Ciela Design

The New Lonny Mag is Out!

2010-06-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Kids Pillows

2010-05-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for children's pillows....Here are just a few. I particularly like K Studio pillows and their customization according to your family size/type etc. So cute!
www.kstudio.com

Some Role Models....

2010-04-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just watched Bravo's 9 by Design featuring a family of 9 who own a Manhattan design firm, SIXX by Design. I am so impressed with not only their design aesthetic, but how they are able to have 7 children! I am sure they have help, but never the less they are quite inspiring. I could see JR and I doing something similar....when the market picks up.

Check them out! http://www.sixxdesign.com/

Kitchens

2010-03-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Along with our backyard renovation, I've been thinking a lot about our kitchen remodel....when and if we ever decide to do it. I've been collecting some inspirational images of ideas I like. Here are a few of these images:

This is one of the best kitchens I've seen in a while....farmhouse sink, open shelves, and what I think are marble countertops.

I love this thick countertop & exposed brick.

I don't know if I can keep my kitchen this clean, but I like the simplicity of this one.

Stylin'

2010-03-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

I have really been into styling....whether of a detail or of a whole space, styling adds character to any room. Here are just some of my favorite shots...more to come later.

From a very creative European stylist, Irina Graewe. She creates unique & whimsical scenes...so inspiring!

Here are a few from my new favorite food related blog, Sunday Suppers.
Not only do the styling and food look lovely, but the photography is absolutely gorgeous!

My New Favorite Zine

2010-02-15T07:38:00.001-08:00

Since domino magazine's passing (sniff, sniff) I have found a replacement:
Lonny Magazine. Their latest issue features a variety of designers including, one of my favorites, Kelly Wearstler. I love this E-Zine, because A: It's Free and B: It isn't filled with more advertisements than interiors. Although I long for a hard copy, I can't complain much because the interiors and the photography are equally beautiful and creative.

www.cieladesign.com

Some Inspiration

2010-02-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Some inspirational interiors....
Love this dining room and full height bookshelves from Diane Bergeron.

www.cieladesign.com

No More Pink

2010-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

As you may recall in last November's Bathroom Redo Post, my client wanted to update her 1950's pink guest bathroom. Well two months later, the bathroom is complete and I couldn't be more happy with the results.

www.cieladesign.com

Next Project

2010-01-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while, but I've been a little busy....having a baby. Our next big project is the backyard with a wishlist of a lounge area, fire pit, water feature, herb garden, grass area, and plants requiring minimal care.

Here are some before shots:

Here are some inspirational images of what we are envisioning:

www.plastolux.com

http://www.mylandscapes.co.uk/identity.htm

Now to find a landscaper...........

Nursery is Complete!

2009-12-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

After receiving our new bumper and cotton woven rug from Dash & Albert......the nursery is ready for baby's arrival!

I hope she likes it as much as we do!

www.cieladesign.com

Bathroom REDO

2009-11-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

I've recently been working on a small bathroom renovation in an existing 1950's home. The existing bathroom is covered in mostly pink tile, so the owner decided some updating was necessary. She wanted a clean, classic look and after some deliberation and careful consideration, we chose hexagon floor tile, ceramic subway tile, carerra marble countertops, and classic cabinetry. Stay tuned for developing shots as the project progresses.

Before:

The Details:

Out with the RED and in with the AQUA

2009-11-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

I can now add furniture refinisher to JR's list of talents. We had a red Chinese cabinet that just did not fit into our new study/sitting room color scheme and after receiving some bids to get the piece lacquered, we decided to paint it ourselves. We trepadaciously commited to an aqua color and were off to the paint shop to match the aqua in our new wallpaper. Thus began the transformation...

Before

Priming. Painting. Polyurethaning.
Et voila!
There was some leftover wallpaper from the study, so we decided to line the interior with the print.

Our new liquor cabinet! I think we'll take a break now.

www.cieladesign.com

Wallpaper Crazy!

2009-11-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

J.R. & I have been busy putting the finishing touches on our house. This included an accent wall in our study. I chose a vibrant and bold print from Graham & Brown. JR was a little hesitant, but I wanted to take a risk, as most of our walls are painted a neutral gray. After meeting with several wallpaper hangers, I decided to go with Jerry Horton Wallcovering based on his experience and estimate.

Before the installation

The process: Floating the existing wall, sanding, measuring, applying primer, cutting wallpaper, and hanging the paper.
All Finished!

www.cieladesign.com

...........Speaking of the CRIB

2009-10-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband was a busy bee this week getting the nursery put together. What a handyman he has become! Here is our progress so far:

I've had my heart on Martha Stewart's POMPOMs...Here they are as a mobile above the crib. I made some of my own out of store-bought tissue paper.

Almost finished......."She" better be a girl!

www.cieladesign.com

Let's Get Sewing!

2009-10-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I've been on the hunt for nursery fabric....Searching near and far, I finally found my fabric at a new shop that has recently opened up here in Dallas, City Craft. They have some of the cutest textiles I have seen in a while. With all the options, it was hard to choose, but in the end here is what I ended up with (JUST COULDN'T GET AWAY FROM THE PINK!):

My mom also recently gave me a sewing machine - time to get that needle threaded. Not quite the industrial type machine I'm used to (my mom has her own sewing workroom) , but this one worked just fine.

(A little sneak peak of the wallpaper going in my study.)

All done after some hand stitching.....

On to No.2 Pillow - They weren't kidding about this nesting instinct - just call me Marth-ona!

All finished in the newly put together crib......

www.cieladesign.com

ETSY

2009-10-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

I adore ETSY. Loving hand made and unique items, it's a great way to start your own "business" as well as support other indie crafters. During the summer, I started listing my own illustrations on ETSY. Recently, I was selected as a featured artist on Surround Yourself....1 Week, 1 Artist, 1 Giveaway. I am really excited and hope it gets my name out there - marketing seems to be the hardest part.

All Finished!

2009-10-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

The first to do item for the nursery is now complete! It was totally easy and beats painting it...just in case "she" comes out a "he".

www.cieladesign.com

Feeling Crafty!

2009-10-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

So I went to Michael's and they were having a sale on all their special papers....I couldn't resist. I have put all the papers up temporarily til EL JEFE gets home to inspect (He always has an opinion). I don't even have to use an exacto! They are precut and fit well inside the niches!

Pink or Orange?

Once I get the ok, I'll adhere them more permanently to the back with double stick. Beats having to paint or use wallpaper glue! If we ever change our minds, we can just change the paper!

This Weeks Project

2009-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

So it's time to really start taking the nursery decor seriously. First project - revamp the old IKEA shelf. I plan on getting some decorative papers and adhering them to the back of the shelf.

Here's the shelf with JR's toys...Sorry toys, you'll have to find a new home.

Here are the papers I'm thinking of along with some solids:

We'll see how it turns out at the end of the day....exacto in hand.

www.cieladesign.com

Weathered Infatuation

2009-10-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

On a recent expedition for a client, I discovered a couple spaces showcasing great weathered pieces, not to mention creative merchandising and display. No Shabby Chic here....These distressed gems were mixed with more industrial, contemporary or modern pieces making for more interesting & unique contrasts. Love it!

Check out the industrial glass columns in the back!

Wicker Egg Chair from the 60's

Thanks to B. Gover Limited...for their inspiration.

Next stop was Northstar Antiques. I discovered them while in Warrenton, a few weeks ago, and fell in love with their zinc top tables and shell collections. Shell ENVY!

Who knew glove forms could look so cool?

Talk to you next week....www.cieladesign.com

Hunting for Some Inspiration

2009-10-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Houston for a visit and it gloriously coincided with the Round Top Antique Show. Here are some gems I found while searching for items both in Houston & in Round Top.

At the Houston Decorative Cente r searching for Textiles.

One of my favorite shops in Houston, High Fashion Hom e has some great pieces for good prices.

Growing up with a Mom in the business, fall time always began with the Round Top Antique Show and chocolate YOO-HOOs from the Warrenton General Store. Unfortunately, when we were there this year, it was 95 degrees and humid which made for 3 very hot, tired and cranky women, two of which were 6 months pregnant. We did, however, find some great things which are shown below (I guess hunting sometimes involves a lot of sweating, particularly while in Texas):

After searching through a bunch of "junk", we finally came to Clutter and the EX-Cess field. They both offered some great pieces as well as inspiring merchandising.

These pearlescent apothecary bottles were everywhere.

I couldn't resist!

Until next week, www.cieladesign.com

Babies on the Brain.....

2009-09-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

So after some suspense and being convinced our baby would pop out a boy, our doctor confirmed that our baby was 100% all girl....that means, time to start decorating the nursery. No princess pink allowed, we want something different. Here are a few ideas we had in mind. Just some random images of what may end up in our nursery.

Eames Rocker...must have

Ugly Dolls...must have #2

Ok, ok, I am not totally opposed to pink...it just has to be the right pink!

Dining Room Inspirations

2009-08-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm really into mixing the old with the new giving spaces much more depth and loads of personality.
Inspiration from some of our travels...hospitality-oriented spaces offer loads of ideas.

Bar Tartine in San Francisco

Hotel Palomar in Washington D.C.

Home Update: Shades for our Sun Room & Master Bedroom!

2009-08-10T13:11:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my mom....yes, she has a design workroom in Houston (Gracie's Custom Slipcovers). I got some much needed roman shades in pure white for the Sun Room/Family Room & Master Bedroom ! JR spent much of the day Saturday installing them...and what a good job he did! I guess his engineering skills were put to work! Here are some shots of the progression.

Before:

JR's Expert Installation:

All finished:
If you like what you see here and need help with your interior, visit me at www.cieladesign.com!

New York Trip

2009-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

My mom and I went to New York City this weekend for a wedding and used the opportunity to get some design inspiration from not only design shops, but the city itself. Our first stop was to CB2...which I've only been able to see online. It didn't disappoint and I appreciated the fact that Crate & Barrell has a more modern affordable line, with basic pieces and cute accessories.

While going to school here, I often visited Pearl River Mart for fun odds and ends. To my surprise, they have moved locations and added a "HOME" line which was both eclectic and affordable! The lighting, lantern and ceramic selection cannot be beat - here are a few shots of only a portion of what Pearl River Mart has to offer:

This walnut chair with some modern almost swedish lines was only $295....and they ship!

On our way to ABC Home, my all-time favorite design and home decor store, we passed through Union Square Park....inspiration can be found anywhere!

Chin Chih Yang's Burning ICE Sculpture....to read more about the artist visit http://www.123soho.com/artists/featuredf_artist_index_artist.phtml?artnum=artidv00159&initial=Y

Any trip I take MUST involve food, and New York is a mecca for good food eating whether its in a restaurant or in a farmers market like this one:

I really should take up knitting again.............

After some distracting produce interruptions, we finally made our way to ABC Home.....10 wonderful floors of all things design related - from vintage to contemporary, this place has it all....and then some.

The theme of much of the store was PINK, and not just any pink. Throughout the multiple floors the color pink could be find in various shades from HOT pink to a soft fleshtone pink (which was my personal favorite.)

In addition, timber and anything tree related seem to be in vogue. From table tops to headboards, tree branches were everywhere bringing nature in.

The display designers are masters there at ABC Home with creative solutions to show off products...here's a taste:

One last parting shot of the New Museum (www.newmuseum.org) on the Bowery......Hell Yes!

Visit cieladesign to see how these inspirations will show in my future work!

Our Shopping List

2009-07-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

After all the major renovations have been completed I compiled a wish list of must have furniture. Much of the items I intend on finding in and around Dallas, at flea markets & online. I can't wait for Round Top Antique Fair in the Fall...lots of stuff too look forward to. In the meantime, here are some visioning boards for much of the furniture and helped create a budget for that furniture.

More to come................I'll keep you posted! See http://www.cieladesign.com/interior-design-portfolio.php?project=14 for more

So Far....

2009-07-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots with the furniture we have....there is still a lot more to buy!

Our informal breakfast nook

What was previously another sitting room is now the dining room

The New Family Room

The Master Bedroom

See more pictures at www.cieladesign.com

Lighting Makes Everything Better!

2009-07-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

So we've been in the house for about a month now and have learned a bit more about its ins and outs. During this time, JR, the handy-man that he is, installed new brushed nickel door lever sets replacing the old brass ones. He even added brushed nickel door stops and cabinet door pulls! Right after we moved in, we visited our local Lamps Plus (www.lampsplus.com) and purchased some unique funky light fixtures. One other tidbit about fifties homes - minimal overhead lighting....So add that to our to do list. Finally, after our beautiful light fixtures arrived, we had them and various recessed cans installed to brighten up the space and add that wow factor. Here they are:

Probably my favorite fixture purchased, we installed this in our dining room - making it the "heart" of the house. It also worked really well with the existing Le Klint pendant in the kitchen.

In our dark hallway, we placed this Anenome fixture at the ceiling. Very dramatic and it has a kind of mid century boudoir feeling to it.

This fixture was installed in the study and will go over the desk we will HOPEFULLY soon purchase.

Finally, we installed fans and compact fluorescent recessed cans (yes, we are trying to act responsibly and save some money with energy efficiency where we can) throughout the sitting room and dining room. What a difference some overhead light makes!

Paint, Restaining, & Carpet

2009-07-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Now that all the carpentry was complete, the painters we chose entered to freshen up the space. Light, neutral colors were chosen to make the interior seem airy and clean - its amazing what a little paint can do! These colors also went perfectly with the wood stained floors....speaking of the floors...One of the unique features of the original home were the white painted hardwood floors - they are what made me fall in love with the house initially. Unfortunately, though, because the wall where we added openings divided the white floors and original red oak floors, we had some decision making to do. It was either paint all the floors white or restain them. Erring on the side of caution, and to make the entire house more open and seamless, I chose a dark ebony stain on all existing floors. I know, I know, dark floors show EVERYTHING, but having had them before, (and with a shedding dog no less!) I knew what they entailed. In the end both my husband, who was trepidatious, and I were extremely happy with the end result even if it did require a little more sweeping action.

The final step before we could move in was new carpet. Having worked as a commercial designer for some time, I chose a durable commercial grade carpet called Bottom Line from Constantine Contract (www.constantine-carpet.com). The result was a space that had a fresh from the beach feel with sand colored carpet and light blue walls.

Props must be given to Joey Stone of Carnival Pro Painting who has to have the best crew and customer service of any contractor I have ever worked with (www.carnivalcustompainting.com). Likewise Robert with White Rock Floors did an excellent job on the hardwood floor and carpet installation (ph: 214.341.1667).

Carpentry for our Lakewood Heights House

2009-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

As with many mid century houses, there is typically a front sitting room for formal entertaining - and so was the case with this home. We felt to open up the house and improve the flow, two openings needed to be created in the main wall that separated the sitting room from the future dining room. I interviewed multiple contractors and based on first impression and referrals chose the O'brien Group to follow through. Here are some shots of their progress:

Likewise, the previous dining room was going to be turned into a study so french doors were installed into an existing opening to create more privacy.

Thank you to Shannon O'Brien of O'Brien Group (www.obriengroupinc.com) for the excellent craftsmanship!

Phase I complete! Now time for some paint, wood finishing and carpeting!

Lakewood Heights House Remodel

2009-07-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our most recent project is my own 1954 family home nestled in the heart of Lakewood Heights. After a 6 month home search in the central Dallas area, we finally found a little bungalow that I could imagine raising a family in and having some "fun" remodeling. This offered a wonderful opportunity to establish relationships with qualified local contractors and explore different design solutions. We wanted our home to be happy, fresh, bright, modern and reflect our young mentality while being welcoming and conducive to a new baby. Here are some before shots of the space:

I decided to treat this project as I would any other and produce a budget and time line. We first developed a laundry list of items to be done, and then prioritized the projects based on move-in date and budget restraints. We decided some minimal carpentry work, painting, carpeting, lighting and wood staining were the most important elements and would be tackled first. Here are some initial sketches of what I envisioned our future completed space to be like:

Front Sitting Room

Dining Room & Kitchen

Up next....contractor selection and demo time!

This Month's Inspiration - Living Rooms

2009-07-18T16:12:00.001-07:00

Found these images on www.pointclickhome.com and adored them....a little inspiration for the tired living room.