A Not-So-Typical Media Room

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Recently, I’ve been decorating for a wonderful family who first hired me  in 2004.   I’ve had the pleasure of helping them with several rooms in their home, and most recently we’ve completed their Media Room. 

I’ll affectionately call them “The Travelers”, because traveling is a major part of all their lives.  So when it came time to redo their Media Room, it was clear to me that this was the perfect opportunity to make this, not just a media room, but a personal showcase of travel memories.

BEFORE, the room’s decor had been neglected a bit…

So the first thing we did was paint the walls AND ceiling with Sherwin Williams 6228 Refuge.

SW 6228 Refuge

  • The sofas and tables were recycled from the downstairs family room, which has also been redecorated (that’s a blog post for another day). 
  • Pictures from their travels were selected and framed to form a gallery that can be updated with future trips.
  • Most of the accessories used are items or suveniers purchased during their travels.
  • The focal point, however, is the gorgeous, over-sized world map.

  •  Flag pins indicate the places visited.

Incorporating the “travel theme” in the media room, has given it a more “personal” feel for this family of travelers.  It has also made it a multi-purpose space.  So if you’re fortunate enough to have a dedicated media room, think outside the “media room box”, and consider the decor possibilities….

A media room library:

  A media room office:

Or how about a murphy bed!!

 …now enjoy the show!

Till next time,

Alba

 

A Family Room Facelift

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I LOVE helping clients “update” their rooms.

Unless you are a fundamental minimalist, after a while, our interiors begin to accumulate items that we have purchased or received throughout the years, often becoming cluttered and chaotic.  This was the case with my client’s family room…

Before

 

My client’s, I’ll call them “The Young Grandparents”, were looking to update the decor in their family room.  They were looking for a more Transitional look without going over the top.  Plus, we had to use 2 existing leather recliners and the TV had to stay.  Without spending a huge budget, here was my interpretation of that…

  • The room was painted a soft gray-blue.
  • Shutters were installed in the color of the crown molding.
  • We used their existing furniture except for a new sofa and coffee ottoman.
  • The HUGE TV cabinet HAD to be separated…many times, these over-sized cabinets are too overpowering when placed together in a small room.
  • New art and lamps were chosen in a more Transitional style.
  • Accessorizing was kept to a minimum.

The room looks fantastic.

 The existing items make it feel familiar, warm and comfortable, while the new items make it look calm and fresh.  The Young Grandparents love it!

Hope I’ve inspired you to change your interiors and energize your living spaces.

Happy Decorating!

Alba

 

AllSaints Spitalfields

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During my trip home to Miami last month, I went shopping with my sister to Aventura Mall in North Miami Beach.   The mall is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCP, Sears and Bloomingdales…

…but the main event are the hundreds of exquisite specialty shops in between.  It was there where I found:

The London based retailer of clothing for men women and children, has been around since the early 1990’s.  The apparel is a curious mix of biker and Victorian…and evokes what feels like an Early Industrial Age.

Privately held, AllSaints has presence in Miami, Boston, San Francisco, So California, New York’s Soho district, Chicago and Las Vegas.  That’s, of course, in addition to United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The stores are known  for the countless vintage Singer sewing machines that line the windows floor-to-ceiling.  

 

 Inside, the display fixtures are constructed from salvaged industrial materials, or at least made to look that way. 

 

iPads are strategically installed throughout the store, allowing customers to order online or simply browse digital touch-screen catalogs.

 

  

 

 

Vintage mannequins, with an industrial look, contribute to an aesthetic that is a mix of British Punk and American Wild West.

 The apparel can be best described as minimalist, in an almost non-color pallet of greys, blacks, tans and whites, with a definite and prevailing Steampunk look.

 

 

My sis modeling a great little dress that she fell in love with.

 

 

I LOVE these shoes!

 

I love this store!  Probably not a style I would wear daily, but definitely for those special occations. The prices are a bit on the high end, but not outrageous.  The quality is good and the clothes are unique. But even if you don’t care for the style of dress, simply visiting the store is a visually stimulating experience…I love this store….maybe one will come to Dallas soon.

Till Next Time,

Alba

 

International Learn to Fly Day at McKinney Airport (TKI)

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International Learn to Fly Day on May 21, 2011 at McKinney Airport. 

  It was an overcast and painfully humid day.  But the planes were flawless.  Here’s how I saw it….

 

A few visiting planes on the north side of our beautiful new tower. 

 

 

Beautifully vintage.

 

 

 

 

  

 

David Williford in his new Stagger EZ.

 

  

 

 Fellow pilot Chance, with his son…..a DEFINITE future aviator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior designer in me LOVED the 2 complimentary throw pillows on the back seat of this Cessna.

 

 

 

 

 

When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. 

~Leonardo Da Vinci

Till Next time,

Alba

My Father’s Garden

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My grandparents (on my father’s side) were native of the Canary Islands.  They migrated to Cuba for dreams of a better life, and they raised 8 children by living off the land.

To this day, my dad continues to love the thrill he gets from nurturing and harvesting the land.  When I was growing up, the back yard was always alive with growth…..lemon trees, orange trees, beets, yams… Today, not much has changed.  

My dad

I took these pictures during my visit home 2 weeks ago.  Here’s what’s growinng…

Guanabana

 A bird perched on a guanabana tree.  Also known as soursop.

Nispero

The nispero tree.  Also known as a loquat.

Mango

My dad  has  3 varieties of mango trees…and they are ALL good!!

Plantains

 This variety of plantains is perfect for frying tostones.

Avocado

I LOVE Florida avocados.  They’re huge compared to the California variety.  Why can’t we get these in Dallas?!!

papaya

Papayas….pass the salt, please!

Till next time,

Alba

 

 

What a Difference a Gallon Makes

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard it said that…the best, fastest and cheapest way to change your decor is with PAINT.

Recently, this very true statement was again proven by my client’s kitchen makeover.  You should know, as you look at the before and after pictures, is that the ONLY difference is PAINT!

 

Before, the kitchen looked outdated with the existing wallpaper and white-washed cabinets.  Without changing the cabinets or counter-tops, it underwent an enormous transformation with just a brand new paint job.

  • The wallpaper and border were removed and the walls were textured.
  • Two colors were used on the walls to create interest and depth.
Sherwin Williams SW6255 - Morning Fog
Sherwin Williams SW6257 - Gibraltar
  • The cabinets were painted in a dark brown color.
  • The island was painted in the same “Gibraltar” blue as the accent walls.  
Sherwin Williams SW7027 - Well-Bred Brown

I LOVE doing color consultations…choosing just the right combination of colors that will transform the feeling and energy of any room.  This kitchen was no exception!

Till next time,

Alba

A Model Home

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Last week I got to decorate 3 models in 3 states for Resource Design’s Model Mania.  The models were all located in Assisted Living communities.  I had such a great time and met so many great people.  Here are a few pictures to share with you…

Decorating for Assisted Living require some unique considerations.  For example, area rugs are not typically used because of the high use of wheelchairs and walkers. And trafficways need to be ample.  But, like all homes, it needs to feel comfortable.  This model is in Decatur, Alabama. 

The model below is a very small, one-room studio in Leawood, Kansas.  The goal for this model was to help prospective tenants to “visualize” how they can live in the space.  This was accomplished through furniture placement…separating the space into 3 distinct areas: living, dining and bedroom.

Below is a one-bedroom model in Boise, Idaho.  Traditional furnishings look beautiful with the updated color scheme of black, browns and blues.

It was an AMAZING week…AND a big bonus was getting to fly out of Los Angeles towards the west and over the Pacific Ocean.  I LOVE seeing the world from above. 

Thanks for visiting.  Till next time,

Alba

Furniture for Outdoor Living

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I’ve been a member of the Interior Design Society for 10 years, and currently serving as treasure of the IDS Dallas/Ft Worthchapter.  Most months, our chapter…an amazing group of women in the design field, visit with new resources and are introduced to the latest products, styles and trends. 

This month, we visited Janus et Cie, a supplier and manufacturer of casual furniture, primarily for the outdoors.  But this is not your run-of-the-mill outdoor furniture.  It is quality and style at it’s best.

I was most impressed with the uniqueness of the many styles.  All of them stylish enough to be used outside AND inside. 

I was also impressed with the quality.  While they carry some brands, most peices are proprietary and the craftsmanship and materials are top notch.

 

This table below and dining chairs also come in a few other color options.  It is one of their best sellers.  The surprising part is that most buyers are using them inside the house.

Umbrellas are a big part of outdoor living.  The base on this one rotates 350 degrees. 

This chair is part of their teak collection.  Although it LOOKS like teak, it’s made from recycled plastic.  All the beauty of teak, without the maintenance.

Outdoor spaces are extensions of our indoor living areas.  So it makes sense that we make them as beautiful and comfortable as your interiors.  And with so many new and fun styles out there, it’s never been easier.

 For more styles and outdoor ideas, go to the Janus et Cie Website.

A big thank you fo Jennifer Janian, manager of the Janus et Cie Dallas Showroom, for a very informative presentation and the awesome hospitality.

 Till Next time,

Alba

 

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Trend Alert: The writing is on the wall…

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…and on the chair, and on the lamp, and on the sofa….. 

Script is everywhere.

I love the vintage look of script, and today, this vintage design is popping up in everything that is contemporary.

Mixing old and new is always tricky, but much like paisley and animal prints, script is timeless.  The cript uphoulstry “softens” the hard lines of this contemporary armless chair….

…and yet, it’s also right at home on the more traditional frame of this dining room chair.

 

A unique and fabulous alternative!  Forget stained wood…forget painted pieces, this cript chest is sure to spark interest  in any space.

Of couse, accessories are the perfect way to bring a little script to your home decor, and throw pillows top the list.

 

  

 Remember that lamp shades can be purchased seperately and are priceless for updating your existing lamps.  Try a script lampshade for a bit of fun.   Small storage ottomans  are also fun and practical.

 You can even find script on trashcan liners!  🙂

 Till next time,

Alba

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A Bedroom: Before & After

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I have found that, for one reason or another, a LOT of you possess “aged” bedroom furniture that…you simply can’t get rid of.  Usually antiques, outdated or just plain old, this furniture dates the room.  And most of us are NOT inspired to decorate using “old” furniture.…so the room is often neglected!

 

But even though the furniture is antiques, outdated or just plain old, there ARE ways to totally update the room…and still keep the “old” furniture.  So no more excuses…

 This room I just completed for a dear client.  They were NOT interested in getting rid of their existing furniture, but they STILL wanted to update their bedroom.  They wanted the room to be “calming” and blue….(it seems many clients are wanting shades of blue these days)…anyway, they are very pleased with the end results…

 Here are the key items on which to focus:

  • First, we rearranged the furniture.  Primarily to give the room new energy.  Don’t be afraid to try different configurations.  You won’t know what works until you see it arranged.
  • Next we chose new bedding.  The bedding is an important decor element.  The client purchased this bedding because she loved it.  It became our inspiration piece and the basis for our color scheme.
  • Then we chose the wall color to compliment the bedding.  
  • Now the window treatments…to compliment the edding and the wall color. 
  • Finally the art and accessories …everything working in harmony within the color scheme. 

By staying within the color scheme, we are able to mix contemporary fabrics and art along with the more traditional patterns of the bedding and furniture.  Incorporating contemporary items is what helps update the room.

My client’s wedding dress.  Her daughter wore it on HER wedding day too.  Isn’t that a wonderful story?  That’s the best part of my job…getting to meet great people with wonderful stories like that.

Hope I’ve  inspired you.

Till next time,

Alba