My June Newsletter

Here is Paula Grace Designs, Inc. June Newsletter!

BeautifulX2 Curio Tables at Home

Here are my smallest BeautifulX2 Curio Table in ivory in their temporary home. I think they are lovely drink tables. My friend, Pam, thought a grouping of these at varied heights would be fantastic. I couldn't agree more. They were designed to be as such either the same table at varied heights or different size tables grouped together. What did I place inside of them?

Nothing yet. We're getting ready to move so I haven't placed the seashells in them my daughter collected on one of our vacations but I think the off white shells will look splendid on the blue background.

Here is the distressed black one (size 22" diameter) in my client's home. The picture is awful as I forgot my camera so I snapped this with my Blackberry. They look fabulous in the room. A pair flank a floating sofa.

Here is why I love these tables so much... this is going to get personal. Stop now if you do not want to see me naked :)

You may have seen this vignette before in my master bedroom. I replaced the glass and crystal table (you see it off to the left) with the 22" table. I always thought the glass and crystal table was beautiful (still do) but it was just a bit too small ~ disproportionate to the chair and floor vase. Also, I think the bedroom is a very personal place. A place to have see beloved art and memories pertaining to one's relationship with their spouse (partner, lover.... you get the picture). I love this vignette. It is very meaningful and precious to me. The art is of a passionate embrace. Now ~ just below it is...

a picture of me when pregnant with Lauren. Below that inside the table is Jim and mine wedding album. Cheesy?? Maybe but I love stuff like this. Placing precious thoughts and memories together. This vignette is my life with Jim.

That is why I designed the BeautifulX2 Curio Table series. Elegant and sleek on the outside ~ beautiful... and filled with happy memories on the inside ~ beautiful... hence the BeautifulX2 Table.

My Media Cabinet at Home

The media cabinet I designed for my private furnishing line was placed in its new home today. The piece is 11' tall so it took a bit of muscle to install it but I have to say ~ I love it. The doors function exactly the way I designed it due to specialty hinges.



When the doors are open and placed in the parallel position to the cabinet, they stay that way. They do not swing. I adore that feature especially since it is such a large piece. The door swing is quite fantastic so this stay in place feature is a must have.

This project is almost finished. I'm looking forward to having professional photos taken so you can see it in its entirety.

I still have not come up with a name for the cabinet. Any ideas?

Ceiling Ideas

traditional bedroom design by austin interior designer Bryanne Prichett

There are so many things one can do with a ceiling. Here are just a few. The painted motif above.

traditional bedroom design by austin interior designer Interior Designer -Mark Cravotta

The architectural detail adding texture and dimension.

traditional dining room design by other metros architect Uns Al Shabib Baban

traditional living room design by other metros architect erwin hawawinata

Or both. Your choice is dependant on the desired look. Moral ~ don't forget the fifth wall in any room.

Photos compliments of Houzz.

Hallway Ideas by Jason Ball via Houzz

Thank you Jason for selecting my hall to use as an example! Click here to view the story on Houzz.

Great Room on its Way to Beautiful Part III

Here we are again. I admit, these pictures were taken a little bit ago but I want you to see the progression from the last time. If you want to see it from the start, see Part I here and Part II here.

The cabinetry is completely installed as well as the hood...


There is one of the counter stools ~ from the Kristin Drohan Collection.

Recall how the cabinets ended prior to the door? Well, no more. This area was made into a slightly separated display area. My client will display a cherished collection she will get from her father. Lovely!


Now that is an island that my client will be able to do all her baking on. The granite is not installed yet but there will be a 12" over hang that will increase counter space even further. Now for the bells and whistles. Are you ready??


Large two tiered drawers under the Wolf cook top. Don't you love the knife block drawer? Remember this piece stored in the front hall?


Here is it!

And here's what it does...

Completely see through pull out pantry one may easily walk around. Nice! Here is a gadget every baker should have. Now you see it...

Now you don't. Don't forget to place on outlet inside the cabinet or very close on the outside so there really is no muss, no fuss.

Got utensils? Here's the place for them!

Got dishes and bowls? Two drawers for them.

Remember the half wall with the columns? It is now a full bank of cabinets and drawers (still under cover)...

The pulls and knobs I specified for this job are perfect transitional designs...





And the creme de la creme ~ the media cabinet the follows the stair line...

I can't wait to unveil it! Here's a fantastic detail... recall the cold air return? Those are a necessary nuisance. No problem ~ just conceal it in the cabinetry...

No one will ever have to know.

My client is so thrilled. She has moved all her kitchen items that were stored in the dining room to her new cabinets. Everything fits and she still has plenty of storage room remaining.

So far, so good?

Lighting for the Living Room

Today I have a guest post from Arcadian Lighting. When they contacted me about doing a guest post, I was thrilled. I asked them to do a piece about the importance of layered lighting. I think it is critical to illuminate and accent a great design and to be able to complete certain tasks with ease. Take it away Arcadian Lighting...

Lighting any room in your home is more complex than just turning on a single overhead lighting fixture. Yes, a ceiling fixture will provide light for your room, but it will create a boring, flat light that will wash out any sort of ambiance you have created with your furniture and décor. Not to beleaguer ceiling lights, there are many styles and types that work well in a space when combined with other types of light fixtures.

Like furniture and other design elements that we layer to create a warm, inviting, polished space, lighting must also be layered. By choosing a selection of different types of lighting fixtures, you can create lighting “scapes” and zones within your living room. Maybe you like to curl up and read a book in your favorite armchair or watch a movie from the sectional or you've hung art over the fireplace you want to highlight. There is a different type of light for each of these tasks. A combination of ceiling lighting, table lamps, floor lamp and wall lights will bring your room to life. And isn't that what a living room is all about?

Ceiling Lighting

Laura Britt Design (via)

Beginning from the top, let's look at lighting on the ceiling. We mentioned the standard ceiling fixture that many of us have in our homes, especially in our bedrooms. From Mission to Modern, Classic to Contemporary, there are many styles to choose from besides builder grade globes. A step up from a ceiling fixture is a chandelier or pendant light. This can be a focal point for your room and add sparkle and glamour to the space. In combination with a central ceiling light or on its own, recessed lighting is a versatile lighting option. Say you want to highlight a painting or a wall of built-ins, create lighting zones for watching movies or entertaining, recessed lights can do it. Put them on zones and dimmers for maximum versatility. The above room is a superb example of using recessed lighting and a central light. But there is something missing -- task lighting.

Task Lighting

workshop / apd (via)

While recessed lighting and a chandelier can wash a room in light, you'll want to add lighting closer to the action. A table lamp on a side table or a floor lamp can provide light for reading or other tasks. Table lamps and floor lamps can create a more intimate feeling in the room when they are the sole source of light. Pairs of table lamps or as in this room, with an added floor lamp off to the side, create visual interest in the room as well.

Wall Lights

House Beautiful (via)

Not every room needs to have all five types of lighting, but large spaces can benefit from the variety of lighting options. Our fifth suggestion for living room lighting is the wall sconce. In pairs flanking the fireplace or a single one in a small space to provide task lighting, candle sconces create a warm, ambient light. Traditional wall sconces, like in this Southern living room, can also be focal points.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Thank you Arcadian Lighting for that informative post!

Barbara Barry for McQuire ~ Outdoor Furniture

I love Barbara Barry's style. Clean lined, elegant shapes. Her new line for McGuire is no different. Take a look...These pieces are from her Bowmont Collection.


Simply beautiful!

Paula Grace Furnishings Preview

I thought a little preview of my Media Cabinet and Curio Tables would be nice. These pictures are literally in my fabricator's workshop or just outside ~ not very fancy but they look good even in these surroundings! I adore the clean lines and little surprizes.

Here are the ivory BeautifulX2 Curio Tables ~ the 12" and the 22". I'm using the 12" as drink tables and the 22" to display a wedding album.

I love the stretcher, toe cap, and finial details! Isn't that the sweetest thing??!

Here is the Media Cabinet. I have not named it yet. What do you think it should be called? This one is quite large as it was sized for a two story great room application. I love the softness of the arcs and the pizazz of the bronze - silver finish. The mirror will reflect the light and beauty of the rest of the room.

Fabulous!