Meet the new animal print chair and funky geometric ottoman.

Most times I repaint the frames of chairs that need updating. But this beauty, and her worn arms, demanded that I leave her as is. I love seeing the history in this chair, and with it recovered in a bold and more modern print, I think it is a good combination. 

Yes, I realize that it is a bit over-the-top, but shouldn’t every room have one chair that is a little insane and a good conversation starter? (And, in real life it is a bit more subdued. I am completely incompetent with a camera.)

When I chose this fabric for this adorable ottoman, my upholsterer was a little taken aback. Then, when he started to recover it, he conceded that yes, it was pretty cool. 

They will both be available this summer at Birdhouse Collectible. 

In an effort to be transparent, something talked about in great length at Big Omaha this past weekend and a value that I believe strongly in, I want to let everyone know that I will be raising my hourly rate. Starting Monday August 2, 2010 my rate will become $40/hr. I know that seems like sort of a large jump, but let me explain why.

1. It will be a year that Birdhouse has been open.

2. Birdhouse Offices and Birdhouse Collectible will be open which will make more items and services available.

3. I am now a Certified Interior Decorator, which means that I have access to many more “to-the-trade” discounts. 

4. I will still be really affordable compared to the industry norm. In order to be as efficient as possible and since I offer 1 hour consults, I am deciding to value my time a bit more. (Sometimes, I lose money because I feel bad charging and I am changing that attitude for better or worse).

That said, hurry and send me an email or give me a call if you want my current rate! Also, for any current clients, I will honor the rates that have been quoted to you and any further work/projects with be at the existing hourly rate. 

Last night I got a fabulous email from my good friend Catherine, of Bosley Creative, full of beautiful photos of a couple newly designed spaces. Room photography is not her speciality, and look how great she did. Imagine what she can do to make your mug look gorgeous!

We’ll be updating the website portfolio this week. 

Let me say, there are a million things that must be done before one can open up any brick and mortar space. Since we are in the process of updating and reorganizing the entire business, it is time to rearrange the online options as well.

Currently Birdhouse offers basic and advanced online packages. How boring does that sound? So, we are working on overhauling all the online options into something much more understandable (and detailed, as the 2 generic options are quite vague) and break down costs based on the type of room one wants help with. Stay tuned for several changes (good ones!) to the Birdhouse brand.  

Here is a small peek at the book a client receives in the mail when they purchase an advanced option (soon to have a much cooler name). Included are, a rough illustration-style room rendering, floor plan, fabric and paint swatches, furniture and accessory ideas, and inspiration pictures. 

Cover of the book.

An example of a rough Room rendering. 

Btw, I am going to start speaking in terms of “we” when I refer to business ideas and operations. I had a great conversation with someone the other day who said I needed to stop thinking of Birdhouse as and “I” thing even though right now I have no employees. He said that, I hope to grow the business and hire employees and that the business is an entity in itself. We are sort of a team. I’m not relaying as well as he did to me, but it makes complete sense to view a business as a business even when your heart and soul is in it. If you only look at it as a pet project and get hurt and rejected when someone doesn’t appreciate your “baby” you will never get ahead. The best combination is when you love it, but are not completely defined by it. 

I know that all the other cool kids moving (or moved) into the Mastercraft building have posted pictures of their future (or current) spaces. Well, I want to be a cool kid too and do the same. 

Allow me to introduce you to the future Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting offices and Birdhouse Collectible furniture and accessories showroom. 

Vaulted ceilings when you first enter. Oh, and the natural light coming in makes me weak at the knees. 

Gahhh! I love those windows!

The back area that will be my office. More lovely light pouring in. 

As you can see, the space is still lacking some walls and other basic room essentials, but the construction is moving along nicely. Can’t wait to share more!