Reimagining a former space previously occupied by a child who has left the nest might feel bittersweet. You want to hold on to the memories, but at the same time you know you need to move forward and make a change. One that will serve your present and future needs.
    Turning your adult child's former bedroom space into a guest bedroom will work not only work for your current needs to receive out of town guests, but will also serve as a welcome addition for future grand children to spend time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. 
     The space doesn't need to look like a child's bedroom again for the grand children. You've already been there and done that. So why not create a comfortable, cozy environment for anyone to enjoy regardless of who is using the space? 
     With that in mind, here is a project I recently completed to accomplish just that. My client's taste leans Country French so I knew I had to design with her favorite style for her new guest bedroom.  
      I started her project by looking for inspiration. In this case I felt it was best to start with a fabric that she would fall in love with. The fabric would set the tone for the space and would provide an opportunity for incorporating additional colors. I also created this floor plan on how I would lay out the space with furnishings as shown in the diagram below. By preparing a floor plan, I was able to see how the different pieces would fit into the space. It helps too to determine proportions and scale that are the right dimensions of the room.     
       

     I don't have a photo of the before (unfortunately) but here is the list of changes we made to the room

1. Change out carpet.
2. Remove old window treatments to make for new.
3. Remove and donate existing furnishing as they no longer suit my clients needs.
4. Remove existing wallpaper.

     The main fabric we used was an embroidered floral on an aqua color linen background. It is the main fabric to be used in the space that would guide the rest of the design.  

     I used the floral pattern for a pair of stationary panels on the window and trimmed it in a pretty ball fringe on the inside edge of the panels. I also used it on two throw pillows for the full size bed with the same ball tassel trim.
     The secondary fabric was also an embroidered design but on an off-white background (see below). This ogee pattern compliments the floral fabric for the drapes. I used this secondary fabric for a flat roman blackout shade for the window and as pillow shams and a bed scarf for the bed. See the last photos in this post.

     Since I specialize in custom products, I chose to do an upholstered bed complete with a shaped headboard, side rails, and foot board. I kept the bed neutral and used a Wheat color fabric with a tone on tone pattern to add texture and interest which went well with the linen bedding fabrics. Take a close look at the finished product in the last photo. The bed is beautifully crafted in my local workroom. A solid aqua linen custom quilted bed coverlet graces the bed. Using textures is a great way to add interest so I also included velvet on a neckroll accent pillow.
     I found the cream colored wood dresser and matching night stands from one of my resources. I like this simpler updated French Country style of these pieces. They look timeless which was one of my goals as I know my client would like to keep the room always looking fresh and current with the changing times. I included a neutral solid cream chair in the corner of the space we found at a local retail store.
       The walls were painted with Sherwin Williams, color Sea Salt. A beautiful color that added the perfect back drop to  the furnishings and fabrics used throughout the room. The paint color is actually more of an aqua color than pictured in this photo.

     I selected a wheat color for the carpet to ground the space. New lamps, and a few accessories complete the space. My client requested a  piece of artwork for above the dresser instead of a mirror as you'll see in the photo below. The colors of the space make it a calming, relaxing space for a guest bedroom. My client and her family were simply thrilled with the final result. 
     If you or you know of someone who is looking to makeover a space or an entire home, I am here to help. I hope you enjoyed walking through this project with me. I love to design with all styles of decorating. I'm only a phone call away. Please feel free to reach out. My office number is 518-355-0063 or call my cell at 518-339-4824. 
Happy decorating!

     You know the old saying "No matter where I serve my guests, they always like my kitchen best". First impressions matter and your kitchen is more than  likely where you and your guests will end up socializing. If you are living with window treatments and upholstery from long ago, maybe it's time to do a little upgrading and make your home more inviting for you, your family, and your guests.  Need inspiration? Let's talk before and after on a recent project and how we found inspiration to transform and update this kitchen for a more modern look.

     Below is a photo of the project before. I sure wish I'd taken photos of the entire kitchen. It's a very large kitchen with  a lot of white cabinetry, a huge island, and black granite counter tops throughout. So I see where the black and pink floral pattern for the window treatment fit in back in the day. But that was 20 years ago. It clearly no longer works. The fabric is faded and the swag treatments are no longer on trend. There were two pink and white striped upholstered club chairs on each side of the window treatment that needed to be reupholstered as well and all of the dining and barstool seats were worn and torn. So yes, the homeowner was long overdue for a makeover.

     We needed inspiration and decided since the window was a huge focal point in the room and needed to make a statement we would start there.  Before we met, the homeowner had already done some homework and kind of new where she would like to go with her decorating. What was interesting was when she described the fabric she was in love with. It had all of her favorite blue, green, and aqua colors that work well in her home. With that information, I  searched my enormous fabric library and found the fabric she described to me. This fabric became the inspiration for everything we were about to do! (See below)

     So off to the drawing board to design a window treatment for this large span of windows. The homeowner knew she wanted something tailored, a more modern look, nothing fussy like what she's lived with for 20 years. So, I proposed a box pleated tailored valance with banding on the hem and side panels to frame the window. Here is the scaled drawing that helped her to visualize this design in her space. I've even placed the fabric on the drawing. This isn't perfect but it is a great visual tool that I provide my clients.

     Once we confirmed the window treatment design and the fabrics to be used, we moved on to find fabrics to coordinate in the room for the club chairs, bar stools, and dining seats. We stayed with the aqua green and blue color scheme. Here are the two fabrics she fell in love with. The plaid was used on the two club chairs and a custom ottoman we made to coordinate with her chairs. She regretted never purchasing the ottoman when she purchased the chairs. It was not a problem as we built one from scratch in our work room. She only needed one ottoman for the chair that was used most in the space. The solid textured fabric is what we used on all of the bar stools and dining chair seats. We also added two pillows with a brush fringe from the same floral used on the window treatment to use as an accent on the re-upholstered club chairs. 

     Now it was time to select the perfect paint colors. She wanted the window treatment wall to remain an accent wall and have all the other walls in a neutral color that worked perfectly with her color scheme. There were so many cabinets in her space that there really wasn't much wall on the remaining three walls in the kitchen. I chose Benjamin Moore's HC-143 Wythe Blue for the accent wall, and Benjamin Moore's OC-09 Ballet White for the remaining walls. Can I just tell you the colors are just gorgeous! They are soothing, welcoming, and just plain stunning! She just loves the fresh look of what we put together.

     The final result was absolutely stunning! Doesn't it look fresh and new?  Fabricating a new window treatment in a colorful and fabulous fabric pattern was our spring board for everything else. New paint colors, new upholstery for the club chairs, a new custom made ottoman, and new fabric on all of the dining chairs and bar seats easily transformed the space. 

     It's easy to update  your home using a new collection of beautiful coordinated fabrics. With our huge library of fabrics to choose from, we know we can help you transform any space in your home. Love your home! We can help!

The days of layered window treatments and heavy drapes are over. Swags and jabots, gathered valances, and tab curtains have all gone by the wayside. Today’s trend toward window coverings is simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on clean, crisp lines. Homeowners are looking for ease of maintenance. No clutter.  If you are in the market to replace outdated window treatments, you simply can’t go wrong with these tried and true timeless style options. Here are my top 5 picks to help you with your decorating.

#1  Drapery Panels
Timeless and classic draperies and curtains are here to stay, but I am seeing them as purely decorative. Instead of full functional draw drapes to cover a window, they are being used as single panels to bring color and softness to a room to coordinate and complement existing furnishings.

A pair of drapes paired with a blind or shade for privacy keeps a space light, airy, and uncluttered. There are many heading styles to choose from but the most popular are tailored styles such as inverted (tuxedo) pleats, grommet panels, French pleat, and ripple-fold.  A stunning rod that suits your décor adds jewelry to the room for the perfect finishing touch. Decorative banding on the inside edge and along the hem of drapes is a popular embellishment that adds a designer touch. You can never go wrong with drapes, but you will want to be sure that they are the perfect application for your space.

​​#2  Roman Shades
The beloved Roman shades are an all-time favorite for many reasons. They are simple and address the need for keeping windows uncluttered. They provide privacy when lowered. They serve as a valance when raised. And, my favorite thing about them is that they can be fabricated cordless eliminating unsightly and unsafe cords all together. They will work in any living space and provide a lot of opportunity for customization. Their tailored look is simple, functional, and worthy of consideration. You can choose any fabric, add banding, and other embellishments for a truly unique look that's all yours!

#3 Tailored Valances
Staying on trend with simplicity for your windows, a decorative soft tailored valance is another great option to update your window coverings. We recommend a simple uncluttered design such as a tailored box pleat, faux roman shade with a relaxed or straight hem, or a scooped valance to soften your window.  A valance is a great way to add color, pattern, or texture to your living space.

In some cases you may need a functional blind or shade for privacy and light control.

Valances are a great application for most windows where simplicity at a lower cost is desired. 

#4  Cornices
Cornices are upholstered valances fabricated from wood, covered with batting, and upholstered in fabric. There are many shapes available for this timeless classic look. They are easy maintenance and only require an occasional vacuum to remove dust. They go with any decorating style such as contemporary, traditional, or transitional.

​A decorative or contrast fabric cord can be added as an embellishment to provide designer details. 

Like all custom window treatments, you are only limited by your imagination. There is a lot of opportunity to be creative or as stay simple as you like.

#5 Plantation Shutters

Plantation Shutters are often referred to as furniture for your windows. They lend an uncluttered timeless look to a space and provide your windows with plenty of light control. No other treatment is necessary with this beautiful option unless you choose to pair them with drapes or a valance.

Louver sizes come in 1 7/8”, 2 1/2”, 3 ½”, and 4”. The larger the louver, the more contemporary the feel. The smaller the louver the more vanes you will have. You can have an invisible tilt for a clean contemporary look or request the traditional tilt bar that can be centered or positioned to the left or right of each panel.

Shutters come in several white options, and stains to match nearly any décor. They can also be customized in a paint color of your choice. You will love the clean lines of shutters for your windows. Timeless, classic, and functional is the best way to describe them. They also add to the resale value of your home.

There are so many window covering options to choose from which can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But I promise you, less is more. We are all far too busy for the old fussy treatments of yesterday and long to make our lives simpler. And that includes window treatments for your home.
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If you need expert help to update your home, please feel free to reach out to us for a consultation in the comfort of your home where we bring products to you for easy selection. You can reach us at 518-355-0063 to update your windows. We have the samples, fabrics, hardware and more to help you design a window treatment that will last for years. Love your windows. Love your home! We can help.

Finding inspiration to begin a dining room design is key to a successful plan. I found this pretty wallpaper that I will use for this delightful dining room design for a traditional home. I like the relaxed feeling this wall covering provides. The vine and  floral pattern has a stunning look and I like how the colors pop on the navy background. This design will make a beautiful backdrop for furnishings and accessories. It will be the "WOW" factor for the space​. It could be used on all walls, as an accent wall, or above a chair rail. The room size and dimensions would dictate  how it should be used in the space. But for this presentation we will assume it will be used on four walls in the space.

This area rug pairs nicely with the wallpaper. I like how the area rug adds subtle dimension and texture to the room. This rug creates a nice contrast and will anchor the space where the dining table will rest. The swirl pattern has a pretty quality that compliments the wallpaper and turns a typical oriental rug that you would often see into an updated version of traditional styling.

A coffered ceiling will provide the dining space with a high-end look. Addressing the ceiling is just as important as the walls and the floor. I would keep the ceiling light, creamy trim to match existing trim and a taupe color inside the ceiling panels.

A beautiful dining table and chairs is the focal point of the room. Here I chose a sleek modern table and chair design to pair with the traditional wallpaper. 

To make the space eclectic and interesting I decided to add this stand alone sideboard for the buffet. I want the space to feel as though it has evolved over time.

Lastly I would add accessories. This wall artwork makes a statement and would be positioned above the sideboard.

Two buffet lamps placed on each side of centered artwork  for the sideboard add sophistication.

Chandelier above the dining table lends a light airy elegant feel.

A collection of 9 pieces of suggested floral art spaced evenly across the wall opposite the sideboard. 

This thought provoking design expresses how a dining room space might be brought together to create a cohesive and well designed space. This design is available. Please feel free to contact me to help you with creating a delightful dining space where you can enjoy beautiful memories entertaining friends and family. Love your home. I can help!

I carefully crafted a conceptual furniture design plan for this Transitional Living Room. I used light blues, blacks, grays, whites, and beige for my color scheme. I chose these colors to create a relaxed and calming environment for my client to enjoy after a long hard day at work. Color is the most important element to consider when creating a space as it sets the tone and mood for the space.

The hand knotted modern area rug is composed of Viscose, Wool, and Cotton fibers with a micro-seal finish. I love the pattern in the rug and how well it ties all of the furniture and accessory selections together. 

For the upholstered pieces, I chose upholstery velvet fabrics for it's durability and soft tactile feel. Notice how I chose light blue for the two largest upholstered piece, the sofa and the chaise, and  gray as the secondary color for the two chairs. The light blue color on the two larger pieces makes a statement and sets the relaxed tone. Having a black wood base surrounding the sofa allowed me to incorporate elements of black for the additional furniture pieces needed to complete the space.

Tying in an ebonized oak credenza with a crema marfil top provides storage.  Artwork of a black and white giclee  tryptich with solid black wood frames hung over the credenza adds an element of sophistication.  The Venetian silver leaf with antiqued mirror back plate candle sconces adds dimension and anchors the framed art adding a finishing touch. There is something exciting and wonderful about pairing different elements and finishes when accessorizing a space. You will find several different finishes and textures throughout my designs. I enjoy designing spaces that are clean and well edited that incorporate a variety of textures.

A tall wood painted cabinet with its criss-cross overlay design on a metal base is actually a bar cabinet with plenty of storage designed by a designer for designers. It's an unusual and interesting piece making it the perfect addition for this living room.

The powder coated steel base half and half coffee table with a smoked grey glass top is also a uniquely designed piece. It's size and shape provides a landing place for drinks and table top accessories. I love the asymmetry of having  half shelf beneath for magazines, reading material, or accessories. 

I chose two side tables with 4" hammered steel tiles for the two table top tiers on a metal frame to compliment the coffee table.  Bringing in this additional finish contrasts beautifully with the smooth textures of the glass coffee table and the upholstered furniture pieces.  One round accent table works beautifully for the two gray upholstered chairs. 

A pair of table lamps with rectangular shades and two shaped ottomans are used as accents in the space. The ottomans can be used as extra seating as needed when entertaining. Decorative throw pillows are used as accents on the furniture pieces with a pattern that works well with the area rug. 

All of these elements are carefully selected to create form, function, and style. Clean, classy, and classic designing is my signature style.  I look to my clients for inspiration when designing their spaces. If you are interested in a space that is designed with unique customized designer furnishings like this project, give me a call at 518-355-0063 or reach out to me through this web-site. Ask  about my turn-key design services where we manage everything for you from inspiration to installation.

Or, call for an hourly consultation to get the help you need to create your space your way!

Whether you are planning a complete remodel, or simply want to update your existing bathroom, there are three things that are essential to help make your bathroom the best space in your house.  Even the smallest bathrooms can reap big rewards from incorporating these three things. 

1. Tile is one of the few areas where you can be creative when designing your bathroom space which makes tile number one on my list of priorities.  Tile comes in many shapes, sizes, designs, patterns, textures, and materials from metal, to porcelain, to stone and glass. It's practical and durable and is the perfect application for nearly any bathroom. Creatively mixing tile sizes, textures, patterns, and colors in showers, on walls, and floors will showcase your creativity and make the most of your space.

​2. Vanities are number 2 on my list. Today you can find furniture quality vanities that are beautiful and functional for everyday use. Paired with a mirror and proper lighting you can easily create a focal point. Choose something out of the ordinary like a color, texture, unusual hardware, or plumbing to make your vanity stand out. You will enjoy the beauty of a special piece even in your most practical space that you use on a daily basis.

3.  Last but not least are vanity counter tops. With a variety of finishes to choose from for your counter tops, you certainly will find something to fall in love with.  Granite, quartz, marble, solid surface, concrete, tile, stainless steel, glass, soapstone and more. With these endless options, you'll be able to personalize your bathroom design and add beauty to your space. 

Planning a bathroom remodel or re-design of an existing bath takes careful planning and expertise to maintain balance and functionality in your space. You'll want to do your research to be sure your finishes are practical for your needs and lifestyle.  It's important to use the right proportions for tiles and other finishes to create a cohesive space. You'll need to take caution and think through every detail.
Need help with a remodel or to update your bathroom? Give me a call. I would be happy to help!

I put together this  conceptual design of a modern living room to illustrate how valuable this tool is to interpret my clients vision for their space. A conceptual design comes after the initial meeting where we discuss in detail the master plan, and after a furniture layout and key elements have been predetermined.  To save time, I begin every design using my trusted designer resources. This initial phase allows the opportunity for the client and myself to discuss ideas, re-work the design to meet the clients vision, and narrow down the lengthy process of finding the perfect pieces. 
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During the initial presentation of the conceptual design, I prefer to take the time to review all of my selections with my client and help them understand how I arrived at each  selection to create a cohesive space. Here is what I would discuss with my client for this modern living room design. 

Since this conceptual plan is for a formal modern living room, I knew I wanted to draw upon my years of experience and incorporate new products I found at High Point Furniture Market.

I began this design with an area rug that has an allover abstract design. I appreciate how it carries both neutrals and pops of color throughout, accentuated with the color teal. This bi-level pile rug exudes a very high end look making it especially attractive. It's knotted by hand using wool and viscose and is  an excellent choice for durability.

I love the clean lines of the tufted back sofa with nail trim detail. I would recommend Crypton fabric in an upholstery velvet in a neutral color that works with the colors found in the area rug. A Crypton fabric provides superior liquid and stain repellency, creating livable luxury by mixing function and fashion.  Keeping the largest piece, the sofa, in a neutral color leaves opportunity to make  changes such as throw pillow accents for the furnishings.

A pair of upholstered, slender high-back chairs continue the clean lines theme of this collection. These chairs lend a formality to the space. I would recommend a textured or small patterned fabric for these chairs to contrast with the sofa. I would skip the nail heads shown and change the ferrule on the legs to a gold finish. I would keep the flannel finish on the chair legs (as shown) in the photo, as it works well with the round accent table.

I've included a chaise with clean lines for extra seating. It is a perfect piece to separate open spaces. The low profile keeps it from obstructing the flow between two spaces. I can see a beautiful textured modern solid fabric with all-over contrast welting accentuating the clean lines of the piece. An interesting pattern for custom throw pillows could add an accent to the chaise.

All of these upholstered pieces can be customized. I would discuss comfort levels with my clients to determine the type of cushion they most desire.  I would highly recommend a luxury cushion for maximum comfort. I would also pull together fabric choices for each of the upholstered pieces so my clients would have options to select from.

No space should be without  storage.  For this reason, I selected this sideboard piece which is fully customizable. Its shown here in an oiled bronze handcrafted metal case with natural walnut interior and bronze mirrored doors. It's a beautiful statement piece that can be ordered in other woods and other metal finishes to meet my clients desired taste. For this presentation, I like the finishes shown.

The round accent mirror in gold is the perfect compliment for the sideboard piece. It's bowl shaped design has a modern twist and comes in three sizes. My creative side would want to stagger 5 of these mirrors in 3 different sizes above the sideboard to create an appealing modern aesthetic.

I have an appreciation for balance in all of my designs. I always strive to create symmetry which is why I chose two sets of nesting tables in mixed metals finishes with ivory lacquered tops. I love the fact that I can pull each away from the next to create dimension on each side of the tufted sofa.  Staying with the clean lines theme makes these tables very attractive. In addition,  they are functional and can easily be moved around for extra tables when entertaining. They would also be a landing place to accessorize with lamps and small accents.

The ceramic body lamps with acrylic bases, topped with linen lampshades and clear crystal ball finials is a perfect accent for this modern space. Incorporating accents and accessories of different textures in the space and adding lighting for ambiance and functionality is an important part of my signature design. 

There is a fun sphere lighting element that appears to hover above its aerial wood stand with ethereal grace which I included for the top of the sideboard. A unique modern element that is interesting.

A large glass coffee table with a glass bottom shelf appears to take up little space and exposes the high-end textured rug. The gold framing is a nice accent for the room and supports the clean lines used throughout the space. (This table is also available in other finishes and other glass tops).

Custom linen drapes on decorative gold hardware to dress windows would be the perfect treatment for this modern living room. Again, clean lines. My signature style!

Thoughtfully pulling together a space takes careful and methodical planning. Color, textures, durability, proportions, scale, etc. all play an important role. It is my job, as a professional to design a space that exceeds expectations and reflects the unique tastes of my clients. My goal is to create comfort and style that will last for years and WOW you with the ultimate design.

This design is available if you have any interest in learning more. Just contact me through this web-site or call me at
518-355-0063.  

Thank you for taking the time to read about this project. Please feel free to call with any questions or to discuss a project you would like to work on.

Sincerely,
Terry Kral, Interior Designer
​Terry K. Interiors

​Banding trims add detail to the inside edge of draperies. It enhances the style of solid fabric drapes and personalizes your look. We have a wide assortment of beautiful decorative band trims to dress your windows with designer touches. Banding trims are a great accent and work well on custom roman shades, drapes, duvet covers, on hems of upholstered furniture and bed skirts, and on pillows. We bring these samples to you along with fabrics to choose from to coordinate your design. Want to see more? Give us a call and schedule your complimentary window treatment or upholstery consultation in the comfort of your home. We come to you! Love your windows. Love your home! Call me today at 518-355-0063 to schedule your in-home consultation. We serve the counties of Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Montgomery.

A curved 1 1/8" French return drapery hardware with stylish mounting plates allows panels to wrap all the way to the wall for a clean transitional look and can be anchored with French return bands to help reduce side light. Operate your drapes with rings or choose a rod pocket style for a stationary look. This is just one of many designs for drapery hardware. We can help you find the perfect hardware solution for your custom window covering needs. Call for a free consultation in the comfort of your home for your next window covering project. We come to you!