This month we follow Kasey and Erika, two Kerrie Kelly Design Lab designers, on a beautiful home update for a lovely couple in Sacramento. They were looking to freshen up their California Ranch style home in the hopes of entertaining family and friends more comfortably. Read on as they chime in with some insight into this design project.
Q. What was the inspiration for the style of the home?
E: “Classic Americana, is what we were going for, using a traditional blue and yellow color palette while injecting modern elements such as mixed metals and bold abstract artwork. It’s a classic, yet casual space that our clients can entertain family and friends in.”
Q. What was the client’s biggest “ask”?
K: “Can I say nothing?! She did ask that we incorporate some of her existing pieces into the overall design. We used the client’s upholstery pieces as the jumping off point for the design, which ended up being great transitional styles in a classic color palette.
Q. Tell me about a certain space or room that you loved designing and installing the most?
E: “Since this was mainly one room, I will say what my favorite piece is. I absolutely love the console. When we first walked into our client’s room there was a big empty space on the back wall that was screaming for a statement piece and focal point. And my, what a statement piece it is! The beauty of this console — besides that it can be done in over 30 finishes — is the size and practicality. It can be used as a serving station, or an entry table to throw the mail and keys on while still maintaining a spot to keep shoes hidden away.”
Q. Tell me about a design obstacle that you overcame to make the project a success.
E: “This project was nearly seamless (I know I just jinxed myself for future projects), but we did have to reselect two items from our initial design. When we went to order the side table specified, the vendor informed us that the table was discontinued and no longer in production. Once your client (and yourself for that matter) falls in love with an item, it is hard to look past that and settle on a re-selection. However, we found a similar side table that ended up being better than the original. This also happened with the area rug we originally selected, since it was a new release and with that comes long lead times. In our case, that lead time kept getting pushed back and was not going to meet our install deadline so again we had to reselect. Overall these were minor setbacks and in the end, the re-selections looked like they were a part of the original design from the beginning!”
Q. Tell me more about your clients so we understand what kind of design they needed or were looking for.
K: “They were the sweetest couple we have had the pleasure of working with! They were longtime ’empty-nesters’ and recent grandparents, half-retired but still very active in the neighborhood and with their families.”
Q. What were some of your favorite items in the home?
E: “One thing I loved was the fireplace, the client had it modeled originally after the fireplace in her childhood home. In addition to that, I love the accessories that provided the final touch. Most of them we sourced from 42nd Street Design in Midtown Sacramento. The client was also very taken by how much those small items created a huge impact in the end. I always suggest to clients that they need a few extra bucks in the budget for these touches, it makes all the difference!”
Q: What do you think your clients will most look forward to in their new space?
K: “Our clients love to entertain family and friends and this space is now an inviting, comfortable and fun space to do so.”
Q. What advice do you have for anyone looking to redo a room or two in their own home?
E: “I suggest looking at the big picture and leaning on your designers to guide you and pull it all together. We love working with homeowners that are open to our suggestions, often it just takes a keen professional eye to really make your home work for you.”
