Styling #redwoodlanechd: Before And After

This was an exciting project for me, not only because I'm a huge fan of the client, co-founder of AMP (Art Moves Project), but because I've admired her house for some time now.  It is a John Lum Architects' design with modern lines, Asian accents, extensive wood detailing and lots of natural light.  In order to honor its construction and the aesthetic goals of the client the interiors needed to be styled.  Here's what CHD did:

LIVING ROOM //

Finding the right color palette to complement the existing wood details throughout the house was first thing I tackled.  Corals, blues and tans became the go-to color combination.  The amber leather sofa was definitely staying, so the colors I chose needed to work with this focal piece and they do.  Some furnishings were removed and others re-positioned.  Thereafter, rugs, pillows and occasional furnishings were sourced and placed.  Using items the client had stored away I accessorized the built-ins and the fireplace mantle.  A Blu Dot tray and some of my estate sales' scores found their way into the space as well.  A dramatic triptych by LA artist Kristi Head was hung in the 3 built-in nooks, and lastly, botanicals were added to soften and liven the space.

BEFORE //

AFTER //

DINING AREA //

The seating in the dining and island areas was updated and simplified.  Colorfully patterned plywood chairs were selected for the island area and reclaimed wood benches framed the rectangular dining table.  This eliminated the "too many" chairs effect and allowed for many children to easily saddle up for meals.

FAMILY ROOM //

A butterfly-motif wallpaper was hung in the family room to both add interest and to soften the impact of the large leather sofa.  The same chairs that were added to the kitchen island are used here as well, surrounding the pedestal craft/snack table.  This kept the flow between the areas cohesive and balanced.  The piano was moved against the wallpaper wall, where it is now visible from the main living area.  A cozy Moroccan rug was placed under the sofa and a round, brass-accented coffee table lends a surface area for remotes and tiny feet.

Thank you, YF and PM, for allowing Cocoon Home Design the opportunity to work with you both.  I hope you enjoy the newly decorated spaces in your beautiful home.

Before And After: Guest Studio

After 4 years of being our children's stuff catch-all, we finally renovated the studio apartment above the project room.  Since it enjoys a private entrance, a functional kitchenette and oodles of natural light we decided to turn into a rental.  Before we began, with its wall to wall carpeting and muted blue tones, the space wasn't exactly inviting.  Afterwards, it became a bright, comfortable and functional haven for short SF or East Bay visits.  

Firstly, we removed the carpet and replaced it with a gray-wash laminate flooring that made the space feel larger.  The bathroom was enlarged, so it could accommodate a sink and a full size vanity for storage.  Secondly, we created closet space and repaired the kitchenette.  Lastly, we gave the studio distinct sleeping, lounging, and eating/working areas.  The space is now officially listed on Airbnb. Take a look:

Who wouldn't like to spend a little time in this studio above the tree line?

Before And After: Closet Makeover

Since our move into a Mid-Century home 3 years ago, we've undergone just one major renovation:  our kitchen and dining room.  Now it's time to begin working on a few other areas that need updating, spaces like closets, bathrooms and guest rooms.  I recently tackled our children's closets.  Original to the home's 1953 construction, the closets for both bedrooms were not making use of all the available space nor accommodating all the current things kids own nowadays.  Striving to keep some uniformity throughout the house, I hired the cabinet maker who worked on our kitchen to build something similar for our children's rooms.  The final result is a refined storage area that fits our home's design and addresses the needs of our children now and well into the future.  Take a look:

Anthropologie's brass and leather knobs add a bit of masculinity to the boys' room and coordinate with other brassy fixtures throughout the house. 

By removing the paneled doors in each room, we gained more usable space both inside and outside the closets.  The larger cubbies are outfitted with adjustable shelves for toys and rods to hang clothes as needed.  

Zoe's dresser hardware ties into the greenish hues of the concrete floor and adds an elegant earthiness to her room.  

For the first time in almost 10 years our twin boys have their own dressers and display shelves!  As for Zoe, she now has plenty of room for her ever growing collection of stuffies and...shoes.  

Before And After: Beacon Hill Study~Part 1

For the past year, I've been working with a Boston couple on a Beacon Hill apartment renovation.  Despite the cross-country distance between us things have been progressing very well.  When we first  met to discuss the project last summer, we shared our expectations and ideas for their amazing space.  We also interviewed and hired a contractor, who not long afterwards, began gutting the entire place.  Since then, the ceilings were raised, the floors replaced, paint colors and wall treatments were decided upon and a totally redesigned kitchen was taking shape.  The rebuild was completed in June and my clients have officially moved in.  During my summer trip back East, I spent time with them working on furnishings, accessories and rug selections.  Although a few things are still needed to complete the space, I wanted to share our progress thus far.  I would like to start by showing their brand new study.  Stay tuned for more room reveals and further updates on how a house becomes a home.

study before

before and after

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desk psd

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Thank you AK and BD for giving Cocoon Home Design the opportunity to work with you on your new home.  It's been quite an exciting collaboration.

Congratulations!!

Room Inspiration Sources:

Blue Velvet Sofa: Restoration Hardware

Milo Baughman 1188 Bronze Chair:  Design Within Reach

"Michener Blue" Rug:  Horchow

Achive Marrakesh Pouf:  Clayton Grayhome

French Partner's Desk:  Restoration Hardware

Swing Arm Wall Light:  Shades Of Light

Before & After: A Guest Bedroom's Quick Fix

In the coming months we're expecting quite a few visitors, so I decided to revamp our guest bedroom suite. Utilizing items that we've owned for many years, I put together a space that looks familiar yet feels completely new.  Staying true to my love of neutrals the room is a medley of earthy tones, textures and patterns.  Not a penny spent, just time rummaging through the house for things to repurpose.

Here are the details:  a pair of Ming dynasty chairs that were once desk chairs now act as bedside tables, art found at a yard sale 12 years ago turns the headboard into a focal statement,  existing bedding and pillows help layer a cozy bed look, the sisal area rug is a remnant from our redone office area and lamps that were once sold at Cocoon (our store) provide adequate light to read by.  Lastly, a feng shui botanical touch and some bedtime reading for our guests.

Take a look at the before and after process that took [literally] one single afternoon:

Below is snapshot of our Belmont, Ma., apartment circa 2005.   The lights and art were right at home even then.   While it's nice to decorate with brand new items, I really enjoy repurposing what we already own and then accessorize as needed.  The guest bedroom suite will someday undergo a complete makeover, but I'm sure that some of the pieces you see now will still show up somewhere in the house...

Cocoon Home Design can help you achieve an updated, stylized look with preowned items.  It's all about featuring favorite things in a brand new light.  Contact me at:  debra@cocoonhome.com