Category Archives: Current Projects

Current Projects

Current Project: Transforming a Neutral Master Bedroom into a Grey and White Retreat

 

A successful entrepreneur and mother of two came to us looking to tranform her master bedroom.  After a long day at the office, both her and her husband wanted a place to unwind and relax.  Before the neutral cafe walls and dark brown window treatments represented a “blah” feeling to our clients.  After being inspired by an upscale hotel in New York City for business, our client envisionized a grey and white color scheme, so Ashley ran with the color scheme transforming the master bedroom into the room our client has always dreamed of.

 

 

Ashley selected crisp white furniture which included a new chest and vanity from Hickory Chair.  The existing white upholstered bed and nightstands still go well with the design.  We added a wonderful grey and white faux pony skin bench from Lazy Susan for her vanity and a fun zebra bench at the end of the bed from OLY Studio.  “I love adding a touch of black in the room and the zebra bench is perfect!” says Ashley.

 

 

Every bedroom needs a floor length mirror! The one below is upholstered in a cream color with silver accents from Hickory Chair.  This floor mirror is a wonderful addition to any room because it adds style and texture!  The round silver mirror from Global Views is a statement on its own.  It is so Hollywood and fits just right above the chest. 

 

 

 

The finishing touches include the white, grey, and silver, accessories and the oh so fun pillows. 

 

Most folks want to throw all the same pillows on the bed, but change it up and try three different pillows. In this room, it really makes your eye gravitate towards the cozy bed. 

 

Is your master bedroom not doing it for you, it feels tired and just “blah” consider calling us. You deserve a peaceful retreat after a long day at the office.

Current Projects, Uncategorized

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part 3}

For the third and final chapter of Johnny’s house transformation, we proceed to the dining nook in the kitchen and the foyer/stairwell.

 

The only thing that changed in his space was the light fixture.  In making your style mark on a space- nothing is as easy as switching out that builder basic lighting which can often date the house.  We chose this pendant from Arteriors- and it’s egg yolk yellow interior casts a beautiful warm glow when it’s illuminated. We re-purposed Johnny’s existing leaning bookshelf from the living room and put it in the nook.

 

In the foyer- another lighting surprise! This simple lantern looks like an updated version of a classic colonial fixture- but makes a dramatic impact when you arrive.

Last but not least- something you can try too! Paint that oak stair rail black (with an oil-based paint) and it modernizes the stairs instantly.

Thanks to  Johnny for sharing his home on the blog!

-Brittany

Photography for this series taken by Lauren McKay

Current Projects

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part 2}

 

From the Living Room, we continue on to the adjacent room-formerly known as the formal dining room…

     Johnny knew from the onset that his rarely used Dining Room would become a DJ Den/Listening Lounge and I loved the idea. Why are we paying for rooms in our house that don’t serve a purpose?

 

 The key to starting the transformation was changing out the lighting- as the Tuscan and drippy chandelier was not grooving with his wishes for a Mid Century Modern aesthetic.  We selected the chandelier from designer George Kovaks– and had it installed right after the walls were painted.  I like how the ceiling medallion is traditional and goes with the bones of Johnny’s house- almost highlighting the juxtaposition of styles.  

 

 

Walls are Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter- the perfect art gallery like hue as it receives other colors very well.  The plush felt-like carpet tiles we installed easily were budget friendly-the custom color mix was inspired by Johnny’s artwork from American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (shown in the image above, at left). We kept his Ikea wall storage because they are a perfect storage solution, but we had a local Stainless Steel fabricator create the DJ table which features a removable cord management trough.

So for the occasional dinner party- equipment could be moved for bar-height dining. Or everyone could just gather round for buffet style dining.  I can easily picture a Superbowl party- the perfect place for a spread of Hot Wings and Man food.  Or even better- a Mid Century House party with “shaken, not stirred” drinks and Johnny at the turntables.    

 

 Check back tomorrow for part three/the finale of Johnny’s Atomic Ranch!

-Brittany

and P.S. Window Treatments in a dude’s space?  Yes! They provide the perfect finishing treatment in this room and modern hardware keeps it sleek…

Also: Johnny’s art collection is eclectic- check out some artists used in his home here & here

Current Projects

Current Projects: Johnny’s Atomic Ranch {Part One}

 

In his initial inquiry for some design help, our client, Johnny admitted the following: “I currently have several pieces of camping chairs I use as living room furniture.”  Johnny had moved from a 500 square feet apartment in NYC to a 3 bedroom house in North Raleigh.  And the space was beckoning to be infused with his personality!

  I asked him to do his homework and bring a few inspiration images to our meeting.  When he arrived, he placed this book (pictured above) on our conference table, saying “this is what I want!” We perused the images together and I was a little hesitant knowing that Johnny did not own a mid century modern ranch- but rather a more traditional Colonial home built in 2004. Below: the dramatic fruits of our efforts- it’s amazing what a bold paint color can do, don’t you think? 

 

     We utilized a primary color palette and used mid century modern finishes- like chrome, lacquer and walnut. The symmetry of a pair of bachelor’s chests in red lend strength and balance to the fireplace wall.

  
 
Stay tuned as the transformation continues tomorrow in the dining room…

 

 -Brittany

 

Current Projects

Current Projects: Inside the Beltline Kitchen Remodel

 

Another current project to inspire all those remodelers out there. Brittany partnered with Robert Taylor of Taylor Build to design this kitchen. Special features include hand made terracotta tiles from Portugal and a custom pantry cabinet painted black with cream leather hardware from Spinneybeck Leather.

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about black cabinets in the kitchen?

 

all images: by Everest Agency

Current Projects

Current Projects: Groundbreaking at NC State’s Kappa Delta Sorority

 

 

The Kappa Delta Sorority became the first Greek organization at NC State University to break ground on the very first privately-funded chapter house within the Greek Village. Yesterday’s attendees included: current members of the Eta Upsilon chapter, KD Advisors Beth Collawn and Laura Helton, NC State Faculty & Staff, and key members of the building team.  Carl Winstead of  Winstead Wilkinson Architects, Spence Harrell of WT Barker Construction, Graham Smith the landscape Architect, Karen of Capstone Bank , and Design Lines’ own Molly Simmons and Ashley Thompson were on hand to officially break ground. 

 

 The Greek community at NC State is slowly transitioning from the Greek Courts into the Greek Village in an effort to create more of a cohesive community.

(Above)  Current KD women standing at the site of their future home, what an accomplishment for a chapter who colonized less than a year ago.

 

 

 

(Above) The NC State Director of Greek Life  John Mountz, Carl of Winstead Wilkinson Architects, Molly and Ashley talking about the project.

 

Molly and Ashley are excited to work with the building team to create a multi-functional and technologically advanced home that will become a beauitful structure for Kappa Delta and for the future of the sorority.   Stay tuned as we develop the color scheme and mak  interior selections.

 

All images taken by DLL

Current Projects

Current Projects: Sigma Kappa Sorority at Elon University

 

Judy and Hilaire recently completed the Sigma Kappa sorority house at Elon University, Hilaire’s alma mater. The sorority was moving into a new space that needed all the comforts of home.  

 

The design intent was to brighten up the room giving a relaxed and sophisticated feel. We wanted to give the women a place they would absolutely love, while giving back to the University that means so much to Hilaire.  

 

To read more coverage on the project head to Elon’s Student Newspaper, The Pendulum.

A Closer Look Series, Community Involvement, Current Projects, Resources

A Closer Look: Art Inspiraton for the Chancellor’s House at NC State

The Chancellor’s house at NC State is coming along nicely, and we’re starting to think about the decorative touches that will make this house feel like a home.  In such a large house, with both public and private areas, we had to get creative about where to find the right pieces.

We’ve mined the University Archives, Gregg Musuem, and the work of local artists to find the perfect collection worthy of such a grand building.  Below are some pieces that have inspired us….

Mining the Musuem

One of the best sources of art for the Chancellor’s house is the Gregg Museum at NC State.  We will adorn the walls with several loans from their permanent collection.

Some of my favorite pieces are the photographs of esteemed North Carolina Photographer Elizabeth Matheson (above).  Her work is currently in a show at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and we hope to place similar work on the main floor of the Chancellor’s House.

Another great artist in the Gregg Collection is George Bireline, whose abstract expressionist painting (above) will look amazing in the Chancellor’s study.

 

Mining the Archives

Another great source of art will be reproductions made from the University Archives.  This vast collection includes all sorts of wonderful images.

An illustrated Entomology book by E.A. Seguy (above) is one of our favorite finds.  These large prints of insects and butterflies are striking.

We also discovered the archive’s collection of printed sports memorabilia.  We’d love to incorporate some of this fun and colorful artwork.

The university also has an impressive collection of glass slides from botanist B.W. Wells.  He used these hand-colored slides to instruct his students on the biodiversity of natural ecosystems.  These slides can add a touch of beauty to the house, while also bringing to mind NC State’s role in the sciences.

 

Finding Local Talent

One of our main goals was to incorporate the work of local artists.  Below are two examples of the artists who have inspired us, and who we hope to work with.

Ashlynn Browning (above) is a talented painter based in Raleigh.  Her bold, colorful paintings are masterfully produced, and can add a punch of color to any wall.

Steve Staresina (above) is a local artist who creates large-scale frescoes.  He is creating a large-scale work commissioned specifically for the Chancellor’s Parlour.

 

Decorative Touches

To round out the collection, we’re looking to additional sources to add diversity to the collection.

We love the (above) wall piece from Ironies.  Cast resin painted with a metallic pigment make this wall-sculpture look like formed metal.

Another great source for decorative pieces is Natural Curiosities.  They offer many interesting works in a variety of formats, and can add a sophisticated touch to any home.  The abstract paper collection (above) is one of our favorites.

The Jean Baptiste Collection (also from Natural Curiosities) is another collection we’d like to use in the home (above).  The same set of prints was featured in this month’s issue of House Beautiful magazine (below).

We look forward to updating you as the art collection continues to come together.

-Robert

 

image 1: http://web.ncsu.edu/this-red-house/

image 2, 3: http://www.ncsu.edu/gregg/collections.html

image 4, 5, 6: North Carolina State University Archives

image 7: http://www.ashlynnbrowning.com/

image 8: http://www.staresina.com/

image 9: http://www.ironies.com/index.php

image 10, 11, 12: http://naturalcuriosities.com/

 

Current Projects

Current Projects: A Living Room with Classic Southern Charm

 

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. 

 

Before Shot of a Design Lines Ltd. Project

 

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!

  

Curry & Co. Light

 

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? 

-Brittany

 

Architecture, Community Involvement, Current Projects

Current Projects: NCSU Chancellor’s House Update

The Chancellor’s House at North Carolina State University is really starting to take shape!  We wanted to share some of the most recent photos with you.  The exterior is beginning to look awesome with the addition of concrete patios and planter boxes (below).  When all the landscaping is complete, it will be an inviting backyard retreat, and a great place to hold university functions.

Since we last posted, the interior has undergone major transformations with the addition of drywall, paint, and cabinetry.  Below, you can see one of the house’s 8 fireplaces, newly fitted with its stone surround and wood mantle.  This room will serve as the living quarters for the Chancellor’s distinguished guests.  A built-in desk will make it a comfortable place to work.

One of the biggest transformations happened when the staircase was painted.  The sensous curves of the stair are newly accented by black picketts lining both sides.  It looks really smart!

Upstairs, work is nearly complete on the Chancellor’s family room, a lofty space with tons of natural light.   Below, you can see a few of the home’s finished doors.  All the doors will be painted black and accented with polished chrome hardware.

The floor stain was finalized last week (below).  Applied over a beautiful oak floor, the timeless color we chose will complement the mahogany woodwork throughout the first floor.

When we visited, the kitchen cabinets were still being installed.  They are looking great! (above)

The master bathroom is starting to come together – marble tile of different sizes is being applied throughout.  Glass panels for the shower will be one of the finishing touches.

There are so many new things to see everytime we visit the house.  It’s exciting to see how quickly things are coming together – but there is still a lot  to be done!  Above, you can see the fireplace in the Dining Room waiting for its wood mantle (above left).  One of the most impressive features of the house (yet to be installed) will be the front door and flanking windows.  Currently, a temporary plywood partition protects the opening (above right).  I can’t wait to see how beautiful the entrance hall looks when it’s finished!

For more on the Chancellor’s house, check out our previous posts:

March 23, 2011

July 19, 2010  

-Robert

images: by DLL