One Room Challenge: We may live in a fixer-upper, but we are NOT Chip and Joanna

Bubbles, celebratory sips, and spa-like surroundings are far from my reality at the Week 4 mark of the Calling it Home “One Room Challenge.” True, my 3rd floor master bath design plan does not even include a soaking tub this glorious (that will be in the renovation of our current 2nd floor bath someday) and even if it did, my enjoyment of the space would not resemble the type of pampering that is pictured above, although one can dream, right?

The illustration featured in the photo is the front of a small metal container that I used to store bath items, like loofahs and such, back when my husband and I built a new bath in our last home (we moved to our current fixer-upper in 2003). Back then it was SO much easier to accomplish our projects!

Remembering our master bath project from around 1996

We built a brand new full size bath (with a large soaking tub) after completely raising the roof of our New England Cape-style home, along with building two brand new bedrooms on either side. We did all of this while I was pregnant with our first (who is graduating high school this year). And there was no Pinterest or Houzz to help out either. HGTV was barely a network and there were not a lot of programs to follow (plus no DVR!) All we had were shelter magazines to go by or design/build books for research (remember those?) If we were looking for a new trend or idea, we had to wait a month for a new magazine to come out. Can you imagine?

Granted my husband is a contractor, and his friends are contractors. They all worked together to get our remodel done, and they had the real experience and knowledge to do so. And truth be told we had a lot more energy back then. And perhaps a bit more motivation? But even so ... how does so much time go by for us today, with all that we know between the two of us, yet with so little at-home progress to show?

A local Habitat for Humanity build that my husband
John and I participated in together back in 2012 –

he helped out with power tools, my job was marketing.

Well for starters, I do not like to do the physical work. I have met lots of women who enjoy tiling or building walls or getting drills or wet-saws as gifts. I totally admire and respect them, but unfortunately I am not one of them. I barely enjoy painting anymore (hence my unfinished home office). I am more of an idea person. But since my husband is a builder, we cannot hire another builder, just like I would never hire someone to do what I can do. Currently he is too busy to finish my project. So our master bath sits unfinished.

Sink, faucet and glass counter top installed by my husband – on time –
for the Old York Annual Decorator Show House, summer 2013

My husband has helped me out with many of my time sensitive design projects over the years. And when it comes down to it, he always delivers. But what started out as a time-to-get-this-done-for-us type of project – that seemed quite possible four weeks ago – is now looking to be not very probable with current obligations. Of course I am super disappointed, but really, it is just a bathroom. Finishing renovations is not an emergency situation. I have lived this long without it, what is another month or so? I will have to just shift design gears.

My still challenging One Room Challenge, fall 2015

Fortunately, I did have a back up plan from the beginning. My home office that I did not complete for the fall “One Room Challenge” will just have to move up on my priority list. My only concern is that last weekend while clearing branches and brush in our rustic backyard to make room for a new garden, I got a touch of poison something, so I am not feeling 100%. I suppose I can still do some shopping and styling, but there is still some heavy lifting and clearing of clutter – and painting – to accomplish, which really does not appeal to me feeling the way I do. But I will move forward, gingerly, but towards my goal of sharing some type of “after” photos for all of you ORC visitors! Please come back next week to see how it goes.

Now if only I could enlist some help ...

A photo op with Kevin O’Connor from This Old House

North Shore Design Show Preview Party, May 2012

Or perhaps ...

Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV Fixer Upper
photo credit: Larsen + Talbert via HGTV

Check out the progress shared by the ORC sponsored bloggers here and the many guest participants here. More ORC design trends reported by House Beautiful here. 

Published in Maine Home + Design!

Maine Home + Design October 2013

cover photo Trent Bell

Maine Home + Design October 2013 p. 109

photo credit Irvin Serrano

When Maine Home + Design arrived on my desk this past week, I opened it with hopeful anticipation. I knew that there would be a spread of photos from the York Show House, but had no idea if one of my baths would be featured. Then I turned to the showcase section and saw this image! My heart took a little leap! The photographer, Irvin Serrano, captured my favorite corner of this Jason Wu inspired loo and it looks amazing in print! You can see a little sneak peek of Barbara Elza Hirsch’s screened porch on the left side of my almost full page. My Trio Design partners, Katherine Hawkins and Rosanne Palazola, are featured on pages 110 and 111. Pick up the issue (on newsstands now) and get the full story or view it online here.

Thank you Farrow + Ball (+ wallpaper installer Larry Mazoway), Brizo, Turkish Towel Company, Native Trails, Electric Mirror, Glenville Surfaces, Blue Peacock Home, and Designer Bath for helping me dress this tiny space with big time elegance!

Final pics from York Show House ...

“Syrena’s Bath” // 24th Annual York Decorator Show House

Yvonne Blacker for Trio Design // photo credit: Eric Roth

It’s hard to believe that the York Show House has been over for a month already! Time to post photos from my second bath in the show (first one here) and the rooms of my Trio Design partners, Katherine Hawkins and Rosanne Palazola.

– BATH BEFORE –

While my glamorous Petite Powder Room downstairs was influenced by the runway collections of fashion designer Jason Wu, my full bath upstairs was part of a teen girl’s bedroom suite, so it was a bit more whimsical in nature. Even so, I chose to incorporate elements of maturity that would allow this bath to age gracefully. Farrow + Ball Manor House Gray on the walls was the first step in transforming this originally powder pink room to a more sophisticated space. Farrow + Ball Pitch Blue on the cabinets and shelves (chosen to coordinate with the existing tile) added a youthful exuberance while still being on trend with current color palettes.

Since Katherine’s adjoining bedroom was mermaid-inspired, I had a custom shower curtain made out of a silver dance/swim fabric (something a teen girl might wear for a recital) that resembled shimmery mermaid skin, then had it trimmed with seaweed green ruffles. The pearl shaped sink with a custom sized glass counter  (a favorite showroom display piece of Katherine’s from Designer Bath) replaced the original formica counter. The built-in cabinet below, however, just received fresh paint and new knobs. An easy switch when renovating a bath. All new fixtures from Brizo’s RSVP collection (faucet and towel bars with Swarovski finials, robe hook, mirror, toilet tissue holder) added shapely sparkle. This bath suite collection added just the bit of designer glam that I was looking for ...

Brizo RSVP towel bar with Swarovski crystal finials

“Drawing on the influences of Art Nouveau, RSVP features a sensual design that follows the curves of a woman’s silhouette.  Adding a touch of ‘bling’ with genuine crystal accents, RSVP promises to be a conversation piece in the home.”

– Judd Lord, director of industrial design at Brizo

Below are a few photos from Katherine’s bedroom. I chose the colors for my bath to coordinate with the bedding she selected from Company C. The overall feeling of Katherine’s teen bedroom/hangout was one of being “under the sea.”

“Syrena’s Room” designed by Katherine Hawkins for Trio Design

bedding from Company C

Syrena’s closet styled by Katherine Hawkins // photo credit: Eric Roth
Benjamin Moore + Ralph Lauren paints from Home Decor Group

– TEEN BEDROOM BEFORE –

While Katherine felt challenged with a rather small bedroom to work with, my good sized bath was not without its own unique design dilemmas ...

BEFORE: An awkward location for a

mirror and medicine cabinet combination.

AFTER: since the medicine cabinet had to be reinstalled after the show per the homeowner’s request, I created a temporary diorama in its place.

Step 1: medicine cabinet removed

Step 2: freshly painted walls and niche with

wallpaper covered panels being tucked in place

(wallpaper from Thibaut)

Step 3: Katherine found this vintage-style mermaid illustration on tin, which just happened to fit within the niche (hung on string). A white frame and beach stone finishes it off.

Detail shots of Syrena’s bath ...

Succulent arrangement by Laura Thomson Design

photo credit: Rosanne Palazola

shelves styled with items from Blue Peacock Home + my personal collections

black makeup towels from The Turkish Towel Company

photo credit: Eric Roth

framed canvas: “Meadow” modern art collage by artist Parvez Taj

accessories via Blue Peacock Home // tile work via Weaver Brothers of Lynnfield

sink, glass counter, faucet and mirror available via Designer Bath

window treatments and shower curtain via Acorn Interiors Design Center

I liked how this Duralee sheer so closely resembled the round sink bowl

flat fold roman shade in Molokini Natural from Thibaut

Farrow + Ball paints: Borrowed Light, Manor House Gray, Pitch Blue

ceiling painted in Farrow + Ball Borrowed Light, trim in Strong White

The Turkish Towel Company Zenith in Silver, Blue Ice, and White

my jewels and organic touches // other accessories via Blue Peacock Home

One of my favorite parts of designing a show house space is styling it. It comes very easily to me, setting up vignettes. I love taking on these types of projects for clients as well. Of course it helps when beautiful objects are donated to the cause. Thank you, Blue Peacock Home and The Turkish Towel Company!

generous sized storage basket and coral sculpture from Blue Peacock Home

Let’s take one last peek downstairs at the room Rosanne transformed for the York Show House. What used to be a dark mudroom is now a vibrant space with luxurious amenities to enjoy the salt water pool just outside the door ...

custom mesh window treatment by Rosanne Palazola

art via Tracy Finn // accessories via Blue Peacock Home

recycled coke bottle glass lighting via Lucia Lighting

console fabric: Duralee // design by Rosanne Palazola

photo credit: Eric Roth

photo credit: Rosanne Palazola

Poolside Portal shelves styled by Rosanne Palazola 

photo credit: Eric Roth

Benjamin Moore paint (shelves and walls) via Home Decor Group

art: Tracy Finn available via Lucia Lighting

Just as Rosanne helped me by fulfilling my framing requests for my two spaces and Katherine added art to my upstairs bath, I was able to leave a small mark in Rosanne’s Poolside Portal. I chose a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I felt spoke to Rosanne’s design, the seaside location and the salt water pool just outside her room. I had Charles Trainer of Artistic License output my typographic treatment and then he installed it right on the glass door. He has helped me with many retail display projects at Designer Bath, and I knew this typographic treatment would easily solve the aesthetic problem of an interior window without a view.

POOLSIDE PORTAL: BEFORE

A handful of snapshots from York ...

with Rosanne at my mom’s summer cottage in York, Maine

the fourth person in our Trio team: Katherine with her husband Dave

Meredith Bohn in her living room




Barbara Elza Hirsch in her screened porch

Frank Hodge with Michael Nest in the Study // art by Frank Hodge

ombre wool carpet via Landry and Arcari // lighting via Hudson Valley

photo credit: Dave Hawkins

To see more photos from the York Show House,

visit my facebook album and Trio Design site.

– related post on the Designer Bath blog –

Summer’s End by Tracy Finn

While this may be the end of my York Decorator Show House updates, I do have another show house project waiting in the wings ... The Danvers Historical Society Designers Holiday Show House at Glen Magna Farms scheduled for December 2013. How could I possibly say no?!

JasonWu #NYFW: a Room + a Reunion

RUNWAY

Jason Wu’s Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection: modern with a traditional influence, tailored with a focus on the finest materials, glamorous but never fussy. Seen last February during New York Fashion Week courtesy of Brizo.

image via jasonwustudio.com

TO ROOM

Jason Wu for Brizo collection in my Petite Powder Room at the 24th Annual York Decorator Show House: matte black finishes contrasting with soft whites, dramatic black lace florals paired with sexy nude tones, edgy snakeskin leather and shiny metal accents. Modern design elements. Baroque inspired florals.

wallpaper: Farrow + Ball Versailles  //   Jason Wu for Brizo available via Designer Bath

“The snakeskin leather floor in this powder room is really just for show, kind of a fashion statement that is beautiful to look at, but not completely practical when it comes to everyday wear (much like a killer pair of stilettos).”

ROCKING LACE

image via jasonwustudio.com

LACE ROCKS

If you look closely, there is a small tube of Lancome lipstick on the dotted swiss ceramic tray. I believe the Jason Wu for Lancome collection is being launched this week. The egg on black stand? Symbolic of Wu’s guiding fashion mantra based on “strong femininity.” Jason Wu signed print courtesy of Brizo.

accessories via Blue Peacock Home 

JASON WU FOR LANCOME

image via fashionista.com

AN ICONIC OWL

Members of the Brizo #blogger19 were gifted with key chains bearing Jason Wu’s symbolic owl logo.

THINKING OF YOU, MR. WU

SHOWTIME

Fall 2013 runway ... black shiny large scale marble floor tiles inset with a border of equally large mirrored tile squares. In the center a huge sparkling chandelier ... bigger than the entire size of my powder room!

CLOSE UP READY

The small size of this half bath was a particular challenge. How does one make a tiny room stand out in a vast show house? I took my model thin space and dressed it dramatically from top to bottom. During the five weeks of the show, it certainly turned some heads.

mirror, sink, counter via Designer Bath

Peshtemal Towel via The Turkish Towel Company

photo credit: Eric Roth

PETITE POWDER BEFORE

PETITE POWDER AFTER

PETITE POWDER

JASON WU FOR LANCOME

image via fashionista.com

RUNWAY MEMORIES INSPIRE

THANK YOU, BRIZO

my NYFW experience courtesy of Brizo starts here

photo courtesy Brizo

Brizo understands that brands and businesses benefit from having ambassadors. This summer, they reunited almost 100 of their New York fashion week design bloggers to attend a three day reunion in Memphis, Tennessee. Why Memphis? Memphis is the home to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, their charity of choice. Brizo is passionate about improving lives, whether that involves designing cutting edge bath and kitchen fixtures that are as beautiful as they are efficient or giving back to the community that surrounds them. As an invited guest on this all expense paid trip, I was introduced to other design bloggers who share the #blogger19 alum status, and was taken on a guided tour of the St. Jude campus as part of our 3-day reunion experience.

TARGET HOUSE TOUR

The rotunda at Target House, a family residence on the St. Jude campus

ST. JUDE HOSPITAL TOUR

Inspirational artwork lines the walls at St. Jude

The mission of St. Jude, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, is one of hope. That “no child should die in the dawn of their life.” St. Jude has been leading the way in pediatric cancer research since it opened its doors in the late 1960s. They provide treatment for FREE to the children who need it most. They also provide a long-term place to stay for children AND their families during their treatment. Having spent a couple nights on various occasions at Boston Children’s Hospital with one of my own boys, I was completely impressed with the attention given to establishing a healing environment that takes the entire family into consideration. I will share more about what I saw at St. Jude as well as what we saw on our Brizo factory tour in another post. For now, I am going to take the liberty of posting a veritable scrapbook of photos from my #blogger19 reunion. When you are immersed in an engaging experience that creates lasting memories, the people you share those days with become like family. So these pics are for you, my @Brizo #blogger19 family ...

BRIZO + ST. JUDE CELEBRATION DINNER 

Reunited with my peeps from February #blogger19 Fashion Week:

Cristi, Laura, Donna, and Judd from Brizo

Cristi and Laura

with Lisa, Laura, Marilyn and Donna

Todd and Adele

Boston designer Linda with her #blogger19 pal Gloria

wtih Marilyn and Cristi

with Judd and Donna

Marilyn and Erika

and we danced ...

photo booth op: team Brizo’s Seth, Jon, Sam and Judd

team Brizo incognito

yes, I am sporting a tiara (it was a long, emotional day, after all!)

iphone case design tricks – thanks, Toni!

Seth and Trevor: bright lights, big ideas

raffle winners: Marilyn and my #YorkShowHouse pal Barbara

Carrie and Michelle with their Brizo gift baskets

Cheryl also won ... just as I predicted!

St. Jude received a donation with each basket given away

getting silly: boas + tiaras with Cheryl, Sam, Brandon, Judd, Nicole

Smile! Kristen, Judd, Brandon

Tiaras for everyone! Courtney, Lisa, myself, Manvi, Paul

Dubai x2: Manvi and Laura

CLOSING EVENT: DINNER AT

ITTA BENA BLUES CLUB

(day event factory tour info to come!)

Itta Bena above BB King blues club on Beale Street = all ours!

sit down dinner after many “last night” photos are taken ...

Brizo’s Laura, Jai, and Marilyn

Adele, Barbara, Barbara, et moi

Dubai + Interior Designer Chat

Canadian contingent: Corey, Jonathan, Meredith

with Kristen and Elvis

Donna of Savvy Interiors, JB of Building Moxie, Eric of StudioM

my Chicago design sister

2cute: Cristi and Niki

happy to meet: Michelle, Eric, and Carmen

like-minded marketers: striking a pose with Whitney

the fab-four one last time (for now!) Marilyn, Donna, Barbara + me

where we stayed: The Peabody Hotel (ducks included)

how we were treated: like royalty

@Brizo #blogger19 Reunion

photo courtesy Brizo

Not time to say good bye yet ... there’s more to come including a second Brizo-inspired bath for the York Show House and more from the reunion (daylight events : )

P.S. Jason Wu is showing his Spring/Summer 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week on September 6th at 1pm. Watch the live stream here, then let me know what you think of it!