meet the Gill family
We asked customers to send us a room in desperate need of a Ballard Designs intervention. For the Gill family, it was a dream room come true. Traditional Home talks with the winners about what it was like to see their empty, unloved living room transformed into an inviting family salon.
The Gills are the lucky winners of Ballard’s Room Makeover.
The type of room that they envisioned – a “salon” – a room to sit around and enjoy each others’ conversation, listen to music and just hang out with family and friends.
TH: So you are the lucky winners of a room makeover by Ballard Designs and creative director Jill Sharp. For a couple who swears they never win anything, this must have come as a bit of a surprise. Is it what you’d imagined?
Ina: It’s wonderful! We’d envisioned the room as a salon—a place to read, entertain and just hang out. We managed to pick a paint color but were paralyzed after that. We had two leather chairs in there and that was it. We used to just sit in those chairs and stare at the empty room trying to figure out what to do.
TH: And how do you feel about the final result?
Ina: We absolutely love it. We went from a blank room with two chairs and a guitar, to a really fabulous salon. We won’t change a thing—except that we’ll have to squeeze the guitar back in somewhere!
Randy: I have to admit, I was initially a little worried that working with a designer would mean that the room wouldn’t be “us.” But Jill really let us be a part of the process. She came in and sprinkled her pixie dust and created this really cool yet kid-friendly space.
TH: Jill, we love this room! How would you describe the design style? Traditional? Transitional?
Jill: I’d say it’s a mix. As a designer, I’m very conscious that a room should look like it has evolved. And that was my goal here—a layering of patterns and accessories that feel as if they’ve been accumulated over time.
TH: What is it that pulls the mix together?
Jill: There’s a limited palette of color, pattern and textures—with some repeats. It all comes together in a way that’s very livable,inviting and still completely chic.
the planning
So how do you go from two Leather Chairs and a Guitar to a warm, comfortable, workable room filled with style and function? Listen intently to the clients…the Gills wanted a room where they could entertain both family and friends – not anything “stuffy” just a comfortable room where they could swing open the French Doors and party on the front porch – a “keg” of beer for the neighborhood – lots of fun – a place to hang out and relax.
This is not a large room – 16′ long x 13′ wide. Architecturally it’s fabulous, but not a great deal of wall space: a window wall, French doors, large foyer opening, oh my! So how do you translate what Ina & Randy wanted the room to be? A workable floor plan! It took some doing to get the floor plan right. The first plan blocked access to the French Doors leaving the front porch walled off –not a great idea for people who like to entertain! So the finalized plan – one with plenty of seating for family and friends, access to the porch (expanding the salon space) and yet cozy enough for just Ina & Randy.
So what’s next? Choosing the furniture – how do we divide the space and make it all work. Keep the two Ballard Leather Chairs, add a Sophia Settee, a few accent chairs, small tables, a rug, accessories , lighting the art of building a room! The soft curves and textural nature of the upholstered furniture makes the room approachable and inviting. The soft neutral tones compliment the feeling and yet “pops” of spicy orange keep it vibrant and alive! To accommodate guests, lots of small tables to easily move about the room. And the foyer (most of the time a dumping ground for coats & keyes) but the Gill’s foyer is now part of the salon with the addition of our Sablon Loveseat tucked under the stairs – a bit unexpected, but a thoughtful use of space and because it is opposite the salon opening, visually extending the salon.
This is a salon that is filled with interesting things wherever you look, from a stack of books and a leaning picture stacked on a chair to an eclectic arrangement on an etagere in the foyer. What a warm, interesting, stylish space. We know the Gills are pleased with their new salon and it certainly sets the tone for a house filled with warmth, panache and imagination that will withstand the test of time. Congratulations Ina & Randy!
3 Ways to style a bookcase
We gave the Gills three ways to setup their Sonoma Bookcase so that it never reads boring.
the team
Jill Sharp Brinson
Creative director, design guru and stylist extraordinaire, Jill Sharp Brinson, has been creating the cool rooms and layered style of Ballard Designs for more than 17 years. Jill literally lives for great design. Her work, including her own spectacular Atlanta home, has appeared on the cover of House Beautiful. Her commercial styling is featured regularly in Lonny Magazine, Elle Décor, Veranda and Traditional Home. You’ll also find Jill quoted and noted on many of our favorite design blogs, including “Design Sponge,” “Cote De Texas,” “Shelter,” “Apartment Therapy” and “Eye Spy.”
Jenny Bradley
Senior Design and Lifestyle Editor, Traditional Home Jenny Bradley is Senior Design and Lifestyle Editor for Traditional Home Magazine, the nation’s largest upscale shelter magazine. Since joining Traditional Home in 2000, Jenny has covered trends in home design and lifestyle influences, featuring the nation’s most innovative architects, designers and interior products.
before and after photos
Joyce
How do you pick an area rug? I bought 2 beautiful couches for my living room and for the past 2 years I can’t go further. I need help!
Thanks for your time
Joyce M
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Joyce,
It really depends on your space and what you like, and it’s hard to offer suggestions without seeing what fabrics and colors you already have. We do offer a free design service where our experts will help you pick accents (like rugs and accessories) to go with your existing furnishings. Simply fill out this form and our Design Solutions team will reach out to you!
Best of luck,
The How to Decorate Team
Pansy Pierce
I would like to view then purchase but cannot get in. You have my e-mail address and send
ads to me regularly so I must be in your system somewhere. Please help.
Pansy
Vickie
I LOVE the drapes, are they from Ballard Designs?
Beth
Like the drapes. Where can I get them?
Missy
Terrific room. What do you call the style that was used for the drapes? It’s not a pinch or inverted pleat. Thinking of ordering drapes but don’t know how to describe this style.
eileen desilet
What fabric is used for the wing chair? I tried to locate the Marcello rug???????????????
Ballard Designs
Eileen: The fabric on the wing chair is our Callisto Stripe Chocolate which is a blend of cotton, polyester and linen. It is 54″wide and the repeat is 11 7/8″ repeat. The fabric is railroaded (meaning the stripe runs across the fabric. The fabric was “turned” when the chair was upholstered.
The Style Studio Team
vern
What is the name of the orange fabric used on the footstool and other pieces?
Ballard Designs
The fabric is Linen Paprika and is available online.
Style Studio
Carrie
I am in love with this room. I love the Charleston Gray, and ordered a swatch and was surprised at how dark it looks. My room is not as bright as this one as I don’t have big windows with as much natural light. Would you suggest a lighter color that would still work, or should I try a lighter version of the color (50% of the Charleston Gray)?
Francine
To order drapes like the ones in the photo, what style would I order in the Custom Panels Program? It appears that the custom program drapery only comes in pole-pocket style. I would like to know what “heading” the drapes are in the picture since they do not appear to be pole-pocket. Beautiful room and color scheme!
Laurel S.
Where did you purchase the silver floor lamps flanking the settee? I don’t find them in the catalog:(
Ballard Designs
Laurel: The lamps are called the Brinson Floor Lamp and although they look silver (because of the lighting), they are actually bronze. They also come in Brass as well.
the Style Studio Team
carol cupp
Very nice remake. Also doesn’t hurt to have good ‘bones’ (basic rooms) to start with.
Meredith
Do you carry a rug with similar style and color (to the Marcello Rug) that is cheaper? Thanks! I absolutely love the room, so classic!
Meredith
I love the sunburst mirror! I just moved into an older home with 8 foot ceilings and am wondering if this mirror would be too much behind my couch. I only have about 52 inches between the top of my couch and the crown molding, so it will fit, but will it look too big for this space?
Ballard Designs
Dear Meredith: Here are a few rugs that are less expensive and have similar colors and styles – Turkestan Rug, Senneh Rug and Canaan Rug. Always order rug swatches to view in your home.
The Style Studio Team
Ballard Designs
Meredith: This is a tight squeeze but because the edges are not even all the way around – it should work.
The Style Studio Team
Ariane
What a beautiful room…I love it. I was looking at the pictures in the catalog as well, and am wondering what color paint was used in the foyer area. It looks like a light beige/cream color..It’s lighter than the color used in the salon. Can you share this with me please?
Lee Anne
Not easy on the eye…no flow…over crowded…..
Alice
What is the fabric and color on the wing chair. Loved the room.
Ballard Designs
Alice: The wing chair is covered in our Callisto Stripe Chocolate. It is a beautiful fabric with a great texture.
The Style Studio Team
Jenn
I really like the simple wall sconce with drum shade that you used. I have been looking for something similar for my living room and was wondering where you sourced this item from? Thanks!
Michele
Can you tell me the color of the paint on the walls in the room that has paneling? Love the color and it seems to go with everything in the room. Looks like the hallway paneling is white but the color in the family room looks like it’s a grey or taupe color. Thanks!
Ballard Designs
Michele: The color is Charleston Gray and it is from Farrow & Ball Paint Co.
The Style Studio Team
maryam
I love what you guys have done to the room it looks beautiful. I wish you could come to my house and help me with my bedroom. thank you
Marty Lauber
I love the coral paisley pillows. Are they for sale at Ballards?
Ballard Designs
Marty: You can custom order the coral paisley pillows. The fabric is Alcott Paisley and can be ordered.
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
Amy
Are these curtains for sale at Ballard? I love them!
Ballard Designs
Amy: The drapery panels are from our Custom Panels Program. They are made of Callisto Stripe Chocolate fabric. They can be ordered through our Custom Program.
The Style Studio Team
Deanna
Could you please tell me the wood finish on the Louis XVI chair and also how to go about ordering different fabric on the seat and the back of the chair. What two fabrics did you use? Also, please tell me the wood finish and fabric on the Serena Bench. Thanks so much! Love the room.
Ballard Designs
Dear Deanna: The finish on the Louis XVI Chairs is Distressed Off-White. The fabrics used for the chairs are Paprika Linen for the seats and Brooklyn Stripe for the seat backs (front and back). The Serena Bench is a Distressed Gray Finish and the fabric is Brooklyn Stripe. To place a special order, just call 800-367-2775 and one of our Ballard Customer Service Representatives will be happy to help you.
The Style Studio Team
Barbara
Nice job everyone!
Anna
I just love the room. The colors, the style of the chairs and the rug are all very inviting. I especially love the leather arm chairs but have been unable to find. Could you help me out with where I can find them? Thanks.
Anna
Ballard Designs
Anna: Unfortunately we no longer carry that particular style leather chair. The Gills purchased the chairs a few years ago.
The Style Studio Team
David
Crowded – too much stuff. The owner’s comment about trying to “fit in the guitar” now is funny. Even if they do, they’ll never see it.
tricia
Gorgeous!
Karen
Do you sell the orange/coral garden seat? I only see white or green in the catalog.
Ballard Designs
Karen: We no longer carry the Paprika color Garden Seat. We do however, carry the green and the white in that style.
Thank you,
The Style Studio Team
Bonnie Marut
I’m happy for the Gill family with their new make over, the room is so inviting, calming and certainly useful. I’m a 66 yr old retiree with an eighty-seven yr. old husband and an eleven yr. old adopted son-grandson with asphbergers. Do I need a new makeover? You bet I do, next time I’ll watch more closly to enter your contest! Just beautiful!
Elizabeth White
This room is absolutely amazing! Love the different seating areas. The tones are great and love the pop of color. I have always loved Jill’s style and have been a huge fan since seeing her home in House Beautiful. Wow, great job Jill!
Anita
I noticed that the working handle of the French door set is on the side where it is blocked by furniture. Is this because these doors are seldom or never used? Also, what is the standard number of feet or inches of walk-thru space that should be considered for furniture layout? 2 or 3 feet?
Ballard Designs
Dear Anita: You have a critical eye. Actually, the chair and table are far enough away so that the door opens – although the angle of the shot appears tight. One of the main objectives with the room was to have access to the porch, so that was a key consideration.
As far as walk space, we feel that 3 feet is a good guideline for walk-through space. If you make it wider, so much the better. Sometimes the space in a room dictates a smaller pass-through that is just unavoidable.
The Style Studio Team
Edith
Lovely! What are the dimensions of the room? I have a large family room with high ceilings and tall windows and wondering if my room is similarly sized.
Ballard Designs
Edith: The Gill’s Salon is 16 feet long and 13 feet wide.
The Style Studio Team
Jennifer
Terrific room – the curtains are fabulous and just the kind of touch I would never have thought of! Does Ballard have any plans to offer ready-made curtains wider than the standard 54″? I’ve been so happy with the style/quality of my curtains, but 54″ can seem a little skimpy on a larger window…
Nina
I love your stuff! I just purchased 2 lighting fixtures for my blah bedroom. I would love if you could help me with this room. since we have been married we have had the hand me down furniture. I need help.
Think of me next time you are doing a bedroom over.
Nina from New York
Jeannine Rhodes
The Gill make over room is brilliant. There are a few styles mixed together to create a warm yet classy space. One of the many reasons why I purchase a multitude of items from your fantastic company. Thanks Ballard-keep the great job going! How about if I become a Consume Reporter For you?
Tim
I love the tufted chairs! Where can I find them?
christy
It looks like the drapery panels are wider than 50″. Can the custom panels be made in double widths instead of single? I LOVE the railroaded stripe!!!
Ballard Designs
Dear Cristy: Custom Panels are made to fit the width of the window, so there could be more than one width of material used depending on the window size.
The Style Studio Team
Vickie Jones
Can you tell me if the walls and trim are painted with the same type of paint such as walls in a satin and trim in a semi-gloss. Love the look!
tk baste
I love the new room makeover. It look great. Are you all going to continue to allow customers to send in pictures for more room makeovers? Also, what is the colors on the walls in the new March 2011 Catalog on pages 25 & 30? The magazine is great from cover to cover.
sunami
Looks like a doctor’s waiting room. Too many chairs, too much going on and not especially inviting.
McGooty
Their new look is great!
I would like to see a makeover that is very upbeat and comfortable with a bright palette of strawberry/raspberry or hot pinks, blues, lime and mirrors. My style is totally “Happy” but with punch. I also do animal prints fabric or accents.
Kat
Love the paint color on walls. Can you give me the name. I am hearing that grays are the new brown. Great job-
Ballard Designs
Kat: The wall color is from Farrow & Ball and it is called Charleston Gray.
The Style Studio Team
Mellissa
Love the room, but it was a great room to begin with! The paneling, the tall windows, french doors, tall ceilings, how could you go wrong?
Always Nesting
Absolutely stunning! Love the makeover because it’s stylish yet comfy cozy. Thanks for the inspiration. Is there a way to open the photos so that they enlarge?
Ballard Designs
Sorry but the pictures do not enlarge. But the Traditional Home Article is on the first few pages of our new March 2011 catalog which should be in home today or tomorrow. The pics are larger in the catalog!
The Style Studio Team
Elena
Where can I get my hands (or feet!) on that rug?! It’s just what I am looking for! Also, what dimensions does it come in?
Ballard Designs
Elena: The rug is called Marcello. If you go online, and type in Marcello, it will give you all the dimensions and a detailed description of the rug. As always, we suggest that you order a swatch of the rug to look at in your home.
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
rita
It seems like the rug in the picture of the Gill’s is very light. But when I look at the picture on your site to buy the rug it seems much darker–almost brown. Could I get a sample?
Ballard Designs
Rita: You can go online to our rug section and type in Marcello Rug – click onto the picture – below the picture you will see Marcello Swatch – click onto it and order / or you can call 800-367-2775 and order the swatch. Hope it is what you want – it is a beautiful rug!
The Style Studio Team
Cheryl A. Lambert
I love all of the bright orange accents!!!
What a great pop of color!!!
Would love to get the orange throw, can you tell me is it in the Ballards Magazine?
Thanks for the great ideas,
Cheryl
Ballard Designs
Cheryl: Unfortunately, the orange throw is a studio prop. Sometimes we go looking for those little extras just for the color. Throws are very popular and we think you should be able to find one in the orange as it is a very trendy shade right now.
Good Luck!
The Style Studio Team
Nancy
Where did that cream hassock come from? Ballard? LOVE IT!
Ballard Designs
Nancy: The cream hassock is called the Serena Bench and it is available in Distressed White, distressed Black and distressed grey. It comes upholstered in Off-White Twill, but you can special order it in another fabric.
The Style Studio Team
humbleabode
Sorry, think this room is a miss in terms of functionality. Furniture/accessories and curtains are all great but it looks like a furniture showroom or a lounge. Furniture is too big for the space and the room lacks focus. Nice if 3 different conversations are going on at a time but not really practical as a “family living room”.
Pam
Your list of Ballard items used in this room include this: Sablon Tufted Loveseat. Where is that in the room. Love the room, the salon style. Please come to my house next. 😉
Ballard Designs
Dear Pam:
The Sablon Loveseat is in the foyer up against the staircase. It looks great there and really expands the seating to include the foyer area.
The Style Studio Team
Babs
LOVE the room, and have looked at all the photos more than once to digest all the details.
One thought I’d like to share – are the leather chairs a bit large for the more delicately scaled sofa? Love to hear people’s thoughts…
Keep the re-designs coming!!
Ruth Bueno
Love the room; could you tell me the name of the carpet?
Ballard Designs
Ruth: The rug is the Marcello Rug which is all wool and Turkish Oushak in design. We think it is a great rug too!
The Style Studio Team
kendra
i am loving the pops of coraly orange and have seen you use them both in this makeover and recently in a photo on the home page of your website. i am wanting to incorporate this color into my living room but havent been able to locate anything similar on your website! help!
aimee
Love the rug, is it from ballard designs???
Pam
I’m having trouble finding a large taupe rug. The one featured in this makeover might work for me. Any info on it would be appreciated. Thanks
Ballard Designs
Pam: The Marcello Rug is a beautiful neutral rug in shades of taupe, brown, and beige. Because of its neutral tones, it goes with just about anything. As always, we recommende that you send for a swatch of the rug.
The Style Studio Team
Teka
I love the large sunburst mirror. Where is this from?
Ballard Designs
Dear Teka: The mirror is Ballard’s Oversized Wood Sunburst Mirror which is 48 1/2″ in diameter. It is a large and impressive mirror with fabulous detail.
The Style Studio Team
Shawna Williams
I absolutely love these window treatments! Are they available as panels to purchase or only in the fabric? If so, what is the name of the fabric?
Ballard Designs
Shawna: the fabric is our Callisto Stripe in Chocolate. This fabric is railroaded so the stripe runs across the bolt of fabric rather than straight down the roll. These panels are from our custom drapery panel section. The fabric is available in whole yard increments.
The Style Studio Team
Marilyn
I have been debating what color of your velvets to order for my sofa. Which one or what color is on the French settee here, is it Latte?
Ballard Designs
Marilyn: The fabric on the Sofia Settee is a cotton flax, not velvet. It comes in either the Chocolate or Natural Flaxen. Swatches are available and can be ordered online.
The Style Studio Team
Heather Kercher
I love the window hardware – so simple and perfect. Can you tell what hardware was used in this room.
Thanks,
Heather
Ballard Designs
Dear Heather: The rods used in the Gill house are our Metal Ball Outdoor Finial/ Rod Set – in black. They really do look great!
The Style Studio Team
ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate
Dear Darla: Sorry for the confusion, the Charleston Gray #243 is from Farrow & Ball.
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
Darla Wilkinson
I love the room…..it is beautiful and looks as if it will be an inviting gathering place for the Gill family for many years to come. It was a great inspiration to see how you put together so many wonderful Ballard Designs products in a way that looks evolved over time. I am curious about the wall color that the Gills applied beforehand and was wondering the name of the brand. I checked my Benjamin Moore decks but couldn’t find the color, “Charleston Grey”. There was a Chelsea Gray, but not Charleston Grey. Can you help me? Thanks, Darla Wilkinson
joette licausi
Love the use of the large sunburst mirror as the focal point. It adds great texture while remaining neutral. The pops of orange absolutely enhance the neutral palette and the cheery color kept my eyes roving about the room to all of the sitting areas. The room is filled without looking crowded. Just fabulous!