Cheap Thrills

Kick it Up a Notch!

2012-01-28T12:58:00.000-06:00

When girls hit that magical age of 10 they are all looking to kick things up a notch in their rooms -- I love Reeses' fab update that shows her love of art and color! She loves to create her own art and has a sassy personality to pull it off. I love Violet and have been dying to pair it with royal blue and turquoise. The combination is STUNNING!

Take the Waaaahhhhh out of Nursery Design!!

2012-01-23T15:52:00.000-06:00

Babies. Cute, Cuddly....they drool alot:) But, many of them have rooms that make ME want to drool. I love nursery design. It's so rewarding working with a nesting mom-to-be on creating the perfect place to welcome her dream come true in to the family home. Most moms have a vision of the perfect place for their newborn and being part of the process is a real gift! Whether you are expecting a bouncing baby boy or sweet as sugar baby girl, nursery design should be a rewarding and fun part of what to expect when you are expecting.

Miss Me?

2012-01-23T15:41:00.000-06:00

Have you missed our blog?? (please say yes) What a busy year we had. The blog took a backseat to cool new clients and fab projects. But, I've missed my blog peeps!! (picture me begging for forgiveness) I'm back on it and have many fun things to share. Look out 2012 Cheap Thrills is back in the house!!

Game ON!

2011-03-10T12:16:00.000-06:00

Game rooms are sooooo important!

Seriously! If you have kids, you know that a place to store all things kids related including the kids is critical to your sanity! Making these rooms fun AND functional is my mission!! I love taking a totally unorganized chaos pit and turning it in to a room you all LOVE!

Most of the time after a re-vamp, the kids actually want to bring their friends over and even make an effort to keep it clean.

Here are some of my favorites!!

She loves me, She loves me not.....

2011-02-03T15:35:00.000-06:00

Being stuck inside on a icy February day has it's perks. Besides the fact that I haven't made it out of my PJ's, it's given me a chance to catch up on my blog. Life has been busy since our last chat.....a good thing for an interior designer!!

I'm also doing a little daydreaming about SPRING! According to our groundhog guru, it may be coming early this year. One of my favorite things about Spring (besides my birthday month -- MARCH in case you are wondering) is flowers. I LOVE them in vases, in pots, flower beds and on walls. Maybe I am a flower-addict.

Flowers never go out of style. Why?? They’re happy, bright and waft with fabulous smells. Not only are they a perfect way to tell someone you love them (hint, hint) but they also make walls POP! I never get tired of putting the petal to the metal in kid’s spaces. Because there are sooooo many unique fabulous flowers, every room can bloom with style!!

Here are some of my favorite Flower Power rooms!!

Peace * Love * Flowers

Eye For Style

2010-10-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to a doctor's office and thought...."seriously, couldn't they have done more with the decor?" Maybe everyone doesn't do that but I think if they are going to make me wait an 30 minutes then I need to have something better to look at then a fish tank!

Marsh Eye Care actually had a fish tank painted on their walls...thing outside the box or just plain dated?? Maybe it was little of both but I had a blast bringing their office up to speed! Eye LOVE how it all came together!!

Before -- OMG , right??

OMG in a better way!!

Cool Eye quote - <wink>

Strutting Our Stuff!

2010-10-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

Outside of my dreams, I’ve had few design projects with absolutely no parameters -- no budget, no design direction, no time frame and the parting words, “Just have fun with it!” Really???? But, that was exactly my amazing assignment for designing spaces for the 2010 Kaleidoscope of Homes Tour. Quick, visualize my happy dance!

Although Cheap Thrills Design and Remodel has a traditional remodeling side and has renovated many homes, including bathrooms and kitchens, we are known for our “Extreme Home Makeover” type spaces we create for teens. Imagine how excited we were to let our creative juices flow in to the two teen suites at 1009 Whittington.

I spent days deciding on color schemes, fabric selection and room layout. At Cheap Thrills we also custom build all furniture pieces which was an additional design layer. We designed a full-size couch-type daybed with a sassy curved headboard for the girl space and platform bed with additional drawer storage and industrial pipe detailing for the boy space.

The paint finishes in both rooms are completely one-of-a-kind. One room features a vintage rock graffiti treatment. If you look closely you can see song lyrics and vintage rock poster signage. The walls in the girl’s room feature a hand-drawn, oversized poppy design.

At Cheap Thrills we are also known for our one-of-a-kind finds and we’ve included many in these spaces including lockers, car door, vintage typewriters and scales. We had a blast creating these spaces. The KOH is a great place to find fresh ideas and I hope we’ve created rooms that inspire!

Check out our additional pics...and go check out the other spaces (but still love ours the most) at the Kaleidoscope of Homes!!

Everything Old Is New Again

2010-09-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

Breathe new life in to a vintage couch or chair. Create a hip vibe in your living room or study lounge using a found piece. Paint the frame, add some fabulous new fabrics and VIOLA! Just think how amazingly chic you will feel opening your mail on a rad refurbished settee.

Look at our latest transformation! LOVE <3

We’re stickin it to you!!

2010-08-22T16:34:00.002-05:00

I love magnet boards. When I was younger (not so long ago), I loved to tape Andy Gibb posters to my wall. My mom was anti- tape, so I usually ended up getting the kabash put on my posters, movie tickets, and generally cool memorabilia.

Magnet boards solve that dilemma and man have they come a long way. They come in many different styles and colors to meet everyone’s needs – even moms. The can be old locker doors hung on the wall or ceiling tins turned magnet board. We even take old frames and fill them with metal for a formal yet funky look. Cool magnets are the icing on the cake. We like flowers, scrabble pieces, and Hot Wheel cars! vroom!!!

Wall O Fame!

2010-07-12T14:56:00.011-05:00

Do you sometimes feel over run with mementos. You just can’t fit all of your magical memories into just the family room bookcases? A display wall is the answer. Mix the past with the present by flaunting your amazing photos and one-of a kind trinkets. Put it all together so that it tells the unique story of your family, friends and interesting adventures.

Create your own wall of fame that features your favorite letters from your kids, photos of your grandparents and inspirational quotes.

Oh, the stories your shelves can tell!

I LOVE my Job!

2010-06-15T14:55:00.004-05:00

I have to say, I have the BEST clients. In most instances, I have to be dragged away from their homes kicking and screaming when our project ends. We have formed a bond through their project. I have seen most of them at their best and worst and many in their pajamas too! The good news is that we usually stay in touch and hopefully one of us devises a new plan or project so that we never really cut the cord.

One of my clients wrote the greatest recommendation on Angie's List for us.

"Bob and Jami walked us through every step of the redesign and remodel projects from Oct-May. Came out to meet with us in person when any questions arose, and were available to communicate via email, text and phone almost anytime day or night, weekend or weekday. Worked many Saturdays in order to get finished faster. Worked with our budget and provided options to save but also encouraged us to spend our money for maximum impact and longevity. Their staff of carpenters, painters, laborers, and designers were always friendly and energetic. Their contracted services were quick and any problems that arose were handled quickly and exceeded our expectations."

This made me so giddy! I felt like Sally Fields winning the Oscar, "You like me, you really like me."
As a designer I strive to make all of my client's happy by doing creative, budget-friendly work. I want them to be "Wowed" by my ideas and service. And although I don't have a red carpet to walk and don't get an award in the end....I walk away with a new friend and a happy heart!

I LOVE my job and clients~!

Shout Out!

2010-05-12T14:54:00.003-05:00

Thanks HGTV for the Shout Out!!

http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2010/03/26/budget-aka-brilliant-wall-decor/

Out On a Limb!

2010-04-12T14:51:00.005-05:00

I LOVE my job. One of the perks is meeting cool people. I recently met a spunky 12-year-old girl that really inspired me. She loves so many things about life -- football, geckos, nature, red, gold and circles are just a few things we discussed in our initial meeting. I left that meeting knowing that I needed to WOW this girl and give her a space that is as special and unique as she is.

: Lily pulling down the Marian Barber fathead!

First things first -- Lily needed to pull down the fatheads so that we could get started!! We began the makeover by painting her walls French Roast and her ceiling metallic gold. Then, we painted a gold tree branch across the walls and added red paper leaves for effect.

: AFTER

We built a custom headboard using alternating wood slats and also added custom red patent leather cornice boards. We added in a "Wall of Fame" for her football jerseys (yes, she plays!) and a shelving for her trophies.

: Bookcase and shelving

: Wall of Fame and Gold Magnet Board

I love how the room turned out -- a unique color scheme and design for a very inspired girl who inspired this girl to go out on a limb!

OOOH AHHH Spa!

2010-03-16T14:50:00.006-05:00

A gorgeous spa bathroom is a must-have when you are a mom of a toddler! Nothing says AHHH like a hot bath and glass of wine. And, "AHHH" is exactly what we gave the Hortons this month when we did a major overhaul on their bathroom.

: Custom vanities, flooring, lighting and wall finishes make this bathroom a great retreat

We took the bathroom down to the studs and started over with a new tub and shower area, custom cabinetry, unique tile work and creative metallic wall finishes.

The bathroom has a chic spa-like vibe and a lock on the door -- what else do you need??

Dude!

2010-02-18T14:47:00.011-06:00

I have a special place in my designer heart for boy's rooms. Being the mom of 3 boys myself, I know room ideas for the dudes can be lame (as my boys would say). Guys today need spaces as rad as they are and with just as much energy.

We recently finished Evan's room and I think it captured his vibe completely!

We started by painting his walls and then adding a metallic silver and bronze wave above his bed. We threw in some custom pillows on his sea blue bedding.

: Metallic bronze study lounge with custom desk and accessories

She's Crafty!

2010-01-12T14:43:00.011-06:00

I LOVE being crafty! The thought of a room filled with colored pencils, paper, glue and glitter get me all fired up. I think all women are really just adorable 6 year-old-girls at heart that thrive on cutting out paperdolls and making glitter hearts. A craft room is just the fix for a life's creative blocks .

Craft rooms needs to inspre. Check out these inspiring craft room designs.

They also need good storage, lighting and task areas. We made this green custom scrapbooking table as well as this storage cabinet made from found objects.

It's My Turn!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-12T14:40:00.017-06:00

Designers are definitely the cobbler’s kids. We beautify the world but when it comes to our own spaces there is not much left in the creative savings account. This year I hired myself to makeover a few rooms.

I started with the dining room. I have to come clean, we NEVER use this space. I designed a curvy custom booth in metallic blue green leather and nail head detailing to give it a trendy restaurant appeal. The walls were painted aqua and then given a bronze metallic glaze for depth. I stamped the walls and added some bling for effect. I love how it turned out and we have actually starting using it more.

Our formal living room has become a library/music room. At any given time there is someone reading on the couch while another is trying to form the new Jonas Brothers. Amps and guitars usually fill the space. I wanted this room to have a whimsical feel while also giving a nod to the library aspect. I went with a tree and poem wall that I think rocks the space. This Robert Frost poem has always been a favorite and it now serves as a reminder to take the road less traveled (I have definitely always taken the scenic route).

Master Bedrooms are always last on most of my client’s design to do lists. I definitely advise against this. But, I’m a “do as I say and not as I do” kind of gal. The master suite was not really on my radar for this project go-round. But, it somehow made the cut. We painted the walls a pewter metallic with a swirl design. We added pops of orange with the vintage sofa, bedding and art.

Creative people need creative spaces. For my office, we went with a large stripe on the walls with a dark aqua and candle light metallic paint combination. The desk was made from my dads old workshop table (I love this touch). I finally got a chandelier in my office along with all of my favorite books and pictures surrounding me. No excuses now…I better get the design whip crackin!

I finally got my turn!!!!! And, I would definitely recommend my designer…she was great!

Fabulous, Fancy and Four!!

2009-11-11T14:32:00.018-06:00

I LOVE the books about Fancy Nancy and all of her fabulous fancy exploits. She is always looking for a way to bling out her room, dog or sister and I have to say I think she's just cool. My favorite part of this mini stylista is her fancy lingo...like "ooo la la". So, when our smallest new client said she wanted a room fit for Fancy Nancy, I was soooo ecstatic (that's a fancy word for happy).

We painted her walls a fancy green with extra large flowers. Made a custom bed with gorgeous curvy lines and added the uber fancy details, ala Cheap Thrills Decor.

Her bath suite also got the royal treatment with painted tiaras and French vocabulary painted right on the walls. We added a little bedazzling for added poshness. "ooo la la" painted right above the potty is well ooo la la!

Her play room is absolutely sublime with lilac walls, embellished window

treatments (painted) and wall decor fit for only the fanciest girl in the land! Nancy has nothing on this girl!!

Wild With Style

2009-11-03T14:38:00.006-06:00

Sometimes you just have to hear the call of the wild...especially if you are a tween looking for a wild new room. We had a grrrreat time helping Jadyn go from a little girl space to a room fit for the queen of the jungle.

: Metallic blue walls and a custom zebra wall

We started with Metallic blue walls and a custom painted zebra wall. The zebra is black gloss and candlelight white metallic. We added a custom high gloss tufted black leather headboard for heightened drama. The look was finished with custom bedding.

Clean Up Your Act

2009-10-12T14:28:00.008-05:00

Who says that laundry rooms has to be boring?? The land of the lost socks and stinky football gear (at least in my house!) needs love too. If you dread this room like the Swine Flu then your clothes aren't the only thing that needs s fresh start. Wash that blah right out of your room!!

Start with the walls. Unless you plan to entertain in your laundry room then casual, whimsical and fun is the direction. Pick a color that makes your smile for the walls. Neutrals are not allowed. You can also go with a pattern, wallpaper or chalk paint. The key is to make this a room that you love to be in.

Hang things on the walls that make you happy. Ornate frames with children's art tacked inside are great for laundry rooms. I love the picture my daughter drew of us riding giraffes. It's hard not to smile while riding a giraffe. I also like the idea of vacation pictures, childhood black and white pictures or even framed book pages from your favorite novel.

Make sure there is a place for everything. I am definitely not the most organized person, but I love baskets and bins -- they make me FEEL like I am sorting my life out.

Clean up your act - and while you’re at it give your self some scenery while airing your dirty laundry.

Here Come the Storm Troopers.....

2009-09-09T14:25:00.009-05:00

Waz Up?

So when I meet with a new client, we usually go over their favorite colors, style, interests, etc. I like to interview my clients (sometimes I hold them down and shine a flashlight in their eyes if I really like them).

The first time I met Caleb he said, “I Like Xbox, Legos, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and I just learned to ride a bike.” I said, “Ok give me something hard…” Seriously, trying to combine all of the varied interests of an active 10-year-old can be complicated to put it mildly. Caleb, his mom, Denise, and I devised a plan to make it all work together. Ready, Break!

We started with metallic silver walls and added custom grafitti. It incorporates all of his interests now while giving him room to grow. My favorite part is the Storm Trooper riding the bike. I seriously think it's genius!

We built a platform bed with drawers underneath for storage and added an upholstered headboard. I combined several metallic and patterned fabrics so that it has plenty of modern attitude. The bed also has a custom fitted coverlet and metallic black pleather euro shams.

We added touches of red and black with the trim and desk area (also his fav). The lighting is a Euro shaded track light. Think modern disco. His bathroom went red too with a special treatment above the potty area. Does it get better than that??

I Love Camp!

2009-08-01T14:22:00.011-05:00

Summer!! Break out the slip and slide and the popsicles.

It’s also time for camp for many kids and you know what that means? Surprise projects. Every year we get a couple “Camp Makeovers”. These amazing parents think, “while the kids are away, the parents will play…in their room!”

This year, Harrison’s mom called to say he needed some updating. This cool teen wanted a more rocking vibes for his space and mom wanted to deliver while he was at band camp. Where to start?? The ceiling!! We painted his ceiling a flashy silver metallic and then painted dueling electric guitars with flames (nothing says rock star like flames).

We also painted his existing loft bed black (dad made it) and made a bench with cubby storage below. We will call this “Jam Central”. We also added a custom corner desk. We had custom graphic bedding made. I love it because it has flaming guitars and CDs. We used his existing guitar collection as décor. The coolest touch to this room is the canvas we made as a special tribute to his band. His band is called “Emergency Release” and they got that name while riding the bus home from school (can’t you just picture them saying, “What should we call the band?” ….and then seeing the sign at the back of the bus and saying , “Emergency Release”

The room turned out totally rad and as a bonus we added some special touches to his sister’s room too!

Rip Van Winkle lives here!

2009-07-02T14:16:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been in a home that feels sooo 10 years ago? I see many homes that just need a nudge (or giant push) getting out of their time warp. I feel like the Wonder Woman of design when I get a house like this.

Staying current is especially important if you are thinking about selling your home. Every home has wear and tear, but some are just not ready for “Prime Time”. If you’re getting ready to sell your love shack, you should know the competition is stiff. (I hear the Rocky theme running through my head)

Buyers, especially these days, are looking for homes that have “move-in” ready appeal. Most people don’t get excited about the prospect of moving to a new home and then undertaking the remodeling process. Who wants to move and then re-do?

For your home to pass muster you should plan on some updating to get it ready to beat the opposition. "BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!", she screams.

We repainted all of the walls in the home to give it a fresh start. The furniture was rearranged for a sense of openness and clutter packed away. All hardware, door knobs and lighting were updated. This home is now ready to go toe to toe with new homes and WOW potential buyers.

I can take a huge sigh of relief that another home has been saved!

(.....as my cape billows in the wind)

Now you see it, Now you don't!

2009-06-12T14:13:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had THAT room that is a part-time guest room but also part-time "just for me space?" The bed always gets in the way of this love triangle. How can you possibly spread out and follow your artistic dreams with the bed in the way?? But, where will Nana sleep when she visits? OyVey!

I've got you covered! Murphy beds are a great space-saver. They help rooms serve double duty. They fold up so that you can enjoy that extra space in your home and fold down when company is coming.
Murphy beds are also super cool for kids' rooms. Check out the room below. By day it's a basketball court and by night a bedroom. Think 007 but sporty!

They can be twin, full or queen and the facade can resemble an armoire, lockers or wall art. Take your part-time rooms to full-time hip with a Murphy bed.

2009-05-20T14:03:00.009-05:00

They say design is in the details and welll..."they" are right! Great rooms are made with finishing touches. One of the coolest new details involves pattern...stenciling.

Stenciling is a great way to add drama to the backs of cabinets or walls. Raised stencils up the ante even more. Check out our pictures below for ideas on how to add shock and awe to your spaces through pattern.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2009-04-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

Sporting a new design!

We hit a home run with this room with baseball twist. We made a custom replica of a vintage Fenway Park sign and added the perfect touches of memorabilia to have any toddler singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame!"

Branching out....

2009-03-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

I've got a fever for Trees...Spring fever.

Trees can be a great design element. They are a cool way to bring the outside indoors. A tree can be used in adult spaces and kids spaces with multiple embellishment options (AKA bling).

Add pictures frames for a "family" tree or butterflies and fairies for a "princess tree". The point is to branch out it a new design direction.

No Kidding....

2009-02-10T13:51:00.001-06:00

This room needed a serious time out for transformation. It went from cluttered playroom to a cool media room. The custom arches and shutters allow completeprivacy from other rooms while also giving the space a hip factor. We added a snack bar for even more functionality....Who wants popcorn?

"After"

Give Me Space!!!

2009-01-12T13:29:00.001-06:00

When I was a little girl, my mom and I bonded by re-decorating my room. It was a blast because, with my mom, nothing was really off limits. (she was a cool mom)

Kids are fearless decorators who gravitate to bold color and wild accessories. They don’t know “the rules”, so there are no limits to their boundless imaginations. They sometimes think so far out of the box that you may have to rein them in a bit.

A savvy teen client adamantly wanted orange and green walls in his room. His mom didn’t really think the scheme jived and asked him where he had seen those colors together. “Duh! A Gatorade bottle,” he said. Inspiration is everywhere especially if you're open to it ! His room was awesome. Gatorade green walls with vibrant orange rectangles – very geometric and hip. Just goes to show maybe we just need to give kids their spaces. I'm throwing all my design mags out and looking for design inspirtation in the drink cooler at 7-11.