Before & After: A Family Room Makeover

Design by: Decor By Demi

A before and after picture really allows you to see the transformation of a space. As a designer, its a great way of showcasing your vision and the endless possibilities of "what could be". This is especially fun when working on a space in your home because you get to take risks! One project in particular where I had a chance to create a great "before and after" transformation is my family room.

The Before…

MLS photo of family room

This before picture is the actual MLS photo of my family room. When we first saw the room in person, I fell in love with all the wood trim. My home is a GA Colonial and I love traditional design elements like mill work, crown molding, and wainscoting. So after we moved in, I initially had the wood trim stained a walnut color and painted the walls a creamy white. Beyond that, our budget didn't allow us to really transform the room. Sometime afterward, we found out we were pregnant with twins and that certainly derailed any plans to upgrade the space.

Fast forward to 2016, and we finally felt like we were in a good routine with the kids and could handle a renovation. Included in this renovation was a refresh of the dated family room. After living with the dark stained wood for such a long time, I was ready to do something in total contrast to this look.

The interim…

Interim Decor After Renovations

My goals during the renovation was to create a more inviting and brighter space. The color story for the room I decided on was blues, coral, greens, and lots of white. As you can see, the wood paneling was painted white! It helped to really freshen up the space and give it an airy feel. We didn't make any changes with the layout however; you can see how much of a difference paint can make in a space! It's such an inexpensive way to revitalize a room and update a look.

The two sofas were originally purchased in 2012; a couple of months before the kids were born. They have definitely seen better days! At some point the plan is to upgrade but they would have to do for now.

I love the warmth that wood brings, so I decided to keep the mantel in the stained wood color to add a nice contrast to all the white in the room. This warmth is reinforced with the coffee table and of course with my gold accents.

The final touches were introduced with accessories and styling. It's absolutely one of my favorite things with decorating. It's amazing how pillows, decor, and accessories can "complete" the look in a room. I loved filling this space with all my favorite books, accessories and a set of encyclopedias we received when my husband's grandfather passed.

Lastly, the walls were bare before so I did a quick DIY gallery wall project with a Rifle Paper calendar. You can read all about it here.

My interim goal with the space was to give it color and always feel a sense of happy when I entered the space. I think I accomplished that goal. The room now felt so much bigger and brighter. However; I knew that once we purchased new sofas, the room would undergo another iteration!

the after…

Design: Decor By Demi

Once my sofas took their last breath thanks to my kids, I decided it was time for a refresh. I spent a lot of time figuring out how I wanted to really transform the family room since I was interested in a more timeless look.

The first step was painting the walls a beige color. The blue paint color was great for the time being but I decided on something more neutral that would go with any sofa color and chairs I decided on.

I love updating traditional styles with color; giving it a more transitional look. I knew I didn’t have thousands of dollars to drop on new, quality constructed sofas. So my next best option was to look for vintage ones that could be re-upholstered. These vintage Henredon sofas below were just the silhouette I had in mind and were beautiful! These are definitely your grandma’s sofas but I saw the potential.

Vintage Henredon sofas

I loved the color story of the decor accessories I already owned so I decided to pick a fabric that would coordinate with the blues, greens and pinkish/coral hues. It was truly love at first sight with this jewel toned blue velvet fabric. Once I decided on this, everything else fell into place!

Concept Moodboard

Fabric Selections

This family room represents me and everything I love: classic details, antiques mixed with new pieces, pops of color, and whimsy accessories. I’m so happy with how everything turned out!

Design: Decor By Demi

Do you have a before and after room transformation you're proud of? Let's hear about it in the comments!

If you need help with transforming a space in your home, please check out my Full Service Decorating services and contact me to get started!

The Pros and Cons of eDesign

eDesign has been around for a while now and is one of the most affordable ways to work with an interior designer.

But is it the right service for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons.

Pros of edesign

First, one of the most important benefits of eDesign is that the entire process is digital. This means all communication is done via email, phone, or video chats. It means that everything can be done on your own time, and it does not require someone coming in and out of your home or hours spent on shopping and meetings.

The second benefit to eDesign is that its affordable. This service allows you to work with an interior design at a fraction of the cost. Of course, this means that most of the work involved with eDesign is done by the client. This includes measuring your space, purchasing the items and styling your space. For the savvy DIYer, this normally isn’t an issue.

A third pro of eDesign is that the scope of work is fixed which means you have a fixed cost to the package that you choose. You know exactly how much you’re spending and what you’re paying for. No hidden fees!

Lastly, once you have your eDesign plan; you can take some time to process the ideas and implement them by yourself as your time and budget allow. Most e-design business models include a detailed shopping list with links that allow the client to order their sourced items whenever its convenient. You can wait for a sale, order in stages, or order all at once.

cons of edesign

One of the main cons to eDesign is that sometimes clients don’t end up implementing the design. This is usually a result of the client waiting too long and the initial motivation and desire to improve their space disappears. So essentially you end up wasting money and the space is the same as before.

All products through eDesign are generally purchased through online and local retail vendors. The downside to this is that sometimes you may run into the issue of items being discontinued or out of stock when you go to purchase. So the client would be responsible for sourcing similar or alternative items.

The final con to eDesign is that the idea of purchasing items and styling the space may be overwhelming to some clients. Initially it seems easy because you have a floor plan and shopping list. But there are a host of things to deal with between purchasing items and styling them. As mentioned above, you could run into having to find alternative items due to lack of stock or discontinued items. Another issue is once items are ordered and delivered, they could arrive damaged. This means dealing with the hassle of returning items and re-ordering.

Once you navigate through these things, there is then the issue of executing the look and styling the space. Most eDesign service options don’t include things like custom window treatments or the full range of decor accessories needed for a space. This means that those items are usually left out of the design scheme; and without these things the space will always feel incomplete.

So Is edesign right for you?

The ideal candidate for eDesign is someone who is DIY savvy and can take a design concept and run with it. You need to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get the necessary work done to complete a comprehensive eDesign plan.

Does this sound like the right plan for you? If so, Decor By Demi offers two eDesign service options here. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to get started on your next project!

Timeless Decor Accessories for the Home

There are some decor accessories that are classic and universally loved by me. They never go out of style and can be used to elevate any interior space; regardless of what they are paired with.

These accessories have become a staple for me when styling a space in both my own home and clients. Below are some of my favorite decor accessories that will forever remain timeless and chic.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Design: Decor By Demi

I love the many classic and traditional Chinese patterns found in chinoiserie wallpaper. There is just something about the various motifs of birds, flowers, toile and gardens that are displayed in so many wallcoverings.

This chinoiserie wallpaper shown in my powder room showcases a combination of kingfishers, egrets and lotus pads amongst the colorful pattern.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Convex Mirrors

Who doesn’t love a convex mirror? These porthole like mirrors are stylish and steeped in tradition. This federal mirror with the mounted eagle and beautiful carved details scream Classic Americana.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Potted Orchid

Design: Decor By Demi

Orchids are such gorgeous and luscious plants. They symbolize love and affection. However, I don’t have a green thumb. My thumb is black. Because of this, I always opt for faux flowers. I love the look of a faux orchid in a blue and white ceramic; it has such a quintessentially classic look and feel.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Blue and White Pottery

Design: Decor By Demi

Blue and white pottery is a tried and true classic. I find a way to incorporate them in every design! These ceramics are such a traditional decor accessory that can be paired with just about every design style.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Gilded Oil Paintings

Gilded oil paintings hold a special place in my heart. I love the history and story behind every painting. The ornate framing and craftmanship of the carved details are just gorgeous.

Timeless Decor Accessories: Skirted Sofa

Source

Now I know some may think skirted sofas are a bit grannyesque, but here me out. If done in the right fabric with the correct decor pieces, they can be a perfect mix of a traditional and modern look.

These timeless decor accessories are simple and elegant. They are complementary with any design style and will continue to influence interior spaces for years to come.

Which one is your favorite?

My Fave Chinoiserie Inspired Fabrics and Wallpaper

William Morris Strawberry Thief

So you know I love chinoiserie, right? Well I’ve decided to round up my favorite textiles for your viewing pleasure! There are many more that I adore but I had to stop myself at eight. Each of these lovelies come in different colorways and can be used as a fabric or wallpaper.

Schumacher Yangtze River

Design via Boxwood Interiors

Most people would shy away from using the same pattern throughout an entire space. Its busy but beautiful and makes my maximalist heart swoon.

Schumacher Lotus Garden

Design via Dina Holland Interiors

This is such a great way to add visual interest to bookcase back panels. The rich color and pattern brings so much personality to this space.

Nina Campbell Swan Lake

Design via Glamour Nest Designs

There’s so much to love about the white, whimsy swans against the bright yellow background. This colorway is so versatile and would look just as great if used in a nursery vs. a dining room.

GP & J Baker Nympheus

Design via Decor By Demi

This wallpaper was used in one of my designs and I absolutely love it! The details are gorgeous and pack just the right punch in this posh powder room.

Schumacher Pearl River

Chairish

This colorway is only available as a fabric. I absolutely love the pretty hues of purple, pinks and baby blues. This would be perfect in a little girls room.

Brunschwig & Fils Xian

Kravet

This bold pattern depicts Asian figures and scenery. This is a classic chinoiserie print and makes quite the statement as either a fabric or wallcovering.

Thibaut Providence

Design via Holmes & Salter Interiors

Who wouldn’t love to do laundry with this fun wallcovering! This cute textile is filled with colorful birds, deer, flowers and bird cages.

Thibaut Asian Scenic

Thibaut Design

The rich colors in this pattern makes this such a cool textile to experiment with. This classic chinoiserie print can be used to add personality and set the mood for a living room or you can play off the whimsy details and use in a kids room. Either way, this wallpaper is sure to make a statement.

My thoughts…

These chinoiserie fabrics and wallcoverings are so pretty and can really transform a space! Gone are the days of the “grannyesque” wallpaper that lacked any personality or style. If you’re on the fence about wallpaper, I suggest trying it out in a room like an office or powder room. This allows you to test the waters without too much of a commitment space wise.

Most of these sources can only be purchased through an interior designer; so if you’re interested in any please contact me. Happy decorating!

Lighting Edition: Brass Flush Mounts for Low Ceilings

I love brass accents and I live in a 70’s Brick Colonial. These two things combined make for low ceilings (8 feet and under) and limited options when it comes to selecting chandeliers and pendants for homes.

Enter the flush mount. Normally, people associate the flush mount with boob lighting. But times have changed my friend. There are now options available to us low ceiling dwellers.

So if you’re like me and want to find something cute in the area of a flush mount, I’ve rounded up my top picks below!

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1. Cristol Large Flush Mount| 2. Metal Star| 3. Cedar & Moss Conifer| 4. Basil Small Flush Mount| 5. Edwardian Open Bottom| 6. Crystorama Broche| 7. Lettie Aged Brass Flush Mount| 8. Hudson Valley Rye| 9. Arabelle Large Flush Mount

I truly love each one and wouldn’t hesitate to use these in my home! If you need help with selecting a style based on your ceiling height and home decor, be sure to reach out via my contact me page to get started!

Be sure to “pin” the image below for reference later.

Green With Envy: My Four Favorite Green Paint Colors

Decor By Demi

Green is definitely a neutral color in my book! It literally goes with everything. My favorite combinations are green and navy blue, pink and green, and yellow and green.

Let’s take a look at my favorite green paint colors…

Sherwin Williams-Grasshopper

This is a fun and highly saturated color. It is a true green; there aren’t any blatant undertones identified. This is such a fun hue that would coordinate well with any color.

Sherwin Williams-Garden Grove

There is a teeny, tiny hint of red undertone with this green. However; its certainly not noticeable. This is the same paint color used in the bathroom image above designed by moi. To see more pictures of this space, click here.

Sherwin williams-isle of pines

This hue represents a nice, moody green with a hint of blue undertones. This color is very versatile and would look great in any room.

sherwin williams-hunt club

Similar to Isle of Pines, this is an earthy green with blue undertones. This is the perfect hue when you want to go bold! It would also compliment brass tones or natural wood details in a space.

There are tons of green paint color options to choose from. But I hope this helps in your decision on picking a pretty green hue! Be sure to pin the image below for later reference!

Posh Powder Room-Spring 2020 One Room Challenge Week 8 Reveal

Anastasia Alkema Photography

Although we’ve come to the end of the road…

That’s right my friends, it’s Week 8 and this is the reveal post for the One Room Challenge. I’ve had a blast but I’m happy to see the party come to an end. Keeping up with the ORC, the kids and everyday things has been a lot!!

If you’d like to see previous posts, you catch up here…

Week 1| Week 2| Week 3| Week 4| Week 5| Week 6| Week 7

So just in case you forgot, here is where we started with this pitiful powder room.

The Before

This powder room was layered in brown and filled with ugliness. The bathroom is only 30 square feet and felt every inch as small. The toilet was very low and great as far as function goes when my kids were potty training. Now it felt like we were sitting on the floor to do our business!

The vanity was outdated and the white paint was pretty dingy. And let’s not forget about the shade that wasn’t lined! Nothing in the space reflected my style or personality. It was truly a depressing room.

The Design Plan

The design plan for this space was inspired by the wallpaper. I was drawn to the cute birds and lotus leaves. This wall covering made me happy every time I looked at it! I decided I wanted to create a space that felt happy and colorful; mixed in with a bit of whimsical and classical elements.

The After

Without further ado, here’s the after!!

Anastasia Alkema Photography

This wallpaper is busy! There are so many details going on with the pink, green, grey and tan hues; along with the lily pads and birds. And I absolutely love it. Because of this, I wanted to ground the space with something a little less busy. The gray and white basket weave tile flooring adds a classic touch and nice contrast to the wallpaper.

The frameless mirror is also a classic touch. The oval shape provides contrast against the angular lines of the vanity. The brass pivot swivels add just enough warmth against the wallpaper.

Anastasia Alkema Photography

Because this powder room was so dark before, I really wanted to brighten up the space. I opted for a white vanity with a quartz top. The vanity along with the tile flooring really opens up the room and makes it feel bigger than it actually is.

I wasn’t able to add any trim along the ceiling thanks to my door casing being in the way. The room height is just under 8 ft. So another trick used in making the space feel larger was to paint the ceiling white. I went with Sherwin Williams, “Alabaster” for the ceiling and the baseboards.

Anastasia Alkema Photography

As far as decor and accessories, I wanted to bring in things that would complement the overall design but not clash with the wallpaper.

If you’ve been following me long enough, you know that I have thing for brass finishes! I don’t mind mixing metals, but I decided to keep a consistent look for this small space. And the brass accents add the right amount of warmth to an otherwise light and bright space.

I wanted to add a bit of texture with the rattan tray above the toilet and the matching waste basket (not shown). The wood texture adds contrast and helps break up some of the “softness” in the room.

Anastasia Alkema Photography

The custom hand towels add a nice touch and reiterates the color story in this posh powder room. The faux flower glass vase and soap/lotion caddy is just enough countertop styling to finish off the look without overcrowding.

I hope you had as much fun checking out the photos and reviewing the behind the scenes! This was my first time participating in the ORC and I can’t say its my last. There’s nothing like creating a design and forcing yourself to implement it in 8 weeks!!

Overall, I’m very pleased with my posh little powder room. There are a lot of patterns at play between the wallpaper, window treatment and floors. But they all complement each other and provide a cohesive design. This space truly represents me and my love for color, whimsical details and traditional design elements.

As you can see, I didn’t stray from the initial design plans. I usually don’t have a hard time making up my mind and always know when I see the right item for a space.

Below are links to the items sourced to create this lovely design. See you at the next ORC…maybe.

Shop The Details

Vanity-Wayfair| Mirror-Wayfair| Wallpaper-Trade Only| Hand Towels-Weezie| Intaglio Wall Art-Ballard Designs| Tava Rattan Tray-Pottery Barn| Faux Peony Floral Bouquet-Caitlin Wilson| Rose Matchbox Case-Society Social| Covington Hand Towel Ring-Pottery Barn| Harbour Point Light Fixture-Minka Lavery|Covington Brass Faucet-Pottery Barn|Boulevard Cabinet Knob-Pottery Barn| Soleil Door Knob-Grandeur|Schumacher Roman Shade Fabric-Trade Only| Goldleaf Gardenia Sink Set-Thymes| Matte Grey Basket Weave Tile-Floor & Decor| Kohler Toilet

Pitiful to Posh Powder Room-Spring 2020 One Room Challenge Week 7

Welcome to Week 7 of the One Room Challenge. The room will be photographed on Friday so this crappy iPhone shot is all I’m sharing for the week. You’ll have to be patient to see the debut on June 25th!!

In case you missed any previous posts, check them out here:

Week 1| Week 2| Week 3| Week 4| Week 5| Week 6

So this week I’ve decided to discuss my favorite decor accessories I like to incorporate when applying the finishing touch to a space. Of course each of these elements were included in my powder room refresh!

Flowers

Live plants and flowers aren’t my thing. I definitely have a black thumb. So my go to is faux flowers. I invest in high end florals because they’re a better quality and look more real. Using floral arrangements and plants add greenery and a softness to your home. They are also helpful in providing a splash of color and an organic feel to your space.

Trays

Trays are great for corralling objects and organizing your decor display. They are a great way to incorporate color or pattern to your space as well.

Brass Accents

My metal finish of choice is always brass. It brings a classic feel and such warmth to a space! I suggest choosing a finish that has an antique sheen. The shiny gold is a bit cheap and off putting in my opinion.

Texture

This isn’t really a decor accessory however, its something that’s important with every design; especially when considering the completion of a space. Texture are those things that have pattern and movement and look like they would be interesting to touch. Texture can provide a level of warmth and contrast in a space. Texture also add a layer of visual weight to a design.

And now, just for kicks and giggles; let’s look at that to do list one last time…

THE TO-DO LIST: In progress

• Demo bathroom-Done

• Install tile floors-Done

• Grout tile floors-Done

• Skim walls & prep for wallpaper-Done

• Repair water damage on ceiling-Done

• Install wallpaper-Done

• Install baseboards and other trim-Done

• Paint trim & ceiling-Done

• Install vanity, sink & faucet-Done

• Install commode-Done

• Install window treatment-Done

• Add finishing touches-Done

• Professional photography of room-End of this week

Next week, this powder room goes from pitiful to posh!! Along with the reveal post, I’ll include a link to all the items purchased that transformed this cozy little space. See you next Thursday for the reveal!!

P.S.- my framed art print came in yesterday. Thank God for small miracles!!