2013 and The Orchid

It's the last day of the year, a perfect time of reflection.  As I look back on all the few posts I have done this year, it is obvious that something, or someone has rearranged my priorities!  And I love it.  My little girl has brought such joy to my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  It has been quite a challenge to balance my business and being a new mom but we are adjusting well and both baby and my career are thriving.  I only lack time to document it all!

I will soon be revealing my inspiration board for 2014.  I'm excited that Radiant Orchid is the color of the year from Pantone as I feel I have already been incorporating it where I can.

It is close to the color of my daughter's nursery and would love to use it more. (seen here behind Elsie)

I have recently completed and am awaiting photos to come back of RWD's latest kitchen and bath remodel while we work away at two new kitchens, so I know I will have many fun projects to share with you soon!

Wishing you much joy and happiness for 2014!

Color Spot

One of my latest projects was designing a multi-purpose sunroom.  This room functioned as a homework/play room for the kids and a home office.  The owner is a big collector of art and loves bright cheery colors.  Check out how we were able to include everything on her list of needs and wants:

Custom Bench Cushion to coordinate with custom loveseat

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Before and After: Hillside Home in San Francisco

On this gray and potentially rainy day (in Sacramento anyway), I thought I would brighten it with some color from my Before and After photos of my recently completed client project, which was a hillside residence in San Francisco that had some lovely south bay views.

This project was a marriage of French antiques and African vibrancy.  It was a slight challenge to find the right blend but in the end came together beautifully!  I laid the base colors of gray and yellow (French influence) and added pops of orange and purple (African influence).  I had fun with this unique palette!

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Photos by Rebecca Ward

By the Bay

Yesterday I had a fabulous project installation.  It was quite a busy day traveling to San Francisco and coordinating the arrival and work of the electricians, drapery installers and furniture deliverers. 

My team hardly took a break to snack but we got it all done by the afternoon, in time for the homeowner's return for "the big reveal".  It was quite a success!  I forget sometimes that my clients have a harder time visualizing the end product so it makes it that much sweeter when they see it all come together. 

There are still a few art pieces to be hung and details to add before I take final photos but here is a nice photo of the colorful palette and fabrics I brought into their room with a view:

 

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Welcome 2012

Happy New Year!  Here's to a wonderful year!  

Here's a few projects from this last year.  Looking forward to this year!

Photos in the Works

I am finishing up several projects right now, getting a few more accessories and then come the fabulous photos!  Soon enough we will have some before and after spectacular photos to share with you.  Here is a quick shot I took earlier this week of one project.  Sometimes I take photos so I can see what I still need to get and remember what ideas I had for accessorizing.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Photo by Rebecca Ward

A Fresh Look

I had some major computer problems this week and am now trying to catch up!  I thought you might like to see how the presentation board turned out.

We're going to make a few small adjustments but for the most part this will be it!  Looking forward to seeing it actualized!

Photo by Rebecca Ward

Sneak Peak

Here is some inspiration for my next project.  Presenting tomorrow so I'll make this short and sweet so I can finish!

Via Ballard Design

These pillows were my first inspiration for bright, cheerful colors.  My jumping off point, so to speak.

Ok, off to finish my presentation! 

A Vision Comes To Life

As the last step of completing a project, I like to go back and compare my original vision of a project with the end product.  I think this one came pretty close!

Original Presentation Board

I hope you're having a great weekend!


Photos by Rebecca Ward

Before and After

Now's the fun part: the Before and After comparison!

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Happy Friday!!  I'm working this weekend on a new presentation.  I may give you a sneak peak later.  Stay tuned!

The Bigger Picture

Continuing in the unveiling of my latest project, I am now going to share some full size room shots of how it all turned out.  Like I mentioned before, it's not 100% finished with accessorizing and details but the main design is in place. 

  

Next posting will be the fun before and afters!

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Behind The Scenes

Last week I installed a new living/dining room and study at the Love Residence.  I loved this project and my clients, the Loves were ideal!   I will reveal the project to you over a series of posts.  The first is a look behind the scenes on installation day.  So much preparation and coordination goes into this important day. 

The design is beginning to come together

I have to time ordering all the furniture so it arrives approximately at the same time to my delivery company so they don't have to store it for very long. 

Then I have to coordinate the necessary people to do their part on that day.  This time around I had one of my workrooms installing reupholstered chair seats and one of my contractors to hang art. 

I also had a design assistant to help me take photos and bounce ideas off of for last minute touches.

Unfortunately, due to budgeting limitation, we had to cut new accessories and lamps but I was able to make do with their existing items for the time being.

Installations always take a lot out of me but are so satisfying.  It is one of my favorite parts of my job to see the concept go from an idea to reality.

I love the new fabric on this classic chair

More to come!