Client Loft

I'm excited to share a handful of pictures one of my Austin clients was nice enough to send my way. We tackled the design of their loft long-distance and I think she did a killer job pulling everything together!

We worked on the picture wall before I moved to Dallas but that's the only component we had completed in the space. After picking their brains a little, here's what they said they wanted from the space...comfortable, lounge-like, a place for the kids to do their school work, open space, surface for game playing, a place we can "live" in. I sent a handful of ideas their way and the above mood board was the winner.

These are the only 'before' shots I could dig up. Their loft overlooks the first story living room with a beautiful view of their pool.

I took this shot (way back when) as the spaces were being painted, but apparently never turned around to take a picture of the other side of the room. darn!

And, onto the fun part...

We used lots of "transitional seating," aka stools and the bench. These are light enough to move wherever the action is, yet small enough to keep the floor space open for "lounging" the majority of the time.

 I'm a big fan of these chairs. The color is so rich and really ties in the beautiful hues in the pictures across the room.

Since the desks can be seen from the downstairs living room, we opted to use lucite so they 'disappear.'

A big thanks to my client for taking the time to photograph the loft and allowing me to share your home!

Commercial Moodboard

I've been working my patootie off trying to meet a fast deadline on this conference room design. The business owner is having a video shot on the 26th and wants the room complete before then. It's been a month of praying contractors show up and merchandise is shipped on time!

While this isn't the normal design aesthetic I typically present on my blog, I thought it'd still be good to share. Not every project that comes my way is 100% in line with my style but that doesn't mean I'm not going to put my best foot forward and give my client something they absolutely love.

Many years ago, before I found my passion in design, my father-in-law gifted me a design consultation for Christmas. I remember talking to the designer on the phone and asking how things worked, especially if she didn't share my taste. I quickly learned the answer to be simple...it's all about listening. If you're working with a good designer, they'll listen to you, hearing not only what you're saying but a lot of what you're not saying, and be able to design the perfect plan for you and your taste.

Don't buy it unless you love it

Happy 2013, friends! I wonder how many times I'll write 2012 before it really hits me that we've moved into a new year? Sometimes I find myself having total mom brain and completely forgetting what year it is all together. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does that! Maybe it's my early onset Alzheimer's setting in. (I'll save that confession for a Transparent Tuesday post. ha!)

Moving on...

Last week I shared a tight shot of my client's mantle but intentionally left out the art. I knew they were on the fence about the art so I was holding off for the full reveal. Well, it turns out they've decided to return the piece but I realized there's a very important lesson to be learned and passed on here.

Big design tip...Don't buy large art unless you LOVE, LOVE it.

My client and I went accessory shopping together and I shared with her that this piece would look great in her living room. It had all the colors we were planning to incorporate and the size was right on. Our choices in this size were very limited so she went ahead and purchased it.

There were definitely elements of the piece they liked, like the texture.

But, after living with it for a few weeks and seeing it styled, they've ultimately decided that they settled and don't love it. I'm so glad they've reached this decision before it's too late to return the piece. Art this size is expensive and you should never waste your money on something you don't love. Never settle!

While on a recent vacation, they ran across a local artist that they were really drawn to, Heather Brown.

Here's a sample of her work:

{Barrel View by Heather Brown}

{available here}

They connected with her art because it evokes memories and meaning. Perfect! That's exactly what will make their house a home, finding pieces that are special to them. 

They're a family with artistic talents so the they're going to tackle a DIY project and make their own masterpiece for above the mantle. They'll use Heather Brown's art as inspiration then create something that's truly unique to their family. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

My kiddos are out of school for the remainder of this week so we're off to Houston to check out NASA today. Expect spotty posting until next week, friends.