Kristin Drohan Interior Design

Free Advice Friday: Mini Master Bedroom Makeover

Okay, really long time, no blog and even longer for a FAF post.  I got an email from a man whose wife is in the hospital and he wanted to surprise her with a mini master bedroom makeover when she comes home.  He said he was completely clueless (his word) and really needed some help.  I don't know why she is in the hospital.  He didn't offer, so I didn't ask. I know it is shocking that "Nosy Nellie" didn't go there, but occasionally I know when to shut it.  I said occasionally.  Definitely not, when I'm playing tennis.  I'm a total sucker for a story like that. He didn't give me a budget so I tried to be prudent.  Everything in the "after" is from Macy's, Target, Pier One etc.  It really isn't quite a "mini" makeover either but it can always be implemented in stages. Once I started, I had a hard time stopping.  I'm also having fun playing with my new Minutes Matter software additions. 

Before:

My Suggestions:

Bedding is from Macys, lamps from Target, Night stands Pier One, and art from Art.com.  

Free Advice Friday Fabric Question

Recently a reader sent me an inquiry about a fabric application. In a past blog post,  I had used the fabric in question on pillows in a client's sun room. She asked if the pattern was too much for curtain panels.  This is an easy one. The fabric pattern is Lilith from Robert Allen.  It comes in six color ways.  Here are the four I like the best.

 
 Here is the pillow I did for my client.  It is in the color Summer.  Looks so much better in a professional photo. 

 

I absolutely think you can do curtains in this fabric.  I would limit  additional patterns, layer various textures in the other furnishings, and keep the space edited.  Here is an example of some pinch pleat panels in Lilith Summer.

 

I say go for it.  I think it will be fun!

 

 

Free Advice Friday Bathroom Trim Dilemma

A reader's inquiry:

This reader has painted the trim and doors in her house ivory.  She likes it everywhere but the bathroom due to the white toilet, sinks, and tub.  She is going to repaint the room and wants to know if she should just ignore the white or should she paint the trim and door?  Her husband is completely opposed to re-painting the trim.  She is thinking of using  charcoal for the walls and in the past has used burgundy as the accent colour (she is from Canada, hence the spelling of colour).   I think I get to be the tie breaker. 

This is the room before

 

 
 

Here are my suggestions:

 

 Just ignore the white tub and toilet.  I think you need to replace all the burgundy accents with a new more spa like palette.  Put a roman shade over the tub and look for a fabric that has both white and cream in it.  When you put art in a bathroom, make sure it isn't anything valuable, the humidity will damage anything precious. Add polished nickel accessories for some shimmer.  Charcoal paint is an option, but doing the bath in the spa blue would be even prettier.  Lastly, consider installing frame-less glass for the shower enclosure instead of a shower curtain.  It is pricey option, but you get a lot bang for the buck.  Hope this helps and keeps the peace between you and your husband. 

My Shelter Pop Interview on Providing Free Design Advice

 
Recently, I was interviewed by, Shelterpop which is AOL living.  You can read the article here.  The topic was providing free design advice either virtually or as part of a retailer's service. This is a controversial topic with designers who blog.  There are some who are adamantly against it and even state that in their blogging and there are others who do it on a regular basis.  Here is my school of thought and reasons for doing Free Advice Friday.  I feel everyone should have the opportunity to live in their "best" space.  If we are truly honest, most people can't afford to hire designers.  I provide this service for those people.  The majority of people who send me dilemmas for FAF are usually young, many are just starting out in new homes, or they are overwhelmed and don't know where to start.  I've read from designers who won't give free advice--their reason for doing so is that it isn't fair to their paying clients.  I would argue that the service I give my paying clients, is a far cry from free advice.  Not only it is not on the same page, it isn't even in the same library.  I have never had a paying client question this practice and several like to make comments on the FAF solutions.   A few of my FAF subjects have even turned into E-decorating clients.   I think giving free advice promotes good will, and is one of my ways of giving.   I figure if some of the heavy hitters like, Vicente Wolf, Phoebe Howard, and my friend Paula Grace can do it, I can too.  It is a great solution when you meet someone at a cocktail party (soccer game, grocery store etc) and they find out you are an Interior Designer. What follows many times is a question about a decorating dilemma they are having.   Without seeing a picture, it is sometimes very hard to comment.  I always tell them to go to my blog and submit their situation with a pic for FAF.   I like win-wins.  It does take some time but I really enjoy doing it.  However, it may take me awhile to post a solution from the time it is submitted, because ultimately, my paying clients do get priority.  I don't think I'm going to change any minds, but I thought this article provided an opportunity to address my reasons for giving decorating advice.  Thanks, to Marilyn Zelinsky, contributing writer AOL Living for the shout out. 

Free Advice Friday: Space Plan Challenge

A reader asks for a space plan solution for this family room in their new house. 

 

 

 

You can see why this narrow 13' by 22' is difficult.  This is one of the reasons I suggest straight arms, depths of no more than 36", and tight backs (no loose box cushions) on sofas, if you aren't decorating your dream house. They give you flexibility in various spaces without giving up comfort.  You can also see in the photo, they have a very large TV to accommodate.  I think it would be impossible to use the current furniture in the space effectively.  Hopefully, it can be re-purposed to other areas of the home.  I suggest splitting up the group too.  I know it is cost effective to buy multiple pieces in a group--the key is too separate them in your house.  For example, you could use the loveseat in a sitting room of a master bedroom, the sofa in a family room and the chair and ottoman in a library for reading.  This is what I would suggest for this room.

 

 

When you have long rooms you need to divide the space to accommodate several functions.  In this case, I put the behemoth (not in a bad way, I like to see my HD as much as the next person) TV on the largest wall of the room.  In this room I have designed a TV watching space and a library/game table space.  I think a sectional or the existing sofa and a free standing chaise would be a better fit in this space due to the size and entrance placement.  Adding bookcases at the end will diminish the narrowing effect a bit.  When your ceilings are low, you can always hang the curtains just below the crown to visually expand the space.  If your existing curtains are too short for a new space, just add a wide band of fabric to the top or to the bottom.   Hope this helps.  

Free Advice Friday-kitchen counter tops

A reader writes:

Hi, Re-doing kitchen to include new cabinets, gunstock oak flooring, stainless appliances. What color countertop do you recommend? Should I get something med/dk brown quartz or keep it lighter. The kitchen cabinets are Maple--Cream Glaze (Cream colored or off-white with just an almost invisible lighter cream/white glaze). The flooring, unless you talk me out of real hard wood for a kitchen floor, will be gunstock oak-see attached. I've had people tell me not to put real wood in a kitchen, so...that's still up in the air based of further advice. Wall color and dinette color/material, I will try to figure out once I get a handle of what to do for counter top. Thank you so much! 

I will definitely not talk you out of real wood flooring.  I prefer it to be eco friendly... made of reclaimed wood or wood that has been sustainably forested.  I have test driven every type of  kitchen flooring  in my 8 military moves.   I love wood the best.   On to the counters.  I like to keep the counters neutral and devoid of any specific color, especially if you are considering a move in the future.  FYI, the inquirer, prefers Black to Brown.  With that in mind,  I have given her a few options.

In the classic options, I've given her a Sensa granite and marble.  Sensa Granite has a long term stain protection built into it so that it doesn't have to be sealed. When I choose granite, I look for the color of the elements going into the kitchen within the stone.  For example,  I look for the tone of any wood or the color of the appliances.  I like it to have a little silver shimmer if the appliances are stainless.   Marble is a classic, sophisticated choice.  Beware, however,  marble does stain rather easy.  Some like the patina this creates over time.  I currently have marble in my kitchen.  If it is sealed, you can get most stains out.  I don't mind the character.  If you have little kids or lean type A, this is not the counter surface for you. 

There are some really awesome new eco friendly options out there too.  I have shown two Ceasarstone options which are made from 17 - 35 percent recycled glass and quartz.  For performance and function is doesn't get any better than quartz.  It is stain resistant and doesn't require sealing.  It is heat, scratch and chip resistant too.  The last option is a high constrast, surface from Eco.  This is made from 75 percent post-industrial recycled raw materials.  It too has all the attributes of the Ceasarstone.  The Black makes this a dramatic choice.  My three favorites are the Marble, Chocolate Truffle and the Black.  The marble is dressy and beautiful.  The Chocolate Truffle has every color element of the kitchen in it.  It has Silver for the appliances, a warm Russet for the tone of the wood, Cream for the cabinets, and a hint of Black.  You just can't go wrong with Black counters and Cream cabinets.  It isn't for everyone, but I like the drama.  I  can't wait to see what the reader chooses.  What would you pick?  I'll be joining Paula Grace for Timeless Tuesday and then for real martinis Thursday night. 

 

Free Advice Friday... Fabrics in Red, Gold, and Green

A reader comments:

 

Hi Kristin,

Wondering if you have any favorite fabrics that would look good with yellow golds, greens and reds. I need some inspiration and your design style is just amazing! Thanks, Julia

As a matter of fact, Robert Allen just sent me some new fabric books containing their new Lifestyles Collection.  In the Dockside book they had some great  fabrics in that color palette.  I threw the swimsuit and starfish fabric in because I think they are fun, although not applicable for all.  

Robert Allen Corn Maize

Robert Allen Recliner

Robert Allen Sea Lace

 

Robert Allen Diamond Cable

Robert Allen Sally's Shells

   

Robert Allen Granny's Quilt

 
 
 Robert Allen Swimsuits

Robert Allen Lilith

I recently just finished a project for a client that I've worked with for over three years.  The Lilith fabric was the inspiration we used for the jumping off point.  This was the last room in their home for me to decorate.  I'm featuring the before and after of that room on Monday's post so be sure to check it out.  The little swatch doesn't do this fabric justice so I'm showing the finished pillow to illustrate how pretty and happy it is.  I am surely going to miss working with this family. They have been great clients.  I think they have given me more referrals than any other client.  How do you say "thanks" to that?  So, thank you thank you Heather, Brad, Ainsley, and Preston.  Look for the sun room Monday it turned out awesome.

 
Much better in person huh?

I hope one of these fabrics inspires you, Julia. 
 

Free Advice Friday...Bedside Sconce Placement

A reader writes:

Hi Kristin, I love your blog and look forward to each new post. You are always full of wonderful information. I just bought some sweet milk glass wall sconces recently (I still need to get shades for them) that I want to hang on either side of my bed. I have no idea of the proper placement (height and width apart) and knew you were the woman to ask. Can you help me out?

 

Thank you,
Petrina
www.foobella.com

 

After asking Petrina a few more questions, most importantly, if these were functional or decorative, I was able to show her were she should hang her sconces.   These are going to replace the bedside table lamp and are to be functional.  With that in mind they need to be placed close to the bed and at a height that will illuminate reading material.  If they were decorative you have a bit more flexibility.  They are not swing arms but stationary sconces.  This is what I'd recommend.  I've specified where to put the sconces on the photo that Petrina sent to me showing her bedroom.  This gives her a visual of exactly where to put them.

 

Place them approximately 4-6 inches away from the headboard edge and the light height can be determined by your preference.  It is important to note whether you read laying down or sitting up.  The light needs to be high enough to shine on your reading material.  As a guide  line, if the bottom of your light is about 24 inched above the top of the bed that should work. 

If your headboard is really tall you could raise it up to 30" or more as long as it stays functional.  I hope this helps.  It was a great question with a bit of a subjective answer. 

 

Free Advice Friday...How to Pick Good Upholstery

 I so often get asked why one sofa is $995 and another $3500.  Well there is a reason.  Fortunately, I will be able to illustrate this for you since I witnessed the fabrication process at Hickory Chair U.  The most important aspect is finding out where the sofa was made.  Bench made upholstery is made in the US, usually in North Carolina. 

HC first starts with a kiln dried 1 1/4 in hardwood kiln dried frame that has been glued, screwed, and doweled in each joint.  They use 3-4 dowels instead of the industry standard of 2. 

Notice how they shape the frame instead of using padding which shifts over time.

8 way hand tied coils add support that will last for years.  Cheaper methods employ no-sag springs or just one size coil.  It was truly fascinating to watch them tie the coils. They were really fast, I got exhausted watching them.

Time to get some padding, cushions, and upholstery. I won't put upholstery in a clients house unless it has pocketed spring coils inside the cushion.  This is another way some manufactures will skimp to keep the price down.  With out the springs, a dacron wrapped piece of foam will start to break down fast.  I've had spring down cushions last 16 plus years.  HC Spring down cushions are standard.  Nice!

How about some fabric?  Not only does HC stock lots of fabric they will COM too.  COM is an acronym for Customer's Own Material.  I will be honest.  I COM almost everything.  Fabrics are not created equal and I need to know the rub test numbers.  Wyzenbeck in a rating system on fabric durability.  30,000 double rubs is considered heavy duty.  I have many in my repertoire with 100,000.  What can I say.  My clients have kids and pets.  That doesn't mean you have to give up the pretty though.  There are many durable, stain resistant fabrics that look sumptuous.  Again, this is yet another place where companies can really cut costs by using inexpensive fabric.

 

Nail head trim is done one at a time at Hickory Chair.  Some of the imports and less expensive furniture brands use a strip of nails where only every fourth or fifth nail is real and tacked in.  The ones in between are faux nails.  It is way less labor intensive, and the strips are cheap.
  

Almost done and ready to ship.  When that much labor and attention to detail is applied to each piece you know you're getting  quality, long lasting furniture.   I hope that explains why there is a price difference to upholstery.  There are so many ways to cut corners.  The old adage holds true.  You get what you pay for.  I hope you find this helpful when you head out to buy your next sofa.  I'm joining Met Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch .  Jump over and see amazing transformations.

Free Advice Friday window valances

Stephanie, over at A Fine House recently blogged about finally obtaining some new fabric for some window valances.  Here is her story.

Here is the living room picture and the fabric.

This is what I would do:

 

 

I'm kind of picky about valances.  I really am really partial to Roman shadeswhich I've blogged about before.  If drapery (which we are supposed to be calling curtains, now) can be used, that is my preference.  I know... I'm going to have to do a post on the curtain versus drapes.  Even though Stephanie thought she couldn't do drapes in this room, it would have been perfectly fine.  I gave her a couple options with this shade. I like having more than one fabric to add interest when doing valances.  Adding a contrasting leading edge is always nice too.  Which do you prefer?

I'll be joining the party at Hooked on Houses, be sure to check it out.