2022 - A Year in Review - What a Ride!

A year of Personal & Professional Growth

Well, I'm not much of a writer.

that's the case when my last blog entry was February of 2022... Oops.

So, let's talk about 2022! ARI continues to grow and 2022 was a pretty exceptional year.

When I started this journey of owning a business, I was more concerned about what others thought I should do. Or if I was running my design business the correct way, as if there was a particular set way of doing it. That everyone did it exactly the same way. In short, I was pretty insecure about it. Not naive of the challenges, but insecure in the process.

With years passed and more experience gained, I shook that insecurity off and said, "Eff this. I'm running this machine my way. How I see fit and certainly not with a cookie-cutter approach."

Come to find out, that's how every designer I have come to know does it. Their way on their terms. I found comfort in knowing I could do the same.

I pride myself on the ability to design spaces tailored specifically to my clients' style and needs. To add their personality, combined with a touch of my flare.

Once I leaned into this approach, all of the hesitancy and second-guessing myself were gone. It was no longer a concern what other people thought. If I needed an opinion I went straight to the people I knew had the right knowledge to lean on.

Anywho...

What's my personal style you ask?

A bit of everything. But if you want a more "professional" term I would file it under Layered Transitional. Meaning I love blending styles, colors, textures, architectural elements, and patterns together.

Throw in a bit of the unexpected and you have yourself unique designs that are cohesive and beautiful. Just the way I like it.

Let's take a look at a few projects from 2022, shall we?

Cary - Primary Bedroom refresh

We added an accent wall comprised of floor-to-ceiling wainscotting painted in the same

color as the rest of room using #benjaminmoore in #steepcliffgrey.

Contrasting wood tones and styles in the furnishings lend to this unique blend.

Gorgeous wall sconce lighting from #rejuvenation in #satinbrass adds the right amount of elegance to the space.

The patterned area rug from #surya acts as the perfect color palette and ultimately the design springboard for the whole space. Textured sheer window treatments from #westelm.

Understated while still full of character.

Scroll through for a peek.

Cary - Primary Bath overhaul

Taking that builder-grade look into the 21st century by adding a bit of 1920's Old World twist.

Classic white #pennytile, with black florettes paired with elongated white subway tile in a #stacked layout from #tilebar add to that 1920's charm while keeping it updated in the 21st century.

Three elements in this space that up the ante for any bathroom.

Modern fixtures from #kohler & #kingstonbrass in matte black tie in the tile work.

Blending a little #satinbrass in the mix adds character while also elevating the entire look.

Now an updated look with a nod to the past.

Before and After:

Lake Barrington Project

This next gem of a project isn't nearly finished. Nonetheless, you have to see some of the stunning details we have implemented so far.

Dining Room:

I "lovingly" refer to this as a Greek Revival Gone Wrong.

Clashing millwork, faux tray ceiling, two-toned paint colors, and high gloss marble tile was just not working. Please ignore the chandelier... that was the first thing I had to remove.

The back wall was previously popped out to create space for a sideboard buffet. It ultimately cut into the laundry space on the other side making it tight and difficult to work in.

We have since moved it back to original place allowing us to expand the laundry room back out. This made the space more functional for this very active family.

A lot of texture and pattern came into play when designing this space.

We took out everything and started with a clean slate.

We added hardwood flooring in a ribbon formation and stained to match the original floors complete with a decorative tile inlay. Talk about a "WOW" factor. It's arguably my favorite design element thus far on this project.

We streamlined the millwork to include a classic #boardandbatten wainscoting capped with a picture rail, perfect for showcasing family photos and artwork.

No ordinary table would do in this space. I designed this custom-sized dining table specifically for this space. This one-of-a-kind gorgeous piece of art is a whopping 72" x 72" making large gatherings a breeze.

This space is nearly complete. Wait until you see the chandelier by #reginaandrew.

It's a piece of art.

Before and After:

Butler's Pantry

A small passage leading from the kitchen to the dining room is the Butler's Pantry.

I designed all new custom cabinetry to replace the outdated original set.

The layout is a walkthrough from the kitchen leading to the dining room with cabinets on both sides.

One side is a split upper/lower layout. Upper cabinets on either side with floating shelves in the middle offer ample storage not to mention show off the gorgeous tile.

Marble & ceramic tile from #tilebar in an #arabesque shape add just the right enough of contrast to the gorgeous cabinets.

The other side is a floor-to-ceiling hutch in white oak with a finish in light grey/beige stain. Seeded glass doors with interior lighting add to the drama.

Decorative Mother-of-Pearl knobs adorn the upper cabinets while #satinbrass knobs and pulls were installed below.

Countertops are from #Cambria in #ironbridge.

Before and After:

Library

This space is still a work in progress.

We removed all of the millwork and outdated fireplace surround leaving just the opening. This will get a refreshed look using plaster for texture while playing off the newly constructed custom bookcase.

I designed this custom bookcase using #maplewood construction stained in a dark mocha blend complete with a custom rolling ladder. Built-in library lighting by #visualcomfort adds to the overall traditional look. Countertop by #Cambria in #southport. Hardware in #satinbrass ties it all together making one gorgeous statement piece.

Replaced the carpeting for #hardwood and stained to match the original flooring throughout.

Before and After:

So much more to come but for now, here's just a taste of what we're capable of doing.

We are only limited by our imaginations, right? Skies the limit with Adair Rox Interiors.

Special recognition goes to:

Construction throughout - PAS Contracting

Custom Cabinet builds - Creative Custom Interiors

Custom Dining Table build - BR Builds

Stayed tuned for the final reveal!

The start of 2023 looks good. Really good.

When you surround yourself with the right people, lean completely in to your own capabilities, anything is possible.

Warmest Regards,

Dawn A Turner

#makeitbeautiful