Room of the Month - The Guest Bedroom

Summer brings travel.  Travel brings guests.  And guests can bring all sorts of stress.  Why not take your summer guest stress down a notch with a little bit of guest bedroom know-how?  With my summer jaunts to Watercolor, Florida and Wisconsin, where I stay hugely influences my vacay attitude.  There's nothin' like a comfy getaway to issue in a perfect night's sleep -- all without stress.

Suzanne Kasler hits this guest room right on the head.  Don't you want to just curl up in the bed?

Before we point the finger at anyone else, the better method would be to examine our own guest quarters. What does your guest bedroom look like?  Does is exude tranquility?  Is it a site for guests to dream about long after the visit?  Has it become your laundry storage? Or maybe the dog's playroom?  Extra office/clutter room?  I think you get my point.  There are some important things to consider when creating your own guest oasis.  Take a look below:

Bedroom design by Scott Laslie

1) A real bed - By real bed, I mean a good mattress.  There is nothing worse than sleeping on a pencil thin fold out mattress with a rod running through the middle.  Reminiscent of cheap hotels.  Consider getting a solid mattress along with frame and your guests will thank you.  If a pull out couch is all your casa has to offer, then double check the mattress - would you sleep on it?

Bedroom by Pursley Architecture

2) Reading lamp - Having a reading lamp near the bed is essential in guest room etiquette.  They might stay up late reading to get drowsy or they might be early birds who like to read until breakfast.  Whatever their style, make sure that the lamp is within easy reach and won't require someone to pop out of bed to operate it.

I love this lamp by Jan Showers. Venetia Series #3.

3) Nightstand - Standard, yes.  Necessity, obviously.  The nightstand is mulit-purpose.  It may serve as a place to put your evening water glass, to store clothes and books or to set the alarm clock.

This nightstand was featured in the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 

4) Flowers - Fresh flowers say "I'm thinking of you and I'm glad you're here."  A small vase topped with a few blooms is just sparkling. Grab them from the grocery store when you are stocking the frig.

These simple roses are a great touch.

5) Water - We've all woken up in the middle of the night with dry throats from traveling. Placing a bottled water or even a carafe of water nearby your guests will ensure comfort.  It also keeps them from having to move through an unfamilar dark house in search of agua.

 I love this bedside carafe from Crate & Barrel.  The 6 ounce glass fits right on top of the pitcher.

6) Extra Blanket or Throw - I find that there can be quite a varied temperature range in homes.  Although we could discuss the finer points of home temperature decorum, suffice it to say that an extra blanket is always appreciated.  Nothing too intense -- a light throw or and extra mid weight blanket is appropriate.  The point is to give your guest an option. 

An extra blanket or throw at the end of the bed will work great!

So...as your calendar fills up with summer plans be sure to make time to adequately address your guest bedroom.  Even if you don't end up utilizing it this summer, there's always Christmas and Thanksgiving that might bring some extra faces to your home.  Remember - enjoy your summer and your guests!  Stress free.

Expectantly-
C

Room of the Month - The Pool

Summer.  The long hot days, the lack of a schedule and the roar of the air conditioner.  School is out for myself and the kids and that can only mean one thing -- pool time!  Nothing compares to the cool dip of our sun-starved bodies into that deep dark body of luscious water.  If you are like me, this is the time of year when you wish that you had your own swimming hole in the backyard.  However, this is something that I have relegated to the daydreams through magazines while I lounge at the subdivision pool.  If you are looking for some inspiration, look no further.  I have been collecting these pics for my client files all year long.

Notice how this strong hedge provides the perfect backdrop for privacy as well as greenery.

Arbors are ideal for creating a backyard living space near the pool.  Staining every few years keeps this piece of backyard grandeur looking pretty.

Uuuummmm...fantastic!  The light reflecting off the pool and into the home gives the entire space a unified look.

A somewhat stark look to it, this double decked porch provides an elegant and pristine feel to poolside living.

Must haves.....Manicured plants such as these cedar trees provide so much flexibility of placement.  Move them around if you like or leave them be -- either way, they pack a decorating punch.

Another example of a manicured greenery nestled into a mostly sterile environment.  Classic.

Although I'm not looking for a summer retreat, this little bungalow provides just the right coziness for me.  Do you think they take renters?

Recently, I ran into a quote from the infamous Dennis Rodman - NBA star, Madonna boy toy and Celebrity Apprentice wanna be.  Believe it or not, it's really quite wonderful : "This life is like a swimming pool. You dive into the water, but you can't see how deep it is."  This is exactly how I feel about my life right now and many of you may too.  But regardless of where life leads you this summer, one thing is certain.  Jump in feet first and take a deep breath -- good things are about to be all around you.  Hope your first dip into summer is spectacular!

Off to get my goggles-

C

Room of the Month: The Laundry Room

Grandma used to weave some pretty intricate stories about laundry day as a little girl.  The tales involved enormous cast iron pots, tin washboards and stinky lye soap.  Oh, yes...and hours upon hours stirring wet clothes in boiling water.  So, when we got our first house and all of these modern day conveniences were inside and not boiling, I thought how proud my grandmother would be of her granddaughter moving up in this world. That is, until I found out just how fantastic laundry rooms can be in the home.  


Gone are the days when the illustrious laundry rooms are stuck in the gloomy basement or forbidden on the second floor.  The laundry room has officially arrived as the new design frontier. Ironically it's one of the rooms that gets the most usage, yet the least design attention.  To make it handy, the laundry room oftentimes is relegated to the back of the house or next to a bathroom where the plumbing is housed.  But in recent years, the laundry room has taken on a new image with the help of interior design.  Thus, it has been crowned this month's "Room of the Month."

One of my favs..fresh, clean and just begs you to do one more load.

1) Not just for the basement anymore
Efficiency is key to laundry duty.  Just ask any mom.  The thought of running to the far end of the house to do the laundry and then run in the complete opposite direction to put it away (all multiple times in one day, mind you), can make one's stomach rumble.  When re-working your current home or purchasing a new one, take some time to consider where this little room of possible torture is located.  You may want it to be near the dirty clothes.  That usually means near the bedrooms.  Consider utilizing an unused bedroom, a big closet or hidden space behind a wall. 

  Au revoir to this...

2) Bright colors fabrics and rugs 
Most of us do laundry at least once a week, so why not make the room enjoyable and fun?  Remember you are going from dirty to clean so you want to room to reflect CLEAN and FRESH.  The addition of a colorful print, some fun fabric or even a playful rug can speak volumes to your spirit as you serve your family.
  

3) Consider dual purpose
Consider moving your office to another room with plumbing access to take advantage of space by combining the office and laundry into one.  Think about the aromas wafting your way as you pay your bills.  Delicious!  Mulit-tasking at its finest.  

Check out this office/laundry combo -- stylish, functional and oh so clean!

4) Multiple machines

"These are all great ideas, Carla, but I have a really large family and I love to entertain. Plus, the twins are really into mud pies."  If your machines never get a break, then consider purchasing more than one machine for your laundry room.  Time is money (or in this case, sanity).  Yes, the initial investment is tough to swallow but the time you will save is inexpressible.  Your time is valuable and worthwhile. 

5) Apply the kitchen model 

Consider investing in nice countertops, fixtures and cabinets.  The reward will be spectacular.  Reflect on this room from Tracery Interiors .  It appears to be a kitchen at first.  But upon closer examination,  you will notice the primary indicators of a kitchen (dishwasher, fridge and oven) missing from the picture.  These have been replaced by washing machine and dryer.  By applying the same design basics to the laundry room as the kitchen, you will be able to get your ideas flowing quickly with jaw-dropping results. 

6) Storage Options - Open or Closed?

Whether you decide open or closed with your storage solutions, it's vital that they provide easy access.  Cabinets are a safe solution and certainly not to be dismissed but wouldn't it be fun to have open shelving?  Not only cost-effective, open shelving allows for more panache - especially lined with wallpaper or fabric.  And the paint options are endless as well. 

7) Folding! 

Don't forget to leave some space for folding in your room.  This is much easier than hauling a load to your bed for the process.  This is one of the main things missing from laundry rooms, in my opinion.  Despite storage for all of our soaps and stain removers and even a sink for soaking, the reality is that we don't stop with laundry until the dryer stops.  Folding space can be accomplished by installing some shelving over an existing cabinet or directly over the washer and dryer themselves.  You can even consider supplying a table or fold down shelf in the area.

8) Wallpaper?

If you were ever going to try out wallpaper, this is the room for it.  Most of us love wallpaper but we get a touch shy when we consider it for a main room.  Numerous questions run through our heads - what if you get bored with it?  what if it goes out of style?  Alleviate your anxiety and test your favorite pattern in the laundry room.  Since the space is normally smaller than the other rooms in the house, the cost of installing the wallpaper will be a minimal investment compared to another area.  Plus, it can look just downright cool!

Check out this room from Laundry Room Design

9) Drying and ironing 

Ok, I have to admit.  I rarely iron.  However, I do own an iron and ironing board for that rare moment when the dry cleaners is not possible.  So when I do decide to use my iron, it's a real hassle.  Where will you store your iron?  Wall? Nearby closet?  Also allow some room to hang dry those clothes too.  Even our girlie items should have some space for drying in the laundry room. 

Check out more ideas at digsdigs.com

10) The colorful appliance

Erase the pink bathroom tile, guacamole green toilets and most of the stylish hits from the last few eras.  Colorful appliances are beautiful and in classic colors.  So...use them!  I usually tell my client to avoid the colored appliance.  But...it you get a great deal on one or just have to have red, go for it.  Just be sure to buy accessories to match it and let that be the standout color.  Use white as a backdrop.

If you can't have the red sportscar....why not? From Furniture Design.

10) Folding door dillema

Some of my faithful readers are stuck in a home without the benefit of extra space  Don't fret, just get creative!  With beautiful doors and an organized space leading to the hidden machines, you are sure to be pleased.  Notice below how matching storage boxes and warm custom cabinetry do wonders for this space.  And consider the lighting too!

Bi-fold doors with custom built cabinetry = nice!

Whatever your laundry needs, take comfort in the fact that none of us will ever be seen sweating over a raging pot of water while the kids play near by.  The days of grandma doing her laundry outside are gone only to be replaced by some pretty incredible feats of ingenuity.  So, take advantage of your laundry room's potential.  You're sure to reap some rewards as you happily put together a place for the family's clothes.

Waiting for the spin cycle-

C

Room of the Month - The Office

One year at Christmas time, we received an interesting update from some family friends that I will never forget.  While explaining what each member in the family had been doing during the previous year, this stay at home mom wrote about herself that she was "serving as the CEO of (insert family last name) Enterprises."  That made me giggle a bit thinking of how cute it was that she thought so highly of her job as stay-at-home mom to give herself at title.  But as I gnawed on it more, I realized that this woman had a firm grasp on her reality -- she really is charge of a bustling enterprise within her own four walls.


Search Merriam Webster online and you will find a plethora of definitions for "office" -- most of them politically related. And quite frankly, most of them very boring.  You've got the usual "function", "service", "duty" and "divine position" that rank at the top of the pecking order. Followed by the fifth place definition of what we majority of everyday folk regard as important "office: a place where a particular kind of business is transacted or a service is supplied; the directing headquarters of an enterprise or organization; the place a professional conducts business".  Now, you may not be a financial tycoon on Wall Street like my friend in the story above, but you are in charge of some sort of business transactions in your life -- be it the checkbook or the utilities -- and your workplace should be tailored to meet the needs of your "organization." 

I adore the airiness and open feel of this office from "The Devil Wears Prada" - fresh.


Here are some thought-provoking  questions you should ask yourself before getting started:


1) What will you be doing in there?  
Whether it's bookkeeping, bills or surfing the internet, make a detailed list of what will go on in your office.  It may include a place to do our job outside the home once the kids go to bed or it may mean sharing workspace for homework.  Once your list is complete, assign a percentage of time to each task directly onto the paper.  This will allow you to see what your office will be used for in your home to better allocate resources (in other words, it will tell you what to spend the majority of your money on during the project). 

Bills, homework, computer games, taxes, outside job are just a few examples of home office space usage.

For the Moss family, the office is a place to do my design homework, create masterpieces for my clients, keep up with my books, pay bills, manage budget, check email and store our family computer.  Elementary school homework and art projects sometimes find their way into my office as well.  All in one concise, friendly place in our home.


2) What supplies and items do you need?
Certain activities require certain supplies.  Here comes the list again....(can you tell that I am way into list making?).  Pencils, paper, printer needs, reference books and file folders are a solid start to your office needs.  Homework supplies are also a necessity for our home office - rulers, pens, markers, crayons, lined paper, construction paper,etc.  Additionally, there may be items that you need to complete your work from home.  Jot all those items down so that your storage needs become visual immediately for you.

For my work I need access to my fabric samples like above.  What you do need access to?

In my case I need all the basic office supplies.  Fabric books and design books also play an important role in my life.  They require lots of table space to spread them out so a table separate and apart from my desk is vital to the Moss Office.  


3) How should I store all these items?
Utilizing your list from the above, start figuring out what you will need for storage to make your office tidy.  Those items with direct reach access should be ones that you use on a frequent basis - daily or every few days.  Items with limited access should be ones that get used on a less frequent basis -- maybe even weekly or monthly.  Bookshelves are another item to consider for your office.  A desk with drawers is a no-brainer for some while others prefer a more tailored look to their desks.  Filing systems are essential for any home office.  And then the final decision - where and how to warehouse all these basics. 

Depending what tools you need, you may need bookshelves and basket to store items.

For my predicament, I require oodles of storage.  As in the office above, fabric books and design books all need a home where I am able to see them quickly.  The items should be readily available without having to open and close too many containers.  Client files, supplies and personal information should be in reach but not within view.  In this instance, hidden is good. 


4)  Who will be using the space?
Knowing who the primary user of the office will be is the primary driver.  Sometimes our offices are used by many people.  Other times they are dedicated space for one person in the family.  

Maybe you need to design a space for two if your office is shared....

For example, in my space I am the primary user. 90% of the time it is used by me with school and my design business.  The other 10% is used by my family.  My husband might need to do a quick check of a spreadsheet or print out of boarding pass.  My kids sometimes do art and homework in here, so I have a cabinet with school items (pencils, crayons and other art supplies) just for them.  In my instance, I plan for the family first and give the remaining space for myself.  


5) Lighting
If I have said this once in this blog, I have said it a million times  -- do not overlook the value of lighting!  Lighting provides a boost in productivity and enjoyment as well to any space - office or not.  I am all about the view so typically I chose to place the desk where the user can see out the nearest window.  Without a window, place your desk in front of something enjoyable to look at while working.  A dazzling painting, motivational quote or photograph provides much needed visual interest. Can you guess what I am going to say next?  Make a list. 

Do you want to look out your window?  Need a lamp on your desk?  A mirror is great to add refection and make it took bigger...

6) Furniture and the like...
In addition to the needs above, scan your original list to come up with furniture for your space.  Additional seating for clients, team members or family members may be necessary.  Also think about how to cover ugly computer cords, shelving, floor coverings and the incidentals.  

Tory Burch with team members in her office space as featured in Elle Magazine.

7) Color

Whoever will take advantage of the office the most will get to choose the color.  Our home office is blue, brown and white.  Not only do the colors promote productivity for me but also my kids.  However, if I were to do an office for hubbie it would be more masculine with some touches of his accomplishments, awards and favorite hobbies. 

Designer Kelly Wearstler's office....

8) Make it your own.

Represent!  Whatever you do in the home office, make it personalized to you.  It doesn't have to be boring but at the same time you may want calm.  Pick out one item in the room that truly represents who you are and build from there -- could be a lamp or a paint color.  Most of all have fun!  

This is far from boring...

...or perhaps yellow is more "you"....

Or you would love to display those favorite pop culture images you have been saving, such as the case of this office designed by Mary McDonald

With endless options, you can get overwhelmed easily.  Stick to your list and allow yourself some flava with a personal touch or two.  Draw inspiration from varied sources and go with your gut.  Form and function are most essential - no matter how beautiful the wallpaper is in your abode.  And remember, you are the CEO of something.  A home office is not out of the question. 

Back to homework at Moss Enterprises, 

C

Room of the Month - The Kitchen

As if I wasn't busy enough, a former client asked me to assist her with a few updates at her home.  After the initial meeting, I left salivating.  They wanted to re-do a kitchen, gut a master bath, spruce things up in the outdoor kitchen, fix a few doors and update the office and bedroom. Do I have the time?  Absolutely not.  Should I do it?  Absolutely yes.  This is the best experience I can get, hands down, including any class I will take..ever..so that 4.0 average might be history.  Needless to say, I have decided it is worth it.

A favorite kitchen of mine by the New York design master,  Miles Redd.  Did you know blue kitchens tend to cause you to eat less.  Red kitchens more?

I luckily have a new talented friend.  Joe Shannon of Veritas Developers arrived an hour later after my initial scope discussion.  He and I met while I was looking for homes in the Park Cities.  He done a ton of remodels down there and actually still has keys to many of the places he worked on.  That means he faithful and good.  He's going to partner with me on this project and help manage all the subs and make the work happen.

And Joe can take pictures and bring them to reality.  As long as I help pick out what goes with what.  This dream kitchen?  Piece of cake!

I sent this picture to my client to get her ideas going.  I have tons of pics like this because I love white kitchens.  But for most, you either love white or hate it.  My client is not such a huge fan, so we will go with a more ivory stained cabinetry with warm brown throughout.  This is an important reminder that your client will not always like what you like....and as a designer getting that right at the get-go is essential.

Now that I've plunged on ahead with my project, here are some things you need to know about kitchen design:

1) Don't do it yourself - There are lots of things in the blog I tell you to go out and do, but this is not one of them.  You want this to be handled by a professional.  One that is going to measure and install everything correctly.  One that is insured, professional and gets things done on time.  I would ask for recommendation in your area.  It's important to find someone that knows the local building codes.  The guy that can tell you if you can stick a cooktop on an internal wall and still vent it appropriately.

Tommy Hilfiger's bistro kitchen.

2) Resale - You will get all your money back - or most of it anyway.  I'm serious.  The thing that sells houses are kitchens and bathrooms.  If you have a bad one bk, bad things will happen.  An update saves thousands.  Trust me, I'm considering selling my house again and I'm updating the kitchen, bathroom and hardware throughout the house.

A great kitchen from San Francisco designer, Palmer Weiss

3) Cost - It's far from cheap.  Sure you can whip up a new guest bedroom for hundreds, but a kitchen is going to run you thousands.  Save up and figure out how best to cut costs.  At our first meeting, I created my lovely excel spreadsheet with the client's dreams.  The four of us later sat down and started to deal with reality.  If we had to cut out something, what could it be.  Perhaps instead of installing all new cabinets, we will reface the old ones.  Meaning, we will take off the doors, paint or stain the bases and get new fresh doors on them.  In other words, don't try to do it if you don't have the money for it yet.  Be patient and save.  It's really important to do it right.

 A splash of lemon from Atlanta designer Turner Davis

4) Cabinets are going to be one of the biggest costs
Cabinets come in basic sizes, usually 12 deep for the top cabinets and 24 for the bottom cabinets.  You can stain or paint them.   I know a lot of people who are afraid to hire someone to do custom cabinets because its going to cost them too much.  But frankly, its pretty close in price.  (Unless of course you go with IKEA where you're trading time for money).  Trying to make your standard cabinets work perfectly in your space takes a math whiz....so go with the custom if you can.  And remember, not every cabinet has to match.  Some of can have open shelving, others glass doors.  Perhaps you have stained on most of the cabinets, but your island has a different color.  Don't be boring.

 I love the open shelving of this Christopher Peacock Kitchen....

5) Countertops...remnant's first!
There are a ton of materials out there from granite to marble to tile.  Get something that is heat resistant.  And if you got tons of kids, avoid the marble because it may stain (I have thrown that to the wind because I love carrara marble so much).  Be sure to ask your contractor about the size you need.  Often times if its not a huge piece, you can find these in a scrap yard and save a ton of money!  The guys who bought the big slab doesn't want the rest to hangout in his garage...so your beautiful guest bath just scored a great counter top!  I just did that today....my contractor bought me over the remnant from the last house and its going into my master bathroom Saturday.

Even though carraca marble is so expensive, I absolutely love it and hope to have it someday in my home.  Here's a slab of it.  Perhaps I can find a remnant somewhere....

6) Appliances and sticker shock
I know most think you need to run over to Home Depot or Lowe's and start buying.  But before you do, ask your contractor.  My guy actually knows of several places that buy left over stock of last year models and then heavily discounts them.  They often can put packages together and you can save big. Rob, one of the guys helping me with this project, works for Elite Appliance and is pulling together some great things.

Who wouldn't want a kitchen with filled with high end Thermador appliances?  And if they were last year's model the deal is even sweeter.

7)  The Working Triangle - The triangle between your sink, your refrigerator and cooktop should not exceed a permimter of 20 feet.  And nothing should be blocking the pathway of this triangle either.  You will be one happy camper when working in the space if you follow this advice.

Here is a sample of a working triangle

8)  Flooring - You are going to do a lot of standing in this room, so really consider putting some thought into the floors.  While I know you will avoid carpet, consider hardwood floors.  I know they were to be avoided due to water in the past, but we are so much further than that now.  Sealing will keep the water out and your floors looking stunning.

Hardwood or tile?  And I love how they mixed the cabinet wood here.  And no, your flooring doesn't need to match your cabinets....

9) Lighting - This is the one place where you will want lots of light.  Sure most of you will add the standard pot lighting on the ceiling and the under cabinet lights as well.  After the standard, take it up a notch and find the perfect light fixture to make the room sing.  Perhaps add a nice chandelier over the island or some pendants to add some spice.

Check out the nice pendants over this island

10) Take your time - This is a huge investment.  It's kinda of like the wedding ring.  Make sure you love it!  You are going to have it for a long time.  Pull pictures and hang them on a board and think about them a ton. Don't rush into anything and delay if you need to save up more money.   In the end, you'll be happy you did.

Perhaps this is your idea of perfect?  Remember it?  It's from the movie set,  It's Complicated.

Back to never ending to-do list,

C