Custom from the Curb!

Phase I -  Exterior Front and Interior Design

This project expanded my design portfolio to include exterior design. I have known this client for years. Previously, I helped him downsize from a 5k sq. ft. home to a 1k sq. ft home. Our goal in that project was to maximize the space. Since that time, I have helped him design three rental properties. We dedicated his first rental to honor his mother's wish of having me redesign her home. I paired a cool gray exterior paint with a bright yellow door to reflect her sunny disposition and personality in her honor. We added fresh paint, new flooring, and updates to the kitchen and bathroom in the interior. Fast forward to 2020, and we're celebrating the purchase of his new home. Our initial consultation spanned several interior and exterior areas, so I became a project manager for the various projects. Although this home was custom built by a previous buyer, I wanted to personalize the new buyer's residence. Week 1, after closing, I scheduled an excavator to cut down trees and limb up others to showcase the elevation of the home and backyard views. Next on the list was landscaping.

I collaborated with a landscaper to provide a new and unique landscape design that didn't include the builder grade plants and shrubs seen around the neighborhood. As a multiphase project, we added plants and shrubs that complimented the home's exterior facing. Additionally, we redesigned the landscape beds, selecting the beds' appropriate rocks, and adding custom curbing to accentuate the newly formed shapes to coordinate with the home's brick. Yes, even the curbing is custom, as we had to mix seven different colors to get the right color combination. Next, I requested landscaping lights and uplighting for the home. We removed the wooden side gates leading to the backyard to extend the concrete driveway to the garage/workshop and RV parking area during this transformation. We completed the exterior redesign by ordering custom brick and iron gates to flank the home (coming soon).

The interior was also a process, as we ripped out bedroom and stair carpets and selected wood flooring as a replacement. In parallel, I chose granite counters to accentuate the kitchen cabinets and flooring. Next, I picked a paint color that matched the existing paint in the home and refreshed the trim work. We refinished the stairs to match the new wood flooring! Once I envisioned the design for each space, I made complimentary furniture selections. Overall, I wanted the home to feel comfortable and maintain its large and airy flow. Accomplishing this goal put my skills to the test as I completed all of this VIRTUALLY! The vendors were amazing! We scheduled FaceTime appointments, and one by one, I checked the tasks off my list.
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The house was already beautifully designed. A few personal touches were all it needed to make it feel like a home. While all the various exterior and interior projects took place, my design stylist and I shopped for decor for each room. I wanted to incorporate the dining hutch, a family heirloom, so I used it in his lounge room as a display cabinet. This little design trick of repurposing furniture creates memories on top of memories! To add to the home's custom feel, we included the Frame TV to display artwork when not in use. Once all of the new furniture arrived, we scheduled the design delivery appointment. Three months after closing, we were ready for design day. My team and I arrived bright and early. We unloaded all of the decor and additional accent furniture, wall art, area rugs, etc. Hours later, we were ready to clean up with just a few personal touches remaining. On Day 2, early morning, we were prepared for the reveal. The client and his daughter arrived and were very happy with the results. One very special person received a real-time video tour reveal along with the client, and she loved it too! My team and I are so excited for this client and his new journey. After months of juggling appointments, contractors, and client consulting, this home is now "Custom from the Curb"'!

Client Reaction

Before Photos 

After Design Transformation

Phase II 

The landscaper has completed the fall lawn treatment. We will see this client for Phase II, in the spring, when we complete the backyard landscaping and patio outdoor room redesign! We can't wait!

Thank you to my design team who made this all possible (Darryl, Ann and DJ)... 1,000+ miles and on to the next project!

​​​Special thanks for courtesy project design photos and videos, C. Lloyd, GA