We definitely have a wide variety of projects right now. Our projects include new builds, remodels, furnishings, and even a few commercial projects. Styles range from historic period styles to transitional to modern. And each project is challenging and exciting in its own way.
This particular client was moving into a new (empty) home with simple yet very traditional details, so we had a blank canvas to work with. While we did miscellaneous projects throughout the whole house, the main focus was the Living Room. We had to work with the existing fireplace and wall sconces (perhaps they will be part of Phase 2?), and the layout of the room was a bit challenging.
Here’s what it looked like before:
We painted, added hardwood floors, built a pass-through into the Kitchen, and furnished the space. We incorporated some of the client’s existing furniture (bookcase, bar stools, etc.) and they added the finishing touches from their own accessories and extensive art collection.
The client also wanted drapery in the bay window, which was a tight space. We opted for stationary panels in a lightweight linen that blended well with the wall color, to avoid too much bulk.
Before photo of the bay window:
And after:
The client gave us a lot of freedom, and she trusted us to make it happen. Because of this, we were able to complete the project on time and on budget, with little added stress for the client. And it looks great.
]]>Just a couple quick photos of a room in progress. We still need art and finishing touches, but the furniture and rug already make the room look fantastic!
3 typically traditional elements used in a modern way:
- Tufted velvet sofa in a bold color
- Extra-large nailhead trim on the chairs
- Large scale pattern and contrast in the black & white damask rug
There were 5 trends presented and I’m elaborating on each one separately on my blog, with images of furniture examples produced by Norwalk. I’ve already posted about the “Black is Back“, “Luxury Neutrals“, “Drum Beat“, and “Tongue-in-Cheek Chic” trends. The 5th trend presented was “Greenbrier.”
Greenbrier
The Alleghany Mountains of West Virginia are home to one of American’s grandest traditional resorts, The Greenbrier at White Sulpher Springs. Founded over 150 years ago and renowned for its exuberant Dorothy Draper decorated interiors, this relaxed and elegant playground welcomes both kings and commoners to its legendary 10,000 acres. Norwalk takes on this preppy aesthetic with its homage to this grand resort. With greens ranging from moss to emerald, blues with a decidedly turquoise hue, and purples in shades of violet, these upbeat color combinations are equally at home in your living room, sunroom, or upbeat bedroom.”
Examples:
There were 5 trends presented and I’m elaborating on each one separately on my blog, with images of furniture examples produced by Norwalk. I’ve already posted about the “Black is Back“, “Luxury Neutrals“, and “Drum Beat” trends. The 4th trend presented was “Tongue-In-Cheek Chic.”
Tongue-In-Cheek Chic
“With a slightly naughty-but-nice edginess, this couture-inspired theme celebrates the forward thinking work of Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Robert Cavalli, and Kean Etro. The fashion runways from New York to Milan were full of studs, grommets, rivets, and metal accents this season. Shades of blue/green from jade to mint provide the perfect soothing complement to the ashen toned base cloths. While cosmopolitan images of skulls, Buddha, and dolled-up dogs provide the whimsy and swank that energize this restful palette.”
Examples:
]]>Examples:
There were 5 trends presented. I highlighted them in my guest post (see it here), and I’m elaborating on each one separately on my blog, with images of furniture examples produced by Norwalk.
I’ve already posted about the “Black is Back” and “Luxury Neutrals” trends. The 3rd trend presented was “Drum Beat”.
Drum Beat
“From the great American southwest to the plains of central Africa, the echo of ethnic tribal patterns and themes has never been more prominent. Animal skin layouts remain at an all-time high in popularity, while mud and kuba clothes, indigenous rug designs, sophisticated quilting and matelasse texturing with dense natural fibers all add a rich touch to this motif. Deep chocolates and mineral greys ground this decidedly earth toned palette, while native clay and dusty Prussian blue add a restful complement to this timely decorative theme.”
Examples:
Next post: “Tongue-in-Cheek Chic”
]]>There were 5 trends presented. I highlighted them in my guest post (see it here), and I’m elaborating on each one separately on my blog, with images of furniture examples produced by Norwalk.
My last post was about the “Black is Back” trend. The 2nd trend presented is “Luxury Neutrals”.
Luxury Neutrals
“For ever action/trend there is a polar opposite reaction. In start contrast to Norwalk’s black and white Urban Studio, our Luxury Neutrals collection offers an understated, restful, and reserved palette of sophisticated base and accent fabrics. Natural linen and platinum toned fabrics are distinguished by the use of complex yarns and weaving techniques, yet remain restrained in pattern. Luscious velvets, metallic fibers, and chintzed finishes add a sparkle and polished luster to this chic yet serene decorative approach.”
Examples:
Next Trend: “Drum Beat”
Metro bench by Avi Meir using reclaimed lumber
I’ve been searching for modern benches for a client’s entryway, and I love what’s out there right now! And thanks to etsy, a lot of it is handmade and unique. And many pieces represent a story, about a craftsman or an artist or a small business, or maybe even a bit of history. Essentially, these are all functional pieces of art, not just furniture. I thought I might share some of my favorites here.
The Evolution Benches by Blue Boat Home Design. I love them even more because I met the artist, Joe Norman, in the middle of nowhere, while biking the White Rim last summer in Canyonlands, UT. The wood is refurbished from old shipping pallets, and the ends are actual decommissioned aluminum bomb fins. The images cut into each end are “symbols that resonated with a way people could interact with each other that would be more productive than the current status quo of political, religious, class, gender, and economic division and antagonism.”
The Botanist series benches by Orange22 are made from recycled aluminum and are available in several sizes and colors, with different cut-out options.
This Botanist Minimal bench is also by Dario Antonioni of Orange22. These benches are constructed from sustainably harvested poplar with engineered veneers (walnut or rift oak). I love the slim lines, but I also love how this product came about. Inspired by the above botanist bench, this wood version was proposed on kickstarter.com and received funding for production from people in the kickstarter community. What a fascinating site! Check it out here.
And this bench is made from cardboard! AND it’s a DIY project on Instructables! Find out how to make your own here.
The Slip Square bench, found on etsy.com, is by David Hentzel of Special Project Division in Seattle
This Folded Plane bench is by the same artist. I love the custom aluminum Kerf plates at the corners.
Simply Italian has reinterpreted the classic George Nelson platform bench, and it’s beautiful.
Scrapile is the brainchild of 2 artists in New York. They use woodworking scraps to create these incredible benches and tables.
This simple bench from Mash Studios is constructed of English Walnut
This bench is by Adam Hogsett of Richmond, VA. The wood is reclaimed railroad ties from the Richmond area.
Another etsy bench, by Elpis and Wood, using reclaimed pine. I love these pieces that mix rustic / reclaimed with modern / industrial.
Our “new” dining chairs. Need I say more?
C.G. Sparks is a local furniture and accesssories store here in Salt Lake City. The bright blue building has a lot of personality, and is a great indication of the fun character you’ll find inside! I’ve always loved their reclaimed wood dining tables, and was happy to see this reclaimed teak table is currently on sale for $ 550 (regularly $875).
They have several standard size tables available, and they can also make custom pieces using reclaimed teak, rosewood, and other wood species.
C.G. Sparks features reclaimed pieces and materials from places like India and Tibet, most of which are hand-picked by the owner of the company.
You can also find random unique items like an antique door and frame from an Indian temple…
or a hand-carved Hannuman the monkey god…
If you live in Salt Lake City and haven’t been to C.G. Sparks yet, I recommend you check it out soon. And if you’re in the market for a dining room table, check out the reclaimed teak table on sale!
(I promise, I am getting nothing to promote this store. I just really like it and wanted to share their fun stuff.)
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