A bathroom renovation!

When we bought our home 4 years ago it needed A LOT of work. The kids bathroom was pushed to the back burner for a bit, but we were finally able to update the space for them this Spring. What a transformation! Now, not only do the kids shower in their own bathroom, but they are keeping it clean and tidy. Win Win!

Here are a few “before” pictures so you can have an idea of how far we came.

vanity before.jpg
Ugly “before”

Ugly “before”

Crazy ugly, right?

I wanted the room to be gender neutral, not too trendy, and to feel incredibly clean, fresh, and updated. I also really wanted storage. Initially I wanted to go with a black hexagon tile floor, but the more I researched this option I decided it would show too many smudges and too much of my daughter’s long blond hair. I also originally wanted a wood tone floating vanity. This proved out of my budget given I had to also add a storage tower.

So, I landed on classic white cabinet with a beautiful white and gray quartz called Calacatta Crestola. I didn’t want the room to be cold so I added in the wood mirror and the touch of gold to the light fixtures. Ta Da!! The floor tile was a last minute decision and I couldn’t be happier! I really wanted that hexagon shape and the soft gray was the perfect neutral.

Vanity with Calacatta Crestola Quartz

Vanity with Calacatta Crestola Quartz

The shower tile choice was also a bit of a last minute decision. I just wanted something different and something that was easy to keep clean. I went with a large, 2’ x 4’ gray porcelain tile with incredible movement to it. I accented the niche with a herringbone marble tile. It all came together beautifully with the black fixtures.

Tub after.jpg

Here are a few “after” pictures once I had some time to add some personal touches.

Color and Decor

The main wall color is Benjamin Moore Light Pewter (1464) and the dark accent wall is Sherwin Williams, Iron Ore (7069), In my opinion it is the perfect black color that isn’t too stark.

The rug is from Anthropologie and is called the Jules Mat. I loved the longer length and soft texture and color tones. I wanted it to bring out the warmth of the mirror and soften the space a little. Link to Jules Bath Mat | Anthropologie. The lighting I found at The Lighting Shop Quoizel Lighting - JUN1508EK - June - 1 Light Mini Pendant (thelightingshop.com) .

tub.jpg

A little home staging SUCCESS story!

I was lucky enough to work with a repeat client recently and I had the most fun helping her prepare her home for sale. This one needed quite a few updates! We renovated three bathrooms, the kitchen, paint throughout, new furniture and accessories, and SO much de-cluttering. The good news?! They sold in less than two days, with 14 offers, and sold it for $20k over asking. Staging works!

1102 Sagebrush Trl, Cary, IL, 60013 | realtor.com®

Alansa living.jpg

Bold and Bright Color →

We have all heard that paint is the cheapest way to make the biggest difference in a room.  We always think of wall color, but adding a color to the ceiling can really transform any room from boring to bright in no time.  I love this trend for bedrooms, bathrooms, or the office, but it can really make most rooms of your house pop!  

Each of these ideas have a bright and bold ceiling with a crisp white wall.  The ceiling color connects in some way to the rest of the space through an accent piece or fabric. Like the white and gray bathroom trend?  Use the last picture as inspiration and add a pop of color to the ceiling.  You could try navy, black, or even orange.  The possibilities are endless!

The Mudroom...

This client has a beautiful home and wanted her mudroom (and main point of entry for many guests) to be welcoming, functional, and updated.  Here is how the space looked "before"

 Our goals were:  flooring that minimized the visibility of  dirt, cabinets that could be more visually appealing (and allow for more storage), and a locker system to provide a lovely space for all of her families coats, shoes, and bags.  I created a design plan for her based on her wants and needs and then we went shopping.  We were able to reuse her countertop and the washer and dryer stayed.  Everything else was removed.  

Here is what the room looks like now!

The transformation is amazing!  The slate floors with dark grout hide any dirt brought in from outside.  The lockers provide much needed shoe space, and each child has their own locker cubby for their outerwear.  There is so much storage near the washer/dryer and she even has a spot to personalize the space.  The walls are painted Putnam Ivory by Benjamin Moore.  We added nice texture with the bamboo blinds and industrial style  bronze lighting.  She now has a functional space she loves coming into.

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Bird Story...

I had to share the inspiration behind my new logo design.  When I was a little girl my family had wonderful reunions with extended family at different locations throughout the United States.  On one such trip to York, Pennsylvania I had some shopping time with my Great Aunt Louise.  I ended up with some adorable, handmade stationary with little birds made out of ric rac and a fine tip marker.  It was so simple, but so sweet (kind of like her!).    Now, some 30+ years later, I still have three of the cards.  They survived 12 moves, three states, and two children! 

When I was brainstorming the name for my new business – little bird – came to mind.  “Little bird” is one of the many nick names my Mom has always had for me, and since this business is my new “baby” it seemed to ring true.  There is a reason I have held onto that stationary- and now I know why!

Yael Joffe , and Yell Media created my logo and captured the image perfectly (it wasn’t easy!).  I am so lucky to have had her design it (and my website for that matter) and to be starting this new chapter of my life.  I hope you will continue to follow me and see what this little bird is up to!

Front Door Blues... →

With Spring officially here in I have become obsessed with changing the look of my front door.  I have neutral tan siding, white trim, and black shutters.  Pretty classic.  Now to add some fun with color!  

Blue is a color I have always been drawn to, and with its revival as of late in interior decor I have become inspired to bring it into the exterior of my home.  It is a great color to add year round charm to any home and compliments each season.  I will keep you posted once I complete my project.  For now, here are a few inspirational color choices to make your front door pop!

Read more