Month: February 2016

Modern, Rustic Teen Room + DIY Pallet Wall Tutorial

Written by Jenna on February 25, 2016. Posted in Decorating, DIY.

Hey There! Hope you’re having a great week.

Today, I’m sharing the details of another teen bedroom that I just finished up. The other day I shared the first of the 3 teen rooms (all siblings) and you all were in love. Many of you chimed in and said “this is for a teen? I want this room!” With splashes of pink + shades of gray, it was a winner young OR old. And that geometric rug – you all were gaga over it. See more of that space > here.

On to this new teen room reveal…

As I mentioned the other day, I had a neighbor reach out about remodeling their 3 teens bedrooms. I thought a new splash of paint + a few new throw pillows and it’d be done. Nope! This was an entire makeover from top to bottom for each room. These awesome parents wanted to put the time + money into creating a space that truly reflected each of their blooming personalities. Using some old, adding in quite a bit of new, and DIYing a few fun projects, these room got a total revamp.

WELCOME TO BEDROOM 2

Let’s dissect the details of this teen space with a new rustic pallet focal wall layered with vibrant geometric patterns + bold colors…

The process of revamping each room was fairly similar to how I typically work with clients, yet it was multipled by 3. Three unique personalities. Three styles. Three visions. Not having worked 1-on-1 with a teen before, I wasn’t sure how it was going to pan out, but they came prepared with a plan.

And I was able to execute this for his new pad…

and the floor plan…

This specific teen – a boy – was less decisive about the design direction, so other than a few specifics, I had free rein. I wanted to achieve a modern, but worn aesthetic and as a starting point, I was feeling wood had to be introduced!

A pallet wall?

Would they go for it?

I would do a pallet wall in my house, but how could I “sell” the idea to a client??

Sold. They loved the idea – the teen AND the parents!

How fabulous does it look as a feature wall?!

After creating the floor plan + vision board (seen above) for each of the teen rooms, I sent them off with a shopping list + tutorials. On their own, they took on the task of gathering pallets, dismantling each pallet, then sanding + cleaning each board. It was a lot of work, but in the end, the project cost nothing AND they made it a family project.

Here is a recap of the process to making the pallet wall…

DO -IT-YOURSELF PALLET WALL

TUTORIAL

1 Find pallets

> For this 10′ wide x 8′ wall, about 100 planks were used. That breaks down to approximately 15 pallets (depending on the size + usability of planks per each pallet)

> I scour the back of my local Lowe’s for used pallets that they’ve given permission to take. Pallet projects are so popular, that some places are selling them, but I would try to find free before paying…

Dismantel the pallets

> Check out this tutorial for tips on dismantling a pallet

> When you have a pile of boards, clean them off with a damp cloth + sand the surface – an orbital sander is easiest and be sure to wear a face mask!

2Lay it out

> Avoid possible mistakes by laying out the wall on the floor BEFORE installing. Because the planks are of varying sizes and widths, this will help determine what works best + looks best when installed on the wall.

3Cut the boards

> Using a powered miter saw, cut the planks to size to fit the wall space.

4Install the boards

> Starting at the ceiling plane, position the planks on the wall and using a nailgun, nail the boards to the wall. This process should be fairly fast since the boards have already been laid out + positioned how you want them to look. Of course, adjustments may need to be made along the way.

> After each row, take a step back to the opposite side of the space to be sure the planks are fairly level. A long level might also be useful to check if the boards are straight, but your eyes should be enough.

5Finish it

> Row by row, make your way down the wall until you’ve reached the floor.

6 Step back

> Step back and enjoy your hard work. This DIY project isn’t difficult, nor expensive, but it’s time consuming.

> A helper isn’t required, but will surely make it easier!

> Layer the beautiful new wall with other rustic accents or contrasting decor as I did with colorful geometric patterns.

THE RESULT

This is absolutely a fun + inviting space for this teen – and his friends – to enjoy for years to come…

Pink + Charcoal Bedroom Makeover

Written by Jenna on February 22, 2016. Posted in Decorating. 3 Comments on Pink + Charcoal Bedroom Makeover

A few months back, neighbors reached out and ~~challenged~~ asking me to work with their 3 teens to revamp their bedrooms. I initially thought it was going to be a few pillow swaps & maybe a paint color change to call it done. Nope, I was delightfully wrong.

Their intention was for a full makeover from top to bottom with anything they wanted – but within a reasonable budget. They had never worked with a Designer before but wanted my input for each of the kids – 2 girls + a boy – so their rooms reflected them. They have a few more years till they hit college and they wanted to create a place that each of the kids truly love and shows their personality – how awesome are these parents?! Creating a Meaningful home – yes, I love it and was up for the challenge.

WELCOME TO BEDROOM 1

… a teen space reflecting “I Believe in Pink” – throwback to Audrey Hepburn – with splashes of pink mixed with shades of gray.

The process for this makeover was fairly similar to how it works with most clients.

Each teen made a list of wants / needs + what they wanted to keep / what they wanted to ditch. Then I set a date / time with each of the them for a private meeting to discuss their vision for the space. And let me tell you, these teens were PREPARED. Their parents talked through ideas before they met with me to hone in on necessities, but the girls had 2 pages of notes & new exactly what they wanted (the boy not so much, but I was able to ‘capture’ him despite his lack of vision / direction). I was off designing in no time…

To start, I put together a Creative Vision Board for this teen. My intent with a mood board is to share inspiration + actual items that I foresee in the space that tells the story of what the room will look + feel like when complete.

And the floor plan…

Thankfully she was impressed. I knocked it out of the ballpark. Score!

At our initial meeting, she expressed her love for pink. Multiple shades of pink. And dark gray. I loved where this girl was going. She didn’t want, nor did I want to design, a frilly, girly-girl room. No, this room would be soothing, but with pops of color. The range of pinks would be offset with dark hues of gray + a little black thrown in for contrast!

Check out more of the finished room…

When you enter into the bedroom, a large picture window is in front, while the bed + futon are on each side. The bedroom is somewhat tricky with the slanted ceilings of the roof above. The double-sized bed worked best on the one shorter wall of the room, and opposite of it a sleeper futon was added.

To add contrast to the light pink walls, I chose to paint the two lower walls black. The play of light & dark in this space is exquisite. As usual when I mention black, I get the crazy eyes, but they were all for it and trusted me – phew! Thankfully the result was killer, Look how all the lighter hues are offset by the bold black…

Check out this color palette for the new bedroom:

BM Raspberry Pudding / BM Wispy Pink / BM Day’s End / BM Cotton Balls / BM Martini Olive

One major need + want for this room was storage! With all their stuff, every teen needs storage.

With her love for pink, I new this Ikea bookcase – which can be positioned horizontal or vertical – would be ideal. The lines of it are modern and could ‘live’ for a long time and in different settings.

It fits snuggly under the window, which are surrounded by window panels in colors of pink, red, yellow, and green. The pattern truly captures all the colors of the room and pulls it together.

Right of the window was an opportunity to use the wall for more storage so I found this geometric-looking wall shelf, ideal for trinkets + trophies.

The smaller pattern of the window panels works so well with the larger, bold pattern of the area rug. This modern, vibrant rug which has all the requested colors – pink + gray – is perfect and ties the whole space together.

I always get objections about putting a rug over carpet, but as you see here, the space wouldn’t be the same without…

With all spaces there has to be a balance of color + pattern. All pink or All florals or All geometric, doesn’t work. There has to be a balance and that is achieved by choosing complimentary colors to bring contrast + joining varying patterns that bring texture and depth.

With the bold rug, the bedding had to be minimal + understated. Thankfully this teen was in agreeance and we chose this beautiful white, pinch pleat duvet. Then to the right, we added a white modern desk (offset by the black wall) with clean lines and paired it with a comfortable chair that duals as a vanity chair OR another spot to relax.

Can I just say that I am obsessed with this chair (color: Candid Moment Ebony)?! I need it someplace in my house pronto! I adore the pattern with pops of color…

ROOM WRAP UP

And that’s a wrap. This teen room was a blast to work on. I was actually a bit nervous to work with a teen, but they were fabulous and one of my best clients yet! They also did a lot of the leg work + execution on their own…

After creating the vision board, I put a resource list together for each teen and then sent them on their way to buy + execute. They were incredible to sticking to the list and made purchases right for the room, which is so important.

Most of the furniture + decor came from ikea, Target, and Hobby Lobby. They also repurposed many items that they already had + DIYed some creations as well (ie: fabric covered cork boards). With a little old + a bit of new, this space is an oasis that this teen is going to enjoy for many years to come.

The only drawback… she might never want to leave…

The other 2 teen rooms coming soon…

DIY Organizing Ideas

Written by Jenna on February 11, 2016. Posted in Organization.

I adore DIYing not only to save money, but to create something unique that fits the exact need + style + look I am trying to achieve. For every nook & cranny of the house, do-it-yourself creations can be just the answer to the missing part.

When it comes to organizing, more often than not, what I’m in need of just can’t be found in a store – or I don’t want to spend the $$$. So then the next best thing is to DIY it, of course!

You’re in luck because I have a new article up on BHG.com on DIY Organization Ideas for every room of the home. From the kitchen to the living room to the garage, creating EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED can be the perfect solution to keep things organized.

Click to read the full article on >>>DIY Organization for Every Room of the Home

Check out my bio page + all my articles on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Brass in the Bathroom is BACK

Written by Jenna on February 9, 2016. Posted in Decorating.

Happy Tuesday my friends! I know it’s already the 2nd day into the week, but I hope you had a fun + fabulous weekend.

I’m working on a slew of client projects, but took a bit of time for myself this weekend to hunt down an old, salvaged door for a DIY project that I have in the works for my home. After church Sunday morning, I went to a favorite local “junk” shop which has the best old treasures and found just what I was searching for. Head over to my Instagram feed to check out this hidden treasure in Upstate NY!

In the meantime, I’ve been busy with a few new articles for Better Homes and Gardens. My latest is on BRASS IN THE BATHROOM…

Gone are the days of the late 80s, early 90s opulent bathrooms with the ~~cheap-looking~~ inexpensive gold (brass-plated to be exact) fixtures. Faucets with swan wings eerily come to mind. Who thought those looked good?

I didn’t think anyone would ever be accepting of brass again, but it’s back and has been given new life and a whole new look – even one I’d be accepting of.

From vintage to modern, brass in the bathroom can give a beautiful, warm, regal (but not in an ostentatious way) look that makes a bold statement.

BE INSPIRED.

Small, but over-the-top gorgeous. Kristin of The Hunted Interior hit it out of the ballpark with this bathroom. Modern brass fixtures compliment the class black + white floor and traditional vanity + toilet. The brass fixtures have an almost rose hue to them which gives this bathroom such a warm aesthetic.

Same fixtures, different space. Kristin of Bliss at Home paired modern brass with clean lines + minimalist marble. Another gorgeous black & white bathroom, this space evokes a cosmopolitan aesthetic!

Kate of Centsational Girl created this gorgeous bathroom and used brass in a minimalist way by pairing it with other complimentary finishes. The brass seen in the mirror and on the cabinet hardware don’t overwhelm the traditional space, yet enhance the other finishes and overall look.

The cabinet hardware is so chic with the simple ring pull and diamond backplate, while the bamboo-style mirror is a beautiful layer on the geometric green wallpaper.

This bathroom is so attractive because of the contrast and the play on modern-versus-traditional. To offset the more detailed brass mirror and hardware, Kate chose simple, minimal brass accessories which continues the eclectic feel.

What a space. Talk about contrast! From the ultra modern lines of the sink paired with the geometric floor versus the ornate traditional mirror, this bathroom by Jenny Komenda is so chic + sophisticated. Again, brass is used in an understated, non-dominating way, and is paired with other finishes to create a gorgeous space.

WANT MORE?

Check out more examples of brass in the bathroom in my recent post at BHG.com

Click to read the full article on >>> Brass in the Bathroom

Check out my bio page + all my articles on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Written by Jenna on February 4, 2016. Posted in Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 2 Comments on Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Appliances are a pertinent component of the kitchen.

Not only are they the primary purpose for cooking + food prep, but appliances contribute a large part to the overall aesthetic.

Basically the appliances have 2 major roles… they have to be highly-functional AND look fabulous! They’re a big deal!

When it came time to choose appliances for our kitchen remodel, I chose Frigidaire. I had just finished up a client project and after scouring big box + local appliance stores for appliances ranging from budget-friendly to commerical-grade, we both fell in love with the Smudge-Proof collection.

For about the last 15 years, stainless steel finish has been the top choice for kitchen appliances. The utilitartian look makes us feel like we’re in a commercial kitchen – and doesn’t that make you cook better? Maybe in my mind… Restaurants have always turned to stainless because it stands up to wear + tear and it holds up to high heat, better than paint.

The downside of stainless, the smudges. A small issue for some, but with a load of kids (like we have), it can seem like the solid stainless surface is never clean. Enter… SMUDGE -PROOF. The solution to all world problems. totally kidding. well kinda.

Appliances in my kitchen: Gas Range / Hood / Refrigerator / Dishwasher / Microwave

Aside from the surface – stainless, white, black – of the appliance, here are a few tips when choosing appliances to suit your style + budget.

TIPS BEFORE YOU APPLIANCE SHOPPING

> The Layout. Before setting out to choose appliances, finalize the layout of the kitchen first to determine what you’ll need + the sizes.

> Budget. Appliances come in a range of price-points and are dependent on the power they provide + the look you want. Determine a budget what you want to spend, then SHOP.

> Microwave. In many kitchens, the microwave is over the range. For compact spaces this is a great solution to maximize on space. BUT if you have the space to locate the microwave in another spot (ours is in the island), I would. The range is more often or not, one of the major focal points of the kitchen that your eye is drawn to. No matter the size of the range (ours is 36″ wide, which is typical), you can make a statement above.

I chose an exposed hood for above the range. The impact on the overall look outweighs the small lose of storage by eliminating a cabinet. Need storage above the range? Consider a concealed hood with a decorative mantel which provides space for a cabinet above.

> Refrigerator. Choosing a refrigerator can be overwhelming. The selection is vast! Refrigerators from years past are deep (32-35″ +), which makes them stick out way beyond the countertop depth (typically 25″). I would recommend a refrigerator that is counter depth or a style that is no more than 27″ deep. The door of these models sit forward of the counter, but the overall depth compared to older refrigerators is much less.

Having a refrig that isn’t as deep leaves more area form traffic flow – bonus!

> Range. Are you a baker? You need a convection oven. My new oven has convection bake + roast capibilities, which means heat is distributed throughout the oven more evenly rather than heat being emitted from the oven walls only as with a conventional oven. It took some getting used to because when suing the convection setting, the oven auto-adjusts, but overall I am loving the results.

Also with the range, look at the cooktop surface. Again, lots of options in this area. I chose a model that has a continuous grate top versus 4 separate burners. This allows me to move pots / pans easily + to fit more. Additionally, there is a 2-in-1 burner + griddle, which is ideal for simmering sauces, as well as flipping pancackes.

> Dishwasher. To me a dishwasher is a dishwasher. Consider what you like / don’t like about your existing style and start from there. Does it make too much noise? My new dishwasher is quiet-as-a-church-mouse and actually reflects a blue light onto the floor so you know the cycle has ended. Or do you not like the inside configuration for plates and glasses? Look for a model that has flexibility for the top + bottom racks.

> The Handle. A small detail to some, but a huge detail to me which reflects the overall look of a kitchen… The Handles. Remember, it’s all about the details. When choosing appliances, *try* to find a collection you like – like the smudge-proof collection – or one manufacturer so the handles on various appliances match. You wouldn’t have various pulls and knobs on your cabinets, right?

> The Finish. Whether stainless or painted, every manufacturer has a variation of stainless or white. Again, try to choose a collection so the finish is the same for each.

Appliances are a lot of money. They are an investment. And a lot of time + research can go into choosing the right model for your style + budget. It can be quite daunting, but hopefully with the tips I’ve shared, it makes the process a bit less stressful.

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S AND FRIGIDAIRE. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

In-Trend Wallpaper Inspiration + Sources

Written by Jenna on February 2, 2016. Posted in Decorating, Interior Design, Wallpaper. 4 Comments on In-Trend Wallpaper Inspiration + Sources

Wallpaper from the 70’s… Some patterns are still bareable, but many have lived their life on the wall to the max.

Recognize any of these patterns from decades past?

As soon as you saw the title of this post on the topic of wallpaper, you might have cringed. But don’t stop reading… please!

For many, the thought of wallpaper might bring you back to your childhood home with the walls covered in bold, intense patterns in hues of pea green and orange. Those ~~ugly~~ retro patterns adorning not only the walls of each room, but also the curtains, sofas, and more, will forever be engrained in our heads.

After the many years of removing wallpaper from our fixer upper homes to rid the intense, dated look for a more soothing aesthetic, the thought of wallpapering again was far from thought.

I can gladly attest that wallpaper patterns have made a complete 180. And after living with paint for so many years, I new something more on the walls would pull the space together and that missing element was wallpaper. I now have 4 different wallpaper patterns throughout my home and it looks nothing like the overwhelming 70s style.

There is a vast selection of wallpapers available today and honing in on just the right pattern + style can be quite daunting. Once the right one is found, it can completely transform any space from blah to beautiful!

Whether a subtle geometric pattern in a bedroom or a vibrant, modern floral in the bathroom (like my powder room), wallpaper makes an impact!

Let’s dissect + be inspired…

INSPIRATION

This large scale baby blue wallpaper in a hallway is reminiscent of a damask pattern from the turn of the century. The subtle, but strong paper makes a statement and compliments the height of the space + the detailed architectural mouldings.

I’m not often drawn to coordinating patterns on multiple surfaces, but with this style space it truly works. The pattern of the paper is repeated on the traditional side chair which continues the classic style.

Even though a bit too traditional for my aesthetic, I adore this soothing, yet dramatic space.

VIA HGTV

Wallpaper shouldn’t overwhelm a room and with an intense pattern, it can easily happen. Drawn to a powerful paper? Use it on a focal wall and choose a complimentary color for the other surfaces in the space.

The gold-looking botanical print in this dining room is intense but is complimented by the other walls being painted a shade of chocolate. Not only does the deep warm hue evoke a warm feeling, it’s also contrasted by lots of white – the door, mouldings, chandelier, display shelf, and the chairs.

It’s all about contrast…

VIA BHG

Wallpaper in a hallway or transition space is a great ‘neutral’ between rooms to create a cohesive thread. You can never go wrong with a modern geometric pattern to tie spaces together. This modern wallpaper in a kelly green hue is detailed, yet simple in a bold way. It’s the perfect compliment to the oversized flower print in the bedroom beyond.

And I can not move on without commenting on those adorable framed toddler-sized swimsuits. What a playful + unexpected addition to a 2nd floor hallway.

VIA BHG

Smaller scale patterns are perfect in smaller spaces. Not only will the proportion of the design feel more suited for the scale of the space, the repeat of the paper will be more visible.

This entry is such a sunny space!

VIA BHG

The modern floral pattern makes such a statement in this entry and works so well with the colorful elements that are layered atop. The organic patterned paper is also offset by pieces that have interesting architectural lines seen in the mirror and console table.

VIA BHG

Similar to using a dark paint in a small room, many people are reluctant to use wallpaper, thinking that it will make the space feel smaller. Just a myth! If you have a small space, such as a powder room, foyer, or office, adding wallpaper will make it dramatic and unique, similar to this modern floral design I used in my powder room.

Instead of overwhelming the 4 walls of this small space, I wallpapered the main wall (sink wall) only and painted the other 3 walls using a complimentary paint that I matched to the background color of the wallpaper. All the other elements in the space – vanity, toilet, roman shade, light – are white, which give the perfect contrast to the dark + bold walls.

MY POWDER ROOM, PHOTOGRAPHED FOR KBMO MAGAZINE, PHOTO VIA BHG

This is another example of using a bold wallpaper in a small area to make a big impact look. This watercolor floral pattern creates a beautiful focal point for this office nook.

It would look nice with a contrasting paint color in the nook, but it truly makes a statement with the addition of the wallpaper.

Small commitment, but a big look!

VIA BHG

Wallpaper doesn’t always need to be bold + dramatic. Soft and subtle on one or all walls of a space can create an engaging, unique aesthetic. This modern, geometric pattern is a lovely addition to this bedroom filled with grays and shades of lavendar.

VIA BHG

Go big or Go Home! This vibrant orange wallpaper with a bird + cloud design makes a big statement on this focal wall. A paper like this isn’t for an entire room but instead ideal for an accent wall or a ceiling, with whites + neutral layers and accents.

This breakfast area works so well because the paper has ‘it’s moment’, which is complimented by the white layers + minimal, simple furniture.

VIA BHG

Decades ago when rooms were wallpapered, there often was no order or level of importance to the elements in the room. An intense wallpaper adorned the walls, but an equally dramatic sofa, chair, rug, bookcase made the space overwhelming, stuffy, and just too much! There was no statement. No heirarchy. No ONE ELEMENT to rest the eye on.

Wallpaper can be a lot and if a dramatic, bold paper is the right choose for you, it will only work when all other elements are minimal and quiet. This bathroom is a perfect example… The traditional patterned paper in a deep raspberry hue is bold, but it works well because all the other elements are minimal and plain jane.

Once again, it comes down to contrast. For this space, it’s contrasting the intense wallpaper with the minimal layers.

VIA BHG

WALLPAPER SOURCES

With all that inspiration, are you looking to wallpaper a spot or entire room in your home? Not sure where to start looking for the right wallpaper to fit your style?

Here are 15 favorite sources for wallpaper…