As we toured this 3 level house, located on a private lake in North Texas, at the bottom of the stairwell we rounded the corner to a massive open concept entertainment area.  There was room for a pool and poker table, multiple seating for the theater screen, a spacious kitchen with bar and easy access to the great outdoors.

Only one problem, the room was decorated in red and these new homeowners along with all the family are huge Dallas Cowboys fans.  In fact, the new purpose of this room would be to specifically entertain their friends and family before heading to or coming back from their personal suite at the new stadium.  The red had to go.

Here’s a look at the finished project and some before pics as well:

The new kitchen, with its beautiful metallic silver paint:

And before:

We removed fabric from the walls, changed everything from floor to ceiling.  The new carpet with its hints of silver, combined with black electric theater seats (check out those cool lights), a new blue felt cover on the pool table slate, updated poker table/chairs and beautiful curtains that open and close with the touch of a button. 

Here’s the kitchen before:

What a difference some metallic paint will make to cabinets, especially in fun areas like a game room.  Of course, we updated the seating and accessorized the glass front displays will all things blue and silver.

With the finishing touches of a few classic Dallas Cowboys signed jerseys, helmets and a collection of framed fan favorite game tickets and photos…the room was a touchdown of epic proportions.

The client wanted a space that her kids, grandkids and many friends could enjoy, without feeling out of place or overwhelmed.  Yet, the room is in the entry of the home and still needed to have a touch of formality.  Here’s the result of our collaboration.

Getting here was no easy task and took many talented people.  First the wall finishes, papers & paint colors had to go.  We replaced gray with a very soft, inviting taupe, replaced angular fabric inserts with a faux stone application and changed the very white columns to look like real marble.  Here’s a before and a during shot.

Once those solid surface changes were made, it was time for decorating to begin.  As with most projects, the window treatments would be first to go.  We really wanted to infuse color and a bit of formality with the custom draperies. 

After drapes, and using the clients own dining table, we changed seat cushion fabrics and added a beautiful handknotted rug.  Wall sconces and the chandalier with crystals were changed to gorgeous iron fixtures, more fitting to the scale and new style of the room.  Resulting in this awesome installation.

A closer look at this incredibly beautiful fabric:

And here is what the window treatment looked like before this transformation started. 

Though still beautiful, the client wanted change to this interior space and hopefully you’ll agree the results would make any designer and homeowner proud.

Recently, while coming up with an overall design plan for a client’s vacation home, we realized that this particular entry had to not only be beautiful…but, it had to “WOW.”  So, we commissioned an artist to paint an 8′ x 10′ canvas with a Tuscany scene….

As you can see above, the “after” is certainly spectacular.  But to get there, below is a picture of how we first found the entry, a silver, much more transitional finish was applied to the wall and the interior of the dome.  The dome had no surround, so was too plain and modern for our client’s design style.

After commissioning the painting, since the wall is curved inward, we decided to install it like wallpaper and add a surround that seemed as if you were looking out a window on the Italian seaside.  Our amazing contractor created the surround out of custom styrofoam cuts.  Our most talented paint specialist hand made each plaster stone, then finished those and the surround to look like aged architectural ruins.  After installing oversized custom lanterns, what a transformation.  Here’s a more clean shot, before adding furnishings, plants and a handknotted rug.

For the dome, which was almost 30 feet in the air, we decided to add a surround, which would introduce more dimension, then have our paint specialist create a pallete of oranges, reds, yellows and blacks.  It is simply amazing, almost like the sun shining down on the Tuscan vineyards.  Here’s a before shot:

Here’s a look at some of the scaffolding.

And, here’s the dome afterwards:

When separating fine furnishings from all the other, it is very important with something you “sit” on, to not only look good…it needs to be comfortable and it needs to last.  Chuck Massoud says, “When we start designing a frame, we consider how it will look with a variety of fabrics and leathers. How many personalities can it take on? We want versatility – for example, the wing chair is extremely versatile. It can work in any style of décor.”

“We put pitch in our wing chairs – that is, we lean them back a little bit. A classic wing chair has a straight back, which isn’t so comfortable.”

Speaking of wing chairs, check out this incredible leather one in a traditional style.

Or, for something a little more transitional, this one is pretty awesome.  The white leather, silver nailheads, and progressive yet sensible fabric is a timeless combination.  Perfect for a downtown loft, or a chic Prestonhollow hideaway.

Looking and feeling good/comfortable, as we all know, is best determined by what’s underneath the cover.  In fine furniture that’s where the difference lies.  Massoud uses kiln dried hardwood for their frames, combined with the best springs and cushioning to make chairs & sofas that you just want to sit in forever.  Take a look at this “naked” chair to see how quality is made.

Even with the best frames and construction, there is still one very important, absolutely necessary component….the fabric or leather.  Massoud has taken a proactive approach, making sure that timeless patterns and materials are continuously updated so that we, as designers, can confidently offer our clients the best product for their home.

Here are just a few more of our favorite Massoud creations.

When considering the interior design of these areas, as with all others, it is so important not to forget any layers of the overall plan.  These include rugs, the table and chairs, buffets or servers, lighting, wall color/texture, artwork, accessories and most importantly custom drapery.  The fabrics in a room make all the difference in comfort and style.

Cynthia Hammersley

Inspiration for the dining room design can come from many places and experiences.  Here are a few more that we think simply invite you to grab a plate and start enjoying home, family and friends.

Brooke Gardner

B+G Design

Debra J. Stein

Haskell Matheny

Mike Bell, Inc.

Georgina Rice

Jerry Jacobs

Missie Bender

Tom Stringer

These dining room design ideas, so varied in style, are just a few.  The possibilities are endless with the right inspiration and the right designer.  We would love to hear from you today regarding your design needs.  Lets get started creating those memorable spaces for your home.

 But…never say never. 

 Clients, Michael & Susan were vacationing and relaxing on an east coast island a few months ago, perusing Dallas interior decorator websites….when fate took hold.  Landing on our www.wesley-wayne.com site, they reached out to us and requested a meeting upon their return.

Master Bedroom, After

 So, we did just that.  A couple of weeks later, at their place, we met and in our minds, thought:  why are we here?   This place is ok…doesn’t really need a lot of work.  Maybe a little new furniture, some cool accessories and we’d be done.

But, the clients had something totally different in mind.  Wanting to live on the seaside, but because of that four letter word, “work”, couldn’t just yet….they asked that we bring the coastal feel and appearance to their existing space.  From custom draperies, to bedding, chandeliers to artwork and accessories…almost everything needed to be changed.

 Inspired by the client’s dreams and quite a few gallons of lighter paint colors, removing of shutters to let the light in and a fine collection of gorgeous new furnishings, drapes and lighting later…here are some more of the after shots.

Upon our completion, to quote the client, is the rest of the story:

“We love our townhome but struggled with how we could brighten up our long and narrow rooms.  My husband and I are both inspired by the coast and although the closest ocean is hundreds of miles away, we asked Carl and Cody to incorporate these elements into their design.  The final product was absolutely amazing.  They were able to interpret our style to create a very comfortable – but elegant home.  From start to finish, the entire process was smooth and painless.  The access that they have to the most unique items is incredible. We highly recommend them to anyone.”

What will your inspiration be?  Let us know….

We would love to share a few of our favorite finds at this summer market.  From a fresh look at colors, to a fresh look at the Texas Longhorn, from gaming tables to cocktail tables, we’re inspired and hope you will be too.

First, take a look at this beautiful room setting.  We know its so easy to decorate with browns and earth tones.  But, what a refreshing approach to simply add one additional color and “wow” you’ve got a photo-shoot worthy room.

Next, it is rare that a game table excites us as designers.  But this incredibly beautiful, exceptionally designed Shuffleboard table is awe inspiring.  The game room blessed with this table will be the envy of all who come to play.

Now, we all know that the powder and/or pool bathroom is a space where you can live outside the box of your normal design scheme.  Its in these small rooms where the vanity is usually the eye-catching element.  Take a look at this chiseled stone sink basin and pedestal.  Incredible!

For this next selection of our favorite market finds, we thought that especially in Texas, there could be no “new thing under the sun” regarding the iconic Longhorn.  But, that was until we saw these.  Take a look at the astonishing colors and personality captured by art.

Now for those of you afraid of everything not brown, yet, longing for a change.  Maybe use of another neutral such as the amazing gray leather on this tufted sofa will be more appealing and still a little progressive in the design scheme.

With all the talk of color, we still must admit that the sophisticated look of this setting, fairly void of any, but full of style and class, is very inspiring as well.  Of course, the chair could always be recovered in some beautiful silk fabric….or not.

But, with that being said, one last look at how just one simple color, this time the color of the year, Honeysuckle Pink, can make a monumental difference.  It could be blue, orange, green, purple, red, or whatever your heart desires.  Don’t be afraid.

Under the design direction of world renowned Philippe Starck, as Creative Director for Yoo, this development of three unique towers is one of the most sought after residential spaces in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,  www.iconvallarta.com . 

Our client, Rene Livingstone of Sarlat Properties, www.sarlatproperties.com certainly had a vision for their two condos, a two bedroom in Tower II and the other a three bedroom in Tower III.  But, she needed help pulling it all together and completing the projects in a manner befitting the style and sophistication of the buildings. 

Scheduled for completion in July, we can’t wait to show the finished project. 

Recently, House Beautiful, selected 55 of their favorite living rooms from past publications.  There was a broad range of style, furnishings, colors, fabrics and design theories.  However, the one compelling similarity that we see, is each project was complete.  The client allowed the designer to “go all the way.” 

We were inspired by 10 of these awesome rooms.  Take a look…we think you’ll agree that truly completing the project makes all the difference.  

Suzanne Tucker

Cathy Kincaid

David Greer and Andrew Halliday

Christopher Maya

David DeMattei and Patrick Wade

David Lawrence

Jonathan Berger

Kathryn Scott

Miles Redd

Mary McDonald

As you can see, it’s so important to include all layers of the design process.  From paint selections and flooring, rugs and furniture, to accessories, lighting and especially window treatments, each is a part of the whole.  Now go back and imagine every room without some of these elements.  Hopefully, you’ll agree they just wouldn’t be the same.

Recently, a potential client called (from a referral of course) and shared that she had purchased a home in a beautiful gated community located in Flower Mound, Texas.  She loved the location, loved “most” of the house, but, hated a few things and certainly hoped we could help change that.  What a difference a little “nip and tuck” can make to an otherwise perfect place.

Take a look at these before & after pics, starting with the kitchen.  Notice previously there was a very simple wood header over the stove and an average island light fixture.  Now check out the awesome cast plaster range hood that melds perfectly with the original cabinets.  Then of course, we added a little bling in the form of a Swarovski crystal chandelier.

After:

Before:

In the breakfast area, we followed through by changing out the “builder grade” light fixture with something more complimentary to the kitchen area.  We also updated the table with a beautiful 72” round glass top and iron accents.  Dining chairs with carved wood insets complete the look.

After:

Before:

Off to the master suite, the fireplace mantle was very simple, and the surround a little dated.  Since this client lives for Christmas, she requested something more formal, yet not too ostentatious. We think the cast stone mantle, surround and hearth are perfect now.

After:

Before:

Next door in the master bath, there was a nice dome in the middle of the ceiling, but no chandelier.  Kind of like an actress, at the Oscars, without an earring…here come the Fashion Police.  So, as you can see in the after pic, a glamorous chandelier and cast surround later…all is well.

After:

Before:

Down the hall into the entry, the dome did have a nice chandelier, but something just seemed to be lacking.  If the other areas of the home were going to be lifted, we must do something here.  Surrounding the chandelier and accenting the dome with a triple layer of cast molding provided the “wow” factor in this entrance to the home.

After:

So, as you can see, it doesn’t take a complete remodel to make a huge difference in your home.  Just a few refreshing, properly designed changes may be all you need.