DECK the halls...Christmas in July

I don't really understand where "Christmas in July" concept came from...ok, wait... Wikipedia just told me it was a 1940's movie. I'll have to check and see if its on Netflix.
Any who, one of my neighbors asked if I could help with their new deck. DECK...it is July...Deck the Halls...Merry Christmas in July from WareHouseDesign.  hehe

The deck-desiring neighbors already had the dimensions and layout for the new deck, but like many marriage discussions, one spouse can visualize it while the other can not. They also wanted to be reassured the deck would be the right size to fit their wish list of furniture.
They gave me the measurements and I built the deck in my software. I wish I could build it with my own two hands but that will have to be a future career. Seriously, I want to be a carpenter when I grow up. I dabbled in a little woodworking before baby #3 arrived and even had an Etsy shop but quickly learned that power tools with babies & toddlers running around are not a good mix.

Here is what we are starting with and their wish list:
-two recently re-built stair cases
-plans to change the bay window to french doors
-large deck that will be at the same level as the main living space/kitchen
-enough space for fireplace, seating area, grill, and table that seats 8 people

This was the first draft. Basic wood deck and furniture. After meeting with the homeowners in person, we discussed exactly what finishes and style they like. 

These CAD software generated renderings reassured the homeowners that all the furniture would fit and be a comfortable space. 

Then time to raise the roof!

I'm so excited for my neighbors. This large deck will be an extension of their home and bring the inside out. Hoping I'll be invited over for a tall glass of sweet tea!

I'll be sure to post AFTER photos once the deck is complete. 

Until then, I experienced a little gift for myself: My NEW business cards and note cards arrived in the mail today! Merry Christmas in July to WareHouse Design! 

Optometrist Office

If you are in the South Pittsburg, TN area and you need a good optometrist (with a recently updated office) check out Spectacles Family Eye Care and Dr. Karen LeBlanc, O.D.

This was my first experience to work on a commercial space vs. residential. My client was in the process of purchasing an Optometry Practice and wanted to update the space. With a tight budget, we were able to accomplish a fresh new look. Returning patients love the new look and their new optometrist!

Waiting room before

Door and Trim painted Peppercorn SW7674
Brick Wall & Baseboard: Alabaster SW7008
Walls Mindful Gray SW7016


Waiting room before- with my little design assistant

Wall art and coffee cart in waiting room

Check in window, before
Check in window, after. New rug, plant and simple flower vase.

Optical Room, before

Optical Room, after. Cabinets painted, new display accessories, new lighting & fans.

Hallways walls, doors and trim were painted

Custom magazine racks handmade by the talented John Cofer.

In the Optical Room, we added a small kids area using a painted stair tread mounted on L-brackets. Ikea stools, small area rug and toys make this area special for kiddos while they wait for parents.

House with a VIEW! part 1

This house. Wow! A designer's dream! This house was already beautiful for many reasons, the first being the VIEW! The house is on a brow lot with peaceful views of the Tennessee River Gorge. I was beyond honored to assist on this project, as I am with all family, friends and clients who invite me into their home.

It all began when the homeowners asked me to help pick out a new trim color for the master bedroom...which lead to painting the master bedroom fireplace & wallpapering the built-ins...which lead to a new trim color for the master bathroom...which lead to new trim color for the living room/playroom/bar/foyer/kitchen/dining room.

Can we take a moment to appreciate the POWER of PAINT?!?!!!!!!  BIG transformation on this already beautiful home! 

So far, we have completed the master builtins and fireplace. The even bigger transformation will come in "Part 2" when the painters are done with the main living area.
Check it out:


Master sitting area BEFORE


With the help of my software we were able to get a visual of what it would look like painted white.

   Homeowners hung a new painting over the fireplace

This geometric wallpaper has a cool wood grain detail.
WALLPAPER: A-STREET RECLAIMED INDUSTRIAL CHIC: RUSTIC WOOD TILE PATTERN




I used the homeowners books, accessories and photos combined with a few new accessories. I found some deals at a few of my favorite stores TJ Maxx, Home Goods and World Market.

New throw pillows


Side-by-Side of Before and After.
The room now feels bright and fresh!

Mudroom

We have been in the house for almost 3 months and we are loving it. We have met so many wonderful people who have welcomed us and made us feel like we are home here on Signal Mountain, TN.

We've had a revolving door of family and friend visitors this summer and bookings are now available for the fall for the "Warehouse Mountain B&B". haha. We still have so much to explore and plan to hike the mountain and caves this fall when the weather cools down. 

H1 started kindergarten, H2 started preschool 2 days a week and H3 is getting some one-on-one time for a change, when brothers are in school. The pups love their dog door & backyard dog run. E has been working some long hours but still finds the energy to rock 'n roll with the boys as often as possible. 

The mudroom has become my favorite room in the house, because it is so functional and hides the mess of life. This room captures the shoes & socks, work & school bags, coats, table (for laundry folding, standing desk, diaper changing pad), office supplies, art supplies, extra clothes for little ones who can't yet dress themselves, calendar, kids art work, keys, mail, papers to file...you get the idea: MULTI-functional room. 

Before: this was a breakfast nook. We switched out the light fixture & flooring.

With the window mullions and screens off, it feels like a sun room!

The upper cabinet is repurposed from the original kitchen. I painted the upper cabinet, walls, trim, bench and shiplap wall. The dresser was E's dresser when he was a kid- built solid. 

The countertop is from Ikea, purchased in Atlanta and rode on the top of our vehicle to Collierville, where we ended up not using it. It rode on the moving truck to this new house and finally taken out of the box 2 years after purchasing. (sometimes it IS good to save things... just in case). 

There is some clearance between the dresser-top and countertop, so the computer printer and diaper changing pad are stored here when not in use. 

We added a wall and door here to separate the new mudroom space from the kitchen. 

Shiplap and custom shoe bench were built by our talented contractors/carpenters. 

The kids each have a basket that slides under the bench to store shoes. E & I put our shoes on the little shelf. Hooks for coats & bags. 

Upper shelf & baskets store seasonal items, Winter: hats & gloves; Summer: sunscreen & bugspray.

 Before blank wall is now the Ware Art Gallery.

Art Gallery

I used some inexpensive curtain rods and rings with clips to create this art display area. Its also used for cards, photographs and invitations.

  I wanted a bit of GLAM somewhere in this frat-house. A $4 can of spray paint and BLING BLING- this mama feels fancy. I painted items I already had and they feel brand new. Knobs, basket, file organizer, curtain rod & rings for art wall are now GOLD.

 Gold Contact Paper as a backdrop for the family calendar. I keep our schedule on my phone calendar but I also like an oversized paper one so E can see what is planned.

Mason Jar pen holders with added gold accents

File folders labeled : IN, NEEDS ATTENTION, FILE. 

GOLD handles and of course every drawer is labeled. 

Love-obsession with my label maker- I think I have a problem. 

A shoe organized re-purposed as a hat holder hangs on the back of the mudroom door. And safety first: a fire extingusiher close to the kitchen just in case.  

And because I like to keep things honest, here is a not-so-picture-perfect shot of what the mudroom usually looks like: laundry, dog beds, dirty diapers and at least one person running around naked. 

I love my crazy life ;)