7.11.2011

This is how I "lodge".

I am not one to specify my own personal style, but I will safely say that "western" or "cabin" is not usually high on my list.  However, I had the opportunity to travel with my family to Denver recently and got to stay in a place that may make me change my mind.  The Hotel Monaco  is a Kimpton boutique hotel, one of my favorite resources for places to stay away from home.
 
Orange is expected for a western look -- cowhide, too, but I love the urban contemporary spin!  White leather, fabulous white lamps and an oversized headboard with a nod to the lasso.
 Love the flocked turquoise high-backed chairs with nailhead trim and the orange damask drapes.
Rustic logs are typical in a lodge, but these metal ones are a fresh, modern take.
Luxurious features
 Beautiful bead detail on the valance

 Bucking bronco embroidery on a silk and velvet pillow

Grasscloth insets for the drawers and more nailhead trim

Gorgeous pattern

What a great place for a cowgirl to take a rest!

New Dining Room

Today's feature is another room in a brand new house in need of some personality.

Before, this dining room was vanilla.  Not that I have anything against vanilla (it's my mother's favorite ice cream flavor), but it's so much better with something added to it!

The buffet is almost non-existent and the cream carpet was just too bland.

Now, we've given you something to see!
I added some height, width and visual interest with two tall etageres on either side of the buffet and tall buffet lamps on top.  The shelves lent an opportunity to add some more color and texture in the room with spa blue pottery and candles and natural elements of bamboo and wicker.  A floral print on the rug chosen by the homeowner is much more interesting than the plain cream one!

The beautiful shutters in the windows got lost in the vanilla-ness.


Now, the windows are a feature with beautiful scroll drapery.



Before, Vanilla:



Now, Embellished with some flavor:
Want some help injecting your personality into your home?
Maybe I can feature your makeover too!