GMB Designs

To Buy a New Sofa, or Reupholster the Old? That Is the Question!

laviniaedits — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:01:00 -0400

Would Hamlet have been so melancholy if he had simply owned a cozy sofa or settee?

Of all the furniture needed to truly make a house into a home, the sofa remains the key element in bringing comfort and relaxation to your primary living space. A recent article on Houzz, “Things You Need To Know About Buying a Sofa,” gives a comprehensive list of the determining factors any decorator should take into consideration when selecting a sofa: size, construction, durability, comfort.

However, there is one consideration the article only mentions briefly—that of reupholstering an existing piece—that deserves more recognition that it receives.

Any novice or professional purveyor of antique furniture will tell you in a heartbeat that older furniture is solidly constructed, with a sense of elegant craftsmanship that can easily stand the test of time. However, as styles change, so do our ideas of what constitutes an appealing fabric or pattern. (Lime green corduroy stripes, anyone?)

This is where brilliantly executed reupholstering can prove invaluable. If you have a legacy piece (sofa, settee, or chair) that doesn’t quite meet your current style, consider these points before bringing it to the curb:

Does the piece have sentimental value?

Is the construction quality greater than what you are encountering in the big-box furniture stores?

Is the shape and size of the piece a perfect fit for your space, but the fabric could use a facelift?

If any of these questions set off an alarm in the décor section of your brain, stop and consider the transformational possibilities available with reupholstering your vintage furniture.

More clients than I can count have been floored by the look of their new furniture once the reupholstering process has been completed. Rather than spending countless thousands of dollars on new furniture, a dynamic change of fabric can bring an old-fashioned design element into the now.

Consider these transformations!

A settee is given new life through a durable fabric that conveys a classic English elegance.

The wooden elements of this vintage Queen Anne chair are enhanced by the move from a garish yellow to a warm blue.

A set of chairs that could have been brought to the trash heap ages ago are revived with a crisp look, providing an intimate and comfortable conversation space.

So whether you’re thinking of reviving that family heirloom, or happen to find a knockout vintage piece for $25 at a flea market, never underestimate the power of reupholstery—it will take your furniture from cringe-worthy to classic in no time at all.

To discuss my reupholstery services and how they can help in your next design project, email me at Gail@gmbdesignscustom.com.

GMB Designs' Design-on-a-Photo Service Heads into the Great Outdoors

laviniaedits — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:23:28 -0400

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Design-on-a-Photo technology is limited to the inside of a house—my digital-rendering services can help you to visualize and transform your property’s outdoor elements as well!

If you’re having trouble deciding on landscaping or construction concepts for your property, or simply want to maximize your home’s curb appeal, then the Design-on-a-Photo platform will surely put your mind at ease.

Case in point: One of my realtor contacts from The Higgins Group needed a virtually staged photo—and pronto! The house she was marketing was currently under construction, so communicating a polished finished product to potential buyers was incredibly important.

By using one photo of the house’s exterior and bordering property, I was able to transform a hectic construction project into a scene of pastoral Connecticut beauty.

And the best part? The realtor had this vital piece of marketing collateral quicker than expected, removing one large headache from the overall selling process.

Personally, I think this deserves an award for Project of the Week!

For detailed information about the Design-on-a-Photo service, contact GMB Designs at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com.

Visualize Your Next Design Project with GMB Designs' Design-on-a-Photo Service

laviniaedits — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:32 -0400

The GMB Designs studio is roaring, full-steam ahead, with new projects, thanks to my adoption of a new and incredibly innovative digital design tool.

When it’s time to just say “no” to tired and outdated window treatments—as in this newly renovated kitchen—the decision to choose a new and exciting style can be daunting.

Have no fear, however—GMB Designs’ Design-on-a-Photo service is here! [Sadly, Underdog wasn’t immediately available to help out.]

[Underdog could not be reached for comment, but GMB Designs assumes he would fully support the new Design-on-a-Photo process.]

With my new Design-on-a-Photo service, going from bland to grand is easy.

Using existing digital photos of your room, I create new custom-designed window treatment styles, rendering color, pattern, and fabric options directly onto photos of your renovated space, making your decision-making process a breeze.

After assembling an assortment of design options and collaborating with my client to get a firm sense of her personal style and desire for luxury, my latest project is currently in fabrication mode. Thanks to the Design-on-a-Photo process, my client could not be more excited to be completing the kitchen of her dreams—and far sooner than expected!

Remember, the room’s not done until the PERFECT curtains are hung!

P.S. I’m always available to provide you with additional guidance and detailed information on your project. Contact me at GMB Designs at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com.

A Special Offer for GMB Designs' Virtual Interior Design Service!

laviniaedits — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:31:00 -0500

All of my recent projects have had my creativity flowing, and it’s time for you to strike while the iron is hot!

I’m pleased to announce that GMB Designs’ Virtual Interior Design service is currently 20% off of my standard pricing—for a limited time only!

Have a friend that is also seeking the look of a professionally designed space at an affordable price? Refer a friend and get an additional 10% off your project!

The process is easy—visit GMB Designs to begin your design journey today!

—G

I built my latest inspiration board for a new client that needed...

laviniaedits — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:07:42 -0500

I built my latest inspiration board for a new client that needed some style direction for their breezy, sunny master bedroom. With their house located along the Connecticut River, I was won over by the beautiful views and elegant windows.

Thanks to my new Canon Rebel T3 digital camera, I was able to document the room after imbuing the room with soft green [not quite Emerald Green, but green is still the theme of 2013!], as well as a collection of rich fabrics and window treatments.

My inner photographer is beginning to blossom!

2013's Color of the Year Is...

laviniaedits — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:14:22 -0500

Emerald green!

Emerald 17-5641, to be exact. Pantone announced their annual color selection last week, and it could not have been a livelier choice.

Evoking nature and the lush grass that makes us all dream of summertime amidst the bitter January snow, emerald green is an elegant color that truly enhances our human sense of well-being and the richness of life.

My latest inspiration board makes use of the Pantone choice, giving my dear friends opportunities to discover the crystalline shade across furniture, lighting fixtures, and artwork.

Feeling the creative juices flowing? Let me hear about it! Once you’ve incorporated emerald green into your décor, take a picture and email me at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com. I’ll be posting my work with the color throughout the year, and maybe your style choice can “pay it forward” to another reader in the inspiration department!

My latest rendering using Benjamin Moore’s extensive fall...

laviniaedits — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 13:51:41 -0500

My latest rendering using Benjamin Moore’s extensive fall palette! Nothing says intimate, cold-weather comfort quite like warm brown and deep charcoal.

Another rendering using colors from Benjamin Moore’s fall...

laviniaedits — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:00:25 -0400

Another rendering using colors from Benjamin Moore’s fall palette. While golden yellows and olive are year-round favorites, they are especially warm and inviting during the autumn months.

I’m currently engrossed in my latest renderings that...

laviniaedits — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:07:39 -0400

I’m currently engrossed in my latest renderings that incorporate themes from Benjamin Moore’s fall color gallery. To coincide with the first signs of fall, I’ve put together a room that mixes off-white, fresh green, and deep stone brown—glamorous yet grounded.

WFV Magazine Color Challenge

laviniaedits — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:00:12 -0400

I’m pleased to announce that my winning selection for this month’s Window Fashion Vision Magazine Color Challenge is hot off the digital presses! Page 33 showcases my winning rendering, based on the color palette found in artist Alice Neel’s “Portrait of Susan Rossen.” Check it out!

The only thing I love as much as decorating are my furry feline...

laviniaedits — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:31:29 -0400

The only thing I love as much as decorating are my furry feline friends, so imagine my amusement at seeing this collection of photos! Yes, cats can truly complement any home decor!

Seven Ways Cats Help You Decorate—courtesy of houzz.com

GMB Designs Forum

laviniaedits — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 22:39:50 -0400

Hey G,

I have two enormous windows in my new kitchen. They let in a great amount of afternoon sunshine, but here’s the catch—they overlook the interior courtyard of the building where the refuse and other trash bins are kept. Not exactly a top-notch view! What can I do to maximize the light that pours into the kitchen while obscuring as much as I can of the nasty view outside?

Signed,

Courtyard View

Dear Courtyard View,

A nice large window in the kitchen is always a plus, but a not-so-nice view is a definite minus. Let’s mask the view, let in the light, and enhance the look of the window. Here’s how:

We’ll begin by removing the existing window treatments—dark curtains over honeycomb shades.

Woven wood shades are making a comeback! They invite rich texture and easy elegance that will complement any décor. I love that they’re produced from recyclable, natural materials such as woven fiberglass, bamboo, reed, and grass—definitely eco-friendly!

Create a sleek, unified look for your wide window by dressing it with two side-by-side shades under a single headrail.

Options abound with gentle light-filtering solutions such as the top-down, bottom-up lift control. The shades can either be lowered from the top and/or raised from the bottom—a great way to mask your unsightly view!

Warm wishes,

‘G’

P.S. I’m always available to provide you with additional guidance and detailed information on your project. Contact me at GMB Designs at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com.

The Virtual Challenge

laviniaedits — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:01:28 -0400

The process of selling this lovely 5,000-square-foot home in Wilton, CT has been anything but easy.

The master bedroom in the main part of the house is quite small, and the attached in-law apartment (as charming as it appears) is far from appealing.

By virtually redefining the space throughout the in-law apartment to show alternate designs, a potential home buyer might just give this home a second glance!

Here on the first floor, the living room and kitchen are converted to an office and a bar/entertainment area.

The recommendation to remove a common wall between two small bedrooms on the second floor, while expanding the bathroom to encompass an adjacent closet, results in transforming this space into a beautiful master bedroom suite.

GMB Designs’ challenge:

This project involved using photos of fully furnished rooms. As you can see, the existing pictures capture odd angles of the rooms, making it difficult to design directly onto the photos, as is customary.

Using state-of-the-art design tools, a rendered backdrop was created mimicking the camera angles for the new master bedroom suite, and thereby providing a clean canvas for the virtually staged design. The first-floor renderings required removing the existing furniture, reconstructing portions of the walls and windows, and then applying the new furnishings.

For detailed information about virtual home staging, visit www.gmbdesignscustom.com, or contact me at GMB Designs at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com.

As if the library wall wasn’t grand enough, the secret...

laviniaedits — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:19:40 -0400

As if the library wall wasn’t grand enough, the secret door makes me feel like I’m on the set of Clue: The Movie!

[Photo courtesy of My Fairy Tale Life]

Sparkling blue, pure white, and deep magenta unite as a trio of...

laviniaedits — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:49:00 -0400

Sparkling blue, pure white, and deep magenta unite as a trio of vibrant colors!

[Photo courtesy of HouseProudSigns.com]

GMB Designs Forum Is Returning!

laviniaedits — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:10:48 -0400

After a brief hiatus, I am thrilled to announce the return of Q & A Mondays on Tumblr. For those of you new to the site, the EZ-Design Solutions Forum is also a great avenue to pose questions about your personal design dilemmas. Just let me know what your current situation is, and I’ll provide you with easy and affordable design solutions!

Simply click on the link to the right: “Submit a Question to the EZ-Design Solutions Forum.” [It’s located just below my Facebook link—you have liked GMB Designs on Facebook, haven’t you?] Once submitted, I will craft a personalized answer to be posted on the blog, chock full of commentary, design options, pictures and graphics as needed!

I’m looking forward to chatting with you!

Warmest wishes,

‘G’

I love when long, flowing panels are puddled on the floor,...

laviniaedits — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:35:04 -0400

I love when long, flowing panels are puddled on the floor, giving a sense of extra texture and warmth. A cheery and vibrant canary yellow is great with this effect!

[Photo courtesy of FirstSense.wordpress.com]

To Reupholster or Not To Reupholster? That Is the Question!

laviniaedits — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:02:36 -0400

Lately, reupholstering projects have been on the down-low, but why?

Often times, it’s because the cost of reupholstering is cost-prohibitive. Understanding what goes into the reupholstery process is important, though, so when I recently read the article “14 Reupholstery Tips from a Pro,” I was quick to share it with my readers.

Here are some highlights:

*Specialized skills make reupholstery a true art form; it’s not just about the fabric.

*The older the piece, the more likely that it will be structurally sound.

*The innards of the piece—springs, foam, and webbing—may need some TLC, too, so be sure not to skimp on this step.

*Fabric choices should complement the style of the piece, so stay away from wrapping the new fabric over the old. You’ve already made the commitment, so strive to make it perfect!

*Don’t go with the cheapest quote you receive—cheaper does not always mean better.

*Do you truly love the frame, or are you working with a family heirloom? Then, my friends, it’s worth every penny to preserve your furniture!

Experience is key when guiding my clients in their decision to reupholster or not. Thankfully, my days of doing the physical work are over—having an exceptional local upholsterer as part of my design team is an outstanding asset!

For me, success always stems from a satisfied client. Here are a few projects that recently made my clients smile!

I’m always available to provide you with guidance and detailed information on your project. Contact me at GMB Designs at gail@gmbdesignscustom.com or visit www.gmbdesignscustom.com .

Chip It!

laviniaedits — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:55:47 -0400

There’s an exciting new design tool available for all color enthusiasts out there! Sherwin Williams has a color tool that generates a palette of options for any online picture using their paint colors! I love this!

I’m absolutely hooked on Chip It!

The Aboo Makhado Residence in South Africa

laviniaedits — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:12:35 -0400

Freshome recently profiled the transformation of a gorgeous residence in Limpopo, South Africa. Designed by Nico van der Meulen Architects, the designers needed to account for heat problems, a focus on natural light and green energy, and a renovation that increased the property from 343 to 494 square meters.

Relaxation and comfort pours out of the space—complete with vaulted ceilings, glass-walled facades, and an insulated structure that helps to greatly cool the house at night. Oh, and did I mention the pool structure that weaves its way through several rooms on the ground floor?

Be sure to head over to the Freshome article, for dozens of pictures showcasing this glorious space.