Now Here Is A Before And After

Good Afternoon!

I am officially done with the Byron Forest Preserve lobby and receptionist area.  I hope you like it..

This is when you would come into the space.  Behind that wall was the receptionist area.  Dated lighting..

After..space is opened.  Updated lighting and wall removed, new flooring (wood tile).  We also painted the walls a light grey and added new cedar to posts.

Before.. receptionist area that was behind the wall

After.. new appropriate lighting and wall removed.

brand new counter my husband and I designed

water feature to add calming atmosphere

 adding softness with curtains.

Before...sitting area

dated flooring, lighting and definitely not a place where anyone wants to sit and relax.

After.. Fresh paint, natural log seating, lighting, flooring, and art make the space more inviting to linger for a bit.

Custom wall art of the species you will find at the Forest Preserve..

 

Completely open to the receptionist area..

Before.. heading toward elevators.  Inadequate lighting and just a plain afterthought.

After.. we created an extra sitting area with brochures that you can catch up on the latest events in the area.  Lighting and a mirror were key to add more softness to this expanse space.

 No longer an afterthought..

 

Before.. restroom area and coat "closet"

After.. we thought it would be fun to add these cardboard taxidermy to the area where the kids hang their coats and on the way to the restrooms

I hope you enjoyed this before and after.  The Byron Forest Preserve was a joy to work with : )

BTW..

Thanks for all the prayers for my family in New Jersey in the path of the storm.  They are doing well.

Please contact the American Red Cross and see what you can do to help those that are suffering through this tragic situation.  God bless.

Grand Opening

Good Afternoon!

Just recently the project that I had been working on (Byron Forest Preserve) had an open house to showcase my design.  I was so honored to be there, connect, and watch people enjoy the space.  I only have minimal pics but will be taking more in about a couple weeks for you all to see final reveal.

 

These were taken in the beginning of the night.  We had such a great turn out.  Thank you to the Byron Forest Preserve for putting on this event.  It was wonderful to work with them.

BTW :

I am in the business of creating spaces that just make you want to linger.  If that's what you desire, email me about design services.  Thank you. : )

Wood Tile

Good Afternoon!  It has been awhile since I wrote..this has been an incredibly busy time for me but I have missed you all dearly.  

I am so happy that the floors are looking amazing.  The installation is going well at the Byron Forest Preserve.  We went with a tile that has a wood grain look to it without being literal as with a wood plank tile.  This would be a great alternative to those of you who want a wood look for a basement but might be concerned "if" you would have a water issue.  It is stunning and everyone who has seen it likes it.

 The posts have been stripped down and are getting prepared for new cedar wrapping.

 We have the new curved counter top (skeleton) being put up.  Clutter is gone and you really get the sense of space this place has.

All the painting has been done (Behr Paint)

I am so excited to see the first pendant light to go up : )

BTW..

I was so excited for my last little one to have his first day at school.  He was so excited.  There is nothing like seeing your kids come into their own.  I am in the middle of other design projects (which I love) and trying to get my bedroom at least painted and one of my nightstands some TLC, while being a full time Mom and wife.  One thing I have to say is I wouldn't trade all this for anything.  Hope you guys have a great weekend : )

One more thing..if you don't know about my project at the Byron Forest Preserve you can read the whole process here:

1. Out With The Old

2. Demolition Gotta Love It

3. Patching And Building

Patching And Building

Good Afternoon!

There have been major decisions made concerning the Byron Forest Preserve.  I decided to go with this..

This carpet is made to handle snow, dirt, etc.. and will be adhered to the floor as soon as you walk through a small entry way into the building.  This works better than a mat because you can replace the carpet tiles that have gotten worn over time.

Here is my decision for the granite..

I love this color.  Since we are dealing with a forest preserve these colors call out the richness that you would see outdoors, very earthy.

Went into Chicago for this..

Yes, art for the space!  I am a true believer in go big or don't even try.  This picture brings me into the simplistic beauty of nature.

So while I was out and about doing what I love (ahem..shopping) major work was going on at the building.

Old lighting had been removed.  I have a hate for fluorescent lighting.  It never makes a space or anyone look any better.  Do you see the space in between those double doors?  That's where that carpet will go. 

Down the hallway that leads to bathrooms, kids mudroom and vending machine.

Old tile taken up : )  No more Burger King tile.

This is another hallway and it goes to elevators.

Here is the receptionist area.  A complete difference to how it was before.  The counter that my husband and I designed is being built.  As you can see the holes for the recessed lighting are getting ready to be put in.

You can read about the process thus far in Out With The Old and Demolition Gotta Love It.

BTW...

I was just at the school I was volunteering with Sharefest and saw the table top I had designed for the teachers lounge.  Here it is..

 
Easily wipeable (vinyl).  So excited.  It made my heart glad to hear from the teachers how much they like it.  

Well, I hope you have a great rest of the day.  I am off to organize my bedroom.

Room Of The Day

Good Afternoon!

When I saw this space I knew I just had to share it.

(Elle Decor )

What a way to bring the outside in.  All the furniture is different but it's all using similar materials.  Your eye is not distracted from the beautiful mural.  If I ever get another home..high ceilings is a must so I can do something dramatic like this.

What do you think?  Do you find murals a great feature in a home or not something you want to commit to?

BTW..

My family comes down this weekend.  So very excited to see them : )

Also, the Byron Forest Preserve is coming along great.  Huge progress is being made.  Here's a little sneaky peek.

They Are Finally Up

 Good Morning!

It's been awhile and I have missed the blog and all of you : )

Corey and I finally got the pelmuts up but I must tell you it was hard work getting them secure.  He built them to last forever.  If you want to read more about it go here.

 We are getting the anchors put in the wall to hold them up because it was a little heavy.

 (anchors)

You also have to use L-Brackets to mount them up on the wall.

After all the hard work..here they are up in my kitchen

 

 I am so happy with them.  It really was a family project and we had a great time doing it.

What are your favorite window treatments?

BTW..

Tile is being laid in the Byron job.  Paint has gone on the walls and the space has so much more life.  It is so exciting : )