About this time last week, I was taking care of last minute details for my Dedicated To Design presentation at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette, CA. Having had little experience in (or liking for) public speaking, I made sure the talk was both interactive and active. Utilizing items from our home I created 3 very distinct settings: one for the "urban sophisticate", another for the "family focused" and lastly one for the "eternal bohemian". I hung art, placed and stylized textiles, botanicals and decorative objects for at least 45 minutes of design frenzy. My goal was to show the event attendees how to create their own vignettes in order to effectively personalize their spaces. Below is a list of tips I shared with them. Take a look:
Before And After: A Stylized Eichler
For the past month or so, I've been helping a family update their Eichler home. In just a few basic steps, their light-filled space has taken on the functional needs of a family of four as well as some stylistic touches to honor the home's design. Firstly, we selected a bold [darker] color to accentuate a focus wall that extends from the entryway to the dining area. Secondly, we repositioned the existing furniture and decided what new items to purchase. Lastly, we accessorized the transformed living space with bowls, books, art, and of course, botanicals. There are still a few items on the "to do and get" list, but my clients are in control now and can proceed on their own. Take a look at the space before and after:
Below are the room inspirations that inspired that transformation:
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
