Holiday Tradition at Endicott Mansion

Earlier this month, the Danvers Historical Society held their winter gala at the Endicott Mansion at Glen Magna Farms. Florists and artists were invited to deck the halls. I was more than happy to return to this former show house to style my decorated rooms with wintery floral arrangements plus a bit of holiday glam. With snowflake-like wallpaper from Farrow and Ball, the decorations could remain simple ...

evergreens with white roses

sparkle on the bookshelves

feathery arrangement displayed in a winter white vase

from Janus et Cie via The Boston Design Center

whimsical DIY snow globes ... just for fun

How are you decorating your favorite

rooms this holiday season?

A family-friendly great room makeover

I finally had a chance to visit one of my first Bassett makeover rooms to take after photos. As with most projects, this one was completed in stages. Below are the design details ...

– before photos –

BEFORE: this family room was in need of new furnishings after the homeowners had given some of their pieces to children who had moved into their own homes. The homeowners visited Bassett, and we set up a time for me to come see the space. With young grandchildren often in the house, they wanted to create a warm and cozy room that was child friendly, yet comfortably inviting for adults. All existing pieces could go with the exception of the bar which at the time was front and center next to the fireplace.

During our makeover visit, I measured the perimeter of the room along with pieces that would be staying. Back in the Bassett design studio, I put together this floor plan which made it clear that the bar could easily be moved behind the sectional, creating a more family oriented focal point that combined television and fireplace together on one side (before the television was where the bar is now). The high bar seats can now also easily turn to view the TV and serve as additional seating when family and friends are over for the game. 

Alex Sectional with Custom Storage Ottoman

We selected a new chaise sectional in a soft charcoal colored fabric which now offers plenty of seating while also being a nice spot for reading (or napping). The pair of existing ivory chairs were eliminated from the pathway between the doorways and were replaced with a fun, large scale rustic sideboard that is highlighted with an appropriately scaled colorful piece of abstract art (also from Bassett). Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray on the walls softens the high ceiling lines, keeping the focus on the room below. On the gleaming hardwood floors we added a luxurious viscose carpet that both looks beautiful and feels great under bare feet.

Discoveries Kerala Buffet

Rexford Mist Carpet

Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray SW6169

One of my favorite pieces that I recommended for this room makeover is the Bishop Swivel Chair which we upholstered in a small scale, pewter colored print pattern. It’s a fabric that’s easy to live with, yet modern and stylish. 

Bright bits of turquoise and sea glass colors add interest to the neutral palette of this newly designed living space.

It was a real pleasure working on this room makeover, and I’m glad that the space is being enjoyed (when I was over last, I got to meet the adorable grandchildren : )

Do you have a room that’s ready for a new look? Contact me to set up a makeover appointment. {yblacker@verizon.net}

Adding Style with Saturated Colors

art  //  lamp  //  bachelor's chest  //  carpet  //  bedding  //  accent pillow

upholstered bed  //  upholstered storage bench  //  vintage slipper chair

I was recently asked by Chairish, an online shopping site for vintage and used home furnishings, to create a bold and bright room featuring my favorite accent chair from their curated collections. Vintage chairs are a particular weakness of mine, so I could not pass up this unique design challenge!

I selected an elegant vintage slipper chair in yellow velvet as my inspiration, then paired it with equally bright new pieces from Bassett Furniture that had a classic or vintage feel to them. An over-dyed Persian style carpet, a Robert Allen watercolor-like fabric, and an abstract knife gel giclee combine for a rich and colorful palette. The large scale upholstered bed adds visual balance to the space by remaining neutral in color.

Often times I am working with clients who want to incorporate a much loved piece, like a vintage chair, into their plans for a renovated room. The key is to make all the pieces, old and new, look as if they are speaking the same language. Repeating the shape of a leg, duplicating the finish color, or choosing pieces that seem to be from a similar time period, helps to bridge the gap from the past to the present. Including a modern twist, like these deeply saturated colors, keeps the space looking fresh.

If you are looking to add some lively pieces with vintage patina to your newly designed spaces, check out the decorative objects that are also available via the Chairish site ... 

  

Vintage Fretwork Green Wooden Tray

Mercury Glass Candlestick

Bone China White Swans

Room of the Week: Tailored Grays + Citrus

One of my Bassett room makeover clients recently sent me the photo above of her newly furnished family room. I love it! Amy came in one weekend and together we pulled a palette of menswear inspired fabrics for a pair of tailored custom sofas. We dressed the Keaton Accent Chair in a handsome gray and yellow plaid while the extra large round ottoman – my personal favorite – is wearing a classic animal print in a luxurious gray and cream chenille. Embroidered-style citrus bright accent pillows add a lively contrast while a round Wakefield Lamp Table in a warm cream finish softens the corner between the two sofas. Amy’s addition of the white shag rug is perfection! 

I love working with people who have an idea of what they like, but are willing to step outside of their comfort zone to achieve a designer look. The best part? From design concept (Amy and I met over a couple of weekends to finalize details) to the actual date of delivery (with the room being painted in between with a Sherwin Williams color inspired by our showroom) took less than two months. #happycustomer #happydesigner

Are you ready for a room makeover?

Fall Home Fashion Trends via Bassett

Compass dining room collection

With the fall season approaching, Bassett showrooms are being decorated with new collections that inspire entertaining at home while getting warm and cozy. Granted it’s still in the 80s outside here in New England, but if you’re considering hosting Thanksgiving or out of town guests over the next few months, now is the time to figure out a design plan (or order that sleep sofa for the in-laws) in order to have your home ready for the holidays. If you’re in my area and need help with your design decisions, I’m happy to assist with floor plans and furniture recommendations (email me to arrange an appointment).

While you are putting together your wish list, here are some of my favorite new pieces now available at Bassett. 

Compass bedroom collection

“Compass represents the Casual Luxe design trend that works on both coasts and everywhere in between. The sophisticated design and finishes paired with knotty oak veneer brings an everyday softness to this collection.”

Sutton blend-down U-shaped sectional

with Compass accent pieces

Compass Cocktail Table with nailhead trim

Malachite inspired fabrics and canvas prints

A few of my favorites from our new rug offerings ...

Maddox: Hand Knotted 100% Wool

Manor:  Hand Tufted 100% Wool

Zahra: Hand Knotted 100% Wool

Gibson Accent Chair

Customize your own version online ...

Fabulous new fabrics from Robert Allen

Corinna Accent Chair: now available as a swivel glider

Gray geometric prints (another from Robert Allen)

My instagram sneak peeks ...

New “key” arm style with nailhead trim

Premier Custom Collection

Sutton blend-down U-shaped sectional

on display in our Burlington showroom

The artwork above, White Heron I, was featured in

Design New England Magazine, March/April 2014

 {see the article here}

design by Amber Price // photo by Joel Benjamin

My next project is to put together an album on my interiors facebook page to show all the room makeovers I have worked on over the last year. “Like” my page to see future updates!

And don’t miss your chance to win a room makeover of your own. Bassett is giving away one $5,000 makeover a week now through October 26th (with complimentary design service, of course!) Enter here. I have also heard that the next HGTV Dream Home giveaway is being built on nearby Martha’s Vineyard. If I can’t enter to win it, maybe I can at least help decorate it?!

Glen Magna Show House: After Photos

Yvonne Blacker Interiors // photo credit: Eric Roth

The summer issue of Coastal Home magazine features beautiful photos taken by Eric Roth of the design transformation of the Endicott Mansion at Glen Magna Farms. Above is the picture of the lounge I designed, and below are the adjoining two spaces that I tackled for the Holiday Show House in December. Currently, Glen Magna is booked most weekends for special events and wedding celebrations, while during the week they host boxed lunch garden tours. Have you had the chance to visit this North Shore gem lately? I would love to host a family party here, as it feels so much like home to me! 

Yvonne Blacker Interiors // photo credit: Eric Roth

wedding photography: Elizabeth Wertz

Yvonne Blacker Interiors // photo credit: Eric Roth

Yvonne Blacker Interiors // photo credit: Eric Roth

faux finish by Mary Taggart

Taggart Studio

Coastal Home Magazine // summer issue 2014

cover photo: Rob Karosis

Glen Magna Farms designers at Coastal Home Magazine

launch party at Country Curtains on July 29, 2014

Left to right: myself, Donna Terry, Diana Kennedy, Elyse Parkhurst,

Caitlin Flynn, Candy Weston, Jenifer Dunn Coen, Linda Hentschel

(missing from photo: William Ralph and Michael Carter)

photo credit: K + M Photography

pick up the summer issue of Coastal Home

to view the entire feature story by Katie Curtis

a sneak peek of the article is online 

via Coastal Home

photo credit: Yvonne Blacker

groomsmen at Glen Magna // photo credit: Elizabeth Wertz

visit the Glen Magna Farms website