So this before-and-after thing is really fun, so let’s just keep it going….shall we?!

This project took place in the Houston Heights, for my very fun and stylish clients that had just purchased this 3-story townhome.  They loved the location and vibe of the place, but the interior was bland, boring, and boxy.  I was thrilled to learn that they wanted an eclectic interior – mixing industrial style, modern elements, COLOR, and great art.  As you can see from the before photos…this was going to take some work!

BEFORE

Here were our goals for this design project, and the ways we could successfully implement them:

• My clients hated the boring fireplace with the basic black granite surround. So I suggested we do a custom fireplace focal wall, using various reclaimed wood scraps of differing depths to create texture and relief. I found a concept photo on Pinterest, but when it started taking shape, it was better than we had even imagined! We also demo’d the black granite tile surround, and replaced it with cool industrial metal sheeting…the basic kind you would find on the side of a shed.

• In the kitchen, you can see in the before photos, there was an awkward wine cabinet below the interesting window, and then another awkward cabinet above the range that was meant to house a microwave…but the microwave was already installed on the other wall…? Go figure. Both cabinets had to go! We replaced with a sleek stainless steel shelf that rested right above the backsplash to help that area look more finished. This also helped to highlight the cool modern window in the kitchen.

• We also changed out the kitchen island pendants to be more industrial and interesting, and same thing for the dining area – new cool lighting. Decorative lighting is critical, and I am so glad these clients agreed!

PROGRESS

As for the furniture, my clients only wanted to use their existing dark brown leather sectional and their existing breakfast table set.  Otherwise, all furniture was to be new!  A little breakdown on all of the furniture pieces  in the living room/kitchen:

• Barstools: modern and sleek, adjustable height with a polished chrome frame and wood seat. These stools are just cool and tied in a bit of the funky vibe we were going for.

• TV cabinet: This was the first piece that I sourced, and it set the tone for the rest of the design. I loved the bright red-orange weathered paint, and the scale of the piece was perfect for the large wall, and would be great for concealing all of the AV components.

• Upholstered Wing Chair: The tall back and curvy lines of this chair are quirky and interesting. I felt pairing it with a dark textured fabric would keep it from looking too feminine. And placing it across from the sectional would help balance out a nice seating arrangement when company comes over.

• Coffee Table: We needed a table on the smaller side, and this glass version is perfect for keeping the area light and open. It also has a neat floating drawer, to hide the non-pretty coffee table necessities.

• Console Table: I adore this weathered wood top and modern steel base. Again, I didn’t want anything to heavy or bulky, and this openness underneath allows for the perfect spot to tuck in the 2 ottomans.

• Cowhide ottomans: These ottomans do the perfect job of visually breaking up all of the dark brown leather on the back of the sectional. The cowhide pattern is to-die-for….and again, the ideal combination of rustic and modern. My clients loved that these could also be pulled around in the living room whenever they had a larger gathering.

• 2 leather chairs under window: My clients loved these! Daring and cool, they are more for a WOW statement than anything else. Don’t you agree?!

• Area Rug: This shaggy rug with gemotric pattern has been done plenty of times, but that’s because it just works! The texture is yummy, and I needed something simple to ground the space and brighten it up.

• Artwork and Accessories: We went with original modern custom artwork by artist Stacy Hosrich (he is amazing). I am obsessed with how the bright colors pop on the dark gray TV wall. For the accessories, I purchased many from an awesome thrift store called The Guild Shop, which added to the feeling of authenticity. Other modern items were purchased from West Elm and Z Gallerie. Oh, and that pom-pom tree is a much needed dash of green and natural!

AFTER

Ta-da!  My clients have been enjoying this space for well over a year now, and I think that the interest and vibrancy of this room really reflects their personality.  Would you love an industrial-modern-eclectic room like this one?  Does this style float your boat?  I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.  See you next time!