Reader's Design Dilemma {Creating an entryway mudroom}

Happy Hump Day All! It has been a weird week here in NC with freezing temps, ice and snow. So we have been huddled under blankets relaxing with no where to go. If you live in the South you know that everything just shuts down. Even though it seems silly, it is a nice break from the Norm. Hope that wherever you are that you are staying safe and warm!

I am back today with another Reader's Design Dilemma. I absolutely love helping others create a space that will work for them and their family. This sweet reader is starting with a new home and needed some advice on paint, tile, entryway, built-ins and kid's room. Today I am talking about her one need for a mudroom or landing spot of sorts.
*********************************************************************************

I'm a long time reader of your blog and big fan also. 

We recently purchased one under construction home and it's still in very much initial phase. It is not totally custom house but builder is quite flexible for changes not related to structure.
Before I put my question ahead, I want to clear few things. I am not at all DIY person neither is my husband. I always wanted to hire someone who could help me visualize and guide me around the whole house.
We would like someone who can give us few basic ideas and guidance.....sort of like just make a few different mood boards and organization ideas. 

Let's start with the first need:

1) I really need some kind of landing sport/mudroom, when we enter from garage. I'm thinking to move the laundry room door down the hallway and use that narrow space as mudroom. Please pour your idea/suggestions on that.

Thanks,

Gopi

**********************************************************************************************************************************

So we started in that little entryway off of the garage since the builder needed to know where to move the door and some other structural issues. Here is the first floor plan: 

After entering from the garage, if you make your immediate left there was a door that led to the laundry room. We decided the best option would be for the door to be moved down the hall closer to the room to make space in that hallway for a small mudroom/landing spot. 

My first initial response to her question was to create a mini mudroom of sorts under the stairway like the images below:

This would free up space in her hallway and make use of that awkward storage space under the stairs. 

Gopi decided that she would rather have the mudroom space on the left hand wall and leave the storage space as is. So back to square one with finding her some ideas that would work. 

source

source

source

The only problem was that the hallway was only 3ft wide. The average bench or built in is usually wider than a foot and on average 18.5", leaving less than 2 ft to walk down that hallway. Gopi was also concerned that if they ever needed to remove the washer or dryer for any reason, that it wouldn't fit down the hallway with the built ins.

So to the design board once again. This time I came up with a removable idea that could be modified to best fit their family.

Sources: Storage Ottomans, Shoe Storage, Large Wicker Basket, Blue Heron Art Print, Wall Hooks, Mail Organizer/key hooks, Shelves, Runner & this option

This was her response to the moodboard:

"I totally love this idea...movable ottomans and high storage shelves. Can you please send the links for those things. Do you think that wainscoting is needed if we go this route?"

I was please to know that she approved. We talked a little bit about adding the wainscoting to the hallway for character and practicality. It would be easy to wipe down from sticky fingers and mud that the kids would track in. So we will see what Gopi decides to do.

Now...on to making some decisions in her kitchen. Stay tuned next week!

What do you all think? How do you corral all of your kids outside "stuff"?

Do you have a minor design dilemma? Send it over my way at eatsleepdecorate(at)gmail(dot)com.

Reader's Design Dilemma {Exterior Paint Choices}

Last week I was contacted by one of my reader's. I love getting an email that has some sort of design question or dilemma. In this case Denise was having difficulty choosing an exterior paint color for her home:

Amy, I think your so talented. I was hoping you might give me a minute or two of your valuable time. I have re-sided my home and the painters are standing by while I stand dumbfounded at the chip wall, I have no idea!

I need to co-ordinate my roofs green and blue grays and I'd like the new shake to stand out a bit but have no idea about the trim, body door and shutters. I saw the colors on your latest flip and thought they were so gorgeous I'd take a chance to see if you had an idea about the direction I so go.

Thanks in advance, and thanks even if your too busy to write back. I love your blog and all the inspiration we get from it.

Denise

photos - 1) house, 2) roof, 3) shake, and 4) new window trim

I've added staggered shake to the gable and will be adding this window detail and beefier posts

What an adorable home! I was pleased to hear that she is going to be adding some larger posts to the front porch as well as beefing up the trim around the windows and doors. This will make a huge difference for the curb appeal of this home. 

I sent Denise three options (although I could have sent her like 10!). I am anxious to see what she decides and hope that she will send all of us some updates along the way. 

Option 1:

Since the roof has a fleck of green to it, I thought Crownsville Gray would be a great compliment. It also has hints of green, brown and gray. The posts and trim would really stand out with Simply White and be such a fabulous contrast to the darker siding. And I just thought she needed a Navy blue door. You know my love for the dark regal blues. 

Here is a little idea of where this color scheme is headed:

source

Option 2:

We have actually used this color combination in a couple of our flip homes. These colors feel a bit fresh and cottage like to me. The door color would really stand out from the street and adding Chelsea gray to the shakes would create another element to the curb appeal.

Here is an example minus the front door color. This was a flip we did a couple of years ago and used Sandy Hook as the main color, Chelsea Gray on the shutters and Glass of Milk as the trim. 

source

Option 3: 

source

This color palette was pulled from one of the blogs that I currently follow. The color combination is a bit lighter than the previous two, but still plays on the green shingles making it feel cohesive. I also love the idea of adding a little color to the porch ceiling. Very cottage like indeed!

Here is the example of Dixie Delight's home painted in this color palette:

Thanks Denise for sharing your home with us today! In my opinion, Denise can't go wrong with any of these paint choices. 

Tell me....What option is your favorite?

If you have a design question or are stumped on how to organize a certain space...email me at: eatsleepdecorate(at)gmail(dot)com. I would love to help you with your design dilemma's!

Client Project Update {The power of paint}

Hi All! Hope you are having a great week. I am so ready for Friday...how about you?

I have been working with a few clients both local and via e-design and wanted to share with you all about what I am doing on these projects. I have enjoyed working and creating spaces I know my clients are going to enjoy for a long time.

Today I am giving you just a little peek into one of my local client projects. Donna contacted me about a month ago for a paint consultation for both her front living room and large family room. She wanted to brighten up both spaces and create a more relax feel.{sorry for the quality of my phone pictures! That's all I had with me}

Family Room Before:

Living Room Before:

As you can see both rooms have fantastic features and pieces. They both just needed a little paint and some accessorizing. That's the fun part!

My clients really fell in love with Restoration Hardware's line of paint colors for the family room. I originally recommended either Glacier or Silver Sage. I thought both colors were great neutrals but would give a bit of a relaxed feel to the space and allow them to choose punches of color in accessories. I left my samples with the family to decide. They called and decided that they wanted more of an impact and to really make a statement on the walls.

They decided on Light Silver Sage. I am so glad they did. It really feels like a soothing room that you want to escape to. They have large windows that look out onto their hardscape and pool area. This blue/green/gray really reflects some of the colors just outside their windows. I also love how the color changes throughout the day. It really is gorgeous in person!

The color on the wall really pulls out the colors in the rug as well. This room is starting to come to life!

Now onto the front living room. I shared the picture below with my clients and they automatically fell in love with the idea of adding a pop of color to the built-ins rather than painting all of the walls.

The paint on the back of the shelves is Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore. When I shared the sample with them, they thought it might be a bit too dark for the space. So they decided on the color above Wythe Blue called Chesapeake Blue.

Boy did that color make an impact in that small space!

Now we are on to finding some lamps, pillows, throws, artwork and of course tackling the built-ins with some stylish accessories. Stay Tuned! Can't wait to share more progress.

And I couldn't leave you without a couple Before & Progress Pictures...

Reader's Spaces

I just love this little ole blog, especially when I get fun emails from reader's with pretty finished spaces!

You all might remember this Reader's Redesign that I did for a client last Fall:

Well little by little Ashton and her husband are finishing their space. She recently sent me pictures of her daughter's play corner.

Here is the plan that I sent them last fall:

Below is the before and after they sent me:

Doesn't it look great? Ashton is also finishing the curtains that will be hung in this space. I can't wait to see how they transform this little corner. I am sure her sweet little girl loves this art corner. They bought an old Pottery Barn Kids table and chairs from their aunt and refinished the pieces. Here is what they looked like before:

So fun! Thanks Ashton for keeping me posted on your living room/playroom area!
If you want to check out all the before pictures of her space as well as the design plan click HERE.

********************************************************************************

I have met so many amazing people through this blog that every time I connect with someone I just get so excited to chat about design, decorating, diy projects, etc. People probably think I am a little over the top at times! Well, this next reader and I have something else in common. Carly adopted a little girl a couple of years ago and she reached out to me after I posted our Adoption Announcement this past fall. We have even talked on the phone a couple of times. She is an amazing person and I am so thankful she has a heart for adoption. She has sure helped me through some down days.

A couple of weeks ago Carly texted me one evening and wanted some advice on painting stripes. She had seen our Bold Entryway stripes and was inspired to try her hand at it. She sent me these after pictures:

I think they did a fantastic job! Stripes are very tricky if they aren't done correctly. Isn't that turquoise table adorable? I love the pops of color that she has added to her entryway.

A couple of days later Carly sent me the picture below. We talked about how painting the banister and railings would really brighten the space up. What do you think?

There is no question that the stripes and white railings take this builder grade entryway to another level!


Thanks to Ashton & Carly for sharing their updated spaces! I love seeing reader's progress and how they are inspired by this little ole blog.

Have you been working on any projects around your home? Do you need a total Reader's Redesign to get you motivated? Email me your pictures and we can create a space that you love.

Happy Hump Day All!!

Reader's Redesign {The Living room}

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It was beautiful weather here and I actually got outside to clean out my garden beds. I am so ready for Spring, but I guess mother nature is not! We are having some cold weather here today with a chance of a wintry mix. So everyone stay warm!

A couple of months ago a dear reader emailed me asking for help with her living room. Natalie had just painted the living room a light green/blue/gray and that was it. She needed some inspiration and ideas to help finish her space. Natalie told me that they needed to keep the tan couches, the wood molding was staying as is and that she had bought a cute little white lamp for her side table, but other than that it was a clean slate!

Here are a few before pictures so you can get an idea of Natalie's living room space:

When entering from the front door there is a small wooden console and a blank wall to the right. To the left are a large set of windows and then you see the love seat between two smaller windows:

And the couch sits against a larger blank wall:

I am excited to add some personality to this space. It already has amazing features like hardwood floors, trim around the windows and arched doorways! If you scroll back up to the second picture you will notice a little accent chair sitting in front of the large windows. Natalie actually has two of these and would like to upholster them in some sort of yellow fabric. She also has an 18 month old son who is busy busy, so we had to design this space with him in mind. 

After talking with Natalie about her likes, dislikes and ultimate design I think we have a bit of a plan for her space!

I am thinking that she is in need of a great art piece above the love seat and between those two smaller windows shown in picture two. She is also going to change out those wooden blinds in the small windows. I am pushing for roman shades like these:

via

They would really soften the space and contrast well with the darker wood trim.

via

I also recommended a great big gallery wall to fill up the space above the couch in picture three. I think a mix of art and photographs would be perfect. 

As for that entryway right next to the door in picture one. I would recommend either a higher console with drawers, a mirror above and artwork down the sides to fill that space...

source unknown

OR..if they are going to keep their existing lower console I would place a large mirror vertically above and sconces on either side or tall lamps of some sort.

via

This space also needs to be filled with baskets to hide toys and I recommended a large ottoman with storage for the middle of the room. It would be kid friendly and a great piece to add storage for her son's toys. 

She recently sent me a "progress" picture from her phone. (sorry for the dark pic) She has added the white curtains across her large front windows and picked up the large Moroccan trellis rug from Target. The room already looks better and is forming a personality! 

I hope to be able to share some final pictures with you all very soon! Do you all have any ideas or recommendations for Natalie as she finishes her living room design?

A Look Back at 2013 {Top Posts}

We are now in the final day of 2013. Doesn't seem possible...does it? I sat down with my coffee this morning and thought back on this year. It was full of excitement, trials, adventure, hard work and just plain life. I am ready for 2014 in someways, a fresh start of sorts. But, as I look back on 2013 I wouldn't change any of the memories, trials, adventures because they have yet again helped me grow as a person and have changed me for the better.

Today is one of my favorite days as a blogger. I love looking back at what has been all of your top posts over the past year. Some surprise me, some make me laugh and some give me courage to tackle harder more challenging projects for the next year. Hope you enjoy a look back at 2013 and all the craziness that went on around this little ole blog.....
{Click on the link below the picture to take you to the actual post}

Organized our "Drop Spot" in the kitchen with Nate Berkus

Shared some ideas on how to organize kid's toys and books

Created a "No Sew" Roman Shade for the kitchen

Completed our Flip Home #3 {Before & After pics}

Shared a "Reader's Redesign" for a little girl's nursery

Created some gold and pink polka dot mugs

Shared how Molding can create a lot of Character to your home

Organized a place to hang my bags in our closet

Organized the master bathroom drawers and countertop

Shared a "Reader's Redesign" plan for their entryway

Created these DIY Dipped baskets for the living room.

My Chandelier when from traditional to a little "Mod"

Shared a "Reader's Redesign" plan for a Playroom/Sewing room combo

Shared some great examples of Twin Bedrooms

Created a DIY Wipe-able Paint Chip calendar for my office

Shared some before pictures of my master bathroom and a design plan on what I want it to look like

Tackled Tufting and recovering this little beauty

Shared the before & after pics of our Flip House #4

I made this DIY Shoe Organization thanks to Home Depot!

Shared some Design Mistakes on Matchy Matchy Furniture and how you can fix the problem

Made this Geometric pillow out of stripped fabric

Shared some fall decorating ideas

Tackled the major task of painting stripes in the hallway

Shared our "Big Announcement"

Shared my bargain fur find and what was trending

Set our thanksgiving table filled with gold and dark purples

Shared another fabulous "Reader's Redesign" for a Sophisticated living room/playroom

So Enjoyed the Guest Post Series on Neutral Nurseries from some of my Favorite Bloggers!

Shared my Christmas House Tour

I can honestly say that I am so blessed to be able to create and share with all of you! Thank you for following along with me over the past two years. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for this blog in 2014.

I wish you and your family a safe and Happy New Year!! 

XOXO