Who doesn’t like a good design makeover, right? It’s almost its own industry now, on almost every other design TV program and saturating print and online publications. So, we don’t want to bore you with the typical before and after segment. We’ll demonstrate some of our favorite befores and their corresponding afters, but we selected these because there was an additional design challenge that made each of the following projects a little trickier than the norm. Read on to see how we turned some puzzling projects into delightfully adored designs.
Architectural Ace
A client approached us with a fairly common quandary. They wanted change but without having to box up their lives and truck them to another location. And the change would be significant, since the existing 1970’s scheme had been virtually unchanged since its initial groovy installation. But their original seventies décor wasn’t the only design challenge that would demand some creative negotiation. They also own an impressive collection of Arts and Crafts furniture, as well as textiles and carvings from around the globe, that don’t inherently, as a whole, lend themselves to a cohesive theme. But, these pieces are their most treasured possessions that they insisted should remain the focus of their design scheme. And so they should!
Befores:
A major feat would need to be achieved in the architectural redesign in order for the new look to add movement and a current edge, but while also remaining harmonious with the pieces it would hold. So, the one and only, local architect, David Schiflet, worked some magic with the specifications he was given and completely transformed seventies drab into contemporary fab.
Afters:
Couple’s Compromise
When our next clients met and married, they were also confronted with the obstacle of marrying their styles. His preference, and the existing décor, was dominantly Tuscan with heavy, masculine accents. Hers… not so much. She wished for more life and some glamour without breaking the bank, or her hubby’s attachment to his things.
Befores:
JEI also faced the challenge of working with the existing wall colors, as well as staying within a limited budget, since the couple is considering building a new home in the near future. As with any project that has the attention of both homeowners, there would need to be an interior design mediation, of sorts. The man of the house took a little coaxing and reassurance, while our lady of the home received some guidance to channel her vision. The colors were selected around the gorgeous art that she painted.
As you can see from the end result below, the right placement of color and attention to accessories transformed their home from mildly masculine to upbeat and fresh.
Afters:
For the Love of the Lot
When you need a new look but you’re attached to where you are, not all is lost for a fabulous home makeover. These clients originally designed their interiors around the Virginia Country tastes they brought with them to Texas in the 90’s. But as time passed, they realized that their preferences were evolving. And, since they were in love with their location and lot, they decided to incorporate a style that would be more like the architecture of the home, itself, which is a modern Tuscan theme.
An additional catch: They wanted a design redo with all of the toppings, but they didn’t want to have to leave their home during the process. So, the family team of six, relocated their lives upstairs, limited to the space provided by their media area, using the wet bar there as their kitchen for four months.
After some innovative application of modern to the traditional foundations, and a lot of patience and flexibility from the clients, the once outdated digs became a slick new interpretation of the existing architecture and their family’s personality.
Afters:
From Ranch to Radiant
The traditional Ranch Style home was all the rage in the 60’s. So, it’s not all uncommon to be retained by a client who wants to convert their stuffy, stretched style into something more open and modern. These clients wished to rid their space of the claustrophobic feel of the original scheme and add in color, pizzazz and sophistication, but without losing the flow of the architecture and their favorite artwork.
Before:
The homeowners worked with an architect to open up the space that was already there and implement a gentle transition from the existing frame to allow for a more contemporary energy within. The kitchen, dining and living areas now each work together as compatible counterparts, and the previous stagnant style is only a memory there now. JEI also had the innovative talent of lighting artist, Joe Parham, who designed and crafted the custom fixtures, and the homeowners’ existing furniture and art were seamlessly incorporated into the new scheme.
Afters:
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As you can see from the examples here, almost any design challenge is easily overcome with the right vision and follow-through. If you would like to discuss your own remodel or redo, call the team at JEIDesign at 512.330.9197 or email Julie@julieevans.net.