Thursday, June 2, 2011

Now. . .And Then: Jennifer of Rambling Renovators

    
    
Today, I'm excited to present the first installment of "Now. . . And Then", which will hopefully be a long-running weekly series on my blog.  I had alot of positive feedback when I dared to show you pictures of our old house last week and how my style has evolved.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some well-known bloggers--whose homes we all know and love--to share pictures of their style from years past and how it has changed over time. 




A big thanks to Jennifer for kicking off this series!


 
Blogger:  Jennifer of Rambling Renovators



Then:
    




What makes me cringe when I look back:
The old room isn't that ugly, but I find it looks a bit simple, too generic and cookie cutter. The too short curtains are laughable though! The rest of the room is just plain and yawn-inducing. There's little art or decor or colour - where's the life and personality?? The room looks like I just moved in when in fact I'd been living there for three years. How boring!


Now:



What I love most about my house now:
I think this room and our house in general has a much more welcoming and lived-in feel. There are layers and more sophistication in the design and we've taken the time to add architectural details and accessories. From the panelling we added on the walls, to the radiator cover we made, the layering of wood blinds and draperies, and the mix of furniture styles, we've gotten bolder and more confident in our decor choices. We've taken more risks and in the end it feels much more unique, more "us".


The biggest influence on my evolving style has been:
My husband! He is an intern architect and the handiest person I know. He has helped bring my design visions to life and really expands the boundaries of what we can achieve. Like the panelled wall - I designed the layout of it, but he added the details like the platform under the sconces, did all the measurements, and built it. He has taught me that all those fundamental details like sightlines, symmetry, pattern, and construction are just as important as paint colour, fabric selection, and styling. In the end, when we work together I think we come up with better looking, more lush designs that are both aesthetically and architecturally pleasing.
    
See more of Jennifer's home here.
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