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Tag Archives: Brittany Roux

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

 

Designer Profiles

Designer Profiles: An Interview with Brittany Ruch

 Brittany Ruch, Allied Member ASID

 

How would you describe your professional style?

I lean towards a collection of styles; a touch of French here, mid century modern there, and a mix of neutrals (usually grays) paired with vibrant color.

How has your aesthetic evolved?

 I’m past everything being so matchy-matchy. I don’t love it when things are too “done”. 

What are your inspirations?

My environment- be it a new town, or my favorite restaurant, I love design mags, and I think a lot of what I love is rooted in my heritage and my past living in three time zones. 

What is the essential element of any room?

 Mirrors! They can transform spaces making them appear larger, brighter, or more interesting. 

What is your design philosophy?

 You can’t afford ugly

What are your three must-haves?

 Vintage dresses, a sketchpad in my pocketbook, and my best girlfriends.

What is the last place you saw that made you think, I wish I’d done that?

 Alpine house restaurant at the Canyons resort in Park City, Utah

What are you reading right now? What’s on your DVR?

 The Tall Book by Arianne Cohen, Oprah

If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing?

I would be a floral designer.  My favorite flowers of the week are pink peonies and the best florist in Raleigh is the English Garden. 

Favorite paint color and why?

 ICI’s Scroll Beige – the perfect griege (gray+ beige) goes with everything!

How did you get started in this field?

My father is a home builder in Illinois- I loved seeing how you can directly affect people’s lives by shaping their spaces.

Where’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled?

 Vienna, Austria. The people there are blissfully happy.

In your eyes, what are the biggest trends for 2010?

 Gold accessories and beachy colors like coral & lilac.

 

To see more designer profiles click here. We still have Lauren and Hilaire to interivew in the coming months stay tuned!

Current Projects

Recent Projects: Harrison’s Room

Four-Year-Old Harrison’s parents wanted to transform his lime-green nursery: (before)

… into a guest friendly big-boy room he could grow up in: (after)

The finished room is a mix of his parent’s style, traditional preppy & classically Raleigh, coupled with Harrison’s interests (think all things boy- deer, dogs, & dinosaurs).

His favorite book, Caps for Sale, was purchased for $8 at Borders and turned into artwork by framing the illustrations in Pottery Barn frames.


My favorite element in the room is the white metal antler plaque,purchased from Urban Outfitters on the cheap. Placed above the owner’s existing chest (I found it in the attic), the antlers make it playful,as the shape of the Chippendale handles mimics the antlers above.

The fabrics-in schemes of white, stone, a deep denim blue & Carolina blue are handsome enough for the room to function as a guest suite, too.


The dinosaur skeleton illustration above the desk is from 20×200.com,and sets off perfectly his collection of rubber snakes-displayed as a curious collection in a leather tray.



The airplane artwork on the bedroom door is by Harrison himself.



Hickory Chair

Hickory Chair University: Stephanie’s Perspective

One of the things that struck me most about our tour of Hickory Chair was the truly jovial disposition of all those that worked there. As we meandered from station to station, in awe of the bustling activiy all around us, it quickly became clear that each employee geniunely enjoyed his or her job and took great pride in improving the company and its products in any way possible. President Jay Reardon has done an excellent job entrusting and empowering his employees, and his respect for them is clearly reflected in their attitudes and commitment to excellence.


As a result of this positive corporate culture, the amount of care that goes into the creation of each piece of furniture at Hickory Chair is absolutely unparalleled. I no longer view Hickory Chair as a manufacturing plant, but as a guild of skilled craftsmen that collaborate to create beautiful heirlooms for those fortunate enough to own them.


Award Winning Interior Design | Raleigh, NC