Now is the perfect time of year to start thinking about your porches. The weather is warming up, flowers are blossoming, color is showing up everywhere; your porch is the perfect place to blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the season!

We recently worked on a new color scheme for the front and back porch of a client’s Highland, Utah home. She already had her main furniture pieces but the cushions and pillows were calling for a breath of fresh life. Fortunately, we have a great selection of indoor/outdoor fabrics that will spice up any space in a jiffy!

For the back porch sofa cushions, we chose a smaller, “New England” style of pin stripe instead of the typical larger stripe usually seen in outdoor furniture. We brought in blues and greens with our accent pillows, and added a pop with some bright blue cushions on the chaise. Our goal was to create a space where the eye can move freely, without any hard stopping points.

We also chose to add some eclectic side tables, a trunk, and a sisal rug. A neutral rug gave us a great base to work with and we added faux bois tables to give the space a collected and eclectic feel. We love the idea of trunks in outdoor spaces; they are fun and great for storing pillows and extra blankets for a chilly spring night.

On the front porch we continued with the bright pops of green we were seeing on the back and mixed it up by adding in a splash of red.  Red can be a very dominating color, so we decided to use “red’s younger sister” in this palate.

We had a fun time updating the existing pillows and cushions, adding a few new pieces of furniture, and creating a fresh, colorful new look just in time for Spring!

- Natalie

Don’t forget about our Mother’s Day Giveaway going on now! Make sure to enter!

Jessica and I have been so excited to share this before and after project with you! It truly shows you how an existing space can have a dramatically different look and feel with a little finesse.

When we first walked into this established estate, impressed as we were, it did not exactly reflect our client’s free-spirited personality! She and her husband travel often and have the most extensive art collection! Each object has an adventure associated with it and we felt so privileged to be welcomed in and asked to reinvent the space!

The initial request was to open things up and lighten things up! A common request nowadays but for this particular client we knew it had to be spirited, traveled and have integrity with the very European exterior.

To begin, we took everything out of the space and stared at the shell of the room. It was beautiful and grand and didn’t require much improvement aside from new carpet. After the carpet was installed we rearranged the furniture to create a more open space plan. The second you enter a room, you should know exactly where you are, what the purpose the room is and what the personality is going to be! This was a music room for concerts, a living room for visiting, and a study.

Our clients existing rug was a silk hand-knotted rug from India. We fell in love the moment we laid eyes on each other and were so excited to try and give it a fresh breath of life. It wasn’t nearly large enough to use by itself but when layered with a striped sisal, was absolutely perfect! We relocated the piano so we could nest and ottoman for additional seating and changed the orientation of the sofa to open the space and allow the eye to travel up and admire the fireplace and amazing painting that crowns the room. One of our favorite features in the space is the high coffee table used as a study table! We layered their books and albums atop so that they and their guests can stop and take a gander at some of the places they’ve been and love. Sitting up to the table is Suzanne Kasler’s iconic quatrefoil chair in a blue and gold faux bois as well as two caramel colored leather ottomans. We can just imagine a game being played here with grandchildren or an evolving puzzle that you can return to again and again! I could go on and on, but I will let you look and discover and find where your favorite seat would be in this little living room!

- Suzanne

One of our favorite clients returned to us with the delightful task of designing her Dining Room. We enthusiastically said, “Yes!” She wanted this space to be multifunctional, where she and her family could entertain, play games, and even tackle homework. “Of course,” we thought, “Why shouldn’t a dining room be multi-functional?”

As we always do, we began with the rug. Not just any rug – a Thomas O’Brien hand-knotted rug! Its smokey blue color is not only the perfect backdrop for our palette but will also disguise any spills or mishaps that are inevitable with young kids. We also loved the idea of a round table in her space; easy for gathering, playing games, and the shape keeps a loose and casual flow throughout the room.

The thought of mixing a more contemporary table with a traditional chair is never a bad idea! mixing styles and textures will continue to keep the room interesting and alive. .We upholstered this side chair in (my opinion) one of the most breathtaking fabrics I have ever seen! It almost feels like and original Monet – stunning! We then paired these chairs with a duet banquette (It’s just fun to say!). This keeps the room grounded and doubles as a soon-to-be favorite spot for the kids.

Along the far back wall we are going to install a smoked mirror from floor to ceiling – our client’s brilliant idea! Again, to play with juxtaposition of styles, we wanted to place a more modern piece of art along this smoked mirror. Paule Marrot’s, “Lavender,” was the absolute compliment.

To give our client storage for her favorite dishes or a spot to store games, we placed an antique grey bar stand in the room. There is no reason a bar stand couldn’t double as additional storage. Below this, we nestled the Duvall Ottoman – upholstered in navy velvet and trimmed with antique brass nail heads – you’re welcome! Not only is this look stylish and lush, it doubles as an additional seat for your guests. To top off this bar stand,w e positioned a tiny alabaster lamp. Its size is great for a higher surface and adds light to any dim corner. We then layered and organic flow of pearl white carnation platters along this wall to loosen up all those hard lines and adda a bit of whimsy.

This will forever be a space where our client can comfortably entertain, play games, or even do homework with her kids. There is no reason a dining room – or any other room for that matter – shouldn’t be multifunctional. Don’t be afraid to use your home how you live – you will always receive big rewards in return!

- Christy

P.S. Look for “after” photos to come…

We started working with a wonderful couple building a home in Colorado. Instead of any typical design, their goal was to create a Modern Prairie style home. This concept became such a breath of fresh air.

We originally received these exterior concept renderings of the home.

Step One: Create a seamless transition from the exterior vision, to interior finishes. From the kitchen and floors, to lighting and fireplace we wanted this home to be spot on.

We worked with them for several months with drawings, details, and specifying finishes. Here is a taste of this wonderful space, just completed!

Step Two: Create the same seamless transition in the furniture. This makes the space feel whole and complete. here is a little peak at what we are planning for the Living Room.

Because Modern Prairie is all about horizontal lines and elements we wanted to make sure and include varying heights in our furniture. This keeps the eye moving around the room. We wanted to accentuate the amazing windows by placing two very tall chairs in front of them. What a backdrop to walk into!

Stay tuned for final photos!

- Natalie

Entryway!

We have all heard the phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is true when we’re interacting with people for the first time but today, I’m going to your homes first impression! THE ENTRY!

We’ve been working with a gal in California who is a doll. Cutest style ever, and when I first met her, my impression was that she was going to have a darling, young, and animated home! She was a good time and why wouldn’t you reflect those traits in the space you live everyday?!?

We designed her Family Room and it came together so beautifully! But what you can’t see in this image is that the entry sits right in front of this space. So what do we do there? What would be the perfect preamble to a space like this?

The only thing our client requested be in the space was a painting her father had done years before. We loved it, and thought it a great springboard for a great entry!

We began with a gorgeous gray high lacquered sawhorse console. This gives the casual, coastal feel but the high lacquer finish gives i t a unique element. A nice compliment with her Dad’s stunning art! We then placed a large green glass lamp on the console. We loved the translucent color this brought to the room and how it felt like an extension the painting. We placed two glass display boxes on the opposite end and filled them with a carved bone lobster and crayfish! Who has this?! We fell in love and thought this would be a fun whimsical element that her kids would explore and guests would admire! We also placed a bowl atop the console to throw keys and all those random items that seem to collect in an entry. Most are probably asking themselves, “Where on earth am I going to put my umbrella?” Well, we solved that problem with the most adorable boot umbrella stand… You’re welcome!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression and what an impression her home will make!

- Suzanne and Christy

What a thrill it is to be published in this issue of Utah Style and Design. We loved working with Desiree Ashworth, the previous owner of the beautiful Gustavian-style home featured in the article.

A few of my favorite details in the home are the intangibles. The calm feeling that exists in the carefully selected tones. This harmonious contrast between sunshine and water! (Sunshine and water = Combining the Belgium blue hues with the warmth of natural materials, will make the audience go weak in the knees!) The quality and authenticity is evident in the details… this definitely contributed to the “feeling” of the home.

We got to work closely with Desiree in the finishing stages of the home. Furniture, rugs, window treatments, paint and window seats. She came to us with her vision, having experienced that region of the globe first hand. If you love the home in the article, you’ll love her blog, Decor de Provence! You’ll be transported to another place and time… deep in the south of France.

- Jessica

One of our most recent clients came to us with a special request. “We have guests coming in February and need it completely furnished. Can you do it?” Of course we were up to the challenge, smiled and said “Yes!”

Our most important task for this bedroom was to make it as comfortable and functional as possible for her guests – making this bedroom their own cozy retreat. The room was already prepared with horizontal board and batten running up the wall. We loved the dimension and texture this brought to the room. However, we wanted to soften the hard lines with some graceful curves. our first thought – the Ingrid bed! The ideal companion with board and batten.

Instead of placing a nightstand on either side of the bed, we placed a desk on one side. This not only functions as a nightstand. It doubles as a comfortable spot for her guests to plug in a laptop, catch up on emails – or even write the host a nice thank you note!

Whenever I stay as a guest in someone’s home, I always need a spot to place my luggage and unpack. the relaxed tufted leather bench at the foot of the bed is a simple solution to this dilemma, yet also doubles as extra seating in the room.

Above the dresser we positioned a charming organic mirror. Again, the shape and style of this mirror loosens those horizontal lines. This also becomes a great spot for her guests to freshen up before returning to the party.

However, as a lovely and important as all these details are, my number one tip for making your guests feel like kings and queens – Matteo linen sheets! I can testify from personal experience these sheets will change your life the way you sleep!  They truly are the ultimate in luxury and comfort!

With these few thoughtful details, our client’s guests are sure to feel comfortable, cozy and welcome. However, I believe we may have one problem with this guest bedroom – her guests may never want to leave!

- Christy

We went back in time to design this gem of a playroom. Our ideas started with the glorious 19th century river boat that Walt Disney created for his Mark Twain ride. The railings were charming, gingerbread moldings perfect, and is an enchanting space for both children and adults. We wanted to go back in time, where play was as much about the elegance of the space and imagination as it was the toys inside it. We admired the meticulous craftsmanship of Disney’s boat, and wanted the same touches to exist in this space.

We started with making the playroom as open as possible. We worked with the client, and designed the playroom in “zones” to make the space functional for different activities children would love to do. While working on site with the finish working on site with the finish workers we detailed out many studies and sketches for how this room would become magical.

Walking up the stairs to the upper level of the playroom you will find yourself surrounded with a charming balustrade echoing that of the Mark Twain ship. On the upper landing is a small Cape Cod style playhouse, complete with kitchen and dress up area. A splash of bright paint gives this playhouse the charm it deserves.

Across the upper landing there is a slide tucked behind the walls, that twirls you around and drops you off in front of the window seat below. Flanked with books and a swing arm sconce, the window seat becomes the perfect cozy nook for reading a book.

Across from the window seat is a quaint custom upholstered daybed. The kids can pile on to watch a movie, or tuck in with a blanket for a sleepover.

The room wouldn’t be complete without an art center, full of built-in cubbies for supplies and a magnetic chalkboard, making this truly an enchanted playroom.

- Suzanne & Natalie

Tom and I live in a 100 year old attic. In reality, I guess most would call it an “apartment” but I prefer “attic”. It’s much more enchanting! We have lived here over five years and if it were up to me, I’d never move! This past summer we embarked on a small floor refinishing project which snowballed into an entire remodel! It was then that I committed myself to this place. Our itty bitty attic for rent has turned into a design laboratory! A vaulted sanctuary! A place I can’t wait to come home to every evening after work!

I introduce to you, our attic…

This is where it all began! Imagine a sea of teal carpet transitioning to a circa 1980 peel’n'tick tile… got it? Ok, now imagine 100 year old wood floors hiding beneath… Blasphemous right? I thought so too. I had been flirting with the idea of painted wood floors for a long time and was sold while watching a re-run of Million Dollar Decorators. That Mary McDonald spring boarded this get-up, and I thank her.

It didn’t end there though… while Senor Hall was ripping up the floors in the kitchen, he stumbled upon this! The original brick chimney! What?!? It was like Christmas! So of course we had to remodel the kitchen…

All those who know me well, know that I love food and therefore love kitchens! The birthplace of my husband’s cooking (and my occasional cookies) had to be special and a place where we could dine, talk and linger for awhile. I wanted each corner to sing to one another in a quirky, off-key Christmas carol! I think we did it – virtual high fives for everyone!

Our attic is a one bedroom, one bath, kitchen, living room and… an art nook! How lucky am I to have a place where I can doodle, watercolor, write love notes and dream of new projects?!?

It’s not big but every inch of it sings!

There are certain areas in everyone’s home that they naturally gravitate towards. For me, that would be my Living Room/ Family Room/ Everything Room! I only have one of them so I have to make it count!

My love affair with this space began with a sofa… That cutie pie tufted girl with the dimples in her cushions! We were destined for each other and through the Sunday naps and occasional salsa spills; she’s proven to be my most treasured purchase from Alice Lane!

I am in love with this season! Everything from the smells, the lights, the meaning and yes, even the commercialism I adore! I embrace it long before its socially acceptable and begin to decorate the second Halloween exits. People find reasons to give! Countertops are filled with family recipes and I am lucky enough to not just live in an attic but an attic above my mom and my dad in the home I grew up in. I am by definition a homebody because my home truly is my favorite place on earth!

- Suzanne

[photos by Meikel Reece]

She is a sophisticated, busy mom who wears many hats. When she finally returns home after an eventful day – all she wants is a little bit of peace and serenity. A spot where she can unwind, cozy up by the fire, put her feet up and visit with her family.

In order to achieve this ultimate comfort, we placed two sofas facing each other – these Thomas O’Brien tufted sofas can do no wrong! A mature placement, yet allows for easy conversation. We then placed an overscaled cocktail ottoman in the middle of the room. This cleverly designed ottoman features a removable wooden tray that is surrounded by a border of luxurious graphite leather. (Yes, style and function can coexist!) We wanted to loosen up the room by placing an unusual chair next to the fireplace. The Maude chair by Oly was the perfect gal for the job! We covered the seat in a silver velvet animal print – just thinking about it makes me smile! No room is complete without layering in a few lamps. Any time you can turn off your overhead lighting and use the quiet light from your table lamps, it will create a sense of calm in your surroundings. So, busy moms, don’t be afraid to hang up your many hats at the back door – make a quiet spot in your home where you can unwind, cozy up by the fire, put up your feet and visit with your family.

- Christy