Sometimes, it makes more sense financially to decorate in stages. At my sister, Teresa’s house, we have been making improvements over time. Here, you can see the new Darlana Lanterns that were just installed over the island.
There were two recessed lights here that were slightly off center.
Rather than patching and painting the whole ceiling, we purchased these inexpensive ceiling medallions to cover where the junction boxes were moved.
Remember where we started? NO one liked me taking this photo.
And here we are now… after painting the cabinets, adding hood trim and hardware (more about that here). The chairs were from West Elm and the pedestal table was from Pottery Barn. I like the black accents with the new lighter feel.
I remember reading another blogger’s account of how she charges her sister for her decorating advice. I would never do that. Families help one another. Teresa gives me free business guidance all the time.
When I am at her house (like I was for a week over Christmas), I play around with her furnishings to freshen things up.
Putting things on trays, gives an organized look.
Notice the round light bulbs for a fun look. There’s no glass in these lanterns…which is good since glass is hard to keep clean in kitchens. I know as I put these Vaughan Lanterns over our island two kitchens ago…and I was always climbing up to clean the murky glass.
But I like the look, just not where there is steam and grease.
It kills me when I see fancy crystal chandeliers in kitchens as I KNOW the owners must not cook much.
Here is Teresa’s down stairs family room.
In the dining room, we recovered our mother’s antique settee in linen and leather and now it’s used as a banquette.
Next year, we are going to be making some minor updates to her living room next. And probably add a window treatment over the sink…
But for now, Teresa, just enjoy your new lantern phase!
For many of my clients, we have a “phased decorating approach”…usually it’s room by room. Its helpful financially, sets goals and avoids mistakes. Speaking of which, I’m working on a common decorating mistakes post.
For many of my clients, we have a “phased decorating approach”…usually it’s room by room. Its helpful financially, sets goals and avoids mistakes. Speaking of which, I’m working on a common decorating mistakes post.
Happy 2015 to everyone!!!
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