BEFORE

When the walls were gold, everything in the room will had a yellow tint. The new gray walls neutralized that effect, and allowed my gold accents to have more impact.

BEFORE

Sometimes you don’t realize how small a space really is until you start putting furniture in. One way to counteract this is to us large leaning mirrors that reflect the room and make it appear larger. These ostrich leather, studded greek key mirrors reflect the ocean and light, while adding some graphic pizazz!

BEFORE

The cabinets were finished in a unique pinkish taupe before. Once the gold walls were not there anymore to reflect off of them, the pink hue stood out even more, so we fauxed them an antique white, with a more neutral base. The rust marble counters were replaced with a beautiful White Ice granite, with shimmering graphite pieces in it. The backsplash was replaced with a gold basket weave glass tile. Instead of doing mirror on the wet bar backsplash, I updated it by adding tile, but installing mirrors behind the cabinet doors.

I replaced the chandelier with a larger, more elegant gold wood chandelier, with brown silk shades. The glass front of the t.v. console has a gold hue of its own, that blends nicely with all the colors.

The corner of the room was best furnished with a luxurious Century chaise lounge, covered in velvet! The fretwork pillows tie in the greek key pattern in the mirrors. To help balance the gold of the wool Oushak rug and accents, I covered the sofa in a plush, matte gray velvet. Behind the sofa, I chose to use a glass and acrylic sofa table that added a modern touch, while remaining simple enough to not take away from the lines of the sofa.

I furnished the dining area with an industrial pedestal table by Drexel Heritage, then added some side chairs with wood inlay. The large, gold Murano glass chandelier added some drama that helped provide weight to this area.

This table top is all set up for elegant entertaining, with its gold and white “bling.” The pearl and stud chargers anchor the white Waterford dinner plates and gold-rimmed ruffle Annie Glass dessert plates. In the center, the mercury glass Moroccan vase is just waiting for some fresh flowers!

BEFORE

Here you can see the dramatic change in the kitchen! In the upper cabinets, the glass shelves and mirrored backs help open them up and add depth. The strange placement of gold paint on the inside of the ceiling tray was replaced with an extension of the new ceiling color. The crown was painted off-white, and I added a gold shimmering grasscloth to the ceiling, inside the recessed tray. This provided drama and emphasis to this ceiling treatment, but in a more natural, aesthetically-pleasing way.

BEFORE

I brightened this hallway up with a new paint color and some plush seating! The sconces were hung at an odd height, so I lowered them to a more balanced position. I gold-leafed the inside of the wall niche for some added glowing warmth, then hung a light, but rich canvas painting on the wall to the right. This painting kept the feeling light, but still rich. The owner of this unit is a lamp and lighting designer, so I thought this brown and gold lamp fabric was just perfect!!

BEFORE

Master Bedroom After:
Having started with quite the blank slate, I begun my design of this room with a subtle printed wallcovering on the bed wall. I painted the walls taupe, like the background of the wallpaper. I covered the grand, tall custom headboard in the same taupe taffeta as the drapes. The gold striped sheers add a subtle gauzy layer of warmth to the room. The lines of the new chandelier emulate the ribbon-work pattern of the wallpaper.

Here you can see how I mixed textures and finishes for an opulent, inviting feel. Cut velvets and dark taupes counterbalance shimmering silks and taffetas, glittering crystal and reflective mirrored vanity. The foot blanket shines and reflects light, almost like water!

I hung some beautiful cream modern art on the side wall to add some contemporary flair, and to brighten up the walls.

This beautiful Henredon chest added some warm woods to the room. I flanked the t.v. with some gold-leafed Currey and Company sconces to add some needed extra light and provide some extra “jewelry” to the room.

BEFORE

Guest Room After:
Again, I got rid of the gold walls, and replaced them with a cream paint, and embroidered cream wallcovering on the bed wall. The tall upholstered bed by Hooker Furniture provided adequate drama and “curve” appeal. I installed some new sconces, replaced the chandelier, and added some tone-on-tone draperies in cream. The gold-splattered cowhide at the foot of the bed adds some warmth to the room.

I mixed velvet with linen and decorative trims.

BEFORE

I decided to choose a design that is slightly more masculine for this room. With taupe as the backdrop, I added in layers of gray, peacock blue and brown. The new mirrored sconces highlight the silver flecks in the fabric wall covering.

The striped fabric is a great faux silk by Maxell Fabrics, and the blue floral and geometric is by Clarke and Clarke Fabrics.