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]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/great-winter-houseplants-and-where-to-find-them-locally/#comment-7376 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 04:54:58 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1695#comment-7376 […] […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/experience-star-wars-the-revenant-and-others-like-never-before-at-the-alamo-drafthouse/#comment-7380 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 05:17:45 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1755#comment-7380 […] We're sure you've seen the new Star Wars movie by now. (If not, don't worry — there are no spoilers ahead.) If you are sad to see this cult classic leave theaters while you must await its release on DVD to add to your Star Wars (VHS) collection — have no fear! You can essentially walk onto the set of the movie right here in Omaha with a visit to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in La Vista.The theater is unique in many ways and differs from your typical movie-going experience, which you will understand as soon as you see its Star Wars-themed lobby. As you enter, the ticket station sets the scene with its space station design. And if you look up, you'll see the Death Star hanging over your head, complete with a green laserbeam. The overall decor of the interior is reminiscent of a spaceship, with shiny silver metal and bright lights. And perhaps the most exciting point of interest for Star Wars fans is the Emperor's throne with the ability to control the Death Star with a few button pushes.And you thought the best part of going to a theater was the actual movie? But wait, it gets better, because Alamo has that part mastered as well.Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was designed specifically for the avid moviegoer with its strict, all-business atmosphere. That may sound like a buzzkill but their boundaries are set in place to ensure a positive experience for the entire audience. Alamo prohibits all talking, texting or using cellphones during a movie, and no one is allowed entrance into a film once it has started. So it's clear that this is not the place for goofing off with friends, showing up late or checking emails. Nope, that's what happens in middle school classrooms. It is, however, the place to completely enjoy a movie to its full capacity without having to worry about bright screens or shushing rowdy neighbors.In fact, Alamo's careful attention to detail and focus on refining the moviegoing experience has paid off in the theater world. Entertainment Weekly named it the #1 Theater in America, Wired.com called it "The Coolest Movie Theater in the World" and Fandango named it "One of the Best Theaters in the Country." These aren't loose claims, folks.This Austin-based theater franchise has grown and expanded to 21 locations across the country, each unique to the community it serves. The newest location in Omaha maintains the core business model, its obvious "cool factor" and its emphasis on excellence and quality.That same quality carries over to Alamo's food and drink offerings, which truly complete the moviegoing experience. You can order casual dining options from their menu, like the "Royale with Cheese" Burger, Omnivore Pizza, or warm chocolate chip cookies. Now there's no need to stuff your face with food before heading to the movies, because Alamo is serving up dinner this time. And don't forget to pair your selection with a local craft beer or fine wine. You might even find a specialty cocktail themed around the movies showing that day!And what movies can you expect to see? The theater plays your typical lineup of films showing at every theater but plays classic or somewhat odd films every once in awhile to spice things up. They also hold special events, like a "Quote-Along" event, where talking — or more like yelling — is actually encouraged for once.All in all, you can unplug (quite literally) and escape into the imaginative world of film with a visit to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in La Vista. Plus, you can dig into some Spaghetti Squash Pomodoro and sip a Moonstruck Meadery Cherry Melomel. Does it get any better than that?PHOTOS COURTESY OF: WOWT, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Omaha Facebook Page and Entertainment Weekly  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/take-a-look-at-the-dundee-neighborhood-community-of-the-month-2/#comment-29953 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:17:06 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1833#comment-29953 […] For 2016, we wanted to shed light on a different community in the area every month, so these places could have their moment in the spotlight. This month we are zeroing in on the historic Dundee neighborhood to examine what makes this area so special. Dundee is the community of the month for February! From its charming streets lined with cast iron streetlights to its vibrant retail area with wonderful restaurants, the Dundee neighborhood is a popular place to visit and one of the best communities to call home.In fact, in 2011, the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood was named one of the nation's 10 best neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, a nonprofit community development group. Dundee was given this prestigious honor because of its varied residential architecture, strong sense of community and ongoing commitment of residents to care for and beautify the neighborhood. And we couldn't agree more!This beautifying process is very obvious as you walk around the Dundee neighborhood, as the landscape is well-maintained throughout. Dundee is known as Omaha's first suburb, hosting just four homes in the 1880s. So intentional efforts in expanding the residential community — and planting over 2,000 maple trees in the meantime — led to its success today. Between May and October, several hundred flower baskets hang from the cast iron streetlights in Dundee, proving the community's goal to beautify their surroundings.In 2009, the Dundee Community Garden took root in the neighborhood, featuring 41 4-by-10-foot plots, rain barrels, compost piles, solar panels, pollinator flowers and more. The garden hosts educational workshops and fun events, but also donates large portions of their harvest to the underserved within the community.Along the lines of cherishing natural outdoor areas, the Dundee neighborhood has two major parks that residents and visitors enjoy: Memorial Park and Elmwood Park. The majestic memorial at the top of the hill at Memorial Park honors all the men and women in Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. It also hosts several patriotic and recreational events, such as the popular concert and fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. The large grass areas throughout the park are the perfect place to kick a soccer ball around, go on a walk, enjoy the abundance of the park's rose bushes, or go sledding in the winter.The residential community of the Dundee neighborhood is thriving as well. You'll find gorgeous Colonial, Georgian and Tudor Revival style homes on a neighborhood stroll, varying in size, price and age.This area is such a wonderful place to live that successful investor and billionaire Warren Buffett even calls Dundee his home! Buffet purchased his home in 1958 for just $31,500, and his lived there ever since. Buffett considers his home the third best investment he ever made, saying it was here where he and his family "gained 52 years of terrific memories with more to come." What To Do in Dundee If you're just passing through this historic district, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. We love the juxtaposition of charming buildings soaked in history and the new and modern establishments moving into the area.Some of our favorite restaurants include Avoli Osteria, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob, Dario's Brasserie, Goldbergs, Mark's Bistro, and Pitch Pizzeria.If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up during your Dundee visit, head to Blue Line Coffee or Dundee Double Shot Coffee House.Go shopping at the high-end boutiques in Dundee, including shops like Scout Dry Goods & Trade, Denim Saloon and Hello Holiday.Unwind after your shopping adventure with a drink at Dundee Dell or Old Dundee Bar & Grill.(Clockwise from top left: Avoli Osteria, Blue Line Coffee, Dundee Dell and Hello Holiday)Wherever your Dundee adventures take you — whether it's inside a local establishment or outside at one of the expansive parks — you are sure to have a great time. Let us know your favorite qualities of this historic neighborhood! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: NP Dodge Real Estate, Panoramio, Dundee Community Garden, The Telegraph, Parkland Parrot, Avoli Osteria, Small Places, Big Adventures, Yelp and Real Food Traveler  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/take-a-look-at-the-dundee-neighborhood-community-of-the-month-2/#comment-29952 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:17:06 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1833#comment-29952 […] For 2016, we wanted to shed light on a different community in the area every month, so these places could have their moment in the spotlight. This month we are zeroing in on the historic Dundee neighborhood to examine what makes this area so special. Dundee is the community of the month for February! From its charming streets lined with cast iron streetlights to its vibrant retail area with wonderful restaurants, the Dundee neighborhood is a popular place to visit and one of the best communities to call home.In fact, in 2011, the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood was named one of the nation's 10 best neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, a nonprofit community development group. Dundee was given this prestigious honor because of its varied residential architecture, strong sense of community and ongoing commitment of residents to care for and beautify the neighborhood. And we couldn't agree more!This beautifying process is very obvious as you walk around the Dundee neighborhood, as the landscape is well-maintained throughout. Dundee is known as Omaha's first suburb, hosting just four homes in the 1880s. So intentional efforts in expanding the residential community — and planting over 2,000 maple trees in the meantime — led to its success today. Between May and October, several hundred flower baskets hang from the cast iron streetlights in Dundee, proving the community's goal to beautify their surroundings.In 2009, the Dundee Community Garden took root in the neighborhood, featuring 41 4-by-10-foot plots, rain barrels, compost piles, solar panels, pollinator flowers and more. The garden hosts educational workshops and fun events, but also donates large portions of their harvest to the underserved within the community.Along the lines of cherishing natural outdoor areas, the Dundee neighborhood has two major parks that residents and visitors enjoy: Memorial Park and Elmwood Park. The majestic memorial at the top of the hill at Memorial Park honors all the men and women in Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. It also hosts several patriotic and recreational events, such as the popular concert and fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. The large grass areas throughout the park are the perfect place to kick a soccer ball around, go on a walk, enjoy the abundance of the park's rose bushes, or go sledding in the winter.The residential community of the Dundee neighborhood is thriving as well. You'll find gorgeous Colonial, Georgian and Tudor Revival style homes on a neighborhood stroll, varying in size, price and age.This area is such a wonderful place to live that successful investor and billionaire Warren Buffett even calls Dundee his home! Buffet purchased his home in 1958 for just $31,500, and his lived there ever since. Buffett considers his home the third best investment he ever made, saying it was here where he and his family "gained 52 years of terrific memories with more to come." What To Do in Dundee If you're just passing through this historic district, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. We love the juxtaposition of charming buildings soaked in history and the new and modern establishments moving into the area.Some of our favorite restaurants include Avoli Osteria, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob, Dario's Brasserie, Goldbergs, Mark's Bistro, and Pitch Pizzeria.If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up during your Dundee visit, head to Blue Line Coffee or Dundee Double Shot Coffee House.Go shopping at the high-end boutiques in Dundee, including shops like Scout Dry Goods & Trade, Denim Saloon and Hello Holiday.Unwind after your shopping adventure with a drink at Dundee Dell or Old Dundee Bar & Grill.(Clockwise from top left: Avoli Osteria, Blue Line Coffee, Dundee Dell and Hello Holiday)Wherever your Dundee adventures take you — whether it's inside a local establishment or outside at one of the expansive parks — you are sure to have a great time. Let us know your favorite qualities of this historic neighborhood! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: NP Dodge Real Estate, Panoramio, Dundee Community Garden, The Telegraph, Parkland Parrot, Avoli Osteria, Small Places, Big Adventures, Yelp and Real Food Traveler  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/take-a-look-at-the-dundee-neighborhood-community-of-the-month/#comment-7386 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:17:06 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1833#comment-7386 […] For 2016, we wanted to shed light on a different community in the area every month, so these places could have their moment in the spotlight. This month we are zeroing in on the historic Dundee neighborhood to examine what makes this area so special. Dundee is the community of the month for February! From its charming streets lined with cast iron streetlights to its vibrant retail area with wonderful restaurants, the Dundee neighborhood is a popular place to visit and one of the best communities to call home.In fact, in 2011, the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood was named one of the nation's 10 best neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, a nonprofit community development group. Dundee was given this prestigious honor because of its varied residential architecture, strong sense of community and ongoing commitment of residents to care for and beautify the neighborhood. And we couldn't agree more!This beautifying process is very obvious as you walk around the Dundee neighborhood, as the landscape is well-maintained throughout. Dundee is known as Omaha's first suburb, hosting just four homes in the 1880s. So intentional efforts in expanding the residential community — and planting over 2,000 maple trees in the meantime — led to its success today. Between May and October, several hundred flower baskets hang from the cast iron streetlights in Dundee, proving the community's goal to beautify their surroundings.In 2009, the Dundee Community Garden took root in the neighborhood, featuring 41 4-by-10-foot plots, rain barrels, compost piles, solar panels, pollinator flowers and more. The garden hosts educational workshops and fun events, but also donates large portions of their harvest to the underserved within the community.Along the lines of cherishing natural outdoor areas, the Dundee neighborhood has two major parks that residents and visitors enjoy: Memorial Park and Elmwood Park. The majestic memorial at the top of the hill at Memorial Park honors all the men and women in Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. It also hosts several patriotic and recreational events, such as the popular concert and fireworks display every year on the Fourth of July. The large grass areas throughout the park are the perfect place to kick a soccer ball around, go on a walk, enjoy the abundance of the park's rose bushes, or go sledding in the winter.The residential community of the Dundee neighborhood is thriving as well. You'll find gorgeous Colonial, Georgian and Tudor Revival style homes on a neighborhood stroll, varying in size, price and age.This area is such a wonderful place to live that successful investor and billionaire Warren Buffett even calls Dundee his home! Buffet purchased his home in 1958 for just $31,500, and his lived there ever since. Buffett considers his home the third best investment he ever made, saying it was here where he and his family "gained 52 years of terrific memories with more to come." What To Do in Dundee If you're just passing through this historic district, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. We love the juxtaposition of charming buildings soaked in history and the new and modern establishments moving into the area.Some of our favorite restaurants include Avoli Osteria, Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob, Dario's Brasserie, Goldbergs, Mark's Bistro, and Pitch Pizzeria.If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up during your Dundee visit, head to Blue Line Coffee or Dundee Double Shot Coffee House.Go shopping at the high-end boutiques in Dundee, including shops like Scout Dry Goods & Trade, Denim Saloon and Hello Holiday.Unwind after your shopping adventure with a drink at Dundee Dell or Old Dundee Bar & Grill.(Clockwise from top left: Avoli Osteria, Blue Line Coffee, Dundee Dell and Hello Holiday)Wherever your Dundee adventures take you — whether it's inside a local establishment or outside at one of the expansive parks — you are sure to have a great time. Let us know your favorite qualities of this historic neighborhood! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: NP Dodge Real Estate, Panoramio, Dundee Community Garden, The Telegraph, Parkland Parrot, Avoli Osteria, Small Places, Big Adventures, Yelp and Real Food Traveler  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/15-diy-coffee-table-ideas-personalize-your-living-room/#comment-7383 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 05:21:27 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1805#comment-7383 […] […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/transformationtuesday-from-brady-bunch-to-relaxed-modern-2/#comment-29943 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:32:11 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1773#comment-29943 […] Ever since our first #TransformationTuesday feature, we have been eagerly searching for homes that have undergone a drastic transformation in the Omaha area. We were overwhelmed by our discoveries as many wonderful local interior designers have accomplished jaw-dropping transformations using a combination of massive restructuring, carefully chosen decor, fresh coats of paint and new hardware. We will slowly unveil some of these projects over the next several months, so stay tuned for photos that are sure to satisfy your "before-and-after" cravings.One of our favorite renovations took place in a 1950s home in Fairacres by the talented Elizabeth Monical Interior Design. Elizabeth specializes in modern design, which seems to produce the most drastic transformation, especially in older homes. And this was definitely an outdated home stuck in the era of its construction! Thankfully, Elizabeth successfully restored this home, transforming it from what she called "Brady Bunch" style to a relaxed modern look.Elizabeth's clients purchased this mid-century raised ranch home in the Fairacres area with the intention of reshaping it to fit their modern style. They previously lived in a small Dundee brick home that didn't allow for their creativity to shine through, as the couple loves modern design, live music and arts of all kind. They were thrilled that their new home had ample room for them to renovate the space and was in a wonderful location, which are two things that are impossible to change. Thankfully, the things that bothered them, like the outdated layout and finishes, could easily be altered or replaced to fit their style.That's where Elizabeth Monical Interior Design came into play! As her clients closed on the house, Elizabeth performed a site visit to take measurements and begin drawing up a floor plan. The following design phase involved creating drawings and selecting materials, which took about three months. As is custom for Elizabeth, she first made interior architectural changes before getting to the decorating stage.It is then that they tore down several walls to create a large, open and defined space. They simplified the materials and highlighted the elements that made the home modern. For example, the sloped roof line and various windows could not be appreciated with the '50s decor. She aimed to highlight those features and incorporate them into the new look. On the other hand, there were various areas that didn't work for the modern homeowner, such as the small master closet, tiny en suite and enclosed kitchen.Overall, Elizabeth was able to reconfigure some square footage to open up some high-traffic areas over an eight-month period. She reconfigured the hall bathroom to create a spa experience, and added a larger master bath and walk-in closet without sacrificing any bedrooms or necessary space. She did this by stealing a few square feet from extra hall closets and some from the main family room.One of her main goals during the renovation was to show the client how to make strategic changes to the layout of the home's frequently used spaces. She also wanted to design cabinetry and details that spoke to their personal style and that they truly enjoyed living in. Elizabeth introduced them to products, finishes and fixtures that allowed them to stay in their budget while still enhancing the overall experience of the space. In the end, she aimed to make the whole interior feel cohesive and like it was designed for the couple in the first place.We believe she achieved all of those goals! This series of photos seriously blows us away. It's hard to believe that the old-school home Elizabeth started with shares the same shell as the new and improved modern home that emerged from this impressive redesign. The pops of bright red, the metallic finishes, the open space, the white leather couches, the industrial details, the statement-making light fixtures, the bold patterns — we love it all.We could go on and on, but we'll let you check out this transformation for yourself!Elizabeth Monical has been designing since she was 7 years old, but professionally since 2005. She has been designing on her own with Elizabeth Monical Interior Design since 2008. Her overall style can be described as clean modern that can be infused into many different styles, creating a very eclectic palette. Overall, Elizabeth aims to truly understand each client's specific tastes before conceptualizing the project. This allows each finished product to differ in style, which both excites and challenges Elizabeth as a designer.Elizabeth particularly loves that our surroundings subconsciously affect our daily lives and happiness, and that she gets to play a role in that process. She believes that it's never about how much money you have or the expensive things you can (or cannot) surround yourself with. What's most important is that your space works for your life and allows you to express your personal identity using finishes, fixtures and furnishings. What transformations are taking place around you? Are you an interior designer with a transformation or two on your resume? Do you have a local interior designer in mind you would like us to feature? Please let us know and we would love to possibly include you or your friend on a future #TransformationTuesday blog post! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Elizabeth Monical Interior Design  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/transformationtuesday-from-brady-bunch-to-relaxed-modern-2/#comment-29942 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:32:11 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1773#comment-29942 […] Ever since our first #TransformationTuesday feature, we have been eagerly searching for homes that have undergone a drastic transformation in the Omaha area. We were overwhelmed by our discoveries as many wonderful local interior designers have accomplished jaw-dropping transformations using a combination of massive restructuring, carefully chosen decor, fresh coats of paint and new hardware. We will slowly unveil some of these projects over the next several months, so stay tuned for photos that are sure to satisfy your "before-and-after" cravings.One of our favorite renovations took place in a 1950s home in Fairacres by the talented Elizabeth Monical Interior Design. Elizabeth specializes in modern design, which seems to produce the most drastic transformation, especially in older homes. And this was definitely an outdated home stuck in the era of its construction! Thankfully, Elizabeth successfully restored this home, transforming it from what she called "Brady Bunch" style to a relaxed modern look.Elizabeth's clients purchased this mid-century raised ranch home in the Fairacres area with the intention of reshaping it to fit their modern style. They previously lived in a small Dundee brick home that didn't allow for their creativity to shine through, as the couple loves modern design, live music and arts of all kind. They were thrilled that their new home had ample room for them to renovate the space and was in a wonderful location, which are two things that are impossible to change. Thankfully, the things that bothered them, like the outdated layout and finishes, could easily be altered or replaced to fit their style.That's where Elizabeth Monical Interior Design came into play! As her clients closed on the house, Elizabeth performed a site visit to take measurements and begin drawing up a floor plan. The following design phase involved creating drawings and selecting materials, which took about three months. As is custom for Elizabeth, she first made interior architectural changes before getting to the decorating stage.It is then that they tore down several walls to create a large, open and defined space. They simplified the materials and highlighted the elements that made the home modern. For example, the sloped roof line and various windows could not be appreciated with the '50s decor. She aimed to highlight those features and incorporate them into the new look. On the other hand, there were various areas that didn't work for the modern homeowner, such as the small master closet, tiny en suite and enclosed kitchen.Overall, Elizabeth was able to reconfigure some square footage to open up some high-traffic areas over an eight-month period. She reconfigured the hall bathroom to create a spa experience, and added a larger master bath and walk-in closet without sacrificing any bedrooms or necessary space. She did this by stealing a few square feet from extra hall closets and some from the main family room.One of her main goals during the renovation was to show the client how to make strategic changes to the layout of the home's frequently used spaces. She also wanted to design cabinetry and details that spoke to their personal style and that they truly enjoyed living in. Elizabeth introduced them to products, finishes and fixtures that allowed them to stay in their budget while still enhancing the overall experience of the space. In the end, she aimed to make the whole interior feel cohesive and like it was designed for the couple in the first place.We believe she achieved all of those goals! This series of photos seriously blows us away. It's hard to believe that the old-school home Elizabeth started with shares the same shell as the new and improved modern home that emerged from this impressive redesign. The pops of bright red, the metallic finishes, the open space, the white leather couches, the industrial details, the statement-making light fixtures, the bold patterns — we love it all.We could go on and on, but we'll let you check out this transformation for yourself!Elizabeth Monical has been designing since she was 7 years old, but professionally since 2005. She has been designing on her own with Elizabeth Monical Interior Design since 2008. Her overall style can be described as clean modern that can be infused into many different styles, creating a very eclectic palette. Overall, Elizabeth aims to truly understand each client's specific tastes before conceptualizing the project. This allows each finished product to differ in style, which both excites and challenges Elizabeth as a designer.Elizabeth particularly loves that our surroundings subconsciously affect our daily lives and happiness, and that she gets to play a role in that process. She believes that it's never about how much money you have or the expensive things you can (or cannot) surround yourself with. What's most important is that your space works for your life and allows you to express your personal identity using finishes, fixtures and furnishings. What transformations are taking place around you? Are you an interior designer with a transformation or two on your resume? Do you have a local interior designer in mind you would like us to feature? Please let us know and we would love to possibly include you or your friend on a future #TransformationTuesday blog post! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Elizabeth Monical Interior Design  […]

]]> https://www.npdodge.com/blog/2016/02/transformationtuesday-from-brady-bunch-to-relaxed-modern/#comment-7381 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:32:11 +0000 http://www.npdodge.com/blog/?p=1773#comment-7381 […] Ever since our first #TransformationTuesday feature, we have been eagerly searching for homes that have undergone a drastic transformation in the Omaha area. We were overwhelmed by our discoveries as many wonderful local interior designers have accomplished jaw-dropping transformations using a combination of massive restructuring, carefully chosen decor, fresh coats of paint and new hardware. We will slowly unveil some of these projects over the next several months, so stay tuned for photos that are sure to satisfy your "before-and-after" cravings.One of our favorite renovations took place in a 1950s home in Fairacres by the talented Elizabeth Monical Interior Design. Elizabeth specializes in modern design, which seems to produce the most drastic transformation, especially in older homes. And this was definitely an outdated home stuck in the era of its construction! Thankfully, Elizabeth successfully restored this home, transforming it from what she called "Brady Bunch" style to a relaxed modern look.Elizabeth's clients purchased this mid-century raised ranch home in the Fairacres area with the intention of reshaping it to fit their modern style. They previously lived in a small Dundee brick home that didn't allow for their creativity to shine through, as the couple loves modern design, live music and arts of all kind. They were thrilled that their new home had ample room for them to renovate the space and was in a wonderful location, which are two things that are impossible to change. Thankfully, the things that bothered them, like the outdated layout and finishes, could easily be altered or replaced to fit their style.That's where Elizabeth Monical Interior Design came into play! As her clients closed on the house, Elizabeth performed a site visit to take measurements and begin drawing up a floor plan. The following design phase involved creating drawings and selecting materials, which took about three months. As is custom for Elizabeth, she first made interior architectural changes before getting to the decorating stage.It is then that they tore down several walls to create a large, open and defined space. They simplified the materials and highlighted the elements that made the home modern. For example, the sloped roof line and various windows could not be appreciated with the '50s decor. She aimed to highlight those features and incorporate them into the new look. On the other hand, there were various areas that didn't work for the modern homeowner, such as the small master closet, tiny en suite and enclosed kitchen.Overall, Elizabeth was able to reconfigure some square footage to open up some high-traffic areas over an eight-month period. She reconfigured the hall bathroom to create a spa experience, and added a larger master bath and walk-in closet without sacrificing any bedrooms or necessary space. She did this by stealing a few square feet from extra hall closets and some from the main family room.One of her main goals during the renovation was to show the client how to make strategic changes to the layout of the home's frequently used spaces. She also wanted to design cabinetry and details that spoke to their personal style and that they truly enjoyed living in. Elizabeth introduced them to products, finishes and fixtures that allowed them to stay in their budget while still enhancing the overall experience of the space. In the end, she aimed to make the whole interior feel cohesive and like it was designed for the couple in the first place.We believe she achieved all of those goals! This series of photos seriously blows us away. It's hard to believe that the old-school home Elizabeth started with shares the same shell as the new and improved modern home that emerged from this impressive redesign. The pops of bright red, the metallic finishes, the open space, the white leather couches, the industrial details, the statement-making light fixtures, the bold patterns — we love it all.We could go on and on, but we'll let you check out this transformation for yourself!Elizabeth Monical has been designing since she was 7 years old, but professionally since 2005. She has been designing on her own with Elizabeth Monical Interior Design since 2008. Her overall style can be described as clean modern that can be infused into many different styles, creating a very eclectic palette. Overall, Elizabeth aims to truly understand each client's specific tastes before conceptualizing the project. This allows each finished product to differ in style, which both excites and challenges Elizabeth as a designer.Elizabeth particularly loves that our surroundings subconsciously affect our daily lives and happiness, and that she gets to play a role in that process. She believes that it's never about how much money you have or the expensive things you can (or cannot) surround yourself with. What's most important is that your space works for your life and allows you to express your personal identity using finishes, fixtures and furnishings. What transformations are taking place around you? Are you an interior designer with a transformation or two on your resume? Do you have a local interior designer in mind you would like us to feature? Please let us know and we would love to possibly include you or your friend on a future #TransformationTuesday blog post! PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Elizabeth Monical Interior Design  […]

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