We sure are ready for those screened porch days with cooler temperatures and a light fall breeze. As the Design Lines team prepares for the Fall season, here are a few shots are of Lauren’s screened porch. Boy, what eye candy!! Love the pops of color.
Have a great weekend everyone.
images: Design Lines Ltd.
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
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?
-Brittany
Continuing with the perfect holiday decor we have a few tips to share with you on how to make a holiday floral arrangement with ease.
To begin: Pick up some flowers from your local grocer. We love the flowers from Fresh Market or Whole Foods. Judy selected a variety- white Hydrangeas to add some volume, some rust colored Mums for color, some Hypericum berries to add some cheer, and a few other pieces of greenery just to make things interesting.
Don’t go overboard with the variety- just sticking to three or four elements will add some unity to your bouquet. Be sure the flowers get into some water. We used a bucket for easy arranging.
After selecting your container, utilize a grid of floral tape to add stability to the arrangement and create a visual grid to compose within.
Then cut the stems to the appropriate length and insert them into the container. Analyze the arrangement from every side and don’t be afraid to remove the stems from your grid and try something else. Judy used a large hydrangea leaf in the bottom of the container to create a different feel to the arrangement.
If all else fails- consider calling a professional. We always enjoy the arrangements from Raleigh’s The English Garden!
The Living the Mission Award this month goes to Laurie for all her dedication in helping Ashley and Molly prepare for a huge installation; not to mention also assisting Ashley in the final days before her maternity leave. Laurie thanks for all that you do for the team!
This summer, change your mood and refresh your home with color! For the team of designers at Design Lines, Ltd. we like to think the Summer Color Event is a chance to find your perfect palette.
For $200 you will receive a paint consultation with one of our six designers and receive a complimentary paint deck.
This is a great gift idea for a newly married couple who just can’t decide on colors for their new house, a recently graduated student who needs that extra boost of color to brighten up their first apartment or for that party you know you want to have but the color in the family room must go!
We will provide all the resources you need including our recommendations for local paint contractors. Also, if you need additional inspiration to help you finish off the newly painted room, we can do that for you too.
What color do you need now? How do you want to celebrate the summer? Call: 919.852.0570
Check back periodically throughout the summer to check our designer favorites and more summer paint selections!
(Gift certificates are also available.)
It’s official. We have signage.
Sign Printing By: Signs By Tomorrow
Hey and if you have a few minutes come on by and say hello!
We always love seeing our clients.
Because after all YOU are the reason we are here.
We also visited the lovely Dupree building downtown and Ellen Taylor was gracious enough to show us around her interior design studio. The most interesting part of the day was touring M. Craig & Company’s expansive millwork shop. Seeing the multiple processes that each cabinet goes through including the impressive & precise CNC machines. The finished product is truly beautiful.
We topped off our day with lunch at the delightful Southern Palmetto Club. I recommend their cranberry orange bread.
A fitting summary of the trip comes from Rosie in a 2004 article from the South Carolina Business Journal: “I believe, by seeing in practice, the whole world wants a piece of the South,” Rosie said. “They want to be part of that romantic element and that romantic dream. The fact that our products are made here satiates that yearning to have a piece of the South.”
As an Illinois expatriate, I’d second Rosie’s insightful statement. Who wouldn’t want an M. Craig & Company piece in their home? A true piece of the South. Our Columbia tour was another lesson in beautiful workmanship, an opportunity to learn about a new product resource, and a field trip we at Design Lines won’t forget.
