I love participating in designer events.  It is an opportunity to work with a fun loving and creative group of people.  This one was called “Collaborating For Success”.  It was organized by ToTheTradeOnly and had a whole new twist . . . it was almost like that HGTV show “Design Star”.  Each designer chose a small space.  Unlike show homes, their resources were limited to a specific group of participating vendors.  These vendors had particular products that they made available to either donate, give or lend.  It was up to the designers to work with these and create a space that would knock your socks off!  In my mind, this is a very difficult design challenge . . .  work with what you’ve got, not with what you can buy.  I am always amazed at how a great designer has the vision to make something special out of nothing.

Rachel Young of Liquid Design Studio invited me to be on her team.  Her idea was to recreate this ladies’ restroom  with the elegance of a “Marie Antoinette feeling”.  We didn’t have time for  samples.  I just showed up with an assortment of products from my shelves and began to trowel.    It was a leap of faith!  Many subtle reflective and metallic colors were blended to complete this finish.  The addition of the pattern offers gentle curves to “soften” the strong geometric lines and hard surfaces in the space.   Everyone kept peeking in to watch what would come next as each layer was applied.

The evening of the event was filled with design inspiration thanks to all of the creative and talented participants.  Needless to say, our space was a hit!  The ladies’ room was not a place where the  girls could retreat for privacy.  Every gentleman was opening the door wanting to see what we had done!  We were able to create formal elegance that would be suitable for any black tie affair.   To quote one of the guests, ” It has become  a place that is beautiful enough for a champagne toast!”

Let us know what you think.  Be sure to post your comments below.  For more transformations, visit www.kasswilson.com.

Contributors to this space

• Liquid Design Studios,  Rachael Young, 404 348 4406,  www.liquiddesignstudiosllc.com
• ToTheTradeOnly, Barbara English, 404 536 0664, concierge@tothetradeonly.com
• True Source Cabinets, Kevin Kremer 678 494 0110, www.truesourcecabinets.com
• Old Castle Surfaces, Julie Brewer, 404 355 3108, www.oldcastlepg.com
• Masterpiece Lighting,  Phil Sherer, 404 207 1950, philsherer@masterpiecelighting.com
• Atlanta Daltile, Leslie Dean,  404 355 0158, leslie.dean@daltile.com
• LeFais Do-Do Event Center, Marie Andjuar, 404 387 3027, www. lefaisdodo.com

Bold contemporary patterns . . . rich reflective fabrics . . . sleek shiny accessories.    All of the elements are in place to present a statement about current design trends.   This project took place at Luxe Home Interiors, a full service interior design and furnishings studio located in John’s Creek.  They wanted to showcase an example of how to incorporate today’s clean lined style with drama and elegance.  The addition of a stunning faux finish on the wall provides the perfect background to complete the picture.

The Design Process:

After selecting the furnishings and accessories for this space, it was time to  “look on the bright side”.   The finishing touch of a wall treatment was the perfect answer.  The design journey began with their team of designers.  Together we explored the many innovative faux finish options that would compliment all of these features.  The ideal characteristics were identified.  Here was the wish list:

• A rectilinear pattern to honor the tailored appearance of the furniture.
• Multiple colors within the same tones to maintain the sophistication of this look.
• The use of subtle reflective textures consistent with the glamour of this setting.
• Occasional random hints of platinum to offer the unexpected but necessary “bling”.

And hence, a custom finish was born!

The day of the application was festive.  Since it is directly in front of the glass entrance, many curious visitors stopped in just to observe the transformation taking place.   So many great questions.   It is always fun to watch people as their wheels start to turn.  You can see them beginning to imagine how wonderful a wall finish like this could be in their own home.

This stunning space can be seen in Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.  I encourage you to stop by and take a first hand look at the intrigue of this finish.  You must see it, feel it and touch it to believe it!

Special thanks to Luxe Home Interiors at John’s Creek.   770 622 5120  www.luxejohnscreek.com

Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com for  more transformations.

Start by selecting the items that have the most limited options for color, size and/or price.  This is often the main focal point or “grounding” element of a space.  In a large room, it can be an area rug or piece of art.  But, in a kitchen it is usually the granite.  This is your initial inspiration that will drive all decisions about colors, style and where you want your attention to travel.   Next is the tile back splash and the cabinetry.  They will follow  as a backdrop that surrounds these important features.  But, don’t stop there . . .  now comes the challenge!   The basic selections can be wonderful and “go together”.   But it is the added attention to details that will give you an opportunity to enhance all of the beautiful features within a space for a “WOW”.  This is where you can “go the extra mile”.

Faux finishing offers infinite technique and color solutions that will work to unify all of the  elements within a space.  Ideally, this is explored early in the design process.  Teaming up with a talented designer is a great way to create and utilize innovative ideas that you may have never thought about.  Together, we work to identify unique ways to make all of these features come to life.  Developing a complete plan from the beginning allows the freedom to incorporate many great ideas BEFORE construction starts.  Trying to add them later can be very costly, time consuming or even impossible.

The Design Process:

In this scenario, we focused our attention upward.  Imagine how this kitchen would appear if the large ceiling was allowed to remain flat.   Since it is not very high, there is a tendency to believe that leaving it a light color will make it appear taller.  Instead, notice how the addition of  bold trim in the center works to define the space.  It adds balance and interest, draws your eye upward and eliminates the appearance of vast emptiness.  The frame was painted with a faux wood grain technique that matches the cabinets to perfection.   The inset is a softened metallic finish that compliments both the custom tile on the back splash and the light fixtures.

In large kitchens, even the beauty of wood can become overly repetitious.  Adding distressed black on select door fronts and the back of the display cabinets offers an unpredictable but subtle detail.   Notice how it draws attention to the dimension of the doors, outlines the accessories and emphasizes the curved arches in the cabinets.

This kitchen remodel is candy to the eye.   Using multiple but subtle faux finishes allows all of the features to stand out.  There is a delicate and unique balance of details that encourages your eye to glide across the room to appreciate the architecture and accessories.   Going that extra mile gives an unmistakable statement of quality and  design sophistication.

Please take a moment to send us a comment.  OR, call 770 777 7020 for information about where to begin on YOUR next project.

Special thanks to designer, Christine Barnes for this wonderful kitchen remodel  .  .  .   770 241 2302

Visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations.

A formal parlor is a Southern tradition.  This intimate space is usually located immediately off of the foyer as a place to invite a guest for conversation.  These rooms are filled with attention to detail .   They are embellished with opulent window treatments, beautiful furnishings and personal accessories that welcome a visitor into a home.

The Design Process:

We began with a blank canvas.  Even though the mantel is in the center of the room, it was not intended as the primary focal point.  In this case, it needs to serve as a grounding element but not over power the other furnishings and accessories yet to come.  The goal was to create a cozy and elegant setting suitable for an intimate fireside chat.

A soft faux wood grain technique painted on the mantel adds to the warmth of this space.  Inspiration for color  came from the furnishings in the  adjacent dining room.  For added interest, a burl pattern was incorporated to emphasize and add interest to the horizontal line.  This detail mimics the same wood species found on the doors of the china cabinet and dining table in the adjoining space.  Keeping the tones subtle allows all of the other furnishings to share the attention.  This mantel now compliments the room from every vantage point.  It elegantly blends with the flow of color and style throughout the home.  A crackling fire is all that is needed to complete  the invitation.  So, bring a glass of wine,  sit down and enjoy the comfort of a fireside chat.

Special thanks to Joy McLean Interiors for this design.

404 237 8555 ,   joy@joymcleaninteriors.com

To view more transformations visit, www.kasswilson.com

Do you love red?  I certainly do.  It is a strong color that is filled with excitement.  But sometimes, you can get too much of a good thing!

It is easy to recognize that an intense color like this red is probably too much for a whole room in the middle of your home.  Sometimes, we think that if we just use it in a small room it will be OK.   Take a look at the sample above.  This powder room is small.  The strength of solid red is still a harsh statement even from the hallway.  The design challenge is to allow a room to “read” as vibrant red yet subdue the shock value of the strong solid color as it stands alone.

The Design Process:

Taking inspiration from the accessories, a random but linear pattern was created with a reflective texture process.  This faux finish offers the luxury and elegance of reflective materials  introduced in an unconventional manner.  It is a technique that is versatile and will compliment many different styles: traditional, contemporary, Asian or British West Indes.  The red is all about drama.  Notice how little is actually needed to peak through the layers while maintaining its obvious presence.  It still allows your first impression to be that this is a RED powder room.  The energy and drama are still there but, the harshness is gone.  It has been replaced with elegance and intrigue.

This small space now offers a big design statement.  It actually draws you in to experience the unique faux finish treatment on the walls.  A little red goes a long way!

Special thanks to designer, Amberly LeCoultre of Real Interiors (770 337 0990) for specifying the elegant  faux finish for this room.

Please visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations and design tips.

“. . . strive to simplify;  the ensemble of the rooms should be considered so that comfort and utility go hand in hand with beauty.”   Frank Lloyd Wright

This home honors the “Arts and Crafts” or “Prairie” style that is often identified with Frank Lloyd Wright.  It incorporates low horizontal lines, open interior spaces,  along with the use of simple forms and natural materials.  Within this style, there is a celebration of handicrafts.  Open floor plans utilize unique ways to divide spaces with the use of stained glass, beamed ceilings and dark wood outlines.  Clean lines offer a contemporary backdrop to feature exceptional artistic details.

The Design Process:

All of the elements were already in place to respect the Arts and Crafts style of this home.   Changing the dining room ceiling captured even more features that would be consistent.  The color and texture needed to compliment the stone wall, emphasize clean lines and celebrate artistic details.

Keeping the color values close, now offers a seamless visual line between the rock wall and the ceiling.  The new twist is that a subtle reflective  faux finish has been added in place of the blue.  It is an elegant metallic during the day.  At night, it comes alive as light is allowed to dance across the shimmer.  This provides  a beautiful backdrop that features the sleek light fixture and allows the dark wood to  outline and define the space.  The ceiling now creates  the simplicity and sophistication needed to respect the intentions of this architectural style.  Frank would be proud!

Special thanks to designer,  Karen Davis of KD Design Studio, www.karendavisinteriors.com, 678 965 5507

For more innovative transformations, visit www.kasswilson.com

Sometimes, a small space can create large challenges.  In this newly renovated foyer the ceiling is low and the shape is irregular.  The goal was to create a welcoming statement of traditional elgance.

Great care and attention was given to the exact layout and scale of the design.  Planning the layout was critical.  It was important to visualize how the pattern would “direct” the eye and influence the traffic flow of the space.  Colors were determined by the adjacent wood tones, the furnishings and accessories.  The result is a visual invitation to experience the unexpected details within the classic design of this home.

The Design Process:

We began with new wood floors.  There were 3 strong visual references in this space . . . the walkway to the kitchen, the center of the curve along the stairway and the front door.  Scale and proportion were also taken into consideration.  Pay close attention to how the pattern leads your eye in the right directions from every vantage point.

When working with raw wood and stains, you only have one chance to make it right!  Many rolls of blue tape allowed us to first determine the pattern.  It is more important that the design is visually correct rather than mathematically perfect.  As a result, we were able to minimize imperfections such as crooked walls or uneven trim.

The  colors were chosen to compliment the surrounding wood finishes.  Care was taken to prevent “bleed under” of the stains.  Each line is absolutely crisp!  Once completed, the flooring specialists returned to apply all of the top layers of polyurethane.  This provides added depth and dimension to the appearance.  Aso, it ensures that our work was protected.  Beginning with raw wood is more labor intensive.  But, the results yield much higher durability than trying to adapt previously finished floors.

Once completed, the pattern on this floor greets you with a statement of attention to details.  Every visitor is cleverly guided to enter and tour this home to experience all of the visual surprises inside.

A vast great room ceiling would be cold and lost without proper attention.  The beautiful details present an opportunity to enhance the architecture within this home.  A combination of finishing techniques draws the eye upward and allows each feature to stand apart.

We started with a blank canvas.  The interior designer presented the fabrics that were chosen for furniture and window treatments.  From this, it was easy to visualize the color story of the home. This room was a central location.  It was open to the foyer, kitchen and stairway. All of the finishes needed to blend and be consistent with the adjacent spaces.  Being so open, this room had very little wall space.  All of the interesting architectural details were in the ceiling.  That became our opportunity to create something special.

The Design Process:

Textured wallpaper was applied inside the coffers.  A pattern was chosen that would be consistent with the scale of the spaces.  Once applied, it was treated with a 3 layer faux finish that incorporated multiple metallics.  This enhanced the  dimension of the raised pattern.  A soft wood graining technique was applied to the beams.  The contrast of dark next to light acts to outline and draw attention to the architecture within the ceiling.

The finishes that adorn the ceiling are consistent with the design of the columns.  This further invites your attention to move upward. By adding color and texture to the architectural details alone, this room takes on an impression of elegance.  The faux finishes make this ceiling rise to the occasion by offering a crowning touch to this regal space.

Special thanks to Laura Bloom of Home Expressions. 678 242 0480  www.homeexpressionsinteriors.com Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

Over time, styles change,  color trends change and the purpose for a space will change.  But one thing that seems to remain the consistent is the timeless beauty of exotic wood and the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.  This project represents the transformation of a space into a sophisticated gathering place that will be enjoyed while relaxing with a glass of fine wine.

The Design Process:

Plans for the future of this area include the addition of a wine cellar.  The theme will be changing to reflect an elegant pub setting.  Look closely at how this designer has skillfully re-directed the color palate and style of this space.

The “visual weight” and “balance” of this room has been shifted with the clever use of color.  Applying a faux finish to the cabinets transformed their harsh white appearance into elegant dark wood hues.  The beauty of a painted wood grain technique creates the illusion of fine crafted flame mahogany.  This outlines and draws attention to the stackstone in the mantel.  The colors were chosen to blend effortlessly with the tones of the fabrics.   A clean lined, neutral sofa acts as a quiet backdrop to all of the other design elements in the room.  As a result,  your attention is drawn upward and flows around the room to embrace the rich colors, tailored patterns and warm textures.

This space now has a new attitude.  It honors the luxury of traditional elements yet remains a relaxed setting for comfortable entertaining.  It is a reflection of a mature and sophisticated design style that will be complimentary to a lovely wine cellar.  Cheers!

Special thanks to Karen Davis of KD Design Studio  770 346 9494  www.karendavisinteriors.com .  Also, be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

He wants the richness of wood.  She wants an updated color.  How do you keep everyone happy?  Creating a kitchen that accommodates both personalities requires creative planning.  One solution is to look at how you can incorporate more than one finish in a single space.  During our first meeting, we looked through a large portfolio of cabinet finishes.  Two options were identified as possibilities.  A soft stria glazing in a complementary tone of gold offers a casual yet tailored elegance.  The beauty of wood grain is rich in tradition, but the concern was that it would appear too dark if applied to every surface.  Careful studying of the lines within the cabinetry revealed the answers.  The division became obvious.  Both finishes could be used and a unique kitchen was born!

The Design Process:

In a kitchen, the cabinetry usually covers more than 60% of the wall space.  It can be very repetitious.   We often create drama in a room by adding an accent wall of color.  This same concept can be used on your cabinets.  Utilizing two complementary finishes will add character and give your kitchen a personality all its own.

Look closely at the original kitchen.  The cabinets are perfectly uniform and symmetrical.  They were painted the same color as the walls and lightly glazed.  This offers a quiet sophistication to surround the new focal points. . . the two large towers.  A wood grain technique was applied to give them the illusion of freestanding furniture.  Designing with an odd number of elements is more pleasing to the eye.  So, the island was number three.  The pantry doors were then treated the same as the surrounding cabinets.  This allows your eye to gently float around the room without interruption.

The custom tile on the backsplashes and the front of the counter introduces a dramatic pattern into this space.  Painting the trim around the bar in the same wood grain technique provides an outline of this feature.  It is a finishing detail that helps to emphasize the importance of this design.

This kitchen now offers versatility.  It provides an invitation for warm family gatherings.  But with a few fancy accessories, it is easily dressed up for formal entertaining.  It readily adapts as a pleasing environment that will fit any personality.

To view more cabinetry transformations, visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.