Classic with a Twist

Fix Your Front Door for Fall

2017-10-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! Time to think about fancying your front porch up for the fall season.

This is one of my favorite parts about decorating for fall. Your front door can say so much, its the first vision that greets your guests and it sets the stage for fall festivities.

But there are definitely ways TO DO a front door and ways NOT to do it.

We've compiled a list of our favorite 4 elements of a stunning fall front porch for you to start your brains thinking with.

1. A perfect wreath:

Not something gussy with 15 cornucopias nestled in it.... but something unique, different, yet simplistic.

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2. Pumpkin Stacking:

You can never have enough pumpkins, and we love the look of stacked pumpkins around your front door, in your flower beds and around!

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3. A "Setting":

Creating a small set of fall if space allows is always unique. We love using hay bails, homemade banners and natural textures

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4. Be Different:

Think outside of the box as this home has by being asymmetrical and creating height to their design

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Happy Beginning to Fall!

Fab Fall Favorites of TCI

2017-10-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Fall has finally arrived and with a new season comes new ideas, fresh design and open minds.

Here at TCI we like to look to many places to inspire our design.

- Home decor

- Fashion

- Accents

We've scoured around for our favorites that inspire us.

1. Camel hat, gray wool scarf and all black ... we can incorporate this color scheme into a pillow design asap.

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2. Natural fibers and wood box containers ... we will make it our goal to combine wood elements with natural greenery in small accents and unique places.

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3. This orange, taupe and white wool throw blanket brings warmth, style and functionality to any room.

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4. Not everything has to be soft and warm ... throw in a little excitement with metal and lights!! This metal FALL marquee sign will brighten up your space in a flash

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Pumpkin spice latte anyone?

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A coffee cup of scented wax will fill home with the best little aroma for the fall season. Not only is design and decor essential to an autumn home, but also the candle of choice ;)

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Get festive for fall! Enjoy the season!

Kitchen with Warm Fall Colors

2017-09-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know you can actually "go fall" with your decor all year around without even putting out fake pumpkins or leaves?!

Yep - These kitchens pull off that warm fall feel with only colors and textures.

Paint - oranges and deep navys with a basketweave pendant

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Stain - These cabinets still pull off a modern look with a warm, rich stain

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Deep and moody - A backlit gold island paired with concrete gray and brick/wood textures

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Wood- the richness of wood in a variety of colors scream warm, comfortable and cooler weather

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For those of you that Autumn is your favorite season, you may have just found your new kitchen design.

Taking the Steps to Spruce your Staircase

2017-09-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

No longer do you have to think of staircases as a "pain" to climb, or dread each step.

We've discovered the secret to making them more beautiful with every level! (we can't speak to the cardio workout you'll get climbing them though ;)

This beautiful staircase of our sweet clients at their beach house has inspired us to dig deeper into staircase design.

Everything from material, shape, size and construction can form what a staircase looks and feels like, and what design mantra it gives.

A closed staircase. This creates choppiness in a space that may be needed to delineate areas. By the use of a color change on the staircase, it adds to the modern black and white feel.

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Change of Material: From stone to wood siding, this staircase can now become versatile with the use of textures.

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Center support: A seemingly floating staircase is constructed by the use of one center beam throughout the bottom of this staircase giving it an open and airy appearance,

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Floating and enclosed baluster: Not the typical "baluster" .... connected from the step to the ceiling for an unconventional support.

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Metal + Wood: The under side can be just as important as the tread. With an exposed base, this gives the design a chance to shine with industrial love.

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Floating with Side Support: Instead of a center support, this staircase went with side support and an open riser giving a floating appearance.

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Make your staircase the extraordinary

The Ease of Glamour - Living Luxurious

2017-09-21T11:42:00.002-05:00

At Traci Connell Interiors, we make it our GOAL, and our JOB to be sure to deliver

a quality product to our clients.

What does that mean? Well, we are here to tell you.

Many/most of our clients have pets, children, or simply like to entertain. We recognize the lifestyle and want to make it doable WHILE having a gorgeous interior home.

We have many ways we can incorporate durable products into our design.

(FiberSeal fabric protectant on sofa)

Our Kravet rep was in our office with these BEAUTIFUL fabrics. Not only were they beautiful, but listen to this -- These indoor fabrics had over 50,000 double rubs (fancy way of saying they will withstand ... a lot) , but they are so soft and pretty and when used INDOORS make for the perfect combo of glamorous and durable.

Better yet was the lush feel of the navy outdoor fabric on the left... the texture was super soft and if it can withstand rain and mildew... then certainly sticky hands.

Stay tuned for more resources we use daily in our design to make your home

more livable and while keeping that luxurious look... your friends will never know!

Tile Layouts You Haven't Thought Of

2017-09-19T13:03:00.000-05:00

We've all seen the subway tile... countless brick-lays, straight lays all day long.

These have a time and place... FOR SURE. But want to step it up? Change the game?

Here are 4 new thoughts to consider:

Fish Scales - a small, yet different shape. It mixes the lines of clean and curvy. And turns eyes all day long.

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Look DOWN - Think hexagons instead of squares. This changes up the everyday norm and gives you something happy to walk on.

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Stripes - You don't have to worry about vertical or horizontal stripes forming your figure like in fashion. Stripes on the floor look great EITHER way.

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Large scale - Don't want to see the grout lines, or want to make it appear as one continuous space? Go big or go home.

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Try something NEW!

Make your bathroom wall go WILD.

2017-09-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

The latest and greatest trend in a small OR large bathroom is to tile-play.

What does that mean? Get crazy with your tile. Don't play it safe. Pick something that looks insane in the showroom, but will wake you up in the morning with a bang!

AND Its our little secret -- This can give your bathroom the look of LUXURY you are looking for, without much upkeep. Tile is easy to clean, and will take up a large space... thus eliminating the need for art.

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS:

The larger the pattern, the bigger impact it has.

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REPETITION: The same larger pattern on repeat creates rhythm and sanity for a busy yet powerful wall.

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ABSTRACT: The various tile work that is actually artwork to the room gives the room a "cleanable" way to decorate

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COLOR: Don't bring in just pattern, but in a fun and whimsical room... pop the color!

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SMALL PATTERN: And yes sometimes a smaller pattern can be just the ticket for the space. A more form fitted pattern helps to find a reason in chaos.

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Turn those bathrooms into something NEW!

Raise a Glass to Home Bars

2017-09-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

Home bars are becoming quite the trend in many of the homes we are designing today!

The allow for :

- Extra space

- Storage needs met

- DRINKS

- And Beauty

We found 6 well designed bars on Houzz that we loved and want to tell you WHY:

1. The Unique Wine Storage:

They not only took their design theme by the horns, but incorporated it into a shaped bottle holder on the wall!

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2. Using the "natural color" as the pop:

By creating all the interiors to be black, white and gray, they allowed the beauty of the exterior to be the color pop of the space.

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3. Backlit beauty:

We are ALL about backlighting and we love this medium used here!

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4. Sleek and Sophisticated:

We love the formed lines and straight design of this dark, masculine bar

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5. Secret Hideaway:

For those that are lacking for space, this closet designed bar is the perfect match!

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6. Simple and Clean:

This looks like lots of bars we have done, and we love the simplistic beauty about them!

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De-Clutter without going Minimalist

2017-09-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Piggy-backing on our "DeCLUTTER" blogging trend this week, we have realized that many people might associate de cluttering with "minimalism" or extreme modern. BUT it doesn't have to be.

This is how to achieve a less cluttered home with some love:

1. Go up the walls - "declutter first, storage second". Whether it's in bookcases or built ins, use those walls to hide the clutter.

2. Take FULL advantage of hallways: Mud rooms, storage benches and more.

3. Tame the kitchen - put away unused appliances. Hide as many things.

4. Secret storage is key: From storage ottomans to fully enclosed closets, hiding is the name of the game.

5. Use what you love: This room is far from minimalist, yet it is completely clutter free!

Decorating Mistakes that Make Your House Look Messy

2017-09-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

As designers, our eyes are DRAWN to clutter. If you can de-clutter, you can live more glamorously with EASE.

We have a few tips to help you not make common mistakes that lead to clutter and mess...and we are the queens of creative storage solutions! Hide what you can:)

1. Keep Furniture Away from Walls:

When furniture pieces are pushed against walls it seems to close the space in and

appear everything is lined up.

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2. Fluff Your Pillows on your Sofa:

While this may sound silly ... your sofa can look like its in shambles if the cushions

aren't sitting nicely.

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3. Keep Cords Hidden:

Under consoles, by nightstands etc ... keep those cords hidden!

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4. Less Clutter on Shelves:

Instead of accessories on accessories ... choose your favorite 5 and arrange them specifically for those pieces.

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5. Hang Pictures in an Organized Fashion:

If you have a collage wall or several art images hung on the wall, create order to the space.

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Go -- De Clutter -- Enjoy your HOME

Breaking Open the Art of Bookcase Accessories

2017-08-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

Designing bookcase accessories can be a tricky art!

But we are here today to tell you the in's and out's of a bookcase and how to make it look magazine ready!

1. Turn books on their side:

One little tip we always practice is not only rotating books from upright to on their side, but also facing pages out instead of spine out to give a look of uniformity

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2. Add "objects":

"Found" objects, small sculptures, or unique items help to break up books

TCI Project

3. Repeat similar elements:

The key to a bookcase is to not get it too busy. By repeating similar patterns and elements you create a rhythm and purpose to the shelves

TCI Project

4. Be Monochromatic in Color:

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5. Love negative space:

Don't add TOO much. Embrace open and empty areas

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Happy bookcase decorating!

Modular Art Panels

2017-08-24T14:07:00.003-05:00

"Art is whatever you want it to be"

We love taking this quote to its limits. What CAN art be? A canvas? ... A framed treasure? OR a whole WALL of beauty.

That's what our vision was for this custom Dallas build. How could we turn an ordinary wall into something new and improved?

A modern take on an egg crate pattern, turned paintable and hangable = time for this wall to get crackin'!

With walnut bands below and above our strip of modular panels, we brought texture and color to this room in more than one way.

Cutting, measuring, and getting it just right for the final installation of this beauty.

Stay tuned to see the end result!!

LED Lighting in the KITCHEN

2017-08-22T13:33:00.001-05:00

Lights are the future of spectacular kitchen design!

You may have heard of different types of lightbulbs buzzing around the market these days, but we are here to tell you why LED lights can be the best decision for YOUR space.

We love to use LED strip lighting in glass cabinets or under-cabinet lighting.

These 3 reasons will convince you this IS the best decision!

1. Energy Savings:

Extended use lighting such as LED's will increase your lifetime of a bulb

See more of this TCI Project HERE

2. Size:

Underside of cabinets are getting less and less deep and the 1" deep lighting design has needed a change. LED's come in a variety of different sizes for this specific need!

See more of this TCI Project HERE

3. Color:

Beautiful, light and WHITE design is all the rage right now, and we are needing to move away from the yellow lighting that cast "dirty" light on stunning design. LED's shine a soft white light on whatever their design is!

See more of this TCI Project HERE

Are you a LED believer??

The 411 on Grout Colors

2017-08-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's that small detail that usually gets forgotten until the last minute... grout color.

You might spend hours selecting and sourcing the perfect tile ... but the detail that is grout can make or break even the most perfect tile!

So what's your choice. We are here to tell you the in's and out's.

White on white.

This gives a small room a larger appearance. It gives a streamlined, clean and slab look.

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Gray on white.

A soft approach to revealing the shape of a white tile.

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Or even a particular lay of tile. Brick lay can come to life with a contrasting grout color

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Black on white.

For a REAL pop ... go for the stark contrast of black grout to show off that unique herringbone or brick lay

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Black TILE -

Reverse the rules from above --

Black on black for the streamlined effect

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Look down! Black on WHITE! White grout makes these hexagons REALLY stand out.

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Gray on COLORED tile.
A soft, clean approach to deciding what will contrast with the color. Instead of trying to figure out what hue matches what hue, go for gray to match it all!

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COLORED grout.

Feeling bright?!?! Be Bold!

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Pick it right and you'll have the perfect combo of tile and grout!

BE BOLD with Color in Bath Remodels

2017-08-15T14:19:00.001-05:00

Go Big and Bold!

Adding color in the bathroom is a fantastic way to show a personality, brighten up a morning routine and go crazy for color!

Ways and Tips to Integrate Color from TCI:

Colored Acrylic Pulls:

This is one of favorite. Bring in colors from around the bathroom in the hardware!

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Be Bold with Pattern in Color:

Bringing in color isn't the same until you put a pattern with it. Really honing in on those tiny details will change the whole room

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Use a LOT of it!

This rainbow mosaic in an otherwise WHITE room is to die for.

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Check out a few of TCI's BRIGHT colored bathrooms an how we brought in the color!

Offsetting a bright orange wall with orange tile patterned in the shower brought a new life to this bathroom.

Tile and Paint Color are perfect complements to each other:

We use the two to bounce off each other and create color stories throughout the space.

Would you like to take a plunge into color with TCI?!

Back to School - Your August Checklist!

2017-08-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it??

It's AUGUST!

This summer has flown by and before we know it, everyone will be getting back into a routine.

For me, my new routine will look quite different as all my birds have left the nest!

Here are a few tips we've found to help get you back on your feet for the fall:

1. Organize Family Photos

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2. Set Up a School Station

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3. Clear out the Kitchen for Easy Week Night Meals

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4. Clean out the Closet before Fall Shopping

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5. And Schedule some Time to Do Nothing!

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Happy End of Summer!!

A Day in the Life -- of Site Visits

2017-08-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Some of our favorite parts of creating custom spaces for our clients is seeing the walls come to life!

Site visits = seeing our visions become reality. Lately we have been on.the.go from one house to another making those visions happen!

What do we do in a site visit?? Take a little peek around and see a day in the life...

Exteriors --

- Double checking those windows, any particular paint checks...

Tile - This bathroom has started to form that vision with the inlayed niche and geometric glass tile.

Trim work ... has been on board this house and is quickly framing each area with care

More *heart eyes* for this beauty of a shower! This Preston Hollow house is pulling out all the stops!

And pouring out into the bathroom floor, is that same beautiful pattern! The care and time taken to lay these tiles speaks for itself.

Picking paint this site visit -- getting in the natural light of each room always helps the decision become final!

Just wait till this wall of geometric beauty is filled with a coat of paint specifically selected for it! Stay tuned guys... its going to be good.

Styling Tips - Console Tables

2017-08-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

Styling your tables can always be a stump for many people.

We are taking time to share our top styling tips for each type of table :

A Console Table - Buffet and Sideboard

Try any of these 3 tips and you will have an instant updated look in no time.

1. Traditional Transitional Look -

Pair 2 tall buffet lamps on either side and swap out a large vase in the center with season-appropriate fresh flowers

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2. Large Scale Art -

Instead of worrying about what to mount above the console, try resting large art on the console and leaning it on the wall behind

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3. Functional -

Many times a console can double as a mini bar. Find a tray you love and display your favorite spirits

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Off you go to style the first console table you see!

I Spy .... An Architectural Flaw

2017-07-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

We walked into an architectural review of one of our high rise projects and our eyes were met with this drawing ....

Can you spy the strange design flaw??

You got it?? The microwave!

You'd have to be 10' tall to be able to use that microwave functionally.

We quickly realized how many people (even professionals) forget how important location and function are .... and how they go hand in hand.

As we researched into microwave placements more and more, we found several interesting ways to functionally use a microwave uniquely.

1. Under Counter.

Depending on how high you counters are, a simple built-in under counter microwave

can do the trick

2. Built - In Cabinet :

Building in a microwave at arm height in a bank of cabinets can provide storage below and above a useful appliance

Another great example:

3. Above Counter:

Quite different than the TALL placement we were stunned with in our architectural review, this microwave is shoulder height and ready to use.

Where do you prefer your microwave?!

Perfect Palettes: Find the Right Color for your Space

2017-07-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

Finding the perfect palette is the number ONE thing that will make the most of your space.

It's the first thing your guests notice as they walk in your door. So what can you do to ensure you PICK THE RIGHT one?!

1. Look at areas of the room that can't be altered - A beautiful whitewashed fireplace set the tone for the cream with a blue outflowing from the center

TCI Project

2. Decorative pieces that take center stage - With flanking art pieces that encompass navy and deep gold/khaki, the rest of the color scheme in the bedding fell right in place

TCI Project

3. The importance of undertones- Select a bolder color and then use neutrals with undertones of the same color temperature

TCI Project

Fail-Safe Color Palettes:
Black and White - Always classic and a simples easy scheme to implement

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Monochromatic - Grays, whites, and more shades of gray

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Bold Naturals - Earthy colors will always strike a cord and please the eye

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Why White Bedding is Wonderful

2017-07-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

When we are asked to design a bedroom, we are first ... THRILLED to be apart of the journey for that client, and second .... realize the importance of designing a bedroom.

A bedroom is a safe haven, a personal place for each client and we like to make it speak their story.

The main focal point of every bedroom is just that ... the bed! So how do we make the focal point beautiful AND livable?

One of the first ways we like to do that is WHITE BEDDING.

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WHY white you say?
Because first and foremost its BLEACH-ABLE. We choose washable bedding that you can easily clean in the comfort of your own home, and not worry about dry cleaning, or worse.. not washing at all.

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It goes with ANY color scheme. We can choose any and every accent color to pair it with and that white bedding will fit right in.

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Many people desire for their master to be a retreat. To be spa-like or a high end resort feel. White bedding is the key to capitalizing on that feel.

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And lastly, white is always bright. And bright appears clean, crisp and happy. So why NOT?

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Call us to transform your dream master bedroom retreat!

The key to beat the summer heat... and enjoy the outdoors!

2017-07-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

If you live here in Texas, you know it gets hot ... and not enjoyable.

But we have a way to make it a little more enjoyable.

A Sunroom!

We've put together a few tips on how to create the best and most comfortable sunroom for your summer play ... read on to find out!

1. Utilize Windows: Make sure furniture against windows have low backs and great views through the open windows in a sunroom. The windows MAKE a sunroom.

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2. Hanging light fixtures. While windows bring in all the daylight necessary for a sunroom, nighttime can be just as romantic in a sunroom! With a unique hanging fixture, you can add interest to the ceiling and lighting all in one!

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3. Add Drapery: Drapery softens everything. Whether it is a roman shade or traversing outdoor panels, this can add color, texture and class to your sunroom instantly

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4. Use the sunroom as a multifunctional space. Not only does it have to be used as a sitting area with sofas and pillows, it can easily be used as a dining space as well!

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5. Look UP - The ceiling can be one of the most interesting parts of a sunroom, Because it is "different" and not a normal part of the home, many times the ceiling can be painted, wood slats added or even designed!

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6. Neutral can be good too. Having soft and monochrome colors can be a calming vision for a room that you sip your morning tea and read the Sunday paper in.

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Now, who wants to start a summer remodel project and add on a sunroom??

Your July Checklist!

2017-07-11T13:40:00.003-05:00

Summer is HERE and in full swing around!

And JULY has arrived, are you ready to finish out the summer strong?

Here are a few tips to get started on the right foot!

Reorganize the Kitchen: Move seasonal appliances like ice cream makers or smoothie blenders to the front and create a "snack bar" for the kids home from school.

TCI Project

Make Space for Summer Crafts: If you provide a dedicated area for the kids to work you'll have a better chance that they won't sit in front of the TV all day.

Houzz Link (check list link)

Organize School Garb: Time to put away the stacks of papers and folders in a neat and tidy fashion.

TCI Project

Lighten up your Decor: Roll up the heavy, dark colored rugs and replace

with bright and white.

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Refresh your Bathroom: Need a new shower curtain or a fresh set of linens?

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And Lastly

Make your Summer MUST-DO List! Local attractions, foodie places... you name it!

Client Project: Design Delivered Boho Teen Bedroom

2017-07-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

Our most recent online design project has been put into action and we can't wait to see pictures of the final product.

These clients entrust us with their space, send us all the measurements, inspirations, and photos of things they like, and we take the reigns and turn it into a dream space.

For this sophisticated 13 year old, her dream of a boho chic bedroom hopefully came to life!

We were able to fit a sitting area, along with her bed and a vanity space all in her room. The color scheme of blue, blush and cream with pops of mustard and COPPER metal rang through the design.

With gray finished wood, wall hung tapestries and specialty lights hung around, the "boho" design was created.

We chose to incorporate copper as the metal as it is not a flashy color, but blends nicely with a blush color scheme.

We supply the client with all the necessary drawings as well as links to their product so they can go and purchase everything and install it themselves!

Check out more about our Design Delivered package here!

Copper CRAZE

2017-07-05T13:30:00.002-05:00

What's the newest, hottest metal??

COPPER

We've been incorporating copper throughout our designs in unique and fun ways!

This fun and new project has unlimited places to add in this metal!

It can be used in furniture, lighting, appliances, accessories and much more. We love the new color it brings to the table ... not gold, but a more muted COPPER.

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Here are a few places and spaces we think YOU can incorporate COPPER:

In everyday utensils!!

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Lighting is one of our favorite places --

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But how can you top bath fixtures and plumbing? Swoon.....

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Yet ... this tops it all. An entire copper range and hood. WOW

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This beautiful arching floor lamp screams grace and beauty ...

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Instead of the expected polished nickel on a wood and metal table ... why not choose copper for the unexpected?

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Have we converted you yet?? Stay tuned TOMORROW to see a recently completed Design Delivered project where we incorporated copper into everything!