Long ago we made some EPIC friends. Those friends that feel like they're from a movie you once saw. They love fiercely, they do community, they make the best, most exotic grilled-cheese sandwiches you've ever tasted. They're competitive and feisty and you drink coffee and play board games til 4am. They're adventurous and wild, so they tell you stories of far off places and people groups. They stop at nothing, to love God and love people. They're both beautiful, inside and out. She's gorgeous and can rock an early native american head-dress. He can rock a man-bun. Only gorgeous people do these things.
Yes.
My loves. We have these epic friends. And yes, they're not just in the movies (though I'm pretty sure he starred in a film once). They're real life and they do real life. They're actually both really good at doing life, and doing life together for the kingdom.
So when HE called me to schedule a surprise re-design for SHE, I was thrilled. A sneaky birthday present, how perfect!!
You see, they're both artists. They both share a love of playing and writing and singing music. They also both dabble in other forms of artistry. They're both severely creative. So to design this space, I needed to get inside their heads.
They have lots of artifacts from their travels. They both love history. SHE had many unique pieces from her Dad and Grandpa. HE had furniture he had made himself.
So after some careful note-taking, and a few Pinterest board studies, I felt we pulled off an Old-World California Modernist Loft.
Take a look!!!
BEFORE: This was, like, the day after they moved in. I'd like to see your house the day after you moved in. My first words to HIM upon entering the loft : "THANK YOU". Who WOULDN'T want to decorate this AHHHHHMAZING space?????
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
AND ....
....
...
AFTER
AFTER: HE said that SHE dreamed of white floor-to-ceiling curtains. 16 eleven foot curtain panels later....But aren't they gorgeous?
AFTER: SHE dreamed of a massive vase on the island to fill with flowers year-round.
AFTER: I used the tiny kitchen nook as a perfect place for HER to sit while he cooks her dinner. Or whoever wants to claim the spot for an early morning cup of coffee and quiet time.
AFTER: The massive loft allows a corner that faces the busy main street. A perfect spot to journal or paint.
AFTER: HE hand-made this table. Antique chairs and vintage dishes invite any dinner party guest.
AFTER: HE requested that SHE receive some beautiful shelves with antique brackets. The main street antique store scored us the brackets. I filled the shelves with many of the couples' treasures, along with plenty of succulents from HER collection.
AFTER: this old metal cabinet was also found in the HIS work shop. It belonged to HER grandpa. Sentimental and lofty? Inside it goes!
AFTER: HE mentioned that she may like a coffee bar one day. Well, today was the day. We also needed an entry table that could do double duty during dinner parties. I insisted we use things the couple already owned. We found these vintage metal cupboards and an antique barn board in HIS workshop. We created this beauty on design day. This fun world map will be sure to be covered in thumb tacks, highlighting the couples many missions trips and travels.
AFTER: We simplified the kitchen with soft touches and attractive items that are highly functional.
AFTER: HE Scored the coffee table at an estate sale earlier this year. It was perfect for the old-world feel. I found this epic glass bottle and HAD to put it in the room. SHE had mentioned over and over how she loved the look of overlapping rugs. I have to agree. It's cozy beyond compare.
AFTER: Nothing makes a designer's job easier then exposed brick walls.
AFTER
AFTER: A table behind the couch was obviously necessary for lighting. And a place to set coffee cups during a highly competitive round of charades. SHE already had the lamps. I just spray painted them gold and added new grey-linen shades.
AFTER: HE said over and over that this couldn't be a 'bachelor' loft. Well. Every Old-World California Modernist Loft STILL needs a deer skull. I decided to get in touch with my "feminine-even-on-a-dead-animal-side", by giving this gorgeous buck a flower crown made of peacock feathers.
AFTER
AFTER: I found this old industrial cart in HIS workshop. It was rapidly moved into the loft. SHE now has room to use it as a serving piece or buffet while hosting family dinners or Thanksgiving turkey. Vintage crates on the bottom seem perfect for additional storage.
AFTER
AFTER
AFTER
Well. I quickly vanished after the design so that HE could show his bride HER birthday present in privacy. But I received a precious phone call, not even an hour later. Her voice filled with tears as she whispered: "It's perfect, I can't even breathe!"
Let's just say, they lived...
HAPPILY
EVER
AFTER.
Love you J and A. My prayer for you both, is that God continues to use all of your amazing gifts and talents to grow the kingdom and share HIS name. A cord of THREE strands is not quickly broken.
You both are precious to Drew and I.
XOXO
Ashley