows for the sofa…

Another way we dramatically changed the look and feel of this space was to replace the wood toned media hutch with a beautiful off white media suite (either a new media unit or a consigned piece painted white).  Adding a light colored media unit played off the new drapes and white moldings added to the fireplace.  These light colored elements provided contrast to the darker rug and upholstery and brightened up the design.

The most dramatic changes in this space are the fireplace wall, new drapes and colorful accessories.  These changes and additions gave the existing elements a fresh new life.  

For information on my affordable online design service, please click here.  I am now accepting new reservations if you would like a custom design plan for your space.

Longaberger basket image:  http://copycatcollector.blogspot.com/2012/05/collection-127-longaberger-baskets.html

Artwork: The Yellow Cape Cod Collection (click here for info)

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Sub Zero and Wolf Delicious Design Contest~$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaw

 

 

 

Recently, we gave our builder grade kitchen a fresh new semi-custom look with a budget friendly makeover. A few aesthetic improvements completely changed the look and feel of our space.  We took our kitchen from a bland utilitarian workspace to an inspiring hub of our home.

 

 

 

 We began our makeover by adding paint and molding to our stock grade, natural birch cabinetry.  Soft white paint applied to the cabinetry brightened up our dark kitchen.  Moldings and trim added to the tops of the cabinets made them appear taller, more like high end custom cabinetry.

 

 

Family friendly commercial grade wood laminate floors are both pretty and nearly indestructible. 

New black granite countertops, DIY black painted doors and DIY striped drapery added contrast, personality and drama.

 

 

A DIY wine/cookbook storage cabinet was incorporated by removing one of the cabinet doors and adding attractive storage baskets for bottles, glasses and our family's favorite cookbooks.

 

 

The kitchen is by far the busiest space in our home.  Now, it's a place we actually enjoy spending time in.  My husband and I both like to cook, my daughter loves to bake and our boys love to eat.  

 

 

Our busy lifestyle and love of entertaining inspired the design of our new kitchen.  To make our hectic days a little easier, clear glass jars filled with snacks double as countertop accessories.

 

 

 I chose a neutral color scheme to provide a nice backdrop for various seasonal decor and colorful party decorations that usually appear in our kitchen throughout the year.  

 

 

 Our kitchen is the place where we make the biggest messes,

have heart to heart conversations,
celebrate milestones,

 

 

 study for big tests,
make life decisions over coffee...

 

 

 teach Murphie new tricks,

 

 

and occasionally practice football...

 

 

 May it be ever so humble, our kitchen is not only the heart of our home, it is the hub of our family.  

 

This leads me to my choice for the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest.  The Kitchen Design Contest was created to honor and celebrate design professionals who incorporate Sub-Zero and Wolf products into kitchen designs that are both innovative and beautiful.  To celebrate the 10th Kitchen Design Contest, Sub-Zero and Wolf is giving away over $140,000 in cash prizes to winning design professionals – the largest amount of cash prizes to date. Categories for the 2010-2012 Kitchen Design Contest include Traditional, Contemporary, Online Designer’s Choice, Student Entries, and new this year, an online People’s Choice Award. 

 

 

{I've always had a crush on Wolf's iconic red knobs}

 

The People's Choice Award honors the top kitchen design entry as determined by the general public (you and I) via online voting.  The winner of the People's Choice Award will receive $15,000.  My vote will go to the kitchen that appears the most conducive to family life.  I'll be sure to share my choice in the comments soon, voting commences on April 1st and wraps up on the 30th.    

 

Check out all of the Kitchen Design Contest designs here and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Tell me which design you voted for and why to be entered into a random drawing for one of 10 prizes ($100 Visa Gift Cards). 

 

 

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 4/1/13 - 4/30/13

Be sure to visit the Sub-Zero and Wolf brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Colin's Room~Unique Art Mixed With PB Decor

This post includes a new addition to The Yellow Cape Cod Home Decor Collection 

(Colin's Clock).

The other day, I told the story of Kendall and Colin.  Adorable twins preparing to transition from their shared nursery into their very own bedrooms (click here if you missed it).  Today, I'd like to share the online design plan I created for Colin's new room…  

Colin's parents just purchased a beautiful new bedroom set that includes a dark wood bed, dresser and nightstand.  Here is the floor plan illustration I provided to help with the new furniture arrangement:

The inspiration for Colin's room design was his love of cars.  These adorable vintage race car prints are from Potterybarn Kids...  

They will look great over Colin's new dark wood headboard.  

I suggested incorporating another piece of art that plays up the vintage car theme.  Something that compliments the Potterybarn prints.  As an example, I suggested this fun, bright, graphic clock (Colin's Clock).  This awesome large-scale clock features pictures of old license plates.

To give a brand new space unique character and personality, I love to mix off-the-shelf retail decor (Potterybarn stuff in this example) with authentic vintage pieces, personalized and/or boutique style art.  

While Colin's Clock would look neat in any space, I especially love it for a kids room.  What a cool way to learn time.  Three dimensional numbers are strikingly graphic and the large scale makes it fun, funky focal point. 

I fell in love with this clock so much that I added it to The Yellow Cape Cod Collection of home decor:  

Colin's Clock (29")  $199

To purchase Colin's Clock, please click here.  

Available for a limited time.  Free shipping offer expires 5/24/13.

Aside from art, another way I suggested we personalize his space is to fill these bright colored canvas totes with Colin's favorite toys.  

DIY molding, like this board and batten image found at The Shabby Nest, is a budget friendly way to customize the room.  White molding and contrasting navy wall color will look amazing against the rich, warm, dark wood tones found in Colin's new furniture. 

Colin's parents have two rooms to install, therefore this plan will be implemented over time.  The main elements are underway but some details (like the board and batten wall treatment) will be incorporated at a later date.  I can't wait to see this room come together and you can count on me sharing the reveal. 

Enjoy your new big boy bedroom, Colin! 

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

To Purchase Colin's Clock ($199 + Free Shipping), please click here. 

Product sources:

Dresser, Bedding, Race Car Prints, Storage Bins: Potterybarn Kids

Colin's Clock: TheYellowCapeCod

Paint: Sherwin Williams 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Spring Decor~Chippy Terracotta Birds

This time, last year, the kids were running through the sprinkler.  This year, they are sledding.  We are so ready for warm weather and sunshine.  

At least I can create the feeling of spring inside with a little spring decor.

Last week I shared our spring tablescape along with a super easy, tulip and pussy willow centerpiece tutorial, click here if you missed it.  Other than fresh tulips and pussy willow, when I think spring, I think of birds.  

Until our real birds return from the south, I can enjoy these little guys.  When I came across these sweet chippy terracotta birds,  I started imagining all the places I could put them.  

I moved their cuteness all around the house, but so far this is my favorite spot.  Lined up along the mantle they sort of remind me of "birds on a wire".  In any location, they remind me of the promise of spring.  

If you would like a set, they are made of terracotta with a distressed, crackled ivory finish.  Sold in sets of four (5"w x 3"h x 4"d).  

Chippy Birds {set of four} $57

 Please click here to purchase. 

This week, I'll be busy working on a few brand new DIY project tutorials.  While I am hammering away, I'll be sharing recent online design projects including the details on the twins project from last Friday, click here if you missed the story. 

Happy spring!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Twins "Anti-Separation Anxiety" Room Designs

Recently, I had the pleasure of creating two Online Design Plans for the most adorable clients ever.  Three year old twins, Kendall and Colin are preparing to graduate from their shared nursery into their very own rooms.  

At first, they were not excited about the idea of splitting up.  

I was asked to design a brand new space for each of them to help them through their slight separation anxiety.  

Here's a short video:

{Click the lower right corner of the frame below to watch the video larger}

Product source list and details on each design plan coming next week.  As soon as the rooms are finished, I'll be sure to share "after" photos.   The kids are so excited now that they have warmed up to the idea of having their very own room.  

I'll find out how their first night apart went down…

Good luck, Kendall and Colin! 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

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

***Photography of the twins by Andrea Peardon Photography.

Warm Gray and Sunny Yellow Living Room

Even though it's still the dead of winter here in Detroit ,

I can almost feel the sun on my face and a warm summer breeze just by thinking about this project.

This custom design is a recent online design plan created for Jennifer's living room.

{please click here for more information on my online design service}

Warm gray, soft yellow, and natural tan create a sunny, but subdued color scheme for this stylish, casual living space.  

Although this palette is currently on-trend, it's always been a beautiful combination and certainly isn't going anywhere soon. 

  

It will look especially lovely against Jennifer's new wood floors.

A traditional style wool rug with an updated floral motif is a perfect companion to these amazing patterned chairs from Ballard Designs.

This oversized round ottoman (also from Ballard) provides a beautiful natural element and amazing texture.  I am in love with the hues in this weathered wicker which include golden yellow, natural tan and warm gray.   

Simple burlap window dressings add softness and understated natural beauty to the windows.  

In this design, an on-trend color palette and fun contemporary patterns and are grounded by natural texture and simple (but not boring) accessories. 

To reserve your affordable custom online design plan, please click here. 

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod
There is much more to this plan, however out of courtesy to my client I am unable to share more specific details..  Thanks for understanding. 

2013 Road Trips…including Haven!

2013 is going to be an exciting year of traveling for The Yellow Cape Cod.  I'm so excited to pack up the mini van and hit the road, blogging along the way.  I may even break down and start an instragram.  So far, the 2013 itinerary includes Denver, New Jersey and Atlanta.  

One of these stops is to attend the 2013 Haven Conference.  Two whole days of Home Design/DIY heaven!  As if that isn't exciting enough, I've been invited to speak on a panel along side my favorite design bloggers.  

{Click here to read all about the Haven Conference 2013}.

Are you going? 

 If so, I can't wait to meet you!  If you're not attending the conference in person,  be sure to visit the blog.  I'll take you along with me (watch for that instagram account).

I'll share the details on our Denver and New Jersey trips soon…it's going to be a fun year!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod
For information on my affordable online design services, please click here.

Tulip and Pussy Willow Centerpiece Tutorial

Earlier this week, I shared our St. Patricks Day table scape with a large spring tulip and pussywillow centerpiece.  Today, I'm going to show how I made it.

This is one of the easiest centerpieces ever and probably my favorite.  Aside from being a sign of spring, the combination of sweet tulips and soft pussy willow are guaranteed to make you happy.  

Someone once told me that it's impossible to say pussy willow and not smile.  

Did you try it?  They're right :).

Here is what I used to create this centerpiece:

One bundle of pussy willow ($5) from Sams Club,  two bouquets of white tulips ($10ea.) from the grocery store and one small storage basket from Target. 

Two water glasses slightly shorter than the basket made inconspicuous vases to keep the tulips hydrated. 

I placed the tulips inside the glasses, filled them with water and tucked them inside the basket.  

   

**Within a few hours the tulips should start to fall naturally. 

If you are putting this together at the last minute and can't wait for them to release on their own, you can speed up the process by using luke warm water inside your vases.  Manipulating the bouquet with your hands will also help them loosen up, just keep in mind your arrangement may not last as long. 

Once they have released, they will fill the empty space around the perimeter of the basket beautifully.

Using utility scissors, I separated the pussy willow branches and stuck them into the tulips.  I like to keep the branches long to create a large scale centerpiece.  

Starting from the center, top of the arrangement and working my way to the outside corners helped me space the branches evenly. 

  

Tulips are thirsty, I check the water level each day.  

If you missed the rest of this tablescape, click here to see the original post.  

By special request, here is a link to the recipe I use for our St. Patricks Day Dinner:

  BHG Corned Beef and Cabbage.  

Happy St. Patricks Day!

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod
For information on my affordable online design services, please click here.