Fashionably Chic Condo, part 2

I love how the pretty-in-pink flowers look against the Sandy Hook Gray
(Benjamin Moore) wall of the kitchen. Framed print from Art.com

My favorite decorating project is when I can coach someone else to design on their own. My sister, Linda, (who has also inherited an eye for design) is a great example of a “client” who with just a little style guidance can “take it from here.” This summer, I helped Linda select the palette for her new condo based on some of her favorite colors. We then spent several afternoons shopping for big ticket items like a sofa and ottoman, and then the important finishing touches like carpets, end-tables, art and lighting. Since my last post, she has continued to add personal layers to define her new space.

From uninspired ...

to intentional ...


We draped this antique piece with a stunning teal pashmina that was too pretty to leave tucked away in a drawer. Above the music must-haves, she created an eye-catching shadow box of images from a special trip to New York with friends.

Den before ...

Den during ...


Den after ...

She added a couple more pillows in a soft linen-like texture to my “you-must-have-this-pink-ruffled-number!” A thoughtful collage of family photos (frames selected at Pottery Barn) add personal warmth and visual interest. One gold star for hanging them all on her own without making swiss cheese of the newly painted wall (visit PB for the tips she used to create a memory wall). The pretty watery blue wool carpet is still one of my favorite finds for this tranquil setting.

Not to be overlooked ... the powder room is modernized with a deep Smoke Gray (Benjamin Moore) on the walls to compliment (and upstage) the less-than-modern yellow tile. Lots of brushed silver and chrome add new sparkle, while sumptuous towels from Restoration Hardware add a luxurious touch. I think the banded tissue holder that she found is just fabulous, along with the framed pic of a little black dress – a great visual as she prepares for a night out!

Check out my previous post featuring this chic condo