Long Distance Custom Home Design

Get ready for an over-share. I apologize in advance for sharing way too many pics and details in this post but I am really excited about it.  I have been working on the design for a custom home in Tampa, FL while living in Georgia and finally got to visit the site last weekend to see the progress.  I had not been since the tile, cabinets and a few other major details had gone in so I was a little nervous.  I had seen them all via cell phone pics but it just isn't the same.  Thankfully, everything looks AMAZING and it is all coming together perfectly.  We are only a few weeks out from the final touches so better pictures will be coming shortly but for now here are some of the progress pictures...

My only contribution to the exterior was the lighting but I had to share because I love the nautical style wall sconce for this lake front home, especially against the brick.

 Pictures just don't do these rustic Alder wood cabinets justice.  They turned out beautiful thanks to the experts at Park Avenue Designs.  (Back splash still to come.)

The pool bath will have a gorgeous copper vessel sink that brings out the copper details in the granite from Custom Marble Works.

Love the cabinet hardware throughout that was chosen by Jeff at Park Avenue.

In LOVE with the brick wall that carries from the kitchen into the breakfast area.  We also tied the two areas together with the lighting.  Hard to tell with the protective plastic but the pendants and chandeliers all have 'orb' details to tie them together.  Lighting doesn't necessarily have to be from the same collection or even the same finish but I like to find one element that ties the different pieces together.  This is a very open concept home so it works well to have a detail that unites the different lighting elements in a subtle way.

I can not wait to unwrap these beautiful Restoration Hardware fixtures in the foyer and dining room.  Again, these two spaces are open to each other so we chose something that worked together.  Normally, I would have gone with even more contrast between the two fixtures but the homeowners were in love with the iron orbs so we found a way to work them both in.  She loves the glitz of the crystal and he loves the masculine iron work so the dining fixture was a great for both.  I had a few skeptics about the over-sized fixtures but they are perfect for the space!!

This custom home is being built by Gray Homes of Tampa Bay.

For details on how to get help with your next design project visit mgfinteriors.com

MGF Interiors

EXCITING NEWS!!!  My new website and business has finally launched!  Please visit http://mgfinteriors.webs.com/ for more information on how you can get personalized design tips for your home.  I am offering COLOR CONSULTATIONS, DESIGN INSPIRATIONS, FULL DESIGN CONSULTATIONS AND HOME STAGING TIPS at really affordable rates.  

Pirate Party

Harrison and the Never Land Pirates

I had so much putting together the decorations for my nephew Harrison's 1st birthday party.  His older brothers are big fans of the cartoon 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates' so I took the theme chosen by his parents and gave it a more personalized touch.  Such a great theme choice because it was fun for all ages.  

Adorable cake from Publix bakery.

I found a few ideas on Pinterest like the 'Fish n' chips' with gold fish and potato chips.

 Free printable Birthday sign and cake tray template after the Jump...

Thanksgiving Care Package

Since I can't send my husband a real home cooked Thanksgiving dinner overseas I had to get a little creative.  I tried to pick some of his favorite Thanksgiving staples and found ways to send them that were not only non-perishable but could also be easily prepared in the microwave.  

Thanksgiving dinner includes:

- Instant mashed potatoes

- Canned cranberry sauce

- Stove Top dressing (can be microwaved)

- His favorite Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

- Mac n Cheese

- Canned yams w/ marshmallows

- Gravy (hopefully they have some turkey for them but if not can be used on potatoes)

- Sweet Tea Mio (just add to water)

- Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crusts with pudding to fill and make his own pies

- You could also add turkey jerky but I didn't bother since I know my husband doesn't like it.  

I would love to hear any other ideas you may have for Thanksgiving Care Packages.  

Spur of the moment trip to St. Simons

When my husband and I get bored (which is pretty often) we like to just jump in the car and start driving with no particular destination in mind.  We usually start heading down random back roads and then eventually break out the atlas and pick a small town nearby that we haven't been to yet.  Since these aren't planned and we have a puppy to get back to we typically stay within a few hours drive of home but it is amazing the things you can find in your own backyard.  The Army keeps us moving to new places so every few years we get a whole new set of small towns to explore.  

Our most recent jaunt was to a little coastal town about 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Savannah.  St. Simons Island is a place I have heard about often but this was our first encounter with this cute little tourist destination.  It was an overcast day so it wasn't great beach weather but it was perfect for a stroll through the local shops and along the beautiful park overlooking the water.  Since this wasn't a planned trip, I didn't have the fancy camera with us so I snapped a few photos with my cell phone.  We ate lunch in a great outdoor cafe, window shopped the AMAZING stores along the main drag and enjoyed some live acoustic guitar music near the water.  It was a great, cheap day trip but I would love to go back and spend some money in the antique shops.  It has also made me want to include some nautical elements into our home decor.

Are we the only crazy people who take unplanned day trips?  

Spectacular Small Space- Part 1

I may be the only official interior designer in the family but decorating is a family wide addiction.  My oldest sister, Valerie has taken design to an impressive level.  She lives with 3 1/2 boys, a 4 year old, 2 year old and a 33 year old (her husband), and another baby boy in her belly and she still manages to keep an organized and beautiful home with plenty of girly touches.  The most amazing part is that she keeps it all neatly organized and displayed in their tiny 2 bedroom apartment.  Valerie is also a moving expert, they are getting ready for their 9th move in 7 years so she snapped a few photos to share with you before the tear down begins.  I can't wait for her to share her moving tips and show you how she transforms her furniture and accessories from one space to another.  In the mean time, here are a few photos of their current Master Bedroom...     

Bedding from Pottery Barn, Furniture from Thomasville, Artwork from Etsy.

You can pick up a few tips from Val's small space living from the picture above.  First off, stay away from King size beds, they eat up so much space and if you move often they may fit in your current home but probably won't in fit in a home down the road.  Symmetrical isn't always practical.  The smaller night stand on one side frees up some floor space and lets be honest, guys don't need as much storage anyway.  She continued the asymmetrical look with the lamps and accessories on the nightstand.  Fit storage wherever you can!  The larger nightstand has tons of storage space and don't forget about under the bed storage options.  Under the bed is a great place to store the extra leaf from the dining room table, heavier bedding for the winter months, shoes, craft supplies etc, etc.  Just make sure to have items organized in bins or storage bags to keep them easily accessible.  

Valerie is also a former military wife, her husband has since finished his military career but his new job still takes them to exciting new places every few years.  During their travels, they have collected some really amazing pieces and love to mix their travel trinkets into their decor.  In a small space, every inch counts so I love how they incorporated their TV into their book shelves and also use the shelving to display their favorite pieces.    

Check back for more rooms from Valerie's current home, her moving tips and her 9th home in 7 years.  

Baby Lucy's Room- Part 3

A few weeks ago, I shared a few details from the nursery that my sister is setting up for her new baby girl.  You can check out her DIY wall monogram here and her adorable thrifted pink lamps here.  This week I wanted to share some of her budget friendly ideas.

Didn't she do such a great job?!!  I think it looks so chic.  Every detail was carefully thought out and very affordable.  The changing table was re-used from her first baby boy's room and repainted white to better coordinate with Lucy's white crib (keep an eye out on Craigslist and Yard sales for similar finds).  I love how she used the baskets to keep all the necessities organized and hidden and they really tie in nicely with the rattan barrel chair.  We found that classic chair at a small antique store in great condition for only $60 (we have seen similar in other stores for 3x that).  The Parisian print was a $25 Home Goods find (I love that store), the rug was $20 at Ikea (I had the same one in my old apartment, it blends well with multiple design styles).  The ruffle drapes aren't only super sweet but also very important to Baby Lucy's nap time.  She ordered the drapes from Pottery Barn Kids and hung them on a double drapery rod with a blackout shade behind them to provide total darkness even during the brightest hours of the day (clever mom trick that I never would have thought of).  Finally, the sweet details of Lucy's toys and a handmade blanket crocheted by her great grandma add a personal touch to the space.  The most cost effective part is that most of the staple items will grow with Lucy well into her teen years.

Baby Lucy's Room- Part 1

Baby Lucy's Room- Part 2

Baby Lucy's Room - Part 2

My newest niece, Lucy has the CUTEST room!  I'm a little jealous.  You can see PART 1 here.  

Most of Lucy's room has been designed by my sister but I had to contribute a little something too, so here is my thrifty addition.

I found two of these cute lamps at a thrift store.  They needed a little cleaning up, new wiring an new shades but they were perfect for a baby girl's room.  Lamp re-wiring kits can be found at most hardware stores and the directions are really easy to follow.  The lamp shades were $5 from Ikea, you can find them here. 

I love how she arranged the books and baby toys!  

Check out Baby Lucy's Room Part 3 here. 

BRING SPRING INSIDE- HOUSE PLANTS HOW TO

The easiest way to bring life and color to your interior space is by incorporating live plants. Plants not only improve the air quality in your home but they can also improve your overall mood.

I do not have a green thumb so I won't even try to give you gardening tips but I can point you towards a great source.  Delray Plants offers monthly YouTube tips to help get your garden growing.

Baby Lucy's Room- Part 1

It's Family Friday!!  For the next few weeks my sister will be sharing the progress of her new baby girl's adorable nursery.  I would love to take credit for this design but this was all Lucy's crafty mom.  *Fun Fact, Lucy is my 5th niece, I also have 5 nephews and 1 more nephew due very soon.  Since there are kiddos everywhere in my family I will be sharing lots of fun family projects.  

Part 1:  DIY Wall Monogram 

The background color is Behr "Anonymous" in eggshell.  To create the monogram she borrowed a movie projector from a friend, connected it to her laptop and created a word document with the letters in French Script font. She placed the projector across the room (on top of her changing table) and traced the projection with a pencil directly onto the wall.  The final step was just filling in the outline with a few coats of gloss acrylic craft paint from Michaels Craftsmart Brand in Pink/Rose using a small foam brush.  

Tip 1- Keep a little extra of the background color on hand for any touch ups.  

Tip 2- When lining up the monogram make sure to use a level or at least measure from a level point on both sides (up from the chair rail or baseboard) you will be kicking yourself if you finish the project and the entire thing is crooked. 

If you can't find a projector,v you could use a Cricut cutting machine, have the monogram printed in a large scale and use trace paper to transfer the outline onto the wall or if you are really talented draw the letters free hand.  

My sister also suggests having it printed at a copy center the exact size you want, color the back of the paper with a dark pencil then tape it to the wall (pencil facing wall).  Once in place, trace over the letters/design then when you take the paper off the outline will be on the wall (pencil transfers from the back of the paper to the wall).

There are also vinyl letter options that can be found on Etsy.  Vinyl letters are a great option for renters! 

Isn't it adorable!! I love her color selections!  They are girly but will coordinate well with other colors and patterns in the future and will grow with her throughout her childhood and teen years.  She also placed the monogram in the middle of the wall that will eventually be the bed wall when Lucy is older and made sure it was high enough that a standard head board would still fit underneath.  

Check out Baby Lucy's Room Part 2 here.  

and

 Baby Lucy's Room Part 3 here. 

ACHIEVE DESIGN

 A while back I helped my sister in law, Heather add a little color to her Pediatric Therapy office.  We wanted to keep it professional and organized but also inviting and fun for the kids.

 To start, we took our color inspiration from their logo.  The entry wall was a simple DIY project.  We had the logo blown up at a local printing shop and used the frame from a  Walmart full length mirror.  I used my Cricut to cut out the quote on sticky back vinyl. (If you don't have a Cricut borrow one from a friend or you can have vinyl decals made at a local sign shop.)

Artist- Clayton

 Heather came up with the idea to display her kids artwork throughout the office.  It's a great way to add to the kid friendly atmosphere and it's FREE.  

Artist- Ella  

Artists- Ella and Clayton 

Most of the accessories, shelving and storage boxes were found at Ikea.  We also painted a few items that were already in the office black and orange to continue the theme.