Living Spaces Design
Economic downturns tend to make us think more closely about those things that matter most to us. It is during those times of introspection that people become much more aware of their surroundings. Home has an even more deep seeded need to comfort and cocoon us. If you are ready to renovate or decorate your living room, dining room, or family room, here are some things to keep in mind. Above all your home should be your sanctuary where you feel a safe haven to walk into at days end and feel finally “at home.”
De-Clutter
Living with too much “stuff” around us creates “visual noise” and creates a stressful environment. Taking a hard look at how rooms are used is the first step in creating the “living spaces” we long for. Eliminating objects makes a space quieter and simpler, thus calming our frazzled heads.
Re-Purpose
In the last few years I have repurposed many formal living and dining rooms into home office spaces or game rooms. If a space is only used 2 days per year, don't let those occasions dictate the rest of your year. Space flexibility opens up new possibilities. Perhaps an office can double as a guest room, or a game room/office that can become a dining room when guests are visiting.
De-Light
Window treatments are becoming less fussy and formal as design trends toward contemporary and sleek. But contemporary doesn’t need to feel cold or sterile if the proper textures are applied. Instead of throwing everything out for the sake of a new style, sometimes a transitional style is more practical. It can be fun to update older objects with paint or upholster for a fresh look.
Guilford Living Room
Baltimore Symphony Decorators' Show House - Guilford House
William Morris and the English Manor House collide in this living room of rich woods, coffered ceiling, arts and crafts fireplace and a few of the owner's antiques and artwork. Simple draperies add warmth in an authentic William Morris print which is echoed through the room in pillows, cushions and ottomans. Arts and crafts style benches constructed to cover the radiators are topped with rich clay chenille cushions. Large red Chinese hutches, from the owner's extensive antiques collection, add character to the room. Plaster insets in the walls are covered in William Morris wallpaper to lighten and add pattern to the wood surroundings.
Boy's Bed & Bath
Baltimore Symphony Decorators' Show House - Catonsville's Foxhall Manor
What young boy doesn't love to comb the beaches and climb up into the lighthouses? Our young boy's bedroom and bath are vibrant in a red, white and blue nautical theme, yet combined with the tranquility of the soothing ocean tides.
From the upholstered headboards, dotted with sailboats, to the soft red and blue chenille chair and ottoman you are sure to find a cozy spot for reading exciting stories of the sea. Roman shades with lighthouses and a splash of red give a clean tailored look to play up these oversized windows. Sailboats and lighthouses are continued into the bath with a more playful beach scene sure to make bath time as enjoyable as going to the beach.
The Salon
Baltimore Symphony Decorators' Show House - Rainbow Hill
Whether you are opening the doors to embrace autumn's first cool breezes or pulling up an ottoman to sit by the fire and chat with friends, the salon invites you to sit back, put your feet up and relax in your room with no walls.
Rainbow Hill's wonderful landscape has been brought inside for your pleasure with the use of murals filling all the walls between windows and doors. From the clouds on the ceiling creating open sky to the bird stealing from a tray of fruits on the garden wall, touches of whimsy add to the overall picture.
Sink into the lushness of the golden chenille sofa and snuggle back into its soft pillows. Maybe find a sunny spot on one of the four window seats to just commune with nature's beauty. If the sun is too bright just drop the silken sheers from their hold-back and have instant diffusion while not losing the view. Sit with a friend and enjoy brunch or wine and cheese at the table set ready for two.
Lutherville Home
Where Art Is at Home
Featuring four full floors, this home is located near St. Paul's School. The owners have impeccable taste and brought in BDunn Interiors to pull it all together. The traditional style showcases original art from centuries of artists around the world.
A Happy Customer
"In 1997, we began the process of building a custom home in the Lutherville/Timonium area. We hired a well-known, expensive designer/decorator. After trying to work with him for months, we decided to 'fire' him because he would not accomodate our tastes. Basically, he would not listen to us. A very good friend with a lovely home in Roland Park recommended Bobbie Dunn. We had seen the beautiful transformation of our friend's home which was the work of B Dunn Interiors. I called Bobbie, and she promptly returned my call and set up an appointment. Our house was still under construction when we met on site. Bobbie took measurements of each of the rooms, advised me on furniture placement, guided us with color choices, and eventually presented us with several options including fabrics, designs for window treatments, living room furniture, family room furniture, etc. Room by room, Bobbie shaped what was our vision for our home. She listened and responded efficiently, effectively, and beautifully.
"It's been ten years since we built our home, and we have made some improvements over the years, but I have not tired of the classic, traditional design which Bobbie shaped for us. She is one of the most efficient, hard-working, honest people that I know. She treats her clients with respect and gives them guidance rather than trying to talk them into her vision of their living spaces. She is personable and extemely talented. I have seen her work at the Decorator's Showhouses and am always amazed at how she continues to impress me. She has an eye for color and a sense of space that allows her to maximize a room's potential.
"Bobbie has made draperies for three of our homes. One vacation home, which is located in Southern Italy, has Bobbie's mark all over it. We took measurments for her, and Bobbie was able to make lovely silk draperies, pillows, and a table runner for the living and dining spaces. She has even gone shopping with me to buy accessories and essentials. Our vacation home in New Jersey has recently been updated by Bobbie. Each bedroom has been designed with our tastes and our family in mind. Valances, draperies, bedding, and accessories have all been carefully chosen and custom made.
"I cannot recommend Bobbie and B Dunn Interiors enough! Anyone looking for true talent in their decorating needs will find a perfect fit in Bobbie Dunn."
—Donna Vitale-Dix
