The Balance of Black and Color

Dorothy Draper is an iconic interior designer. One of her strengths was understanding the power of using black in her designs.

Black is strong, powerful and can be over whelming. Balance is the key.

Dorothy Draper knew how to use and balance black in her interiors.

The black background of the wall hangings is a wonderful contrast  to the rose colored walls. Using dark grey on the sofa instead of black maintains the balance of dark and color.

The black of the window treatment fabric is a stunning contrast to the vivid colors of the flowers.

This grouping of pillows is a beautiful mix of patterns, color and black. Balance.

The black bookcases in this dining room bring depth and character to the room. The light walls and wood toned furniture balance the black bookcases.
Black can be a beautiful addition to a room. It adds depth and elegance when used with the correct balance.

photos from Dorothy Draper and Homes & Gardens

Adding A Bathroom

I am currently working on the design of a master bath for a client. We are taking what was originally a sun porch off a bedroom and making it into a bathroom. The area isn't particularly large so thoughtful space planning is a priority. 

After finalizing the layout I am now in the process of selecting fixtures, faucets, tile, cabinets, counters, mirrors, hardware and paint color.

The style of the room will clean, somewhat contemporary while keeping in mind the bungalow features of the house. 

I will post as we go through the process leading to the big reveal.

In the meantime I have gathered a few photos for inspiration.

 I love the mix of the white painted pieces with the chrome fixtures and the silver framed mirrors. The storage baskets add a nice bit of texture.

 The soft curve of the window balances the rounded edges of the tub creating a peaceful setting.

 I love the way color and pattern are used here. Repeating the floor pattern as a wall border and using black as the counter color is perfect.

 Serene, calm, peaceful, so beautiful.

 Using the same tile on all surfaces creates continuity and gives this bath a look that is both bold and calming.

 The Dorothy Draper style in this bathroom is sophisticated and colorful. A nice contrast to the neutral baths.

 I like the space planning in this room. Floating the vanity and mirror in front of the window wall adds a whole new dimension.

 In some bathrooms the pattern, color and texture of the tile is the main style element. It certainly works here.

 This traditional bathroom is well balanced by the strong floor tile pattern, the French cabinet used as a vanity, vintage style fixtures and architectural detail. A stunning design.

 Clean lines are enhanced by a curved mirror and strong wall color.

Tiled surfaces are practical and well as a great design statement.

I'll keep you posted on the progress of the bathroom project.

photos from Homes&Gardens, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Walker Zanger Tile and Ann Sacks Tile

Real Life Renovation

Last night was the premiere of Real Life Renovations, a reality television show.  The show featured a single mom who purchased a home that needed a lot of renovating. I worked with the home owner to help bring it all together keeping in mind her strict budget. 

For the show we concentrated on the family room. Using Design & Detail as my resource, I added furniture, lighting, accessories and an area rug.

I added elements that were lighter in color and brought various textures into the room

  Before I arrived the room was painted a dark, rich brown. The home owner purchased a comfortable brown leather sofa and brought in tables from a previous home.

 The area rug is a large caramel colored sisal with a painted border. The lighter color opened up the room. The rug defined the seating area in the large room. The linen covered chair is from Hickory Chair. It is comfortable, practical and adds a great style to the room. The nail head outline on the chair is a wonderful detail.

 Accessories were added to enhance the the old world elegance of the room.

 The tall, metal candlesticks bring height and balance to the fireplace wall.

 The entry is covered in a chic black and gold damask pattern wall covering. It makes a strong statement as you enter the house. The table is a family piece. The floral arrangement adds the right amount of color and texture.

The daughter's bedroom is, of course, a completely different color palette. The white, pink and green combination is fun, bright and perfect for a happy, busy little girl.

Working on Real Life Renovations was a great experience. It was produced by Dianne Casey of KMOV in St Louis Mo and hosted by Jenny Rausch of Karr Bick Kitchens and Bath. Stay tuned there may be more to come.

The Final Result The St Louis Rep Theatre Apartment Project

The Rep Apartment project is completed. Fourteen of the twenty apartments have been renovated and designed. Here is the final result of my Apartment, G-2. It happened with the help and donations of many friends and supportive businesses. Thank you.

 Arch Framing & Design donated framed prints and posters.

 The Scalamamdre zebra wallcovering was the starting point for the design of the space.

 Fabrics for the bedroom window treatments, shams and pillows were donated by B Berger Fabrics.

The kitchen is small but functional. All the elements are here. The black cabinets, donated by Beck Allen Cabinetry look great with the glass mosaic tile back splash and the granite counter. If you want to mix color and pattern in a small space keep the color palette close in tone. 

 The tile and carpet throughout the space was donated by Pro Source.

 The fabulous zebra print shower curtain is an outdoor fabric from Scalamandre.

 Kohler provided all sinks and faucets.

 The opening party was a tremendous success. The apartment was a success with the much appreciated help of Tyler Mahley of Mahley Building Group.

 Cary Baumann of HomesForRehab donated furnishings to help complete the apartment. Christy Marshall editor of St Louis At Home Magazine was the force behind this project. Someone I do not have a photo of is Deb Sharn of the St Louis Rep Theatre. She managed this outrageous project and is truly amazing.

 Cary with Melinda Klinghammer of Design & Detail who gave support and donations for the apartment.

 Christine Renna and Ryan Frank, family is the best support there is.

 David Whitehead, Peter Julian of Scalamandre, and Sherrie Whitehead. Your help and generosity is boundless.

 Kathy Curotto,always there to help get the job done.

Because of Tony Xenos of Aphrodite Granite the apartment's bathroom has a beautiful travertine vanity top.
Donna Goro,Sondra Singhurse, Carolyn Cecil, Trica Heliker,  Lori O'Brien,
Thank you, this couldn't have happened without you.