Alpharetta’s $10,000 Room Makeover Unveiling!

Before and After Photos and Summery of the project

  Meet the Winners…  Ed, Lynda and Nicole Shubert

Before and After     

Thanks so much to our sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

Peach Tree Fabrics

Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery

Donald Mitchell Design, Inc

Business Sponsors

digital scientist

Armistead and Sons/Benjamin Moore Paints

Fast and Great Upholstery

Anthony Carter Painting

The Cannery

Twigs and Lace

Ivy Interiors

Vintage Green Pillows

The Galerie…boutique

Botanica

Main Street Art Co.

Tinder Box/Vino 100

Before and After… 

                              After…

 After meeting with  the family, we sought to create a more gracious and comfortable great room for the family.  Apart from the newly upholstered sofa,  we added a new estate rug that now fits the room.    The old rug was an 8′ x10 which was too small and the new one is a 10×14′.  This makes a huge difference as it matches the rooms color scheme as well as creates a wow factor.  Many folks make the mistake of having a rug that’s too small and it only makes something look too awkward.  Its kind of like walking around in shoes that’s too small, they don’t work and it hurts the interior.  We also added a new end table with inlaid parquetry and beautiful carved detailing.    I also wanted to add a large chandelier to lower the two story ceiling and give the room a more intimate setting.  It also helped to add more ambiance to the room. 

 Before…

A  white fire place mantle and hearth.  A lovely one but it hardly stood out in the crowd

I also wanted to add an accent wall behind the mantle to add interist and a focal point as you

entered the home.   I borrowed from the russet tone paint in an adjoining room and had wall paper hung

in the room.  We also added…

 hurricane lanterns, Twigs and Lace

 Antique candle sticks, book ends and globe,  Ivey Interiors

 Photo Frames, candle and vase, The Galerie…boutique

 Sizing for the walls and faux, Anthony Carter Painting and Mike Castleberry

  Paint and faux Products, Armistead and Sons Paints  

  Humidor Box, Tinder Box/Vino 100  

  Marble Beverage Table, Main Street Art Co.     

After…

 The silk drapery and other fabrics were provided by Peachtree Fabrics

 They helped to soften the room and frame the windows.  The Shuberts didn’t want drapery panels as they would have blocked the beautiful view of the back lawn, pool and pond.

 Notice we removed the white furniture as it was not really practical for a home with three Vishnu dogs.  We also added a sofa table that had black iron scrolling and an open feel.  We have the antique candle sticks on it from Ivy Interiors and the humidor from Tinderbox/Vino 100.  Also notice on the mantle we added these wonderful cut crystal hurricane candle holders from Twigs and Lace. 

 Some of my favorite rooms are those that have a heirloom like quality to them.  By this I mean those that have multiple fabric patterns and colors that are unexpected.  Furniture that is mixed and not too matchy matchy.  That furniture store look should be left there in the store.  High end interiors have a mixture of patterns and styles that are layered effortlessly.  Rooms that appear to be too fixed are boring far too common.  I believe a room should look well traveled and gathered over time.  

Before… A big white cabinet in the

center of the room. 

After… 

 The entertainment center was literally a white elephant in the room .  Sometimes they need to be toned down to fit in the room and look more like furniture.  I am not usually a big fan of too many built-ins as they limit your ability to change the room later.  But a faux finish applied to the cabinet was just the ticket.  We also applied this finish to the mantle and hearth.  It was a 3 phase application but well worth the effort.

The Lamps in the room were added by those found at The Cannery.  They were tall and commanded a presence in the room.  We also continued to use an antique lamp that the family already had in their possession.

Sofa Before… 

      Honey, someone call the interior design police this sofa needs to be arrested!  We had an emergency on our hands! 

 Sofa After…

This sofa was reworked and springs added  to replace the outdated pillow back sofa and the cushions shortened to allow for a more ergonomic seat.  Ideally the seat should be about 22-25″ from the front to the back.  The pillows added the red to continue the color scheme along with the contrasting piping.   Thanks to Karen Dutson at Peachtree Fabrics, this paisley fabric and contrasting trim, this sofa got the makeover it drastically needed.  Can I hear an amen!  The arrangement is made with preserved florals by Brian McCrae of botanica and will last for years to come.  Dried plants obviously will soon dry out but the preserved florals have oils in them which allow them to look fresh and live.

Holger, Fast and Great Upholstery

Myra,   Vintage Green Pillows

Brian McCrae,  Botanica Floral Co. 

 We have really enjoyed meeting the Shuberts and working with them in this room makeover!  They are kind and grateful people that also happen to be a ton of fun to work with. 

Through this process we have met many wonderful people, our sponsors have been chief among them.  Without their generous support and contributions, this contest would have not been possible.  This contest was conceived with the idea of helping to spur business in a tough economy.  Please support each of them by buying locally and helping to sustain the livelihood of these fine vendors.  We have an abundance of fine customer focused businesses and they are truly the backbone of any thriving community. 

If we can help you with your design projects please don’t hesitate to call.  We at Donald Mitchell Design, seek to be helpful and relevant.  We love what we do and  we strive to do quality work on every project.  Call today 770 475 4629 and let’s start something beautiful!  Thanks Donald

Alpharetta’s $10,000 Room Makeover! Before Photos

There were no window treatments to soften the room but it had 4 wonderful French Doors and transomes

                                                                         Believe it or not this old sofa in the attic was about to get an upholstery makeover!

                                                    

                            Besides these characteristics of the room the family didn’t quite feel comfortable in the space.  The colors seemed to not really coordinate and all the bright white needed a faux finish makeover. 

Twigs and Lace!

As a part of our great businesses series.  I want to spotlight this fun little gift shop, Twigs and Lace in the heart of historic Alpharetta.   Audrey Hensley is the proprietor of this fine establishment.  She is one lady that is full of spunk and charisma!  Always seen as the lady in white, this is one lady who knows how to give customer service.  Her shop designed by architect, Dick Debbin and is done in the Georgian cottage style.  It sits on the corner of Main and Church Streets and is just charming.  You really must go in and browse her extensive collection of gift ware.  You are sure to find a gift for most any occasion.  She recently had a customer from Palm Beach in and because of her competitive pricing, she bought a ton of gifts and had them all shipped back.  Audrey is most accommodating in any way.  She and I both sit on the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association Board and she has contributed so much to our local endeavors.  What ever you buy there  gift wrapping  is included, so this makes it the perfect place to shop for those bridal and baby gifts.  Twigs and Lace contributed a wonderful cloisonne hurricane, cut crystal lantern for the mantle of the Alpharetta’s 10,000 Room Makeover Project.  Read more about her shop in the coverage from the AJC http://www.ajc.com/homefinder/content/living/homeandgarden/stories/2008/07/14/Twigs_Lace_Alpharetta_0714.html

64 N. Main St., Alpharetta. 770-772-5136. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

The Gal’erie…boutique!

This trendy boutique, owned by Kathy An Kessler is located at One South Main Street, in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta.  Now I have heard through the grapevine that Kathy’s selection of unique clothing and accessories have been sought after by many celebrities and entertainers that live in the Atlanta area. As a buyer, she has a very discriminating eye for apparel,which has not gone unnoticed. Kathy An is the first to spot the trends and have them long before most of the other boutiques in Atlanta.  This is a gift Kathy has and she is there to share her discriminating taste with you everyday except Sunday. Many of the designer that she represents in her boutique are
usually only found in L.A. and South Beach, such as King Baby Studio, Virgins Saints and Angels, Laguna Beach Denim, Alp-N-Rock and 7 Diamonds.  GALERIE has been a part of the Alpharetta scene for 21 years, therefore Kathy knows her customers and they love her.  She really does give the extra touch when serving her clients.  You will find the personalized attention from Kathy and her staff, which is another reason that GALERIE has been a favorite shopping destination for more than 20 years for men and women that seek out the unique for their wardrobe.  It is like having your own personal shopper and stylist right here in Alpharetta.  Kathy has also donated to Alpharetta’s $10,000 Room Makeover from her selection of home accents from Brighton.  Go in today and see for yourself what I am talking about and tell her Donald sent you!   Watch for her new website to launch in December: www.galerie-boutique.com

Business Spotlight: The Cannery!

The Cannery!  An Alpharetta tradition for years.  Located at 26 Old Roswell St, Alpharetta, GA. Tel: 770-475-7918.  Janice Gunter and her staff have the nicest and cleanest gift shop,  fully stocked and ready for the holidays!  Located behind smokejacks off Main where theres plenty of city parking.   Here you can buy the latest Very Bradley Hand bag and accessories.  She also stocks their line of fabrics geared for the younger set as well. 

Among her gift categories you can also find; baby, lighting, furniture and home accents.  Most of her offerings have a real cozy charm to them.  You can really find all the holiday your heart desires right now as she is hosting her open house.  Head on in there and be sure to tell her Donald sent you.  The candles are always lit and you will find a caring and welcoming staff to assist your every need.  Here is the link for directions… Thanks Donald

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS343US344&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=the+cannery+alpharetta+ga&fb=1&gl=us&hq=the+cannery&hnear=alpharetta+ga&cid=10071214806873980806

Armistead and Sons Paints and Anthony Carter Painting

In my spot light of local Alpharetta Businesses, I want to feature two more that have also sponsored Alpharetta’s $10,000 Room Makeover!

Armistead and Sons, Benjamin  Moore Paints    Owner, Tom Armistead and his staff are experts in the entire painting process.  They feature the finest paint products on the market.  Benjamin and Moore features the Aura line of colors that over 100 designers selected to coordinate with each other.   This line is possibly the greatest paint ever made as far as color fastness and smooth application.  They have an environmental line called Natura that is odorless and zero VOC.  Great for nurseries, kids rooms and those suffering from allergies.  Go by and meet Tom and his staff they are very professional and attentive to your needs.  They will go out of their way to assist you and your needs. 

Anthony Carter Painting is the next contest sponsor.  Now Anthony is a nice man who believes in painting the old fashioned way, by Hand and Roller.  You will not find a spray machine in Anthony’s van only brushes and rollers.  He believes the best coat for the exterior of a home is that applied properly by hand.  It takes longer but the finish last longer.  The spray technique applies a thin coat of paint to the wall surface and is seldomly sufficient for the interior or much less the exterior.  I agree with Anthony and I think once you see his work you will too.  His number is 678-339-9889 call him today for any of your painting needs.  He is a nice guy to boot and is one of those rare individuals who believes that his work is a direct reflection of his good name.

Don’t buy it… It is a fungus infecting your living room!

Wow strong words… This is exactly how I feel about 80% of the items found in TG minimums and MarsAwefuls.   I have changed the names to protect the guilty.  All too often I go into homes and see this useless stuff laying around infecting what otherwise would be a room with great potential and good bones.  These items are cheap for a good reason.  They are the least common denominators at the factories they came from.  In spite of the commercials suggesting some big time designer overruns they actually request items to be produced from these manufacturers and factories.  They give the price they are willing to pay for an item and if the manufacturer cannot produce it for the asking price they will go and have it made from another factory in China .   More often than not, these other factories will produce it for them but the quality and finishes are greatly compromised.   They often knockoff the better version and produce it with the cheapest materials known to man.  They can be ruthless in their buying practices and because of their asking prices being so low.   The workers are paid in many cases less than 50 cents a day for their hard labor.

Don’t get me started on all of this,  The real reasons I think most of this stuff doesn’t work…

      1 The items stick out like a sore thumb in your room.   

      2 The finishes are often very poorly executed and the materials are thin and cheap looking.

      3 If they couldn’t sell them to the more tasteful stores why have them in your homes?

      4 Everyone has them!  There is nothing original about running to these stores and filling your beautiful homes with them.

Think of it in these these terms,  if you go out and buy a Saint Johns Dress to wear to dinner,  You would never run to The Shoe Warehouse and buy a pair of shoes to go with it!  This would be a real cause to call the fashion police and have you arrested!  Yet many times, you allow this fungus to infect your home because your feel it will be OK.  Well honey, OK is for a movie that was just mediocre, you don’t have to see it ever again.  The pieces you put in your home are with you for a long time.  If you buy them right they are like heirlooms that you will pass on t0 the children.  If you buy them on a whim, they will  hopefully wind up in a thrift store or garage sale! 

Apply the same principals of good taste to home accessories that you would to buying jewelry or the color of brick for your home.  Allow your designer to look at all the pieces that occupy your living space.  Accessories are the jewels that crown your room.  When seen with importance and purchased with good taste, you will have quality appointments that can last for years to come! 

Tinderbox/ Vino 100

I want to take a moment to continue to focus some attention on one our Alpharetta’s $10,000 Room Makeover Contest sponsors Tinderbox/Vino 100.   Mr and Mrs. David Mott the owners of this fine establishment have an incredible array of Wines both international and domestic in out city.  It is the absolute best place to learn about wine anywhere!  I really believe in businesses that focus on customer service and there’s is the finest!  You can learn about the regional differences of wines from Napa valley or the wines from the provonce regions of France.  They also have our cities best selection of cigar and tobacco related products all displayed in a tasteful fashion.

Each Month they pick a charity of the month to feature during their Thursday night wine tastings from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.  They donate half of their earnings to this charity everyweek.  WOW did I just say half!  What an incredible gift to our Alpharetta Community!  They recently featured the charity that our company is parternered with SOS Childrens Villages International and we were amazed at the check we received from David and his crew.  If you have a charity that you wish to have sponsored just go in an see David!  It is a great thing to have a business of Tinderbox/ Vino 100 in our community but to have one that give so much back, now this is truly amazing.

Go in to Tinderbox/ Vino 100 today in the Main Street Shops at Main St. and Old Milton’s  intersection and see for you self.  If you don’t receive some of the finest customer service and attention anywhere I would be shocked.  Buy some wines for the holidays.  Buy the man in your life some cigars or a humidor and skip the ties and watches this year.  He will be glad you did and so will they!  Nice folks with an incredible wine boutique that supports our community!  Thanks Donald

Feeling Good in your Home!

Take the time to meditate on the good things in your life.

Write a letter, send a card or call a friend.

Your Designer is your Friend!

Donald Mitchell

Feeling Great in your Home!

Not everything Works! 

Only keep items of good quality or that have some special meaning to you.  That could mean a lot of things–but remember–accessories are a dime a dozen!  Figure out your style, and hire a designer to come in and help you sort through the items that do not work.  A good designer can easily sort through items with a fresh eye and help you define your style.  Some items help a room, and some just date it.  If Aunt Shirley were alive today, she probably wouldn’t even have that piece in her home.  Things that don’t help only pull your interior scheme down.  I am the first to love antiques and other unique finds. They certainly have their place, but granny’s old brass and glass butterfly lamp may not be one of them.   Good quality often is always found in the use of fine materials and quality craftsmanship.  Because an item is old does not make it a valuable antique.  Keep or buy a few good quality vases of crystal or porcelain.   Throw out that floral vase that somebody gave you a dozen roses in a year ago. Selecting good quality items help to make you feel better and live more gracefully.    

 
Do the “feel good” things! 

Gracious living does not have to be in a mansion somewhere.  It can and should happen in the home in which you live.  Whether you live in an apartment or a small home you can take advantage of the things that make you feel better.  Buy fresh flowers and plants.  They make you feel great and they bring a bit of nature indoors.   These are simple reminders that the world is beautiful and things are going well.  They not only beautify your world but they help to purify the interior air quality.   Bake some fresh cookies–eat a few and share them with the neighborhood kids.  It reminds you of the simple pleasures in life.  Simple pleasures are the true joys of life.  Find and buy original art work from artists you love.  It will help them to continue making beautiful things, and it will inspire you forever.  Plus you never know when an artist is going to be very successful so it is a great investment.

Give yourself permission to relax and enjoy.

Sooth yourself with a bath and use the salts and bubbles.  This will comfort you and will bring carefree living to your quality of life.  Play some Josh Groban or soothing music, and light your favorite scented candle.   Have your partner massage you and return the favor.  Put in your favorite movie and just enjoy an evening sipping on your favorite chardonnay.  You can even curl up on your favorite chair and read that book you’ve been trying to get to.  Here’s another idea– write a letter to an old high school or college friend.  Tell them how special they are to you and remember: you generally get back what you give out.  Positive energy and well wishes last a life time, so soak it up and give it out in large doses.