I’ve discovered that if a friend compliments my home design and notices every little detail that represents my signature style, it’s only a matter of time before they ask for my help. This week I embraced my friend Indie’s love for life and for evolving oneself, and turned my attention to her home to create her very own “Lady Parlor.”
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions about changing our lives, however, Indie focused her resolutions upon changing her environment. Having a space that represents her own personal style, filled with the things she loves, will allow her to retreat to a space in which she can entertain others while offering her a comfortable place to read and relax, away from the “busy gal” world she lives in.
Let me share the challenge: Create a ‘design show caliber’ room on a ‘real world’ budget. Rugs, furniture, lighting, and accessories would have to be carefully selected to all fit into this $1,500 spending limit. In my career I have designed the gamut, from high-end rooms to spaces with tight budgets, and – truth be told – the process of how to select the right pieces is the same. And so the results should end up to be the same, too: High style, functionality and an ecstatic client who is in love with the space. (Next weeks sMARt tip will offer my how-to’s on how I did it, including designs and the basic principles – so circle back on Monday to see before and after shots plus tangible solutions to apply to your home.)
A visit to HomeGoods and Target proved to provide all that was needed to transform this rarely used dining room into a lady’s parlor for Indie. And did I make it work? Under budget – with $63 to spare! Add in one very happy friend who can’t wait to lounge in her new custom-designed room, and that’s a design bang for your buck. My work is done – until the next exciting assignment.
