Friday, May 4, 2012

Lighting to love...

Let's talk about lighting...
As I chip away at the new office (pictures coming soon) I've been dying for new lighting (we HAVE to replace the boob lighting that exists in that office...that's right I said it...it looks like a boob...I'll give you a second) and while most of the lighting I've been lusting after is out of my price range for this room, I thought I'd still share some of my new favorites...

The Athena Chandelier from Zgallerie...I love the vintage nod and I can only imagine the gorgeousness that is reflected on the walls by this bad boy when it's on. But I really need a flush-mount or at least a semi flush-mount...the hubby's a tall guy, and if we ever decide to move the table in the middle of the room, we don't need him knocking his head on this :(
The Calais Chandelier, also from Zgallerie...Love the color of course, and it's definitely unique, but not right for my office in any sense. 
This brown and chrome flush mount chandelier could be really cool, and add a bit of glam, but there's something I don't love about it, and although the price isn't terribly high, I think we can do better...
A brass lotus light...ahh how I dream of you, but alas this one is vintage...From the 60s.. which reads out of my price range most likely, or a wild goose chase to find my own..It's also worth noting, that with vintage lighting, it can be difficult to install, and usually requires some serious finagling, which is a pain....and dangerous. Still pretty to look at though...

The Sophia Flushmount light from Circa Lighting...I luuurve this light, but once again out of my price range...
It's a good thing I love shopping...back to the drawing board...Happy Friday everyone!
            

Thursday, May 3, 2012

E-Design...how it works...

What a fantastically awesome month April was, like crazy, like if mint chocolate chip ice cream and no bake cookies had a love child, that would be this past month...hmmm..I might be hungry...but seriously I've never been happier, and can't believe how fast things have been moving for me in the design world. Thank you to everyone for your support and for reading because I know this blog is a big part of all of it. I truly appreciate all of you and am sending you virtual hugs everywhere...
Now to answer a very frequently asked question...
Since, I started my small E-design business just a few short weeks ago I've been asked a lot of questions about how the process works, from everyone...including my family, my husband, my in-laws, friends, pets, children, and everyone else pretty much...so I thought I'd explain how this works once and for all..
Basically, an e-design serves as a road map for your new space. In the end, my job is to help you create an inspiration board, so that you can then use it to turn the idea into reality in the space yourself. If you want help with the basic development of the room, but don't want to spend the money on a full design installation service, this is a perfect solution...There are examples of my inspiration boards throughout this post...

I start with a basic consultation, usually through e-mail, asking you questions about your space. An example of the consultation I send:
Basic information (Name, phone number, e-mail address)
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family...
Do you rent or own?
What room(s) are you interested in using my services for?
What is the budget for this space?
What do you use this space for?
What do you need vs want in this space?
What is your final vision for this space? (How do you see yourself/your family in this room?)
What design style are you most drawn to? (Contemporary, Modern, Traditional, Flea market/Vintage, Mid-century, Industrial)
What colors are you most drawn to? (Warm colors, Cool colors, Neutrals, Bold, Jewel tones)
Where are your favorite places to shop for home purchases?
Are you willing to purchase items online?
Are you willing to paint or do any other D.I.Y. projects yourself if the budget does not permit hiring someone?
Are you willing to allow me to share your new inspiration board for your space on my blog?
What are the measurements of the space?
What is the general description of the space?
What's your social security number?.....ha ha just seeing if your paying attention...
Is there anything specific you want/don't want in this space? (This could be a specific color or piece of furniture they already own). 
At this time, I also ask for pictures of the space as it is now and ask them to send me as many inspiration pictures as they want...(These may be catalog/magazine pictures, or just any pictures they find online that they love.)
After a few back and forth e-mails, I start to get to know the client and what they want, and at this time I create their inspiration board. I usually try to come up with several options (especially if I source a product that could go out of stock or be on back order if they do not order it right away).  After sending the first inspiration board, we decide what we like/don't like and change it, until we get the final product. I also come up with a couple layout options and a personal shopping list for you, so that you know exactly what you need to order/shop for.


Hopefully, this helps clear some things up about E-design and my services. There are of course, many different types out there nowadays, and I hope to get more and more involved as my small business grows.
Any other questions?...While you think about it, I'm off to find some no bake cookies...


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Industrial chic...or something like that

I don't know if you guys remember Leesa...you know from a few posts ago...she's the "crazy-awesome" soon to be mommy. Anyways, she needed some help making her home office into a space she'd actually want to work in once baby Charlotte came along. We had a real consultation this time, which was so much fun by the way, and came up with the basic idea for this space...I'm calling this design "industrial chic"...really I just pulled that one out of nowhere, but it's a pretty good description of this design. They wanted something that mixed his love of rustic furniture and her love of chic and glamorous design. I came up with a couple of inspiration boards and today I'm going to show you the one she didn't choose. (I will show the one that her and her hubby did choose after it is safely in their hands.)
 We wanted rustic pieces mixed with some industrial pieces, but with a little glam for her. I'm obsessed with that chair and desk as a pair, and we kept those in the final design plan, along with those great bookshelves and side table. I also loved the sisal rug, and at $80 you can't beat the price for a rug (found here for anyone interested), but, as I feared, sisal's not great on baby's knees, so that one had to go. Also, Leesa's hubby hated the zebra print chair (oh the nerve...:)), so we had to find something else (although I think you'll be surprised to see the one they picked). I also failed to design any type of lighting design, so that needed to be included...oops...We also went with a different curtain choice (something pre-made at a great price).
Stay tuned for the final inspiration board!