Roxanne Rocks!

Back in September, Roxanne Price won a design consultation with me thanks to her winning submission for the 'Name My House of Fifty Column' contest. She wanted help with her dining room, so I shared my thoughts and then she got seriously jiggy with the design.

Here's a bit about Roxanne in her own words:

"I'm an author of Women's Contemporary Literature and Young Adult Fiction, most recently with my YA Urban Fantasy novel, the Queen of All Fates slated for release later this year. I hold a Master's degree in Education, I'm an English teacher, and I live with my wonderfully supportive husband, two rambunctious children, an over-weight cat and a partridge in a pear tree.

In my spare time (as if) I obsess over interior design magazines and blogs and try to find clever ways to make my house chic on a dime. (Sometimes even a nickel, but it's a really shiny one!) I think I’m like many; I want gorgeous design on the cheap. I want to walk into my home and wow myself. Although I lack funds, I’m willing to work for style. I’m artistic and crafty and willing to get my hands dirty."

Here's a photo of her living room - Comfy, eclectic, colorful and bold (love that giant map!): 

She obviously has a fun style and vibe, but was having trouble translating it into her dining room decor.

Here's what she started with:

The front door of the house is in the dining room, so she needed to make the space work as an entrance as well as a place to entertain.

She has two fab mirrors, and a great little art deco chest that should all stay.

The painting was a gift from her husband (gotta' love a man who gives art as a gift!), and the collage on the right celebrates their family and travels.

Here was some of my advice:

• Replace the rug with something more colorful or current. (Hand-me-down items shouldn't be sacred - if they don't fit your style, let them go.)
• Use paint panels and trim to carve out focal points. 
• Replace (or reinvent) the chandelier...it's too stuffy as-is.

Well. Roxanne has been a busy little bee. Check it:

Exhibit A: The power of a bold rug. (Also, proof that Contemporary and Traditional can play well together!)

Exhibit B: PAINT. I bang the paint drum endlessly, because it works. Nothing is as transformative (or as inexpensive).

Roxanne made it weerrrk!!!

She has great instincts, and just needed my objective eye to help her bring it all together. I couldn't be happier with her results, and since she's still figuring out the lighting and a few other little details (as well as a guest bedroom), there will be more eye candy to come. Thanks for sharing, Roxanne! We can't wait to see what you do next!