This Concord home had an existing multi-level wraparound covered porch in the front of the home that needed maintenance. The homeowners brought Tom Curren Companies in, to add on a new matching deck to their backyard and do a few touch ups in the front. These decks are both made with unique Tigerwood boards and surrounded by crisp white PVC Trim. Using Tigerwood results in a beautiful end-product, but requires meticulous and specific maintenance – on the existing front porch, this is all that was needed. We applied a fresh coat of Deckwise Natural Ipe Oil to maintain the beautiful rich colors of the exotic wood boards and painted the PVC Trim with Benjamin Moore white latex paint. In the backyard, our clients wanted a replication of the beautiful space in the front, with a few additional distinctive details that set this deck apart from any others we’ve built. We created a symmetrical deck off of the french doors in the back of the home, allowing ample space for outdoor living. Tigerwood tread stairs were placed off the front of the deck with two sets of encased metal grating stairs off to the side. Because of the nature of this exotic wood, it’s important to consider the deck pitch, and ventilation to aid with water run off. Discreetly mixed into the decking boards on this deck, , there is a thin strip of Carbochon cast iron trench grates that are strategically placed underneath the slight roof overhang to manage the water roll-off. To make use of the surrounding materials, our team relocated pebble stones that were already in the clients yard, to prepare the ground underneath the deck for water flow and irrigation. This stunning deck is rich in color, and the high level of craftsmanship is very apparent. The tiniest of details are truly the highlight of this project. From the iron trench grates, to the matching wood staircases for easy access to the ground level, this new deck adds another level of sophistication to the home. Working with exotic woods and high-end materials always results in a beautiful product adding value to the home, as well as happiness to its owners.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

This space was an addition off of an existing small living space, which was designed by an architect who created a beautifully dramatic, two-story, living space by angling walls and making the living room area 2 stories high, with an overlook at the top of the spiral staircase to the second floor. The appliances were already set in place, and the homeowners did not want to move the existing plumbing, electrical, or venting, so I had to work within those parameters. They wanted a contemporary, industrial, feel for the kitchen, which I believe is described as Midcentry Modern, was acheived by using slab-style doors and drawers, mixing painted with walnut veneered finishes, along with other custom and unique items. The soapstone was a must-have for the homeowners, providing a source for the painted cabinetry color, which draws out the beautiful veins in the countertop. They needed pantry space, and as much usable storage as possible for the space, which included the angled wall that the refrigerator was on, along with not crowding the walk space between that wall and the necessary column adjacent to it. By building in the refrigerator with panels on either side to conceal the refrigerator "box", I was able to create a storage section which included a 2-drawer base for storage of larger items, with 2 pantries flanking either end, with contrasting walnut floating shelves in between. along with that custom section, in order to provide additional storage, and counter space, I created a free-standing piece, which had to feel like a part of the kitchen, yet also feel like a furniture piece, when viewed from the living room. In order to achieve that look, I used 3" wide columns to frame the piece, which I also repeated as floating shelves in the middle, to house their crockpot, but most importantly, a "home" for their roomba. The island also provided the space for separate pull-out trash and recycling bins, which I did not have space for elsewhere. Collaborating with the homeowners on this project enabled me to design a kitchen that was in a style that I hadn't had the opportunity to design in before, and I now appreciate and love this style myself!

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

One of our Louisville clients showed her sister what we had done for her Great Room with our Personal Shopper Service, and her sister said, “Do they travel?” The answer is “Absolutely!” When we arrived in the Windy City, we were absolutely blown away by the view and were excited to put the finishing touches on this High Rise condo. We worked with the homeowner’s existing furniture pieces (sofa, club chairs, and media console with towers) and added personality with accent furniture, accessories, lighting, and artwork. We opened up the seating area and made their beautiful rug more visible by selecting a sleek glass-topped coffee table. Accessories in a range of metal tones complement the existing furniture and rug. Oil canisters in pewter tones look fantastic on the coffee table. We added this concrete base lamp with square shade in between the club chairs. The white marble-topped two-tiered side table breaks up the dark leather of the club chairs. The countertops in the small galley kitchen are a grey blue, so we pulled that color into living space by selecting these great nesting tables with a blue soapstone top. We topped it with a metal lamp and organic white vases to soften the edges. The hallway prints and this beautiful blue watercolor pull the colors from the living space into the Entry. The homeowner was not fond of the existing media cabinet, but not anymore! We accessorized with varying metal tones and lots of texture that bring interest to an otherwise generic furniture piece.  With limited space, we made the most of views by placing our favorite marble writing desk in the bay window. We plan to add upholstered arm chairs on either end that can serve as dining chairs or extra seating for the living area. The important thing is to keep that view as open as possible. A big thanks to our Chicago client for having us up there to make her condo more of a home. Maybe we should change our motto to “Have paint deck & measuring tape, Will Travel!” Enjoy!

The home, built in the mid ’90s, needed an update. However, the family wanted to keep the renovations neutral enough to accommodate future changes and transformations. They had several project goals, including: * Eliminate the family’s dining room table * Add additional storage * Create the new kitchen design within the footprint of their existing floor plan * Make the refrigerator more easily accessible To accomplish this, we removed the clunky dining room table and integrated seating into the home’s kitchen island. To remedy their storage woes we installed three large pantry cabinets. We also relocated the fridge for easier access. To add some style to the space, the family upgraded their cabinets to Showplace cabinets featuring the freeport door style in lyptus wood with a truffle finish. They replaced their existing countertops with Cambria Canterbury and installed a complementary Elkay granite sink.

To save money, we used an existing house design our builder had worked on previously and made changes to the layout to open up the space and maximize on our incredible lake views. The first thing we changed was to flip the kitchen layout and move the stove and hood to the side wall to make room for a window and some open shelving over a farmhouse sink. This allowed us to maximize the partial lake views on the south side of the house and saved money on additional custom cabinets. We also removed a smaller pantry that was closing off the open space between the kitchen and living room. Instead, we turned the corner of the kitchen into a much larger, walk-in pantry that also saved us a bit on granite costs and added a ton of storage. Granite: iCloud, leathered finish Island Cabinets: Medallion Appaloosa finish, Brookhill door style Perimeter Cabinets: Divinity Classic painted finish, Potters Mill door style beaded with wide cove top moldings Floors: Castle Combe Hardwood in Corsham Backsplash: Daltile Brickwork in Terrace Appliances: Bertazoni 36-inch all gas oven and range and coordinating appliances Paint Color: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore Trim: White Dove by Benjamin Moore Windows: Anderson 400 series with pine casings stained in minwax jacobean Pendants: Austin Allen & Company Kitchen Design: Home Again by Hancock Lumber Builder: Island Cove Building and Development Floating Shelves with Jute Rope custom designed and built by Rowe Station Woodworks of New Gloucester, Maine Decor by My Sister's Garage of Windham, Maine

Archadeck of Northeast Dallas-Southlake demolished the existing boulders on the waterfall around the pool, and replaced all water lines. We installed a matching chopped Lueder stone wall with flagstone tops and coping on the waterfall wall. We added four cascading waterfalls and two gorgeous natural gas fire bowls in oil-rubbed bronze with fire glass rock. Not mention re-plastering the entire pool with medium-blue plaster to ensure a spa-like experience any time of the day! We also added 2” flagstone tile to the new concrete edge and walk-in entry into the pool. The walk-in entry has no edges for a smooth transition. We replaced the stone and coping around the hot tub with multi-colored chopped Lueder stone and matching flagstone caps and coping.

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

The former laundry room / mudroom was cramped and lacked storage. It also had an awkward staircase that was the only access up to the second floor playroom. This re-design was part of a larger renovation that included tearing out the existing second floor main bath, extending the hallway past the bedrooms into the play- room, and deleting the lower stair case from the mudroom. This allowed us to install the custom bench with a shoe drawer, coat hooks and shelves where the former staircase was located. We were also able to re-design the cabinet area and install the custom cherry wood cabinets used throughout the rest of the home. Practical additions like room for laundry bins and drying racks add ease to laundry day. Photo by Graham Twomey

This Houston outdoor kitchen and entertaining area offers a modern take on Mediterranean style. Designed and built by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, this fully loaded family and entertaining space echoes the stucco, travertine tile patio and Mediterranean style of the existing home while exuding a more modern, transitional style. “This was a high-profile client – both VPs of different oil and gas companies who entertain affluent guests on a regular basis – so they wanted to make sure they had high-end appliances and all the latest amenities they could order,” says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. “They also have two kids, ages 7 and 10, and wanted a family gathering space that better accompanied their new, luxurious pool.” What really sets apart this outside kitchen design idea, however, is the way the elements are used throughout the space. “Usually, outdoor kitchen designs for a backyard are grouped into one island or cabinet,” explains Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. “But here, the patio, roof and fireplace were all in place, separated by stucco columns, and the outdoor kitchen elements had to work around them.” A 14-foot-long cooking island houses a built-in Fire Magic grill with a Magic View Window (allows the chef to check on food without lifting the lid and losing valuable heat). The island, the countertop of which is "Carnaval" granite from Lackstone, also features a Fire Magic power burner, warming drawer and trash drawer. On one side of the fireplace, forming an “L” with the cooking island, sits a built-in Primo ceramic grill. On the other side of the fireplace is a 3-foot-long cabinet housing a bar with a wine cooler, ice maker and upper cabinet. And finally, just outside the patio door is a 7-foot-long cabinet with a modern Kohler sink with a high-arc Moen faucet (sink and faucet from Faucets Direct), a trash drawer and another upper cabinet. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, by the way, outfitted both cabinets with glass inserts, custom pulls and three-way sensor lighting. “At the beginning, this was basically a blank space with a fireplace in the middle,” says Maxey. So Outdoor Homescapes upgraded the fireplace with Austin Stack Stone in white (No. 401) from Colorstonescreenshot vickers mosaic tile rectangle. "The stone added that pop,” notes Maxey. The fireplace’s espresso-colored, distressed wood mantel (from Mantels.com) and upper wood cabinets were both stained with the Minwax color Jacobean. The ceiling fans were also updated with ones featuring similarly espresso-colored, wooden fan blades, to match. The table in the middle - a cast-iron, Mediterranean style gem with hand-forged scrollwork designs from Patio 1 in Houston – seats 10. “We wanted this kind of Mediterranean feel,” says Maxey. “We wanted rustic, but the appliance package was so new, with all its stainless steel, so we kept a the cabinets and the columns stucco instead of stone for a more clean, modern look and then did the custom tile backsplash and mosaic in more of a rustic, Mediterranean look." The backsplash is a 1-inch travertine tile background with 4-inch square metallic insets, both from Floor & Decor. The tile for the 18-by-24-inch rectangle mosaic came from Great Britain Tile Co. and included a Dianno Reale tumbled border and background. The bronze, diamond-shaped insets are tumbled Dark Emperdor tile and the scrolls are tumbled Noce tile. The client, who admits they have high standards, was more than pleased with the project – especially browsing through Outdoor Homescapes’ vast library of patio kitchen design ideas, the 3D virtual video tour that let them preview the project from every angle before construction. They also liked the personalized design consultation. "OH provides a very neat service where one of their designers will either shop/buy for you or shop with you for the more detailed pieces that will finish your home," reads the client's review on Houzz. "This was a very positive, personalized feature ... Lisha helped narrow down an enormous marketplace of materials and finishes to a few we could choose from."

Complete Gut renovation that included removal and relocating of laundry room to basement. The existing kitchen layout and size was not adequate for this home. We opened up the space removed closets, walls and added windows. we gave this kitchen the ultimate appliance package two Bosch dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer Multi-Temperature Refrigerator/Freezer , 36" Thermador Range top, Sharpe Built In microwave. The plumbing Finish was done in Polished Nickel to match the hardware and light fixtures. The floor was done with European Oak with All Natural Hard-Wax Oil. This beautiful wood texture is coarse and characterized by open pores. The Counter tops from Caesarstone and to bring out the color in the wood floor we used a 4" X 12 " Marble Subway tile from Walker Zanger.

The home, built in the mid ’90s, needed an update. However, the family wanted to keep the renovations neutral enough to accommodate future changes and transformations. They had several project goals, including: * Eliminate the family’s dining room table * Add additional storage * Create the new kitchen design within the footprint of their existing floor plan * Make the refrigerator more easily accessible To accomplish this, we removed the clunky dining room table and integrated seating into the home’s kitchen island. To remedy their storage woes we installed three large pantry cabinets. We also relocated the fridge for easier access. To add some style to the space, the family upgraded their cabinets to Showplace cabinets featuring the freeport door style in lyptus wood with a truffle finish. They replaced their existing countertops with Cambria Canterbury and installed a complementary Elkay granite sink.

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!