10 Things: Breakfast Room by Amy Meier

Are you familiar with the talents of Amy Meier? You no doubt have seen her daughter's gorgeous nursery as it has popped up all over the blog world as well as on pinterest. 

I love Amy's classic and sophisticated style and was quite taken when I came across this breakfast room and kitchen.

Amy Meier Design

I have not done a 10 Things for a while and thought this was the perfect space for a little bit of analyzing so here goes, this is what I love:

1) The balance of light and dark. With all of the dark cabinets, the kitchen still feels bright and airy.

2) The classic, but fresh wainscoting and wallpaper combo, a flexible choice for future changes.

3) The way the chair fabric picks up so perfectly the color and style of the painting on the wall.

4) The Chinoiserie chairs combined with the pine table, an up to date cottage look.

5) The brass accents in the space; cabinet hardware, light fixtures and mat on the painting.

6) The traditional but timeless lighting.

7) The exposed brick wall in the kitchen.

8) The very dark painted cabinets.

9) The untreated windows which play up the brick wall.

10) ??? What do you love???

While traditional in design, this space feels sophisticated and current to me. I for one am a big fan of Amy's work. If you want to see more check out her portfolio and her blog.

Lots of rain here over the week-end causing basements to flood, the lovely white of Winter's snow to fade and me to long for Spring. Patience.....!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx

10 Things: Vibrant Shared Bedroom

I have enjoyed doing these 10 Things posts and would love to hear your thoughts on how you like them. My idea is to do them when inspired as opposed to a regular weekly post, but I can't decide... 

I think with all that we see and are inspired by on the Internet through reading blogs and e-magazines, pinning, etc. it is important to slow down and really take a look that the images to understand what we love and what it is that speaks to us. Understanding the particulars will help in creating spaces you love and which reflect your own personal tastes.

So here we go for this week....have you seen the HGTV Dream home2013? There are some amazing spaces in this home so today I have chosen this vibrant shared bedroom.....

HGTV Dream Home 2013

These are a few things that speak to me:

1) Liberal use of a bold color palette

2) Stripes - painted on the walls and in the rug

3) The grounding effect of white in the bedding and curtains as well as furniture finish

4) The matelasse quilts on the bed and hand painted butterfly pillows

5) The graphic punch of the green floral fabric on the duvet covers and pillow

6) The traditional four poster beds  and chest which make a big impact painted a bold turquoise

7) Thistle artwork over the nightstand

8) Cozy reading corner

9) The practicality of the ceiling fan, it may not be a stunner but it is so functional!

10) ??? What do you love?

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: Simple holiday decor

Since my own holiday decorating mantra this year is "simplicity," I thought 10 Things would be a great way to show how little details can make a big impact, even when it comes to holiday decor.  

 

bhg

1) An unconventional holiday color scheme, yet the room still feels festive
2) Repetition of the vibrant green colors
3) Shiny ornaments and containers mimic the mirrored tables, and mirror over the mantle
4) Use of living things, the trees, poinsettia and bowl of limes
5) Lamp base filled with green ornaments
6) The pair of trees, unadorned except for lights, trimmed to look like topiaries
7) Rustic containers for the trees, filled with shiny green ornaments
8) Fake snow in the tree containers and poinsettia bowl (normally I would think this is tacky, but it really works here)
9) Green satin fabric to dress up the bergere chair (a throw or table runner could achieve the same look)

10) ???

Looking closely, what else do you see that adds to the holiday "flavor" of this chic room?

Our holiday decorating is not quite complete, but we're working on it.  Snow arrived Saturday night and our adventure to the tree farm yesterday to cut down our tree helped put us all in the spirit. Right now the tree is standing naked in our living room, but later this week, with Christmas music playing, we'll pull out the lights and ornaments and dress 'er up! Maybe after that I'll consider my holiday decorating done...

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: one room living

Are you a fan of Sarah Richardson? I am! Her crisp, clean, clever style never ceases to inspire me. Today I could probably list 20 things about this space that speak to me, 

but I'll stick to 9 and you can add the 10th ....

HGTV Sarah 101

 1) Use of color and furniture to divide the space for different functions
2) Despite the white walls, the overall effect is colorful
3) Brass! Lamps, pendants, accessories
4) Dining room banquette, created in a space that wasn't obvious as normally the table would float in the middle
5) Rich colors inspired by the painting
6) One bold fabric  and a liberal sprinkling of velvet
7) Soft toned, yet graphic rugs
8) Chair and sofa in the same fabric, this usually reminds me of cheap furniture suites, but here it works very subtly
9) Liberal use of a myriad of finishes, chrome, wood, metal & glass

10) ??? 
What do you love about this one room living? 

Sorry for being so absent last week, my kids had a long week-end off from school and we snuck out of town for a couple of days to do some college visits (yes, with a junior and a senior, that is what constitutes a week-end getaway). I even had a Fresh Fabrics Friday post prepared, just didn't get to it, so look for it this week.

Hope you East Coast friends are battened down and stocked up, ready to handle whatever Sandy brings your way. Hopefully Sandy's bark is worse than her bite.... hang in there!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: moody kitchen

Lately I have been working on a few kitchen projects, which I love because each of my clients has different ideas about how to create a kitchen that works for them both functionally and aesthetically. While the kitchen I am featuring today may not appeal to most of my clients, it knocked my socks off!

Bear Hill Interiors

What do I love???

1) Moody color palette
2) Black subway tile, so unique!
3) Stained wood (Maple?) cabinets
4) Inset doors on the cabinets (wish I had the $$ to do that)
5) Furniture style banquette
6) Pops of crisp white in the counters, table, chairs and accessories
7) Fabrics with limited and restrained color and pattern
8) The range hood
9) Tall, gooseneck faucet (I have one in my kitchen and adore it)
10) ???

What do you think? Does this kitchen do it for you? If so, tell me what you love....

This week is homecoming week at my kids' high school so life at my house will be crazy and chock full. There are dress up/spirit days at school, 2 cross country meets,  a cancer benefit walk, a pep rally (my oldest will be dancing with the pompon squad!) and the week culminates with the dance on Saturday night. Oh and did I mention that tonight is "Back to School" night where parents get the opportunity to visit each student's classes? My head is spinning just thinking about it all!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: striped powder room

This powder room dressed in blues made me do a double take. I love it's classic, yet fun feel and the color palette. Below I have listed  9 "things" that speak to me about this space, what will you add to my list to make it 10...??? 

 Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Photo by Tim Street Porter for Architectural Digest

1) Unique, dressing table style style vanity

2) Green Shutters covering the tall, narrow windows

3) Round mirror between the windows

4) Horizontal striped wallpaper which makes the space appear wider

5) Stool under vanity

6) Vintage Moroccan floral fabric on stool

7) Repetition of oil rubbed bronze finish on stool, mirror and accessories

8) Large scale floor tiles 

9) Bold pink flowers for a pop of color

10) ????

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: a cozy nook

Well hey there...!!! My kids are all back in school today, three in high school, yikes! Finally, they are all at the same school, on the same schedule and if you can believe it, participating in the same sport. As of this week, we'll be able to go to one Cross Country meet and see all three doing their thing.  I think the last time that happened was when I dragged an infant, a toddler and a preschooler to Sing & Dance in Chicago (a mommy & me music program kind of like Away We Play).  This will be a busy and exciting school year with a freshman, junior and senior. Bring it on!

Enough about me, bet you thought you might see a peak at one of the projects I have been working on this Summer...give me some time, I am not that on top of it folks, I have to ease myself back into blogging. I thought I would start simple,  10 Things seemed about my speed for today, so there you go. 

Let's get started shall we....

What I love about this space:

Jim Gauthier via New England Home

1. Orange, not a big commitment, because it is in the accessories, but so special
2) Amazing wing chairs... with nailhead trim
3) Daybed in the nook
4) Swing arm lamps in a bronze finish
5) Grasscloth on the walls
6) High gloss paint finish on ceiling
7) Graphic patterns on the pillows
8) Mix of textures - soft, shiny, rough, rustic
9) Un-treated window 
10) ????? What do you love about this cozy nook?

Several of my client's projects are in the finishing stages so soon I will be sharing them with you.  I also am motivated to complete a few DIY goodies (yes, I know....ME... DIY!) So stay tuned.......

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: patriotic living room

The 4th of July is upon us, how did that happen?! Summer seems to have engulfed me and not in a "lazy days" sort of way, but it's all good and I am trying to enjoy every minute. We have no big plans for the 4th, so we'll partake in our annual neighborhood parade and picnic (not sure that my teens still want to decorate their bikes and ride around the park, but we'll watch and cheer on the little ones). In honor of all that we are lucky to celebrate here in the good old USA, today's 10 Things room has a patriotic flavor...

bhg

1) Crisp white paneled walls as a backdrop

2) Repetition of white in the upholstery, curtains, lampshades and tray

3) Pale blue beamed ceiling

4) Use of pale blue in the mats on the artwork and pillows keep the room's decor from being too obvious

5)  Chinoiserie lamp

6) Pops of red and navy in the accessories which could be easily changed out for another color

7) Oversized leather ottoman

8) Large tree adding height to the room

9) Dark woods to punctuate and contrast

10) ???

What strikes you about this room? Please add your 2 cents!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: Sophisticated master retreat

Something about this home resonated with me when I saw it, and not just the fact that it is in Lincoln Park, a lovely neighborhood of Chicago that I once lived in. The home has been completely transformed by SPACE Architecture + Planning and beautifully meshes the original details of the home with a modern aesthetic. I was especially smitten with the master bedroom....

SPACE Architecture + Planning via freshome

1) Crisp white mouldings and trim throughout the room
2) Ceiling medallions
3) Chandelier
4) Built in bookcase, stain color as well as wood species
5) Styling of bookcase, especially the multiple urns
6) Gorgeous grasscloth wallpaper
7)  Mid-Century chairs
8) Eclectic mix of furniture styles, including traditional sleigh bed
9) Soothing color story of taupe browns, blues and whites 
10) ??? What do you love about this sophisticated master retreat???

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: Dreamy porch

House Beautiful

1) Use of texture - rough and smooth

2) Repetition of natural elements, seagrass rug, wicker tables

3) Simple color palette of green and white

4) Blue painted ceiling

5) Furniture unified with white paint and fabric

6) Pairs - pillows, chairs, side tables

7) Stack of more formal looking, gold framed paintings on the wall

8) Gorgeous glass lamp

9) Succulents in terra cotta pots add a touch of living green

10) ??? What do you love about this dreamy porch???

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Our boy is home after an amazing semester at Conserve School! 
The photos below are book-ends of the past several months...

Upon arrival; Nervous, yet excited about the experience ahead. Ready to enjoy all that the semester has to offer, from the beauty of the seasons in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, to meeting new people, trying new things and pushing personal boundaries.

Upon departure; Filled with a new-found maturity and confidence, a fully developed love for the outdoors and our environment, not to mention the joy of deeply forged friendships. Beneath it all the sadness of endings, yet the excitement of beginnings.

I can't say enough about this fabulous semester program and the amazing experience our son had. Should you have a high school student, or know of one, who would be interested in such a program, I would be delighted to share more, just leave a comment or send me an email.

Have a great week!

 

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: A cheery dinette

Browsing through the portfolio of design firm Graciela Rutkowski Interiors, this happy spot just jumped out at me.  I love the simplicity and aesthetic of the dinette's design and here is why:

1) Fresh color palette, with black playing a starring role

2) Graphic patterns in fabrics are of similar scale, yet they work well together

3) Side chair color, fabric and fretwork back

4) Leather settee with nail head trim and rolled arms

5) Gorgeous trestle table with "x" base and interesting finish

6) Pop of orange takes bright to a new level

7) The green found in the trees right outside the windows plays a part in the color scheme

8) Walls and trim appear to be painted the same color, different finish

9) Use of end tables, an unexpected element

10) ???

Jump in here people, what do you see? You are responsible for "thing # 10" so please don't disappoint!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: guest bedroom

Audience participation is good, I think I'll stick to it! Another little change though, when my husband suggested that I ask my readers to list something that they liked, he meant as the 10th thing. This week that's how I'll roll, so you will notice my list is only 9 long... you provide the 10th. 

Here goes... this fresh, simple guest room caught my eye. I've made my list, looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Amelia Handegan via Architectural Digest

1) Crisp white, planked walls

2) Block printed fabrics

3) Black & white color scheme with a bit of blue

4) Crisp white bed linens

5) Curvy, dark headboards
6) Asian inspired bedside table
7) Upholstered ottoman in graphic fabric
8) Sisal flooring layered with black & white rug
9) Simple pillow arrangement on beds (looks like only 1)
10) ???

Bring it on!  I found I had to rein myself in so as to leave a few things for you all to see!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 things: Bold Great Room

Well it seems everyone is enjoying this "10 Things" concept so I am launching into it head first! Even my husband,who doesn't normally say much about my posts, told me that he really liked the concept. In fact he had an additional idea which I am adding today, which is to have you readers identify a detail each week after I list mine! So here we go.... 

I am smitten with this room by Mallory Mathison for the Southern Living 2009 Georgia Idea House, it is bright and happy with an eclectic vibe.  Here are 10 things I like:

Mallory Mathison via Southern Living Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV

1) Boldly patterned fabric on the pair of chairs
2) Shape, size and style of chairs, including the waterfall skirt
3) Simple, graphic patterned rug
4) Large, stone topped coffee table
5) Dark stained wood floors
6) Grasscloth wall covering
7) Built in cabinets flanking the fireplace
8) Cabinet detailing including the diamond patterned raised panels and skirted bases
9) Repetition of the graphic shapes in the rug, coffee table and cabinetry
10) Vibrantly colored artwork over mantle, picking up the colors from the chair fabric

Now it's your turn, what details do you see in this room that speak to you? Please share with the rest of us by leaving a comment, this will be fun!

Sorry for the light posting at the end of last week, lots going on, I know each of you can relate! Hope you all had a great week-end. The weather here in WI was just spectacular, so among other things, I was able to get out on my bike and get a few miles under my belt as well as spend some quality time with a group of long time friends and their families, so it was all good!

 

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

10 Things: Rustic bath

There is so much beautiful design work to see on the internet these days, between all of the amazing blogs out there, Pinterest, e-magazines and newsletters, not to mention the designer portfolios themselves, that sometimes I find myself rushing to take it all in. In an effort to "see it all, " I don't really see anything, especially what it is that appeals to me in a photograph or design. One of the assignments I give to my new clients is to find photos of rooms they like and try to determine what it is about that room or photo that strikes them. Last week on a whim, after seeing a kitchen that knocked my socks off, I wrote a post tilted "Kitchens on the Brain: 10 Things" where I made myself really look for what it was that I liked about that kitchen, I easily identified 10 things. Since one should practice what one preaches, I thought I would give that concept a go on a semi-regular basis, so here is today's installment....

a rustic bathroom

Lisa Stevens & Co.
Brandon Barre Photography

1) Reclaimed wood vanity

2) Gooseneck faucets in oil rubbed bronze

3) Swing arm sconces

4) Interesting mirror hung over shuttered windows

5) Simple accessories including canisters and a touch of green in the form of plants

6) Large hex tile on walls

7) Black paned door and enclosure, looks to be old and re-purposed

8) Crisp white towels

9) Horizontal wood plank walls

10) Flooring - wood in sink area, mosaic tile in toilet and shower area

What do you see that you like?

I hope all of you Moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day, spent with family, relaxing and appreciating the little things. My Mother's Day included a long bike ride and breakfast at my favorite "greasy spoon" as well as some yard work, burgers on the grill and a few rounds of "Banagrams." It was perfect!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.

Kitchens on the brain: 10 things

A couple of the projects I have been busy with over the past few months are kitchens, so anything related to the kitchen seems to jump out at me. I did a double take when I spotted this kitchen.......

Canadian House & Home photo by Angus McRitchie

10 things I love about it:

1) Inset cabinetry with exposed hinges - top of the line stuff! 
2) Vintage farmhouse sink and faucet
3) Subway tile backsplash to the ceiling
4) Decorative tile treatment behind the sink
5) Cabinet details such as the skirted sink base, bun feet, decorative end panels and glass doors
6) Fabric behind the glass doors adding a different texture and repeating the window treatment
7) Sconce lighting 
8) Beefy mouldings
9) Mix of counter materials on the same run of counter
10) Classic cup pulls and door latches

Such a clean and classic kitchen, so full of style! How about you, have you seen anything lately that stopped you in your tracks?


Aside from lots of rain, the week-end here at Casa Wall was excellent. Hope yours was too and that the week ahead keeps the streak going for you!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.