Vacation for the Soul

It is nice to get away for a couple of days to clear the mind, de-stress, eat good food, drink some crafted cocktails, and laugh a lot with family and friends!  It is just good for the soul!  It is a great way to recharge, and refresh yourself.  For me, there is no better place to do that than in Charleston, South Carolina.  We like to take the quick 12 hour drive to visit our family that lives there when we can.  Even though we come home a bit exhausted from all the hustle and bustle of traveling, really we come home relaxed and full of energy for life.  A few days in Charleston gets me so inspired for projects, work, and life.  After 7 years of traveling there now, we are getting the know the city so well after all of our trips, it is amazing to see all the new restaurants and things to do each time we go.  There is so much to do in Charleston, that we are always trying new places and new things.

This trip was even more special because my husband's sister graduated from College of Charleston.  We are so proud of her for her hard work in the Historic Preservation department with the college.  I know she is going to do amazing things with historic preservation wherever she goes.

"Let's Savor this day, the beauty of the world God made, the richness of family and friendship, the good gifts of creativity and work.  All these things are worth savoring."

Now that I have that vacation out of my system...I will be back to blogging! :)

Casual, Modern Basement Remodel {Client Design}

I am so excited to FINALLY be able to share a tour of this basement remodel!  It's been months of hard work, planning, and some amazing clients to work with!

After years of letting their 3 young boys take over the empty basement to run around and play sports in, the family decided it was time to reclaim the basement as a space for the entire family.  The goal was to make the basement a comfy, casual space for movie nights, entertaining family during the holidays, and still keeping a spot just for the kids to play!

Like most unfinished basements, they had one wide open basement with no walls, no separation, and no clear picture of space planning.  So, after lots of planning of the wide open space, we were able to make space for a full kitchen for lots of entertaining, a family space with a large sectional and fireplace, a guest room that doubles as a fitness room, a full bathroom, and a hangout space just for the kids.  Take a look at the complete tour of the once empty basement, transformed into a casual, modern family hangout space!

Additional window to the right of the fireplace for ample amount of natural light in the space. 

The white wood "d" is from Magnolia Market from the show Fixer Upper on HGTV.

The custom sliding barn doors were made from standard interior doors and painted in a dark gray to match the custom cabinetry next to the fireplace. 

 Custom ottoman from Kittle's

Arrow artwork by For the Love of Letters 

This metal "D" was nailed and hung onto a scrap piece of wood from the fireplace. 

Stripes were added onto one wall in the bathroom for a focal point and interest.

Words can't even describe the joy I have about how this project turned out!!  Every detail came together perfectly.  I couldn't have designed this space without the help of the amazing homeowners.  They were so excited about helping on this project and put so many hours into helping me plan and design the space.  It turned out perfectly and I know they are going to enjoy this space with their family for years and years to come!  

{all photos taken by Mimi Barry Photography}