HOME DECOR: A little contemporary, a little traditional

My first view of Char's home was a space that had already been taken down to the bare walls.

Actually, a lot of the walls had been removed as well. And that is where she was stuck.

She felt overwhelmed by the job at hand and was unable to make a decision as to flooring, paint, cabinetry or tile. She had already hired a contractor and they were anxious to get to work.

So we rolled up our sleeves and went to work.

Some of the photos turned out a little dark, but if you click on them, you can see them larger,

Living Room Before

and I hope a little brighter... :) This was my first view of Char's home. My challenge was to find her 'style' in this! I soon discovered she like clean lines, minimal accessories and sunshine pouring in the windows. Char was drawn to water colors.  Blues, blue greens, sand, cream and chocolate were the colors that spoke to her. Char and her husband were water people. They loved to sail and to be out on the water.



Living Room After



With walls in a neutral shade of beige and an accent wall in a blue-green shade, the living room took shape. We brought in a reclining sofa and loveseat in brown chenille and blue-green swivel side chairs. The built in window seat matched the wood trim and held the flat screen components.



Living Room After



A neutral rug in beige and brown tones defined the seating area. Blinds were added to the windows for privacy, but Char elected to have no draperies. A beautiful medium brown hardwood floor in a wide 7" plank was chosen as flooring throughout the kitchen, living and dining area.



Living Room After



The area for the fireplace was very narrow, and so we needed a non-cumbustible material. We didn't have enough clearance for a wood surround, so I designed a fireplace out of travertine and stone. We chose a natural slate hearth and surround in blues and greens.

The slate was edged in travertine - nice chunky moldings by Gardenstone. The result was beautiful, clean lined and exactly what Char wanted.

Accents of coral and shells in the bookcase carried the water theme.



Kitchen Before



At the other end of this space was a dining area and kitchen. We removed the wall and opened the space up, a decision that Char and her husband had made and that I agreed with - it created one large open space from the kitchen to the fireplace. Keeping the wood tones similar and the flooring and wall color the same throughout the space unified and pulled it together.



Dining and Kitchen Before



All the windows and sliding glass doors were replaced with new energy efficient vinyl. New can lights and a fan were added to the living room area, a new chandelier was added over the dining room table that was traditional in feel, but with cleaner lines.

Dining and Kitchen After

This view is from the living area back to the kitchen. Note the beautiful flooring.



Kitchen Before



The kitchen walls were taken down and all the cabinetry and appliances were removed.



Kitchen Before



The flourescent light box was removed and the ceiling raised and installed with new can lights.



Dining and Kitchen After



And pendant lights over the island.



Kitchen After



Deep rich wood tones compliment the stainless steel appliances. The backsplash is tumbled travertine with glass tile inserts. The framed centerpiece behind the stove is brown glass tile with bronze liners and a bronze medalion. Drawer and cupboard pulls are also bronze.

We chose a beautiful granite top that perfectly complimented all the colors in the room.



Kitchen After



The center piece of the kitchen area is a huge island, equiped with loads of storage and an overhang at one end perfect for pulling a stool up to for casual dining.

In an alcove off of the living room, we installed a new bar, complete with double wine coolers and sink.

The wall color in this room echoes the accent fireplace wall of the living room and shares the same wood flooring.



Home Office Before



On the other side of the room, we installed a computer desk and office area.



Home Office After



The sofa in this room converts to a queen size bed when an extra bed is needed.



Home Office After

 Our next focus was the master bedroom. It had a nice architectural feature of a peaked roof. We carpeted it in a soft sand tone and went a little bolder with our accent wall here.

Master Bedroom in Progress

Char found the perfect bedding at Pottery Barn and we matched the wall color to the fabric.



Master Bedroom - After



We added personal photos, clean lined clear glass lamps and fresh white crown molding.

Personal family photos of activities on the water continue the theme to the master bedroom.

At the other end of the room is a dresser and flat screen television.

 

The master bathroom was taken down to the bare walls and then some.

We ordered custom cabinetry and installed beautiful travertine flooring.

The countertop is a travertine slab with a travertine mosaic backsplash.



Master Bath in progress



Here is the beautiful dressing and sink area completed.



Master Bath - After



The bath area was opened up by removing a wall,

and the walk in shower and flooring was done in travertine.

Master Bath Before

I designed it with diagonal tile on the bottom and straight on the top, divided by a mosaic listele and liner. A frameless glass shower door and surround was added. The shower also has two shower wands.



Master Bath Shower After



Shower detail: mosaic listele with bullnose liners and accent mosaic in the 6" travertine tiles.

Frameless glass shower enclosure doesn't detract from the beautiful stonework.



Master Bath After

 This shows the shower and toilet end of the master bath. The travertine countertop and cabinetry is just visible in the lower right hand corner.





Guest Bathroom Before



 The second bathroom was much smaller and had a walk in shower.



Guest Bathroom Before



We gutted the bathroom, installed a tub and added travertine flooring and tub surround.



Guest Bathroom After

 The decorative tile border is actually ceramic and is a raised design of sea creatures and shells, bordered by a line of glass mosaic tile. The 3" amber glass accent tiles are also raised shell designs.



Guest Bathroom After



We couldn't find stock cabinetry that fit in this cramped space, and so I had my carpenter, Jimmy Hemati, build this adorable vanity, mirror and shelf. He did so with consumate skill and beautiful workmanship. We topped it in travertine slab, as well. With a new toilet, faucets, shower fixtures and lighting - we had only accessories remaining.

A closeup of the flooring and decorative border

The tiny sink area with its cottage style mirror and travertine slab countertop.

Detail of tub area, with wall niche.

 We elected to go with a shower curtain here, due to the cramped space.

Char's beautiful, transitional home.  I hope you liked viewing it.

Please let me know what you think by leaving your comments below (click on comments).