Basement Design Plan

Just wanted to show you a design plan I did a couple of weeks ago for this very cute couple who are basically doubling their living space by finishing out their basement.  I have worked with this couple on a few other spaces in their home and was thrilled when they called and asked me to help them with their basement project.  Here is the floor plan . . . 

The plan here was to make this a relaxed space for hanging out, nothing girly, but not overly man "caveish" (is that even a word).   When I begin working on a design plan, I always start by finding a few images that inspire me.  This also helps my client understand the feel/vibe of the space I'm trying to create.  Notice, not all the images are of basements.  The inspiration can be an object in the image, the layout of the room, the colors used, or even the lighting included in the space.  It really is about being inspired. 

Once I have some inspiration, I develop the layout for the space and begin sourcing the items to create the room.  Here is the design board for this basement.  We have already tweaked the design a bit, which happens as you begin to implement.  But, hopefully, my client will send me a few pictures of the finished space to share with you.  

Also, my clients are avid Alabama fans, and the husband brews his own beer as a hobby!  So, I included some artwork that reflects the personality of this couple.  It's hard to see in the image below, but the colorful artwork is a collection of beer bottle tops.  The other piece is a DIY project of framed pennies, and then a rustic board with quotes that can be personalized to what's important to this family.  They also have two very busy little boys, and we wanted the space to be fun for them.  Although we did not have room for large bean bags, we did include a pair of textured poufs that can be pulled up to the coffee table for a snack or board game and then tucked under the console piece when not in use.

Here's a close up of the pillows - See.  Nothing too girly here!  And I love the leather lumbars which speak to the leather chairs in the other seating area.  Also, notice we have mixed both warm and cool tones (creams and grays), which I think is important to allow flexibility in what you can bring into the space. 

Happy Wednesday, everybody!  Enjoy your day. M.

The sources for the items included in this design plan are considered work-product; thus, I am not able to share them with you on my blog.  But, if you would like help in pulling a space together or creating a plan to take your current space to a whole new place, I would love to help you! 

Equestrian Weekend

Warning: this post seemed to grow by leaps and bounds, so you may want to grab a cup of coffee before you read any further!  

Lately, I've been seeing lots of discussion in the design world on a new trend - All Things Equestrian.  From Hermes scarves and Ralph Lauren inspired spaces to rustic log cabins, this trend is getting a lot of press.  Before we get to some of my favorite examples, I wanted to show you some images of my weekend.  

It appears my family life and the design world have collided on this one!  

This past weekend, my daughter, whose been riding since she was five, was in her first horse show.  I know, we've waited a very long time to venture into this world!  As you can see, Lindsey was totally thrilled with the opportunity.  Here she is on Snickers.  

In honor of the occasion, we invited some family members (who are avid riders) to spend the weekend with us and attend the show.  

And you know me, I had to do a little styling since we had guests for the weekend.  

I put together this small arrangement and placed it on the bedside table.  Everything (except the pumpkin) is straight from the yard - the white bloom is a variety of azalea, loropetalum (which added some nice fall color), rosemary, fern and the berries of liriope/monkey grass.  

This arrangement I placed in the bathroom for some color.  It has all the same flowers and greenery as the first; but I added a couple of small pheasant feathers for height. 

Then, one more super free simple arrangement for the living room.  Just a few branches of maple leaves that are beginning to turn for the season.

I tried to keep the arrangement low and full so as not to block the oil painting.  Remember, it does not have to be symmetrical.  I like the loose look of this.

 OK, so enough about getting the house ready.  Here's where we spent our Saturday - Windwood Farms.  The weather could not have been more wonderful.  And this farm is one of the prettiest places I've ever been.

 Just south of Birmingham, Windwood is a stunning place.  This is a true working horse farm.  They teach riding lessons, provide boarding for horses and host horse shows throughout the year.

 We arrived at 7:20 am for our event, and the place was alive with activity - I had no idea people were awake at this hour on a Saturday.  I packed a "morning tailgate" of muffins, ham with cheese croissants, fresh fruit, waters/juice, and coffee (of course).

I also made this wonderful recipe the night before.  This is an overnight pumpkin oatmeal.  I placed it in mason jars (sorry I didn't get a picture of them in the jars!), and I topped off each one with a little agave nectar and sliced almonds.  Yummy!  Here's the recipe if you're curious - Overnight Pumpkin Oatmeal. 

The grounds of the farm from up near the main stables.  The acreage here is extensive.

This is Lindsey with her wonderful trainer, Jamie Barclay of Barclay Farms.  A fabulous time was had by all.

OK, so I had to show you this picture.  This is inside the barn at Windwood.   Yes, that is a huge chandelier and it is in the middle of a horse barn.  Can you imagine?!  Horses living in a place with a chandelier.  I was stunned when I saw it!   

More buildings on this gorgeous property.  Just getting to spend our Saturday here was a real treat.

Now that I've warmed you up on all things equestrian, let's get to some examples in the interior design world.  Here are a few images I've found as of late.

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I thought these wooden mini saddle stands were so interesting.  Not your usual idea of equestrian.  

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I really love this image because it does have the trend, but it's not hitting you over the head.  Just a small touch of it.  Too many pieces and it gets themey. 

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Don't forget the plaid!  This bed looks crisp while still feeling ultra cozy.  

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I really could go on and on here!  This trend is so popular I had trouble picking just a few images to show you.  Next time you're out and about, I hope you'll pick up something equestrian for your space! Happy Monday. M.

I'm Craving . . .

A cozy lake house.

Traditional Exterior design by Other Metros Interior Designer Scott's Creative Home

I know most people dream about owning a lake house in early spring.  When the weather begins to warm up, there are thoughts of what the summer will hold.  Visions pop into brilliant minds of water skiing, fishing and sunset cruises.  Well, lately, I've been dreaming about a lake house as a Fall retreat.   A place to go to get away from the craziness of our back to school schedule.  I think of drinking hot chocolate fire side, and relaxing walks.  Basically, just some high quality down time.   

And, as always seems to happen, I ran across these pictures and thought, this is the PERFECT lake house for Fall.  

Traditional Exterior design by Other Metros Interior Designer Scott's Creative Home

The view of the house.  Also loving that large pier and cozy chairs.  Bring me a blanket and a glass of cabernet in the late afternoon, and I'm good.

Traditional Landscape design by Other Metros Interior Designer Scott's Creative Home

And let's face, it wouldn't be a bad gig for summer either!  M.

Wednesday Inspiration

Do you ever come across an image and think, "Huh?!  How simple and clever.  Why didn't I think of that?"  Check out this image . . .

Eclectic Bedroom design by Charleston Design-build cortney Bishop Design

Did you notice what I noticed?  This is a traditional wooden bed, but the homeowners have upholstered the back of it in a contrasting fabric and nailheads.  Talk about a clever way to update a bed.  I'm also loving the red coverlet in this super neutral room.   Just love it when and image gives me an "ah hah" moment.  M. 

Weekend Round Up

Hope you had a great weekend.  We had a wonderful one.  The weather was amazing.  On Saturday, my daughter had a soccer game and my son a cross country meet.  So, my husband and I divided to conquer.  We also did some lounging around.  We watched some football and baseball (still can't get over that Braves game).  Overall, I think our dog Lottie relaxed the most.  Here she is in her favorite spot in the entire house - on top of the back cushions of my sofa.  She is totally ruining them.  

I also received a little happy I ordered from Minty.  If you have not checked out this online store, shame on you!  These girls have such an eye for fabulous vintage finds that can add so much to a space.  A visit to their online shop is like a mini trip to Scott's antique market.  You never know what you'll find.  Also, the prices are great for vintage finds.  I managed to snag these African beads.  

Here are just a few other items I'm loving at the moment . . .

The gray and mustard yellow combo is huge right now.

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I have a collection of florentine boxes.  Love this example. 

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 I think florentine is one of the last affordable items to collect.  Here is a fabulous collection in a shop in NOLA. 

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Set of 8 chinoiserie glasses - $45.00 for the set.

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They remind me of this . . . 

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I love finding a set of glasses that can inspire an entire table scape.  Since they are not a huge investment, you don't feel bad using them every now and then for a fun change. 

We also decided to grill out Saturday night.  While trying to get a little inspiration, I discovered this great website - GreenLiteBites.  The author is so cute (I watched a video she made on how to make Kale eggs, and she is just bubbling with personality).  Here's the recipe that caught my eye.

Roasted Cabbage

I paired it with a grilled steak and quinoa salad (I just made the quinoa, and sauteed onions and mushrooms and added them to the top of the quinoa).  It was very delicious and healthy.  Just a comment, I cooked my cabbage for 30 minutes on 350 degrees in the oven, and it needed more time.  I think you could do 400 degrees for at least 45 minutes to an hour.  The marinade/sauce is what makes it.  I even think you could coat fresh brussel sprouts in this marinade and roast them in the oven for yummy results.

So, what kind of week do you have?  It is going to be a breeze or a mountain climb?  Either way, Monday is upon us.  Take it! M.

  

Fans I Can Stand - An Update

If you recall, I did a post recently entitled "Fans I Can Stand" which sums up the fact I'm just not crazy about them in a space.  However, I recognize they're practical and will never go away!  In the initial post, I did include a few fans I can tolerate (click here to get the scoop).  But my approach is a "make it go away" one when I'm forced to select a ceiling fan. 

Well, this past week, I met with a cute client who has just moved to Birmingham and is making all kinds of fun changes to their new house.  She had sent me a picture of this ceiling fan she was getting for you master bedroom.  I thought it was an interesting idea.  Well, I actually saw it in action this week and frankly was shocked by how great it looks!  

It's a substantial (much bigger than I thought from the images) linen drum shade, and the fan is hidden inside the drum.  Also, the linen shade does a great job at diffusing the light for a nice effect (it's much softer in person rather than the light spots in the image below).   

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And believe it or not, the fan is quite powerful and does push the air down and out into the room for a great breeze.  So, if you MUST have a ceiling fan in your master bedroom, here's a great option.  Enjoy your weekend!  M.

Braces are a good thing

And not just for your teeth!  As you have often heard, the devil's in the details.  Well, it's the details that can elevate a home from "Nice" to "Amazing."  Here are few examples of how adding simple braces to the mix can achieve just that! 

By adding these braces, look at the fabulous overhang these homeowners were able to create.

Traditional Exterior design by Minneapolis Design-build Lake Country Builders

Even interior areas like this kitchen island can benefit from a brace.

Contemporary Kitchen design by Boston Interior Designer Su Casa Designs

Talk about framing a front entryway!  

Traditional Exterior design by Minneapolis Architect Murphy & Co. Design

I love this one.  Just a simple tin roof with those double brackets on either side.  Love it.

Contemporary Exterior design by Austin Architect Cornerstone Architects

Look how the simple addition of them here takes a thin porch post to a more interesting place.  

Traditional Exterior design by Charleston Architect Wayne Windham Architect, P.A.

These are the kinds of details a great architect can add for major impact without breaking the budget.

Traditional Exterior design by Minneapolis General Contractor Stonewood, LLC

All these gorgeous images were sourced via Houzz.  If you are in need of a little inspiration of your own, I highly recommend a visit to their website.  I hope you have a marvelous day!  M.