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?

At Home: Guest Room Update

Our guest room has been evolving for some time now, and will most likely continue to do so.  With recently installed carpeting and a painted accent wall, things have started to fall into place stylistically.  It all began with West Elm's Stella bed, which I selected in effort to tie it in with other brass accents throughout our home.  Soon after buying the bed, I came across a mid-century dresser with black trim and gold hardware that fit perfectly under the only window in the space.  Next,  I had the the wall behind the bed painted black to show off the headboard's elegant brass spindles.  The rug, from Diablo Flooring, runs through the adjacent office into the guest room, thus making both spaces feel larger and more cohesive.  Tulip shaped side tables flank the bed as do two large swing arm sconces.  Textiles sourced from the Alameda Flea market decorate the bed and accent the guest room chair (a curbside find).  The space has a definite "feel" to it now.  It's very much a Cocoon Home look comprised of our signature layered neutrals, mixed patterns and the ever-so-present botanicals.  Take a look:  

Due to the fact that our office abuts the guest room, I use the dresser to store fabric and wallpaper samples for my design work. 

Proudly, this corner is decorated with all repurposed items.  The prints above the chair are from a garage sale (that we stopped at on the way to a DC wedding almost 15 years ago).  The chair and the rattan ottoman were found curbside [YAY] and the textiles bought at the Alameda Flea Market.  The plant was previously owned and the pot is from a consignment shop.  I love a room with a mix of old and new elements.  It often tells an interesting story. 

Originally intended as a master bedroom suite with an attached bath, a fireplace and lots of closet space, Alex and I decided to use this space for visiting friends and family instead.  Eventually, we may move into it, but for now I'm happy to see our guests enjoy this space.  

Anyone up for a visit??

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