"Before & After. The Study . . . "

SMW Design, Berkeley Project

Greetings,

I thought I'd share a few of the before and after images of our recent project here in the Bay area.  The goal was to create a small study within an office building - a great place for more casual conversation, and to conduct business in a more relaxed environment.

The 'before' was a healthy collection of good news / bad news.  The leather and chenille sofa was in great shape - we simply switched out the upholstery on the seat and back cushions to a hearty woven linen that felt a little lighter.  But, the collection of decorative pillows desperately needed to be updated.  Blessedly, the existing rug was fabulous.  The sheers were in good shape - though, because of the shape of the space - I wanted to add proper window treatments to accentuate the amazing height of the room.

Here's the new colour palette :

Drawing inspiration from the existing rug - simple, clear neutrals - with a collection of beautiful blue hues . . . and the sharp ping of burnt orange.

Progress.  Adding a few proper lounge chairs.  The new side table from Ralph Lauren.  And you can see that the Phillip Jefferies wallpaper has certainly warmed up the room  - and the sharp contrast certainly highlighted all the existing beautiful woodwork. 

More Progress.  New pillows are in.  And a new cocktail table - the round table seemed to be a better choice than the heavy iron trunk - and because of the glass insets, it made the slightly tight space feel a little easier to navigate. 

All we needed were a few details . . . and we're ready for business.

Cheers,

Scot

(photography by Scot Meacham Wood and Nicolas Smith) 

"Sunday Runway, Falling . . . "

Greetings,

Y'all.  I know it's not even Labor Day weekend yet.  But, seriously.  I can't wait for switch my closet over to fall this year.

Cheers,
Scot

"Re : Entry . . . "

Greetings,

Yes, Virginia. There is still a blog here.  And thanks for stopping back by after my little break.  The great news is that I've been traveling like a madman back and forth to the east coast for the past several months working on several design projects.  But miraculously, I'm in San Francisco for  three solid weeks before my next visit to the airport - so I wanted to take a few minutes and catch up with y'all over here.

The images are a few 'out-takes' from a larger photo shoot of my own home for Ronda Rice Carman's new book Designers at Home : Personal Reflections on Stylish Living.  (And, by the way, I'm completely delighted to be included in such great company with Barry Dixon, Charlotte Moss, Jay Jeffers, Bunny Williams, Rose Tarlow, and many many more.  For more information on the book - or to pre-order a copy, click HERE.)

This "entrance" has always been a favourite part of my home.  That somewhat magical dividing line between my private life - and the world in which we all live.  The wondrous little red chinoiserie chest that I found from one of my local antique dealers.  The 8 layers of paint and stain and varnish (and the two weeks I spent painting and re-painting) to get the ceiling to the perfect shade of red.  And my favourite Phillip Jefferies grasscloth on the walls.

And anyone who reads here with any regularity will know of my fondness for gallery walls.  That collection of artwork has to go somewhere . . . lol.  And any room of mine that is filled with books is always going to delight me.

So, come in.  Consider yourself at home.  My home.  The lights are on.  And I'm back.

What have you been up to?

Cheers,
Scot

(photography credit - Nicolas Smith, San Francisco)