Moving to New York hasn't seemed to put much of a damper on all my relationships back in Georgia. What's the old proverb? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Well thank you Jesus, It has quite literally rang true. Especially since I really don't like to say "goodbye" to anyone.
So when a dear friend from Georgia called with a design request, I couldn't possibly turn her down. It would just have to be quite a few Skype dates and lots of phone calls and texts.
We finalized the whole job with a fun trip to Georgia that involved two days over at J's place. And some R&R for me and my brood too. Prior to the trip southbound, we ordered furniture, had the entire first floor painted a pretty color, and talked a lot about stylistic details.
So without any further ado, please enjoy J's before and after tour!
Here are the BEFORE PHOTOS...
BEFORE: Keeping Room
BEFORE: Keeping Room
BEFORE: Breakfast Nook
BEFORE: Kitchen
BEFORE: Kitchen
BEFORE: Formal Living
And now...
the...
AFTER TOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AFTER: The Keeping Room
What is a Keeping Room you ask? A keeping room is an area adjacent to the kitchen. Keeping rooms date back to Colonial times when families would sleep in that area when the rest of the house was cold. (Definition of Architectural Design Terms - Glossary of Real Estate Terms)
This perfectly describes what J wanted for their Keeping Room. A very relaxing place to sit in front of the massive windows, yet completely privy to whatever hustle and bustle goes on in the kitchen. As a family of five, the kitchen is obviously everyone's favorite room!
We picked a gorgeous neutral color for the walls. We found a fabulous sectional where the whole family could sit and relax together. We swapped out the coffee table for a cozy foot-friendly ottoman. We also did an indestructible rug (dogs and kids approved).
AFTER: The Keeping Room
We used old touches to really give J the look she was wanting. Her favorite designer is James Farmer III. A southern gentleman, Farmer classically combines elegant English countryside with a twist. Think magnolias, plaid fabrics, gold-leafing, fox-hunts, and hydrangeas.
AFTER: The Keeping Room
AFTER: The Keeping Room
AFTER: The Breakfast Nook
J had this gorgeous french country yellow hutch that she very-much loved. I filled it with silver platters and vintage serve ware. The fresh still-life art repeats the yellow color. This gorgeous farmhouse table was a gift to the family. We swiftly brought it into the breakfast room. The wood tone is very rustic and the thinner longer table seemed more suitable for the space.
AFTER: The Breakfast Nook
AFTER: The Breakfast Nook
A new centerpiece! J requested a single statement piece that could quickly be moved out of the way.
AFTER: The Breakfast Nook
AFTER: The Keeping Room
English transferware, and other blue and white "Staffordshire Blue-type" pieces recieved front row seats in the new design. How southern?!
AFTER: The Kitchen
Fresh paint and new accessories make the kitchen feel spacious and clean.
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER: The Kitchen
J really wanted some of her glass-front cabinets to have a more relaxed french country feel. We replaced glass with fabric on this set of cabinetry for a truly custom English countryside look.
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER: The Kitchen
AFTER The Formal Living Room.
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
The stately living room also got fresh paint. J's husband, a West Point graduate, had many special pieces we used in the space. The mantle now hosts a mirror as well as a West Point print.
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
By moving the sofa, the space feels so much more open. We also replaced the coffee table in this room. A leather bench was brought from the bedroom for a new textural element, it serves as an ottoman. J wanted to keep her current sofa and chairs. We replaced the rug and purchased all new throws and pillows for the sofa and tufted red chairs to give them an up-to-date wardrobe.
AFTER: The Living Room
In true English southern style, we flanked the fireplace with new floral arrangements. I composed them using mostly moss and magnolias.
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
I found a beautiful vintage typewriter in J's bedroom that we immediately brought out for the sofa table. It also received a little floral arrangement of it's own. Who says typewriters can't have flower crowns?
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
J's favorite things include these two poppy prints. I decided to showcase them in the bookcases. They were followed by vintage books, and other family heirlooms.
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
AFTER: The Formal Living Room
J's home is truly gorgeous. I feel that we really were able to pull off the southern English style, mostly with the help of re-vitalized and re-introduced antiques and elegant pieces that J already owned! Never doubt the forgotten pieces of furniture or accessories lurking around your basement or un-used spaces; I may be able to help them find their new purpose!
Love you J! Thank you for the beautiful opportunity to decorate and perform design in your home! I so enjoyed it!