Balancing bold pattern and metallic finishes with natural texture

Today's featured design was created for a family room located inside a beautiful traditional style home for a wonderful client, Debbie.   This dramatic room makeover is well underway {in fact, she is almost done with her design installation}.  This is one project that I can't wait to see once it's finished.

{For information on or to purchase the drapes shown in this design plan, please email theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com.  For details or to purchase the art, click here}.

This project started with a charcoal gray sofa and a pair of patterned chairs chosen by my client, Debbie.  She found these pieces at her local furniture store.  They are great looking pieces and the price was phenomenal.

After discussing how this space needed to function for Debbie's family, her style preferences and budget, I got to work creating a design plan for her family room.  

In addition to brand new hardwood floors, furniture, drapery, wall color, accessories and rug, the biggest change in this space is the fireplace wall...

The fireplace is the main focal point in the room.  To give it even more of a presence, it received a custom makeover.  It is now flanked with warm white built-in in cabinetry and display shelves, trimmed with beautiful thick moldings.  The tv was mounted and framed over the fireplace. The backs of the bookcases were lined with gorgeous grass cloth wall paper for amazing texture and soft natural color.  Finally, the fireplace tile surround and hearth was upgraded soft gray/tan stacked stone.

Debbie's new chairs pack a lot of graphic pattern into the space, therefore I was very careful with the other elements I incorporated into the design.  This trio of pillows from one of my favorite etsy shops, gives her charcoal sofa a little pop of pattern and color without competing with the chairs.

Since the chairs sit in front of the window, I chose simple (but drop dead gorgeous) drapery panels with a light neutral color banding. (To purchase these drapes, please email theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com for details).

I found this stunning set of four prints to place over the sofa.  The metallic quality of the extra large frames combined with the natural textured grass cloth wall paper and stacked stone fireplace is delicious.  I also love the concept of old buildings in sepia tones set in oversized contemporary frames.  The large scale of this collection anchors the large sofa wall. 

 In fact, I loved these prints so much that I added them to my decor collection, click here for more information. 

Debbie, thank you for giving me the opportunity to create this custom design for your gorgeous family room.  I can't wait for after photos.

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

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Haven 2013

There is so much to share from my trip to Haven 2013 that I'm gonna jump right in. 

The first night at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead we had a fabulous cocktail party on the patio.  400+ women gathered for a meet and greet.  

This was the first chance I had to meet some of my favorite bloggers.  It's also the night I learned that my hair and Georgia are not friends.  I had my heart set on moving to Ga. after I heard they have a Ballard Designs Outlet AND a Home Decorators Collection store.  Five minutes on the patio and my hair talked me out of it.

The following days were filled with hands on learning sessions.  One of the highlights of the conference for me was the Ballard Designs Bookcase Challenge.  Ballard was the home decor sponsor for the event.  They brought a truck load of their fabulous merchandise for us to enjoy.  It was all so delicious, I may or may not have licked a few pieces.  Still waiting to see if any photos surface before I deny it.  

I was honored to be a speaker at Haven on a panel along side two of my favorite home design bloggers, Kristin Jackson of The Hunted Interior and Emily A. Clark. 

Our class took place in the library.  We had so much fun working together.  The focus of our presention was Hands-On Design. 

(I borrowed this shot of Kristin and I preparing to speak from Emily's Instagram)

Emily discussed the top 5 most common design mistakes.  She came up with the most hilarious analogies for them, but I'll let her share.  Kristin demonstrated styling techniques using a console table and fabulous accessories.  She is a master of display, it was really fun to watch her work.  I will never look at bookends the same way.  

My session focused on the bedroom.  I shared my recipe for the perfect bed including how to mix patterns/textures, building the foundation for comfort, and secret tips from retail display stylists.  I also covered nightstand styling and what to hang over the bed.

At the end of our session, we had a "style-off".  We chose two members of our audience to participate in a three minute styling competition.  Using merchandise brought in by Emily, Kristin and I, the ladies had to race to gather items and style a console and the nightstand.  The winner from each session was determined by applause and both received a fabulous prize.  

In between presentations, I had amazing lunch dates (including one with my favorite lady, Rhoda), coffee hours, cocktails and even attended some sessions myself.  I received the following photo in my email and it was titled "The trouble table at the Annie Sloan class".  Just look at those faces, nothing but trouble there.  This class was a blast, I've always wanted to take an Annie Sloan class.  I can now check it off my bucket list. 

These are just some of the talented and beautiful ladies I met at Haven.  Every single person was genuinely nice.  Like my friend Sherry said, there was not one mean person there.  No one was a stranger.  It was surreal to walk into a crowd of 400 people that you have never met before and feel familiar.  Kristin put it this way, "It feels like we are old friends".  

Yep, it did. 

(I borrowed this photo from my friend Sarah)

Most of my photos were taken with my cell or from a distance by my new BFF Amanda (thank you).  To see more photos from the event (including a fun action shot of my tonsils), check out the Ballard Designs facebook page.  They brought their amazing photographer along and he shot beautiful photos during the event.   

Of course the best part of any trip is returning home and being immediately greeted by my welcoming committee.

If you are considering attending Haven 2014, do it!   The chance to meet and form relationships with sponsors was a great opportunity.  Learning tips from successful business bloggers like Ana White was huge.  Connecting with 400 like minded people that share the same passion for home and understand what being a blogger is really like, was truly amazing.

One Room, Six Different Rugs

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive about my online design plan service is… 

"Does your online design plan service include links to specific products that I can purchase?".  The answer is YES.  We also provide our thought process behind the pieces chosen for your design, so that in the event one of these specific products is not perfect for you, you can easily make a substitution.  

Using a recent family room design plan as an example, I'd like to demonstrate how amazing this space would look using 6 different rugs. We chose an area rug for this design plan based on three characteristics.  This particular design needed a rug with:  a bold graphic pattern,  a simple monochromatic color scheme and a mid-range price tag.

Here is the custom design board we created for this living room…

Here is the same design board using 5 different rugs all possessing the three characteristics mentioned above…

Contemporary chevron (graphic pattern…check, monochromatic…check, mid-range price…check).

Modern large scale (graphic pattern…check, monochromatic…check, mid-range price…check).

Herringbone (graphic pattern…check, monochromatic…check, price…check).

Chain link flat weave (graphic…check, monochromatic…check, price…check). 

Contemporary trellis (graphic…check, monochromatic…check, price…check).

This example also shows how you can easily change the look of your room over time. If you are a fan of change or like to keep up with current trends, swapping out an area rug, toss pillows or art is a great way to give your space a new look.  Equipped with the concepts provided in your design plan, you have the power to change things up and know that "it works". 

 Can you believe summer is almost over?  Now is the time to make a reservation for your custom online design plan to take full advantage of fall nesting fever.

For more information please visit us here.

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Our Home Tour~ The Laundry Room

It's so good to be home this morning although, I'm already missing the new friends I made at The Haven Conference in Atlanta.  I had a fabulous time and I can't wait to tell you about it.  I'll be busy catching up with clients and returning emails for a few days.  Then, I'll share the details of my amazing Haven adventure. 

Along with my crazy travel schedule this month, I'm also in the process of updating the blog.  This includes updating my home tour.  I'll be posting the spaces as I move along through my home room by room.  

Starting today in the Laundry Room…

This space recently went from the ugliest corner of our home to one of my favorite rooms. 

Here is what it looked like "Before"…

 

Using paint, attractive merchandise, vintage elements, simple DIY projects and organization the space was completely transformed.

The new blue, brown and warm white color palette was inspired by an outfit I found on Pinterest.

Vintage oars, driftwood and coastal inspired art gave the space a nautical vibe. 

Crisp contrast between blue and white is grounded with dark brown accents.  

A wire utility rack was removed to make way for  semi custom built-in shelves.  This was by far the easiest DIY project ever.    

Brackets and pine boards were painted soft white and styled with art and uber functional storage baskets from Ballard Designs.

Full length drapery was used to hide the ugly sink area.  The fabric I chose for the drape was a Robert Waite tablecloth from TJ Maxx.  I also made a coordinating faux roman shade for the window. 

Beautiful wicker baskets hold dirty laundry and double as pretty natural textured accents. 

One of our extra dining chairs provides a place to sit while folding clothes.

Clear glass jars hold laundry soap and dryer sheets.  I dropped in a few pieces of driftwood that have sentimental meaning.  These pieces were found on a walk I took with my Dad shortly before he passed away. 

My favorite element of the new laundry room is hands down, the drying rack from Ballard Designs.  

Prior to having a drying rack we used our stairway balcony that overlooks the foyer to air dry clothes.  

This piece is not only functional and saves our guests from being greeted by our unmentionables, but it is absolutely gorgeous. 

Before this makeover, the door to our laundry room remained closed at all times.  I'm so happy with the way this room turned out that I purposely leave the door open.  

Even when there are piles of laundry. 

To read more on how this design came to life, click here. 

Sources:

Drying Rack~ Ballard Designs

Laundry Art~ Ballard Designs

Storage Baskets~ Ballard Designs

Coastal Art~ HomeGoods

Chevron Rug~ HomeGoods

Curtain Fabric {tablecloths}~ HomeGoods 

Chair~ Crate and Barrel

Glass Jars~ Target

Shelf Brackets~ Home Depot

Oars~ Vintage

Dress~ Our Family Christening Gown

Laundry Room Paint~ Sherwin Williams "Storm Cloud"

Hallway Paint~ Ralph Lauren "Brown Fox"

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

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod

Better Homes And Gardens Christmas Magazine Photo Shoot

Last year, I shared the news that our home was being featured in Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas Magazine 2013.  I still can't believe it happened, but they really did come to my house in suburban Detroit for a photo shoot.  No, really.   My superstitious mind caused me to wait to blog about the experience until the ink was dry. 

BHG contacted me last summer about the opportunity and asked me to have my home prepared for them to photograph at the beginning of November.  My neighbors are used to me decorating early, but I was officially declared nuts when the Christmas tree went up before Halloween.  

{It got around to me that a comparison was made to the crazy target lady. I put us side by side to prove there is absolutely no resemblance}.

The trickiest part about decorating this early was getting ahold of fresh greens.  Prior to BHG traveling to Detroit, they asked me to send photos of our completed decorations so they could plan the shoot.  I use lots of fresh greens, and this meant I needed two sets, one for the "scouting shots" (that's what the editor's refer to the preview photos as) and a fresh set for the actual photo shoot. 

My solution was to gather greens from my yard for the scouting shots.  Then as the day of the photo shoot neared, I replaced them with the real deal from my favorite local nursery.  To insure I had the best greens available for the day of the shoot, I bought them early and kept them rolled up and bound in bundles under the deck.  Everyday I sprayed them with a water bottle to keep them fresh.  It was a labor of BHG love. 

Since it was early, I had only bought a few gifts.  The tree looked bare without presents so my amazing cousin, Alissa, stayed up late with me one night to wrap faux presents.  I have to say, she can wrap a mean box of cereal.

Prior to the day of the shoot, a BHG stylist (Jan) came to my home to check lighting and make any necessary tweaks.  She was an absolute pleasure to work with.  Her sweet nature put me at ease right away.  It was so much fun having someone else play with my house, especially a BHG stylist!  

I'm usually pretty calm during big life events, but there is a moment…slightly before that I have a complete meltdown.  That moment came the day before Jan arrived.   BHG gave me a simple mission to provide fresh tulips.  When they were delivered, they were small, green and tightly closed.  Mission failed!  My local florist came to the rescue with an amazing alternate floral arrangement.  When the magazine hits newsstands, be sure to check out what they helped us create.  :)

Our fingers were crossed for a dusting of snow and a nice sunny day.  However, the day of the photo shoot was the grayest Michigan day ever.  It was literally like night almost all day.  The photographer was amazing.  She was able to create light that appeared to be natural.  I pretty much stalked her the entire day taking notes.  

Just before our family photo was taken,  Jan asked if we could change my hubbies shirt.  It blended in with our wall color.  My closet is my dirty secret.  It's the one place in the house that I'm all like, "Thank God no one will ever see this".  

Low and behold, Mike, Jan and I ended up in the closet together.

And, it wasn't weird.  

That's how sweet and professional she was.  

{Murpie put on his red sweater for the photo shoot, but unfortunately didn't make the final cut}.

  

The photos in this post were either spaces that were not photographed by BHG or from previous years.  Our decor last year has been kept under wraps only to be viewed in the magazine.  Thanks for letting me share this experience with you.  Christmas Ideas Magazine usually prints in August and is available in newsstands through the end of December.  

Stop by and let me know if you see the article!

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

© Copyright 2013 The Yellow Cape Cod