lindsay hargens design

The Autumn Front Porch

January 24, 2020UncategorizedLeave a Comment

THE AUTUMN FRONT PORCH

October 7, 2019

Autumn is well underway and one of my favorite things to do is take in all of its beauty while exploring neighborhoods and seeing how people incorporate the season into their front porches. Pre WWII, the American front porch was a symbol of gathering and community; it really was the living room space of the day. Almost everyone had a front porch and that is where you congregated to find cooler temps and engage in activities. The porch was a place to relax and be with your people; it was inviting and warm.

As a design element, front porches all but disappeared post war as society became more dependable on the automobile for transportation and many preferred to gather privately in the backyard or inside. Today porches are again finding their way back into modern architecture and it makes me so happy. I love the front porch and all that is symbolizes. There are plenty of easy and beautiful ways to bring Autumn to your porch making people want to linger.

No matter the size, styling your porch does not have to be complicated or expensive. Invest in quality pots that you can use all year while changing out the plantings. Hardy Mums, kale and spinach are just a few plantings that bring awesome color and texture to your exterior and will last for months. If you have a chair or bench, incorporate it into your porch. It instantly encourages visitors to sit and rest. Grab a favorite throw or blanket and put it in a place someone can easily find it. Add in a few pumpkins and unusual gourds and layer a few outdoor rugs to ground the space and you’re done.

Autumn Exterior

Design by Lindsay Hargens Design

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There is plenty of inspiration out there to celebrate the front porch in every season. Here are a few of my online Autumn favorites. Happy lingering and happy Autumn!

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Design by Jeanne Oliver

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Photo by The Front Door Project

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Design by Boxwood Avenue

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Design by Liz Marie

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Photo by The Heart of the House

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Photo by Sincerely Marie Designs

Small but Mighty

January 24, 2020UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Small but Mighty

October 3, 2019

When we purchased our home, we knew making it what we wanted was going to take time and that I wouldn’t be able to do everything I wanted at once. We had a limited budget and it was only going to go so far. The kitchen was our biggest and first project; I can’t even believe it’s almost been 5 years since we tackled it! Add in life with three young children and running your own business and that doesn’t leave much time to carry out your own remodeling dreams!

As much as I wanted to do everything, I had to settle for fresh paint in the other rooms for now. The rest of the house would have to wait because I wanted to do it right and that meant having a plan and saving money. I think this made us appreciate everything even more. Just recently I finished up our powder room and I am amazed how small updates can have such high impact. The pretty little room just makes me happy!

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BEFORE

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The existing pedestal sink and faucet were still in good shape and a timeless design. To save money I incorporated both into the new plan. We replaced the toilet when we moved in since it was not functioning properly so it was staying as well. My powder room wish list included: stunning wallpaper, a beautiful light fixture, a large mirror and a few statement accessories to modernize this little room.

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I wanted black and white wall paper with a fresh geometric print; it had to be sophisticated and pretty. I love mixing my metals so that polished chrome faucet I was keeping needed brass. I couldn’t be more happy with the way they compliment each other. The large brass infinity mirror really opened the room up and the brass towel ring is simple yet stunning.

The icing on the cake for me is the light fixture. I wanted something sleek, linear and chrome. The clean lines of the LED sconce complete the room and will last for years to come. A few small things can really change a room and make a statement. What are your favorite little updates in the powder room for maximum impact? Here are a few other little powder rooms I adore that pack a powerful punch:

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Design by Three Birds Renovations

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Design by Amber Interior Design

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Photography by Nicole Franzen

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Design by GIA Renovations

A Bright New Bathroom for a New Year

January 23, 2020February 5, 2020UncategorizedLeave a Comment

A BRIGHT NEW BATHROOM FOR A NEW YEAR

January 23, 2020

A bright, functional and fun bathroom was at the top of my client’s wish list for their chic teenage girl. We took this dated and dark bathroom and gave it a complete overhaul to make it work for this teenager. I think her two younger sisters are already eyeing it for their own one day once big sis is gone!

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BEFORE

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The existing bathroom layout worked well, but it needed a new vanity to maximize storage and better lighting to make the space work. The client wanted a colored vanity and was open to the idea of hexagon cement tile to make the bathroom fresh and modern.

The gray hexagon tile is a statement, yet neutral, so it can last for years. The beautiful custom vanity offers functional drawers freeing up valuable counter space for all the things! I am in love with how the tile turned out. The dark hexagon really contrasts nicely with the light blue green of the vanity and the lighter countertop and shower tile. It really brings the wow factor to the space!

We mixed metals so the polished chrome faucets and cabinet hardware look stunning next to the black mirror and towel fixtures. I couldn’t be more happy with the way they compliment each other.

The icing on the cake are the sconces. I wanted something modern and chrome that gave this girl good lighting for when she needed it while adding dimension to the space. We put the sconces on a dimmer switch so that she can adjust the brightness of the sconces when needed. I have found that everyone has their own opinion about how much light they like to see themselves in!

The dated shower also got an overhaul with new floor and wall tile and a rain shower faucet that really work for this small but very important space. Adding a glass frameless door to the shower design really opened up the space further and lets the light in. I am so pleased with how the bathroom turned out and hope the family enjoys it for a long time.