Sweet Gum Bottom B & B Redesign Tour Part 1

Rustic Contemporary B&B

Last month, Laura Oswald of Sweet Gum Bottom Bed and Breakfast, contacted me about helping her redecorate the common spaces of her charming inn. If you remember back in December, I had the privilege of decorating there for Christmas.  I was very excited to help her transition her space!  

Today, I am sharing the main hall and will be back Monday with Part 2 of the transformation.  

Before of the entrance hall: 

It housed an antique organ on the left as you entered, and straight ahead was antique piano.  You know the cool kind that can play music on its own.  The hallway also had a couple other small tables and a couple more antiques, as well. 

After:

We decided on a cool gray for above the beadboard and added pops of yellow throughout. I love the juxtaposition of this space, laden with rustic and modern accents.  It was funny when Mrs. Laura and I went shopping because she would be really drawn to rustic or industrial pieces, but then she would go shopping and come back with lots of very modern accessories.  The opposites really work together in this space nicely.  It has an eclectic blend that is unexpected and refreshing. 

A preserved boxwood wreath hangs on an old screen door.  I love the metal swirls on it, giving it so much character.  

As you continue on, a rustic table with contemporary accessories houses a lamp and books. We found the large mirror at a local flea market, and other accessories came from Z Gallerie, Burke's, or Mrs. Laura already had them.  I was able to find books a thrift store. 

Here are a couple of hints when finding accessories for you space:

1.  Shop for accessories at stores like Burke's, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, or thrift stores.  Mrs. Laura saw first hand that some of the high end stores carried the exact same accessories as these "bargain" stores did, right down to the label and sticker on the product.  You are paying all of those extra dollars just for the name. I will say, though, you can find items at the higher priced stores for a great bargain if you are vigilant about checking prices and shopping sales. 
2. Spray paint is your friend. If you have items that you like the shape of, but not the color, just paint it.  (Like the yellow vase pictured above. It was bronze and a couple of coats of spray paint enabled us to use it in the space to add a needed pop of color.)  I do this all the time, whether it is something I currently own or find for a bargain.  Don't be put off by the color. You can easily change that. 
3. Layer varying heights and textures. Accessorizing this way is pleasing to the eye and creates interest and contrast.  (For example in the above picture, the contrast of the tall, patterned lantern,  textured plant in front, the candle and holder on books in back, and the sleek vase make an interesting grouping. It is tied together by the white of the candle holder and  lantern, and the yellow of the candle, vase, and bottom of the plant.)

On the opposite wall, an asymmetrical grouping of frames carries the eye up to the very high ceilings.   It is hard to tell from the picture, but this is a grand statement in this large hallway.  

So, that's it for Part 1 of our Redesign Tour.  Check back next Monday for Part 2.  If you want to learn more about Sweet Gum Bottom, go check out their website or follow on Facebook. I'm sure Mrs. Laura would love to hear from you!

Linking up to The Dedicated House Before and After Wednesday