Sunday, May 30, 2010

More Designs


Recently completed client residence in Oregon
I've added some more images of recently completed work to the facebook group page...take a gander if you wish.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day. Remember, with the sincerest respect, all of the brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms. Peace out.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Fresh Again


This is a client's home that I completed recently. The space wasn't bad before, it just needed to be updated. The client wanted a fresh, clean and bright new space without all of the weight of heavy colors and fabrics.
Here is the space before...
We used all of the client's existing furniture. We reupholstered and changed finishes to achieve our new look.
Here is the after...
The ceilings are very high in this room and so I specified a chandelier to bring some warmth down from the tall ceilings.
I added drapes to soften the millwork around the windows. The millwork is gorgeous but there is a lot of it and it felt impersonal.
Here is another before...
The reupholstery had the biggest impact in the space.
Below you can see the sofa as it was before...
I discussed the rework of this sofa here, in a previous post. I removed the heavy bullion fringe and added an interesting nailhead detail. Reupholstered the body in a fabulous textured woven and complemented it with a contrasting accent pillow.
This is my drawing detail for the upholsterer.
Voila!...We've got a new piece of furniture. This can sometimes be more expensive than just purchasing a new piece of furniture so weigh your options before you do this. In this case, it was more cost effective to rework our existing pieces.

Here are the chairs before...
We spiffed those little guys up too!
Reupholstery and a new finish and they are brand new again...and one of my favorite things in the space!
My client's space is elegant, livable and fresh again!
Lovely!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Another Glimpse


Here is our master bedroom (for those of you who keep requesting to see my house, you know who you are...). I promise I will get on the ball soon and take more pictures, but it just seems that there is at least one incomplete thing in each room and that makes me bananas :-)

I made homemade quiches this weekend. These were so yummy and would be great for showers, company etc. I used phyllo dough shells instead of a typical doughy pie shell and it gave it a flaky pastry kind of crunch...yum!

These were super easy! I mixed eggs, diced honey cured ham, yellow onion and sharp cheddar cheese. Poured the mixture into the shells and baked them. Seriously, so easy, and something a little different for breakfast.
Up next...
More photos from another recently completed project.
I hope you had a delightful weekend!

Monday, May 17, 2010

All Wrapped Up


I just wrapped up another project in Dallas. This is always a bittersweet time because even though I'm happy to see the final results of all my hard work, I'm a little sad that I won't be in and out and seeing my sweet clients all of the time.
This was a lovely formal living and dining makeover. The clients needed direction and a complete update. See 'before' below.

We were able to reuse a few existing pieces and what we weren't able to reuse, my client sold on Craig's List. So, here it is, all updated and fresh again.
Another 'before' view from a different angle.
and voila!...a healthy, happy new space.

Detail of a fun, little accent chair with just the right dose of animal print.
I just wrapped two other projects separate of this one so I will be back soon with more of my work.
Happy Monday!
*expand photos in browser for a closer look*

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Four Years Ago Today...





I married my best friend and the love of my life! I love this man more than I can express in words and am continually in awe that the Lord has blessed me so.





Four years ago today, when I said I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man, I meant it!





Happy Anniversary, my Love!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Colorful Katie Ridder


I am working this gorgeous Katie Ridder fabric into a current project and so while I was visiting her website, checking available colorways, I was reminded of just how talented she and her team are. Not only do they produce an amazing line of fabric and wallcoverings, they also produce beautiful, color infused interiors.








Colorful, elegant and brings a smile...Lovely.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

In Your Facebook


It's official. I've created an M. E. Beck Design, Inc. Facebook page. I'm not sure why...like I need another form of technology to answer to daily, haha. I haven't uploaded a lot of photos yet but I will update the albums as I complete projects. Check the wall for interesting design happenings as well.
Visit my page and give me a "like" and I'll love you forever for it :-)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Match Made in Design Heaven


One of my very favorite vendors, Arteriors Home, has paired up with the exceptionally talented designer, Laura Kirar, for a new collection of unique accessories, wall decor and lighting. Laura Kirar is the founder and creative director of Laura Kirar*TruDesign. Her designs are elegant and timeless. Take a look at a few of my favorite pieces she designed in collaboration with Arteriors.










View some images of her award winning interior design.



Ms. Kirar is no stranger to collaborating with some of the top vendors in the biz. Her talents can be seen among companies such as Ann Sacks, Baker Furniture, McGuire Furniture and Tufenkian Artisian Carpets, just to name a few. It is no wonder that Arteriors Home chose her to design an innovative collection that meshes so well with the Arteriors brand. In Mark Moussa's words, "forms that interpret the natural world at hand, from root to branch, from leaf to flower, in materials from cast metal to carved wood, manufactured for function, and finished with great finesse." The perfect description for a perfect new collection. Lovely.

I can't wait to use some pieces from this collection in some of my own designs!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Weekend


I hope you have a springy and sunshine filled weekend.
See you back here next week!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

What I'm Loving


I am obsessing over this amazing Prado bookcase by Hickory Chair.

It looks fabulous as just the base too!

Hang an old subway sign above and pair it with this engraver's desk lamp to create the perfect location for a living room bar.

Or pair it with this distressed reproduction trumeau for something a little more serious.

Any of these directions...yes, please!

Hickory Chair and Lighting represented by yours truly...if you are interested in any pieces contact for stock and pricing.