long-distance design

client in North Carolina with a "blah" dining room...

needed some JMI long-distance LOVE

NEW & IMPROVED!

new white cowhide with silver zebra pattern adds a POP under the dining table

drapes with chocolate/ivory greek key trim frames the windows & great view

white clam shell creates contrast on dining table and a display for corks or holiday cards

new chandelier adds height to the space and updates the "model home" look

new buffet, accessories, and large-scale art forms a great focal point on the large wall

from our library | tramp art

"From our library" is a new series of posts on anything/everything design and decor.  It could be a bio on a designer we love, or a description of a certain style of architecture or design.  Today = TRAMP ART.

I love to say it, and love to spot it!  Years ago during a routine antique store visit, I was introduced to Tramp Art.  This German and Scandinavian woodworking style was popularized in the late 1800s and early 1900s and is characterized by the notch carving and layering (pyramiding) of many small pieces of wood.  Recycled wood from cigar boxes was typically used.  This folk art has become a collectors item and can be found in intricate designs on boxes, frames, figurines and furniture.  You can read more about the origins and history of Tramp Art here.

These pieces are so unique and add great depth and texture to any space.

samples of antique tramp art...

and tramp art given new life....

"tramp lamp" by mitchell gold + bob williams

tramp art mirror by wisteria

naples tramp art mirror by mecox gardens

todd mirror by made goods

the bachelor pad continues...

We have just completed designs for our Bachelor's smart, sleek and comfortable master bedroom.  The design concept was to keep with his contemporary aesthetic, but to warm it up a bit and add lots of texture.  Streamlined furniture, a neutral palette and an accent of blue (Benjamin Moore's "Bachelor Blue" to be exact) create a stylish retreat for our client.

by the yard

A source that we frequently refer to here at JMI is the upholstery yardage guide to buying fabric.  We have never met a client that didn't have an existing piece of furniture that with a little love could be transformed into something beautiful.  There is a world of opportunity out there for grandma's chairs to become something stylish.  A fresh coat of paint and a striking fabric is all it takes.

Below is our go-to chart for upholstery yardages, and a few before/after examples we found to inspire you!  Happy snow day!!!!

before/after from jessica mcintyre interiors...

before/after from design sponge...

techno deco

This is by far one of the coolest design tools that I have come across on the web.  Virtual interior design created by mydeco.com allows you to easily design a floor plan with doors, windows, flooring and paint selections.  Then you can move around a little camera and adjust the view to see the space!  Another feature is dropping in (real-life retail) furniture to adequately design your space plan.  It even goes a step further and links you to the site where you can purchase all of those beautiful interior goods.  I do wish it had a larger selection of goods, and perhaps categorized not only by function but also by brand.  A girl can dream, can't she?

Have fun & enjoy designing away!

old dog, new tricks

Two of my clients have recently requested bunk beds in their homes.  In researching the latest & greatest for children's bedrooms, I found an array of refreshing takes on the traditional bunk beds you remember as a child.  The most stylish seem to be the custom-built for bunk rooms... what fun to see a slew of little cousins piled in there together!

Our favorite retail selection for a traditional home is the Kenwood Bunk Bed from Restoration Hardware.  The clean lines and hand crafted pine finish keep the look from being too childish, and will give your room a feel of young sophistication.  An added bonus is that the bed separates and turns into twins, so if your little ones argue over who gets the top bunk - problem solved!

For a modern home, we love the look of this Duet Bunk Bed from Layla Grace.  The contemporary design is sleek and simple, and the colored panels at the end of the bed can be selected from an variety of options.  The extra storage incorporated into the design is a big perk for those of you who's homes lack in the storage department!

hello 2011!

It is officially the New Year and with 2011 come many resolutions.  Each year my resolution is some version of the same theme, to eat healthier and get organized!  Since this isn't a food blog and I'm helpless in the kitchen, let's tackle ways to keep your home in shape and how to make room for all of your new gifts/purchases this holiday season...

Neoprene storage/cases/totes from Built may be some of the greatest items ever created.  Perfect to carry cold bottles of champagne to your next girls night dinner, or to protect your brand new electronic gadget.

These tweed drawer organizers from The Container Store are a great solution for closet nic-nacs.  Perfect sizes to accommodate belts, bangles, headbands and sunglasses.

This Closetmaid 15 Unit Organizer from Target is the perfect storage for shoes.  Stack a few to create a wall/tower of easy-access, viewable shoe storage.  Tip: leave one divider out of the unit to fit in boots.

Under-counter space in the bathroom seems to always get crowded with random bathroom necessities.  The Elfa Mesh Start-A-Stack drawer system from The Container Store  is a great fit for hairsprays, hot tools, brushes, etc.

If you don't have adequate wine storage, this rustic wine cube from Velocity Art & Design would look great in any kitchen or dining room.  Set a few side-by-side beneath a console, or stack on top of a bar.