Living Room Reveal When Dave and I were imagining the Babbling Brook spec home, we wanted to be able to offer more than a nice shell. We wanted to offer potential home owners the option to "take a home to the finish", if they wished. That's why today I'm sharing the living room, which was given the full designer treatment. Almost everything … Read More »
Respect What Is
Remodeling is a different animal than new construction, at least in the beginning. There are two wild cards to deal with: the surprises and the restraints. Sometimes they are one in the same. The surprises are self-explanatory. Case in point: in our last home, we ripped off a wood wainscot and there was no sheetrock behind it. It's never fun … Read More »
Kitchen Renovation
Project Babbling Brook Hi everyone! This week I promised I would dive into my plans for the kitchen in our spec home. While we are carefully considering what should stay and what should go in the old part of the house, the kitchen was non-functional. The fridge was slammed next to the oven, and even though we assumed there was a dining table … Read More »
Project Babbling Brook
Building a custom home isn't for everyone. Initially the idea sound fantastic, right? We imagine the joy we'll feel each time you walk through our dream kitchen and how wonderful it will be to finally have "x". Out of the gate, however, you realize that your budget requires adjustments to the dream. That's disappointing, and by the end of … Read More »
Monogram
I know that the majority of this year has been spent writing about my painting journey, but I am going to break from that for a few weeks and talk about what's happening in the design world. Building season is starting, and we have a few things that I think you'll like to hear about. If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know … Read More »
Something Old; Something New
The two-week vacation before and after Christmas is my favorite. The twinkling lights and time with friends and family is something I treasure, but I also enjoy making plans and projections for 2019. I love stewing about goals! Retrospect of 2018 (mistakes) gives me fuel for change, and I get butterflies planning for new adventures. To anyone … Read More »
Do I Hire an Interior Designer or a Contractor?
"Hi Tawna! This is so-and-so, and I'm remodeling my basement/kitchen/master bathroom. I need to figure out a floor plan and was wondering if I talk to you or a contractor first?" I get this question more than any other, and I would like to set the record straight today. Sort of. You see, it's not a straightforward as it might seem, and I … Read More »
How to Get Anything You Want From Your Interior Designer
When you hire a designer, what answers are you looking for? What results do you want that you can't get on your own? Interior design work is magical. Designers are dream makers, creative seekers, and guardians of the beautiful. We are also servants, psychologists, executors, fund managers, and problem solvers. Beyond that, we are … Read More »
High Point Market 2018: Pretty is Back
Do you believe in comeback stories? I do. After this year's market, I have found a sliver of hope that we are on the verge of starting a comeback in a market that has all but disappeared: quality American furniture. Not many people know that between 2001 and 2012, more than sixty-three thousand U.S. factories closed—furniture and clothing … Read More »
How to Pick the Right Light Bulbs
As we move to more energy efficient light, are you confused about which bulbs to pick? Today I want to direct you toward the best solution, although one size doesn't fit all and you may still want to experiment. First of all, stay away from bulbs labeled "Daylight". While that label sounds beautiful and natural, it is NOT! Let's dig into … Read More »
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