This is an extraordinary story. The prose is exquisite, the tale larger than life. It’s a story you will have trouble letting go when you have closed the last page of the book. Tiller is an average American college kid with a few issues and even fewer aspirations. He meets a mentor of sorts who takes him on a wild and bizarre adventure. One that changes his world and world view. This story follows both the Asian adventure and what happens afterwards. Let yourself get sucked in and you’ll be mesmerized. Enjoy!
Highlighting a Sun-Filled Music Room
We love this client’s beautiful music room. It provides a space dedicated to not only music, but also reading, relaxing, and it’s set up with lots of comfy seating so the family can enjoy it together. We really like the way the new simple curtains promote a feeling of tranquility and the collection of plants provides plenty of green and growth.
Fresh Take on a Boy’s Room :: Before/After
This lucky kid just got a bedroom glow-up, and we all love it! The stunner of a focal point is simply one accent wall, papered in a Serena & Lily design called Feather. We used French Blue, and it’s available in 3 additional colorways. Here’s the link.
We had the wall color custom matched from the wallpaper, through Sherwin Williams. Did you know you can do that? It’s easy.
My Powder Room :: Before/After
I wanted to feature my powder room makeover again, because I’ve gotten questions on the wallpaper. It is from one of our favorites, Thibaut Design, and you can see this and the other colorways here. Almost a year later, and I’m still so happy every time I enter this room.
It was a complete gut job (scroll down to see the before), and I’m quite happy with the way it all works together. I used a set of sconces to flank the new mirror, replacing the previous vanity light. If you are starting from scratch, or starting all over again, it may be worth it to consider sconces. I also used an elongated mirror (it’s 16″ wide and 40″ tall) in a relatively new shape. I’ve seen them called “capsule” or “pill” mirrors. I bought mine from Home Depot :: here’s the link. It’s under $200!
I needed something to hold towels and toilet paper, and I wanted to experiment doing without a traditional towel bar or towel ring. I found this at Home Goods, and I painted the original driftwood mounting board (not my style) to white. I found black hooks to dangle off the front edge, and I’m pleased that the system is working. I can rotate towels easily, and keep the clean ones stacked on one side, with extra TP on the other.
Originally I’d planned to leave the floors untouched, but when the existing vanity was removed, we realized that the tile didn’t continue underneath. Additionally, I’d selected a pedestal sink to give the illusion of more floor space. I found this small-scale marble herringbone tile (comes in 12″ square sheets) and it’s a great way to provide some pizzazz in the space without competing with the stunning wallpaper.
Simply removing the old heavy woven shade (it blocked 1/3 of the natural light even when it was open!) with a simple light-filtering cellular shade provides privacy when down, and stacks up neatly when open all the way.
Books I’m Reading : We Run The Tides
This is a fantastic novel by author Vendela Vida. The story takes place in San
Fransisco’s tony Sea Cliff neighborhood with coveted views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The protagonist is 14 year old Eulabee. Her story weaves through the streets of her neighborhood as well as the lives of her family and friends. The tale of a mysterious disappearance is told with LOL deadpan humor and painful honesty. It’s a great read!
How Custom Window Treatments Elevate a Space
This is a simple case study on how much of an impact a beautiful, well-made set of custom curtain panels can make! This homeowner lived with her existing sheer curtains for years, but once we placed new furniture in the room, we knew we had to finish the space to give her the look she desired. We found a crisp blue and white pattern with a timeless, undulating design — and then our custom fabricator did the rest. The room boasts high ceilings, and we were able to mount new hardware just under the crown molding to show off the height. You can still admire the arched windows, while appreciating the beautiful finishing touch of the curtain panels. It really makes such a diffference. Scroll down for a “before” photo!
These custom curtain panels from our talented fabricator add such a perfect finishing touch to the front sitting room here. The ceiling is high and the window’s architectural detail instantly become a focal point. We added a sheer layer for privacy, and the fabric detail perfectly suits the family’s vibe. (We helped them to select new furniture a few years ago, and they are so grateful that they have completed the final phase here.)
Here’s the requisite “before” pic!
Books I’m Reading : Gold Diggers
Here is a stunning debut novel about a teenager of immigrant parents from India. It is a sharp, witty and sweet story told by 16 year Neil Narayan who lives with his family in the Atlanta suburbs in the 1980’s. It’s about family, what it means to be an immigrant, what defines success, and how hard to work for it. It’s about gold and dreams and longing. The prose is sublime and leaves you laughing out loud! Enjoy!
Before/After :: A Welcoming Entry
Here’s a “before” pic of the entry.
Before/After :: A Dreamy Home Office
This home office perfectly marries FORM and FUNCTION, with a heaping dose of GORGEOUS. The lovely homeowner selected the mural along with the organic/natural look of this solid wood table top from Room and Board. She didn’t want a heavy desk, so we suggested finding a table with a unique look. Mission accomplished! We also added a credenza in a darker tone to reference the darker floors and the darker grain of the tabletop. She chose the beautiful light fixture to replace a builder-grade ceiling fan. This room makes everyone happy!
Here’s the focal point wall, before we got started!