Junk Drawers...?!!

Not really junk, but I am going through my drawers in my nightstand and I came across some old drawings I did. These are actually when we first moved into our house a few years ago. Its an idea I had for the family room layout and casual dining room, but looking back...my things have changed!

 

After living in the house for awhile we decided to move the TV to behind the wall where the fireplace now sits. So that really changed the entire layout. The way I use the space is still thee same as far as function so I still have kept some of the same ideas like having a computer armoire in this space. I still want a chaise sectional, but I decided not to use an upholstered ottoman int his room.

As far as the casual dining room ( or breakfast nook) I am  doing wall to wall bookshelves where I show the banquet and a window seat will now go under the window.

This is so random, but I just thought I would share. I have plenty more where this came from...Its just about time I execute!!!!

On My Desk

Okay...so I said I was gonna focus more on my projects this year, but listen, a girl has gotta get paid! So I thought I would share with you my current project (or one o them)!

Bi-yearly my company hosts what we call a "dealer show!" Its actually where all the owners come together to view the new furniture purchased at market.  I am in charge of design and layout of the showroom floor. This time I am dibbling and dabbling into the Friday night event as well, which serves as the corporate social.

The theme is actually a play off of the new store branding design I did back in October. I can not go into too much detail but you can see a snippet of it in the link! The theme is "Details in Retail!" But I wanted to do something fun for the Friday night theme, a fun sophisticated Jazz Cafe!

Here is the mood board I put together a few weeks ago:

"Setting the mood is going to be the name of the game with vintage décor, ambient lighting, inviting lounging options. Rustic, charming, and classy are just a few words that describe what will be an unforgettable night of good people, relaxing to good music,  enjoying good entertainment, along with lots of good food! No detail will get missed by addressing everything from the presentation to the entertainment all the way down to the food."

Via

After a few Google searches and going down a few dozen rabbit holes I came across this inspirational piano bar and restaurant called the Manhattan Inn.

The image above gave me the inspiration for the food base on the fact that barbeque tends to be the favorite at these coporate events.

"We love barbecue, so let’s make it rustic ans sassy! Let’s integrate the food presentation seamlessly into the design and décor by not leaving any detail unturned. Things like cast iron serving dishes, handwritten chalkboard food label's,  and salads served in a martini glasses are just a few ways to add to the rustic charm." 

This is my interpretation of a fun sophisticated Jazz Cafe! Let's see what happens!

A Home In Progess

I have been working on a house an older home built in 1954 in Plant City, FL which is a very historic city.  The family is a young couple with three kids. They're home before was very traditional and lacked color and style. For this home they wanted to go mid century modern and inject  lots of fun and color.

I have been working on this home since August last year. We basically started from scratch. This is my first time showing any of my work so, I am honestly a little nervous. I am going to show you some present day pictures of what he dining room looks like because it seems to be the most finished room of the house right now.

Before

After

Please do not mind the really bad pics. I am hoping to invest in a really nice camera by the end of the year. The picture just does not do the wall color any justice. Its a really beautiful salmon color! It represents that rooms pop of color. I decided to play down the paneling by painting it the same color as the walls.

Do you recognize that table? Yes, its same as mine, round 72" with a glass lazy-susan.  The chairs are from overstock. They are cream leather tufted, there is even an interesting stitch on the seat of the chair.

The rug is actually a special order 8' round that I ordered form my job! See it here on our website. I love the colors and pattern. The flowers remind me of artichokes.

The chandelier is the crowning glory of this room. It was the big splurge in this room, but well worth it. We actually ordered at a time when  a big sale going on, I think it was like $250 off the regular price.  

Big Tip: Even though you splurge, never pay full retail! Just a motto of mine!

The side cabinets are actually bookshelves from "Wally Martin!" (fancy name for Walmart). We got them for $200 a piece. I had them refurbished by taking out a shelf and adding under cabinet lights. I plan to add a mirror in the big open area and add decorative knobs.

I made the curtains out of a retro 1950's fabric. The hardware came from Lowes.

I painted this artichoke on a 36x36 canvas using acrylic water base paint as my medium. This was fun because it had been so long since I painted. I still got it! Its no on the wall yet because I want to make sure its going to hang where its going to stay.

We still have few elements to add to the room. I am still on the look out for a server option to put in between the refurbished side cabinets under the window. I have some accessorizing to do also. Right now its accessorized with the client's belongings, which are pretty, so I only need a few items. I also want to find some buffet lamps for the server and add some more decorative wall art.

I thought these would be really fun  for a wall art alternative. I actually saw these on my Tuesday shopping trip at Pier One. They are on sale for $50 a piece right now.