Transformation and Inspiration

After a whirlwind few days of flea market shopping trips, book parties and design events in D.C. and New York, Jaithan and I have about 2.5 seconds here at home before we're off to shoot another HGTV special, this time for the holidays! That doesn't leave too much time to catch up on posts, but for now, here's a quick recap of the decorating workshop I did at Calico Home in Westport, just in case you're looking for a little Transformation and Inspiration in your home.

The first makeover came courtesy of Teresa, whose biggest challenge has been how to deal with all of her bedroom's awkward nooks and crannies so common in a Cape.

As a former decorating editor, I wanted to create beautiful, magazine-quality makeovers with an eclectic mix of new and old, modern and traditional, all in close harmony with how the owners truly lived. In Teresa's case, that meant a light, airy retreat with clean lines and soothing colors, inspired by sea glass.

My first move was to rotate the bed, replace the dated upright dresser with a sleeker, more glamorous antique, then hang a flat screen TV above. The mirrored finish opens up the space, giving the room instant wow. Two next-to-nothing lamps from here I'd paint white—love the bamboo; hate the dark wood—then add Chinoiserie bases like these. The way I see it, you have to know where to splurge—and where to save. In one nook, more for reading and relaxing, I liked the clean, modern shape of this chaise, especially in this unexpected faux bois. Then, in another nook, I added a modern vanity that doubles as a desk for writing letters. For the full scheme (with sources!), click twice.

Of course, a room isn't complete without all the personal objects and accessories to give it life. Here are a few from my own collection with a mix of materials I thought worked well in this space, including vintage art pottery, silver, glass, and quartz.

For the second makeover, I had the great pleasure of working with Robin to transform her living room into a comfortable but sophisticated place to entertain guests. In general, I thought the layout of the furniture was good but the pieces themselves a bit dated and overstuffed.    

Robin tended towards a warmer palette than Teresa, especially in adjacent rooms, so I began with this modern ikat on a tufted ottoman with nailheads, then added fabrics in a mix of textures, like linen, velvet and corduroy, together with a silky burlap on the windows. 

The brick fireplace surround I suggested painting the same warm neutral as the trim, then mounting a flat screen TV above. To update the upholstery, I added a new sofa with cushions in a contrasting fabric that can be changed seasonally, along with twin wingback chairs in a plush melon velvet. Two X-benches under the console provide extra seating around the ottoman for all that entertaining Robin's going to be doing! For the full scheme, click twice.

Did you catch that gorgeous pair of faux marble ceramic lamps for either side of the sofa? As pretty as it all is, 1st dibs is not for the faint of wallet, so check out this lucky luminary Jaithan spotted at the Goodwill right across from Calico Home in Westport just moments before the presentation. Not bad, right? 

Vintage objects in rich materials like walnut, brass and cork add instant charm.

Finally, a huge thank you, first to Jan Jessup and everyone at Calico for organizing the workshop and, of course, to all those who braved the rain that night to come and see me!  

Now, speaking of transformation and inspiration, what changes might you be planning this fall? I'd love to hear about them...

Comments

[Suzanne Spina]

Hi
I was at Calico Home/Westport, CT and I learned SO much. I also won a design book -cool! It was great to meet you Eddie and I enjoyed your workshop. If you are ever in Old Lyme, CT please look me up. Below is a link for the Fall project at my house there.

[LindsB]

I have that lamp you found in blue- too funny!!

[MA]

Eddie, you are great but Jaithan is just the cutest thing ever!

[pve]

You just gave both spaces a reason to live!

[Loren]

Your thoughts are always the best. We just got done re-doing the library. I decided to walk on the wild side and paint it a full bodied red. We painted everything, as all the walls are covered with bookcases. Then someone suggested that we go over the red with a light walnut stain! What a tranformation! The trim and fireplace was done in a crisp, ultra white enamel. It is warm and cozy now, just in time for a long New England winter! I hope the both of you are well and happy!

[Rachel]

You did such a wonderful job with the transformations! (as always!) Good luck with HGTV!

xoxo
Rachel's Cottage House
http://rachelscottagehouse.wordpress.com

[Sharon in Chicago]

Transformation is DEFINITELY the right word -- great ideas! (Are you guys wearing matching belts? Cute, as always)

[christy suny]

I do love your style - great job!!

[Laura Casey]

I LOVE those boards! what great schemes. I hope you all come to Charlotte for Metrolina. You would love it!!

[Firefly Hill]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
It was so great to meet you last weekend at the DC Flea! Thanks again for all the great tips! Love these makeovers...

xo,

annie

[Karena]

Great job Eddie and Jaithan, you two make a great team. Scouting out for great finds at great buys, I love that. It is a super way to offset the more expensive purchases.

[Ellie]

We have a 50's brick ranch in South Carolina that we are slowly renovating. We've just started sanding down the hardwood floors and have so much work to do including painting the wood paneling, ceiling, making drapery, etc. My goal is to do as much as I can with my own time and resources and to purchase as much used items to decorate as I can, even if that means I have to recover a chair or paint.

My biggest challenge will be decorating the shelves. I want to find a way to display our things and books without looking too discombobulated. It seems that whenever I try and fill the shelves it always looks messy. Do you have any suggestions for how to decorite built-in shelving tastefully?

[Dime Store Thrift]

OH! I have just found you through another blog...finally! I cannot wait to go through your website!
Sonya

[ShelbyLynn]

I wish you came to New Mexico. We need decorating and flea market help!! Can't wait for the Halloween special and now a Holiday too!! Yeah.
http://www.shopshelbylynn.blogspot.com

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

Nice! You have such amazing talent! It is a shame you are not in the south more. For the first time in my 14 year marriage we are able to fix up a house (we have moved 11 times to five different states) and I don't even know where to begin! Right now we are building walls to enclose a dining room that just opens into the hallway. I'm picking color at the moment and having a table custom built for the space. Next will be a living room makeover. Much to decide!

I appreciate the inspiration as it is so needed at the moment!

Enjoy all of your activities.
Jennifer

[Mrs. Blandings]

Both are wonderful - and so much work. On to Christmas!

[Shandell's]

Love the vintage lamp you got across the street, I have a pair of them in the studio. I have not been able to find out what their origin is but have had a couple of pairs and love the glaze on them.

The colors and textures you added are fab.

Miss you.

XOXO
susan

[suzanne]

so beautiful Eddie- It looks like you are having the time of your life right now doing what you love- Cant wait to see the HGTV Halloween special...and everything else you have up your sleeve for us this Fall!

[Visual Vamp]

You guys are so busy! Hope you're taking care of yourselves!
Finally there will be something worth watching on HGTV with you being on!
xo xo

[Vicki Archer]

Great bedroom makeover, xv.