Bradham’s Dilemma

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When I first meet with the Bradham family they originally were wanting my opinion on wall color. But once we got to talking it was clear that the walls weren’t the problem. They had collected furniture and decor during their marriage, which was all in the brown family, but the home they moved into two years ago had grey and white tile, white kitchen cabinets, and grey walls. So nothing was jelling. Since the walls were freshly painted and the furniture was old, I asked “Why don’t we put your money where it’s going to make the largest impact and keep things fresh for years to come?”  It was clear to me that we could really turn their home into the dream space they had always wanted without paint, cabinetry, and flooring.

The result…a chic, industrial mash up! Nicole and Jeff were great to work with. They knew what they didn’t like and that always makes my job a lot easier. After some digging I was able to come up with a pallet that would work wonderfully with the grey backdrop while adding some colors that they really loved…teal, orange, and navy.  My favorite piece is that navy china hutch with copper plates and teal cups.

Thank you Bradhams for allowing me to serve your family and forgiving me freedom to give you something unique. It was a true honor and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Total Redo: Sams and Hensley

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I love when the conversation starts with total REDO!

Gutting the kitchen, new floors, removing wallpaper and mirrored walls, even totally redoing the exterior…you name it we did it to the David Sams/Taylor Hensley home.

After many Pinterest finds that I had Taylor find so I could pinpoint their tastes, I knew exactly where to head.  Plumbing, light fixtures and hardware were edgy and modern so after the “Joanna Gaines” type décor, things would remain young and sleek. 

Rustic yet sleek was the overall idea as we really nailed that with the kitchen redo, pallet wall and master bath tile design.

David and Taylor let me run with everything knowing that I had the décor and the finishing details in mind during the renovations. This is when a home run is formed with I get my hands on the details from the ground up 🙂

 Now onto the nursery….yes they are expecting….the office, pool bath and upstairs bonus room (well it’s way more than a room and more like another house upstairs!)

David and Taylor, let’s continue the fun!!!

Britt’s North Lakeland Southern Paradise

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It never gets old…helping people make the home they have lived in for years, have life again. The Britt’s have a beautiful North Lakeland home but it needed some love. Over a the course of several months we transformed their cozy home into an over the top southern paradise. Teal, soft ivory, gray and mustard became the pallet. Touches of industrial accessories, shabby chic furniture, and old mixed with new items, helped pull together the over all feel.  It has been a pleasure to work with the Britt’s! It feels good when someone trust you completely with their most protected space, their home. 

Hodge Part 2 – Bedrooms

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What can we say about the Hodge family that we haven’t already said the first Hodge blog? They are wonderful. We wish every project would go as smooth as both Hodge projects went. Can’t help but wonder if it went so smooth because the Hodges are such a pleasure to work for and with.  In keeping with the essences of who this family is, we used touches of country mixed with touches of class. One of our favorite things to do is mix two design worlds and this was a fun project for that reason. Hope you love the outcome as much as we do!

 

Parade of Homes…Urban Lodge

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Urban Lodge…the “Greystone”….PCBA First Place Winner….Ernie White shines again!

Ernie White refuses to stay stagnant.

He’s known for his stately traditional home….built to perfection….lacking nothing when it comes to trim.  A classic to say the least.

With changing times comes changing décor.  Young families need to be drawn in by his ability to shift and customize based on current trends.

Because this home was to be put on the market, I was able to have full control and stretch Mr. White like he’s NEVER been stretched!  The house WON.…the buzz continues….here’s why.

-The cabinets are a muddy taupe and all the trim work is a perfect match
-A navy island base coordinates beautifully with the smoky slate back-splash
-The floors aren’t your everyday distressed hickory.  They are seamless, dark and flawless
-The 8′ doors are a straight out of a New York loft….I painted them a deeper gray/olive to add contrast against the trim and to add even more life; door hardware….well it’s just edgy
-The lines are clean, right down to the solid wainscot wall in the master and the 3/4 high wainscot in the den
-The plumbing is bold; stainless and modern
-The lighting….oh the lighting.  It’s ultra sleek; dark iron for richness
-Master baths don’t have to be feminine;  but trust me….a woman will flip over this zen-ful retreat. Dark slate, glass tile and calming Cambria ushers in serenity
-Coffered ceiling with cherry beams bring a unique skilled craftsman appeal in both the great room and dining
-The fireplace…my favorite!  Above the mantle is random sized plank wood and below is linear slate mosaic
-The built-ins beside the fireplace not only match the kitchen cabinets in color, but also in style
-The stained ceilings on the ENORMOUS back lanai with Pool Blue’s sophisticated darker pool, fully surrounded in pavers makes you not only want to entertain, but throw a huge party
-The full outdoor kitchen/grill, the pool bath, the front door, the exterior colors…….
The list goes on and on!!!!

This prized home is fully staged and ready for a family or empty nesters.

Kristina Kreations…..that’s me….owns ALL furnishings/accessories and willing to negotiate selling with the purchase of the home or future staging.

There’s something really unique about this home.  Amanda Bass say’s “it’s straight out of Colorado; something you typically don’t see in Polk County”.

I had a blast creating this home for Ernie to shine and for a future Lakelander to posses.

I’ll let the pictures do all the talking from here…..

Love ya Ernie and congrats on winning 3 first place ribbons this year!  LOVE working with you and your fantastic team :)))

It’s more than décor,
Kristina

 

Jarrell Master Suite…West Indies Resort

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West Indies Resort….AKA the Jarrells’ lovely master suite.

Jon found me online.

Got off the phone and told my hubby, Chris, “Gosh that’s such a nice man”.  Little did I know he had a nice wife too!

When I first met them I spent hours walking through their LOVELY home in a cul-de-sac near Scott Lake.  We all spilled our ideas and dreams for a multitude of face lifts/renovations that would soon be broken up into phases.

I quickly realized this family was special….grounded in faith….spending time where it counts….making memories and doing life together.  Jon and Missy didn’t know it yet, but I was THRILLED to have the opportunity to help them tweak this home.

Their current style reflects an eclectic mix of time worn leathers, British Colonial flairs, simple linens and smoky teal blues.  Hearing about some of their pieces makes me know they hold tight to memories and want their home to be a true reflection of their family.

Their home was built in the 70’s and was tastefully done in its time.  Past down from the family, the Jarrell’s wanted to make it their own.  We dreamed of white 12″ tile being replaced with just the right wood floor, gutting the kitchen, new furniture layouts, a mudroom with all the backpack and shoe cubbies a family could dream of and of course the upstairs master suite.  We started there.

Phase 1- upstairs master suite;  sitting room, bedroom and bath

We replaced the carpet with the most stunning aged wood with random plank sizes for interest.  Just the right shade, their wood floors really complimented their white coastal inspired furniture.  After seeing some of their existing antique pieces but knowing they wanted a more clean, modern feel, I used the Jarrell’s existing navy/coral pillows as my inspiration.  I felt it brought the timeless sophistication, but kept things clean, bold and simple.  An inspiration had been born.

I choose a super soft teal gray “Gray Owl” by Benj. Moore to add a kiss of cool serenity to all of the warm tones which was soon to be. Actually the Jarrell’s came up with this color after my choice went just a hair bolder.  I loved it!

My first purchase was the two-toned gauzy drapery panels as I could just see the windows open and these panels blowing in this high end resort.  It had just the right two-tones of ecru that I wanted to bounce around the room.  The bedding was calming, yet inviting and I chose a glue/gray for the sheets.  A multitude of textures and wood tones make this space feel intriguing, exotic and calming.  A time-worn putty/gray vintage rug grounded this space.

The bathroom….oh the bathroom!  I just love how this turned out.  We replaced the old ornate cream lighting fixtures with new one from Fergusons.  Added hardware to the cabinets for interest.  Bubble baths will never be the same in here….especially with that palm print over the tub.  They even have a place to hang their towels now 😉

Missy and Jon.
A master suite is one of the most private spaces, yet you opened it up to me.  My sincere hope is that you both experience restful tranquility in your new space, providing you the zeal for life, for marriage, for family.

It’s truly “more than décor”.

Thanks guys.

HUGE shout-out to Bunch Construction who handled the painting, flooring and larger base boards. Great work, guys!

 

Lynette Walker-the ultimate gift

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I say “gift” but what Lynette Walker did for her elderly parents was indeed a sacrifice.

I first met Lynette in Ernie White’s showroom where we picked out everything for her mom and dad’s new home.  Lynette was there not only to help with the selections, but because she was building this home for her parents as a gift.

Lynette grew up appreciating the value of a dollar.  She and her 4 siblings were all raised in a single wide trailer in Plant City, FL.  That trailer, needless to say, has seen better days.  After over 40 years, the trailer was literally falling apart but her sweet parents were reluctant to move as they felt it was still good enough to live in and why spend the money.

Well, Lynette insisted that they would live in something nice.  A new trailer would have done the trick but Lynette built them a brand new simple/smaller scaled home.  She wanted them to have nice textiles like wood floors and wood cabinets but she didn’t stop there.

She contacted me about giving them a brand new great room/kitchen….with new furniture, accessories….complete with all the “fixn’s”, as they say in Plant City.

I found a set of decorative plates and Tiffany lamps that Mary (Lynette’s mom) liked and used them for inspiration.  I wanted this home to be about Mary and Fred and not anything current or trendy.

Lynette took them out shopping.  It was a surprise to them as Mom and I had a only a few hours but were plugging in the last cord when they arrived.

It was the sweetest moment.  Mary cried…we all cried.…Lynette captured it on video.

It’s these moments that make it all worth it.

Lynette has thanked me over and over and one of her sister’s even called me.  What I want to do is thank them.  Who gets this kind of opportunity?

Lynette- I’ve learned a lot from you through this experience.  Your selfless heart is one to not only be admired but also duplicated.  Your giving husband should be praised just the same.

Your gift to your parents has also blessed me.

 

 

The Martin’s Beach House

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The Martin’s.

Where do I begin?

Guess it was about 4 years ago Donna and Ken approached me about renovating their older Ernie White home in Deer Brook.  They decided not to take action immediately but Donna and I remained in touch about once a year just to revisit the subject.

I was SUPER stoked when I received a call from her in summer of 2014 that they decided to buy a retirement condo at Bradenton Beach!  She was calling me to get on my books so she could have my full attention come the following February when they closed.  Needless to say, I was all over it and couldn’t wait to dive in.

When I say the Martin’s didn’t bring anything from their Deer Brook home, I mean they didn’t bring “anything”.  Not only was the condo brand new, but it was stunning and a perfect blank canvas.  From mattresses to bath towels, this home needed to be fully furnished, accessorized and homey….for everyday use and not just a show home (although it sure does look like one).

I chose a grown-up beach theme….not the traditional cheesy stuff.  Think British Isles meets causal sophistication.  Not overdone, there were classic pieces surrounded by whispers of sailboats and anchors.

The color palette was derived entirely by fabric which encompassed their entire great room and dining forming a drapery haven around the beautiful views.  The grayish teals, olive greens and rich corals were evenly sprinkled throughout causing the eye to dance all around at the unique balance.

Bronze and gilded gold were the main metal tones but copper was a perfect mix in, mainly for the coral color.

I, with lot’s of help from my dad, crafted a table from an old French door and completed it with a glass top.  A true “Kristina Kreation” hangs as the center focal point in the dining room.  A painted chic dresser serves as their media console and a desk mounted on a stone corbel completes the opposite side of the room.

Old bikes and timeless painted antiques formed a unique but ever-flowing theme for their master retreat.  A gallery ledge above the timeless iron bed felt romantic indeed but certainly not to feminine for Ken 😉  Custom drapes by Judy Madej, truly made this space complete with sheers to adjust the light and mood anytime of day.  I love the corner tufted-back chair with the roses and vintage magazine rack.  The dresser from Simple Vintage, had so much charm and was such a perfect fit that I choose to paint the chest just like it.

Lauren’s room was feminine as they come as she choose a French chic theme.  Surrounded with white ruffles, vintage blush/rose and mirrored silver/gold pieces, her room was the perfect mix of vintage glam.  The velvet gray headboard and soft gray walls acted as a nice backdrop for this cooler palette.  Lauren’s chandelier fan just topped it off and completed the space.

Contrary to Lauren’s room….of course, you had Matthew’s rustic beach retreat.  His palette style headboard and paisley tan bedding instantly brings a masculine but grungy sailor look.  Deep navy striped pillows and bronze/brass accents, this bedroom is super welcoming for Matthew and guests alike.

Speaking about guests, Donna and Ken have already told me I could stay their for a weekend and just relax and not work!  I have to say I could truly take you up on that offer although I may end up cleaning or shifting a few things around a bit!

This family is so stink’n sweet!  I’m telling you, they were the easiest and most fun to work with.  They were FULLY trusting in my abilities and direction in each room.  I cannot express how humbling it is to be the one that creates a dream come true for them.  What a gift to be chosen to give them a retirement space…a new chapter…a new lifestyle.

“It’s more than décor”.  It’s everyday life….a weekend getaway.  It’s seeing Donna cry and hug me in disbelief as she walked into her completed space for the first time.

People work hard their whole life and to see when reality hits them that this retreat is truly their home brings me a joy I cannot describe.

I have a gift.  The Martin’s received a gift.  I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do and I thank God that He keeps orchestrating little miracles and asked me to play a small role.

Martin’s- I can’t wait to tackle your Deer Brook home next!

 

Cindy Spear Remodel

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If the walls of the Spear home could talk, they would shout not whisper.  This home has truly come full circle from raising 3 kids to now a peaceful sanctuary for Cindy Spear.  The Spears have lived a humble life in their Mulberry home, however, not much had changed in light of decor since the days of raising kids.  Cindy was still rockin out her 1970’s flat laminate cabinets and counters, blue plaid sofa and popcorn ceilings.  Her interior doors still had holes in them where the two brothers Josh and Aaron would wrestle and then flip the door around so mom and dad wouldn’t see.  Needless to say, those doors were replace by the none-other David Cochran Construction.   Along with new doors and hardware, Cochran facilitated a kitchen with new lighting, granite counters, painted & glazed cabinets and new appliances.  Her popcorn ceiling was replaced with a fresh knockdown texture and her wood paneling was filled in, textured and painted (who knew you could do that!)  We added canned lighting in the great room & kitchen as well as opened up an old drop tray ceiling…you know the kind with the old plastic grates.  Cindy had wood floors continue into the great room and all was re-sanded and stained to match the existing.

With the recent passing of her beloved husband, it was Cindy’s turn to have a space that was new; a style that was reflective of her personality and grace.  After digging into Cindy’s head a bit, I gave her a simple French chic look with pops of antiques and weathered treasures.  This helps bring out Cindy’s love for refurbished items all while keeping it surrounded by soft feminine charm.

It truly feels like a different home, but the same.  Cindy’s grandkids can feel comfortable and her grown kids can feel sophisticated.

I may be way off Cindy, but I can totally see you proudly sporting your apron in this new kitchen, the grandkids rolling around on your rug (even though it’s light); Laura and you grabbing the last casserole out of the oven and the whole family sitting down to a feast.

And the nights you are having a lovely dinner without the extras, just glance up at the “family” saying on your nook wall and rest in that confirmation.

Who would’ve thunk it……that I’d be given the privilege of doing this home of a family friend, mom of a high school friend (Laura) and resilient woman. 

Thanks Cindy.

Riverdale Model Home, Ernie White

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From the dirt…to bed skirt; the ground…to profound!

The Riverdale is an expression of Ernie White at his best.  This home features a layout that’s conducive to any family.  With all the modern amenities, I chose to make this home feel extremely casual and young.

I chose a subtle but fresh color palette and blended mid-century modern, French country and shabby chic.  Magic happens when you think “outside the box” and blend unusual era’s together; they all were stunning in their time so why not bring the best elements out of each and throw them in a mixer 🙂

Even pops of industrial and Victorian can be seen but gosh how eloquently everything flows.  It really is a nice showcase of old meets new and how even new construction can look vintage and have that welcoming charm like a craftsman bungalow in downtown Lakeland.

Speaking of Lakeland, we really live in a great city.  It’s a simple or as vibrant as you want it to be, you just have to know these quaint and quirky little spots.  Same goes for shopping.

Some of my favorite spots and favorite people are: Dixieland Relics, Junk Prince, Black Swan and Simple Vintage.  It’s not only having such places as these close to home, but also having a relationship with small local businesses.  Nikki Hunt, Simple Vintage, answers my text directly with pictures.  Karen Dasher, Dixieland Relics, let’s me take 3 tablecloths to try and bring back the ones that don’t work.  How about my very own assistant, Amanda Bass, who thinks 3 levels outside that famous box and makes anything happen with paint or a computer!

I can’t say enough about Ernie White’s team who let me put my stamp on this house from the ground up.  They have NEVER boxed me in and I’m so thankful to work with this organized group of professionals.

Ernie is a timeless builder in Lakeland, but he is certainly changing with the times, approaching generations much younger than himself.  Love ya Ernie!!!

Let’s just say I was so happy with this house that I almost did the “riverdance” in the “riverdale”.  Well….maybe I did 🙂

 

Tish Family – Bowling Green

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It’s simple, good-hearted folks like Allen and Cathy Tish that make me want to be better, live simpler and remember what’s really important.
Living the most humble lives in the middle of an orange grove in a home Allen built 35 years ago himself, they have raised their kids, sacrificed and saved.  Now, entering retirement, they can finally complete their home and have it feel as welcoming and warm as their personalities.
Cathy was open to anything.  She fully trusted me and Tim Wells when it came to cabinet design, busting out walls, colors and textiles.  I wanted to keep in line with her love for nature and art so it wasn’t any surprise that her hand-painted deer picture was my first inspiration.  I carried this deer with me everywhere and it truly started the whole theme.
Her kitchen was completely gutted and new wood farmhouse cabinets, granite counters and stone backsplash complimented the existing brick so nicely.  The Tish’s are all about family so turning their front living room into a HUGE dining room was perfect!  I had a 10′ plank table custom built by Tessa with “Vintage Woodworks” complete with 12 chairs.
Plaids with antiques; sunflowers with deer; this home is truly a stately lodge and Mrs. Tish will have you doing a craft or brewing some coffee for you if you enter her welcoming retreat.  Just don’t scratch her new wood floors!!
Allen and Cathy,
I hope you are delighted beyond measure as there are so many memories to be born in your same but new space.
Blessings to this super sweet family and Tim Wells for introducing us 🙂