A Traditional Dining Room
Contributed by Susan Zaring of Material Girls.One of the first projects I decorated was a lovely home built in the 1880's with fantastic bones and detail throughout. The clients wanted to stay true to this aesthetic (the owner loves antiques and having a comfortable "lived-in" feel) but also wanted to create a space that was reflective of the architecture with a neutral palette and great flow since they love to entertain and gather in the space.
After
The dining room is quite unique with two sets of French doors - one looking to the family room and the other opening to a sun room - and most of the activity is spent in these areas so capitalizing on the abundance of light was a top priority. We first started with a paint palette to complement the adjoining rooms and chose Ralph Lauren Urban Loft: Architectural Cream, a go-to color that adds a clean crisp look to any room.
The client had pine chairs that we refinished and slip covered with a linen paisley print that was inspired off of an old print the client had. We found a beautiful pine table from a flea market in Virginia that was a brilliant bargain. It went perfectly with the chairs and complements the Oriental rug that was purchased at ABC Home. The rug was the largest investment but it definitely adds cohesiveness to the space and grounds all the pieces. We also refinished the pine floorboards to deepen the color and to add lasting texture. Lastly, the tableware and linens were purchased at a wonderful antique store called Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg, VA.
After
We actually spent a great deal of time rummaging through the flea markets in Virginia and found many great stores and this one in particular is a favorite. They offer everything from French provincial pieces, great items for the garden, and fantastic linens. The table top is completely characteristic of the clients; laid back and relaxed yet refined and classic. This dining room provides dual function for both entertaining and lounging. The client's seem to spend most of their time here now and have truly enjoyed the new changes.
Labels: after, before, decor, decorating ideas, design ideas, dining room, interior design, micasa, micasastyle, traditional
MicasaStyle's Design Spotlight - Master Bedroom
It’s time for another edition of
MicasaStyle’s Design Spotlight. This time around we’re highlighting a room with a slightly larger budget than last time, but equally amazing. We chose ‘
Master Bedroom’ by
mysweetsavannah because it truly embodies what a bedroom should be: a retreat. Her choice of colors, fabrics and décor create an inviting, peaceful environment perfect for a long night’s slumber.
As usual, we got in touch with our designer, Melaine, to find out just how she created this beautiful room. Simplicity and sophistication were her ‘must haves’ and we think she pulled it off. Her choice of neutrals and punches of black with a daring hint of animal print, give this room a clean, traditional look without being too shabby chic. But the real question here is how did she find all those great pieces to decorate with? Turns out, Melaine is a very thrifty shopper and has knack for bringing life back to old, unwanted pieces.
The bench at the foot of the bed was a flea market find and flows beautifully with the theme of the room. The chair in the corner was found at a thrift store and with bit of cream spray paint and a garage sale pillow it looks totally revived. And although the bed and one of the nightstands were purchased new, the matching nightstand was actually from a thrift store and Melaine painted and distressed it to match. You wouldn’t even know!
Of course, no room décor is complete without some crafty, creative touches from the decorator herself. One of the most eye-catching pieces in the room is the display of photos over the bed. All it took were some photo enlargements and a few $15.00 frames from IKEA and Melaine added a personal touch to her space. She also added a touch of whimsy with the ‘happily ever after’ sign she painted herself that is displayed above the photos.
We could go on about the embroidered and monogrammed pillows, the rich paint colors or the elegant cornices above the windows, but we’ll let the pictures and Melaine’s decorating talent speak for itself. In Melaine’s words, the whole room evolved over time and the pieces she used ‘screamed at her’, which we think is a wonderful way to create a space. A room, especially a bedroom, should reflect one’s tastes and style and by allowing the pieces to ‘find’ you, it creates a room the truly expresses oneself.
A special thanks to Melaine for letting us share her work. To see more of her room, check out
Master Bedroom at MicasaStyle.com.
Labels: bedroom, decor, decorating, decorating ideas, design ideas, feature, master, micasa, micasastyle, traditional
Do You Love MicasaStyle?
MicasaStyle has been nominated for the
DivineCaroline 2008 Love This Site! Awards. It is thrilling to be nominated and we are so glad that DivineCaroline.com is providing recognition for sites that work hard to provide great content and features for their readers.
So if you love MicasaStyle we would appreciate you taking the time to cast your vote over at DivineCaroline.com. You can find us
here or just by looking around the Home & Food category. There are lots of great sites nominated for these awards so feel free to vote for all of your favorites. The contest ends November 30, 2008 so be sure to vote today!
Click on the badge below for easy voting and thanks for all of your support!
Labels: 2008, awards, divinecaroline, micasa, micasastyle
