Vacation Home Virtual Decorating Project Update

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglk818XzRQ5pmQLeDwRYbFerKsCz_7l9E4CApfdMTL5Od6b2GlJz5JG18iYdFPWvnwYD5uKU5AcOAIEul5BDC8zE4zP_jspqr-rQ7HMSA5CpKBAx7-_JfXbWI98EjIUJ8D2XsTls6_ljb/s1600-h/PrivateClientPageMR.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372460062350143954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglk818XzRQ5pmQLeDwRYbFerKsCz_7l9E4CApfdMTL5Od6b2GlJz5JG18iYdFPWvnwYD5uKU5AcOAIEul5BDC8zE4zP_jspqr-rQ7HMSA5CpKBAx7-_JfXbWI98EjIUJ8D2XsTls6_ljb/s400/PrivateClientPageMR.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a><br />I wrote about this virtual decorating project several weeks ago and wanted to give an update. This is a living room/dining area for a vacation condo. I've never met the client in person nor have I seen the home. I've seen photos and the client and I have been emailing madly since the project began.<br /><br />The image above was my initial inspiration concept, just to get the ball rolling. The style we're trying to achieve is modern but comfortable. They need lots of seating for family gatherings and although the space isn't huge, it's very doable.<br /><br />The image below is the floor plan that we've pretty much settled upon. As you will see, in the living room area, we have a sofa flanked by two side chairs and a chaise. The television set is in the upper right corner of the plan, so the seating has to be arranged with comfortable viewing of the television and the wooded backyard. The original plan for a sectional hasn't worked out because it's ultimately too static for the space and doesn't allow for alternate groupings of the furniture. As you will see, this plan below is #6. I did nine different floor plans in all, with tweaks to each depending on the individual furniture pieces we were looking at.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIn965JCKIZJ3MZysKY7sLDEO3RKqZk0vutunsmdDDxljP-oSUhDspv3yqtV4aEJtGKAxC42Q-hoYdZ6EoLQ7kVq6eGOLK1zTmIYCFJ9k3ABSsuO3tC4rQgvun56yXbQzXrzPTijwHpEG/s1600-h/MR+floor+plan+.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372459771986744658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIn965JCKIZJ3MZysKY7sLDEO3RKqZk0vutunsmdDDxljP-oSUhDspv3yqtV4aEJtGKAxC42Q-hoYdZ6EoLQ7kVq6eGOLK1zTmIYCFJ9k3ABSsuO3tC4rQgvun56yXbQzXrzPTijwHpEG/s400/MR+floor+plan+.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 284px;" /></a><br />The clients found a 100" sofa (see below) which they loved after the original sectional idea was abandoned. I came up with the idea of using a stand alone chaise in lieu of a pair of chairs (closer to tv on plan) because it offered seating for two if there was a group all talking together, or lounging for one person who could also watch the television set, and it didn't obstruct anyone's views of the television set if it were empty. I also like the idea that they could pull it over to the empty wall between tv and kitchen for a separate seating area. Don't you just love multi-functional pieces???<br /><br />Between my client and I, we've narrowed a lot of choices down to the design board below. As you can see, the color palette is still leaning towards the original buff/orange/blue. We have not selected the leather for the sofa yet, which will really dictate the final choices on the rest of the pieces. We're still on the hunt for a coffee table. It's very difficult to find something that is modern and unique looking while still being affordable. The coffee table below is fabulous, but it is ultimately way too small for the all the furniture that will be around it. At 44" sq. but only 10" high, it would look downright Lillipution. Note the little elevation drawing in the left corner. It's to scale. That table is wee. So, the hunt for something bigger continues. We may have found something that the client is going to take a look at shortly.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3842243191_61142f6728.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3842243191_61142f6728.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 286px;" /></a><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3842243191_70730b71d9_o.png">See larger image.</a><br /></div><br />Another aspect of the project are the window treatments. Take a look at the photo below of the client's back wall. Notice anything funny? And by funny, I don't mean ha ha. The transom over the slider isn't on the same plain as the one over the windows... One wonders how this could have have happened. But, the clients were at a distance from the developer and the deed was done by the time they noticed. There were other more pressing issues that needed fixing, so they wisely picked their battles. However, they are left with this off-kilter back wall. Since re-construction is out of the question, we will have to camoflauge as best as possible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9MilRjTGyW7XC0npuG-WPCxvd9aEFfsshXyVyV-R1g9GBg7qTu5R4JKsEUBeNNwJoX5aOMPjHsmRnP4Ctoef-uVzKSW73naF3BU8OLQQoKf7RfV9GvHXBJUXltjhvXs4fxQKOGosHI_V/s1600-h/ReynoldsBackWall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372460423380208866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9MilRjTGyW7XC0npuG-WPCxvd9aEFfsshXyVyV-R1g9GBg7qTu5R4JKsEUBeNNwJoX5aOMPjHsmRnP4Ctoef-uVzKSW73naF3BU8OLQQoKf7RfV9GvHXBJUXltjhvXs4fxQKOGosHI_V/s400/ReynoldsBackWall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I am suggesting to the client that they hang simple linen drapes across the entire back wall off of a long curtain rod that is mounted near the ceiling. The idea is that the drapes to the right of the sliding door will stack right when open and close to the left. There is no room for stacked drapes to the left of the slider. The drapes covering the windows will pull towards the center of the window, as one would normally do. I am suggesting that they mount bamboo shades on the windows for a little interest and privacy. I also feel like it helps draw the eye away from the different transom heights. The image below is my mock up of how this would look in the real space. The drapes may either be sheer linen or lined linen, a decision on that is to come.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3843041682_b30d1db14e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3843041682_b30d1db14e.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 349px;" /></a><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3843041682_aa113c3434_o.png">See larger image.</a><br /></div><br />The images above are from the website page I have set up for my client. All my clients - virtual and in person - receive a page where we keep track of ideas and decisions, floor plans, etc. All of the product images shown actually link to the website of the store or showroom where the item can be purchased. This gives the client a chance to get more information - or even go ahead and place an order - without having to do any searching themselves. The floor plan near the top of the page also provides links to the furniture that is shown on the plan. The sizes are all to scale and when the client clicks on the furniture icon a small window pops up showing the actual product with a link to the store or showroom.<br /><br />If you'd like to see this process and how it works,<a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/Chameleon_Interiors/Drawing_Board-Chameleon_Interiors-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html"> click here to view my sample design pages</a>.<br /><br />So, the client project continues, but is hopefully nearing the final decisions stage. I know they are anxious to have use of their vacation home!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Vacation Home Virtual Decorating Project Update

I wrote about this virtual decorating project several weeks ago and wanted to give an update. This is a living room/dining area for a vacati...

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The Skirted Roundtable - All about the bedroom

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUkNCkh1lP0L_r2K7DqtxU_DZUSozWjKhlzbiVG8oGKfoXBEQ2UJLl9hyphenhypheneDbsZQQMpVkomAlEC7fMm9I04rAZbwJTzUil_aHbDjA9cYMTrTdv_BVlMn_Q0PcVqrGhK3AgCYBdC9XiJpHE/s1600-h/ChameleonZeoliBedding349.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371644135373869074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUkNCkh1lP0L_r2K7DqtxU_DZUSozWjKhlzbiVG8oGKfoXBEQ2UJLl9hyphenhypheneDbsZQQMpVkomAlEC7fMm9I04rAZbwJTzUil_aHbDjA9cYMTrTdv_BVlMn_Q0PcVqrGhK3AgCYBdC9XiJpHE/s400/ChameleonZeoliBedding349.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 350px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAbJKwzT0Ihs8iKsPla2fLZYZIl_T66DsCMlNqiUgZnx9C5VFxPsOoU219ATpVRtNUTMM9DyOJ31zLDhhDk7Raf6uz-8KxM4kbaaXiHUEjILxmieSmYQQpI-rFiAu8N4RQGGbBXgHDl5b/s1600-h/ChameleonZeoliBedFabrics350.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371644149925596434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAbJKwzT0Ihs8iKsPla2fLZYZIl_T66DsCMlNqiUgZnx9C5VFxPsOoU219ATpVRtNUTMM9DyOJ31zLDhhDk7Raf6uz-8KxM4kbaaXiHUEjILxmieSmYQQpI-rFiAu8N4RQGGbBXgHDl5b/s400/ChameleonZeoliBedFabrics350.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 587px;" /></a>We're all about the bedroom this week over at The Skirted Roundtable.<a href="http://www.skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com"> Come and join us!</a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

The Skirted Roundtable - All about the bedroom

We're all about the bedroom this week over at The Skirted Roundtable. Come and join us! Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

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Travel Tuesday: A daytrip to Maine and the York Decorator Showhouse

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVtQd7oJKymspdK2j07xDDQxoo61n7-wljG5jkbucr4ZN7ngB74J2a5eDijgfYneYBfJCBxPAzoK3M0snRjXIRhafL7RvTx1QNrmlQtF6c3CTXW0DOj3-SbmSyob9ZnIs1besDYCreAMu/s1600-h/3832245848_84c5df0a61.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371122270962721522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVtQd7oJKymspdK2j07xDDQxoo61n7-wljG5jkbucr4ZN7ngB74J2a5eDijgfYneYBfJCBxPAzoK3M0snRjXIRhafL7RvTx1QNrmlQtF6c3CTXW0DOj3-SbmSyob9ZnIs1besDYCreAMu/s400/3832245848_84c5df0a61.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 177px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3832239536_50d030c5d3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3832239536_50d030c5d3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 508px; height: 380px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(view out back of the showhouse property)</span><br /><br /></div>Last Friday a <a href="http://www.willowdesignsinc.com/">decorator friend</a> and I drove up to York, Maine to visit the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">York Decorator Showhouse</a>, which was closing the next day. Well, the trip, company and the beauty of Maine were all winners. Unfortunately, the showhouse was just a bit disappointing. First off, they wouldn't allow photography. Huh? I just don't understand how a showhouse can justify the restriction of photography. Regular folks want to take pics of things they want to remember for inspiration in their own homes and bloggers like moi want to show the work of the hardworking decorators to the world and offer a little promotion for the charity the showhouse is supporting. Secondly, the showhouse itself wasn't spectacular. Most of the rooms were mediocre at best - common and nothing special. There were some highlights, however. I am going to contact a couple of the decorators to see if they have photos they can share. Meanwhile, here are some shots of the beautiful Maine coastline.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3831445977_f6995a63e6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3831445977_f6995a63e6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 514px; height: 386px;" /></a>The McIntire Farm - York, Maine. Location of the York decorator showhouse took place in this 1920's farmhouse.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3831445507_aab99d5dc7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3831445507_aab99d5dc7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 279px;" /></a>The McIntire Homestead dates to 1707 and according to one of the tour guides, the house below, which is next to the Farmhouse, is the oldest house in Maine.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3831448121_9fdc31b12c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3831448121_9fdc31b12c.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 489px; height: 366px;" /></a>After the house tour, we had a lovely lunch overlooking this beautiful view of an inlet on York Harbor. There's just something about Maine!<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3832243608_967d3ce746.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3832243608_967d3ce746.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3832244986_bdac2c46bf.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3832244986_bdac2c46bf.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3831450871_bf44639d9f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3831450871_bf44639d9f.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>Mainiacs swimming in frigid waters. It's not unusual for the water to still be in the low 60's in August.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3832245848_84c5df0a61.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3832245848_84c5df0a61.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>The picturesque Nubble Lighthouse.<br /><br />And a couple of homes overlooking the ocean. The yellow house is an adorable rental and the bottom photo is of a private home. Not a bad life!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3832247592_7258916f63.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3832247592_7258916f63.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" /></a><br />Well, hello Atlantic Ocean!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3832247012_b4ac730bc7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3832247012_b4ac730bc7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>I hope you enjoyed this little photo tour of lovely York, Maine. And stay tuned as I hope to have some photos of the interior of the showhouse soon!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />All photos by Linda Merrill.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Travel Tuesday: A daytrip to Maine and the York Decorator Showhouse

(view out back of the showhouse property) Last Friday a decorator friend and I drove up to York, Maine to visit the York Decorator Showhous...

Read more »