...Design Tips - Slipcovers

You don't have to be "creatively" inclined or have a monthly decorating budget to have a beautiful home that reflects a sense of style, a sense of who you are. I have expensive taste but don't feel it is a must to spend a ton of money on material items. We have families. We have lots of expenses. We have other priorities. This coming from someone who loves to spend her time perusing home decor stores, websites and magazines. I have a good sense of how to make a space feel expensive and truly get the most bang for your buck. I am willing to guarantee that this is a common thread that all of my clients would have to say about me. With that being said, here is one of my favorite ways that can completely change a space and doesn't break the bank.  

Slipcovers became popular when Rachel Ashwell started the shabby chic boom. Now they are a huge design trend that can truly fit any style. I for one, am obsessed!! I love the look, the way they can completely change a piece, how easy they are to wash(key with our busy lives, kids, dogs) and slipcovers relinquish that reuse/repurpose void that I oddly love to fill. I am lucky to have access to a very talented lady who makes fabulous slipcovers. I will use her anytime I can for a client project when its appropriate. Slipcovers can be for any piece of furniture. This post is targeting my current obsession with wingback chairs. For most of us wingbacks usually remind us of our parents or grandparents house. They feel too formal, too outdated. However, the right fabric and a slipcover completely changes that perception. Where to find them??? Online auctions, estate sales. furniture consignment stores, parents house... and they are usually ridiculously inexpensive. 

This first wingback was used in a family room project I worked on. It was from my clients parents house and I believe it was being used as the "timeout" chair. We gave it a whole new look.

                                         Before

                  

                                             After

Inspiration via Pinterest

                                    

...Sharing A Little Bit Of My Story

I usually keep my family affairs pretty separate from my business. Today, I feel the need to change that. I spent so many years using a talent as a pastime. Never really knowing or believing that building a business could be a reality. Never really knowing it could fill my soul the way that it has. This thing started small, with very casual expectation but it quickly challenged me to dig deep. I have always struggled with how to take care of my family while taking care of me. I know this is a common thread among Mommies absolutely everywhere. ESD has allowed me to realize that I could do both. I feel so fortunate!! I am constantly learning, being challenged and doing something I love. I have the BEST clients that I absolutely adore!! However, today I sat in mass with my family and realized how much has changed over the past few months and when I wear my "business owner" hat I have been trying to pretend that it hasn't. 

So, here is my family and here is a little bit of our story.

                  

On April 6th of this year my family walked into church. My oldest son was leading and he wanted to sit in the front row. We usually sit in the same area and its more towards the back of the chapel, never in the front. We went along with it and didn't think much of it. As mass went on and the sermon was in full force I realized it was no-coincidence that we were front and center. The Priest was giving a sermon about a Cincinnati woman that had just lost her battle to Leukemia. He talked about all the wonderful things she did for our community and how her family had said she truly started living after her diagnosis. He went into more detail to express the importance of enjoying the now. How giving, not receiving is what makes you feel more alive. There was no irony in the fact that my husband had a 3:00pm appointment with an oncologist the very next day to find out if he was being diagnosed with Leukemia or not. I think we both knew as we sat there in mass... this is how God needed to tell us. I don't remember those next few weeks. I walked around numb, feeling like I couldn't breath. My big strong husband who always takes care of everyone was shaking constantly from fear. I didn't know how to help him. In the blink of an eye everything looked different. There were many emotions that came with this diagnosis and many things that have become our new normal. Our friends and family have wrapped their arms around us and carried us when we needed them too. We are figuring it out. We are standing tall. We are praying for the best. We are living for the now. 

My reason for sharing this with all of you: While I helped my husband and my family figure out how to move forward, I reverted back to not knowing how to help me. Just for a little bit. My business has been successful because my clients feel my enthusiasm, my integrity, know how important they are to me. Those qualities have not been shining thru as much over the past few months. I can't apologize because it had to be this way but I feel bad it did. The good news is, I have found my groove again. It looks a little bit different. Maybe even a little bit better...

...Before and After - Hutch

Wow, I have really been missing in action this year on my blog... Hello!!!  I apologize and vow to post more from this point on.  I have worked on so many fun projects this year.  Here I go: short, sweet and to the point.  

                       

This was a traditional style, dark cherry hutch.  It is huge!  My client loved the piece when she purchased it 10 plus years ago but grew tired of the dark cherry finish.  She wanted something fun, unique and she wanted to lighten up the space.  

I used Annie Sloan chalk paint in the colors Old Ochre and Scandinavian Pink.  I distressed it all over and that really brought out the details that used to be overlooked.  I replaced the old hardware with some very cool antique brass pulls.  Your eye is immediately drawn to this piece when you walk in this dining room.  It is truly awesome!!  

  

Have a great day!  Thank you!

Keri