Magical Makeover Interiors

A Contemporary Stage

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:30:07 +0000

Before: An unusual staircase space.

Earlier this year, I staged a contemporary house. The owners were very motivated, receptive to ideas and had already done a lot of work. I mention this because it made my job much easier. The before picture you see is an unusual space at the foot of the basement stairs. Without spending too much money, we needed to find a way to simplify the spot without drawing too much attention. Take a look at the after picture and let me know what you think. http://www.flickr.com/photos/magicalmakeoverinteriors/sets/72157626784065739/ With a larger budget we probably would have eliminated the spot all together, but time and money were key and the house sold in just about a month.

From Beige to Brilliant

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:08:33 +0000

Kitchen Before

Choosing interior colors for your home can be a terrifying. I’ve had many clients ask for help with color and I’m surprised at how difficult it is for some people to make a color choice. The biggest reason seems to be fear of choosing the wrong color.

: Kitchen After

Recently, I helped a customer who wanted a change in color and I started by talking about the furniture and pieces he already owned and liked. I

then took clues from the colors of those existing pieces and tried to choose colors that complimented what they already owned. Below is the before and after for the kitchen. Tell me what you think and share your own color solutions.
How do you choose color for a room? Do you have a favorite interior color that seems to work no matter what?

Summer Hours

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:29:01 +0000

During the summer my schedule doesn’t seem to be my own. My kids are home, my husband works fewer hours and the warm weather is always beckoning me outside. Try as I might I just can’t seem to focus on the tasks at hand. Why do it today when I can relax on the patio instead? This is the point where I should be suggesting some sort of solution, right? Well I’m not sure I have one. Instead I’ll suggest you bring it outdoors if you can and do the best you can to stay focused.

Summertime is a time to relax, a time to move a little slower and the only time of year there are flowers we can take time to smell! So right now I’m sitting in my summer office, writing about summer, thinking summer thoughts and being in a summer state of mind. Take a look at my summer office and let me know what you think.

Summer Hours

The Magic of Travel

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:44:54 +0000

An Asian Garden

A recent trip to Thailand included a stop at Singapore’s airport. I was impressed, the airport was very clean, full of shops and had beautiful gardens. After a long flight it was so nice to get out to stretch my legs and I was pleased with what I saw. Since opening in 1981, Singapore Changi Airport has grown and has won countless awards for customer service. I mention this to emphasize how important first impressions are, how our environments can make a huge difference in how we feel and how traveling can inspire new ideas. If you have any interest in learning more about Changi take a look: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Airport) . Stay tuned for more design news from my trip to Thailand.

My Year of Travel

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:21:55 +0000

So far this year I’ve been traveling more than usual. In fact I just returned from a road trip with my two sons to visit colleges. While this has little to do with design and decorating, I would like to report that there are some very beautiful colleges out there.

American University in Washington, DC has absolutely stunning gardens, Elon University in North Carolina is beautifully landscaped and Belmont University in Nashville almost has the feel of a New Orleans mansion. Inside these universities are updated and very tastefully done. Honestly, it made me wish I were looking at the schools for myself.

As far as decorating, I’d have to say the gardens inspired me with some ideas for my outdoor spaces. The weather in the Northeast is just starting to bring us some nice days so I imagine I’ll be digging, transplanting, repainting patio furniture and more, but before I get very far I’m heading off on my big trip for the year. I’ll be spending two weeks in Chaing Mai, Thailand and I’m sure I’ll return with many ideas.

In the meantime I’d love to hear about your outdoor decorating, so send a comment and if I can I’ll post from Thailand.

Elon University Garden

Holiday Table Design

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:57:58 +0000

This Easter I didn’t have much time to plan my table, so I had to make due with what I have and unfortunately I don’t have a tablecloth that fits my 130″ table. I’m not crazy about a regular table cloth and have never set my table the same way twice, so I found myself digging through an assorted collection of fabrics, curtains, runners, quilts and the like.

I finally decided on some fabric I found on eBay a few years ago and since it wasn’t long enough I used a couple of curtain panels underneath. The fabric wasn’t finished on the ends so I used pinking shears to remove the fraying. I went out in the yard and clipped some daffodils and andromeda. Found some fake forsythia and a collection of small vases, added the family china and you can see the end result below. You’ll have to let me know what you think and I’d love to see pictures of your table settings.

Vacation in Design

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:03:32 +0000

When I go on vacation I love to stay in attractive, well designed places. Often returning home with new ideas and inspiration. I like to feel I’m spending my hard earned money as much for the visual treats and ambiance as the destination attractions. For example, I love Cape May, New Jersey. Not only because it’s a great beach vacation, but it’s a design feast with historic Victorian architecture. The past couple of years they’ve had a a designer show house which is usually and old Victorian mansion remodeled and decorated by the local designers.

This coming week I’m headed south to North Carolina and Tennessee. I’m hoping to get a little shopping in and be inspired by local trends and crafts. North Carolina is of course the furniture capital of the world and well known for outlets. With limited time I’ll be lucky to get in a shop or two so I’m sure I’ll be inspired to return.

Shopping isn’t the only way to be inspired, local architecture and culture can inspire but sometimes it’s just the place you stay. A recent search on VRBO brought up an interesting property called Martini Modern in Sarasota , check it out it’s a design feast and available for rent.

Martini Modern

Wherever you go, whatever you do design inspiration is everywhere. How have you been inspired lately?

Jewelry for Your Home

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:07:54 +0000

Accessories are like jewelry for your home. You put your room together, arranging furniture for function and flow…and your done? Not quite. Now it’s time to add personality and flair. This is where you can really make your house feel like home.

I shop for accessories everywhere, consignment stores, tag sales, Home Goods, furniture stores, flea markets, online and while traveling. When I’m looking for a particular item I shop everywhere and if I see something in a store that’s too expensive I’ll research online and try to find it for less. I’m not sure if I just like shopping or if I’m just on a mission and don’t want to give up until I find what I want at a price I’m willing to pay.

Some of my favorite finds were unexpected, a kneeling statue from Thailand and a carved lotus panel wall hanging. When I look at these items each day I remember how I found them and it leaves with with a nice feeling.

Lotus Panel

Bodhisattva Bestowing Blessings

Both items are large, 4′x4′ and 4′ tall.

Finding accessories you love will give your home personality and warmth. Be sure to select items that blend with your decor, be aware of size, color and placement and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you find an expensive piece and you’re not sure how it will look ask the store owner if you can take it on approval. This may seem like a lot, but if you think of your home as your retreat and a place to recharge, surrounding yourself with the jewelry you love will really make you feel good.

What Exactly Is Redesign?

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:27:56 +0000

Condo Living Room Before

Interior redesign is the creative placement of existing furniture and accessories to better enhance the appeal and flow of a room. In most cases people who are interested in redesign either like their existing furniture or they don’t want to spend money on new furniture. They may plan to stay in their home or they may be planning to sell. In either case a lot can be accomplished with what they already own.

This living room has older upholstered pieces with dated but neutral fabric. This shot was taken looking into the room from it’s main entrance. Although the large cabinet is the focal point, it seems like there is too much going on.

Condo Living Room After

The after shot is less busy, a little more balanced and much more attractive to look at. Your eye moves directly to the focal point which is balanced on either side with the other furniture. The room is warm and welcoming and has a much better flow. It took about three hours for this to be accomplished and nothing was purchased.

So what exactly is redesign? It’s furniture and accessory rearrangement sprinkled with a touch of magic.

Getting Ready for your Open House

magicalmakeover.int@gmail.com — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:09:59 +0000

If you’re planning to sell your house, once you have it listed you have to be prepared to open your doors to prospective buyers. In some cases you’ll have very little notice, which means keeping your house in top shape all the time. Even in the best circumstances this can be difficult. If you have prepped your home with a professional stager you should be organized but the prospective buyers are on their way and you need to be ready. Running around the house picking things up, dusting, opening windows, putting away dishes, cleaning counter tops and so on can get a little crazy! Try using this checklist and dividing up the tasks with anyone else at home. A room by room guide will help insure you don’t miss anything important and your home will look it’s best.

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