Pretty Office Design For Life’s Taxing Moments

Generally speaking, I like to walk on the sunshiny side of life.  When it comes to the shorter winter days and tax season, I think if I took a poll, not too many people would say, “Loving it”.  I’ve been working on my tax prep and about the only thing I can say I enjoy about the process is getting it checked off my list.  May I share a big “Blech”?!

(A great send off for those spreadsheets!  Origami birds - Etsy )

Meanwhile, even while performing the most mundane of tasks, I do think we should make sure we’re immersed in “pretty”.  Humor also helps.  It might just put the glow back into our cheeks!

Who wouldn’t feel like the CEO of the House while perched at the Adagio desk from Scott Thomas Furniture?  I think I would get paperwork done in a jiffy just to view the beautifully burled top!

Being chained to a desk, isn’t so bad if it’s going to be in a comfy chair.  The buttery, leather swivel chair, from the Seven Seas Collection – Hooker Furniture Company, makes for a softer landing.

A crystal lamp from Wildwood might bring those numbers into clearer focus.  Don’t like what your return is showing?  Turn off the light and enjoy this beautiful piece of desk sculpture!

I’m swooning over this gorgeous sofa fabric from Harlequin – Etienne toile pattern.  I’m hoping I won’t do the same after my accountant gets back to me!  It would bring new meaning to the term, “fainting couch”.

Oh, and remember the part about keeping a little humor in the process?

A coffee table with a hand crank lets you take out your frustration on all of those defunct documents.  (Note of caution, check with your tax advisor, first!) Source

Well, I’m going to log off to get ready for the accountant’s visit.  I’ve got to place a bottle of aspirin and a box of Kleenex on a pretty little tray.  I’m not sure who’s going to need which one, first!

 

Snapshots: An Interior Design Project Process

I would love to have the time to sit down for a nice fireside chat . . .  Oh, and I do mean I would LOVE that!  Meanwhile, I’m going through a checklist and photos from a project with an impending deadline. 

You may remember me referring to the merry Cotswold-style project in Charlotte, NC. 

Every now and then, right in the middle of the city, there is a special enclave where you can be transported to another place and time.  Here’s a photo I took of the home on a misty/foggy day.  My clients and I worked on this project about ten years ago, when the home was constructed.  Brent Zande, of Zande Custom Homes, was their contractor and we’re so pleased he’s available for this go-round, too!  (Did I mention my clients had a “little” flood?  Mold is never a pretty addition to a home!)

(The landscape has been nicely developed around McMullen Creek, which runs across the property, below.  With the recent rains, it looks like a lovely fishing stream.  The creek, by the way, didn’t cause the flood.  A pesky water filter burst!) 

The gentleman of the home has claimed his spot on the screened porch off of the master bedroom.  As a busy attorney, it’s a welcome respite from an uptown office building.  Due to our southern heat and humidity, we want to allow him to enjoy it even more so.  The wall between the master bedroom and this small porch will be opened and it will become an airy sunroom/sitting space.  Brent coined the idea of an “inglenook”, which is a clever description of the concept.  Of course, the window walls will open on the days a welcome breeze decides to visit.  While the term Man Cave is way up there on searches in Google, I think I like Wikipedia's alternate word – Mantuary, better.  This will be such a spot!

While all of that activity is getting ready to take place, the master bath will be getting a little enhancement from a new counter.  Back in the day, ten years ago, there were not as many selections available in stone.  This lovely piece of Crema Bordeaux has been marked for sinks and splashes.  The imbedded amethyst crystals play up a favorite color of the lady of the home.  I think it looks like a beautiful work of art inspired by their exterior view, don’t you?

Here I am snapping a shot in the master closet before it’s to be gutted for some custom cabinetry.  I cropped the closet out because things are upside down with all of the work being done.  I promised my clients I would not do a reveal of that ‘before’!  (Yes, I’m a blue jeans gal on construction sites during brisk days.  No Manolos for me!) 

Since it had been a few years from the original construction, I took field measurements and laid out the areas as well as created detailed notes.  Sometimes measuring around furniture makes it a challenge so I wanted to be sure to check some of the details on the return visit. Measure twice, cut once is a good rule to follow.  I just won’t do a project without being allowed to get proper dimensions.  It’s the road map to keep things on course.

Here is the plan with a few less distractions and some furniture added to help me ponder the wall elevation. 

Remember this design concept from a previous post?  My clients were so happy they clapped when they saw it!  The wife said I should have just Photoshopped her husband in the chair, reading.  I love it when I hit one out of the ballpark!

Well, we almost had that fireside chat.  Come back in a few posts from now and I’ll be sure to share more “glowing” reports!

Mastering A Bedroom Design

I’ve really been burning the midnight oil, as of late!  Great things happening on the project front, as well as some exciting opportunities for writing, a ribbon-cutting for the community shelter is coming, and I’ve got a couple of speaking engagements lined up.  (I’ll share more details as they come.)

Meanwhile, I need to get some beauty sleep so that I’ll be bright-eyed for a project I mentioned in a previous post.  I’m back to the “Cotswolds”, in Charlotte, in the am.  Even the address sounds perfectly British . . . Tottenham Road.  We’re reviewing some options for opening up a wall between the master bedroom and a currently screened-in porch.  There are challenges with the opening.  You know, structural kinds of things.  The house was also built on the side of a hill so it’s not so easy to blow it out without affecting the lower level.  I’ve been scratching my head on this one. 

(Though not in the master bedroom, I just had to share a glimpse of one of the lovely details in this home.  The owners had a pair of windows stashed away from a trip to England and they now divide the dining room from the living area.  I get heart flutters every time I see them!) 

The ultimate goal, for the master bedroom, is to bring in more light as well as to allow for views of the breathtaking gardens which have unfolded, below, during the past ten years since the house was first constructed.  One concept was to do an arched opening between the two spaces.  Pretty but not really working in the area of function.  The porch is not that deep.  I got a little giddy, this evening, when the cogwheels started turning!  I just had to do a rendering to help the concept translate into a better visual sense for my clients.

 

Due to the supports needed, I decided to create a way to let tons of sunlight in, while specifying some remote-controlled, room-darkening shades in the windows for privacy for weekend napping.  I love the idea of creating a division as there is going to be a need to use tile on the flooring on the existing porch.  (Too many details to explain so just trust me on that decision.)  We’re moving storage into a closet being reworked so there won’t be a lot of furniture.  The built-in bookcase base is a perfect focal point, kind of like a fireplace, to cozy up to.  The bed will be facing this view so I wanted it to be a lovely one.  (We’re taking out a door, on the right, for added egress as well as to add windows.)  We’ll repurpose a pair of antique chairs and a table, in this option.

Here’s the same layout but with a different setting.  An existing chair and ottoman would be jazzed up with a pillow to match a wallpaper from Schumacher, backing the bookcase’s interior.  I would move the other chairs in front of another window to the side.  (Not shown.)  We also have a challenge with the layout of the exterior windows.  There may not be a way to make any opening fall in line.  Sometimes we designers can cleverly divert attention with placement of furnishings and accessories. 

I’m sure we’ll be tweaking away but a project always has to start somewhere, right? 

Need a “master plan”?  I’m happy to chat!

Fluff and Fold ~ Laundry Style

I wonder how many washers and dryers are spinning, cycling, and whirring this weekend?  Sounds like a great workout, yes?

I’ve got a client whose ho-hum laundry space needs a little more “hum” in it so I’ve been perusing pics to share with her for inspiration.  Certainly not all of these details can be applied to one space but I think I may marry bits and pieces together. 

This is a case where a “hidden agenda” is all good.  No need to distract the eye from the beautiful, sunny space with appliances showing.  (Image:  The Inspired Room)

If there is enough space available, why not bring in the light?  Who says laundry day has to be dreary?  I love it that this opens to the exterior.  Perhaps a potting room/laundry combo?  (Image:  Nest Egg)

La Lessive Petits – aka – The Small Laundry.  Smart design for a tiny space. (Image:  Young House Love)

You never know what goes on behind closed doors . . . but in this case, I think it deserves a peek!  That tile is va-voom!  (Image:  Decor Pad)

Some lucky person will soon be doing laundry in this sleek space when they win the HGTV 2012 Dream Home!

Don’t you think laundry day goes by faster with help from a friend?  Love the Dutch doors and the whole cottage feel of this space.  (Image:  Crush Cul De Sac)

I absolutely must get Whitney Gray to provide her photography magic for a previous laundry room project I completed.  It’s a combo mud/laundry area and the cabinetry details are receiving rave reviews!  (Image:  Wanda S. Horton Interior Design )

And of course, a reminder to get back to my basket . . .

Happy fluffing and folding!

The Marilyn Effect ~Interiors Lust

I’m not so much a winter person during the daylight hours.  It tends to be gray and cold and as I glance at the bare garden spots, I wistfully think of the dormant blooms to unfold in the spring.  Then . . . nightfall comes and the warm glow of light, a flicker from the fireplace or a nearby candle, and I welcome the chance to cocoon.  Textures and tactile experiences become even more important.  I imagine myself being surrounded by the luxury of it.

While snuggled in, one evening, the Golden Globes honored great talents and even though I had not seen the movie, “My Week with Marilyn”, the clips had me searching for trailers.

Michelle Williams received the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy with her portrayal as Marilyn.  (Image:  ClutchMTV.com)  Uncanny resemblance, isn’t it?

Ms Monroe wrapped in a white fur.  (Image:  Pinterest)

One of my recent purchases at the Atlanta market.  Don’t summon PETA, it’s a fab faux fur throw.  (Image:  Wanda S. Horton)

A bedroom fit for the divine Ms ‘M’.  (Via – www.sterlingstyle.net)

A few throw pillows, like the one in the center, are coming with the Atlanta order.  Spoken for but can be reordered!  (Image: Cynthia Smiley)

As it’s often said, “life imitates art”.  After observing a few “lean” years in design, I believe we’ll see rooms become a bit more fleshed out with a hint of Hollywood.  What do you think?

Bouncing Around Atlanta Market

Please pardon me while I get my blogging brain back in order!  Between popping down to Atlanta for a quick twirl around Americasmart and Monday’s Martin Luther King holiday, I feel as if my social skills need a bit of polishing.  (And not to mention that I took a nice, long break for Christmas.)  I feel a “baptism by fire” kind of week coming on.  Full blazing speed ahead!

(My downtown Atlanta view from one of the crossover bridges at the mart.)

First, let me share a future tip with those of you who book downtown rooms so that you can be closer to the hub of activity.  My friend Beth and I found a lovely Sheraton, right at the Perimeter Center Mall area with easy access to 285 so no traffic clogs on the way in and out of town.  Marta was just five minutes away by car and our hotel shuttled us back and forth in such a fashion that we felt like Queen Bees.  They even drove Beth by her car to get her gloves so that she wouldn’t be cold!  Lovely rooms, breakfast included, goodies on the Club Level, and all for a very affordable price.  Nurture and nesting when away from the home front!

(The High Design Wing was opened at the 2011 January market.  This shot was taken in the morning before the crowd poured in.)

In speaking of nesting . . . I did bounce around the market to gather sources for my interior design projects.  I totally missed Thursday because of a bout of one of those 24 hour “situations” so maybe ‘bouncing’ isn’t exactly what I did.  I did have to make up for lost time on Friday, though.  The market plan went out of the window, with the exception of the Christmas decor I had to purchase for a client.  To save you from reading my version of the Dead Sea Scroll, I think you might just enjoy browsing through the photo album, below.  I just decided to go with the flow and to see where my feet took me.

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There are permanent showrooms, which are open in between markets, and then there are temporary showrooms which are open only during the show and on certain days.  I always try to plan my visits around the days the temporaries are open so that I might discover some new, up-and-coming vendors.  Often the minimum opening orders are smaller so it’s nice to be able to “test” a few things without a major investment.  It’s not only about the product, it’s about the shipping dates and if the vendor can meet them, as well as the freight rates and customer service follow-up.  I want to have a great vendor experience so that I can offer up the products to my clients, nary a cringe factor attached.  (We all know what that cringe factor means!)

There definitely was the magical feeling of the holidays still intact at the market.  In fact, there was so much to see, I almost got lost in the glittering forests of trees!  I took note of how the trees were not only layered with ornaments, but also in how they were fleshed out with extra ‘greens’ to give them a full-bodied texture.  (Just a little hint for your 2012 decorating.)

By the way, the wise old owl was seen roosting all over the different showrooms.  Even had them in the holiday displays.

Maybe 2012 will be the “Year of the Owl”.  We could certainly all benefit from a little extra wisdom and foresight.

There was even time to squeeze in a session with Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner.  My apologies for my photography but there was a lot of movement and heads in the way.  They had a great turn out from fans of the Million Dollar Decorators Bravo TV show.

Here are some of my tweets from their presentation:

Wanda Horton @WandaSHorton 13 Jan

“Nathan Turner reminds designers to style for photo shoots even if project seems good.”

“Mary McDonald - Take your own camera shots before pros to control best angles or see what needs tweaking.”

“Even Million Dollar Decorators have challenges with getting clients to finish design details. #ATLMart”

“Mary McDonald loves oversized urns. Makes simple areas grand.”

“Five elements provide interest without overdoing space. #ATLMart”

“Sometimes #interiordesigners have to take risks on their own dime to create the right look for the room. #ATLMart”

“Mary refers to Bohemian style project for affluent as "hippy deluxe". #ATLMart”

(Look over and around the head to see some of the lovely stylings of Nathan Turner and Mary McDonald.  Sigh!)

To be honest, the impression from their show left me feeling some of the designers were a bit snarky and provided fodder for the stereotype I try to avoid.  (Yes, I know that it’s supposed to make for entertaining TV but I don’t like rewarding bad behavior, even if it’s to make things “interesting”.)  Mary showed her witty but softer side, at the event, and I can see that Nathan is her perfect foil. 

(I did find a great source for fab, fake furs!  Guess who ordered a couple, along with some awesome pillows?  After watching the Golden Globes, I think we’ll be seeing the influence of “My Week with Marilyn Monroe”.)

By Saturday morning, it was time to wrap up the trip and head home.  Americasmart is a great place to source if you have a gift/home decor shop.  I enjoyed checking it out after a few years of being absent from the show.  It’s absolutely a place where there is something for everyone and I do mean everyone!  (Dancing life-sized polar bears would have appeared in my pics if they didn’t have a “no photos allowed” policy.)  For this interiors gal, I do have to say, I’ll still be spending more time at the High Point show.  Don’t get me wrong, Atlanta is a happening town and this is a huge market with massive amounts of vendors . . . simply a different side trip from my regular sources. 

And that’s just my humble opinion. 

 

Designing Across The Pond – Sort Of

Just before Christmas, one of my previous clients had a not so happy event.  A leaking water filter created a flood and it caused quite a bit of damage.  In fact, they had to move out of the house to have the necessary repairs done.  I was so pleased they contacted me to come back to the project, not only to help during the process of the repair work, but to also consider reconfiguring some areas to better suit their current lifestyle needs and aesthetics. 

(I think this is what would would be called a “pretty puddle”. My clients didn’t think as much of theirs.  Image from Pinterest )

This was one of my favorite new construction projects as the home was built with a heavy influence of English Cotswold design and the setting was so fitting for it . . . at the quiet end of a road and with a hilly overlook. There are two antique leaded glass windows that were installed between the living space and the dining room, on either side of the opening.  The homeowners brought them back from a trip and they had been in storage for years!  They fit perfectly in their current spot.

(Taking a trip to merry old England?  Be sure to take your camera along.  Lots to see and document!  Image via the web.)

Back in the day, my camera was not the best so original pictures are not to be found.  I think I even used a Polaroid!  Gads!  I’ll be sure to remedy that, as I’ll be revisiting this project, tomorrow, and my trusty Canon G12 will be coming with.  I’ll share the winter view and then I’ll capture it with the spring flowers, too.  Yes, it will be an ongoing project.  :)

(There’s nothing prettier than an English garden.  My client wants to get back into her home before the spring as she loves seeing her beds in bloom.  As a fellow gardener, I can share in that sentiment. Image via the web.)

The original construction took place about ten years ago.  We did a few interior things but most folks have found, after all is said and done, a lot of the funds become allocated towards the permanent items and landscaping.  The design budget was spread a little thin around several areas.  The house certainly looked nice but I knew we could have done so much more.  We also repurposed some family pieces to fill in the gaps. 

(Not exactly their design but just an idea for the scale of the pair of encased leaded glass windows.  Image from Etsy )

(Thinking of the Manhattan sofa style by Thomas Pheasant for Baker.  My clients like to mix it up a bit.)

Even though we’ve previously worked together on this project, it feels like it will be a brand new beginning.  A lot has changed in ten years!  My processes are always being honed, both by technology and by some tweaks to my operating procedures.  Not to mention the level of experience gained by being challenged creatively.  My clients also have a different outlook on how they want this home to live and feel.  Yes, we’ll have some familiar touchstones placed throughout, but we’ll also bring in some fresh ideas. 

Fresh as an English garden, that is!