One of my favorite quotes is by none other than Jimmy Dean who, unbeknownst to me, was not just the sausage king of the world but a famous singer (way) back in the day. Who knew? I didn’t. In fact, I sort of thought that Jimmy Dean and the guy who says “We’ll leave the light on for you” were the same person. They aren't. Growing up is hard.
Why are we discussing Motel 6 and processed meats and sailing? Well, without making adjustments in our direction, we start to sink. So when Debbie and Mark, clients from my early days of design, called to say they were leaving their sprawling suburban home that we had just finished renovating, I was impressed. It’s tough to leave the home where you raised two little boys who are now whole human beings; the home where you waited for the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus and report cards and the sound of the door opening seconds before curfew.
But a huge house and a long commute were no longer working for Debbie and Mark. What was working for Debbie and Mark was the lure of the hip and happening Platt Park neighborhood. Things like award-winning restaurants and quaint boutiques and kicky cocktail spots and quiet yoga studios and a Saturday morning farmer’s market were all literally steps away. So they adjusted their sails for a new destination.
And what a desitation! Debbie and Mark said goodbye to the old and we immediately started renovating the new; take a look at the transformation.
Living Room Before
we contemplated an office in this space, but a space this pretty deserves more than a desk
Living Room after
sources: chairs and rug, Pottery Barn | couch, Lazy Boy Furniture | coffee table, to the trade
Family Room Before
this fireplace was clunky and outdated so we demolished the facade and added
floor to ceiling stone, a custom mantleand my favorite piece of art ever (hint, hint)
Fireplace after
sources: mantle, custom by Board&Bolt | window drapery, custom |
mirror, Crate&Barrel | buffalo artwork, hopefully mine someday
Dining Room Before
boring and blue is now updated and new
Dining Room After
sources: chairs, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams | chandelier, Urban Lights | mirror, Crate & Barrel |
artwork, to the trade | table, Pottery Barn | console table, custom by Board & Bolt
Family Room Before
family room after
this room joins the kitchen, making it the perfect spot for big groups (or happy hour for two)
sources: couch and chair, Arhaus | leather ottoman, owner's collection | rug, Loloi | pillows, custom | pottery, owner's collection | Rocky the dog, owner's collection
kitchen before
outdated granite made this spot feel heavy and dark
kitchen after
the original plan included updated cabinets and hardware - but after adding this gorgeous quartz
and a few new accessories and appliances, the space was transformed
sources: crock, HomeGoods | cooktop, Bosch | quartz, MSI | Scooter the cat, owner's collection
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