It is 2016 & All About the Statement Piece!

Today we are simplifying our lives. Less is more...less clutter, less stress, less accessories...
As we remove accessories and simplify wall treatments and window treatments, we still need to add beautiful statements pieces.

 We love this great room! The architectural details are really exquisite (if we do say so ourselves) and make quite a statement on their own. As we designed the wall unit we also carefully selected the art and accessories. We wanted statement pieces that would not take away from the beauty of the architecture. We love the unexpected pop of the contemporary art in the traditional room. The scale of the art is very important- a smaller piece would have been diminished in the room. The simplicity of the large ginger jars on the top shelves give balance and weight. The touch of nature added with the coral adds softness and gives a nod to our locale. The room does not look decorated but looks collected and refined.

The best place to start when you want to update your home but are not ready to totally redo the room is to start by removing the accessories. Replace the items one by one and only use the ones that really add value. Gone (for now) are the days of filling every plant shelf and empty space. Invest in one or two real statement pieces- whether it is a stunning light fixture or beautiful piece of art. You will be amazed at the change you can get by just editing.

- Hillary & Ann

Merry Christmas!

It has really been a wonderful year. We are so grateful for God's many blessings. We say it all the time but it really is the truth- we have been blessed with the most wonderful families, friends, clients, vendors, and co-workers- thank you all!

While we are dreaming of a White Christmas... 

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May 2016 bring peace, health, and love to all.

Merry Christmas,

-Hillary & Ann

Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

French Chateau

 This is a custom home just completed by Kingon Homes and Southern Showcase.  The house is just gorgeous! The owners knew what they wanted and we were able to give them their dream home.

This house boasts one of the very best views in Pelican Landing! The lot was a hidden gem. It was a tricky lot; the neighborhood required a certain amount of square feet and the position of the lot made a lot of people stay away from it. But the owners had a vision and the end result is nothing short of FABULOUS!

Hers

His

The house features separate His and Hers bathrooms. Hers has a beautiful slipper tub, marble topped vanity, and walk-in shower. His is complete with a walk-in shower and urinal!

The house features a great room, two studies, and a gorgeous white kitchen. The kitchen counter tops are soapstone which is a naturally antibacterial material.

Kingon Homes paid attention to every detail. I don't know who is more thrilled with the end results (us or the home owner)!

Updating My Mountain House

Just back from vacation and wanted to share some of the work we have been doing on our mountain house.

before

after...

The before shows a dated awkwardly positioned fireplace and a long narrow great room.  The fireplace was moved to open up the great room and to become a focal point in the room. It also creates a separate "room" for the desk.

We are always updating this house & I will share more projects from the Carolina's as we complete them!

-Ann

Away we go...

Ken & I have been having a wonderful vacation! Finding real inspiration in the bright colors of summer in the mountains. At Highland Lakes- our cabin was called the boathouse.  

A lot of canoeing , fishing, reading, relaxing and in the evening lots of some smores around the fire pit ...

Seasons restaurant just down the lane had gourmet meals second to none. Except maybe meals we cooked together with wine, we even put a little wine in some of the meals.

Queen of the Mountain! 1 1/2 hours up mountain and 45 minutes down!

Loving all the shades of blue and green....

Psalm 145:5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Recent Project- Coastal Chic

We love this recently completed casually elegant coastal home! The transformation really speaks for itself.

Like many other homes built around the same time, the great room built-in needed an update. For the update, we used a beautiful gray glaze on the entertainment center cabinet. The mirror behind the shelves lightens and brightens the wall and room.

after.

before...

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The kitchen was also ready for an update...

before...

after.

We were able to keep the footprint the same and still give a totally updated chic kitchen. We lowered the island to counter height, made a custom banquette, went to white cabinetry, added gorgeous and lux quartzite tops, and new stainless appliances.

great room- max. seating with comfy recliners & sofas

pool bath after.

before...

Using shades of taupe, gray, white, and blue the house was lightened and refreshed. The finishes selected are reminiscent of pearls, and oyster shells. The coastal blues and whites, coral specimens and the refined touches of luxury give this home the casual elegance the clients wanted.

The end result is definitely Coastal Chic!

The Neutral Color Palette

One of the most popular directions in interiors today is a neutral color palette. When well executed it is a sophisticated and chic look.  How do you give it interest and keep it from becoming too flat and sterile?

Mix patterns and textures. Try to visualize what the room would look like in a black & white photo- is it all the same color of gray- mix it up.

Use different but similar colors. Mix different grays with beiges. Add white and ivory to give it a pop.

Use both soft feminine elements and hard or masculine elements and organic and inorganic elements. Add side panels, pillows, and rugs to soften a more masculine space. Use metals with florals or coral specimens.

Add a little color in art & accessories. A neutral interior is a great background for a fabulous piece of art. A little touch of color in a throw pillow or rug can really make a statement in an otherwise neutral room. 

Added interest with padded headboard wall

Masculine and feminine elements

Mixing textures and finishes to create interest

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Subtle palette- interest added with textures- sparkle of glass backsplash
& metals

Greige study