THE DESIGN PROCESS...

Now I know why they say that the most difficult undertaking for any designer is to design their own homes.  We are constantly sifting through design magazines and websites looking for inspiration in which we can store in our banks of creative ideas.  However, when it comes to our own homes, where do we draw the line between what is appropriate for the home versus using it as a design lab for testing all of these ideas?


The house was a blank canvas - I had too many ideas swirling in my head, and looking back now, too many bad ideas. Thankfully, after doing more research about mid century interior design, I was able to pare down these ideas to what is appropriate for this house and the period it was built. Here are few 'rules' to mid century design -

• No Carpet 
• No Crown Mouldings 
• No Granite
• NO VISUAL OVERLOAD

Now granted, I am into the retro look- but I am not about add shag carpets or any avocado green. Instead, the look we are going for is modern comfort and finishes while keeping the overall integrity of the home. 

White Thassos and Carrera marble, dark wenge floors, and travertine (yes, it is sort of breaking the rules but it's for the guest bath and I love it.) This is the pared down version - trust me. At one point there was wallpapers and various paint colors, but I had to step away and think, 'NO VISUAL OVERLOAD.'


So there went the idea of Marie Antoinette meets Mid Century Mod. Horrible, yes I know, I did say there were too many bad ideas. Instead we are going for modern and clean - but also classic at the same time.

Classic Artemide - Tolomeo Sconces for Hallway

THERE IS NO TURNING BACK NOW....

Matt and I did a site visit today- and with a little sigh of relief and the excitement of anticipation, we also realized that there is no turning back now! Construction and demolition is in full gear...Here is a little sneak peak of the before and current state.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen Currently - Separation wall between the kitchen and dining area removed to create a more open feel. Allows light from the kitchen to filter into the dining area and create more of an interaction between the spaces.

 

View from dining area

We also took a run to the local Goodwill store to do a little treasure hunting for some vintage finds...

 

How great are these Mid Century candlestick holders and little bird sculptures! Matt also found another vintage MacGregor golf club to add to his collection. He is planning on having them restored to display in his garage/man cave.