Kitchen's next step is done!

The wainscoting was a blast. I bought some power tools, which was probably the most exciting time in my life thus far. It turned out great. Took about 2 days total working 6 hours. I am proud to have finished and I want you to be able to share it with me! First I had to Remove the old base boards. I went to my favorite place...LOWE'S and bought a nail gun and compressor. Uh. How power tools turn me on. I love them. Next was the wood! I wanted to go with a more traditional craftsmen style wainscoting so I picked 1"x3"x6".

Small Budget, Whats most important?

Tips that show you what items are most important in designing a space on any budget.

• The most Important part of any design is Color. My favorite Color in a space is Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage. It is a great color for kitchens, nooks, bathrooms, and living spaces. Keep it flowy, don't pick dark colors in spaces that have low light. Chocolates, Grays, Blues, and taupes are great for more living space- If you are going to go bold with color try painting one wall a bold crazy color and then a neutral on the other walls. It will make a more sophisticated statement.
• Lighting always makes a huge impact- This is the first place to splurge. Get pieces that reflect you. Great time to bring in antiques! Make the old work in your new design. Living spaces should have levels of lighting. Floor lamps, Table Lamps, Recessed and Chandeliers. I recommend installing dimmers, they are easy to install and set the mood when you are entertaining. For some great inspirations on lighting, and rugs visit Shades of Light.
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• Area Rugs will ground the space, and add another layer to the design. Again, this would be another part of the design where you would want to spend more money. Think, well made rugs last much longer than machine made rugs, and will probably stay in style much longer than most cheaper fad rugs. This is another area to add antiques, or reproduction rugs that will be bold, and have beautiful patterns and colors.
• I am a firm believer in window treatments, from blinds to curtains. Matchstick blinds, faux wood, or even a simple roman shade will help with light control, privacy and adds depth to the walls. {Please never use mini-blinds}
• Furniture comes next. Yes its finally time- Don't over scale the furniture in your space. Choose pieces that will complement the architecture and that are comfortable and functional. Don't be afraid to go with patterns, solids, colors, etc. Design the room with a walking pattern, make sure near every chair or sofa you remember to put a table close by. Also, add height to the space with stand up mirrors, artwork, Bookshelves, etc. Remember, you don't have to be matchy matchy. Don't choose items from the same collection, mix in the old and new, go to estate sales, antique shops, retail stores, markets, etc. to find the perfect pieces for your room.
• Accessories can make or break the space. This is the time to get creative. This is where you can really get the most bang for your buck. Do not over accessorize. The space should feel clean, not cluttered with everything under the sun.Ikea.com
• Last but not least- Enjoy the space that you created. Relax, lay back, watch a movie, have great conversation, wonderful meals, and make the best out of your well designed space.

Making a house a home: Before and After!

This was the back yard closing day. I knew I needed a backyard oasis, where I could get away right in the city!

The back corner sloped off on the right hand side of the yard, I knew then a retaining wall was needed. So I went to the local Home Improvement store and bought the supplies. Cinder blocks, morter, rebar, etc.

Adding Plants, Furnishings, a water feature, trees, shrubs, and just a lot of hard work, we were able to dream up a place for us to escape to.

Total Cost to Before to After- around $2500.

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The Front of the House appealed to me, because it had that Charleston charm I was after. Even though being new construction in an old Historic neighborhood, I was bound and determined to get that feeling of a beautifully renovated home!

The Seller did agree to put in a brick walkway up to the front of the house- Just what a first time home buyer wants to hear! So it was all about adding touches with plants!

Still after seeing the stairs going all the way across the front yard, it drove me crazy. I wanted to build historic looking lattice but I didn't want to break the bank!

The cost to rip up stairs? Free, with a lot of hard work. Moving the stairs was the best thing yet. It totally gave the house a new look, lined up with the walkway and just looked like it was always that way!

All that was left was some paint, and adding a flower bed where the stairs were. Total Cost- Around $525 ____________________________________________________________ The Kitchen was the next project on my list. I needed to add a back splash. Always being such a huge fan of New York City, I went with the inspiration and decided to put in bright white subway tile. Supplies for morter, grout, tile and hard work all came up to around $200. If I were to have a contractor put in a back splash, it would've been well over $1000.

Project Guy!

Keeping up with Keith will take you through the escapades of my Crazy busy life. I am currently helping put together the Spring Edition of the Shades of Light catalog.

Getting the catalog shots together can be a blast, it entails a lot of hard work (some play) and just focus and creativity!Amanda is also just about as crazy as it gets! She is a great co-worker and friend, and we seem to always get a lot of work done! The Trip to Virginia Beach was great! The President and Vice President of the company are great! Sometimes its hard to believe that a job can be so much fun!