LSA Lake House Project Reveal - Part Two: Personal Spaces
Welcome back to our LSA Lake House project reveal! In this second installment, we’re diving into the personal spaces that make this lake house a serene and functional retreat for our clients. Our mission was to transform this dated, western-style home into a natural, livable haven with a fresh palette of blues, greens, and whites. Let’s explore how each room has been revamped to enhance the experience for our clients and their guests.
Primary Bedroom and Bathroom: Tranquil Retreat
Primary Bedroom
Our goal for the primary bedroom was to create a calming retreat that blends seamlessly with the lake’s natural surroundings. We replaced the old, dated bedding with a natural, more modern selection. The new, matching nightstands offer both style and functionality, even the new fan is a sleek addition. All of the updates invite relaxation and offer the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying the lake views.
Before (left) and after (right) primary bedroom.
Primary Bathroom
In the primary bathroom, we embraced a fresh, spa-like atmosphere. We replaced the outdated floor and countertop tiles with a soothing combination of light granite and dark slate floors. The clean lines of the shaker style cabinets and the black fixtures and accents bring a sense of modernity to this comfortable space.
Before (left) and after (right) primary bathroom.
Guest and Kids Rooms: Fun and Functional
Guest Room 1
For Guest Room 1, we aimed for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. We selected a charming navy blue and gray color scheme, with the main feature of the room being the national park posters above the beds.
Before (left) and after (right) guest room 1.
Guest Room 2
Guest Room 2, features playful yellow and blue decor. Bunk beds provide ample sleeping space, while colorful bedding and butterfly artwork add a touch of whimsy.
Before (left) and after (right) guest room 2.
Guest Bathroom
The guest bathroom has been updated to reflect the home’s new style, with a fresh, clean look that incorporates the greens to mimic the primary bathroom. The new paint and updated cabinetry along with the new art and towel shelf styling really make this space functional, and of course stylish too!
Before (left) and after (right) guest bathroom.
Powder Room & Laundry Area
Moving on to the powder room, we chose the same slate flooring tile to keep a cohesive feel with the rest of the home. The fern artwork is the perfect accent for this small, simple space.
Finally, the laundry room was transformed into a space that is both efficient and inviting. We updated the cabinetry and added wood shelves for storage, making this space one that you actually want to tackle all of your laundry tasks in!
Before (left) and after (middle/right) powder room and laundry area.
The updates to these private spaces have not only modernized the LSA Lake House but have also created a cohesive and inviting environment for their family vacations. The fresh color palette, paired with thoughtful design choices, ensures that each room enhances comfort and style, making this lake house a true retreat from everyday life. We’re thrilled to have been part of this transformation! Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more reveals and behind the scenes insights from our interior design projects!
If you are ready to start your renovation journey, or are just curious about how we work here at CSI, please click the button below to set up a complimentary discover call!
Blessings,
LSA Lake House Project Reveal - Part One: Social Spaces
A vacation home should always feel like a private retreat, a home away from home, a place to relax and unwind, and this lake house transformation definitely hits the mark! We took the 1980s base and put a fresh spin on the interior of this home, one room at a time! Today we’re walking you through room by room, starting with all the social spaces (stay tuned for part two where we’ll highlight the personal spaces!)
Before you even entered this home, you could tell it had some dated qualities, some things that just didn’t quite fit my client’s style, like the kitchen cabinets, furniture, and lack of color. I have worked with these clients for years on various projects, and I knew that some things needed to change for it to fit their lifestyle and personality!
THE FOYER
Firstly, we spruced up this entryway with a new rug, lamps and piece of art. A major transformation for this whole house was painting the interior doors blue. Adding this touch of color and changing out the hardware really modernized the dated space!
THE LIVING AREA
One of the areas with the most need for a facelift was the living room. My client and her family plan to use this home for spending time with friends and family. Because of this, it was very important that this space functioned well and reflected their style. The biggest transformation in this room (aside from the new furniture) was the bookshelves on either side of the mantle. Our design proposal included adding functional, floating, live-edge wood shelves, which provided the PERFECT place to add in family photos and heirlooms with a mix of new decorative items. We included some of the elements that had previously been in the home that were important to the family members that passed the house to my clients. The shelves allow my clients to showcase their family’s history and memories.
THE KITCHEN
The heart of the home - the kitchen - adjacent to the beautiful living space, is another space where family and friends will gather. We refreshed the outdated cabinets, appliances, and hardware, and added some much needed COLOR! We added a butcher block style countertop to the huge island and updated the bar stools to fit the new style. The combination of the wood tones and white and blue cabinets added so much personality to the space.
This lake house, once stuck in the past, now stands as a testament to the beauty of blending old with new. It is a place where memories can be made and cherished, a vacation home that respects its past while boldly stepping into the future. This transformation proves that with vision, creativity, and respect for tradition, even the most uninspired spaces can be transformed into something truly remarkable!
Are you ready to make some changes to your space? Click the link below to schedule your complimentary discovery call below!
Blessings,
Creating a HOME That Reflects YOU!
Usually when my clients come to me, they have an idea of things they like, but they need help making decisions and putting everything together to make a space that feels like HOME to them. You may feel overwhelmed scrolling on Instagram/Facebook seeing other people’s picture perfect homes, design tips, and product suggestions, but don’t know how to turn that into your dream home.
That's why working with a designer is so beneficial, we are on your side and will help transform your specific space into a home that functions well for you and your family (and of course looks amazing!)
One of my recent projects was getting to design a room in the Southern Heritage showroom at The Hickory Furniture Mart (in Hickory, NC.) It is so fun to see my design work on display in a showroom that I shop in for my clients! They told me I could chose anything from the showroom and their outlet to design the space. When walking into a showroom it can be overwhelming to have so many options (I honestly LOVED the scavenger hunt type of search for products that work well together, that's just confirmation to me that I’m in the right field as a designer!) As I curated products and formed a plan, choosing pieces that I liked, and ones that felt like fit the look I wanted to convey, I noticed something: it was a very eclectic selection of pieces.
What do I mean by that?? All of the pieces didn’t necessarily “match” (being all the same shade of wood finish or all having gold accents.) I selected an array of colors, finishes, and even styles of products. The sofa that I selected is more of a transitional piece, while the big piece of art was very bold, abstract and modern. I chose a wooden console with ornate detail and gold lamps. Originally I selected a wooden traditional desk and chair for behind the sofa, but the desk sold and I had to select another and went with a more modern, sleek sofa table with a fluffy bench underneath. The second piece also sold (we are in a showroom lol) so I had to select a third option, a darker wooden looking piece with a fun dog print cube. Swapping each of those pieces really influenced the feel of the entire space, but they all complimented the space nicely.
I say all of that to say that I’m a big supporter of not having to be all “matchy matchy” when designing your home! YES you can mix finishes, put gold and silver in the same room AND combine design styles (traditional, modern, eclectic, etc.) Now, of course there are things that may pair better together than others, but really, you can make the rules because you are the one that will be living in the space for years to come!
So, how can YOU create a home that reflects your unique style??
Take note of things that mean a lot to you. Ex: You inherited your grandmother’s desk, you picked up a cool piece while on vacation. These things may not fit the “mold” of what today’s trends are saying are “in” but if they mean something to you, they are one of the things that will make the space feel like home, so don’t you dare throw those pieces out!
Reevaluate your style NOW. Things you liked 10 years ago, may not be the same today. On the flip side of #1, you have permission to get rid of things that are no longer serving your style!
Look for inspiration. Be careful to not get overwhelmed/discouraged by others picture perfect homes, but you can look for inspiration online, on social media, Pinterest, or even outside in nature or your favorite place!
Get help! I save this one for last, because this is where I come in... after you’ve done #1, #2, and #3, you may have a better sense of direction on how I can be of assistance! It will make the process of revamping your home go a little smoother when we get on the same page about what you want!
Ready to start your forever home transformation today and make your house a HOME? I know that sounds a little cheesy, but really there is a huge difference in a “house” vs a “home.” A house is just a structure, but a home is a place where your family gathers, and comfort and style meets livability! I’m ready to show you what the difference feels like in your home! To get started, or even if you’re just curious on how my process works, head over to our website (www.cindyshugartinteriors.com) to view our services and previous projects OR click below to book a call to talk with me about which area in your home needs some help!
I can’t wait to talk with you!
Blessings,
The “Cousin It” Christmas Tree…
This is definitely not my normal Christmas decor post, BUT when I was asked to do a Christmas tree at the Hickory Furniture Mart this year, of course I said yes!😃 I’m always getting myself into crazy Christmas projects and I do really like doing things in the community to give back, so it’s a fun way to use my decorating abilities!!
My first thought was to do a really fancy, traditionally decorated themed tree, but when I saw that 1) We could base it off of a local charity and that 2) It didn’t have to be a “real” tree, I knew I wanted to come up with something unique!
After our missions meeting on Sunday at church, I was reminded of the need for blankets for the organization called The Children's Advocacy Center here in Catawba county. They give away blankets to children that come through their center and they say that the children always select the fuzzy blankets first! We have made these fleece type blankets before, the ones that you put together two large pieces of fleece and tie the edges together so that it’s got fringe all the way around. After searching for ideas on Pinterest, my brain started kicking in and I decided that maybe I could make a tree out of those blankets somehow. Then, after the contest is over I could donate the blankets to the center, and if my tree should happen to win anything - because there are prizes - I could donate the winnings to The Children’s Advocacy Center.
To me, regardless if my tree “wins,” it’s a win-win because the blankets will go to a great cause!
In order to pull this off I was going to need quite a few blankets… according to my math, I determined that I needed probably about 14. I decided to get my friends to help me and we had a blanket making party! Of course there was good food and fellowship - we made about 10 blankets that evening. We had a great time just being together and it was fun doing a project, knowing that it’s going to help the children at The Children's Advocacy Center.
Of course I couldn’t just leave it plain, so I put a star on top, hung some decorative ornaments and garland, lights, and the finishing touch: packages under the tree! Now that the tree is finished it’s a little CRAZY🤪 and it kind of looks like “cousin it!” But I LOVE the blankets and it’s nice to know that the blankets will be useful and appreciated by the children.
SO… WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH YOU?? Well… I need you to help me (and The Children’s Advocacy Center) by VOTING for my tree!! It is located at the Hickory Furniture Mart near the south entrance by the elevator. Please come by anytime during the month of December and vote for my blanket tree and any others that you like throughout the mart!!🎄🎁🗳️
Blessings,
Just a Little CSI “Retreat” Recap…
Sooo, what have I been up to lately?🤔 Well, this summer has flown by. I have been busy working with my fabulous clients in between helping care for my aging parents.
My daddy was a big personality - he wouldn’t have said that but everyone else would have🥰. He was a great encouragement to me, especially these last 4 years and he has left a very large void. I know that he loved me very much and he will always be a voice of reason, encouragement & wisdom! Rest in peace Daddy ❤.
After all that has been going on, I needed a little retreat! I decided to take a little adventure, but I wasn’t sure where I should go or when. With the summer coming to an end, it seemed like an appropriate time to take some time for myself, as I always like to do something in remembrance of my guy (9/5/23 marked 4 years without him here with us.)
I stepped out of my comfort zone, and decided I would take a long weekend trip to do something to get outside and see this beautiful place we call home. I had sort of told myself that I wouldn’t be doing these trips anymore, because it’s just me (well me and Maverick 🥰), but one Saturday I was watching PBS at lunch and they were going on and on about State and National Parks. We always loved visiting new parks, and going on day trips to the mountains. I decided I still want to see these things - so the adventure planning started!😃
I landed on renting an RV-van✅ (I had never done that before, but it was something that we had talked about doing.)
I decided where I wanted to go ✅ (Somewhere in the NC mountains.)
I found a centrally located campground to park the RV-van with all the amities✅ (Because me and the dog are kinda like house plants😂, we don’t do well in extreme weather.)
We ended up going to Brevard, Asheville and Hendersonville, seeing different places everyday. It really was a wonderful time getting to go places and see things that I haven’t experienced, and some that I have before. One of the things that really confirmed that I wasn’t completely crazy for packing up a van and going on this trip by myself, is that everywhere I turned I was reminded of David🥰. The highway that the RV park was on was NC280 (his birthday is 2/28 and that was kind of “his number” and its very significant in our family.) He would have loved everything about this trip: mountain bikes everywhere, dual sport motorcycles, beautiful landscapes, and “roughing it” in the van! Haha! I went places we had been to together and places we hoped to go to. I’m not really sure why we had never ventured to Brevard, but it is my new favorite! There are so many more places to explore (I might even have to go back!😉)
David IS with me and is the reason I even considered going by myself! Of course, I wish he was still here to travel with me, but am I sad to come with just Maverick? Absolutely not!😃 I don’t think the van could hold anyone else.😂😂😂 Needless to say, time out exploring is so good for the creative mind! It’s nice to be away from the desk and see all the beauty that surrounds us and slow down a bit, but I’m back at it now, so let’s get with it and keep making houses, home!❤️
Blessings,
Introducing CSI’s New: SKETCHING CHALLENGE
They always say it’s good to be a lifelong learner. Well, I seem to go through different phases of learning, and right now I’ve taken up learning a new sketching process. I have always done some level of sketching to help articulate my ideas to clients and trades people, but in a time where online mockups and digital room renderings are taking the stage, I felt like I needed to up my sketching game.
In searching for some inspiration to improve my sketching skills, I found a mini sketching course from Shannin Williams (and might I add, she is rocking the interior design sketching world!) Her specialty is hand rendered drawings and sketches that are so fabulous!! Her method of sketching/rendering seems to be simple enough to not overcomplicate things, but detailed enough for you to definitely get the “vibe” of a room, just from looking at ink on a piece of paper! So, when I saw there was a course where I could work on improving my own skills, I was hooked! I’m the type of girl that loves all things pens, papers and office supplies, so getting new markers, pens, pencils and paper was definitely a fun way to start!
During the course, we learned how to sketch/draw under her direction. It was so awesome to see the things we learned coming to life on the paper. Now looking back at some of the sketches I did during the class, I can’t even believe that it's something I did, and I can’t wait to share this new (or… improved) service with my clients!
So, why would I take the time to work on improving my sketching & rendering skills?? Really, I felt like it was time for me to start offering a service to my clients that helped me convey my design ideas, while also helping my design process. I have been working through different ways to show my design ideas like online mockups, sketching in all different styles, attempting to sketch digitally, and none have really stood out as a great option for me. BUT, I have found this new way to be so much fun, and it's a great hands on creative outlet that I didn’t know I needed. My goal in taking these courses was to improve my sketching so that I am able to relay my design ideas effectively to my clients so they are able to envision what the selections will look like in their space.
I really think hand sketching is an essential skill for interior designers, because it allows us to be able to communicate our ideas and concepts to clients, team members, and contractors. While digital tools have made their way into the industry, hand sketching remains a valuable skill that I will continue to implement in my business.
Now, are my sketches perfect? That would be a definite NO! Sketching out my design ideas has always been part of my design process even when I do not share them with my clients. So, to elevate my skills and provide more value to my clients is a huge win for CSI!
I hope that you follow along on social media for more of CSI’s Sketching Challenge, where I will be sharing some behind the scenes of my “sketching journey!”
I would love to make your space come to life! To get started on your project, click below to schedule a complimentary discovery call!
Blessings,
Ready, Set, Refresh: 5 Steps to a Stunning Outdoor Living Space
Steps to a Stunning Outdoor Living Space
NC weather in May can be unpredictable but having a functional outdoor space can be a great addition to any home. Whether you're looking to create a relaxing spot to unwind after a long day or a place to entertain guests, an outdoor area can provide the perfect solution. I had the pleasure of working with a client to refresh their space and make it functional and beautiful.
Update Upholstery:
One of the first things you should consider when updating your outdoor space is the upholstery. Weather-resistant and durable materials like Insideout, Crypton or Sunbrella fabrics are perfect for outdoor use. Updating your cushions, chairs, and even your outdoor sofa can give your space a fresh new look and make it more comfortable for lounging. Fabrics, that is where I usually start and for an outdoor space selecting a durable performance fabric is a necessity. Also, when having your seat cushions recovered, make sure you let your upholster know they will be used outside and whether they will be under a covered porch or out in the open. This all makes a difference in the type of fill that is used so that the cushions will perform and hold up for you.
InsideOut Fabric
My client has already reached out to me about how amazing the indoor/outdoor fabrics are! One of her friends spilled red wine on one of her light gray cushions, and it just wiped off - no trace of wine!
2. Update Rugs:
Just like inside, rugs bring things together grounding a space . Outdoor rugs are a great way to add color and texture to your space. Choose a rug that is weather-resistant and easy to clean. There are many different styles and patterns to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste.
3. Add Greenery that is Faux:
If you're not much of a gardener, adding faux greenery can be a great way to add some life to your outdoor space. Faux plants and trees are available in a variety of styles and can be placed in pots or planters to create a natural look. This is a vacation home and keeping plants alive was not something they wanted to worry with so I was able to select options of plants that are native to our area and look appropriate all summer long with adding a touch of color. I understand that this is not the option for everyone, but it totally works for this space.
4. Make a Serving Area:
Creating a serving area is a great way to make your outdoor space more functional. Consider adding a small table or bar cart where you can serve drinks and snacks while entertaining guests. If space is limited, a foldable table may be a great option. In this project I selected a rolling bar cart that can be moved around and has multiple shelves. This makes a flexible serving area and also opportunity for pops of color.
5. Create Ambiance with Lighting:
My client had some twiggy trees with lights on them and I was able to pot them in nice containers, hide the cords and install an adapter to be able to turn the lights on and off via remote because the outlet was not in a convenient location. Outdoor lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your space. String lights, lanterns, and torches are all great options for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can also add spotlights to highlight specific areas of your yard or garden.
Updating your outdoor space can be a fun and rewarding project. By incorporating these ideas, you can create a functional and beautiful space that you'll love spending time in. I would be glad to help you get started on the transformation of your outdoor space to be more comfy and functional for all your summer get-togethers, click the button to set up a complementary call with me to see what we can do to transform your space!!
Blessings,
3 Common Paint Color Selection Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Picking the right paint color for your space is HARD. I get it. All the blues either look too purple or too green, whites look pink or yellow, and you aren’t sure if you should go a little lighter or a little darker. If you can’t tell what shade will look right in your space, it’s probably causing a little frustration (maybe a lot of frustration, let’s be honest!) I see a lot of color in this business, some good and some, well… not so good:/ So today I’m going to give you some designer insight into how to avoid some of the most common paint color selecting disaster scenarios! Now, no judgment if you can relate to any of these, I’m just here to let you know there is hope for you if you’re stuck!
Three Paint Color Disaster Scenarios and How to Avoid Them:
Ok we’ll start with the “it’s too bright, too much color and it kind of hurts my eyes” paint color. It may have looked like your favorite color in the paint store, but it turns out that it was just wayyyy too much color up on the walls. Maybe it would be a good accent wall color, but it DEFINITELY does not deserve to take up space on all four walls. Well here is a simple tip: go a several shades lighter (and maybe go with a shade that is more muted than your original paint swatch!) This will help the room breathe and be a little more calming, instead of so… in-your-face!
Next up is the “it doesn’t seem quite right for the space” paint color. Color psychology is a real thing, and if you haven’t looked into it, you definitely should! Color has a direct affect on your mood, productivity, energy, appetite and more! Did you know that painting your office blue could increase your productivity? Or that a red kitchen could increase your appetite? Green has a calming effect, while orange is an energetic color. So before selecting a color (or reselecting a color), you might want to check what colors are best for the type of room you are planning to paint!
Lastly, the “it didn’t turn out like the swatch” paint color. Every color will look different in your home, up on the walls, than it did in the store or on the fan deck of paint swatches. It is difficult for most people to envision what the whole room will look like painted the color of a tiny swatch when you hold it up to your wall. Some tricks that may help you here, are ordering a bigger swatch (I’ve got connections for that) and/or getting the smallest paint can size of one or several swatches that you really like, and paint a section of the new color(s) on your walls. If you know you are going to paint, this isn’t a problem because you will just paint over it with the color you end up selecting! Another tip: you may want to paint a sample swatch on a few different walls or even a piece of poster board and move it to see how it looks at different angles with different lighting. Painting a sample will also help you see the color at different times of day and the different lightings of your room.
Not sure what to do next?
If you find yourself in any of these paint color scenarios, or one of your own, and navigating the color spectrum just isn’t your thing, or the thought of it all overwhelms you, DON’T WORRY! Just click below to fill out my contact form to see if I can help you with your paint color selections!
Blessings,
5 Steps to Prepare For a Design Project:
Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “This could be better.”? You might be really frustrated with how your home looks or how it functions and just overall not happy. If your home is in need of a face-lift, here are some steps to take in starting the process of transformation!
Look for inspiration! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the inspiration stage is so important. You might not know exactly what you want your space to look like (that's what you have me for) but you can probably tell the difference between things that you love and things that you hate. Everybody has opinions, right? Simply look around you, on Pinterest, in stores and collect pictures and items of things that you like, even if they don't really go together! You may be surprised what can help “spark” the project and be a central piece to finding your unique design style!
Create your ideal wishlist. There might be some things that you just HAVE to keep or really want to incorporate into your new space. Maybe you have an antique desk that you really want in your office or you really want your walls painted green… whatever it is, we can try to incorporate things that are meaningful and important to you. Spoiler alert: I'm not here to design your space to my style, I’m here to design your space to YOUR style. Makes sense, right?
Set the overall “goal” of the project. What is your main goal for the project you are planning? Maybe it is to lighten up the space, update the furnishings, make it look more modern, create an open layout? Having a project goal will help us stay on track to make the project a success!
Declutter your space (to prep for new items.) If your space is anything like mine sometimes, life happens and things pile up. It is kind of hard to imagine a transformed space if there are huge stacks of mail, clothes to be donated, and that one chair in the corner that you have been meaning to get rid of for months! I'm not saying that to shame you, believe me I understand, but sometimes you have to weed out some things to bring in new things. It's easier to start fresh when your space is ready for it!
Last but definitely not least: Have an open mind and be ready for change (you know, the good kind.) It's pretty self explanatory, but you need to prepare yourself for the new things that are coming. It will be an exciting process that will result in a transformed space!
This list is not meant to overwhelm you, only to help guide you in the right direction! You can take as long as you need to do them, but when you’re ready, I can help you transform your space! Do you want to feel confident with your home and proud to show off your space to your friends and family? Book a free 15 minute call with me to see how we can get started on your project!
Blessings,
Scared of the word “Remodel”? Check out our process!
Walk through our process of renovating a Study/Sitting Room!
Renovations can be overwhelming and tricky if you don’t know what you are doing, but with the right help they can be very manageable and rewarding projects! The project that we will be walking through is a study/sitting room renovation. The client wanted to update the room to make it a more useful room in their home. Let’s get started!!
The main objective of this project was to lighten up the space and update it to go with the rest of the house (which was also being renovated at the time.) The clients had several pieces of furniture that were antiques and had sentimental value that they wanted to keep in the room. The room had stained crown moulding and stained wainscoting that they wanted to keep as well. Usually, if a client has that one thing that they want to keep (or have to keep) it really helps set the direction for the renovation/refresh. This was definitely the case for this study. Before, the room was very dark and rarely used and they wanted it to be a comfortable space to read and relax with no TV :). Our goal was to lighten the room and make it comfortable and inviting!
THE BEFORE
This room was used as the study, office, and occasional guest bedroom with a sofa-bed and computer printer. The guest room aspect was rarely used and the printer really didn’t need to be in that room. The dark wallpaper, the dark wood floor, and the dark leather sofa really gave the room the “study” feel, but it was not a cozy, comfy space to come sit in and read.
THE INSPIRATION
The rich wood tones of the wainscoting and the floor made the selection of the lighter wall color and sofa color the perfect combination. We selected a light creamy, grey paint color that worked nicely with the wood (it gives the warm tones a chance to shine!) Also, selecting that light color for above the wainscoting completely changed the feel of the room. Even though the bottom half of the room is dark, having the top half light just opens up the room to feel completely different - better! Because the clients were planning to use this room as a sitting room/reading room, the light walls make it to where you can see much better to read! The selection of fabric versus leather for the sofa also gives the room a comfy, cozy, inviting feel.
THE PLAN
My process usually involves a sketch to help me and the client visualize how the space will change. It helps me work through what the room needs and what elements need to go where to make everything balanced. This rendering is a great example of being able to see the wood floor and wainscoting with the idea of the light walls before actually doing anything to the room. In person you might think that the bottom part of the room would be too heavy for light walls, but this drawing shows how you can balance that with the furniture, accesssories, art, and rug selection. We kept an accent rocking chair and an antique desk, but got a new sofa, a pair of cube ottomans (with storage), added mixed matched end tables, and a beautiful upholstered accent chair. The challenge came when deciding on art for the room. I am a firm believer that art should be something that you really like (of course there are exceptions), but for this room we needed something extra special. My clients wanted art that was related to Appalachian folk/bluegrass music - and we were able to find something so perfect for the room, I believe it was God sent! They wanted this specific subject of art because they had some instruments that they wanted to display in the room and love that genre of music. I love that we were able to find something like this to tie the room together and add that personal touch!
THE RESULT
We started this project with a dark, dated, unused room, and ended it with a light, cozy, inviting space that my clients love! They even sent me a message one Sunday morning with a picture of the sun coming in the window and said just how beautiful it was in there and how much they enjoy the room that they really never did before. It’s a comfortable room to sit and cozy up with a good book and read. I would consider this project a success! My clients have a new room in their home to enjoy!
Blessings,
Starting a renovation? You need to read this!
Are you starting (or thinking about starting) a renovation in the near future? Well you are in the right place! What do you need to save time and money during a renovation?? An Interior Designer! (And I’m not just saying that because I am one!) Here’s why:
Renovation projects can be overwhelming, maybe even so overwhelming that you don’t even want to start!
Our job is to make the process manageable. When you call us in before you get started, we can help you plan and make the design decisions needed BEFORE getting in the middle of your project and freaking out because you don’t have everything you need. Things run so much more smoothly when you have a plan in place!
Sometimes we are called in AFTER the demo has started and some selections are made. (Ideally this is not where you want to be.) It causes more stress on you are the homeowner, most likely more time because there can be delays and more money. Calling us in to help during the initial stages will save you all three of those in the end (stress, time, & money!) It’s usually cheaper and saves you time to just do it right the first time!
Let me save you some time by sharing what I’ve learned about the reno process. I would love to help you make your house your dream forever home! It really is possible, with small steps or just one big leap!
RENOVATION TIPS:
You need a plan.
An interior designer can help you make that plan (whether that is me or not!)
Yes, it won’t happen overnight, you must learn to have patience.
It will be so worth the investment in the end when you love your home!
Starting a reno project soon or just dreaming about one right now? Book a call with me to make a plan for getting started! (Making a plan is definitely the place to start!)
Blessings,
A Designer’s Christmas Tree
I suspect that people are curious as to what the designer’s personal Christmas tree looks like. As I go into your homes and work with you and your Christmas treasures (new & old) I’m reminded that we are all the same. A Christmas tree represents so much. The obvious of course is that evergreen is a symbol of everlasting life/Christ. This evergreen tree brings back a flood of memories from childhood to the present. For me, growing up we had a real tree until the mid 70’s then we had an artificial tree. Tinsel was always on the tree (until we got a cat😬) and all our special ornaments. I looked forward to seeing those special items every year.
After I got married David and I used my Mom’s artificial tree our 1st Christmas. David was not on board. He kept reminding me that it did not smell like Christmas, so that started the tradition of a real tree every year.
Early on I didn’t know what I was doing 😂. But that didn’t stop me from trying. I would do theme type trees accenting certain colors and of course coordinating the wrapping paper to match the tree design. I love wrapping! Then I graduated to having a more “fancy” tree when I fell in love with Christopher Radko ornaments. I would add ornaments that had meaning and my friends and family contributed to my love for all things shiny & bright!
When Maggie came along, thinking back, I think my house must have looked like someone threw up Christmas everywhere!😂 it was fun and bright everywhere! People would say “You’re going to get tired of this one day”. I couldn’t believe that. But it was so. I’m not sure if I was tired of it or if life just had other priorities for me, but I was okay with scaling things back.
Maggie was 3 and learning to play her guitar like her daddy.
Finally one year it snowed at Christmas 😃. Here in the south snow at Christmas is the dream and that year the dream came true. I believe it was my favorite Christmas. I was forced to stop, slow down and just be still. The blanket of white leaves this calm-stillness that is just perfectly beautiful! So after that I really started to be okay with not having everything perfect and you know what-Christmas still came and the world didn’t end!
The last several years have been different. I’ve been in a different place. I make everyone else’s homes beautiful and festive then come home to do the most simple decor for myself. I love it. I love that I allow myself to NOT do everything. What a freeing feeling. I paired down to just 1 big tree - my “fancy” tree. As I said we always get a real tree and I have specific requirements. I like tall, skinny, gappy trees. This allows my beautiful ornaments to have stout branches to hang on. Over the years my hubby would give a budget for the tree and when the trees cost more than the budget we looked at the back row bargains and would find some real gems like the “wall hugger” (the back side completely gone), the “top less” (the top got broken off), and the “tabletop” tree (usually a tree that got really damaged and all that was left was the top). Somehow all of these trees look beautiful after they have lights and snow (I flock my trees every year with spray snow-it’s a must!).
The last several years I have only put one ornament on my tree. It was enough, and all I wanted. This year somehow I was ready to do more. I am so thankful to all of my clients that have allowed me into their homes to make things festive and I guess seeing that made me want it for me and Maggie. So this year our tree has ornaments. I really forgot how beautiful they are! My tree is not crazy themed, just filled with love and memories!
Blessings,
What is it like Working as a Mother-Daughter Team?
“What is it like to work as a mother-daughter team?”
(Disclaimer: we each wrote our answer to this question without knowing what the other wrote… so this should be interesting!)
Cindy: I love this question! I’ve been working with my girl - well pretty much 20 years. I always loved having her with me when she was out of school and my clients always seemed to enjoy seeing her and have watched her grow up. There are many advantages for me having her work at CSI. 1) She knows ME. We don’t have to get to know each other. She already knows what to expect from me. 2) I love the convenience of her being right here so when I have an idea we can brainstorm anytime. 3) I love how she understands the value of what we’re doing and gets excited with me about projects. 4) Most importantly I love working through a project with her. It’s so fun to see things from her perspective too, and I love bringing my girl into my interior design world introducing “My Daughter”.
Maggie: Hmmm I don’t really even know where to start… I have kind of unofficially “worked for my mom” for a long time. I have been her intern for years and would go with her to appointments and to the furniture mart and shopping for clients. As I got older I learned more and more from watching her do what she loved. I started being more involved in this business, little by little. I love that she included me and would ask for my opinion on projects. When I officially started working for CSI in August of 2020 it was kind of a bumpy start. At the time I was still in school and very busy trying to finish that up and school was my priority. When I graduated that’s when it was more real: I have a real job. Something still didn’t click and I wasn’t always the most reliable employee, and it was a little tricky separating work and life because of working for my mom and at home. I think I was very burnt out from school and just needed a break. Since then we have worked through some of the kinks of working together (because believe it or not we don’t always see eye to eye🤣.) Despite the challenges that come along with working with a family member… we really do work well together (and have fun!) Because I have been her shadow for so many years I understand most pieces of this business and can help work through things. I love all that this job allows me to do and I really do love working with my moma!!
Blessings,
Four Common Misconceptions About Interior Designers
“Designers are rigid and uptight.” I love to prove people wrong on this one. I love what I do and enjoy making the process as fun and as positive as possible. Things can get stressful but it is all in how you choose to handle it that makes things stressful. During these crazy times I think we have all been reminded of what is most important and a little patience is good. :0)
“They won’t reflect my taste.” A good designer listens. They really listen to what the client likes and dislikes to create a design that truly is their style, sometimes even when they can’t express what that style is. One of the best compliments I had was when a client thought my style and hers was the same because of how well I designed her space. Of course my likes and dislikes do factor in because I wouldn’t select or design something that I didn’t like, but ultimately the clients needs and likes drive my choices and may not always my personal style. That is the way it is supposed to be.
“Hiring a Designer will break the bank.” I’m sure some could break the bank but there are all ranges of experiences and fees. As for me, I don’t think I will break the bank. We work together to decide which of my services will work best with your project. The purpose of a good designer is to save you time, money, and mistakes. I get called in many times after a client has tried to do it themselves and then realize after spending lots of $$$ on something that turned out bad, that they need me to help fix the situation. In reality they would have saved time, money and mistakes if they would have started with a designer. Some of us learn best the hard way. Using an Interior Designer opens doors and eyes. We select items and products that the average DIYer wouldn’t have connections with and we give design options that are from a different perspective.
“Their homes are perfectly staged.” This one is just hilarious! As we have always heard, the cobbler's children don’t have shoes and the painter's house needs painting. Well, the same goes for this designer. I love my home. It’s nothing fancy. It was built by my husband’s grandparents in the early 50’s but inside is more than beautiful things. It’s a collection of memories. A mirror that hung in my Momaw’s house for as long as I can remember, now hangs in mine. The stove in my kitchen is probably from the late 50’s or early 60’s and some of the burners don’t work but I love it and don’t want a shiny new one. I did renovate my home office this year and I’m still so excited about having this done and functional! But, as many beautiful things that are here, it’s not a showroom it’s a home. It’s livable, comfortable, and pretty – not perfect. As beautiful as a space can be, part of what makes it really great is when that beauty and function come together to make home the most wonderful place!
If you are curious if I could be the designer for you, I invite you to schedule a free Discovery call with me. We can have a conversation about your needs and see if I can help you make your house - Home!
Blessings,
The Reveal!!!
Well, the day has finally come for everyone to see what all of the hoopla has been about for the last 8 weeks and my One Room Challenge. This project has pushed me along to complete it in a timely way that probably would not have happened this quickly had it not been for the challenge. I’m happy to be finished and even more happy to get to work in this beautiful space!
I have to give a little disclaimer—I did exactly what I complained about several weeks ago—I have been tweaking for weeks just what I wanted on my bookcases and storage cubes. Yes, as soon as those wall cabinets went up I started assessing what I had, what I needed to make them function well and if I needed to select some new items to make everything just right. Yes, I did purchase a few items to add to my collection but I’m proud to say (and my hubby would be proud) that the majority of the items in the bookcases and storage cubes are things I’ve had and love. So, when you watch my time lapse of me styling the bookshelves, know that it might be quickly done on camera but it was truly weeks of adding and subtracting items to be just right.
When styling shelves for clients I love to use things that have value for them. It gives the design more meaning. So, this is exactly what I did. No, some of the items I probably wouldn’t buy for a client but, I’m the client so it’s what brings me joy!
The most rewarding part of this project is having a space to create. I have many interests. My job—interior design—crafting, card making, journaling, painting, all things paper crafting, creating & cutting on my Silhouette machine, scraping, sewing, flower arranging and I could go on and on but you get the picture. Now all of my interests have a home.
I am finally going to reveal what my space looked like BEFORE 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀!
NOW🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩!
Photo Credit: Maggie Marie Photography
The materials used for my office are as follows:
Paint - Sherwin Williams
Cabinets - Ikea
Table/Desk - Wood from West Penn Woods, Legs custom made by brother and powder coated by Powder River Technologies
Rug - Rug and Home, Gaffney SC
Desk Chairs - Wayfair
Accent Chair - Ikea
Pouf - Fabric / Greenhouse and made by Martha Fox
Window treatments - Fabric Stout Brothers and made by Martha Fox
Lighting - Ceiling and wall sconces from Amazon
Storage basket cubes - Target
Plan basket - Ikea
Mood board - Fabric - Stout Brothers and foam insulation from Lowe’s
Hardware on the cabinets - Amazon
So much went into this space but thankfully a lot of decorative items I already had and some refinished for a new life! Now I’m ready to have my friends over to see my space and party a bit and have some fun! Because this girl boss is going to be very busy! Thanks for coming along with me on this 8 week journey.
Blessings,
Week 7 ORC | It’s a Wrap!
Well, I believe it’s a wrap for my Spring 2021 One Room Challenge! I think I have finished all of my DIY projects for the office (but not the design creep of the back hall😂). So, now it is time to style my cabinets and clean, then have my photographer📸 do her thing🤩. I put the final finish coat on my desk earlier in the week so I have been working in the office. I love being in there and everything having its own place. Maverick loves “going to work” too! He likes to play and chase his ball. Martha Fox finished my window treatments and I installed them earlier this week too. Also, she made my pouf(a fabric cube). I thought it would be easy enough to just fill it with bean bag fill. Okay, well you really need 4-6 hands to do this. I made quite a mess with bean bag balls everywhere and more seemingly going in the floor than in the pouf😳😂. I thought it would be a funny video but my shoulder blocked all the fun.
Plans for the rest of this week are to finish the back hall -paint trim & ceiling, install wallpaper, install new ceiling light, clean wood floor, hang art and install rug. That’s all😬.
We are planning on doing a Facebook & Instagram live on Thursday 6/24 with the final reveal. Please join us as we celebrate the completion of this project and all the future ones to be created in this space!
Blessings,
PS Go check out some other awesome projects being completed next week with everyone’s final reveal! The #orcspring2021 has been fabulous to watch all the transformations happening!
Home Stretch
This is week 6 of the Spring 2021 One Room Challenge. I feel like I am in some kind of race but, I’m not an athlete, never have been. A project definitely has a finish line and it feels like a race sometimes. When I come home at the end of the day on install day, boy do I feel like I have run a race or been run over - one or the other :0) This project is definitely a race that I plan on wining! Now, I’m not saying that I will win on the other room that I decided to add to this project, but I’m sure going to give it my best!
This project has not been easy but has been so good for me personally for several reasons: 1- there are clear start and finish times (I am a creative and time gets away with us some) 2- it has moved me to do some much needed clearing out & etc. 3- The reality of the end product and how awesome it will be has moved me along the process quicker even though there are pieces of the projects that I don’t want to do, I keep telling myself how wonderful it will be in the end so that propels me forward through challenging tasks. Just like I tell my clients, “it has to get worse before it can get better!”
We have completed quite a bit and now we are drawing close to the home stretch. We are planning on finishing strong! Now just a few more things on the to do list:
Finish cleaning out boxes and filing things away and making a new home for everything
Hopefully install new desk/table and do final finish on the top
Finish taking down wallpaper in the back hall :/
Paint the trim in the back hall :/
Hang back hall wallpaper :/
Select and order rug for back hall
Order light fixture for back hall & install it
Clean out office closet enough so the door will close
Finalize cabinet organization and weed out unneeded items
Buy accent chair, table for beside chair possibly a pillow in chair
Buy/select trash can and a container for plans
Accessorize bookcases
Hopefully window treatments will be done for the office and install those
Maybe pressure wash and paint my back porch
Work on reveal party :0)
Not much😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Watch and see if we can get it done and go check out the other Guest Participants of the One Room Challenge #oneroomchallenge to see their progress too!
Blessings,
It's Really Happening!!
Week 5 of 8 weeks of the Better Homes and Garden Spring One Room Challenge is here, I am still in shock and surprise at my transformation! All that has gotten done and that we are almost finished with my office makeover! I love a good plan, but even more, I love seeing that said plan be completed. So, where are we in the plan…
Make the plan
Start cleaning out the room
Layout cabinets
Purchase cabinets
Rent a van to hall the cabinets home
Put cabinets together
Continue cleaning out the room-donating & throwing away
Get accent color paint
Prime the backs of the upper cabinets(wait 7 day before painting top coat)
Paint backs of upper cabinets
Select live edge wood for desk/table
More cleaning out :|
Run new wiring for lighting over cabinets
Select style and size of steel legs for desk/table
My brother bent the steel for the legs
Take legs to be powder coated
Get wall color and trim paint
Patch and paint walls
Install cabinets
Even more cleaning out and donating
Install countertops
Pull wiring for new lights
Order fabrics for window treatments, pouf & memo board
Send instructions to workroom for window treatments and pouf
Really, is there even anything else to clean our? YES!
Start organizing what goes where in my new cabinets :)
Select and order office chairs
Install new lighting
Design creep going on-start pulling down wallpaper in the back hall(It needs a refresh too!)
Make piece of art for the office
Select wallpaper for the back hall & order it
Select and purchase rug for under desk/table
Paint all trim in office and back hall
Move everything out to clean wood floors
Make Memo board and install
What is to come…
Finalize organizing the cabinets and storage
Hang art
Put rug back & bring in desk/table
Purchase accent chair & return unused items to IKEA
Accessorize everything :0)
Take pictures
Brand photo shoot in my new fabulous space!
Have a Facebook/Instagram Live Reveal Party!! Everyone is invited to watch and see the reveal live!
Whew! There it is, almost all of the steps. What I didn’t include is all of the hours of researching, selecting, trying to decide what room I wanted to do and what I wanted. Somehow it is always easier to select for someone else. When it comes to what I want or need it takes a little more time. That is why I actually started the whole process in February when I signed on as a Guest Participant of the Spring One Room Challenge. Thanks for coming along with me on this journey. It is kind of a fresh start for my work environment and I’m excited to create in this beautiful space! I am ready for your projects so reach out and set a free 15 minute discovery call to see how we can work together on your next project!
Blessings,
The Turning Point
This is week 4 of the One Room Challenge of which I am excited to be a guest participant! I can’t believe we are ½ way through this challenge.
One of the things I enjoy most about doing what I do is the transformation that happens and what that actually means for the family that lives in the home. This time I get to experience the transformation. It is going to be a game changer for me and my workflow having this well designed space and a home for all of my tools. A beautiful space to create in is just about more than my heart can stand!
A lot has happened this week. I finally made the decision on the window treatment fabric & ordered it. I selected a fabric for a custom pouf and the fabric for a wall mood board that will be a DIY project. My fabulous brother got the wiring done for the new lights that will be installed and he installed the counter tops on the wall cabinets. Now, we just have to paint the trim so the new lighting can be installed.
I hope my clients have this much fun seeing their projects get completed! I love it! Stay tuned!
Blessings,
Plans Change
This is week 3 of the One Room Challenge of which I am a Guest Participant. I am so excited about this room I chose to make over - my home office! As I’ve said before this room has been neglected for a long time and with the shut down and then a new puppy I found myself working most of the time in my Living room. The thought of making this room function well and look beautiful just makes me so happy.
One of the starting points of this room was the paint colors. I do not always start with the paint color but for this room the color was most important. I wanted “my color” (Sherwin Williams SW6566 Framboise) to be the backs of the upper cabinets. So with white cabinets(SW7006 Extra White trim) I wanted a nice soft neutral for the walls (SW7051 Analytical Gray) All of the colors are on brand and I love it!
The original design was to have my desk/counter be connected to the wall cabinets and be like a peninsula. Well, plans changed with the purchase of stock cabinets. But, that gave me the option of doing whatever kind of table/desk that I wanted 😃. I loved the idea of a dining table, something old, probably painted. After some shopping and looking at ideas I landed on something completely different - a live edge slab with flat steel bent legs powder coated in gold. I love the organic nature of the wood with the clean simple lines of my cabinets. This look just works so well! No, it’s not what I had planned but I think the changes are even better than the original plan.
Shopping for the slab was so much fun! We have a wonderful resource here called West Penn Woods. I took my brother to help me select a slab, (since he is helping me with my project). We found so many beautiful things but we finally landed just the right piece. I will be using a stain to enhance the wood but also blend well with the other colors in the room.
It is coming together! Love, love seeing progress. Three weeks down, 5 to go!
Blessings,
