Family Room Installation, Irvine

While still in the design process during the months leading up to a room installation, I stress and worry over seemingly insignificant details to any non-designer. This list of decisions and worries consists of things such as: getting the wood finish just right on the custom furniture pieces (satin, gloss, high gloss, cerused, bleached, dark stain, light stain, medium stain...); deciding which white paint color works best with our fabric color palette (white-white, grey-white, linen white...); how high or low I should hang the wall sconces above the fireplace mantle (centered at the mirror, slightly above, slightly below); the proper shape of the ottoman to fit the room (square or rectangle); selecting the right faux finish for the fireplace (not too dark and just enough gray), selecting the perfect artwork that compliments the design of the room, but also has interest and meaning for my clients (and don't get me started on the matte and framing options: thickness, color, material, texture...); the list goes on.

But on installation day, when I get to put it all together, all of the little decisions that had to be made leading up to that point, significant or otherwise, all seem to be worth the thought and worry that went in to them. Installation days are hands down my favorite day to be a designer.

Here are some photos of my installation that took place this past week in Irvine, CA. The lighting is bad and doesn't show the colors accurately because the sun was going down when we finished (yes, it was an all day affair), but this will give you a glimpse until I have my photographer come to do a shoot.

Before photo:

A couple of progress photos:

Finished product:

(please excuse the unsightly lamp cord...)

The drapery panels need to stay wrapped at the base for 3 days to ensure that they fall and fold properly...

For interior design services in the Irvine or Orange County area, visit my website, www.BrittanyStiles.com.

Photo Shoot 1 of 2

Today was a good day, I got the disc of my photo shoot in the mail! Here is one of the two projects photographed by Stacey Sutherland, a kitchen remodel and family room face-lift. Enjoy!






Before photos:

Stacey Sutherland and Photo Shoot Day

I just had one of the best weekends ever. One of my best friends, Kelli, came to visit me and instead of taking her to the beach on Saturday like most normal friends would do, I put her to work as my design assistant for a couple of photo shoots, along with my sister Melissa.

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes for the beautiful interior photos seen on blogs and in magazines. Not to ruin the mystery, but there is quite a bit of preparation (3 full days worth), staging and positioning that needs to be done, and constant moving of accessories and furniture to get the perfect shot. The day was long and exhausting but definitely some of the most fun I've had with some of my most favorite people.

I hired Stacey Sutherland to photograph the 2 different locations on Saturday and I can't say enough great things about her. She was so fun and incredibly easy to work with, not to mention she has a great eye and a lot of interior photography experience and helped me to edit the rooms and helped me determine when something was too much or too little.

I haven't seen the photos yet, but I know they're going to be beautiful. She shoots interiors, still lifes, and people. Below (and above) is a sampling of Stacey's work that I stole from her website, go here to see more!






www.StaceySutherland.com
www.StaceySutherlandphotography.com