YMCA put on one of their major fundraising event called ‘Monte Carlo Night’ this past May 5th. In support of their Strong Kids campaign. One of the donations they received for the silent raffle was from Finishing Touch of two prints and a half day decorating consultation with myself at 3R Design Studio. Thrilled to help out the winner with some decorating details in her house and help her find a spot for her new artwork. Have a look to see how the day went!
Three things you can do in a half day. Art and picture placement and rearranging. Furniture tweaks in the living room. And lastly a plan and design for the patio. Lots of things behind the scenes as well but for the purpose here it’s just a quick glance how making a few changes can enhance what you already own.
Here’s some before pictures
Visually paired down the pictures and rehung them in a different spot to just keep the focus on one of her favourite beach scene. Added the two wire wild flowers to perch under the landscape to add some depth. These were originally in the living room. The other picture that was on the wall leading down the stairs is now on the adjacent wall on the other side of the cutout.
‘After’
Living Room changes … here’s the before
Now the before in the living room. Since it’s tall ceilings and there was a lot going on, I just paired down the pictures and rearranged with ones she already had. The paris print use to be in the bedroom but now hangs in the living room with the little angel resting on a nesting table behind the chair. These are just little changes with artwork but they add up to big changes and make a difference in how the overall space looks and feels.
‘After’ artwork
Two prints were brought up from another room in the house and works better on the other side of the walnut cabinet. Switching the chairs provides more room for each and visually looks better.
Last thing we did in the living room was switch two cabinets from one side and the bar area to the other side beside the fireplace. The clients new piece of artwork found it’s new home in this corner and looks great!
‘After’ Artwork
Small change but the artwork was perfect vertical dimensions to fit in this little niche area and the tall cat moved in to keep watch 😉 Less on the mantel allows the eye to rest on the new print and take centre stage. Thanks to Finishing Touch for donating this for the YMCA Monte Carlo fundraiser and also congrats to my client for wining the artwork and now gets to enjoy it in their living room. Want to see where the second piece of Artwork, check out the post here Before & After: A Clients Bedroom Makeover.
Third task was some changes to the patio, here’s the before
And the ‘after’!
Client had the two blue outdoor chairs which we brought out from storage. The lounger was already there so we tucked that in the corner. Two new pieces from Kent Building was the outdoor rug that added that punch of colour and a two side tables, one new and one the client already had. Much more inviting and ready for guests as soon as the walk up the step. Once it gets warmer they can add some planters and fill in the space with seasonal flowers.
The client wanted some help with how to layout her back patio and she had the existing table and bbq but wasn’t sure how to fill in the rest. I moved the dining table to the far end for the eating zone. The two loungers she had before and I moved the BBQ to the other end to make that the cooking zone.
After
Now as soon as the homeowners walk out the sliding door from the kitchen they are greeted with a warm and welcoming seating area with the addition of this conversation set and outdoor rug from Kent Building Supplies. Perfect for having your coffee on a Saturday morning! New umbrella stand and umbrella was also a great new addition to the outdoor dining table.
A couple of planters with flowers can be added later to fill in the space and add more colour.
Two candle holders were brought outside from inside and great for ambiance during summer nights having a cocktail and cooking up something on the BBQ. Last thing I did was add some decor pieces beside the outdoor table to add some interest. They’re made of metal so they won’t be damaged from the elements and during the winter they’d be brought inside. 🙂
This sweet patio now has a dining zone, seating area and cooking zone … now all it needs is warm weather to sit and enjoy! Overall it’s a great space to hang out and lounge after a long day at work. Let the relaxing begin lol.
Takeaway Tip: If you have a long narrow space, divide it up into zones for how you'll use the space. Allow enough roomfor guests to walk around between the zones. Add more candles and flowers to embellish the space and you'll have yourself a nice little outdoor oasis for the summer months.
