Well - our kitchen has been finished for about 3 months and we are super happy with it! Taking this project on made such a huge difference in the entire feel of our house. We should have done it sooner - but it was nice to live in our house to get a real handle on how we best wanted to use the space before taking this project on.

As you can see, I completely changed my mind after posting the initial color scheme/design plan. Going darker on the cabinets was 100% the right choice and I'm so glad we did.

Here are the before/afters. Before - the kitchen was essentially a small galley, with a wall separating the kitchen from the back family room.

The biggest change came from knocking down that wall and adding a peninsula with glass uppers. This completely opened the space to the family room, which is where we spend most of our time. Having a sight line to the family room will be super helpful with Sam's impending arrival. And I love having a spot for a few bar stools where guests can perch.

Before - range wall.

After - range wall. We kept the range in the same place and added a stainless vent hood in place of the microwave. Microwaves over ranges have become one of my least favorite kitchen things, so I'm glad we relocated the microwave to be hidden in the lower portion of the peninsula.

 

Another view of the range wall:

Before - sink wall.(Hi Dais!)

After - sink wall. We kept the sink and dishwasher in the same place, but we purchased a panel ready dishwasher and had the cabinet maker make a panel front so the dishwasher blends in. This was maybe my favorite design element!

 

Just some more pretties:

We went with Bianco Toscana granite. I really, really love how the color works with the cabinet color (Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams). The veining is really unique, too.

The pendant we chose is the Reed Hanging Light from Circa. The scale and finish are perfect.

In the end, white subway tile won out for back splash.

 all photos by Ely Fair Photography.

We are thrilled with how everything turned out! Living in a construction zone is less than desirable, but all is well that ends well. Now, my sights are set on the master bathroom. We'll see what the Hubs has to say about that :)

nursery planning

I recently started work on a very exciting and special project - our bebe-to-be's nursery! 2014 ended with the exciting news that we are expecting a sweet little one and we couldn't be happier. While my mind is definitely swimming with practical baby matters, I must admit that a large part of my daydreaming belongs to nursery planning.

We don't find out the nugget's gender until next month, but I already have a solid plan of action for the space whether we have a Samuel....

or an Elise!

See what I did there? I only changed out a few items for a different feel, more suited to a little gal. Very excited to get started!

PS- Kitchen renovation is set to be complete (fingers crossed) this week! And I went a totally different direction than I had planned :)

the most wonderful time of the year

Can it really be that Christmas time is here again?! It really is, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year. Around this time, I reflect on everything that has transpired throughout the year. Without getting too sappy here on the blog, I will just say publically that 2014 was a year of immense blessings and I feel very grateful.

But let's get to the fun stuff.

I recently put together two concept boards for a client in OKC. She lives in a beautiful, historic home with gorgeous woodwork. It is a space that already feels very warm, so I wanted to propose a design that really played up on the good aspects of the space, while injecting color, function and a definite design direction. I hope this room can be a jumping off point for the rest of their home.

I really loved how the boards turned out so I thought I would share!

Round 2

Which is your favorite? I am having such a hard time choosing - will be very interested to see which way the client ends up going.

We will soon leave for one of my most beloved destinations, and I am so looking forward to spending Christmastime in one of my favorite place with some of my favorite people. And since I can say with confidence I won't blog again before then - I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!

back splash conundrums

Yes - there definitely is such a thing as a back splash conundrum. I know this because I am having one. Even though I posted a design plan for our kitchen reno before and was fully confident in that vision.... I am now changing my mind and continuing to weigh my options.

Why? Because designers are their own worst client and they can't leave well enough alone. (just ask my Hubs)

We are still in the planning/bidding process of our kitchen reno, so I have time to weigh lots of different options. And before even one item in our kitchen is touched, I would like to have every item decided on and ordered so there are absolutely no delays. Nothing messes with a renovation timeline like back ordered items.... and budgets - ha!

Anyway. I initially wanted the classic, much loved white subway tile. Which would definitely be a fantastic choice.

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However, I have this nagging thought that if I can't do something even a little bit fun and different -- why on earth should a client listen to me when I tell them to do it!?

So I started looking. And I found this.

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Painted cement tiles in a fun pattern? Sign me up.

So I was alllllllllllllllll set to do that until I came across this:

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It is fantastic and Emily Henderson is a genius. So now, my head is swimming with ideas about how to incorporate a brass trim into my back splash......

Decisions, decisions, as they say. Have a great weekend, everyone!

a Chairish home bar

When Chairish reached out to me about creating my dream home bar, I was thrilled! It is no secret that I love absolutely vintage furniture, which Chiarish has an incredible, curated selection of. And, if I am being honest, a bar is something that I happen to think is high priority for every home!

This pair of Pierre Cardin bar stools (available for pick up in Dallas!) caught my eye  from the get go - hello RED! Think this pair would be perfect in and really pop against a more neutral backdrop:

 Like this look? Get it here:

bar stools. turtle shell. chevron decanter. champagne glasses. starburst mirror. raffia tray. coasters.

Be sure to check out Chairish's selection of bar stools - they have something for everyone!

our new kitchen: the plan

Since it's been quite a bit since I last blogged, I thought I would come back with a very long and exciting (at least to me!) post.

We knew when we moved into our house last year that a kitchen reno was on 'the list.' And I am happy to say we are getting closer to actually taking this project on. A kitchen is definitely one of the most involved renovation projects, so I have been thinking about what I want to do in this space and planning for this project pretty much since we moved in.

Like with most projects, I like to start with pretty pictures. Here is my direction/inspiration....

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Here is what we are working with. All these pics are pulled from the real estate listing when we purchased the house. While we have made a few minor changes, like changing light fixture, adding a rug, painting the built in hutch, etc, this space is pretty much the same today- cramped and in need of an update.

I do plan to keep a pretty similar layout to what we currently have. Keeping the appliances/plumbing in the same place will be a big cost savings, and it actually is a pretty functional layout. We will also keep most of the appliances, as they are relatively new. I am not someone who purchases something brand spanking new if it isn't totally necessary. And it is definitely not totally necessary in this case!

Right now, our kitchen is basically a walk through, narrow galley. The new kitchen will be much more open to the adjoining spaces, but will definitely be its own room. And, being that our house was built in 1928, I want to keep some of the historic/cottagey feel, so doing an open concept just isn't my jam for this space.

The plan in words:

Demo: We are hoping to widen the opening between the dining room and kitchen. I am slightly old school and do like to have definition between spaces, but this opening could stand to be larger. 

The wall dividing the kitchen and the family room has got to go. After it comes down, we will add a peninsula that will 1 - double our counter top space 2 - have glass front uppers to house our pretty stuff and 3 - be a perch for 2 cute bar stools. This will be the biggest game changer for the room.

Cabinets: I have pretty much decided to go with Ikea cabinets. After doing a lot of research on the issue, it seems to be the best choice all in. With this kitchen, I am just not going to have the budget for custom cabinets, but I am so excited to see how I can make Ikea cabinets feel custom for my space. If you are interested - or skeptical :) - about Ikea cabinets, I encourage you to read the following. 1. 2. 3. 4. 

I am going to go with the Adel style in white. It is a classic shaker style, and definitely my favorite option looks-wise. There are some gorgeous Adel kitchens out there- lots of inspiration to pull from!

I really love the color of the cabinets that we currently have (Benjamin Moore Carrington Beige). It is unique and feels appropriate for the time the house was built in. But I am faltering on if I want to paint the new cabinets or just leave them white. I'm guessing they will remain white... but we will see.

Vent hood: Having a microwave above the range is pretty much my least favorite thing aesthetically speaking. I am planning to do something more like this. Will relocate the microwave to the peninsula.

Floors: patch, sand, refinish to match the rest of the house.

Sink: Farmhouse.

Counters: Leaning toward river white granite. Granite is a durable, re-sale friendly option. I will look for a slab with lots of white in it. Examples: 1. 2.

Back splash: Going with the perennial favorite: white subway, traditional install. Classic, pretty, easy to clean.

Lighting: I want to do something fun over the peninsula and am leaning toward the Visual Comfort Goodman Pendant or a big globe.

Cabinet hardware: I'm all over the board on this. Brass? Polished nickel? Glass? Probably brass.Think it will help warm up all the white that will be going on.

Stools: The red bar stools in this kitchen speak to me. They will be the 'fun' that I like every space to have.

And because a visual is always helpful:

Let me just say - I am VERY excited about this project!

creating a cohesive light plan

I'm working with a client who is building a new home and one item I have been tasked with is helping to choose lighting. Her builder works with a preferred lighting source here in Tulsa, so I was a bit wary of what the options might be. BUT - I am happy to say we were able to create a lighting plan that is cohesive, affordable and stylish....... while working in a world that is full of a lot of this, this and this.

As you can see, my clients really are into the industrial look. I think we definitely have a hit of industrial, but we chose some classic options as well.

Don't be afraid to mix and match with lighting. You definitely do not have to choose options that are all from one lighting 'family.' But if you are mixing styles as much as we did with this plan, its best to keep it all in one finish family. Don't worry - we will definitely bring in some brass/nickel in other places (hardware, lamps, etc)!

Here are my tips for creating a lighting plan through a builder-chosen lighting source:

1- Spend some time (or hire someone who can spend their time) flipping through the catalogs. Don't feel limited by what is on the showroom floor.

2- Don't feel like you have to choose the same options that you builder usually uses. When you go in, (depending on the salesperson) they might try to get you to just go with the lighting choices your builder has used in the past. You don't have to!

3- Say what you want! Bring pictures of lighting that you like and ask if the source has anything similar. A good salesperson will be able to steer you in the right direction, all while keeping your lighting allowance in mind.

4- Know where to splurge and where to save. Are the light fixtures in the hallway closet a huge deal worth breaking your budget over? Probably not. The one that hangs in the vaulted ceiling in your family room? That is definitely more important.

5- In the beginning, make sure the allowances your builder puts in your contract are reasonable. Depending on the builder, they might create an allowance that don't go that far and get you the look you really want. Check your contract carefully before agreeing on any allowance number. It will save you the headache of overages when choosing time comes!

If you are in Tulsa/OKC and are looking for a lighting vendor, message me and I would be happy to share the info!

client work

I'm a firm believer in that a beautiful space begins with having a great base to work with. I always tell clients that it doesn't matter how great your decor is -- if there is a bad base, it isn't going to work! Having the right finishes allows beautiful decor to really shine.

So, to that end, I've been working with a client on an entire home refresh. We've tackled projects from a kitchen reno, to updating lighting, to paint projects to repairing drywall to outdoor upgrades... the list goes on! Now that we have the base in the right place, it's time to decorate!

Here is the plan I came up with for her living space:

As a courtesy to my clients, I will decline sharing source information. If you’re interested in my services - I would love to hear from you! Contact me at emilydavisinteriors@gmail.com.

Hope you all are having a great week!

my fav chairs - the after

Well- my best vintage find yet got a face lift and they are looking fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

Like I mentioned before, they really weren't in terrible shape and could have stayed in their original condition. But I knew that they could be outstanding with a little re-do, and I proved myself right!

This time I outsourced the work and had a local shop do the painting and re-upholstering. Sometimes it's just better to pay the professionals to do what they do.

 I am quite pleased :)

client work: a room for books

Have been doing some work with one of my bestie's on her formal living room/library. Given that she is one of the most avid readers I know, it is only appropriate that her house have a space dedicated to reading and just general prettiness/relaxation/conversation. Perhaps with a Pride and Prejudice sitting room vibe..... not familiar? Here is a visual on that.

Here are some images that got our wheels spinning.

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And here is what I came up with for her space:

She already scored the most amazing vintage tuxedo sofa..... that print! It speaks to me.

 Plan to do lots and lots of bookcases using this idea.

This chair (courtesy of the of sometimes awesome Tulsa CraigsList) would make a great desk chair. Paired with a white-lacquered-something-fabulous-yet to-be-found.

She's had a coffee table almost exactly like this one for a while. It totally gets to stay.

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So-- this space is well on its way! And of course, there will be touches of brass, blue and white and great art to bring in some modernity.

client work: pop of red

Just wanted to pop in to share this office plan I sent out last week...

You know I love a pop of red :)

client plan: the mix

Just wanted to pop in and share another client plan today...

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that the jumping off point for this room is the gorgeous rug my client has.Thinking this space is going to be a great mix of traditional/modern--- you know how I love a good mix!

Hope you all are having an awesome week!

I'm not...

... but if I were (or had a client that was).... it would definitely look like this....

That's pretty much it for today. Hope you are having a great week!

client work: dallas glam

Over the holidays, I was able to meet with a frient (friend+client) in Dallas. She and her sweet Hub have a new house that needs to feel like a home. We will be working on many spaces, but the living room is first priority.

Here are my initial thoughts:

As a courtesy to my clients, I will decline sharing source information. If you’re interested in my services - I would love to hear from you! Contact me at emilydavisinteriors@gmail.com.

I am thinking glam, but livable. I just feel like they are a glamorous couple, their home needs to reflect that.... while still being comfortable! The living space is open to the entry, dining and kitchen, so want to stick with mostly neutrals, using some pops of color here and there. Already off to a great start with the score of these.

It's safe to say that I'm pretty excited about this project :)

Have a great week!

currently working on...

a master bedroom. Here is my first go at it:

As a courtesy to my clients, I will decline sharing source information. If you’re interested in my services - I would love to hear from you! Contact me at emilydavisinteriors@gmail.com.

Will also involve gold accents and some reupholstered vintage chairs. Lovin' it so far! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope December is treating you all well :)

newest vintage find

I shared in this Insta snapshot on Friday that I scooped up some vintage Drexel Heritage chairs at a local antique store, and they now live happily in our formal living room.

@emilyswensondavis

The plan is to have them reupholstered eventually. Probably in a good neutral and have the frames sprayed black. Honestly, I would love to have them upholstered in the animal print that is on the ottomans that used to sit there, but I'm pretty sure it's been discontinued.

I liked the leopard ottomans that I had in that spot before. But after a while, I realized they weren't the most comfortable option for that space. And really, since this post, I've been searching for the right chairs to switch them out for.

Before:

Now: (nevermind that the lighting is much better in the before pic...)

I knew when I saw them that I liked them a lot. But I did take some time to think about pulling the trigger on them (even though they were very afforable) for a few days. I really could have missed out on them because after having them home, I realize just how cool and well made they are. When I find something that I don't know much about, I always do some Google searching to learn more about my find. Especially in this case because I hadn't seen this shape of chair very much before. This posting and this site call them Dorothy Draper style. This posting  and this posting call the style "Esperanto" chairs.

If any of you know any more background, I would love to hear it!

Another design side-note: most of the time, I try to keep a pretty good mix of old/new items in each space I decorate. In this room, the 'new' items are the banquettes, garden stools, pillows, cowhide rug and mirror. The 'old' items are the armoire (in pic below), white chests, coffee table and now the chairs.

So I'm feeling really good about the 'mix' in this room. More to come!