One of the most rewarding things about Interior Redesign is helping clients discover the hidden beauty right in front of them. Reusing, repurposing and restyling a home doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. In fact, the biggest reward often comes from creating a new, updated space without buying much of anything at all.
LIVING ROOM BEFORE
LIVING ROOM AFTER
Over the past couple months, we’ve had the opportunity to help a client uncover the hidden beauty in her 1865 farmhouse in Bull Valley, Illinois. This historic home, which played a part in the Underground Railroad, had been remodeled and enlarged over the years.
DINING ROOM BEFORE
DINING ROOM AFTER
As wonderful as brand new might be, giving this home a new look while still speaking to its heritage and maintaining the vintage charm was very important. We always explain to clients that re-decorating is generally ugly before it’s pretty. These Before photos are perfect proof. But while these photos were taken in the middle of painting, the transformation is no less dramatic!
LIVING ROOM BEFORE
LIVING ROOM AFTER
We began by updating the paint colors. Gone were the dated wallpapers and faux finishes. Time for light and bright neutrals. The Living Room was transformed with Sherwin Williams 6126 Navajo White. While the Family Room & Kitchen were updated with SW 9109 Natural Linen above and SW 91111 Antler Velvet below the chair rail. In the Master Bedroom, we eliminated the two tone walls and chair rail unifying the space with Sherwin Williams 6078 Realist Beige creating a more cozy and restful space.
MASTER BEFORE
MASTER AFTER
MASTER BEFORE
MASTER AFTER
One of the biggest changes…painting the existing wood paneling in the living room. While this decision was met with some resistance from family, this was the best way to brighten and transform the space without losing the farm house character.
Another transformation with paint took place in the kitchen. Sturdy, but dated, golden oak cabinets were lifeless in the space. We painted the cabinets with Sherwin Williams 7012 Creamy to compliment the existing appliances and make the space look larger. We added white porcelain hardware, a classic white subway tile, under cabinet puck lighting and dropped in a new Giallo Ornamental granite countertop to ground the space.
KITCHEN BEFORE
KITCHEN AFTER
After several weeks shopping and with painting, refinishing and construction complete, we turned out attention the details that would bring the updated, but neutral, spaces to life. What better color to bring everything to life than the obvious, ‘barn’ red?
FAMILY ROOM BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM AFTER
FAMILY ROOM BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM AFTER
To the existing blinds, we added soft treatments in solid colors in all the rooms. Blinds are great for light control and privacy but do little to soften the harsh window edges or add warmth to a space. Using almost all of the owner’s existing furniture and many cherished art pieces, we were able to rearrange the rooms to give them a functional, new-to-her look.
Finally, a blend of past and new accessories were layered in including our red accent color in rugs, throws, pillows and accessories to bring the first floor rooms to life. Our client’s favorite color, blue, made a perfect accent in her Master Bedroom/ Bath sanctuary.
MASTER BATH AFTER
The end results are nothing short of spectacular. After a long day of hard work, our owner came home to a redesigned first floor, master bedroom and bath. With smiles and laughter she took in every room. Summarizing the experience, she said she thought the only value in her home had been it’s wonderful country location. But now, she could see that the interior of the home had value as well!
Uncovering the beauty right under your nose can be a difficult chore even for the most experienced decorator. By working the redesign process and bringing in the needed, missing elements, this historic farmhouse went from just ok to a total knock out appealing to every generation.
If you need helping uncovering the beauty in your own space, give us a call.
Happy Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433.
From Decor Designs Owner & Chief Creative,