Paul’s Place

We’re nearing the end of another design project and we’re thrilled with the way its turning out! It all started with Paul stopping by our showroom in search of Hunter Douglas window coverings for his new spec home. Upon walking in he saw that we are not only certified Hunter Douglas specialists, we are full service interior designers. He said to us “this is great! A one stop shop!”

We began the project with the window coverings. He likes softness at the window and has a more casual, transitional style. His biggest concerns were light control and privacy. He also wanted easy operation, functionality and of course style. Our first recommendation was that the operation system be UltraGlide Click and Walk Away because it is an easy to use lift system when PowerView isn’t an option. Our second recommendation was to use Silhouette Shadings because they offer the most light control options and have that softness Paul so wanted. In the closed position we took care of the nighttime privacy concern, in the tilted position we combated daytime privacy while keeping the view, and when he wants a completely unobstructed view he can simply roll the shades all they way up into the headrail. Our final recommendation after getting to know Paul was to use a bold color on the shades and not do a “safe” white. We set out to his new home with samples in hand to find the perfect color. We chose a “greige” with a deeply textured sheer called Brio Basilica from the Alustra Collection of Silhouette. It goes perfectly with the with tile in the kitchen, the trim on the outside of the house, and the texture creates another design demention. Because the home is open concept, we decided to put the Silhouettes in every room. What an amazing look and in complete agreement with Paul’s style.

Our next step was to design the drapery panels to compliment the shades and frame the windows. We found a beautiful fabric with a pattern that was in keeping with the other design elements of the home. These soft treatments really make a point to draw out the colors of the shades and add a flowing pattern that makes a statement.

Then we moved on to finish out the home with a clean, uncluttered look.

In their dining room, we put together a 72”round table that comfortably seats eight. We custom made the upholstered chairs that accompany it. The chairs are simple in design, but the nail heads give a hint of sophistication. We finished off this room with a large mirror and a pair of sconces.

The entry in this home is huge so we used a console table that is unique in design and large enough to fit this space. It can even be used as a buffet if they have a big party. You won’t find this piece just anywhere! We topped it with 3 candle holers and 2 tall lamps. We also put artwork above with neutral colors and hints of gold.

In the study, we found this beautiful bookcase to put behind his desk.

In the living room we pulled together a large rug that has all the neutral colors of the home in it, 2 throw pillows and 3 panel art. We are planning on adding more drapery panels for that added softness in this room as well.

This has been a very fun project and we have enjoyed working with Paul so much! We are so happy everything is pulling together nicely and we love the clean look.

If you are buying a new home or just want to give your home an update, give us a call! We would love to help you create a space that you will love to come home to.

Making The "Dark Dallas Dining Room" Light Again

DINING ROOM BEFORE

We Recently made an appointment with a client in North Dallas. Her home was a little dated - especially the dining room. I could tell that the previous owner had invested quite a bit to make this room beautiful. The walls were faux painted a deep red with brown and gold highlights. They had plantation shutters on the windows and also a heavy drapery treatment in red. This was definitely the traditional trend that was popular a decade ago. But now it is dark and uninviting. 

Our client has a light and fun personality and this room definitely did not reflect that. She likes a more transitional look and definitely wanted to brighten up this room. 

The Design Plan

She loves her dining table and chairs, which have that transitional look, so we used those as our inspiration. We also kept her side board, plantation shutters and a few accessories. But that was it, the rest had to go.. starting with the heavy drapery. 

We began with a new window treatment - new fabric and a new design. We chose a fabric from Fabricut that has a beautiful neutral pattern and we knew it would hang beautifully. Because less is more for this type of design, we custom made simple drapery panels to frame the beautiful shutters. We raised the rod up to give the feeling of height and we also made the treatment wider to allow more light into the room.

We pulled out the light tan color in the fabric to paint above the chair rail. Paint can change everything and immediately the room brightened up. 

The Finishing Touches

This was the fun part! We took down the small framed mirror that hung above the sideboard and replaced it with a large arched mirror. This gave a lot of reflection to the room making it appear lighter and larger all while adding some character. I love this mirror by Guildmaster! Then we added two matching lamps and just a few accessories (some new and some old). We also removed the red runner on the table and replaced it with the large tray. The tray was the clients before and wanted to incorporate it into the new design so all we did there was rearrange the accessories. We suggested that in the evening she leave the chandelier off and turn on these two lamps and she let us know that she does this every evening and loves the way it looks and feels! She also commented on how beautiful our custom drapery panels are. 

This was a fun project from the very beginning to the end and I think we achieved the objective and made the room light, livable and a true reflection of our client's personality.

Call Read Design Plano or Southlake For Your Next Interior Design Project!

Read Design has been a leader in Window Fashions and Interior Design for over 25 years. With two generations of the Read Family working together, we are dedicated to making your home beautiful and a true reflection of you. We can help you not matter how large or how small your project is. Stop by either of our stores to see the latest in Hunter Douglas window treatments and to learn about PowerView Motorization. After all, smart homes are the future! Our designers can help you visualize and give your personal service to help you find the perfect solution for all of your projects.

Read Design Services All Of the Following Areas:

Carrollton, Lewisville, Westlake, Southlake, Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth, Roanoke, Keller, Coppell, Colleyville, Irving, Las Colinas, Denton, Argyle, Allen, Sachse, Wylie, Benbrook, Hurst, Euless, Addison, Farmers Branch, Frisco, The Colony, Plano, Parker, St Paul, Prosper, Celina, Little Elm, McKinney and many more!

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes can add movement and energy to your rooms. Think outside the box for a refreshing change of decor.

When most of us purchase home elements, we tend to focus on square and rectangular shapes and surfaces. Yet consider some of the most ancient decorating styles used by the Greeks, Romans and other cultures; they include lots more than just squares and rectangles! Try thinking out of the box for more interest and excitement in your decorating style.

Triangles, hexagons, trapezoids, parallelograms. Who even remembers what some of these shapes are? Maybe now’s the time for a refresher course in high school geometry to spice up your home décor. And don’t forget to add diamonds, chevrons, zig zags and stars to the equation.

Add geometric shapes and patterns to your décor with these home elements:

• Table tops and table bases
• Tile and wood flooring
• Rugs and carpeting
• Wallcoverings and draperies
• Upholstery fabric
• Bed and table linens
• Throw pillows
• Dishware
• Mirrors
• Inlays on wood furniture
• Light fixtures
• Painted wall stencils
• And even the architectural elements of your home, such as door panels, window panes and brickwork patterns.

Beware of too much geometry; a little goes a long way at perking up a room. Too much can become chaotic. Geometric patterns can look modern, retro or thoroughly traditional, depending on their style, color and design. And they can range from the superwix subtle to ultra bold in look.

Add geometric shapes to your interior design plan. It’s an angle that works!

Providing Services to all of these areas: Dallas, North Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, Southlake, Denton, Keller, Roanoke, Benbrook,  Westlake, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Grapevine, Trophy Club, The Colony, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Savannah, Aubrey, McKinney, Allen, St. Paul, Wylie, Sachse, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lucas, Parker, Melissa, Anna, Fairview, Heath, Garland, Richardson, Irving, Las Colinas, University Park, Highland Park, Kessler Park, Euless, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Corinth, Arlington, Little Elm, Hurst, Saginaw, Haltom City, Bedford, Watauga, Haslet and many more!