Design Coaching
Wow – What can I say about Thelma? She is AMAZING
Having worked with Thelma before (renovating 2 bathrooms), we reached out to her for our latest project; downsizing to a 2800 sf condo.
While the bones were good, the condo was dated and not in line with how we live. The idea of re-imagining the space was extremely overwhelming. My husband and I couldn’t even decide on paint colors, never mind flooring, cabinetry, window treatments, or layout.
Thelma to the rescue! She helped finalize our layout (which included a complete rebuild of kitchen and baths), and helped us finalize all those things that make it difficult to remodel; cabinets, counter tops, hardware, lighting, flooring, carpet, paint, even at what height to hang our various light fixtures. She worked not just with us, but with our contractor, so the efforts were seamless.
What makes Thelma so remarkable is her ability to listen to what we want and to how we live. She didn’t try to force her ideas on us, but, offered ideas that met our needs.Her solutions were inspiring, creative and extremely solution driven. With her guidance, we reoriented the kitchen (the pulse of our home), moving/enlarging doorways, and adding an island and additional cabinets. We also gutted the two main floor baths. Updating the ½ bath and totally reoriented the master. We installed hardwood on the main floor. Upstairs, she helped us design a custom 12’ office space–for-two, and helped us choose carpeting that would buffer the noise.
In the living room and family room, which has a double-sided fireplace, she recommended that we replace the wooden mantels and recommended that we choose a stone surround, which bought the space much more current and stylish. In the expanded laundry space (a 9 ft expanse), she recommended that we utilize a motorized shade, in lieu of bulky doors. I must admit that I was skeptical at first, but she was SO right! What a clean look! Window treatments throughout, which included shutters and shades, in addition to custom linen drapes for the living and dining rooms, that let in light, but also offered privacy.
What did my husband like best? Thelma understands working within a budget and not spending money needlessly. What did I like best? Shopping with Thelma. Our shopping excursions allowed for inspiration, as well as, some spontaneous purchases.
We both agree on one thing; the results – Thank you Thelma for helping our dream to become a reality!
–Beth Levine Lappen, Sharon, MA