Conference Room Makeover

This is a #throwback makeover, from a couple years ago. My task was to choose paint color, carpet, and design elements for the Designer Bath conference room, where we often hosted invitational Lunch + Learns for the design community.

Above is the “After.” Below is the eye-sore before ...

This support beam posed the biggest challenge. After much thought, simply wrapping it tightly with rope created an interesting texture in the room, while referencing the company’s early years when still located in the seaport town of Salem, MA. The decorative orange tree, taking a cue from the company’s brand colors, adds brightness and life to the corner of this window-less office space. 

The new paint colors for the walls in the conference room and adjoining cubicle area both had to coordinate with the new commercial grade carpet we chose from Landry and Arcari. 

To finish the space, cut vinyl was added to the conference room walls. On one side, the Designer Bath logo in white, and on the monitor wall we added a reflective wave pattern taken from their Salem Plumbing logo.

At my new position at White Light Visual, this is the type of project we are often called upon to design and execute – branding corporate, retail, and institutional environments through “visual marketing.” To me, it’s just another form of art.

Magic Carpets + Makeovers

New home with new furniture plus one of my favorite carpets from Bassett.

After spending the last year recommending sofas, ottomans, chairs, accent tables, and more, I am very certain of one thing: anchoring the space with the right carpet is the best way to achieve a well designed look. The carpet adds visual harmony, often bringing in the colors of the fabrics, incorporating the shades of the wood furnishings, or adding an additional layer of color, all while presenting a feeling of luxurious comfort to the space. Even with all new furniture, a room just does not look “right” if all the legs are on a naked floor.

My best interior makeovers have always included a new carpet to tie our selected design elements together. Below are some of my recent favorites ...

Handcrafted dining furniture paired with host chairs and carpet from Bassett.

A large scale geometric carpet adds a modern touch to this classic bedroom.

– Simple With Elegance –

A floral and lattice style carpet lightens up the heavy black dining furniture.

 A simple stair runner from Karastan paired with a wool carpet from Bassett.

This stairway is adjacent to the dining room above. All colors and patterns had to work together in this open and connected space. Likewise, the colors on the second floor pulled from the same palette of soft blues and warm neutrals so that each room would flow from one to the other. The small square below shows a fresh, organic style area rug that we selected to coordinate, yet contrast, with the traditional patterned carpet that the homeowner was using in her walk-in closet.

– A Modern Victorian –

For this makeover, the homeowner had already chosen her furnishings, but was at a loss on how to choose the right carpet to work with her jewel toned fabrics in her traditional Victorian-era home. We looked at a number of different carpet choices, from wool geometric patterns to solid shags. The key was finding the right color and pattern that could hold its own with the saturated palette of the pieces in the room.

  

Along with determining the right carpet for her space, we also had custom pillows made in fabrics that worked with her bright colors and bold patterns. This may have been a small project design-wise on my part, but having this type of professional guidance at the end was just what the client needed.

“I finally unrolled the carpet (busy week) and wow, you were brilliant with this one. We were working with difficult variables, and this final piece pulls it ALL together. Thank you so much. It is the happy room I want!” – Lynn P.

Finished room with new carpet and pillows.

Custom bolster pillows in citrus-bright geometric pattern from Bassett.

– A Pink and Green Prepped Room –

I loved working with this sweet, and traditional, client on her new downsized home. She was very confident that she wanted to incorporate her favorite color, pink, throughout. These photos show how the custom furniture that we selected looked in her brand new space soon after she moved in. Notice how the carpet is not to scale? Choosing an appropriately sized one was next on the list, along with accent tables, window shutters, artwork, and the hanging of a pretty chandelier over the dining area. The room will not be as inviting as it can be until these last pieces of the design puzzle are in place. 

Follow my Instagram account for future updates on my design related projects. This year I will be working at Bassett by appointment only. I will also be working on some large scale creative projects for corporate, retail, and even pop-up spaces via White Light Visual in Beverly. How I ended up there is a story for another day ...

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?!