Poet Dylan Thomas wrote Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.  I’ve thought of his life-affirming poem several times recently working with a couple on a move to Spring Grove, Illinois.

Beginning with our original phone chat, I could tell this husband and wife team were going to be different from what I might have expected from a retiree couple moving into a new home.  Rather than our usual “senior move” clients, it was obvious from the get-go, they had no intention of going gently into any “good night”!

Instead of downsizing into smaller accommodations, they were actually upsizing into a larger home.  Wanting to make room for their adult children, their spouses and grandchildren, the couple had purchased a country home complete with a large finished basement and in-ground pool.

Far from a simple move-in operation, plans included substantial updates to the home to better enjoy it and share with family.  Plans were made for:  new hardwood floors, fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and kitchen updates.  Also, new furniture, custom window treatments, artwork and accessories were needed in many of the rooms.

Kitchen Table

BEFORE

Breaking large projects into smaller bites makes an easily overwhelming job more manageable for homeowners and us alike.  So, we started with the obvious.  Canvas work like updated flooring and fresh, on-trend paint set the stage for what was to come!

Ski Lodge Living Room

AFTER

Next, we shopped for stonework and insert to update the lackluster fireplace.  Built-ins were removed to better showcase the beautiful new stone fireplace.  New lighting was ordered to replace the dated glass and brass and other “staging” fixtures that were left by the previous owners.

Fireplace

BEFORE

Stone Fireplace

AFTER

Living Room

BEFORE

Ski Lodge Living Room

AFTER

While these changes were taking place, I shopped with the couple to find beautiful, new furniture for their Living room and Master Bedroom.  While we planned to reuse some older pieces in other rooms, these clients wanted all new for these two rooms.

BEFORE

Mission Office

AFTER

After selecting furniture from Penny Mustard, we were able to turn our attention to window fashions to coordinate.  New Hunter Douglas Silhouette™ blinds were installed on the front of the house.  We commissioned custom soft treatments from our amazing fabricator, Kasia of Claudia’s Draperies, to help frame and add drama and texture to the extra large windows in the Living Room and Master.

Master Bedroom Move In

BEFORE

Master Bedroom Corner

AFTER

Finally the day arrived to bring in the remaining layers including rugs, lighting, art, greenery and accessories.  After a full day of styling, our clients returned home to see the end result.

At the beginning of every project, as a decorator, you know the most difficult part of the job will be getting into your client’s heads.  Good communication is key.  But at the end of the day, guiding open-minded folks like this couple to create a look that reflects who they are and what brings them joy was actually the easier part of the job.

Master Bedroom Before

BEFORE

Master Bedroom

AFTER

I’m happy to report this couple was so thrilled with Phase One, we’ll be working on additional renovations and decorative additions into 2018.  “Exceeds expectations” is always a great way to have a client sum up your work.  And helping this couple “upscale” into a beautiful home to share with family definitely feels like we’ve done our part to help them go anything but gently into that good night!

Happy Decorating for all ages from Decor Designs, Inc!  815-245-2433