BEFORE & AFTER: A KITCHEN FACELIFT...

My client is a bachelor with a beautiful home who renovated almost every room in his house. After a major bathroom redo that went way over budget (for the record, I was not the interior designer on that project), he was finally ready to tackle the kitchen. While the kitchen had good bones and was in good condition, it was certainly dated. He joked that his mother would kill him for wanting to change a "perfectly good kitchen." And he definitely kept me on a tight reign with the budget (but I love a challenge).

So here's what I started with...

We kept the cabinets because they are hand made by the previous owner from solid pine and in good condition (and the budget didn't allow for replacing them). We removed the wallpaper, replace the formica countertops with granite, installed a tile backsplash, changed the sink, the faucet, the cabinet knobs and the light fixtures. Although he was reluctant, I convinced him that the floor had to go. All the new elements would make the floor stick out like a sore thumb. So he agreed to up the budget, slightly.

Here are some of the materials I used:

BLISS BY FLORIDA TILE

STUDIO PULL BY AMEROCK

UTTERMOST

MOEN

WALLPAPER BY THIBAUT

Here's the result...

After 3 1/2 weeks and only 10% over budget (which for those of you who have done major renos know that this is quite commendable), my client can now cook and entertain in style. His mother was happy with it too...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN.

RE-VISTING EMERALD - THE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2013...

Let's take another look at the Color of the Year for 2013, Emerald! Since this color carries a lot of weight on its shoulder as the foundation hue for both fashion and interiors, its high time I give it some overdue attention before the new color for 2014 is announced...

Its everywhere - in fashion...

and accessories...

Stella & Dot

Chanel

Christian Louboutin

and in jewelry...

Jolie Necklace by Stella & Dot

Serenity Drop Earrings in Jade by Stella & Dot

Zinnia Bracelet by Stella & Dot

So its only natural that interiors follow suit with elements of Emerald in everything - window treatments, paint color, carpet and furniture...

But my favorite Emerald of all is still the classic stone...

Kim K. rocking some serious Emerald...

Until the Pantone announces the new color of the year (with much anticipation), let's continue to enjoy this festive color. In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE.

VERSATILITY AT ITS BEST ...

One of the continuing themes for Stella & Dot jewelry is VERSATILITY. The Fall 2013 Collection is no different. 

Every season Stella & Dot takes cues from runway fashion, design and architecture and combine these ideas to be "on trend" without being "faddish." The design team goes a step further by asking 3 simple questions:  Is it so WEARABLE she'll be transformed from simple to stylish by slipping it on? Is it VERSATILE enough to go from day to night? Is it completely IRRESISTIBLE that she will fall in "must-have" love? So let's take a look at some of the versatility stars of the Fall season...

The Sutton Necklace is a multi-textural, mixed metal statement piece with a touch of bling... 

Sutton Necklace - $128

that can be worn five different ways.

The 5 ways to wear the Sutton Necklace...

The versatility continues with the Mae, the Christina Link and Somervell Necklaces. Each piece can be worn separately for a wonderful look...

Mae Necklace - $49

Christina Link Necklace - $79

Somervell Necklace - $59

or worn together as an amazing statement necklace with a pop of color and lots of bling...

The Mae/Christina/Somervell Statement Necklace...

or just the Somervell & Christina which look great together.

The Christina Link & the Somervell Necklaces together...

Talk about versatility - it is limitless! One of my fellow Stella & Dot stylists created this amazing look from the Somervell and the bling from the Sutton... 

Creativity and Versatility - the Somervell & the bling from the Sutton...

I am so rockin' this look!

The Haley Necklace is a beautiful delicate necklace made of gold and glass nuggets...

Haley Necklace - $79

that can be worn short (as above) or long...

The Peacock Chandeliers are faceted glass stones and epoxy cabochons that were inspired by the brilliant  feathers of a peacock...

Peacock Chandeliers - $69

Remove the drop and instant button studs...

The Peacock Studs...

And last but not least: the Trinity Pendant (available in gold and silver). These necklaces are organic shapes of glass, quartz and agate stones set in brass and gold or silver plating. Wear the pendants on the long chain, the short chain or hanging from both tiers.

The Trinity Pendant in Gold  - $69

Both Tiers in Silver

Short Necklace Only

Long Pendant Only

To see the entire Stella & Dot Fall 2013 Collection or for more information on the pieces featured, visit my website at www.stelladot.com/tammybolden. Let me know what strikes your fancy. I'd be happy to set up a personal styling session.

In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT FOR FALL 2013...

Although its been out since February, I could not bare to discuss the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2013 until now.

I'm so happy that there is a range of glorious hues that mix with harmonious balance (if used properly, of course). Of course its anchor continues to be the Color of the Year - Pantone's 17-5641, the vibrant Emerald.

The colors drive the creations of some of the world's most celebrated fashion designers such as Pamella Roland, Nanette Lepore, Herve Leger, Rachel Roy and Tadashi Shoji. Being the fashion-loving interior designer that I am, I anxiously await their color infused upcoming lines...

 

 

One of my favorite relative newcomers to the world of fashion is Kelly Wearstler, the noted interior designer. I can't wait to see what she has in store from both worlds of design. 

I'm sure we'll see these colors as integral elements of other interior designers' creations as well. I'll delve into each of these fabulous colors in interiors in the weeks to come.  In the meantime, happy trend spotting..

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE.

THE AMAZING MONTH OF JUNE...

I have been MIA from my beloved blog because I have had a very eventful month of June, with 3 days still to go.

The month started with the news of my daughter's new job in Philadelphia, which she will start on July 1. So it was off to Philly to do some apartment hunting that following weekend. Unfortunately, we'll be there again this weekend to continue the search.

Then our sons asked if we could host "Pre-Prom" aka Prom Showcase aka Prom Send-off. We had 14 prom couples and their respective families show up! Fun but exhausting.

I love this picture for Stephen's date diva hair flip...

That event was followed by my husband's 50th birthday with an impromptu family gathering of 20 people on a Monday night! Again fun but exhausting.

Lastly, the cumulation - everything that it took to get to the Montclair High School Class of 2013 Graduation last night.

MHS Class of 2013 Graduation

We were supposed to attend the 17th Annual American Black Film Festival in Miami. However you can see why we decided not to attend, purchased plane tickets and all. I tweeted about my three eventful weeks in June stating that I need a sedative. A dear friend tweeted back, "You need a vacation!"

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy