Bust out those backpacks! It’s back to school time- we’re sad that summer is coming to a close, but look forward to cooler temperatures and crisp autumn air. We’ve made our list of back to school must haves- so sharpen that No. 2 and jot these down.
1. The I-Pad. You know you want one. Judy says of hers, “It’s having all the things you love to do in one place!” She listens to music, peruses the news, checks the weather, and reads on her device. Molly adores the speed and clarity of the I-Pad.
2. Home Office Organization – Remember how new school supplies inspired your grade school self? Organization tools can also motivate you. Design Lines loves the Container Store of Raleigh- where you can find boxes, calendars, pin boards, shelving, etc.
3. The perfect after school snack – It’s still hot out in the Triangle. Take a break with popsicles or a cool refreshing glass of peach iced tea.
4. Inspire your space – Find something that is your signature that makes you smile and use it- it could be the stamps you use or something like gold paperclips (Brittany’s favorite)- Use a beautiful glass container rather than a boring pencil cup or a shell from that summer vacation as your paper weight. Consider the addition of wallpaper to the homework spot or beautiful new hooks to hang those backpacks from!
5. A back to school outfit – Reenergize now with an addition to your wardrobe- even if your back to school routine only includes a college class, the carpool line, or the PTA.
Some trends include colored denim, blazers, & stripes everywhere. Consider the perfect bookish trend: new specs!
One of our clients phoned DLL late last year after feeling like something was missing from their Raleigh home. We began the design process together and started in the living room- as it is the central space where our clients entertain with their family and friends. Keeping in mind the needs of the family with three kids and two dogs, we started with a nice canvas as the room featured beautiful symmetry, excellent natural light streaming through a trio of arched windows, built-in bookcases, a coffered ceiling classic, columns, and a gracious fireplace.
A traditional Oriental rug with hues of copper, chocolate brown, cream, grey, and red presented the color scheme, and lounge chairs were in great shape so we were able to reupholster the pair. In order for the room to undergo the style transformation from builder’s best to beautiful- we went through the following processes:
Step one: Wall Paint
Builder beige painted walls received a weathered French blue paint treatment. The color saturation is my favorite element of the room and the texture adds an aged look to keep the house from looking too new.
Step two: Let there be light
Before- the architectural millwork wasn’t receiving any attention and the evenings were dimly lit. We searched for the perfect addition and this wooden chandelier from Currey & Co. won the prize. The room benefits from another layer of light and the decorative fixture adds dimension and detail to the ceiling. Personally, I like the shadow that’s reflected upon the ceiling- I think it feels like magic!
Step three: Consider more seating
Instead of utilizing the oh so average sofa plus cocktail table and a pair of chairs seating arrangement- the room was large enough for the space plan to include the clients existing pair of chairs (recovered), a new sofa upholstered in a dog friendly fabric, a leather cocktail ottoman, a small leather chair with French details that has become the daughter’s favorite, and what I call the “Papa chair” or a modern wingback with an ottoman. For any party, this space can reasonably sit 9!
Step four: Personalize the space with great art
This beautiful Brian Hibbard painting, purchased at Artsource of North Hills above the mantle was a wedding anniversary gift exchange between my clients. I love that the gift is something they can both enjoy daily and it adds a serene element that feels at home upon the textured walls.
As a designer, the beauty of this room is found in the mix and composition of the finishes- wood, paint, metal, leather, and upholstery fabric. When all was said and done- I think we achieved a classic Southern aesthetic without being too fussy- a room where my clients can look forward to relaxing with family after dinner or playing the role of hostess. The texture of the walls feel like what you might find on the ceiling of a sweeping porch, the dainty French chair is something that Bonnie Blue eyes would pull up in, and the character of brass upholstery buttons on the cocktail ottoman remind me of the buttons of a soldiers coat.
What interior elements characterize Southern style and beauty to you?
Throughout the past couple of months Judy and Laurie have recieved the “Living the Mission” award. For the month of May Brittany passed the award on to Judy, “For her excellent design work on the NC State Chancellor’s house, inspiring all of us to strive for exceptional design.” – Brittany
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During the June staff meeting, Judy presented the award to Laurie. Laurie has worked extremely hard these past few months and has truly lived the Design Lines Mission. We thank you both for your dedication and commitment to the Design Lines team.
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Ashley and Brittany take a few moments to talk with Valonda from My Carolina Today about creating functional and fun kid friendly spaces all awhile taking a step away from the traditional “themed” room. Call us if you are interested in letting us design a kids room for you.
The Design Lines team would like to take the opportunity to thank Laurie during Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week. May 6th marks 23 years she has been with Design Lines and we only hope there are many more years to come!
“Laurie Webster – wow – how to describe all that she does for me? We have worked together since 1993 and have certainly shared a lot. Not only does she support me in my role as designer with the many details that are involved in every stage of working with a client- but – the most important thing Laurie does for me – is make me laugh. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do and enjoy the people you work with every day. Design Lines is a wonderful place to walk into every day and Laurie ensures that.” – Molly
“I know I can always depend on Laurie’s energy and positive attitude to greet me when I come into work. Her sunny demeanor helps make Design Lines a great place to work, and her skills and efficiency keep it running smoothly.” – Rob
“Laurie is the engine that makes everything work!” Judy
“I truly appreciate her attention to detail and the way she follows so many projects! Despite interacting with 6 designers and numerous clients and vendors daily, she stays on top of it all! She has such personal relationships with many of our vendors which allows us to provide a better service. She always pushes to get projects completed as quickly as possible which I know my clients really appreciate!” – Lauren
“I appreciate everything Laurie does around the office. She keeps the office moving forward on a day to day basis! She is an amazing business administrator and works well with our clients. She is so personable with them and really creates a warm feeling over the phone. Thank you for all that you do!”– Ashley
“I am grateful for her solution-minded thinking. Many of my client’s dinner party deadlines have been realized because of her efforts.” – Brittany
On to trend #4 – Every showroom we went into had the coolest chairs with new shapes and details. Above, the bottom right photograph, shows our rep Kristin holding an original picture of a chair that was re-introduced this year as a part of Hickory Chair’s new line called 1911 collection. This collection commerates 100 years of excellence in the furniture design business. How neat!
Brittany and Lauren trying out some of Lee Industries chairs for comfort.
I love the shape of this yellow chair below. Don’t you?
We are all about a good recliner – below American Leather showed three different sizes of one recliner. One for baby bear, one for mamma bear and one for pappa bear.
Tomorrow we will finish the High Point trends with the continuation of warm grays and also show you the mixed media compositions we found, so stay tuned!
Warmer temperatures and the gift of an extra hour of sunshine from Daylight Savings time has led to all kinds of excuses to plan a picnic or play hostess to a weekend soiree. With that, we’ll share some of our favorite recipes for springtime sipping! Even round up the kids, as these are easy and fun to make together.
Brittany’s Cucumber Punch is a favorite from College
Ingredients
2 liters of Sprite
One can of limeade concentrate
One large cucumber, sliced
Directions
Mix together and allow to sit for 45 minutes before serving.
Lauren made this delicious Peach Punch for a baby shower she recently hosted.
Ingredients
White peach juice
One package of raspberries frozen (to serve as ice cubes)
Ginger ale to taste
Hilaire found this tart Ginger Grapefruit Lime juice post and we can’t wait to make it!
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons Truvia (zero calorie sweetener) – or use regular sugar
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled then grated
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh lime juice – about 3 limes
1 1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice – 4 grapefruits
Directions
In a small saucepan, on medium heat, mix together sugar, ginger, and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a glass cup or bowl – place in the fridge or freezer to cool.
In a pitcher, combine grapefruit and lime juices. Remove the ginger mixture from the fridge/freezer and strain into the grapefruit juices. If you don’t want pulp, you can strain the grapefruit juices. I like the pulp. Stir the ingredients and taste. Feel free to add more sugar or juices. I like it strong and ginergy so this was perfect for me. Serve chilled with ice or add sparkling water to give it some bubbles.
A year has passed since we first established the Living the Mission award at Design Lines. Can you believe it?! Each month this award goes to a deserving staff member for various accomplishments that represent the Design Lines mission. We share these successes with our blog readers not in an effort to boast but to celebrate the all the hard work that goes on at Design Lines.
In Feburary Brittany received the award from Hilaire. “2011 is off to a great start for Brittany. She has done a wonderful job in managing her time within the office and also with clients. Keep it up!” says Hilaire.
And just yesterday at staff meeting, Brittany passed the award on to Molly. “Molly receives this award because of her execllence in institutional and corporate projects. She has brought diversity to our portfolio recently and we are excited to share with you the projects in the coming months,” says Brittany.
2011’s only just begun- though Judy & I are pretty confident that as far as dramatic transformations go- this kitchen in Chapel Hill takes the cake.
The project first began years ago, our clients purchased this home and began this makeover themselves by tearing out some peninsula cabinets and painting the white walls of the kitchen orange. An improvement to be sure, but the finishes – laminate countertops and dark walnut paneled walls weren’t the only thing needing a change. The actual footprint of the space wasn’t servicing the clients needs. A formal dining room housing the scared to scratch it table top was used just a few times a year. After many iterations of drawings, discussions, and forming a partnership with a contractor- the floor plan was finalized.
The space expanded. Knocking down a wall, we captured the square footage of the rarely used formal dining room. The charming angled bay window with a window seat in the nook was changed to become a functional floor to ceiling box bay window with the best view of our client’s gorgeous pond outside.
Inset cabinetry in white now extends to the ceiling and a tile backsplash featuring subway tile with carrera marble compliment the stone counter-top. The stone slabs were handpicked by our clients on a trip to Virginia and are well lit with both recessed cans (for task lighting) as well as under cabinetry lighting (for ambience).
The sink features instant hot & cold filtered water and a foot pedal for water control offers a chef with full hands ease at the sink.This hands-free feature is my favorite of the new space-each time I go over I want to turn on the sink.
Below, wood panels disguise the refrigerator.
The classic farmhouse style sink basin marries well with the polished nickel cup-pull hardware fits to acheive a look that’s timeless and feels right at home in Chapel Hill.
Is the footprint of your kitchen working for you? Besides the finishes and furniture, does the layout fit your needs? Consider reimagining your kitchen.
With existing guest bedroom furniture and a train table as their starting point, clients came to me seeking a design for their son’s “big boy” room since the nursery was soon to be filled with a new member of the family, another boy! The color palette for the child’s new room was inspired by a collection of brightly colored illustrations and book covers, specifically Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. We began by painting the furniture, walls, and selecting fabrics – a stop light inspired pillow for the bed and a cheery printed stripe from Amy Karyn Textiles for window valences.
Next, came the lighting change. We went with a train station ready overhead fixture in a polished nickel finish and some Pottery Barn You-fill-it lamps. The lamps are filled with a family collection of matchbox cars for now, but can easily change to other items depending upon their child’s interests, ie: Lego’s, army men, etc.
An entire wall was transformed by hanging a piece of sheetrock, painting it with chalkboard paint in black, and framing it with a simple moulding profile in a high gloss yellow. Learn how to DIY, here. We simply taped book pages to the top of the chalkboard- leaving room for the child to go wild with the chalk down below.
I love the picture captured above. The big boy room is bright and full of sunshine, but not too theme driven- a room he can grow and play in. Which children’s book would inspire your kids room?
