Thursday, February 9, 2012

NO I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOU...

Hi everyone...

Well since the SCBWI conference, I have been insane. Right after the conference I had to drive to Florida from NYC. I have a former client down here and it was time for an update... I last redesigned her house just before I moved to Chicago.

Stepping back into her home, I instantly realized how far I had come as a designer and how styles CERTAINLY have changed!

I worked in classic Floridian colors back then... Lots of fresh greens and peaches. Lovely then... EKKKK scary now. Lol.

After a few days color consulting for the 2000 sq.ft. West Palm Beach home,we've decided on several shades of sand tones, mixed with pale creams and soft pearl grays.I am also doing an accent wall in the bedrooms. They were big in the eighties, but I think it's time for a resurrection. If done well they can really make a room POP.

The painters have been working all week and should be finished by Tuesday. In the meantime, my client wants to go furniture shopping on the west coast of Florida this weekend. Her daughter is the buyer for a custom furniture store in Naples. FUN... I hope I can find pieces I like... I see her place in Bristish Colonial... What do you think?

I can't wait to see the end result. Unfortunately that will take a while ... Custom pieces take eight to twelve weeks.

So I will force myself to come back at the end of April to pull it all together.

Since it IS February, and for most of the country it is still cold, but why not think of creating a new look in your home? Or just pick one room. Think spring! Fresh, clean, and contemporary. Get rid of all the clutter from winter. Lighten things up... We can all use a lift especially when the skies are cold and gray.

So this weekend or next pick a room and paint away... You will be amazed at how alive a room will become with a fresh coat of paint!

So which room will it be? Let me know.... Really.

I will try and visit over the weekend. My client doesn't have wifi... Could you imagine? I'll have to work on her.

Have a great weekend everyone.

26 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

She definitely needs WiFi!
Last time I painted it was my office - cake batter white. (I like simple.) As for redecorating, what science fiction/horror/fantasy movie posters scream spring to you?

Golden Eagle said...

It sounds like it's going to look amazing!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Alex : For me, THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS murmurs Spring to me. Everything is growing ... including your replacement!!

Pace yourself, Michael. Like Golden Eagle says, it sounds as if it will be beautiful, Roland

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

My husband is an excellent painter and redid our entrance wall, stairway and hallway, all of which has a continuous ceiling, last month. We did our bedroom last summer. The fresh paint does make a huge difference. Now if the sun would only shine once in a while.

Trisha said...

I wish I had my own home I could think about decorating. haha. Someday I will!

Unknown said...

That kind of job must be so much fun!

PS - So you're not taking part in the mini-campaign? :-(

Laura said...

Ah... the (un)-joys of renting... no paining for me, though I'd love to pick out my feature fireplace in hot pink... not sure why - just makes me wanna :)

Last place I rented, I turned my bedroom custard yellow. It had back roof beams, so it was a bit like living inside a wasp :)

Glad you're having fun... can we see some pics when you get home?
Lxxx

Unknown said...

Paint...aha, Been there, done that and still doing that.I envy your sunshine and warm beaches!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

My husband would panic if I changed anything in our house. We do need to repaint the living room though.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

If I ever come into some money, I'm totally going to hire you to design my home.

Sarah Tokeley said...

I would love an interior designer to do something nice to my home. I just can't seem to pull things together.

Danette said...

Sounds like you're having fun and I'll bet you're enjoying the sun. I was hoping to see some pictures but then I know you don't want to rub it in-- all that gorgeous weather while the rest of us are freezing.

Oh and the room sounds terrific. I'll bet she will be thrilled with her place when you're done!

mshatch said...

What a fun job you have! In another life, I'm an architect.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

In another life, I want to be an interior designer. A few years ago, a wonderful designer in Williamsburg was using my paintings in his decorating. I sold some major paintings through him. One was in a feature in Better Homes and Gardens which was quite exciting. Unfortunately, he got into some tax troubles and had to close down his business. I miss him.

I love the Palm Beach area and will be there soon for Cardinals spring training in Jupiter!

Monti
Mary Montague Sikes

erica and christy said...

Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. It's freezing here today - 10 degrees and windy! Good luck with querying and everything else!
erica

Jo Schaffer said...

You went to SCBWI? Cool! You probably ran into my agent there-- he lectures about the digital transition whenever he can (= I have been wanting to go to that.

Matthew MacNish said...

How in the world was I not following your blog?

Heather said...

No wifi?! Oh no! You definitely have to work on her. I hope we get to see pictures when you're done! The weather here doesn't allow me to open windows for ventilation but I promise I'll be painting my bathroom this spring!

N. R. Williams said...

A hah, found you. now I know why you've been so busy. If I win the lottery, I'll have you come to Denver to help me. Careful, you may fall in love with Rocky Mountain High.

Happy Valentines Day
Nancy

Amy Jarecki said...

Hi Michael - I tagged you in a blog hop! If you'd like to participate, head on over to my blog :-)

Amy

Arlee Bird said...

I'm certainly not much of a designer. If you left it up to me I'd be decorating with cinder blocks, wooden boards, and milk crates and whatever furniture was cheap and paint was on sale. My wife would never let me decorate our house. I like my surroundings to stay pretty much the same. Kind of like my grandparents house was when I used to visit there--I don't think it ever changed in the 20 years I used to visit. I admire a keen eye and nice decor though.


Lee
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Deniz Bevan said...

Good luck with the designing, Michael. It sounds like lots of fun, even though I have no eye for that sort of thing. Love the idea of visiting different (antique) shops and seeking inspiration...

Nicki Elson said...

Hooray, designer-tip Michael is back! But a whole room---that's a tough order. Although...well, the guest room's never gotten much love paintwise, so if I take your challenge, that'll be the one. ;)

Have fun down there, enjoy the break from wifi!

Talli Roland said...

I was wondering where you'd got to! I missed you! Good to see you'be been busy. It must be so satisfying to see the end result after everything comes together!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Hmmmm...I've been thinking of changing our bedroom and bath from black and white accents to soft blue and black. We've only been here for 3.5 years. I had all the painting redone before we moved it. Our main living space is latte with muted lime and muted gold accents.

I detest clutter. I realized when we moved here that all that "stuff" has to be dusted...so I got rid of it. Now, when we travel I buy art to hang on the walls. It really makes a difference. Our house feels bigger.

Jeremy Bates said...

Nice blog...;)