Project 1548: A Second Home Gets Finished Just In Time
When we met with the clients for the first time, we could see the project was going to be a good one. But something was missing. And that was the designer they had been using.
The clients had purchased a home in a gated community that was "in need" of a facelift. ( see pics below.) So they hired a local designer but months had gone by and the interior still wasn't done. The backgrounds had been painted. A little construction work had been finished. Two sofas purchased were in the Great Room. But that was it.
So as we discussed how we do our work, we could tell that they were anxious about starting with someone new. To complicate the issue, we would only meet with them in person for two hours before they would travel to their residence in Sydney, AU for 10 weeks.
The clients had purchased a home in a gated community that was "in need" of a facelift. ( see pics below.) So they hired a local designer but months had gone by and the interior still wasn't done. The backgrounds had been painted. A little construction work had been finished. Two sofas purchased were in the Great Room. But that was it.
So as we discussed how we do our work, we could tell that they were anxious about starting with someone new. To complicate the issue, we would only meet with them in person for two hours before they would travel to their residence in Sydney, AU for 10 weeks.
Before....
We explained that once we had completed our initial design concepts, video conferencing would be nearly as good as in-person meetings. They were skeptical, but we encouraged them that they were in very experienced hands. These days, virtual design is easy and effective. Within nine days, we had drawings completed for Phase One, basically the Great Room. We sent copies of the designs, samples of fabrics, wallcovers, window treatments, floor coverings and our cost estimates. Upon their receipt of the detailed plans, samples and drawings, we initiated a video conference to go over it all "in person". The concepts were so complete that they were able to make a number of rapid decisions and give us the green light to proceed. We were also then authorized to proceed to Phase Two, which would address other spaces in the house including the Powder Bathroom and Master Suite. In the weeks that followed, we were able to pull together other parts of the interior and before they knew it, their home away from home was finally coming together. |
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After...
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A Casual Yet Sophisticated DesignWe wanted the residence to have a casual feel, something that would make being in the La Quinta, Coachella Valley, CA area enjoyable and comfortable for these clients from "down under." We used a mix of "ready-made" pieces and combined them with custom styled items.
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Woven Textures Provide ContinuityWhen rooms are open to one another, bringing them together is an important task. Here we used dining chairs with a rattan and leather back to mirror the wool and sisal rug on the great room floor, each in the same color tone.
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Phase Two: But First Things First |
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The goal was to complete the installation of Phase One - the Great Room, Dining Area and Kitchen before starting any of the work in the rest of the residence.
• Phase Two, the Master Suite, Powder Bathroom and Home Office would also take longer with increased lead times because of the several custom components included in the design of those spaces. 
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It was determined that the Master would be understated in design. Using the same sets of colors established in the main areas of the house, there would be more continuity but with a calming, nurturing feeling to this space. Comfy pillows, large bedside chests with contrasting white satin drawer heads and great lighting above and around the bed make it an inviting retreat.
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"One of the most important design elements in this residence is one that you can't see. Finishes and fabrics, furniture and fixtures were chosen to be worry-free,.. so even though we used indoor-outdoor materials, and commercial type finishes on the tables, you'd just never know it. -- Michael A. Thomas, FASID, CAPS
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Last But Not LeastThe original Powder Bath in this residence was typical of builder-type institutional spaces with a white pedestal sink and toilet as standard equipment. But as with many of the powder rooms we create, we wanted drama and the clients were ready for it.
It started with a vessel sink finished with a grey and white silver finish. The floating vanity extends wall to wall expanding the visual appearance of the five by five foot space. The grey and silver chain link wall covering has a robust metallic finish that shimmers even when the lights are dimmed down low. The finishing touch is a mirror that appears to magically float away from the frame and wall. |
We helped these clients work thru the many decisions in order to expedite the work. After all they had spent a lot of time waiting previous to our arrival on the scene and we didn't want them to wait any longer to start thoroughly enjoying their Residence. It is always nice to receive compliments from a client but none more than when a client's expectations are exceeded.
" My wife and I found the Design Collective Group very creative, organized (actually,...surprisingly well organized compared with some of the firms I've worked with), cost conscience, and very easy to work with. We appreciate the attention to detail they provided in getting this project completed and we would highly recommend the group." • Mike and Sharon
• Thanks Mike and Sharon. Enjoy Your Home !!
" My wife and I found the Design Collective Group very creative, organized (actually,...surprisingly well organized compared with some of the firms I've worked with), cost conscience, and very easy to work with. We appreciate the attention to detail they provided in getting this project completed and we would highly recommend the group." • Mike and Sharon
• Thanks Mike and Sharon. Enjoy Your Home !!
