Rooms Archives - Hadley Court

DESIGNING: A COMFORTABLE RECLINER FOR SUPER BOWL MANCAVES

January 27, 2014 by Leslie Leave a Comment

Next Sunday, Feb. 2nd 2104, is the Super Bowl, starting at 3:30 pm between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos and, if you live in Texas like my family and I do, Super Bowl Sunday is hallowed ground for entertaining and cooking.

Some of my interior design clients here in Midland, Texas ask me to design luxury *mancave* rooms for them. Don’t we all dislike that word? …but that’s what my male clients call it when they request I design a room for them, where they can relax, watch football, play billiards and practice their putting with their friends and spouses. Golf is big here, too, for both men and women.

The room above, designed by Twin Cities Construction, inspired me with its luxurious use of architectural materials and textures, while at the same time being elegant and gracious and incorporating all the features my clients would like to have.

THE PERFECT RECLINER FOR A MANCAVE:

The search for the ultimate recliner, for these types of rooms, especially for those of us that are interior designers, is never easy - especially as the most comfortable ones tend to be notoriously ugly. In addition, once you find one that’s a complimentary blend of masculine and feminine, often the choices for it are limited with respect to colors, fabrics and finishes.

Today, I am going to share with you a recliner I found that I like. { Tomorrow, I will share more recipes with you so that you will be prepared to welcome your family and guests, graciously.}

Is started last fall, when I attended High Point Market and was introduced to a manufacturer that had one of the most comfortable and best looking recliners I’ve seen, with all the options I needed: the AVA by American Leather.

An added bonus is that the company is headquartered in Dallas, making it very easy for my clients here in Midland to get delivery quickly.

Below, I’m sharing with you the AVA in different options.

As a designer, what I especially appreciate is that it can come with both legs and a swivel base and that that they will accept COM fabrics.

Here is the AVA in brown leather -which would look beautiful in my inspiration room above and would be practical when purchased with a treated leather so spills are easily wiped away.

The articulating headrest of the AVA recliner is a feature that makes it very comfortable to watch a big screen TV and still have your head supported properly at the correct angle - especially important for my clients that have their parents visiting or living with them. { I wrote earlier about living with multi-generations. If you missed that post and would like to read it, please click, here. }

This is also the AVA recliner, below, but shown with this articulating headrest feature and in a more modern version:

Here are 2 more pictures of the AVA, recliner, below, the first with a wooden leg option versus the swivel base in the 2nd picture, in a couple of fabric options I think my clients might like. What do you think? Which one do you like best?

I enjoy being able to choose different bases, leather and fabric options to give my clients the comfort they need and the visual uniformity often required in these kinds of rooms, but allowing me the creative freedom I need to design a visually stimulating room for them that’s not populated by 9 identical chairs in the same color.

Another option this company offers is TORAY ‘s Ultrasuede - which has a warranty of 10 years - and is very practical with small children, pets and the elderly and it allows for thousands of colors and combinations.

Here’s the AVA in TORAY Ultrasuede’s pale blue, very similar to Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Color Of The Year.

[ If you are contacting me to design a hospitality project for you here in Texas, where an order of 200 or more yards would be needed, I can also custom design an exclusive TORAY Ultrasuede for you in patterns similar to this one, below, developed exclusively for Hickory Chair. ]

Lastly, here’s another room that inspired me and that I think my female clients could live with, too. I could even enjoy sitting at the bar, watching the Super Bowl on this big screen TV..or, later, Downton Abbey. Could you?

Comfortable recliners are essential for gracious entertaining in a room designed to accomodate the men in our lives and their joys and hobbies and I hope this post has helped you know there are comfortable, beautiful, luxurious options when your husband turns around one day and says to you, “Honey, I’d like a mancave” and you silently cringe.

Have a blessed week ahead as you plan for gracious Super Bowl entertaining with your own family and friends and I invite you to please subscribe to my blog and visit Hadley Court’s homes on the web, here, here , here and on G+ , here .

Leslie Hendrix Wood
Founder

http://hadleycourt.com/blog

Filed Under: Design, Home & Garden, Rooms Tagged With: blog, Chancellor Interiors, comfortable, decor, design, entertaining, football, Hadley Court, interior design, Interior Designer, Interior Design, Midland, Midland Texas, Texas, Hadley Court, blog, Chancellor Interiors, luxury, Mancave, mancaves, Midland, Midland Texas, recliners, sports, Super Bowl, Texas, ultimate

Welcome Wednesday :: The Mudroom

September 18, 2013 by Jessica Gordon Ryan Leave a Comment

Greetings from the United Kingdom! By the time you all are reading this, this Hadley Court contributor will be in London scouting out the newest, hippest, chic-est, happenings in the world of design. Many of our trends-turned-classics originate in Europe where much emphasis is given to design and the craftsman. I can’t wait to share all my findings with you. In the meantime, I thought it would be fitting if we focused on the mudroom… After all, London is known for its overcast, often-rainy days.

We do have our share of rain in the States as well, and we all need a place to house our Hunter rain wellies (pumps, tennis shoes, soccer cleats, etc.) One of the hardest areas to keep clean and organized is the mudroom, especially when children (young and old!) come into the picture. You would not be alone if you said that your mudroom looked as though a tornado blasted through with shoes, jackets and backpacks strewn across the floor, leaving a much better trail than Hansel and Gretel ever could have hoped for.

There’s no reason not to treat your mudroom as you would any other room of the house. Paint your walls, add an area rug if you wish - Just be sure that it’s weather-friendly and can withstand dirt, mud and water. Hang artwork on your walls. Depending on the size of your mudroom, a small table on which to place keys, letters, and the like is always a good idea. You just want to be sure that this doesn’t become another area on which to pile things. A seat or a bench for people to put on and take off shoes and boots not only make this space cozy, but practical. If using hooks, either in cubbies or on the wall, make sure there are some low enough for younger children to hang their coats on by themselves. Baskets, and containers neatly aligned, make a great place to store mittens and any oddball item - even a backpack, if large enough. If your space is not large enough for cubbies, a nice looking trunk or storage bench is a great way to collect backpacks and keep them out of sight. Boot trays offer children an instant place to deposit their footwear, and keep mud confined to one area.

We hope the images below do inspire you. The key to a tidy mudroom is to have it well organized - a place for everything and everything in its place.

images via: Lonny, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Tumblr, Country Home, Houzz

Filed Under: Design, Home & Garden, Lifestyle, Rooms Tagged With: Mud rooms

Before and After: Den Makeover

August 9, 2013 by Leslie 1 Comment

We just finished an installation at one of my favorite client’s beautiful home. As with all my clients, I met this client in her home to review the scope of the project and to determine what the client envisions for the space. After the initial meeting, the real fun begins. I go to the workroom and pull fabric and trim samples and then on to selecting furnishings and accessories. After I compile all the ingredients for the perfect room, I create a storyboard for the client.

I love presentations with my clients. It is like preparing for Christmas. The conference room is prepared for client visits. The table is dressed with a linen tablecloth, linen napkins, fresh flowers, and petit fours to enjoy during the presentation. I love seeing the excitement in my client’s eyes when they see how very special we think they are. It is like watching your children on Christmas morning when I reveal their storyboard. It is their story-full with all the joys and memories they foresee making in this new space.

The greatest gift of all is seeing your client’s dreams come true. During installation, each new piece of furniture placed is like unwrapping a package. I never tire of watching each piece of furniture come through the door.

As you can see from above, my client wanted a warm and cozy space, yet tailored and sophisticated.

I think it is a beautiful room!

Do you think the room is warm and cozy? Please weigh in and let us know your thoughts.

Sources

1. Chair Fabric by F. Schumacher - Mandalay Tree, color Document

2. Coffee Table by Jonathon Charles - Rectangular Parquet Coffee Table

3. Ottomon Fabric by B. Berger - #1181-10 Lynx

4. Sofa Fabric by B. Berger - #1953-09 Taupe/Spice

5. Lamp by The Natural Light - Port Morgan

6. Chair Fabric by F. Schumacher - Mandalay Tree, color Document

7. Wall Paint Color by Sherwin Williams, Chat Room

8. Three Finger Pinch Pleat Drape

9. Accessories provided by client

10. Sofa Table by Jonathon Charles - Walnut Leaf Table

Filed Under: Design, Home & Garden, Rooms Tagged With: Den Makeover Ideas

Welcome Wednesday :: The Bath

August 7, 2013 by Jessica Gordon Ryan Leave a Comment

Welcome to the bath. This small room is finally getting some of the appreciation and recognition it deserves. It’s much more than a space to stop in briefly to freshen up. What might very well be the smallest room in your home, may very well be the most important room of your home. Last week we talked about the Kitchen Table - how important it is in our day to day living and how integral it is to the fabric of our lives. In the kitchen there’s always a buzz, a gentle hum of activity, constant traffic of busy feet, sounds of pots and pans and wooden spoons clanking… The wonderful aromas, sweet and savory, that fill the air, our stomachs and our hearts… Aromas that will one day become memories. The Kitchen is the hub of the home. The bath is the calm… the peace, the zen… It is tranquility and calm, peace and renewal.

The one place we could all escape to, when we were young, new, and utterly exhausted mothers was the bathroom. It was the one door we could, for the most-part, close and lock and disappear behind. The door formed a barrier between calm and chaos, quiet and frenzy. Even for a quick 5 minute shower, those 5 minutes were ours. And ours alone. No other room in the house offered that same promise… the promise of tranquility. As women, even with grown children, we still need our quiet place. We still need time to ourselves to decompress, to relax and rejuvenate. Our lives are crazier and more hectic than they have ever been. We’re trying to do it all. We’re breadwinners and chauffeurs. We’re doctors and nurses and private chefs. We’re financial managers and we’re caretakers. There’s simply not enough time in the day for us to do all that we need to do and yet we can’t let ourselves get overwhelmed and run down. 20 minutes a day is all it takes to slow down and regroup. And there’s no better place to do this than the most private room of all.

Whether your bathroom is shared with a spouse, partner or children there are ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas as to how you can add your own personal touches. Make this room your own personal escape:
Add oversized, elegant mirrors to add to the natural daylight.
Add pretty pieces of artwork.
Bring in fresh flowers as often as you can. They add such a softness to the room, not to mention a wonderful aroma.
Paint your bathroom in soothing colors like pale greens and blues that bring you back to the sea.
Add fine linens, plush towels and rugs to add a softness to the space.
Place candles near the bathtub and by the sink.
Add a chandelier to add a feminine touch.
Put your lights on dimmers to create a soothing mood at the end of the day.
Think about adding a skylight to let in even more natural light. (There’s nothing so magical as gazing up into the stars at night while in the bath!)
Incorporate a piece of furniture or two, if you have the space.
Bring in some soothing music, some books and or magazines.
And, nothing is as relaxing as a long soak in a tub filled with bubbles while enjoying a nice glass of champagne at the end of the day!

Images: 1, Amy Morris: 2, Houzz (origins unknown): 3, Bright Bazaar Blog: 4, Samantha Coughlin Interiors: 5, Decorpad

Filed Under: Design Tips, Design, Home & Garden, Rooms Tagged With: Beautiful bathrooms

Stunning Staircases

July 26, 2013 by Leslie 4 Comments

Nothing sets the stage for an entry into a beautiful home like a grand staircase. This staircase is in Buckingham Palace and probably a bit more than most of us would like in our homes. Nonetheless, the staircase is stunning and sets the tone for the magnificence of the Palace.

Nothing says “Old World’ glamour like a fabulous staircase. I have always dreamed of having a home with an exquisite stairway. I do not have a grand staircase in my home but fortanately I am currently work on designing a large home with a grand staircase.

The stairwell is beautiful as is, however, we plan to have a custom carpet made for the stairwell. I plan to elevate the design a notch or two and create a more elegant feeling when you enter the front door. I am great believer in creating spaces that have a quiet elegance to them.

We plan to use the pattern in this strike off for the new stairwell carpet. Please excuse my Iphone picture. The actual carpet is beyond stunning. The carpet will be created by Tai Ping Carpets, the leading manufacturer of hand made carpets. The carpet will be made with a combination of wool and dull silk. I actually love the pure silk version of this carpet more, however is isn’t practical for a stairwell. The all silk version is easy to slip on and does not hold up to heavy traffic very well. It is also very expensive.

What do you think about the new carpet choice? Do you prefer the existing carpet and the custom carpet? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Filed Under: Design, Home & Garden, Rooms Tagged With: carpeted staircases, grand staircase

Sneak Peek 2013: Dallas Market Center

July 12, 2013 by Leslie Leave a Comment

At the end of June, I had the great pleasure of being one of the hostesses of Dallas Market Center’s Sneak Peek event for bloggers. This is my second time to attend this event and I must say the event keeps getting better. All the fun started on Friday afternoon with a showroom visit to Silk Route. As you can see from the highlights below, Silk Route offers some real beauties imported from China.

We visited the International Folk Art Market Collection. I must admit that at first glance I did not think I would enjoy the tour. The last laugh was on me because I loved touring the market. After talking with many of the vendors, I came to appreciate the hours of delicate craftsmanship needed to make these beautiful handmade goods. Many of the vendors are cottage industries who employ women and provide them with much needed income to support their children.

We were treated to a demonstration by the lovely Amy Howard. Amy is the creative genius behind her new paint line, Rescue Restore Redecorate. See my earlier post about Amy Howard. The showroom CODARUS hosted a lovely cocktail reception to “Meet and Greet” Amy Howard. Thank you CODARUS for a lovely evening.

Saturday morning we had breakfast with Bill Rancic, successful entrepreneur and winner of The Apprentice. Bill gave an inspiring talk on “How to Succeed in Business and Life.” Not only is he nice looking, he is charming and smart as well.

We were then off to Design FINDS temporaries. I love the temporaries because this is the place to find new and interesting items that have not saturated the market yet. The photos above are a few of the great things I found. I hope you like my finds because they will be available in Hadley Court’s online shop in August. Stay Tuned!

During the lunch hour we visited Hudson Valley/Corbett Lighting. Their lighting is transitional and absolutely gorgeous. I also won a fabulous lamp. I just received it today. I will share a picture with you once I uncrate it. Many thanks Hudson Valley/Corbett Lighting for your generosity. A big thank you to the showroom, Currey & Co., who served us a lovely lunch.

My afternoon was filled with meetings, so I missed the afternoon tours. Fortunately, I was able to attend the closing cocktail reception in the showroom, Taylors on Ten. I want to thank Meredith Hite, VP of Corporate Communications at Dallas Market Center and her team for hosting our group of bloggers to such a fun-filled and informative weekend.

Filed Under: Design, Home & Garden, Rooms Tagged With: Sneak Peek Dallas Market Center

Welcome Wednesdays :: Decorating with blue and white

July 10, 2013 by Jessica Gordon Ryan Leave a Comment

You can’t get any more simple than blue and white. It’s easy. It’s relaxed. It’s sophisticated and yet so simple. It’s chic and yet so effortless. It’s so stylish and yet so modest and unfussy. It’s the perfect combination. Blue is calming. White is serene. Blue and white evokes feeling of the shore and the beach and all things summery and nautical.It is soft and feminine and yet strong and masculine. Blue has the power to heal, comfort and relax. In our crazy, hectic and fast paced worlds coming home to a blue and white space is perhaps the perfect antidote to today’s stressful lifestyle.