Here are a few highlights from a recent install in midtown Atlanta with a picture perfect view. Contrary to popular belief, being an interior designer is not always glamorous, especially on install day! There are many variables that affect the job, for instance, a high rise with a view means the installation includes finding parking in a deck, hauling boxes of accessories and cleaning supplies from the car, through security, and up multiple floors to the job site. For a small job you are lucky to complete it in a day, but larger jobs can take several. So when you see on TV that they install a whole house in a day, know that there is probably an enormous installation crew, and/or they have done it in several days and "cut-out" that part. Preparation is key and my install kit includes a swiffer, Windex, nick stain pens in multiple stain options, trash bags, a level, pencils, wall anchors, measuring tape, light bulbs of all wattage and size, batteries, some tools, comfy shoes, and snacks! Inevitably you work through lunch and then when you do grab a late bite it's not the healthy salad option!
Thankfully we had a professional staff of installers from Masterpiece Installation Services to move the large items and place everything perfectly in place including changing the orientation of art and holding multiple choices up until the perfect fit was found. Even in this small one bedroom apartment there were five of us working, two from my office and three from the installation company and it still took all day.
So we start by unpacking, unwrapping, untagging, de-gooing, etc. Everything that was shipped or waiting at the installers seems to have a layer of dust that needs to be removed. Here the kitchen bar serves as a catch all for the the accessories that need to be dispersed in their proper positions.
The installers are laying the rugs from
Surya and the rug pads while I am swiffering in the background. By the way if you spell check swiffering... it translates to "suffering". Very apropos!
Oh and here I am windexing a mirror before it's hung. You wear many hats as a designer and you cannot be afraid to get your hands dirty. In the end you want everything to be as perfect as it can be for the reveal to the client.
This space is serving as a company's accommodations for traveling members of their firm. A much more economical and comfortable option for traveling executives. Our goal in this space was to create a serene executive retreat with a luxury edge to make you feel a bit spoiled while working away from home.
The bedroom is a very small space, but we tried to make it very tanquil with warm grey tones and a custom tufted black headboard. Originally we specified a queen size bed, which would have provided circulation space, but the client asked that we try to fit in a king. It works, but we had to forgo the second end table. The blank space over the headboard was filled with a weathered wood sunburst mirror but wasn't quite at the install date.
A workspace overlooking the city. Dark baskets will later be hung on the narrow wall space to add texture.
Here is a shot of the main living space with
Bernhardt custom pieces. Artwork is a mix of the company's own art and a new mirror, which wasn't the original selection, but sometimes you have to improvise when items are backordered. Luckily we found something at Homegoods that fit the look and was a good size for the large wall. Isn't that floor lamp in the corner incredible? It has two shades and illuminates in both directions! This, as well as most of the other lamps in the space are from Arteriors.
Another shot with a bit warmer lighting. We tried to keep the surfaces durable since this is more of a "hotel" application. The metal coffee table from
Noir and the metal and marble end table from World's Away are both beautiful yet durable solutions.Many of the accessories were purchased from Go Home.
A view to the balcony... here you can see an upholstered bar stool from
Ballard Designs... oh and the trash bag we haven't removed yet!
In the end the client loved it, and that is all that matters. Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek behind the scenes. We will be having the unit professionally shot by
Christina Wedge next week, so check back on the website to see her incredible work!
