Chaletmomma

Everything we do in design is intended to make an impact.

I am so excited to share today’s piece. I had the most fun bringing some Chaletstyle to my dear friend Amy’s home. It’s a center hall colonial brilliantly decorated and filled with beautiful pieces and art. It has back to back living areas - and last fall we started chatting about freshening up the built-ins in both the Livingroom and the Television room. I was thrilled when I was asked for my help.

There were a total of 3 days spent styling, painting and restyling.

First let’s look at the Livingroom - this room overlooks the back garden.

On the first day we stared looking through all the design elements Amy has organized - I mean look at this friends - all ready to grab and go! And grab we did! Next we shopped the house a bit pulling pieces and some books from other rooms. Then the styling began!

I could shoot myself for not taking a true before image of the two spaces. I certainly didn’t have my blogging cap on that day in November.

After day one we admired both rooms - but, Amy wanted to go further. The conversation turned to Peel and Stick wallpaper in a grass cloth texture. After reviewing options and discussing an order was placed but, when it arrived it just wasn’t right. It wasn’t what she had in her mind’s eye. So the next logical step was paint. Kensington Blue # 840 by Benjamin Moore was chosen.

The painting was easy peasy with a steady hand and an angled brush. It took two coats.

BAM friends… At the end of Day 2 we knew that the paint, the color was wonderful - it allows the objects to really pop - it was the magic sauce the space needed. In addition some new objects and books had been purchased bringing in a subtle influx of pink to the space. I think these pieces really make the space sing!

You all know how much I love pink and think a touch of it can go anywhere!

Now let’s look at the Television Room.

After tackling the Livingroom we turned our attention to the Television Room. On the first day we styled the shelves adding touches of gold. We were loving how they turned out.

In addition to painting the Livingroom shelves Segovia Red #1288 by Benjamin Moore was chosen to add that special pop.

The Benjamin Moore product was again lovely to use and it covered in two coats.

This color is the perfect choice - I mean look at this room - it picks up on the rug and the Flag Art totally pops. In addition there are a few new gold-toned pieces along with some books and a yummy touch of tortoise. The mix is marvelous!

Amy and her family are so pleased with the new updated styling.

The simplest change we can make is with paint. There’s a plethora of choices, it’s reasonably priced and it makes an immediate impact.

Thank you Amy for having faith in my eye! xo

Til next time.

Recently I had a ton of fun helping a client with the redesign of the massive deck she shares with her husband and three small children. This is where we started. They had the furniture we just needed to get busy bringing this space to life!

The client and I are IG friends. When she posted the above image - I sent a message suggesting she reorient one of the couches and pull in the two chairs to make a cozy lounge area. The next day she told me she and her husband had sat out there the previous evening and how much they enjoyed the new vibe.

May 28, 2019 Just having pulled the lounge area together

We kept chatting about the design - the different zones. The lounge, the dining, grilling and kid zone and that’s when she hired me. The next steps included making a plan, a shopping list and then getting a date to meet at the At Home Store in Wayne, NJ.

It’s important when working with a client that I keep their design sensibility and budget in mind. As I mentioned my client already had the furniture she just needed my help to finish the space. She is a lover of a classic aesthetic - and wanted this area to be grounded in neutrals.

As we chatted I asked: do you need cushions? do you need an umbrella and base? do you have a large tray for the table? do you have lanterns? do you have battery operated candles? do you have real candles? do you have melamine dishes and glasses? Remember this is a room that just happens to be outside - you need all the same things you need for inside!

I wish I had thought to take the cover off of the grill but, you all get the idea…the grill now has it’s own area instead of being next to the seating area. It’s actually closer to the kitchen door. now.

I suggested an AstroTurf rug for under the kiddos play table which is behind the lounge area. Something fun to do is to fill a large plastic bin with bubbles and water pistols. This way the kiddos have access to them and Mom and Dad will know where they are too! You want to enjoy your deck and your children do too - so set them up to have fun so you can relax!

For less than $400.00 we purchased:

One 7 x 10 Rug
A 7-1/2 foot Crank Umbrella
Umbrella Base
Three Throw Pillows
Two Chair Cushions
Three Decorative Bowls in various designs and material all good for Outdoor Use.