A client before/after.....lighten and brighten!

My clients for this project were friends of ours when we had our

first babies {years ago!}.... we had been out of touch when Maria contacted

me via Facebook and asked if I knew of a good interior designer.

Of course, I suggested......me!

The house is an updated 1960's ranch with a lower walkout level.  I would say

the updates lean towards a cottage look.  The large 'great room' pictured

above was being used as a family gathering space but the awkward layout and 

furniture from a previous house did not make for a space that the family

really loved to spend time in.  Additionally, the clients wanted to add

a dining space in the layout.

As you can see the room provided me many challenges - the large set of french doors 

centered in the room, the half wall that supports the stairs to the lower level and what you 

can barely see in the pictures.....a REALLY unattractive fireplace, basically a painted

stucco'ed box.

The client's goals were simple - lighten and brighten.  Like so many

homeowners, my clients were tired of the red and yellow color

scheme and wanted to update with a coastal {he's Hawaiian!}, contemporary

vibe.  More importantly, they wanted a space that would be a 

comfortable space to hang out with family and friends.

 Here is the new and improved space!

We defined the living space with a soft area rug - perfect for kids to sit on the floor! While

the client initially thought a sectional would work well in the space, we opted for two sofa's 

instead.  Two sofa's provide more flexibility and believe it or not, often more seating! We

replaced the french door curtains with simple white panels hung almost to

the ceiling.

I designed built-in bookshelves and fireplace surround - providing a 

great focal point for the living space and much needed storage

for the family's books and games!

The new room has two fabulous custom furniture pieces - a dining table

made from reclaimed wood and an industrial-inspired coffee

table made from metal pipe and reclaimed wood.  Both pieces

were made for me by Tarte.  

We used contemporary dining chairs - I love

the juxtaposition of the farm table with the 

sleek chairs!

While this was a significant project - budget was a big consideration.

The chair pictured below is one the client's had {pictured in the 

'before photos'}, we simply had a new slipcover made in an

updated fabric.  The large round table between the 

sofas is the client's Craigslist find!

I had a blast installing a family gallery wall 

in the dining space.

The clients had meaningful pieces of art and objects that we 

incorporated into the space.  I feel strongly about making

family heirlooms or favorite art pieces work in a space - it

what makes your home.....YOUR home.  

I was honored to help this family create a space they love! They trusted

me and ran with every recommendation I made - I could not have asked for more!

The renewed friendship was the icing on the cake!

Paint:  BM Hazy Skies

Paint on Built-ins: BM White Dove

Sofas:  Pottery Barn

Dining Chairs:  West Elm

Dining Table/Coffee Table:  Tarte

Pillows:  Homegoods/custom

While I love, love, love working with local clients - I am considering

offering online consultations.  If you are interested in letting

me help you design a room you love, please send me an

email jill.hinsondesigns@gmail.com.