Search results for "Extra bills" in Home Design Ideas

Design by: Bill Tweten, CKD, CBD
This craftsman style kitchen has been accomplished with Crystal ¼ sawn white oak cabinets finished in a natural flat sheen. The use of the inset frame design is complimented by the Regent door style and accented with weathered nickel door pulls and drawer cup pulls. A sink bump out helped to expand the space in the kitchen and an addition of china cabinets, featuring the same Regent inset style cabinetry, were added to create a beautiful display and add extra storage between the kitchen and the dining. Mixing silestone and laminate countertops adds to the overall charm of this newly designed kitchen and provides plenty of countertop space.

Paradise Cove features our popular New Spirit cedar and stucco paneling exterior in an abstract design which has been created to complement a contemporary focus on symmetrical windows and doors. It features a shed roof pitch that has a corner focus of stacked windows that are oriented towards a panoramic ocean view.
The heart of the home includes an open concept kitchen with spacious 3 panel sliding door which opens up to provide access to a large deck for outside dining and relaxation. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with a bonus room office/den to make room for extra guests.
Milgard windows and doors provide quality double pane energy-star ratings, while pumice insulation, inside and out, provides sound proofing and is the ultimate choice for reducing any utility bills.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room
In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post.
Foyer
As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new.
Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space.
Great Room
In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases.
The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated.
For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw.
Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing.
Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space.
My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly.
Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!
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LIVING ROOM
This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver.
We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional!
The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space.
The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look.
The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room.
DINING ROOM
There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling!
The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

Gorgeous kitchen with lots of detail, this kitchen is perfect for a busy family!! By creating different zones within the space it helped organize the flow of the kitchen so even when every family member is present there is still plenty of room to move around. For seating, we incorporated 4 raised bar stools where each family member has their own drawer for school papers, bills, etc. In addition to this seating area there are two counter stools on the end of the island which gives them the extra island seating they need when their kids have friends over or for when they are entertaining. To help the kids get involved in the cooking, there is a baking/chop zone on the range end of the island, this lowered counter height helps not only the kids have a comfortable area but is a great height for adults to not only chop but to roll out dough. As for the finishes, I love that they wanted an eclectic feel which we achieved by using 3 cabinet colors, two different colors/textures for the countertops, custom metal hood and hand glazed ceramic tile. We kept the colors neutral so when they were combined they created a cohesive look and feel to the space.

Design by: Bill Tweten, CKD, CBD
A transitional frameless kitchen by Crystal Encore Cabinets features a Hampstead door style finished in Praline. Victoria Cambria is used throughout the kitchen and TV area and paired with Ashford Cambria for the breakfast table to add a little distinction between the areas. The hardware is finished in a brushed satin nickel and features a soft curve.

The Everett plan has ideal spaces for working and relaxing!
Just down from the entry hall with a handy bench and coat hooks to stow your things, the Everett plan welcomes you into the open and inviting great room, kitchen and dining room. Whip up casual meals in the chef’s kitchen to enjoy at the oversize island with a 4-person eating bar, or savor more formal meals in the dining room. Access the covered patio for al fresco dining all year, then gather with friends and loved ones in the great room with a stylish tray ceiling for a cozy fire in the fireplace or settle in to read a book on one of the two window seats. Just across from the kitchen is the private office, a perfect space for managing the household, working from home, or a private area for studying. Retreat and relax in the luxury master suite with tile shower and a window between the vanity sinks to catch the light, or head outside for coffee on the covered patio via your private door. Off the main hallway are two bedrooms with walk-in closets and a full bath with linen storage…everything the other members of your family needs or perfect for occasional guests and the owners getaway rooms. After running errands, park in one of the two individual garage bays and enter through the utility room fully built out with a drop-counter for packages and folding clothes, cabinets, a utility sink, hanging bar, and hookups for your washer and dryer. Built to exceed Energy Star Certification means your utility bills will be low, and Solar Ready gives you the option to be energy independent in the future. Photos are from a previous build. Pricing will be finalized just prior to completion.

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

Design by: Bill Tweten, CKD, CBD
This craftsman style kitchen has been accomplished with Crystal ¼ sawn white oak cabinets finished in a natural flat sheen. The use of the inset frame design is complimented by the Regent door style and accented with weathered nickel door pulls and drawer cup pulls. A sink bump out helped to expand the space in the kitchen and an addition of china cabinets, featuring the same Regent inset style cabinetry, were added to create a beautiful display and add extra storage between the kitchen and the dining. Mixing silestone and laminate countertops adds to the overall charm of this newly designed kitchen and provides plenty of countertop space.

Crisp, white walls and trim keep this side entry clean and modern. IKEA barstools with orange molded seats and polished chrome bases tuck neatly beneath the antique oak table. This space serves as a landing place for keys as well as a spot to accomplish tasks, such as bill-paying and other paperwork. Full overlay cabinetry in crisp white provides extra storage above.
Photography by FishEye Studios

Gorgeous kitchen with lots of detail, this kitchen is perfect for a busy family!! By creating different zones within the space it helped organize the flow of the kitchen so even when every family member is present there is still plenty of room to move around. For seating, we incorporated 4 raised bar stools where each family member has their own drawer for school papers, bills, etc. In addition to this seating area there are two counter stools on the end of the island which gives them the extra island seating they need when their kids have friends over or for when they are entertaining. To help the kids get involved in the cooking, there is a baking/chop zone on the range end of the island, this lowered counter height helps not only the kids have a comfortable area but is a great height for adults to not only chop but to roll out dough. As for the finishes, I love that they wanted an eclectic feel which we achieved by using 3 cabinet colors, two different colors/textures for the countertops, custom metal hood and hand glazed ceramic tile. We kept the colors neutral so when they were combined they created a cohesive look and feel to the space.

Gorgeous kitchen with lots of detail, this kitchen is perfect for a busy family!! By creating different zones within the space it helped organize the flow of the kitchen so even when every family member is present there is still plenty of room to move around. For seating, we incorporated 4 raised bar stools where each family member has their own drawer for school papers, bills, etc. In addition to this seating area there are two counter stools on the end of the island which gives them the extra island seating they need when their kids have friends over or for when they are entertaining. To help the kids get involved in the cooking, there is a baking/chop zone on the range end of the island, this lowered counter height helps not only the kids have a comfortable area but is a great height for adults to not only chop but to roll out dough. As for the finishes, I love that they wanted an eclectic feel which we achieved by using 3 cabinet colors, two different colors/textures for the countertops, custom metal hood and hand glazed ceramic tile. We kept the colors neutral so when they were combined they created a cohesive look and feel to the space.

LIVING ROOM
This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver.
We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional!
The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space.
The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look.
The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room.
DINING ROOM
There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling!
The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

Window Treatment – Honeycomb Shades
An innovative window treatment that looks beautiful and insulates your home all year round, Honeycomb Shades were the first cellular shades, specially engineered to provide energy efficiency at the window in both cold and warm climates. Their specially engineered honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets, which creates insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills.
Decorate every kind of window you have—even tricky skylights and unusually shaped panes—with Duette. Our signature honeycomb shades are one of our most versatile options and beautify every kind of interior.
KEY FEATURES
Premium Design & Style—Explore the richness of texture and warmth offered by Window Fashions Depot ,a thoughtfully curated suite of exclusive design-inspired fabrics, textures, colors and hardware created to meet the expectations of leading designers and discerning consumers who seek the best in design.
Largest Selection in the Industry—Explore the widest selection of cellular pleat sizes, opacities, colors, textures and operating systems. Honeycomb shades can also accommodate many specialty shaped windows, even tricky skylights.
Energy-Efficiency—Studies show that windows are responsible for up to 50% of your home’s energy losses. Honeycomb shades trap air in distinct pockets, creating exceptional insulation. Our latest innovation, features a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design for even greater energy efficiency.
Room Darkening—The Light-Lock system, the newest iteration from this unique shade, is the first operating system of its kind to offer unparalleled darkness. The secret lies within the patent-pending side channel design, optimized to absorb or deflect nearly all incoming light.
Durability—All of our high-performing fabrics are resistant to fading and will maintain their crisp, neat pleats over time.
Vertical Application—For doors that need extra insulation, operating system is the ideal option. It’s designed for vertical applications and uses the same fabrics as your horizontal Duette shades. Use one shade to cover the entire expanse of a sliding door, or, cover the door with a split stack.
Sound Absorption—Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. Honeycomb Shades absorb up to 70% of sound energy, creating a more quiet, tranquil room.
Window Fashions Depot you will experience a large selection of interior & exterior window fashions; Shutters, Blinds, Shades, Drapery, Drapery Hardware, Specializing in Window Fashions Motorization. The Window Fashions Depot team is proud to share our passion for window coverings with homeowners and businesses alike.
Window Fashions Depot guaranteed the best prices with top quality products on the market!
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Sponsored
Columbus, OH
HomeCraft Remodeling
Custom Craftsmanship & Build Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

Paradise Cove features our popular New Spirit cedar and stucco paneling exterior in an abstract design which has been created to complement a contemporary focus on symmetrical windows and doors. It features a shed roof pitch that has a corner focus of stacked windows that are oriented towards a panoramic ocean view.
The heart of the home includes an open concept kitchen with spacious 3 panel sliding door which opens up to provide access to a large deck for outside dining and relaxation. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with a bonus room office/den to make room for extra guests.
Milgard windows and doors provide quality double pane energy-star ratings, while pumice insulation, inside and out, provides sound proofing and is the ultimate choice for reducing any utility bills.

The Everett plan has ideal spaces for working and relaxing!
Just down from the entry hall with a handy bench and coat hooks to stow your things, the Everett plan welcomes you into the open and inviting great room, kitchen and dining room. Whip up casual meals in the chef’s kitchen to enjoy at the oversize island with a 4-person eating bar, or savor more formal meals in the dining room. Access the covered patio for al fresco dining all year, then gather with friends and loved ones in the great room with a stylish tray ceiling for a cozy fire in the fireplace or settle in to read a book on one of the two window seats. Just across from the kitchen is the private office, a perfect space for managing the household, working from home, or a private area for studying. Retreat and relax in the luxury master suite with tile shower and a window between the vanity sinks to catch the light, or head outside for coffee on the covered patio via your private door. Off the main hallway are two bedrooms with walk-in closets and a full bath with linen storage…everything the other members of your family needs or perfect for occasional guests and the owners getaway rooms. After running errands, park in one of the two individual garage bays and enter through the utility room fully built out with a drop-counter for packages and folding clothes, cabinets, a utility sink, hanging bar, and hookups for your washer and dryer. Built to exceed Energy Star Certification means your utility bills will be low, and Solar Ready gives you the option to be energy independent in the future. Photos are from a previous build. Pricing will be finalized just prior to completion.

The Everett plan has ideal spaces for working and relaxing!
Just down from the entry hall with a handy bench and coat hooks to stow your things, the Everett plan welcomes you into the open and inviting great room, kitchen and dining room. Whip up casual meals in the chef’s kitchen to enjoy at the oversize island with a 4-person eating bar, or savor more formal meals in the dining room. Access the covered patio for al fresco dining all year, then gather with friends and loved ones in the great room with a stylish tray ceiling for a cozy fire in the fireplace or settle in to read a book on one of the two window seats. Just across from the kitchen is the private office, a perfect space for managing the household, working from home, or a private area for studying. Retreat and relax in the luxury master suite with tile shower and a window between the vanity sinks to catch the light, or head outside for coffee on the covered patio via your private door. Off the main hallway are two bedrooms with walk-in closets and a full bath with linen storage…everything the other members of your family needs or perfect for occasional guests and the owners getaway rooms. After running errands, park in one of the two individual garage bays and enter through the utility room fully built out with a drop-counter for packages and folding clothes, cabinets, a utility sink, hanging bar, and hookups for your washer and dryer. Built to exceed Energy Star Certification means your utility bills will be low, and Solar Ready gives you the option to be energy independent in the future. Photos are from a previous build. Pricing will be finalized just prior to completion.

Imagine a home nestled in Colorado’s mountains that feels as enduring as the landscape itself. East Watch is that place – efficient, tough, and thoughtfully designed to make mountain living effortless and enjoyable. It’s where modern ideas meet nature’s demands, creating a space that’s both beautiful and practical.
Our clients wanted a mountain retreat that saved energy, stood strong against the elements, and stayed functional as life changes. High up at 8,200 feet, efficiency was key to cut heating costs, while durability meant handling winds up to 100mph and heavy snow. They also planned for the future with easy access – no stairs, wide doors, and spots for handrails if needed.
Mountain homes can rack up bills and wear down fast from weather and fires. We solved that with smart solar heating that covers most warmth needs naturally, using big windows and heavy walls to store heat. For strength, steel framing and fire-safe materials keep everything secure. And for everyday ease, the layout follows “form follows function,” making spaces like the kitchen intuitive and the whole home barrier-free.
The core idea? Work with the sun and the site. Windows face southeast for passive heat gain, with overhangs to block summer sun and shed snow. Inside, sloped ceilings let hot air escape, and thermal masses like the concrete floor hold warmth overnight. It’s a design that flows naturally, promoting comfort without extra effort.
Built on steel posts and beams for unshakeable support, the exterior uses corten steel, stone, and glass – all local, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant. The roof is top-rated for fires, and the deck withstands the elements year after year. Efficient floor heating kicks in only when necessary, keeping things cozy and costs low.
Simple and serene, with soft colors and clean shapes that let the views shine. Wide hallways and no steps make navigation easy, with thoughtful prep for any future needs. It’s a home that feels open, peaceful, and perfectly in tune with the outdoors.
Since 2019, East Watch has been a haven of sustainability and strength. It reduces energy use, withstands the mountains’ challenges, and adapts to life’s stages – all while offering stunning views and daily comfort. A true example of design that enhances how you live, built for lasting joy and resilience.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room
In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post.
Foyer
As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new.
Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space.
Great Room
In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases.
The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated.
For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw.
Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing.
Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space.
My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly.
Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

LIVING ROOM
This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver.
We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional!
The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space.
The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look.
The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room.
DINING ROOM
There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling!
The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room
In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post.
Foyer
As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new.
Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space.
Great Room
In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases.
The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated.
For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw.
Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing.
Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space.
My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly.
Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!
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