Jan Hales Designs

{Back Where I Come From}

2012-02-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Well, like I've mentioned in the past couple of posts, I have more fun things to share from my trip to Louisiana this past weekend. This post is for sure a fun one! My dad had encouraged me and Josh to go see the house that my great great uncle lived in.. ole' Jottomtown right down the road from where my dad grew up and where I lived as a child. It was like going back in time touring the grounds of this century + year old home. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed the tour led by my dad...

p.s. Happy Leap Day! And believe it or not I still have more things to share from this weekend in the bayou but...I'll have to find the time to share it might be a few days or week...busy/busy!

Movie Room Pictures

2012-02-28T10:48:00.001-08:00

This Movie Room was one of my very first and favorite projects I've completed. It was a renovation to an attic space. While at home this past weekend I snapped some photos of this fun filled/dramatic space. Take a look and let me know what you think:

And here's the stairway up to this attic movie room complete with all mirrors:

P.S. More blog posts to come from my trip home to Louisiana this past weekend. So...continue to be on the lookout! Have a great day!!

{Louisiana Master Bedroom Suite}

2012-02-26T21:50:00.001-08:00

For the past few days I've been relaxing back home in Louisiana. It's been nice to take some days off to slow down with my wonderful family. There's nothing like coming home...and the feeling I get going back and staying in the house I lived in for the first 18 years of my life. The backyard views are incredible, sunsets over the Louisiana lake is something that not only I can't describe but neither can pictures. It's an amazing experience seeing the beautiful colors and cypress tress reflect into the water. Along, with the gorgeous views I got to see my parent's Master Bedroom Suite (that I've been helping with long distance) completed! I've been working back and forth with my amazing mother helping her bring their suite to it's incredible potential. By changing the flooring from carpet to wood, repositioning the bed, creating a picture wall, and a few other simple changes the bedroom was transformed into the perfect retreat. In the bathrooms and closets a few cosmetic changes were made. Check out these pictures of the Master Bedroom Suite and the beautiful sunset lake view. Have a wonderful week!

Be looking out for several posts from me in the future about this trip home. I captured some amazing "Interior Design" moments that I'll be sharing with all of you soon.

Kitchen Designs

2012-02-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

Over the past year I've been working as a kitchen designer and have learned so much about kitchens! I've designed kitchens of all different styles! From contemporary to traditional I've done it all. Check out some of the designs I've done and let me know what you think:

{Valentine's Day}

2012-02-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite days of the year. To me it represents heart shaped sugar cookies and telling the one's you love you love them even if only to your parent's and friends. Here are some beautiful Valentine's Day pictures to get you in the spirit. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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And of course, All pink Interiors!

Wishing you and yours a Lovely Valentine's Day!

{Colorful Details}

2012-01-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

Design is always in the details...and to me I love to see details that are full of color! I came across these brilliant ideas of ways to bring pops of color into spaces. It doesn't have to be in a dramatic way but yet a subtle way that makes a big impact. Check out these lovely Colorful Details:

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http://vtinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/kids-rooms-ideas.html

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I hope everyone is having a fabulous week and a wonderful start to 2012!

2011 Recap of Projects

2012-01-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

2011 was the year I started my business. It has been such a great learning experience and I've had the opportunity to work on some really amazing projects. As 2012 begins I wanted to take a look back at what I've accomplished for my business the past year. Here are some of my favorite projects:

Bare Minerals Make Up Salon presented by Hair Solutions

Law Office Lobby

My Apartment

Great Room

Entrance Hall

Guest Bedroom

One of my favorite color consults

Beach Condo Entrance Hall

It's always fun to reflect back and see what goals you've accomplished the past year. I'm so thankful for all of the amazing opportunities I've had in the world of Interior Design this past year and can't thank all of you enough for your support. Can't wait to see what 2012 holds.

{My New Year's Weekend}

2012-01-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Weekend! Mine was so much fun. I got to hang out with my family at the beach and saw a wonderful firework show. Also, I got to see a client's home in progress that I've been working on. Here's some pictures from the weekend:

Views of what the beach looked like on New Year's Eve Eve

The eery way that it looked on New Year's Eve...I guess it was 2011's way of saying goodbye

New Year's Eve night- ringing in 2012 with some Fireworks!

It's the year we are getting married!

My wonderful parent's who celebrated their 32nd Wedding Anniversary last week!

With my mom!

The Whole Crew

What the first day of 2012 looked like....It's gonna be a great year!

And I stopped by one of my client's homes this weekend to see some of the pieces I had ordered for some of the rooms in their home. Here's some pictures. It's looking wonderful!

I hope everyone has had an amazing start to 2012! Check back later on this week as a post a picture full post of all of the projects I've done in 2011. Also, don't forget to participate in the Free Online Design Consultation Giveaway!

Merry Christmas from My Family to Yours!

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

Have a very Merry Christmas! This will be my last post of 2011 so check back in 2012! I've got some exciting news about my business and blog that I'll be sharing in 2012. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and enjoy these photos of my family! And Happy New Year!!

I love these pictures of mom and I dancing with the "magic" Santa hat!

So appropriate for the upcoming National Championship!

Mom & Dad

Me & my Fiance!

Christmas with the cousins in Jackson, MS

Merry Christmas from My Family to Yours! Have a wonderful Holiday and see you in 2012!

Christmas at The Hales' Home!

2011-12-19T23:40:00.000-08:00

I just arrived back in Louisiana and my home is decorated fabulous for Christmas! All thanks to Mrs. Cindy Odom who decorates our home for Christmas each year. I wanted to share these photos with you and the Christmas traditions around our home. Merry Christmas!!

Meet you under the mistletoe? Mom's touch on our entrance hall light fixture!

These 3 Wise Men have been a part of our Family Christmas for as long as I can remember! They are blinging!

The Christmas Tree in my bedroom- isn't my pre-school picture adorable? ha!

I love reading and looking through all of the Christmas cards we receive each year!

Yes, we hang out stockings on the window in our kitchen!

The stocking I've had since birth made by my Aunt Jan (notice my birth year)

Our Christmas Village on the bookshelf in the kitchen

The nativity scene countdown to Christmas-we've had this since I was a child

Never feels like Christmas without The Nutcrackers!

The Gingerbread Village my family made last year!

Christmas Tree with mine and my brother's handmade ornaments from elementary school- my favorite tree!

Another flashback!

What I wrote in Elementary school!

I hope you enjoyed this "photo filled" post!

Merry Christmas!

A Client's Color Consultation

2011-12-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

I recently completed a whole house Color Consultation for a client of mine. And today I went to meet with her and took some photos of the house. She is super talented in interior decorating and her home is already absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to share some photos of the spaces that have been painted with the colors I've chosen. And I've also done some staging here and there in some of the rooms. Although all of these rooms aren't complete I still wanted to share the process with you. I'll do another post showing before and after shots of the paint colors in the rooms so you can see their transformations. Also, there are several other rooms in the home that still have to be painted so tune in later to see all of these rooms completed. Take a look:

The Formal Living Room-

still working on some of the details but the space is looking so elegant

Master Bedroom-

Still in progress with the paint ~ tune in soon to see what we do with the wall behind the bed

The Kid's Rooms

I love this Color!!

This Orange looks great!

Aren't these colors sharp?! Tune in later to see what we do with the wall behind the T.V.

Office Bathroom-

we will be painting the walls to match this lovely mosaic tile- tune in later to see the finished product

Isn't this house fabulous? Can't wait to share all of the end results!

Let It Glow!

2011-12-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

We are only a few weeks away from Christmas!! You know what that means....family, Christmas lights, snow (hopefully in the South-fingers crossed). This Christmas is going to be extra special for me because I'll be spending the beginning of the season with my family and the end with my fiance's! Seeing all of the Christmas decor everywhere makes me so happy! I have so much to be thankful for this Holiday Season and I can't wait to spend it with the ones I love the most! Here's some glowing Christmas inspirations to really get you in the Holiday spirit!

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How Creative is This? image source

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I hope this got you in the Christmas spirit! Happy Holidays Everyone!

Don't forget to enter the Free Online Design Consultation Giveaway!! Check out all of the details here! You don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Free Online Design Consultation Giveway!

2011-12-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!! As we approach the 1 year birthday of Jan Hales Designs I thought it would be a perfect time to thank all of you by giving away a Free Online Design Consultation! This will include a board with sources for your space, staging tips, and paint colors. Are you as excited as I am?! Here's how it's going to work:

1) E-mail me pictures of the space you want me to consult with to janhalesdesigns@gmail.com by January 16th, 2012 with the Subject titled Free Online Design Consultation and include your name and telephone number in the e-mail

2) I'll announce the winner on January 18th, 2012!

3) Whoever the winner is will receive the consult!

I'm very excited about this and cannot thank all of you enough for all of your support during the first year of my business. Have a Happy Holiday season and I can't wait to receive every one's e-mails for the giveaway! Have a wonderful week!!

Bookshelf Before & After-Plus Great Finds!

2011-12-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend Everyone! Well...I finally finished accessorizing my Guest Bedroom! I've known for some time now that there was just something missing from this room. Let me start with the bookshelf that's in the bedroom. This bookshelf was in my grandmother's home and after she passed away I received it. Growing up I always loved the details of this piece and I knew it would look perfect in my Guest Bedroom. But, I've had it in the room completely empty for a month now. Today, I woke up and decided it was time to change that. So, after work believe it or not I took a trip to Target to find the finishing touches for the room and accessories for the bookshelf. I walked out of the store with a sunburst mirror, lamp, artwork, frames, etc. all for under $100! My favorite purchase was a fabulous sunburst mirror for only $21.77 (almost unheard of)! So...enough with my rambling take a look at some pictures:

Bookshelf Before & After

Here's a better view of the Guest Bedroom Before:

Here's complete pictures of the Guest Bedroom now:

Have a wonderful weekend!!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

2011-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It's now that time of year to bring in the Christmas tree and pull out the stockings. This year, I've decided not to decorate my own home for Christmas for several reasons...number 1 because I lost all of my Christmas decorations in my apartment fire this summer. Number 2 because I'll be doing a lot of traveling this Christmas and number 3 because I'm getting married this summer and I figured my fiance and I will enjoy picking out all of our Christmas decorations together next year for our first Christmas married! So...instead of showcasing my Christmas decorations this year I wanted to showcase my parent's home! The decorations just got put up and it looks fabulous! My mom sent me some pictures last night from her iphone. Sorry, for the bad quality I'll be back there soon and will post another blog with clearer/brighter photos of the decor. Enjoy and Happy Holiday's!

And...here's my family's Christmas Card!! Merry Christmas from my family to your's!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving in the next couple of days...it has me thinking of everything I'm thankful for. It is unreal the list I could begin to write-my life has been spared several times this past year, I have an amazing fiance, family, and friends, etc.etc.etc it could go on forever! So, I've decided instead to not just be thankful for a few things but, for everything this Thanksgiving. And I wanted to Thank all of you (my readers). Over this past year (since I've began blogging) I've had so many people approach me at ball games, restaurants, etc. to tell me how much they enjoy my blog! This blog has been so much fun for me and it's rewarding when readers tell me they enjoy it. I'm thankful for all of you and I hope that you have an amazing Thanksgiving full of family, friends, good food, and fun! And Count Your Many Blessings!! Here's some pictures to get you in the spirit!

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Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

A Bright/Fun Yogurt Shop!

2011-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

First of all, Happy Friday Everyone! My mom and dad were in Orange Beach, AL this week and found this Bright/Fun Yogurt Shop. Mom sent me these fantastic photos (from her iPhone) and I wanted to share them with all of you! The shop is called Yogurt Plus and is located in Alabama. You can visit their website & check out locations here. Enjoy the pictures of this yummy shop!

Have a Happy Weekend!

{Visit to Boca Raton}

2011-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of days I've been at a Miele training seminar in the beautiful Boca Raton, FL. It was great to learn about the Miele appliances in depth that I sell at European Kitchen of Alabama! Check out and follow our new blog here. This training was amazing...we even got to cook on these high tech appliances...for someone who isn't much of a cook their Master Chef technology makes it soo easy! Well, anyway this is going to be a blog full of pictures from my trip...views from the airplane, things I saw around town, our hotel, what I cooked at the training, and the Miele showroom. Enjoy all of the photos!

Guest Post from Arcadian Lighting {Inspiration:The Bombe Chest}

2011-11-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

I'm so thrilled to have a guest post here on my blog today! Take it away Susi!

Hi, I'm Susi, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, a blog dedicated to light fixtures, lighting ideas and décor trends. I love getting to visit great design blogs like Jan Hales Designs as a guest blogger. My guest post today is Inspiration: The Bombe Chest. The bombe chest is an antique form that comes from France, but has been interpreted by the Dutch and Americans, as well. Here are eight bombe chests to inspire you. Enjoy!

Bombe chests have a sensuous quality to them. The curving lines are feminine without being frilly or girly. These chests are versatile and can work as storage throughout the home.

There is quite a variation in the shapes of bombe chests. This is due to the historical regionality of the form. French bombe shapes will be different than Dutch or American bombe chests. I love the color on this one.

This bombe chest has a curving line on both the front and the sides, giving it a full, bulbous shape. Gorgeous as a landing spot in a foyer, this bombe chest would also work in the living room as well as the bedroom.

An example of a Louis XV style bombe chest shows the undulating front and shape with a rounding in the middle. Classic French style bombe chests have veneered wood fronts, marble tops and ormolu (gilt bronze) adornments. In this foyer, the lovely chest is topped with an over-sized antique mirror and wall sconces.

This is an example of an antique American style bombe chest. The front still has the serpentine curve but the curve of the sides is lower, more weighted than in the French examples.

An interesting painted surface on the bombe chest makes it feel one of a kind. The curving proportions of the chest are perfect in this foyer with a curving staircase.

Painted bombe chests are lovely in French country and shabby chic interiors. The curving lines of the bombe chest make it feel feminine.

A bombe chest isn't just for traditional or formal spaces. It can work well in a transitional room or even a modern eclectic space. Making it work is all about details, finish and color, as well as carefully chosen decorative accessories that often include lamps and vases.

I hope you liked this post as much as I liked writing it! Try dressing up your home with a bombe chest and add a lamp or two to complete it! Drop on by Arcadian Lighting Blog for more lighting ideas for your home.

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Thanks so much Susi! This was so fun! Make sure to check out all of the beautiful lighting that Arcadian Lighting has to offer here.

"Arcadian Lighting is the best source for lighting fixtures and accessories at discount prices. Arcadian Lighting has been in the lighting industry for over 15 years selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products."

Featured in Home Magazine: Let's Make Your Entrance Hall Inviting

2011-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Recently, I wrote for Northeast Louisiana's Home Magazine. I wrote the article on a few entrance halls I've designed and talked about ways to make those spaces inviting to the rest of your home and/or office. If you're in Northeast Louisiana make sure to pick up a copy. Here's some images from the article:

Are you ready to make your Entrance Hall inviting? Let me know and I'd love to assist!

Favorite Designers Series: Kirsten Krason

2011-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

This week I'm featuring Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School. Kirsten is an amazing designer who shares a love for color and beautiful patterns. Check out her full portfolio here. Her blog is so much fun to follow. It's been a favorite of mine for some time now. Here are some things I love about her blog and designs:

House Tour

Her Weekly Series: Feature Friday

Make sure to check out all of 6th Street Design School here!

High Back Seating

2011-11-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

High back seating works in almost any space. Anytime you play with scale it always gives so much drama and visual interest to the space. Here's some high back seating that I'm loving...what do you think?

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{Recent Client's Kitchen Design}

2011-11-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

A few months back I was asked to design a kitchen for a home that had been hit by the devasting storms that came to Alabama this past April. This really hit close to home with me having lived in an apartment within feet of the horrific Tornado that hit Tuscaloosa.

This kitchen was a tight space but, I knew if designed correctly it could easily meet all of the client's needs. The main thing I wanted to accomplish was functionality and make it an eat in kitchen (which it was not before). With a little thinking through the space I made both happen. Take a look at some different floor plan options, elevations, and finishes chosen:

Door Style

Door Finish

Pendant Lighting

And this was the design I came up with if the client decides to take down an existing wall:

Have a trouble spot in your kitchen or home? Contact me at janhalesdesigns@gmail.com!

Favorite Designers Series: Danielle Oakey Interiors

2011-11-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

This week I'm featuring Danielle of Danielle Oakey Interiors! I absolutely love her fresh, hip style and her fun personality that shines through on her blog. You've got to check it out here. Here are some reasons why she's one of my favorite designers:

Isn't she wonderful? Make sure to check out her complete Portfolio on Home Tour here.

Trick or Treat? Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween...and you know what that means- ghosts, black, orange, candy corn, pumpkins, cats, and much much more! I hope all of you have a wonderful/spooky Halloween full of good candy & fun! Here's some pictures to get you in the spirit of Halloween:

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Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Favorite Designers Series: Caitlin Wilson Design

2011-10-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Wilson of Caitlin Wilson Design is one of my newest/favorite designers! Her skills are fantastic and she recently launched a Textile Website that is to die for.

Here's some of her textiles:

Shop HERE! I'm so excited about this!

I'm in love with all of these prints!

Check out her complete Portfolio & Website here!

Make sure to Follow Caitlin's Blog here and keep up with her fabulous work!

Update!

2011-10-21T04:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Sorry, I've been neglecting this blog a little. I'm in Wedding mode :) I just made a knot.com website and would love for everyone to check it out! Here it is:

http://janjosh.ourwedding.com/

Enjoy :) And Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!

What I've Been Up To!

2011-10-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been unbelievably amazing for me! I got Engaged on Sunday in Tuscaloosa, AL and then headed to Greenville, SC with my mom on Monday for a Cabinetry Seminar for European Kitchen of Alabama. I was so happy the entire trip...constantly staring at my gorgeous ring and calling various places reserving the date for our wedding! I wanted to share some pictures of the trip to Greenville, SC and how neat it was to tour a cabinetry factory for the first time. Also, I'm going to be putting together a wedding website in the near future and I'll post it when it's completed!! I've never been so excited/happy in my life! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Thank you soo much everyone for all of the Congrats and Wishes! Josh and I are soo excited.

{Fall & Flowers}

2011-10-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's officially Fall...the weather is getting cooler (yay) and the leaves on the trees are changing into beautiful Autumn colors. This is one of my favorite times of the year. While at home this weekend mom and I used flowers from my grandmother's funeral (that was on Saturday) and our Fall/Halloween decor and set everything up around our home. I wanted to share pictures of how the arrangements and decor came out. Enjoy & Happy beginning of Fall!

My Attempt at Photography

2011-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since I purchased my EOS Rebel T3 Camera I've been attempting photography. It's been so much fun trying out all of the different settings and coming up with new objects and/or scenes to snap photos of. I haven't gotten into editing yet...and I'm not sure I will. To me there is something about a raw photograph that really shows exactly what's going on in that scene at the moment. I wanted to share some of my favorite photos I've taken recently. And please voice your opinion (good or bad) I'm having so much fun doing it as a hobby. Here they are....

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!

Favorite Designers Series: Emily A. Clark

2011-10-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

New Blog...New Series! I will now be featuring all the designers from design blogs I love. First up...Emily of Emily A. Clark Interiors. If you haven't checked out her blog you're truly missing out. It is must read and her style is amazing.

Here's some pictures of her previous home that I just love...

Isn't her work fabulous? Make sure to follow her blog and check out her full portfolio here.

Thoughts

2011-10-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

With my Grandmother's passing this week, I really haven't felt like blogging. But, I wanted to share a few thoughts on an Interior, a peaceful photo, and a rememberance of my Grandmother. First, I came across this room on Pinterest that I think is just fabulous. I can't quite put my finger on what it is...maybe it's the deep colors or the way that the paintings and furniture are placed...or just all of the unique items in general. I'm not sure but I think it looks wonderful...

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Also, there's just something about a beautiful nature scene that calms the heart. This scene is perfect for the season as well...

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My Grandmother, Atsie Mae Hales, was one of the best people I've ever known. Her heart was so giving and loving to others. She always put others ahead of herself and was the perfect example of a Godly woman. She has influenced my life in so many ways and will continue to. I will miss her so much. But, I know that she will be smiling down on me everyday :)

Loving Garden Stools!

2011-10-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Garden Stools add the perfect pop of color & texture to any space! Everytime I see them in a space I can't help but think how much depth they add. So, next time you need to add a little something to your space consider using a garden stool... or two...or three?! Check out these great examples of Garden Stools and how much they add to these beautiful spaces!

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Aren't Garden Stools Fabulous?

Intro to & Thoughts on my new Blog

2011-10-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

This week has definitely not been great for me...most of you know my e-mail account got hacked and I have now lost all access to my old blog. Anyone that knows me knows how much my blog meant to me. I spent endless hours putting it together and coming up with topics that I thought could help inspire others with their own homes. But...what doesn't kill ya makes you stronger right? I thought for about a few hours about never having another blog. But, that shortly changed. I have such a great love and passion for the blogging world. I love sharing my everyday ideas and thoughts along with viewing others. Whether I come across a great design blog or a blog about someones life..I just love it. So, I'm going to give this ole' blogging thing another shot. And definitely not take it as seriously as my old one...(as I know this one could be lost in an instant too). But, I am going to let a little more loose with this one. I want to put a whole new/ fresh spin on my blog, business, and put more emphasis on my Online Decorating services. So...here's to my new blog :) I hope you choose to follow it...and join me on all of my thoughts and adventures! (you can follow by clicking the top right corner ;)

Sorry for such a long post...but this has been a whirlwind of a week (well year really) for me. And I promise from here on out... I will post great ideas in the world of Interior Design (and all things design related) with hints of my life! Thanks for the support and I hope all of you Enjoy this new blog!

P.S. my old blog is still live on the internet (which I'm sure it will be for the next couple years- or however long Google leaves it up) So...here's a link to it if you ever want to refer back:

http://janhalesdesigns.blogspot.com/

And like I've said....

When Life gives you Lemons...Make Lemonade!

*Tune back in next week for some fun posts about Interiors :)

Have a great weekend!

Reupholstery of a Chair {Before & After}

2011-10-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to help pick out fabric to Reupholster a chair for a Master Bedroom. The results were wonderful and I wanted to share it with all of you. Here's the chair before...

And here it is After...

I was so pleased with how it turned out!

Need help choosing fabric for a chair? Contact me at janhalesdesigns@gmail.com and let me help transform your chair into something wonderful!