Design on a Shoestring Budget: May 2011

Saturday, May 21, 2011

{Dining Room} Searching for a sideboard...

Designer confession...when looking for our first home I did not think the design and kitchen storage space through in my little head (the microwave in the front hall closet should have tipped me off!) So hear we are, a somewhat typical American family with way to much stuff (everywhere) but especially in the kitchen, hence, not enough counter space. Now we did move the counter top microwave out from the hall closet and on to the counter. We had dreams of get a new microwave over the range unit...but would then only have 12.5" of space from the stove top to the microwave bottom (not enough :)) So, we have decided to purchase another piece of furniture, a sideboard, that we can place in our adjacent eat in dining area and "hide" the microwave in the furniture. So with this little story we are in search of a piece of furniture!!!

Love this one! It is rustic and I really like the paneling detail and exposed wood top. Very french inspired

Westmoreland Cabinet contemporary buffets and sideboards

contemporary buffets and sideboards design by tonichome.com

Love the color and wood detail!

contemporary dining room design by san francisco interior designer tineke triggs

Modern and fresh, might not be for our home...but one can wish!

Jason Ball Interiors contemporary dining room

contemporary dining room design by portland interior designer Jason Ball Interiors

Love the color and metal detail

Four Walls and a Roof contemporary dining room

contemporary dining room design by san francisco media and blogs Lucy McLintic

Ok...so you can't really see the sideboard, but I LOVE the wall color, decor and vignette on the sideboard!

Dining Room ~ Ironstone Dream traditional dining room

traditional dining room design

One day...I would love built in cabinets like this...

Burlingame Residence Two traditional dining room

traditional dining room design by san francisco interior designer Amoroso Design

Or this....

Since I started this post...I think I found something...so if I order it, I hope to share it with you soon!

Til' then,
Amanda

Friday, May 20, 2011

{Master Bedroom} -New artwork

Getting so excited!!! I recently purchased some new bedding for our master bedroom and have been inspired to put together some new artwork for our new digs too! Check out some of the pieces that I have sent to print!

These are all images that my hubby and I took when we went to Italy about 4 years back and I just love to look at the images and remember what an AMAZING trip it was!!!

After I pick them up I will be working on a frame installation inspired by this image from Today's Fabulous Finds...

Don't you just love it!!! I can't wait to get started!!!

Til' then,
Amanda

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

{Crushing} on craft rooms...

I don't know what it is...but I am seeing craft rooms EVERYWHERE..and I am loving it!!! Here are some of the favorites that I have seen this week. I have to be honest..I am itching to make our office/formal living/music room an office/formal living room/music room/craft room!!!

I love the french looking arched bookcases and island. The sweet peachy walls with contrast of greens and whites screams relaxing, yet crafty!

Think this might be my favorite color scheme. I LOVE the checkerboard black and white floor with the brown and white striped chairs with a little touch of green. Love the back splash...a great place to store crafty fun...did you see the ribbon storage?

I love this this detail of ribbon storage, which is an excellent craft idea!

This is a fabulous little craft corner. Love the contrast of the green walls and red accents. The white furniture is fabulous and the complimentary colors and bright windows look so enticing to craft!

I love everything about this room! I love the checkerboard two toned floor, the taupe counter tops with contrast of white cabinetry. Love all of the storage and the gift wrapping station.

When I find more craft room inspiration...which I think I will! I will share them with you soon!

Til then'

Amanda

Monday, May 16, 2011

{Design} Project completed!!!

Had the opportunity to help in the design of "The B's" new living room. A wonderful client that has a great eye for artistic detail and a clear direction of their vision for their home; they just needed a little bit of help along the way. The B's installed beautiful hardwood floors in a blond finish (they had carpet before) and added details such as an inset rug from Pottery Barn in front of one of their three new seating areas, a new custom bay window seating area and game table alcove. We used soft greens, burgundies, golds and olive greens, stripes and solids to compliment the room and made individual seating areas to accommodate both intimate and entertainment setting for their many friends and family.

Created a new seating area with customized built in benches and contoured cushions to match angles of the bay window. Added bolster pillows in a bold stripe for added comfort and valances to enhance and proportion the cushions below.

View of the new sofa with accents of red and gold pillows with additional seating area in red parson style chairs and reading lamp for the game table area.

Detail of new bench area with baskets with number detail and lit displays for clients art collection.

Detail of rug insert in sectional seating area

Detail of staircase outside of living area.
New paint on walls and banister added during recent consult.

The photos above are from a quick little photo shoot during the installation of the bench cushions that happened last week. I plan to take more photos (in better lighting) in the next few weeks along with sharing the work that was done in the kitchen.

Til' then, Amanda

Sunday, May 8, 2011

{Inspiration} from Paris...

Four years ago, my husband and I took an amazing trip to Paris. Rob "had" to take his final class to receive his bachelors degree in a 6 week summer session; and the only way that it made sense to do it this way was if I could come over and spend a week and a half at the end to celebrate his accomplishment! From time to time I find myself nostalgic of all the unique and beautiful architecture and art that we enjoyed on this trip. So this post it dedicated to some of the inspirational designer eye goodies I photographed (wish I had take more photos)!!! But looking back at them now, I find that I am taking new inspiration from these photos for my interiors, graphics and hair accessories. Take and peak and enjoy!