Monday, January 7, 2013

The elegance and ease of e-design projects.........


Good morning! How was your weekend? Half of mine was spent thinking I was getting sick (and feeling it). Thankfully it appears its not more than a cold....phew! The other half was spent in one of my favorite kitchen stores...Sur La Table and then dinner with friends (more on that later).  One thing  I have started doing more of in the last six months is e-design work. I have really enjoyed it because its allows me to get back to designing (which I LOVE) and help people (sometimes halfway across the country) without either of us ever leaving our computer screens! Really gets my creative juices flowing!  It is a highly efficient way of "getting the job done".

This is a part of my business  I am planning to grow this year (one of many goals) and as I am finishing up two jobs, I will decide the next course of action. It's such a great way to get the design services you might want/ need for a fraction of the cost and definitely is a huge time saver. So you get the elegant look you are after, its far easier and much less expensive..it's a win/win! In the meantime, I wanted to share with you (with their permission of course) a few finished products.
 
 
This first project is for a young couple in California. They are just married two years, bought their first home in California and wanted  a fresh feeling, comfortable sophisticated living room. She loved the idea of incorporating the blue and white (gotta love her) to add some elegance and tradition, he wanted it to feel light and airy, not stuffy and they both love green. They liked the idea of a  lantern instead of a chandelier, and preferred lighter woods over dark heavy woods. So after a few back and forths, here's is what I came up. They loved it all and this entire room is now officially in the works. I want to illustrate how even when on a budget, you can adopt the high/low approach. The most expensive things here were the rug and console. They were willing to spend money on a few principle pieces, but we got the sofa, chairs and coffee table on sale. 
 
The pillows I found at Pier One, that gorgeous velvet pillow was under 15.00!!!!! The blue and whites and blue and white lamps are from my store and the crystal lamps were found at Overstock. The wife, who is a photographer is going to do a gallery wall for art, and I suggested getting unpainted frames all the same size and painting them the same green as the pillows for an extra pop and they love the idea. A little creative thinking goes a long long way! I love the feeling of this room, fresh, light and airy, a touch of blue and white, pops of the green....it has all the ingredients that made up their perfect recipe!
 
 
 
This second project was for a dark green sofa and pillows. It was for a small existing office/library, very small but cozy. I helped her select this sofa and fabric and then she wanted to add needlepoint pillows to incorporate the other rich tones of the room/home. So we came up with 3 combinations and she is leaning towards one. She thought it would be fun for me to ask your opinions so here's where you get to weigh in. Which would be your choice, 1, 2 or 3? Do tell! The only other things in this small room are a mahogany desk and dark brown leather chair. There is an antique carpet that is all jewel tones and a small window with a pleated roman shade in a dark tan. She wanted and loved the idea of adding a leopard pillow (or two) so each features that.......take a look!
 
 
 
This last one is a project in the works.....we are starting with a small entry foyer. An empty nester, she decided to go very light and airy in her new home.  She already has an off white berber rug on hardwood floors.. Its a small townhouse, and she wants a welcoming smaller scaled console with a mirror and she loves blue and white. (I think I need to make this a prerequisite for anyone who hires me for e--design, lol). So here are the three picks, she is leaning towards one and I am torn between two...how about you?
 
I would love to hear your feedback on which you like. I have to say I had loads of fun working on these projects, and the icing on the cake is when you come up with something that the client really loves! If you are interested in e-design contact me here for details.Thanks for stopping by and wishing all of you a fabulous day!
Photobucket

71 comments:

  1. I love this look and love how you are putting it together with eDesign. I am a huge fan of blue and white ceramic pieces and your design illustrates how well they work in a bright young look.

    Thank you,
    Gerrie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tina your talent is amazing. I love each of these. That first living room is so fresh feeling, love the green and blue and white together. For the second one, the green couches, I really love choice 3, those pillows and the colors work beautifully.
    For the third set I like each but favor the choice 3, I think its light feeling and you said its a small space, think the idea of a mirror is good to make it feel bigger. You could decorate my house ANY DAY!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hope you are feeling better this morning, Tina. This is a perfect addition to your business and you will be able to help people all over the world. I am leaning towards #1! Love the mirror! This will be fun to see all of your projects. xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think edesign is brilliant! I love what you've done, especially since you used so much blue and white. I inherited that blue and white gene from my mother. For a while I was convinced I was too young and hip for it. @@ I got over it and not I have a blue and white kitchen, lol. I like the first option with the mirror and ottoman the best!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This type of design is fascinating to me and I'm not sure I could pull it off! Of course I know you can and I can't wait to watch the progress! For the first client I would say choice #1 mainly because I like the pillows and also I'm not a big fan of too many pillows! They can definitely get in the way. For the last project I personally like choice #3…but that is just me! They are all very pretty! I am sure each customer is thrilled you are helping them!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOVE the first room, and I choose 2 for both of the latter!
    You are just a busy lady. I admire your style, and look forward to seeing more.
    Happy New Year, Tina!
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Tina!
    I am running off to work but wanted to say hi and Happy New Year!
    My client ordered that first round mirror in your last set and it
    is GORGEOUS in person. She has a French country home and we
    used this above a dresser in a guest room. It is so pretty.
    I will come back later and weigh in on the choices!

    Have a great week.
    xoxox
    Alison
    I didn't know you were a designer!

    ReplyDelete
  8. OH TINA! You and me are working the gogs of our minds and loving it, aren't we???? THIS IS EXCITING! I actually love working in front of my computer screen because since I enjoy writing, to have my fingers at the tips of the keys is invigorating. This is wonderful. Well, I love choice 3 for the table and mirrors as well as choice 3 for the sofa and pillows! This is FUNNNNNN!

    Anita

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely designs. I like choice 1 on both.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That first living room is so beautiful. Love that it is neutral so you can change things like the pillows and get a different look.
    As far as my opinion, love choice 3 for the green sofas, that quail pillow is beautiful and the colors work well and I like choice 1 or 3 for the consoles. I do think the idea of 2 ginger jars underneath is a brilliant idea!
    I am happy to know you offer this service because I love your taste.

    ReplyDelete
  11. 1). LOVE you ides for the b/w and green project- that's going to be smashing!
    2) Although sofa #2 may have too many pillows, I prefer it over the other choices, and this is why: I do not like 2 tapestry pillows EXACTLY THE SAME on a sofa. ( like the 2 rooster pillows. ) I like 2 tapestry pillows with the same feel & look together. Of course, I mean ones with a "picture", the animal print pillows being alike are good.
    3) I like the idea of either of the photos with MIRROR above the console instead of the 2 floral paintings. The mirrors will make it more light and airy, reflect light, and let one quickly check their appearance before leaving. I do not like lampshades to be very obviously wider than the table they are on, so probably # 3 is my choice.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You're hired!

    Cushions - #1, I prefer pinecones to birds, but I love the colors in the peacocks
    Entry way - #3, but with the bench from #1 instead of the blue & white (sorry)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the look of sofa #3, vibrant colors to pick up what was described in the rug. I love #1 for the entry--it has elegance, with airy modernism.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good morning, Tina, and thank you for inviting us to "help " you decorate..what fun! It goes without saying that all of the choices are wonderful and would work beautifully, but my choice for the sofa would be #3 and #1 for the console. The only reason I can give is that they were more pleasing to my eye and jumped out at me immediately. Have a great week and best of luck with your eDesign career...you're sure to be a huge success!

    ReplyDelete
  15. hi Tina
    lovely schemes but here is my 2 cents worth!
    The green velvet is beautiful and works well with the blue accesories
    cushions should not be higher than back of sofas, cushions in odd numbers alway seem to work better on a sofa.
    For entrance hall, i would use table on left but swop lamps for middle table lamps.
    Look forward to seeing more of your e-desugn projects.
    Hope your patient has recovered now!
    Take care

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is great Tina and I am sure you will do very well at e-design, you have such a wonderful following. Here is to great success in 2013. I like #3, but I would put the ottoman from #1 under the table IMHO. Have fun with this new aspect of your business. You are going to be a very busy lady this year, I am just sure of it!!! Did you see my color pick for 2013? It goes very well with all your blues and whites!! xo Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are great plans! I love choice 3 on the dark green sofa, and choice 2 of the entry vignette, with the ottoman under the console. Best wishes to you for a fabulous 2013- looks like its off to a great start!
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. sofa # 2
    console and mirror # 1

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gorgeous! I love the pattern mixes. Nice work, Tina!

    ReplyDelete
  20. For the second client, Choice 2, mostly because the ivory background of the pinecone pillows brings a lighter contrast to a mostly dark room. For the third client, Choice 1, mostly because I imagine the colors of the round mirror playing nicely off the berber rug, plus I like the entire balance. For client one...is it just me...or does the scale of the lamps/lampshades seem off, too small?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tina, you are always SO busy. This is a wonderful new venture for you and, of course, it will be hugely successful. Absolutely, so happy to hear all this news. Have a great day, darling. Now, I'm off to work on "By Invitation Only's" post for tomorrow. xx's

    ReplyDelete
  22. Client #1: Love it! Where did you get the two pattern pillows?
    Client #2: One similar Tapestry pillow to the one in #3 (with complimentary jewel tone colors in rug, but not as high and put with two leopards.
    Client #3: Love table in #1 but the lamps are too big. Try the ones in #2. Don't like the balance in composition of #2. Like the ottoman under table.
    Thanks for allowing us to be participating designers. Can't wait to see the completed rooms.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Tina- you are one talented lady. I love the living room with the fresh greens, blue and whites! I am sure your clients are very pleased.
    I love the look of choice 3 for the second picture and for the last setting, #1 gets my vote though I think they are all pretty. Love the idea of a stool for a backup and the beautiful ginger jar and lamp. If she doesn' need the stool I do love the idea of a pair of ginger jars tucked under, so pretty. You gave me a few great ideas here. Good luck, you seem to really know your stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Tina, your amazing...I wish I had your energy. Keeping up with your family, store, blogging and now on line decor.....If you could bottle it you could make a killing....good for you! Love everything your doing!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like Choice 3 on the couches. Choice 2 tells me to "go find another couch. These seats are taken!"

    Love choice 3 for the foyer. If it is a small area, and being a Realtor, I have know the value of keeping the entry feeling spacious is key! The mirror and coloring of the vignette is fresh. The bowl is great to throw keys into when entering.

    Love, Love your sight and am sending a client your way!! Happy New Year to all.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love all of them! So fun that you are now doing e-design!! You have amazing taste and I love how you incorporate blue and white :) Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love edesign too - It made up almost half of my business last year! I was kind of shocked to see that. Anyway, I like choice 2 on each of your projects, although they are all great! I LOVE the first one that is complete.
    Stacy

    ReplyDelete
  28. How fun! I had no idea you did e-design, but I love what you've come up with, especially for the living room and entry foyer - for both the green sofa and the entry foyer I like Option 3. For the sofa I was a little torn between 1 and 3, since it seems like the pillows should have some color to go with the jewel-toned rug, but option 3 seems to do that with a lighter hand. For the entry foyer, option 1 is again my 2nd choice, but I love the mirror and overall lightness of option 3 - the only thing I'd maybe switch out is doing option 3 with the stool from option 1 - love that stool! Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year! Liz B. from Miami

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tina please send a bottle of your energy!!

    Adore the feel of Project #1! For # 2 I like the second choice, however with just the two large botanical prints and a leopard in the center. For the last project I actually like # 1 because it seems more balanced.

    All the Best
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  30. For project 1 #3 because the two pillows pick up the tan in the roman shades and it is a small room with dark furniture and for project 2 I am inlove with #2. I love those green pillows from Pier One. The entire room for the young couple is so fresh and I would put everything into my now blank living room. That green seem to be a hot new color.

    ReplyDelete
  31. You certainly know how to make a space feel warm and comfortable without losing it's elegant touch! The fact that you find things at Pier One and Overstock.com reminds us of the Nantucket house JAM had to do using just catalogs on MMD. We'd choose #3 and #3 (and add one of our orchids to the blue & white bowl!)
    xxoo
    C + C

    ReplyDelete
  32. You are a woman of so many talents Tina! Gorgeous mood boards!

    ReplyDelete
  33. The first project is divine! I like the pillows in the 2nd for the reasons previously spelled out with regards to the colorway. I like #3 for client 3 but I would use the ottoman instead of a jar. I figured you were a decorator based upon your relationships with Safavieh and starting your e-store, would love to hear more about your background and the decision to offer e-design. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Tina- I am in love with that living room. Wish you could mail it to me:-) Great colors and I like how its traditional but doesn't feel stuffy or "old". Great job!
    For the second client i love #3 the most, the colors work so well and i am visualizing the jewel toned rug.
    For choice 3, I love them all but am partial to the first one. Great mirror, love the jar and bench, the idea of an orchid. I think the mirrors a great idea because you said the space is small so that would open it up. I know who to call when we move in June!
    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love your blog and your taste. The first room is lovely, but the tables and lamps seem too small in scale. The entry foyer would be perfect with number 3 using the bench instead of the jar. Keep it coming, Tina.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love this blog and ur decorating style:') where can i buy the woven baskets to store blaket throws in looked all over but cant find please help me;'0

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tina, what a fabulous idea. I didn't realise you were doing e design and I think it's a great concept. I have been toying with the idea myself for a while as it's far more manageable with little kids to be able to do it all from home, and you can reach a far wider audience. I love your concepts, and that first one with the green is just divine. Now I'm thinking about how to incorporate more green into my rooms - so fresh and pretty. Good luck, I'm sure as in everything you do it will be a hit.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi, I am loving what I am seeing here. Especially the first complete room. what great colors and vibe, lucky couple!
    I would love to know where you found those great end tables, the coffee table and the console. I am in the market for some tables.
    For the green setting, love #3 the most, feel those pillows and color are perfect.
    For the last setting, I think #1 is a winner all the way!

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects. You definitely excel at this!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I really enjoyed this post. It's so neat how you have found a creative way to do your design work with online tools. Plus, it's fun for us to see all the choices! For the green sofa, # 3 is my clear favorite... And for the entry hall, that was a little tougher, but i think #1, or # 3.
    The first room you showed is delightful too, i bet the couple you are working with are really excited about it all!

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  40. Symmetry and the blue/white theme can be overdone. The living room design above should not have matching green side tables with matching lamps. It would look more inviting if everything where not so matchy matchy and soldier-like. The trick of good design is to not make every client's room look like the *designer's* home.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Good job! Love your designs. I would choose #3 in both cases!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Tina, if i was in the market for a room you would be hired in a heartbeat! I am in love with the living room in the first picture!! I love all the pillows but really like the thrid combination best for the green velvet sofa.

    And for your third customer, I like #1 best but think all three are beautiful, love the jars tucked underneath, great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I absolutely adore your living room design. It has the feel of comfort but elegance, lightness and fun. Love the pillows too.
    For the library/office project, I think Option #3 has the lightest feel and the quails are more fun than pheasants but if the rug has lots of rich reds then maybe the option #1 would be better. Quails have that touch of blue and white too!
    For the entry hall I love the gold console but I think the more edited objects on console #3 work better. #2 is too busy. I would love to see option #3 with the gold console to see if it works as well as the grey console. I like the practicality of the stool so I would probably prefer to see it under the console but I do love the huge ginger jar and it is a lovely place to put one without it being in danger of being knocked over, and adds a lovely touch of colour.

    ReplyDelete
  44. i'm sure i will be contacting you for e-design this year so leave some time for me!!!! i love what you are doing, and i cannot believe you are finding time to do it. (secret energy drink you are whipping up?)

    i'm serious. these projects look fabulous. come to illinois!

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  45. Tina... Forgive my ignorance. I never even heard of e-design but oh my gosh... what fabulous choices you made for these people. Love them all. A couple of questions... does one send you measurements and photos? Do they tell you their preferences? As always, another great post. By the way, are you having problems uploading photos to your blog? Blogger browser is down I guess. Enough with my rambling...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Such stunning designs!
    For the 2nd project, For me, I like the choice #2. As you have illustrated the room, choice #2 is perfect as it adds two element and somehow very cozy to stay in.

    I find it difficult for me to pick which design for the 3rd project. Because Choice #2 and #3 has its perfect sync. It can be mixed and matched. Maybe for me, I would pick for choice #3 but with 2 jars under the table and a plant from #2.

    -Faith F.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Tina, happy to hear you are not sick, after taking care of your husband for 10 days I am surprised you did not catch that.

    I live your edesign work and live the idea of high low, let's face it these are tough economic times and people want a great design but want to save money.

    Love the first room! As for the foyer, I like Choice 1 but I prefer the mirror from choice 3.

    Thanks for sharing your work, have a great night, elizabeth

    ReplyDelete

  48. I pick Choice 1 in both sets..

    ReplyDelete
  49. #3 in both looks

    ReplyDelete
  50. Tina,
    You never cease to amaze!!! I have no doubt this part of your business is going to flourish...fast!

    With the sofa with leopard pillow choices, I lean toward #2. But, I like "high contrast".
    For the console with lamps....I like #1 and #2.

    Hope you're feeling better soon!!!
    xoxo Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello busy Tina! How do you do it all? Another business? You truly amaze me!

    My selection for the first choice is #2, I like the lighter color of the pillows against the dark green, and don't get me started on the leopard.... I am crazy over leopard print. I carpeted a little bedroom in it... LOVE IT!
    The last project I think I'm leaning between #1 and #3, what color are the walls?

    Take some Zicam, I swear I'm going to buy stock in that company.... the stuff REALLY works! Hope you get to feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wow Tina! i love your E-design projects! How to fun to decorate for others! I may be doing a few projects in the future! Enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Tina, This is GREAT and such a wonderful idea. Love that first room. I'm with you regarding the blues and the neutrals ~ a must. The ginger jars look fantastic under the console. I think I'm leaning towards two but I also like number one! So fun! Your clients are so lucky to be working with you:)

    ReplyDelete
  54. You needed to add one more thing to your plate, Tina - wow your energy level. Love the lighter pillows against the velvet sofa in the first one, and love the round mirror and console in the second! Know your clients will be thrilled!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Tina how great to see your talents coming full circle.I think you are really talented. That living room is just perfect, now I am thinking of ways to incorporate that green into my own room. Cant' believe the deal on the pillows! I agree high-low is the way to go unless money is no object, spending money on the quality things that count.
    I love all the consoles but something about #1 really pulls me in. Great ideas here. Thanks and have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  56. E-design...how fun for you! Plus I like making these 'pain-free' choices!
    For the sofa and cushions I would pick #2 because it has a better light/dark contrast.
    I would definitely pick #3 for the entry foyer but would use the bench from #1.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hello Tina!

    Oh, I came here so many times, but I couldn't type and leave a comment.

    Just wanted to thank you for your sweet email and wish you a very happy and healthy 2013. I adore you and I'm very blessed for calling you a friend.

    I'm so proud of you! Your designs are fantastic and fun! All the success, sweetie.


    xo



    Luciane at HomeBunch.cin

    ReplyDelete
  58. I think you fit more into a day than any other person I know! I love your designs. I would go with choice 3 for the needlepoint cushions, I think the lighter background shows up better, and choice 2 for the console table - I love the symmetry of it. All the very best for 2013. xx Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  59. Tina - you are one ambitious girl!! You are incredible! I would choose #3 for the pillows (I love #2 but there would be no place to sit!) and #2 for the console.

    I hope you are feeling better!! xoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love your ideas! For your third client (the foyer design), if she wants light and airy, then my vote is for choice #3, but I would take away the jar under the console and add the small bench from choice 1. Just my opinion though! ;-) I'm sure that whichever one is the winner that it will look beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is exactly what I thought too..

      Delete
  61. Choice 2 w/ the sofa and #3 for the mirrors

    ReplyDelete
  62. It seems like so much fun to do these e projects! i feel like converting.Overseeing contractors, dealing with vendors, installation deadlines, budgets is overrated!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I do have to say that you have an eye for this. I love the options you selected. I always need help due to my schedule. I love selecting things...but then sometimes need help bringing it all together. And I have two houses - so I am always in the mode of "redecorating and designing". I think you are onto a great business.

    ReplyDelete
  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. LOVE all of it! You're going to be busier than ever!!

    ReplyDelete
  66. thaks for shearing this type of post www.stylishofficefurniture.com/

    ReplyDelete
  67. I really enjoyed this post, I would choose #3 in both cases.beds and mattresses for online sale

    ReplyDelete
  68. all are so much great but i will choose #1 and #2 in any case because these are looking different and fantastic.?1.Double TV Bed in Brown

    ReplyDelete

Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!