Posts tagged Gail Bantle

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.

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.

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.

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