A Professional, Updated Makeover!

Expressive Interiors originally decorated this beautiful family room back in 2008. Although it was still a lovely room, it was time for a fresh, lighter and more contemporary look.  The client still loved the configuration of the sofa and and the basic layout of the furniture.  Since the original pieces were of good quality, it all held up very well.  With that in mind, we decided to just reupholster the existing sectional and the cushions of the two leather lounge chairs.  A new, shaggy ribbon-like rug was made using the same template of the existing carpet.  We replaced the Tuscan style wood cocktail table with an oversized faux crocodile leather ottoman; this gave an edgy contemporary feel to the room.

The walls and ceiling were painted a very blight greige color, and we reversed the white wood molding in the tray ceiling to a dark wood stain that marched the floors.  The fireplace trim, mangle and ceiling fan blades were also painted the same darker color.  This gave the room warmth drama and continuity.  One of the biggest changes besides the paint color was replacing the heavy draperies with a semi-sheer pinch pleat curtain.  These draperies were installed all the way to the top of the ceiling this time, with a beautiful soft, flowing fabric which also helped change the vibe of the room.

This project turned out to be a fabulous and cost-effective way to give a whole new look to an already beautiful space.

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Subtle Changes, Exquisite Results

Subtle changes take this master ensuite to yet another level of stunning!

Replacing the wall-to-wall mirror with individual custom-framed mirrors, adding a crystal chandelier and textured, painted walls gives this already beautiful bathroom and elegant, updated look.

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Outdoor Entertaining!

Spring is finally here, and summer is right around the corner.  Everyone is ready to bust free from quarantine and isolation!  It's time to get your backyard ready!

With social distancing being the new normal, what better way to maintain contact with friends and family than to entertain outside. Now is the time to replace your old patio furniture and freshen up your outdoor living areas.  New distance guidelines call for new and creative design elements so you can still feel close while continuing to keep safety at the top of the list.

Add a whimsical touch of fun by providing customized masks for your guests to match your decor! What a great and coordinated way to entertain.  If masks are here to stay for a while, let's make them fashionable!

Whatever your design goals are, Expressive Interiors can work with you in a "virtual" setting to make them come to life.  Call now and let's discuss how we can help make your backyard a beautiful and inviting living space this spring.

What is the difference between an Interior DECORATOR and an Interior DESIGNER?

Most people don't realize that there IS a difference between the two.  In fact, there is a VERY big difference.  The titles are not completely interchangeable.

An Interior Designer works closely with architects and contractors to design the interior space and has a good amount of experience within the construction field. They not only do the same aesthetic work as a decorator, but they have additional knowledge and experience to design original and unique furniture if necessary. Additionally, they design fireplace fronts, cabinetry, and so on, to fit in your own personal space.  Designers don't just enhance the look, they also enhance the function of a room.

An Interior Decorator, on the other hand, selects colors, offers fashionable accessories and supplies the furnishing of a space while working within its own functionality. They focus primarily on color, fabrics, room layouts, and aesthetics. They do not participate in any structural changes or customized cabinetry and furniture.

When hiring a professional, make sure you clearly understand the difference between the two. You may only need an Interior Decorator; but if you are looking for someone who can work with contractors and architects, and you want a customized look, then an Interior Designer is your answer.

Below are some Before & After photos of what an Interior Designer can do for you!

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A Teen's Haven

What was once a little girl’s bedroom, has now been transformed into a beautiful teen suite.

One of my favorite features in this room are the navy blue walls, which give such a great contrast to all the white trim.  It is such a beautiful bold look that’s suitable for any age.

Most people are afraid of adding a dark color on their walls.  They are fearful that it will either darken the room or make it appear smaller. However, when it’s coupled with white trim and ceilings, it actually brightens up the room!

A fun added element that we came up with, is the hanging chair in the corner of the room.  This chair is not only a beautiful feature, but it also provides a great area to read or study. We also added a window seat with nooks and colorful baskets for additional seating and storage.    

The sophisticated bed, dresser and night stand will take this teen throughout her adulthood. Other added elements and accessories such as the large framed bulletin boards; dual dressing mirrors; Alpaca fur benches and a crystal chandelier are details that finish off this fabulous young retreat.

I’ve worked on various projects for over 15 years with these lovely Long Grove residents, but this project was one of the most enjoyable of them all!  This transformed bedroom has turned into the envy of every young teen….or mature adult for that matter.

Now that the kids are back to school, why not consider transforming their bedroom into an inviting place to study, do their homework, or just retreat from their busy day?  I am happy to help you take that bold step forward on your next project.  Contact me today!

 

Time to Remodel Your Bathroom...?

Here are a few tips that may help you through the process!

PLAN AHEAD

Poor planning is the leading cause of cost overruns on these types of projects.  Nothing is more expensive than doing things twice!  Research various designs and styles you like from the Internet or magazines.  Keep an idea file folder (or Pinterest board) of inspiring images.  Find a good contractor.  It pays to find a top-notch general contractor to manage operations for a project such as this one.

DON'T CUT CORNERS ON KEY MATERIALS

Especially those that get the most use such as toilets, faucets, shower fixtures and even cabinets.  You can find many name brand items at the "big box stores" or on the Internet.  But be aware that many name brand companies will also manufacture what appears to be the same fixture you might find in a specialty store; except the inner-workings are manufactured with plastic instead of metal.  The plastic mechanics may cause leaks or early breakage, which is more costly in the long run.  (That remains true not only with plumbing fixtures but also with blinds and window shades as well.)

THE USE OF NICHES

Creating a niche or series of niches in the wall of a shower or bath area is a wonderful way to provide space for shampoo and conditioner bottles, and even accent items like candles.  Niches are a welcome alternative to a plastic shower caddy or wire racks.  They are inexpensive to construct and can become an architectural element in the shower.

 

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CREATE NEW HEIGHTS 

If your home is more than a few decades old, your existing bathroom vanity is likely 30 inches high.  While that height can be great for smaller children, it really doesn't work for adults.  The standard height now is 36 inches, which is comfortable for most adults and is a more updated look.

 

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THE IMPACT OF GRANITE

If you are on a tight budget and need to keep your existing cabinetry, add new hardware and a new granite top to your current vanity.  It can really transform a bathroom and give it that updated look without investing in an entire new cabinet.

Before & After - Part II

The inspiration for this project was the beautiful backyard view of a large pond and conservancy.  Even in the winter months, the wildlife and glistening water is a serene picture for any canvas.  I felt I needed to bring this view of nature into the interior of the house.  

I started this process by selecting a large natural dining table and chairs that looked similar in color to driftwood.  I selected a natural tweed fabric on the seats, and a contrast leaf patterned fabric on the backs of the chairs for interest.  The moss green and taupe color selection was also intentional, in bringing the nature back into the room.

The original design of the room did not have any window treatments, because the client didn't want to obstruct the view of the backyard.  But I felt that the room needed softness.  So, we added custom stationary drapery panels on the ends of each bank of windows.  This not only gives the softness that the room required, but it actually enhances the view by framing out the windows.

I had a large upholstered banquette made for one side of the table in lieu of additional dining chairs.  This was also a tactic to add softness as well as charm to the room.  The accent pillows we had made for the banquette match the backs of the chairs and are a nice custom touch.

The final touch to this room was this beautiful loop and sheer tip area rug.  The colors and design work compliment the room perfectly and anchors the dining area.

This dining room has been transformed into a beautiful and elegant room that is now a natural extension of the outdoors.