A challenging project

I've been working on a very challenging project recently.  My client is updating several rooms in her house: her kitchen and keeping room, painting her dining room and master bedroom, purchasing some new furniture and lighting, and transforming her little girl's nursery into a 'big girl' room.  It's a fairly large project since so many rooms are being touched and it involves the coordination of several tradespeople: painter, trim carpenter, electrician, plumber, tile installer, countertop installer, etc.  There are lots of decisions to be made on styles and color, and it must work well with her existing furniture and paint colors. 

What makes it even more difficult is that my client keeps changing her mind.  She can't decide on what she wants.  We start to go in one direction (warm, cozy, deep colors) and then the next day she wants to go in the complete opposite direction (light, bright, lots of cool colors).  As soon as I think we have it all figured out, the rules have changed: there's more money in the budget (or less), the selections we decided upon are out-of-stock / in-stock / overstocked / sold / too light / too dark / too cheap / too expensive / too brown / too grey / too 'too'.   She's also extremely hard to get a hold of - she works full time and has two young kids, and the only time we ever get a chance to discuss the project is either late in the evening or squeezing in some time on the weekends. 

On top of all this, she wants to get it done by Christmas.  She has family coming in for the holidays and wants to get the work done and the house decorated by December 17th or so.  She's even considering hosting a neighborhood Christmas party at her house on the 18th.  

I have been blessed with so many wonderful, easy-going, decisive clients in my career.  Many of them have become friends.  I am generally not one to complain about about a client (especially someone who may read this blog!)  So why (you may ask), am I venting my frustrations with this client in such a wide and public forum as the internet?  Well, you see, it's because this difficult client. . . . is ME. 

So to all of my wonderful clients and future clients out there - I feel your pain.  I know it's hard to make all the decisions and commit to the budget and write all of the checks and have your house turned upside down for weeks on end.  I understand how disappointing it is when the perfect fabric has been discontinued, or that antique bench is just 2 inches too long for the space.  But in the end, your home will be put back together.  The colors and fabrics and lighting and furniture will be beautiful and you will love - love - coming home every night to your comfortable haven.

Well the painter will be here on Thursday, so at last there's no turning back.  I know that it's going to look great and I can't wait to share the before and after pictures with you!

Thanks for reading,

Bronwyn

Recently spotted . . .

. . . in the October issue of Charlotte Magazine!  Check out the photo of me with my beautiful and talented designer friends Julie Boyd and Katie Harrell Hoffman at the Thom Filicia event earlier this summer:

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Magazine

We had such a good time that night.  Thanks again to High Cotton Home for hosting us for the fun event!

High Point Furniture Market - Fall 2011

I just returned from the Fall High Point Furniture Market this past Monday, inspired and excited to share all of the unique and beautiful things that I found!  My spring visit to market was somewhat disappointing, since I felt that the vendors and designers were still holding back - clinging to the neutral, understated, and restrained aesthetic that has dominated interiors since we have moved into this period of 'un-conspicuous consumption'.

Thankfully, color has returned to the marketplace, and with it a sense of optimism!  There was notably more vendors in the smaller temporary showroom spaces, including some very talented artists like Owen Mortensen, an artist out of Utah with an interesting collection of organic artwork and botanicals:

and Jeff Jones Home out of Atlanta, with a very electic mix of furniture, artwork, and lighting:

There was also a 'Made in America' Pavilion, with such talented artists as Lauren LaChance, with her stunning botanicals and prints:

We stumbled upon an entire floor of antique dealers, many from the southeast.  Timeframe was exhibiting some wonderfully unique artwork and this interesting wall art that is actually antique street sweeper brushes:

I was so interested in these framed circa 1940's (?) vintage swimsuits.  They looked so great framed as a series.  There was even a teeny little girl's bathing suit (unfortunately I didn't snap a photo of that one):

There were a few specific pieces that I was searching for during this visit, in particular, rugs.  I saw some beautiful Tibetan rugs from Tamarian:

And some great hooked rugs from The New England Collection:

 And more from Mastour:

We spotted a few design celebrities while we were there.  Coincidentally, we saw Thom Filicia in the Arteriors showroom (I can't understand why he didn't recognize us!), and Phoebe Howard of Mrs. Howard / Max & Company in the Currey & Company showroom.

But I would have to say that the most impressive showroom was the Verellen Home Collection, a furniture company based in High Point with a Belgian-influenced (read: simple, clean-lined, elegant, luxurious, relaxed) sense of style.  I have to say that the design of the showroom itself impressed me even more than the gorgeous furniture (which is saying a lot!).

We got there late in the day, just as the sun was setting, pulled into the white pea gravel lot, walked through a beautiful enfilade of small trees in planters, and into the most interesting loft showroom space.  I wanted to move right in.  The lighting was perfect, the music was hip but soothing, the concrete floors had a great patina, the windows were covered in the most interesting large, rustic shutters, and there was a great bar area surrounded by their barstools:

The textures, colors, and overall feel of the room was right up my alley.  I loved the counterpoint of the minimalist modern combined with the warm rustic and soft colors.  I just wanted to sink into one of those linen slipcovered sofas with a glass of red wine and invite a few friends over.  Tom Verellen has done an amazing job showcasing his line of furniture in a space that is so perfectly suited to the product.

Sadly, my camera's and my cell phone's batteries had died by that time, but luckily my companion's phone was hanging on.  Hopefully you can get some sense of the amazing space from our photos:

Finishing the day in the Verellen showroom was a wonderful denouement.   Just like finishing a great novel, you wish it wasn't over yet.  

Have a great week and thanks for reading,

Bronwyn

Pursley Architecture

Last week I went to hear Architect Ken Pursley speak at Stark Carpet.  I have long admired the thoughtful, classically-inspired, yet modern aesthetic in his residential work and it was a treat to be able to see what and who has inspired his designs.

He recalled an esoteric assignment from one of his studio courses at Auburn:  In an effort to better understand the world around him (and presumably interpret that 'world' in his work) he and his classmates were asked to go outside, close thier eyes, and observe what they heard.  He remembered that the first sound he noticed was the drone of cars, which rose from silence into a distant hum, gradually increased in intensity, peaked, then faded away again into silence.  As he continued to listen, he also realized there was a perpetual, ever-present, and soothing sound which was underlying all other sounds around him: the sound of crickets.

He pointed out that that in his work, there is both the traffic and the crickets.....the 'traffic' being the influence of those movements or historical styles that in their time emerged, grew, and gave way to new ideas and movements, thus shaping our history and the landscape:  Renaissance, Neoclassical, Arts & Crafts, Modernism.....each period unique and significant in what it has to offer.

But as important to his work are those 'crickets', the ever-present, timeless elements that are remain relevant, and meaningful, no matter the period.  Designs that represent both today, tomorrow, and yesterday.  

I wondered whether the work he chose to share during this talk were his favorites, since while I found them beautiful, I felt that there is so much work in his portfolio that is remarkable.

I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to see in person some of his recently completed projects and in-process work, which continues to awe and impress in their simplicity and beauty.   I have also had the privilege to work with Ken and his team.  It is not surprising that his office is filled with a group of individuals who are as warm and friendly as they are innovative and talented.  Perhaps that is part of what makes their work so memorable.

Photo by Bronwyn Ford

We all succumb to the latest styles and trends, and this is not a bad thing.  However rooting ourselves - our personal style and our beliefs - in very basic, real, fundamental ideas and thoughts is what gives our lives and work stability and permanence.

I look forward to seeing more work by Pursley Architecture, as they continue to re-invent the old and push the boundaries of the new.  And I will always try to pay special attention to the soothing sound of the crickets.

Check out their website at www.pursleyarchitecture.com.

All photos by Pursley Architecture, unless otherwise noted.

Why should you work with an interior designer?

Interiors by Sarah Richardson

It seems like an unnecessary luxury during these difficult economic times, doesn't it?   And it is a luxury to be able to hire anyone to do something that you could probably do yourself.  But if you are designing a new house or even just considering spending a few hundred dollars on updating a room - it's probably worth it to consult an interior designer.  Here's why:

1. You need a plan

Number one, numero uno rule is that YOU NEED A PLAN.  Have you ever found the most wonderful ________ (insert noun here - preferably something to do with home furnishings) that you simply loved, and could not live without, and had to have (even though you had no place for it?).  Sure - everyone has.  Now, raise your hand if you ever found the perfect place for said item?  That's what i thought.  Without a plan, these coveted items simply collect dust in your attic and never see the light of day.  Having a plan allows you to make your shopping trips more meaningful and focused, and the decisions easier.  And cheaper.  You won't be buying a bunch of things that you may never use.  If you have a plan, you know when you buy something that it will be perfect, and it will fit into the plan that will ultimately make your home a more beautiful place to live.

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

2. You don't have time to do it yourself

I used to be a do-it-yourselfer, but that was before I had 2 small children and a full-time job.  I don't have time to do anything on the weekend, much less shop for new clothes.  This is why we hire people to clean our houses and maintain our yards.  There is simply not enough time to do it all, no matter how much we actually enjoy doing it.  Ask anyone who has ever built or renovated a home:  the number of choices and decisions are endless.  It's comparable to planning a wedding.  You almost have to take a sabbatical from your job in order to get it all done.

3.  I know people

A good designer has contacts.  Lots of contacts.  A designer will know exactly the best tradesperson (i.e. painter, contractor, wallpaper hanger, carpet installer, drapery workroom, cabinetmaker, etc.) to get a job done well.  The will have relationships with these tradespeople, and those tradespeople want to work for them because they will give them more work if they do a good job.   Absolutely ANYTHING is possible with enough time, money, and the right contacts.

4. You want to save money

I realize this sounds counterintuitive, since you have to pay an interior designer for their services, but see reason #1 above.  Have you ever bought something and once you got it home (or even after you lived with it awhile) you just never thought it looked quite right?  We all have.  Then we either try to design the room around this item, hoping that new throw pillows or a new rug will somehow help the situation. (It doesn't).  Or maybe we give up and decide to cut our losses, sell it on Craigslist, and start over.  Either way, you are wasting money.  Wouldn't it be great to get it right the first time?
 

Interiors by Brooke Gianetti

5. I've done this before

. . . and I know what problems you will run into (and you will always run into problems).  Granted, even the best designer won't be able to foresee every possible problem but a seasoned professional will have seen his/her fair share.  And when problems do arise, good designers will either know a good trick to get you out of the bad situation or (see reason #3) they will know someone who can.

 


6. You have no idea what is out there

I have a client who recently told me (and I quote): '....you have opened our eyes to a new world - a world we didn't even know existed!  This new world of 'Awesomeness' as we all called it.....we both thank you and curse you'.

I loved that comment.  This same client also told me that a new phrase they've started using around the house is 'WWBD' (What Would Bronwyn Do?).

But enough about me.   In all seriousness, there is so much more to home decor than what's in Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Lowe's, IKEA.  I do purchase things from these stores and I am not knocking them, but if you work with a designer you will see all kinds of products - fabrics, furniture, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile - in the most beautiful colors, patterns, designs, finishes that you could imagine.  They could be small companies, large companies, local businesses, or international.  Some of these vendors are 'to-the-trade-only' (meaning they do not sell their products directly to consumers, only through qualified interior designers) but others may be small boutique vendors in your home state.  They may be extremely exclusive and high-end, or they may be very affordable.  The point is, designers spend a lot of time searching for these vendors by attending furniture and gift markets and scouring showrooms to seek out the most unique and most beautiful products to offer their clients.  We do not want our client's homes to look like a page out of a catalog (a magazine, perhaps).  Plus, you should not pay a designer to order everything out of a catalog.  You could do that yourself.

Chandelier design by Bronwyn Ford

Bench by Bourgeoisie 3D

This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list, since certainly the most important reason to consult an interior designer is that they are trained professionals with a solid base of knowledge and experience.  An interior designer doesn't just have good taste - they have completed a degree program interior design and been trained to understand proper proportion, scale, balance, color, light, and space.   While much of it is an art, a big part of good design is in the appropriate application of these elements.   

I hope that this has helped you understand the value of your designer, why I do what I do, and why I would love to help you to create the home of your dreams.

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Bronwyn

Moving Right Along

Lately, I've been tempted to begin each posting with 'I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post, but it's just been so CRAZY lately . . .'.  But I have restrained myself.    Fortunately I have lots of projects that are well underway and moving right along . . .

Eventually, the new front door

. . . like the farmhouse project, which is fully underway!  After holding my breath for quite a while, my clients have decided to move forward with the renovation.  The inside has been completely gutted, and they have already begun framing some of the rooms.  We've been putting together the lighting plan, finalizing the window/door schedules, and - oh yeah - we've totally re-designed the kitchen.   We're also in the process of picking out the color for the metal roof, stain for the decking, exterior paint scheme (photo above), and vintage wood for the refrigerator panels.

Demolition!

Living Room, facing pool

Standing in the 'new' kitchen

Recently I presented an out-of-town client with a whole house 'Design Roadmap', which she has been extremely busy implementing over the past month.  Sadly, I can't just stop by and see what's new, so every week or she will send me new photos of the products that have been arriving.  It is very exciting to see it all come together.

Vintage plates for a display wall in the kitchen 

Art over an outdoor fireplace

Fun pillows for the sofa

Fluffy Morrocan Rug . . . I think my little client must like it!

 

Renovation of the second floor of the condo project is also getting started.   We've picked out some great lighting from The Urban Electric Company.   It's a fabulous lighting company, self-described as 'a lighting design and production firm that prides itself on subtle design, uncompromising craftmanship and impeccable service'.  I am thrilled to be able to use their products on this project.  Here are some of the fixtures we're using:

A pair of small Belle Meade sconces over the banquette, in Antique Brass

The Melissa sconce, in antique brass with the black/gold square shade in the stairwell

The Mel sconce, in Polished Nickel in the middle of the mirror in the Master bath

In between all of these goings-ons, I had some fun at High Cotton Home recently when Thom Filicia, the 'interiors expert' on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, was in town promoting his line of furniture for Vanguard.   I was really impressed by the store, the party, and the beautiful people at the event.
 

You can just barely see me in this photo, talking with my friend in the peacock blue shirt!

Thom was very approachable and easy to talk to (in the very few minutes I had to talk with him!).  Anyway, it was a fun event, and great to catch up with good friends.

Here's a photo of Thom Filicia with Rodney Hines, owner of High Cotton Home, and my friend Ted.  Don't they all look fantastic in their blue shirts?!

It's been a busy few weeks, so I'm looking forward to the long weekend.  Have a good one!


Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn