Amanda's Living Room

Here is the living room "before".Pretty nice just as it is. Amanda has a good sense of design, color, and scale. Of course, I'll have to HIDE that TV, even though it is new, handsome and not hideous (for my feelings on "hideously huge" TV's, check the previous project).

The Mantle Close Up

Here is the mantle up close. I intend to paint the walls on either side and above the fireplace the two colors of red on the mood board. Because there are WAY too many squares in the room, some circle and odd shapes are called for. Maybe the mirror?

Amanda's Kitchen

Here we see the kitchen, part of the landing, and the two alcoves on either side. My plan is to use vivid, luscious colors inside the alcoves and on the very limited wall space in the kitchen for pop and zing!!!!!!!

Living Room Faux Marble Mantel

This is my living room. I don't have a true "before", but this is a "during". The inside 8" of the mantel is marble, and the wood surrounding it I painted to look exactly like it. I used the same high quality oil paints I use in my fine art work. The cabinets are edged in gold. I knew SOMETHING would go inside each panel, but I didn't know what.

Living Room Mantel and Painted Panels

I had gotten a bid for putting wallpaper inside the panels of $900. THAT inspired me to paint them myself, echoing the giant flowers in the entrance hall mural. I found the two statues and fabulous gold mirror at Gen's Antiques on 19th. The single fuscia peony in a vase is a major example of restraint on my part.

My Ethnic Media Room

Switching again to my house, here is the media room. The colorful cloth above the bookcase is an Afghanistan tent piece. The carved wood above the bookcase is from a Chinese opium bed. I used an embossed gold wallpaper on the ceiling. I have lots more pieces of ethnic fabrics, but my husband says this is his limit.

Warrior Statue in Media Room

This wacky warrior statue presides over the media room. I feel sure she had something in her hands at one time.

Donna's Dining Room "AFTER"

Here is the dining room today. I incorporated most of Donna's favorite design elements. I used vibrant colors, shells, grand scale,animal prints, varied textures, and multi-functionality. AND, I hid the shredder and printer! Kudos to me!

Another view of the BIG sofa and mirror.

Rosy at Best for Less made the luscious drapes and throw pillows.

A close up of the plethora of pillows. Remember, more is more.

Here is the same corner. The TV is hidden inside the vintage armoire. The dress form wears a vintage prom dress of tulle and taffeta, and that's a painted Italian chair.

I found the perfect black stand for the TV, which hides also the equipment. I magically found the cool sage green architectural piece above it. Adding something weighty above the HUGE TV dimishes its size and importance.

Believe it or not, this is the same window in the same room. I would call this a "home run".

Alot is coming together now in the bedroom. As you can see here and in the next pictures we've painted the walls a yummy yellow and added crown molding. I know I've spoken out harshly against ugly lights and appliances, but I've been in the closet about ceiling fans. HIDEOUS!!!!!!!!!! I found an 8 light crystal chandelier at Lovejoy's. Instant glamour! I also found the wall hanging there. It is a vintage lap blanket used when riding in an open horse drawn carriage. Donna briefly considered making it a "Harley" blanket, but I said "no".

I'm also excited to reveal the $358 four poster bed I bought. Later you'll see how it looks with a major infusion of gold paint!

This is not the finished bedroom, but many things are in place. Remember the $358 four poster I got? Here it is. The grey bedside tables and lamps were two "MISTAKES" that Donna labeled "boring". I felt as if I had been stabbed through the heart. I traded them out for the vintage Italian gold and white chests and the camel lamps.

Rosy at Best for Less made this wonderful corona from individual Indian sari scarves that I found for $5 each at Lovejoy's Antiques.

We painted this room a deep, warm gold and put up shiny white crown molding.

Above the bed is a spectacular temple piece of gold carved wood and mirror from India.

Here, at last, is the finished dining room. Donna was the ideal client in that she trusted me completely. This long wall (formerly hidden by the mountain of boxes,remember?) was the ONLY place for a desk. This one is functional, beautiful, and capable of hiding the printer and shredder (a MUST!!!!!).

We both love grandly scaled pieces like the mirror, which just rests on the desk. Another Guild Shop find were the shadow boxes with sea fans inside , which I painted a different shade of blue. A happy accident (one of many) were the exciting patterns thrown on the walls and ceiling by the lovely new chandelier. I didn't plan that, but I will take credit.

Not knowing how long she could stay in her apartment, Donna had wisely chosen NOT to paint.

The only small space we were going to paint was the entry hall, and I chose grey. It was met with less than enthusiasm. I still didn't know how much she loved vibrant colors.

My friend, Jerry, is eager to see the finished project. Here is a reminder of how the breakfast room looked....

...and here is the finished room, minus some books on the bookcase. What do you think?

Almost any room can be made beautiful by a rich wall color and a crystal chandelier. I framed the naked mirror with a custom frame from my friends at Davis Hardware at 1028 Studewood.