Projects

Designer and store projects of note.

Creating a Wonderful Candice Olson Look for a Fun Customer

Post image for Creating a Wonderful Candice Olson Look for a Fun Customer

I’ve been working on a fun, new project that I’d love to share with you:

My job as Senior Designer at by Design is best when I develop a close connection with my clients, and I really did this time.  A couple recently came into the store together and I was lucky enough to speak to them.  They were in the process of building a new home.  We talked and began to get to know each other.  (Much of design really is a conversation).  Both of them gave me valuable input, and I appreciate that so much.  From then on it was just Shelly & me.

Comfort and Style

Shelly has an active family of four (plus a dog) — and comfort and function are paramount.  Yet, sacrificing style was unacceptable.  In fact, Shelly had a strong sense of what look she wanted.  And what she wanted was the casual elegance of a Candice Olson design.  You know… the glitz, the glamor and the opulence that Candice uses for her TV show clients.  I understand.  We love Candice at by Design too.

The living room is the first room visitors see when they enter the house.  We wanted it to be a WOW experience and set the tone for the whole house.  The room also hosts the TV and fireplace making it the prime gathering place in the house.  Okay, we can do that.  Elegant… yet comfortable for TV and fireplace viewing.

Click on any of the images below, then page through them.

Cohesive Look

One great advantage I had was getting in on the building process early.  As a result, we were able to achieve a cohesive look by choosing the furnishings first and then the paint.  (I’d recommend this order for anyone working on a room project.  It is sooo much easier to match the paint perfectly to the fabric than vice-versa).  And we shared the excitement of discovering every perfect fabric, paint color, etc.

Shelly’s home has a lot of hard surfaces, so we created textural interest and added visual softness with the sectional fabrics, pillows & area rugs.  We also accented her neutral colors with spa blue to create a serene look  throughout the house.

The Bedroom

I love the living room, but I’m especially pleased with the master bedroom.  It became an inviting,  luxurious sanctuary — and certainly became my favorite spot in the house.

Here’s what I’ll remember from this great project:

  • Shelly had a good sense of style that made her an easy and rewarding partner.
  • A good relationship between designer and client is crucial
  • Having fun is a must!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

Pin It

Creating a “Candice look” here in Des Moines

Thumbnail image for Creating a “Candice look” here in Des Moines

celebrity design (without the high price) Wouldn’t we all love to have Candice Olson come to Iowa and furnish a room for us?  Heck, we’d love to have her come into our store here in Des Moines and meet all of our friends and customers.  Unfortunately, she doesn’t travel out of Canada for such projects.  [...]

More to Read →

A smaller space challenge: Creating a livable but put-together, kid-friendly but sophisticated room.

Bright Bold color make this a fun sitting room. Mike and Mary’s room is a fun work in progress. They wanted a great put-together feeling, but didn’t want the room to feel formal. They have two small children who will definitely be using the space. The living room and dining room adjoin, so the design [...]

More to Read →

Contemporary Room Inspired by Art

Building on the clients art collection for inspiration, Channing creates a contemporary look with a twist.  This home is a work in progress! Lynn and Dave knew they wanted to base the design of their living room on the colors of an abstract floral custom-painted for them by a local artist.  What a great way [...]

More to Read →

by Design & Denton Homes Dominate HomeShowExpo 2009 Awards

Home Show 2009

You’re in for a treat if you visit the Des Moines Home Builders Home Show Expo 2009!  Denton Homes, by Design and numerous Denton Homes suppliers have teamed up to create a fabulous home (see it here). We’re extremely proud of Victoria Nelson who lead a team of designers that worked incredibly hard to finish [...]

More to Read →

Laura Beeler’s Clients featured in Welcome Home Magazine

Projects by Laura Beeler featured in Welcome Home Magazine A Sunny Disposition Is it possible to transfer an aura of welcome and warmth from one home to another? A Creative Collaboration Bringing the outdoors inside doesn’t always mean decorating with rustic pine, wagon wheels, and cabin furniture.  Especially not in Sandi Cook’s home.

More to Read →

Rustic and Traditional Interior Design

This rustic lower level combines with a traditional dining room to tell a story of comfort and warmth.  You know, there is a reason that traditional became traditional.  It is simply because it works. Click on any image to page through the project:

More to Read →