7.31.2014

Making it your own

My client this week just bought her first home -- such an exciting and intimidating experience! She contacted me to help make her living room reflect more of her personality. The windows were dressed from the previous homeowners, the fireplace surround was dated and the furnishings were leftovers and hand-me-downs.
We discussed options for updating the fireplace including changing out the dark marble for something more neutral. But as it often is with buying houses, the leftover budget did not allow for that big of a change. I suggested she try painting it. Yes, this brave new homeowner painted the stone around her fireplace! Using Annie Sloane Chalk paint, she completely transformed the surround. And it looks amazing!
So much better, right?!

We took down the fussy valances and hung simple turquoise panels that enlarge the windows and make the room seem even bigger. New accent chairs in soft pastels coordinate with the new large abstract floral painting above the fireplace.
Love the pop of pink from the new upholstered ottoman too.
I'm still trying to convince her to soften the walls with a light turquoise, but changing wall color can be scary to a new homeowner!
Now this room reflects who lives there!

It's a big, bright change for an Embellished new place.
Need help putting your personality in our home?
Contact Ami
Embellish Interiors
embellishcville@gmail.com
434.465.0738                                     434.295.3367

7.24.2014

Taming the Two-Story

My client contacted me for help with drapery for her family room. She was perplexed about how to dress the windows in her family room with a very high ceiling:
While I knew that she was only asking for window dressings, I had to suggest more to help with the soaring ceiling.
We added a simple wood molding to separate the bottom story from the top. Then, I convinced her to add some color above the molding to add more contrast. Once the separation was established, we were able to address the windows.




Here's another before view of the room -- the photo of her beautiful children is dwarfed by big blank wall.




Here's what it looks like now!
Okay, we went a lot farther than windows......added more color with a gallery wall and painted behind the bookcase too. Oh! And we hung a huge light fixture my client had already purchased.

Hanging simple panels on the lower windows adds the needed finishing touch.
My client chose a fun bright print that pulls out the colors in the rug. Fun throw pillows and a turquoise throw break up the neutral sectional.
The room is bright and cheery, but more cozy too.
A big improvement, don't you think?
Need help finishing your Charlottesville home?
Contact Embellish Interiors
Ami Smith
embellishcville@gmail.com
434.465.0738                               434.295.3367