A lot of times when I work on things for clients, it isn't entire rooms but instead smaller updates that can make big changes. I really enjoy helping people use pieces they already have and love (or maybe don't love but have a sense of obligation to keep - or their significant other does!). Sometimes having someone else look at your pieces through a new lens can help re-imagine them and give them a new lease on life. This approach is a win-win for my clients because a) they get to keep pieces they love or ones that have family history or sentimental value and b) oftentimes a refresh is a lot less expensive than buying new pieces. So, I thought I'd share a few of my recent smaller transformations that have made big differences to my clients' spaces.
My clients had this dresser in their master bedroom that was in great condition but was just a little ho-hum. Plus, we purchased some new nightstands for the other side of their room and so the existing dresser didn't really work with the new nightstands.
BEFORE:
A fresh coat of lacquered paint and some new knobs and this dresser feels so fresh and modern and is totally in keeping with the new style of their bedroom! I can hardly believe it is the same piece!
AFTER:
Another client needed a pair of chairs for a seating area in her office. I found this pair of chairs for $20! The fabric was dated and tired but the shape of the barrel chairs was fantastic and I knew we could breathe some new life into them with some new upholstery. The cost of fabric and upholstery for these two custom chairs was more than buying something from a discount store like Overstock or Wayfair but these are SO sturdy and high quality and so the cost was much less than purchasing something comparably made brand new.
BEFORE:
I adore the fabric that we selected and I've used it for other projects since because it is just so good. It's a great pattern with a slight nod to an animal print which you know I love! It's neutral and timeless and so will last them many year to come.
AFTER:
And here they are in their new space lookin' so stylish and right at home:
Another client is an extremely talented photographer. She had this pair of chairs that belonged to her grandmother and she wanted to use them but wanted to update them and put a fun twist on them for her photography studio. Here are the chairs before:
BEFORE:
She had this fabulous navy faux bois fabric and asked me to oversee the lacquering, paint color selection and upholstery work. I am over the moon about how fun they turned out and can't wait to see them in the studio!
AFTER:
Lastly, my client was having me work on a newly renovated family room on a budget (the details of which I'm excited to share soon). The new room was in need of an entry chest for the space. My client had an old china cabinet with a hutch that was not in great condition and was screaming for a refresh. I suggested that we ditch the hutch and try painting the piece to see if we could update it enough to use in the entry. It's hard to see the chest here among the furniture but you can get an idea of what it looked like before (the hutch is sitting next to it).
BEFORE:
My talented friend Sandy worked her magic not only on a beautiful paint job for the piece (that includes a stunning gold detail around the inlays) but she also managed to salvage the original hardware and give it a lovely gold update. The piece is so perfect in her entry now!
AFTER:
With a little bit of love and elbow grease, these pieces have new life!
Happy weekend all!
xo, Cameron
