Kitchens | Lori May Interiors

April 22, 2013

A Preview of the 2013 Decorator’s Show House

The last week has gone by so quickly. With everything that has happened in Boston, it has been difficult to focus on the blog. I decided to focus instead on my girls and their mental well being after another tragedy that I can’t control, much less explain. Today felt like we were back on track and my mind was able to get back to normal. While my thoughts and prayers are with those who are still hurting, today we’re going to distract ourselves with absolute beauty.

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Not too shabby, huh? This is the 2013 Decorator’s Show House. If you live in the Atlanta area, you know that there are many show houses throughout the year. The Decorator’s Show House which is sponsored by the Atlanta Symphony each year is one of the best. It is a must see. For those of you who can’t get to Atlanta, I’ve got a treat for you today. A sneak peek! I was lucky enough to be sent professional photos of this beautiful home.

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Even empty this room would be amazing. The subtle, elegant design feels warm and inviting. But, my favorite thing about this space is all the seating areas. It reminds me of what Windsor Smith says about bringing the family back to the center of the home. There is a place for everyone.

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Love the simple styling on the coffee table and that fabulous round pillow.

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Hate that this photo is so dark, but a room by Jimmy Stanton is always worth seeing. Neutral and full of texture. The light fixture and the gorgeous sea fans are so beautiful.

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I’m drawn to neutrals, that is no surprise, but this space with the orange walls and chairs really make me smile. The graphic rug plays nicely with the amazing windows.

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What is this you ask? Apparently, the man room is giving way to the coffee bar! Not so sure about this one, but way to think outside the box!

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Look familiar? This room is completely designed from Ikea merchandise. Ikea is a sponsor of the show house this year. Would you have known if I hadn’t told you?

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Love this kitchen, but it’s the light fixtures that make it amazing. Yes, they are cut crystal. Gorgeous!

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Proof that a room does not have to be huge to be fabulous. The tub alone is a work of art, but add in an exquisite painting by Holly Irwin of dk Gallery and the bar is raised. I could spend a good deal of time in this bathroom.

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I saved my favorite space for last. The master bedroom by Melanie Turner is just lovely. The casual, yet elegant touches are classic Melanie Turner. It is always so impressive to me that a designer can pull off these kinds of rooms every time. If you don’t believe me, head over to her site and take a look at her portfolio. It is worth your time.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the sneak peek. There’s more to see, but I’ll save a few for after I see the show house myself! Can’t wait!

Thank you to Jeff Roffman photography. The show house is open through May 12th.

Be safe friends, and hug your family. My thoughts are with you all.

by Lori | Filed Under: Artwork, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Inspiration, Kitchens, LIving Room | 3 Comments

April 3, 2013

A client’s kitchen: Design tips to do it yourself!

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Hi everyone, I’m over at Jen’s blog today sharing a kitchen design plan for a new client. And, as a bonus, I’m sharing my tips on how you can create your very own design plan for your home. I hope to see you over at At Home in the Northwest!

by Lori | Filed Under: Kitchens, My Projects, Tips/Tutorials | 2 Comments

April 1, 2013

Sweet Easter DIY treats and a Room Service Atlanta update

Hi everyone, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was a wet Easter for us, but warmer than it has been, so we were thankful.

My sweet girls and I put together this quick DIY project to take to our Easter brunch with friends. I realize that Easter is over, but wouldn’t this make a great end of the year teacher gift? Just switch out the bunny for a pretty flower and you’ve got it. Here’s what we did.

We started with chalkboard paint, a foam brush and a plain terra cotta pot.

This is the first pot after 1 coat. A word of warning, this does take multiple coats of chalk paint. It took 3 coats to cover ours completely. Don’t forget to wait 24 hours to use the chalk or you’ll scratch off the paint! (Lesson learned the hard way, unfortunately.)

Here is the finished product. Easy and inexpensive. The girls loved it and so did I!

Now, for an update on our Room Service Atlanta project. Angela, Rhoda and I met last week and primed the entire space. This is where we started.

After a day of priming.

Priming in the kitchen.

This is me standing on the counter trying to remove two of the cabinets. It was not going well. It’s amazing what you find yourself doing in these projects.

A few fabrics we picked up from Award Fabrics, one of our fabulous sponsors. I’m so loving that navy stripe. We have some wonderful things up our sleeves for this makeover!

Last, but certainly not least, here is Rhoda, me and Angela at the end of the day. I’m not quite sure why I chose to pose with that artwork, but it is an original piece that we found. It will be hung on a gorgeous gallery wall that we have planned.

Stay tuned. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at LoriMayInteriors to see the updates on our Room Service project. More awesome things to come.

by Lori | Filed Under: Artwork, Bedrooms, Kitchens, LIving Room, My Projects, Tips/Tutorials | 6 Comments

March 20, 2013

It’s that time again: Room Service Atlanta #3!

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It seems like just yesterday I was writing about our last Room Service Atlanta project at the United Methodist Children’s Home. Angela, Rhoda and I collaborated on three spaces in the Sam Bell cottage for young men. You can read about it here and here. It was such a fun project that we decided to team up again and take on the girls’ cottages this time! Let’s take a tour.

This is the view as you open the door. Very similar to the boys’ spaces at first glance. Remember all that paneling? Yes, we will be painting all of that again! The room has great light just like our last space and good light truly adds life to any home.

Here is the view back toward the door. You can really see the light pouring in from this view. The floors are in good shape, so that is not a worry this time.

The bed will be placed on this wall. Almost all of the furniture that you see here will go. It’s not bad, but very oversized for the space. Think that wall will need a bit of primer??

Here is one of the major differences between the girls cottage and the boys. A bathroom. Not so pretty at this point, but just wait.

Here’s the other major difference. A tiny kitchen! Rhoda has already secured one of her wonderful sponsors to replace that very uneven countertop for us. Yay! We have big plans for this space. Remember this before shot, because you won’t recognize it when we’re through.

And here is the final before shot. This brick wall is one of the main reasons we chose this space. So. Much. Potential!

After we chose our space, we headed over to UMCH’s “store”. Our vision for the space will come from several of these amazing pieces of original artwork that we found. We’ll share the color palette soon, but these pieces along with a few of Angela’s beauties will create a gorgeous gallery wall. We will thrilled with this find and several others. Speaking of the store, if you live in the Atlanta area, UMCH will be holding their annual flea market and bake sale this weekend and there are some major finds to be had. Head over to Decatur and check it out if you’re in town.

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This is Rhoda and I and our loot headed back to the cottage! This is going to be a great project and as always we would love your help. Help can be given as donations, your time or both. We will be painting soon, so if you’d like to help out, please feel free to email me at lori@lorimayinteriors.com.

Stay tuned for more updates!

by Lori | Filed Under: Artwork, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Kitchens, My Projects | No Comments

July 17, 2012

From artist crush to designer crush! Plus, a great reminder for all of us.

Last week, I posted about Katie Robinson, a new artist that I discovered recently at dk Gallery. Today, I’m on to a “new to me” designer. As I was researching items for an online client last week, I came across CA based designer Jennifer Dyer. Dyer has lived all over the world and traveled extensively. She takes those experiences and blends them seamlessly into beautiful interiors.

These interiors are some of my favorite of Dyer’s neutral interiors, but she also does color with confidence.

Love the oversized artwork and chandelier in this space, but the rustic table is what makes it work for me.

Metallic fireplace, anyone?

And if that’s not enough color for you, how about these? I love how fearless Dyer is with her designs. In an article for Lonny mag last year, she says of her style, “I’m not sure I want a label. I don’t necessarily follow any rules…I simply find a piece I love and build a room around it.” This is a wonderfully simple philosophy. We all have items that we love in our spaces. Why not take those things and build a space that we love as well? We should take our time and place only items that we love into our homes. Can’t you see how this would then build an entire space that you love? It’s not a fast process, no doubt, but I promise it’s worth it.

I have to continually remind myself of this as well. It’s possible to go out today and buy an entire room of furniture and accessories and have them delivered tomorrow. Yes, your space would be “finished”, but would you love it?

Ask yourself this question before you buy anything for your most important space, your home.

by Lori | Filed Under: Artwork, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Kitchens, LIving Room, My Projects, Offices, Tips/Tutorials | 8 Comments

June 13, 2012

5 easy ways to give your home a beachy feel

It’s always bittersweet to come home from vacation and get back into the swing of things. I love the beach and I’d love to have a home there someday. While that’s not in my near future, I started thinking about ways I could add some of the things I love about beach decor to my own home. Here are 5 easy ways that we can all have a “beach” home no matter where we live.

1. Color Palette

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Blue and white reminds us of the sea and the sand.

2. Texture

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This space is almost void of color, but what it lacks in color, it makes up for in texture. Add a sisal rug, a wicker chair and bamboo blinds for a natural, casual beachy feel.

3. Driftwood

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This is the most literal way to add a beachy feel to your home, but driftwood is one of my favorites. You can easily collect it on beach trips or purchase pieces online. Driftwood can be placed on bookshelves, made into wall decor or furniture.

4. Bamboo blinds

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I love to add bamboo blinds to my clients homes. They are not only affordable, but can give a quick update to any space. They aren’t exclusive to beach homes, by any means, but they are an easy way to add the texture that I love about my favorite beach retreats.

5. Palm fronds

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Palm fronds are my current favorite beach accessory. I love to use real ones, but you can find amazing artificial options as well. They add another layer of texture and color.

What do you think? Have you added things to your home from your favorite vacation destination? I’d love to see how you add subtle beach decor to your home.

by Lori | Filed Under: Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Kitchens, LIving Room, My Home, Outdoor spaces, Tips/Tutorials | 6 Comments

April 11, 2012

The lake house/a new client project

Hi all,

I’m so happy to be sharing a new project with you today. Starting a new project is just like anything new, it’s all shiny and bright with possibilities. This project is no exception. When this client contacted me, I can honestly say, I was thrilled to be working on a lake house. There’s just something special about designing a second home, one that’s just for fun, family and making memories.

Join me as I develop a warm and welcoming plan for this home. It’s not a huge home, but it’s small size is eclipsed by the character throughout. Here are a few before pictures.

This is the view as you walk through the front door. The paint color is not purple. It is a soft blue that will stay for now. The floors are bamboo. Aren’t they lucky to get such a wonderful place? It is immaculate and beautiful.

Looking back at the front door from the kitchen to my favorite part of the space. The fireplace and the fabulous wood beams.

To the right of the fireplace. Between those sconces will be a gallery wall of family photos that you will see as soon as you enter the space.

I found a vintage sign to hang above the cabinets that will give this kitchen some much needed color.

Now on to my inspiration for this space.

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In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Sarah Richardson. I love what she did with her own lake front cottage. I will also be using a neutral palette with blue and red accents. This color palette lets the outside view take center stage.

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Vintage accents will be important in this space as well. They will give the entire space more of a cozy cottage feel versus a dark masculine vibe that many people think of when they think lake house.

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My client loves red and this accent color will add a much needed pop to an otherwise neutral space. There won’t be a lot of it, but just enough to make you take notice. Remember to keep your accent colors in check. A little color can go a long way.

Stay tuned for more photos from my latest project. Don’t forget about my HGTV show Design Wars on 4/20 at 1pm est. If you’re in the Atlanta area, you’re invited to a viewing party on 4/21 from 7pm-9pm at dk Gallery on the Marietta Square.

by Lori | Filed Under: Dining Rooms, Entryways, Inspiration, Kitchens, LIving Room, My Projects | 9 Comments

March 28, 2012

I’m guest posting today at At Home in the Northwest!

Hi everyone!

A few months ago I introduced you to my sweet friend Jen from At Home in the Northwest. Several years ago Jen and I worked together and I was so happy to reconnect with her when she decided to start her blog this year. Jen is an amazing DIY’er. I’m always so impressed with her projects and I thought you might be too. So, we decided to do a few blog post swaps. I’m up today. You’ll find me over at Jen’s blog, At Home in the Northwest, talking about Spring trends and how to use them in your home.

Head on over check out my post and then take some time to browse through Jen’s amazing projects. And stay tuned, she be here at Lori May Interiors in a few weeks to share another project with you.

Have a great day!