Throughout 2013 I had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people and I thought I’d share an interior design project which we completed at the end of last year. When I begin revamping a space I look at the homeowners’ existing belongings so I can incorporate pieces that bring back fond memories or hold special meaning in order to tell their personal story.
In this case, the priority for my client and her husband was making some overdue home improvements while adding their own personality to their home. With two active boys and a dog, we wanted to keep the home as functional as possible. When we first met, I immediately noticed some beautiful quilts that my busy client somehow found time to make. There is nothing better than a unique handmade item, so between a favorite original painting from an Etsy artist (seen over the mantel) and her quilts, we quickly identified the inspiration for the open family room and kitchen space. Additionally, it was also important to my client to represent the boys heritage, as they were adopted from Cambodia and the Philippines. Souvenirs from their trips to bring the boys “home”, such as a beautiful tablecloth purchased during one of their travels further defined the color scheme in the dining room.
Throughout the home we carefully selected vibrant colors in combination with clean white accents or backgrounds. Each room as an interesting and beautiful “quilting block” on its own, yet as a whole to enhance each others colors and beautifully flow together. We even carried out this theme on the exterior of the home by painting the front door red in the fashion of traditional log cabin quilts, where the red center symbolizes a warm fire inside the home. This perfectly represented the warm, close-knit family, appears inviting to guests, and added some contrast to the exterior.
Here are some before and after pictures (amateurish taken by me) of the Ringoes, NJ interior design project:
Family Room Before:
Family Room After:
Notice the inspiration quilt draped over the sectional.
Custom throw pillows designed by the client.
Inspiration artwork and updated fireplace.
We kept the original furniture because it was in excellent condition. The space was updated with rich color and a variety of little details.
Dining Room Before:
Tablecloth acquired on the client’s travels. (Construction has already started, as you can see in the box on the floor)
Dining Room After:
Back of cabinet covered in orange faux silk to add contrast and interest
I love it when my clients are brave enough to go with a bold choice, such as in this new chair fabric! If you look closely, you can see the blue contrast welting we chose.
Plates mostly purchased from Etsy and eBay.
We updated the mission style furniture, which appeared too stiff and formal for this fun family, by reupholstering the dining room chairs in a funky fabric, switching out the knobs on the hutch and buffet with an eclectic set from Etsy and adding orange to the back of the hutch. This complemented the new chandelier and window treatments. The color scheme was inspired by some of the ethnic pieces, including her tablecloth. Plates were purchased to supplement items which the family had brought back from Asia, as well as support the color scheme.
Kitchen Before:
Kitchen After:
Wii Room Before:
Wii Room After:
Playroom Before:
Playroom to Functional Home Office:
And the Superman Bathroom for the Boys:
Hope you enjoyed! If you’re interested in a custom, unique look that conveys your personal story, call me!
