Behind the Scenes of an Install Week

Last week was bit crazy with (2) separate installs on our plate. One was a partial install for a commercial office space in a historic home circa 1857 and the other was an install for a family room, dining room and kitchen.On Wednesday at 8:00am, I showed up for install #1 to meet our installer Chris (Joann was meeting with our seamstress to pick up the window treatments).  Keep in mind it's 30 degrees out in ATL and my bum knee has decided NOT to work.Whatever - I'm a tough cookie.The night before, my client had delivered several of his prize possessions to the space to see if we could make them work. So imagine, I walk into the office all by myself, cussing the weather, and this is what greets me. No lie.

We decided the darker of the two elks would work and promptly named him Elvis. He is so handsome.

Slowly it started to come together.

Fabric by Fabricut, Hardware by Helser Brothers, Chandelier by Visual Comfort, Desk is a vintage find from Kemp Hickey Designs, Executive chair from Bradington Young.

It always means a lot to us to accessorize spaces with items that are meaningful to our clients. There is a story behind every item on these shelves. Bookcase by Bernhardt.

This office was split in two sides by a double-sided fireplace. The left side proved to be just as challenging as Chris, Joann and Charlie wrestled with our clients other prized possession - Bob the Bison.

Whether you approve of taxidermy or not, these spaces are reflective of our client's life story and is a work space he will be right at home in every day.

We just started on the conference room (the high tech tables and chairs were delivered 2 days later) but you get the idea. Art custom made for K&K by W. King Ambler. Billard light by Visual Comfort.

 What a super fun day. Our client was SO happy.

On to Install #2 - Thursday at 9am.

Our job: to bring this rendering to life:

Here's the before:

First there was some work to be done. Chris (our installer) rarely likes the hardware that comes with art so he meticulously changes it (we like him for a reason... ahem.... perfectionist).

When designing for families with kids and dogs, we love FLOR rugs. This rug was 12' square so Chris and Brad had their work cut out for them!

We always order extra tiles for our clients to keep on hand just incase there is a tragedy.

Install day is a Cinderella day:

Our clients loved the idea of a slipcovered sofa that is machine washable. Sofa by Four Seasons.

Sure looks like the rendering to me!

Our client emailed us Thursday evening. This is what she said,

"Ladies, I love my new house. Thanks so much for everything. I spent hours just looking around at all the beautiful things. I can't believe it is the same house. It feels so warm and open. I can't wait to get my china out of the boxes this weekend and enjoy my dining room. I must admit, there were days during this process when I wondered if it would be worth it -- days packing up, living in a hotel, dealing with dust, having workers in my house -- and as I sit on my beautiful couch, I realize it was more than worth it. You ladies have a gift and I thank you so much!"

And this is why we do what we do.... OH WHAT A FEELING!