Freshening up...

From time to time, a client will call requesting a "face-lift"!!  The bones of the space are fine...the layout may even flow well...it is just that the furnishings need some freshening...such was the case with this space...



 

This family entertains often and this room serves as overflow...it is also directly off the entry.  So, highly visible and used infrequently-often!!  How is that for a combination?!!

The foundation of this room was this incredible vintage rug that was a gift from the client's father!!  (Who obviously has impeccable taste!!)



 

Shortly after taking this project on, we were on a scouting trip to Chicago and came across this fabric by Schumacher...

[caption id="attachment_795" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Tree of Life in Document[/caption]

The repeat on this piece is 48"!!!!!!  Talk about the perfect balance to the drama of the rug!!  So, from these two items the whole room was built!!!  New fabrics on new furnishings...vintage seashell prints...custom frames...updated accessories with a little history!!  (The only "construction" was the addition of an overhead fixture as the space was a little dark and we wanted to draw attention to the vaulted ceiling!!)



 

And here are a few after pics (please don't mind the quality...professional shots to come!!)







 

 

Face-lift...refreshed!!  Done!!

Progress...

[caption id="attachment_758" align="aligncenter" width="403"] Hearth room[/caption]

 

Remember this house??  The one with the to-die-for views??  Well, it is al....most....done!!

And it is going to be on the local Parade of Homes!!  Here is one last look ahead of time!!  But come see it in person!!

IT IS GORGEOUS!!!

 

[caption id="attachment_757" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Classic subway tile...rich dark cabinetry[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_756" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Perfectly patina-ed brass....that's right...brass...but not like you have ever seen!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_754" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Custom wainscotting[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_755" align="aligncenter" width="518"] There are those amazing views again!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_753" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Dramatic lighting over the stairwell![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Custom millwork takes the elegance level up a notch...or two![/caption]

The "Konza Cape"

Amanda and I are always saying how blessed we both feel to be able to pursue our dream of creating gorgeous interior spaces!!  And we can also honestly say we have met the most wonderful people through this business...we have had the privilege of working with amazing clients and crazy-cool projects!

Each project begins a little differently.  We are brought in at various stages of each one...sometimes the client hires us before any contractor has been hired...or sometimes the contractor calls us toward the end of a project when the finishing touches are needed...and anywhere in between.  And we love them all!  However, we both will admit, one of our favorite scenarios is when we can be a part of the team from the infancy of a project.  We both love space planning and "visioning" a home/space before it is even begun...there is so much room to be creative when nothing is "set in stone" yet!!

This was the case with a recently completed project out on the Konza Prairie...

 

 

The exterior design of the home speaks to the feel of a traditional "Cape Cod"...and its location on the rolling Flint Hills makes it a "Konza Cape"

[caption id="attachment_648" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Love these lights!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_647" align="aligncenter" width="225"] From the exterior colors to the trellis and trim design, the home stays true to the original inspiration.[/caption]

When we were first contacted by the builder, the homeowner and his architect had just finalized the floorplan...so there was just enough time to collaborate on a few design features.  The biggest change came with the decision to  expand the small second floor dormers and create two "shed-dormers".  Not only did this allow for larger windows, capturing more of the amazing view...but it created two niche's that we were able to turn into dramatic focal points in the master suite...

[caption id="attachment_643" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Niche' 1: Cozy reading nook overlooking the hills[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_649" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Niche' 2: Dramatic "free-standing" tub....bubble bath with a view!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_651" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Master Bath[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_650" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Master Shower[/caption]

Originally the master bedroom was to be on the main floor, however, when the homeowner saw the views from the enlarged upstairs windows, he changed his plans and claimed this space instead!!

The master suite upstairs is a continuation of the main floor style...

[caption id="attachment_640" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Collected elegance in the living room[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_639" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Gorgeous painted cabinetry, true to a "Cape" aesthetic...with a few masculine touches thrown in for good balance.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_641" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Main Floor guest room...[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_642" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Guest bath[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_638" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Powder room...grass cloth wallcovering adds texture and keeps the fixtures from feeling too "sweet"[/caption]

 

The homeowner specifically wanted a space for his young boys to feel at home when they stayed, so we went to work creating a room they felt right at home in!!

[caption id="attachment_645" align="aligncenter" width="225"] We took advantage of the unused space under the eaves, carving extra square footage for the beds and allowing for custom built-in space.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_636" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Gorgeous windows line the walls in every room...in the boys room, we created a study niche'...partner desk, fun seating and display walls for each boy.[/caption]

 

The overall look and feel of this home is so inviting...and although it is brand new, it has a feel that says...collected, comfortable and lovely!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas from AsterHouse Design...

 

(Click Jones Design Company for this fabulous free printable)

Round-top...or bust!!!

Has this ever happened to you??  You are paddling along blithely through the river of life and you hear about this amazing....something-or- other...and then all of a sudden, it's all you hear about or read about every time you turn on the TV or open a magazine???  Well, that's how Round Top, Texas was for me!!!  Just one year ago, I'd never even heard of this strange and mysterious place!!!  But after hearing about it time and again...and being told over and over how I "just had to go"  the plans for an antique adventure were hatched!!

With two dear friends and my brother riding shotgun...ok, not all at once, but you know...we hitched up our 29-foot trailer and headed south!

Giddy-up! With Lyle Lovett's, "That's Right, You're not from Texas, But Texas Wants You Anyway" as our anthem, we road tripped the 11 short (not really) hours to Round Top, Texas in search of treasures.

Of course no roadtrip is complete with out great food stops!!  And Fred's Cafe in Fort Worth did not disappoint!

There is a reason I make it a point to stop at as many roadside eateries featured on "Diners, Drive-in's & Dive's"!  If Guy endorses it, I'm all in!!

  In addition to the mouth-watering tex-mex and the country music, of course,  a trip to Texas isn't complete without extravagant local gas station purchase...the cowgirl hat!

After good food and fabulous treasures, another highlight of any great trip involves scoping out the perfect accomadations...and when you are antique-ing down the small back roads of Texas, this sweet little cottage was perfectly quaint!!

 

Let the shopping begin!!

Score, $45 pair

 

Where oh where could I use this...cool beyond belief!!!

 

Brass buckle and leather belt, Spanish origin, turn of the century. $15!

$90 super large globe for Eryn's patio!

One of our favorite finds? Cowhides! We bought five and have three more on order!

One full trailer! Tucked among the treasures were also a great 12-foot farm table and a uniquely beautiful wooden chest from Tibet. 

Oh Round Top, you didn't disappoint! We'll see you again!

Until next time...we will spread the word!!  Giddy-up!

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Oh the Places You'll Go....

The ladies of AsterHouse have always loved a good trip...big city; Kansas City, Dallas or small town; Sparks, Atchison...you name it, we're there!!  In travel you find it all...new sights, fabulous food, unique architecture, great bargains...amazing memories!  We know full well, that we are so privileged to be doing something that we love...and we don't take any chance at "on the job training" for granted!!

Annually, my (Eryn) husband attends a convention in a larger city and take me along...and this year was no exception.  But rather than Chicago (my favorite "little" big city) or San Diego (near the beach...need I say more??) we found ourselves destined for New Orleans!!  This was not our first trip to "NOLA"...so we were looking forward to further exploring some of the great finds from our last stopover in this city full of diversity and character!!  And we were not disappointed!! Let me take you on a "picture tour" beginning in the historic "French Quarter"...

The architecture is decidedly European...and renews my love for all things "aged and well-worn"...wouldn't you take some brick in this gorgeous pattern in your outdoor space??

Or how about bright green shutters??  Not to mention the precious balcony!!

Found!!  Perfect vintage lights for a friend...did you know Bevolo has a vintage line as well as reproduction line??  Now I do...and they are to. die. for.

Must refuel...leisurely meal on the quaint patio at the Napoleon House...Shrimp Remoulade Stuffed Avocado, anyone??  Or stroll down to Stanley and this is what you will see...

Soft shell crab Eggs Benedict??  (This is an actual picture of my plate...could it be any prettier??)

 Seriously, people...we are soooooo not in Kansas anymore!!

All shopping and no rest makes Eryn a very tired researcher...Plan: The Hotel Monteleone...has a great spa on the second floor...go there!!

Once re-energized on to Magazine Street...for boutiques and more boutiques...this street stretches to Texas, I'm pretty sure...but we covered alot of it and found some pretty awesome treasures....

Tara Shaw.....ummmmm.....can you say AMAZING???  Think Veranda magazine spread...French antiques with layers of rich patina...creamy white fabrics...I actually got to meet Tara...and her right hand gal, Linda!!  And toured her private to-the-trade showroom...right there on Camp Street!!  Of course, I had to buy something...and, since I do not have a "antique" budget, I settled for this gorgeous repro mirror....can't wait for it to be delivered!!

Then it was on to our next stop....

More jaw dropping antiques...but this shop had a crazy-fun mix...just daring you to forget any rules you ever knew...and surround yourself with what you love...

What speaks to you??  What inspires you??  Clean whites, creams, with a romantic finish??

Or geometric lines, loads of texture and happy, expressive color??

OH this tile...I might need a moment...could I buy the whole step please???

I wanted to take these guys home...for some reason, they were just calling my name???  Must be the influence of the "big easy"!!

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