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Design Consultation Finalists – You Vote!

 I had an amazing response to my call for guinea pigs willing to allow me to consult on their spaces and I just couldn’t pick one.  I settled on eleven that appealed to me because of the challenge they offered, their potential, or they just piqued my interest.  So, I need your help to pick the one that will get a free full consultation of their space.  Here are the finalists!

ONE

Elizabeth from Blue Clear Sky
I would love the opportunity to win your design consultation! I have a family room that needs some creative advice. It has great floors and lots of windows and light. I’m going for a rustic farmhouse lakeside feel. I have an awesome old sideboard that we are using for a TV stand that needs to be stripped or painted and I don’t know which way to go. The room also has a fireplace wall that needs some architectural detail. We also have our computer area in one end of the same room and I need to figure out a better solution and positioning for the work area. Lots to do and I can’t figure it all out. I would love your design direction!

Miss Mustard Seed’ Assessment:
The good: This space has lots of light, a pretty wall color and a great start. 
What it needs: Editing, definition, and a “theme” that will bring cohesion to the room.

TWO

Elise from elise is content
i need help with my entire HOUSE! scratch that, the whole house minus my daughter’s room.

We bought the house my husband grew up in from his parents. right when all of the things my father in law fixed himself over the years started to break. Did i mention the 80’s wallpaper in the kitchen/dinning room/bathroom and the off white walls every where else? how about the long vertical plastic blinds? we are working on a very tight (read:non existent) budget. Add two children, 3 and 1 and you have- me pulling my hair out living in a mid 70’s dungeon of a split level. ick!

the one room I’ve been able to work on is my daughter’s. it’s kind of whimsy and funky.

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:

The good: Elise is content even though she has stuff unfinished and stuff she doesn’t like all over the house.  Poor Elise.  There is some good, here, though.  She has some pieces she really loves and those need to become a feature. 
What it needs: Finishing, showcasing what works and minimizing what doesn’t until budget allows to replace it, and a lot of thrifty creativity. 

THREE

Megan from Just the Scraps
A room redo- from you!?!?!? I would ADORE IT! Narrow it down to one room? ummm…. here’s the problem, I have a whole house I know not what to do with! Actually- I believe my bedroom would be the one. My husband and I have been married for almost 6 years. We have 2 boys, 4 and 2. And we have hand-me-down bedroom furniture from the 1970s… Our bed sits on the floor. We bought this house last year and are slowly doing things to it, like paint and the outside stuff, etc, etc, etc. I would love for our bedroom to have a romantic, comfy feel and have no idea how to really achieve that. I stay home with the kids and my amazing husband works hard in a dangerous career to support his family. He deserves to have a wonderful bedroom to spend his nights (or days, depending on his work schedule) in. And I would love to feel like my room is a little oasis to relax in and spend time with the afore mentioned wonderful husband 🙂

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:

The Good: This space is very fresh and has some great detail.
What it needs: A grown-up, sophisticated look, a way to hide the essentials (the TV and dog carrier), and a personality.

FOUR

 Maria from Busy as a Bee in Paris
yes, yes, yes! help me design my living room. i live in a small twin home in a suburb of Paris, France. we’ve painted our walls, wanting to go for a Provence look, but now i am stuck. i would love to be your guinea pig!

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:

The good: This space is in Paris.  Need I say more?  Well, it also has great floors and beautiful windows.
What it needs: Defined spaces, a cohesive style, warmth.

FIVE

Heather from A Little Q and R 
I loved the very fist season of design star and missed them all until this year, and I couldn’t agree more, the judges are downright mean. Maybe that’s what they figured it took to compete against all of the other awful reality shows on TV. I think they might have misunderstood their target audience. As for a room consultation, I need them all!!! but the one in most desperate need is my family room. It is a long relatively narrow room with a bay window at 1 end and a fireplace at the other, with the main walkway directly in front of the fireplace. We love the fireplace but feel there is no way to direct attention to it because of it’s location.

 
Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
The good: First of all, I adore the chair in the bay window.  Lovely piece.  Second, this space has great bones and Heather has some good furniture to work with.
What it needs: Updating, freshness, and a cohesive style.

SIX

Brenda from Barnscrapper
I just found your blog about a week ago and I love it! I am currently in the process of painting our great room. I would love your input on furniture placement, window treatments and decor for that room. I love antiques and have several large pieces that I would like to keep in the room, but I feel like there is too much furniture in the space.

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
What’s good: This is a great space, but with all of the windows and massive fireplace, it makes furniture placement tricky.  There is also some beautiful furniture to work with.
What it needs: A new furniture arrangement, editing, and better lighting

SEVEN

Sherrie from A Vintage Affair
It is our only room for TV viewing so there is a 40in flat screen in the room. My husband built an awesome fireplace mantle with surround so I have competing focal points. The room is more narrow and long about 15×25. I desperately need your help!!!
 
Really? Really? OMG! I would love to have your input. I have a living room that only has one wall without windows or doors, and that wall has an installed flat screen on it. So many angles, a cat walk staircase with 15 ft ceilings, yet the room is quite small. Have I scared you off yet?

If not please enter me for consideration :0)

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
What’s good: The fireplace is gorgeous and there are some pretty pieces to “play” with.
What it needs: This room’s layout and features are weird!  It needs a smart furniture layout and a way to play up the focal points.

EIGHT

Teresa from I’m Running to Eat
I’d love to be your guinea pig! My living room is driving me crazy. We live in a 100+ year old farm house. The living room has 4 doors, 2 windows and a fireplace that is off center in the room.

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
The good: This is a 100 year old farm house, which is so much fun!  This is a family that is not scared to take on a challenge and put in some work to make it happen.
What it needs: Simplification.  There is so much going on in this room that you don’t even know where to look.  It also needs a better furniture layout and has to play nicely with what’s going on in adjoining rooms. 

NINE

Sarah from Sundays and Holidays
I love your style so I thought I’d throw in my living room with the others up for consideration. For 3 years we’ve been sharing our home with another family with 4 young boys (and we have 2!) We let the boys take over the living room and use it for pillow forts, etc. Now the other family has moved out and I want the room to be comfortable for everyone- adults and kids. The re-do will have to be entirely flea market/yard sale/do-it-ourselves as we don’t have a lot of money, but I feel excited about the possibilities. We live in a 1904 Victorian in New England and there’s nice molding and big windows. Thanks for all of the inspiration- I’ll be checking your blog regularly as we figure out this room!

Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
The good: This room is beautiful!  I love the bay, the windows, and the details. 
What it needs: Sophistication, furniture, and finishing touches.

TEN

Maryanne from Songbird
I would love to have a design consultation, but I know I am way too late of course, but just in case you haven’t made up your mind yet. I NEED YOU!!!

Our bedroom is bare and uninviting with nothing on the walls ever since we moved in. I am so gonna do something about that this summer when I am off work in three weeks. Except although it has been on my mind this whole year, I still haven’t figured out exactly what I am gonna do.

There are some challenges in the room, like a very difficult window treatment situation, a wall covering I hate, but probably can’t change and limited opportunities to change the layout. And then there are of course the challenges I bring myself like wanting a ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ version of the room. Oh and of course the fact that My Love won’t sleep in anything too romantic, and I really want him to sleep with me in there.

You see, I could talk for hours about the plans I do and do not have for my bedroom, and I need to figure it out fast because my deadline is three weeks from now to have the plans finished. So please, would you, could you, still consider me for this…..

Miss Mustard Seed’ Assessment:
The good: This is a blank canvas with loads of potential and a talented home owner who can execute some creative ideas.
What it needs: Softening.  This room looks cold and institutional right now.  It needs lots of texture and warmth to counter the things in this room that cannot be changed. 

ELEVEN

Whitney from Keeping Up with the Thomases
I totally need help with my living room design. My husband and I were married one year ago, and bought our first house about a month later. I love it, but our living room needs HELP! I have no idea how to arrange any furniture in here because the TV is above the fireplace, one wall opens to the kitchen, one wall opens to the dining room, and another wall has a large window. This is the first time I’ve decorated a house without my mom’s help, and I second guess myself too much. She usually makes great decisions, but I now live over 300 miles from her! 🙁 If you’re up for an awkwardly shaped room, I’m open to suggestions!!

 Miss Mustard Seed’s Assessment:
(Is it me, or does that dog look angry?)
The good: This space is gorgeous.  It has great details, lots of light and lots of space.
What it needs: Furniture that looks like it belongs in this stylish space, more seating and furniture, and some personality.  (And that dog needs a treat or a good belly rub or something.)

So, now it’s in your hands.  I was going to do a fancy voting widget, but decided to keep it simple and low-tech.  Just leave a comment with the room number you would like to see my consultation on.  The one with the most votes wins the consultation.  Voting will be opened through Wednesday, July 21 at midnight EST. 

Good luck!

Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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196 Responses

  1. I think #2 because Elise needs at least one space that is finished and comfortable to her. It seems she is so willing to make this work in a home that wouldn't have been her first choice and I think you and her can make it into something special!

  2. It was hard to choose between #2 and #10. I chose #10 because I feel her bedroom need to be a sort of sanctuary and calm from a long day. I love your bedrooms and know you could truly transform this space for her. Jackie

  3. ^^Bless Bonnie's heart!! i was going to try to be classy and vote for someone else, but i can't– i vote for Me!

  4. I agree with Bonnie. #2, Elise. I live in an 80's raised ranch, so I completely feel her pain about a 70's split level. Those 70's & 80's homes are tough because they are so "meh" and lacking in detail and character. The other spaces already look bright with great details – they just need some furniture.

  5. I vote for #2 Elise as well. I think if she had one "completed" room to use as a jumping off point the others would start to fall into place. Although…I have to say #8 would be interesting!

  6. I am voting for #2. I lived in a split level growing up with 1950's furniture. Can't wait to see the after of whatever room wins.

  7. #2 – Elise – She truly is content to make the most with what she has and with her thrifty creativity I'm sure she will take your help and use it to create a home that is all her own!

  8. Although I would love to see #9…I think it has great potential for being gorgeous, I have to vote for #2, #2, #2. Why? Sorry, but I think she needs it the most. Her blog says she's content, but I don't think she can be with that room.

  9. I vote for number 2. I like a gal who knows her priorities (not that the others don't!) and her home really could use some inspiration!

  10. I love #9 and #11 but my vote is for #3 #3 #3!!! They need a nice romantic getaway and your just the person to do it!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

  11. Before I submit my vote, I have to say, your commentary about number 11 (the angry dog)..was hysterical! I am voting for number 2!

  12. #2, I have been in that house and it is in dire need of updating!! She deserves it, she is an amazing woman and mother and I think is in need the most out of all of these houses.

  13. What amazing spaces to choose from! I am certainly voting for Elise. Not only because she is a sweetie and so deserves this, but because she just introduced me to your AMAZING blog. I am going to have some fun looking around!

  14. I'd like to see what you can do for Elise. As a friend of the family I've been to the home and it has a ton of potential. The return on investment will be huge. What could be better than helping to make an even happier home for her young ones?

  15. #2!

    I know ELise and she told me about the contest. I figured I'd come and look and vote for which rooms needs it. There are some really great contenders, but without a doubt, Elise's house. Elise has sort of a funky/whimsical/fun/artsy-fartsy nature about here which can take a room into any design you would ever want to challenge yourself with. I think not only would it benefit Elise and make her love her house a bit, but it would totally rock for you.

  16. ALL of the entries would be perfect for your touch. It was a tough choice so I went out and read about the owners which made the choice easier. I am voting for #10 Maryanne from Songbird.

  17. Well, it depends on what your goal is Marian. I think #8 is right up your alley(with it being an old house) and there is a lot of potential to bring that house to life. #4, cause like you said, IT'S IN PARIS!!! I think you would love doing that one. The one I personally vote for is #6, just have a feeling on that one. I think they are all deserving of your talents, but this is just my opinion. On a side note, in #11, the dog is a schnauzer, he is stately, not angry. My Scarlet is the same way, very intense looking, but the most loving baby in the world(good call on the belly rub though, all of the schauzies I know love them!!) Good luck to you and the "guineas".

  18. I vote for number #2 cause I think she would not only be the most appreciative of the help but would be willing to help others when they are in need. She deserves it!

  19. I vote for one of the master bedrooms to be done. I personally have an unfinished master bedroom and hope to gain some ideas and suggestions for my own. That is an important room and for some reason I have no vision for my own.

  20. I want to vote for myself (#11), but I'm going to vote #2 instead! She totally deserves it. 🙂

    And as a side note, he's not angry…he's ashamed of my undecorated room and my hubby's bachelor pad furniture!! haha! I mean, the couch can actually be plugged in so it can vibrate and the center folds down and turns into a cup holder/tv dinner table! Yikes! 😉

  21. #2 for sure! God bless (and help) those folks who live in 70's split levels!

  22. #2 ELISE! She is an absolute wonderful person and deserves it SO much! A stay at home mom needs a great place to relax while watching her beautiful children play!

  23. I have to vote for 8. I think it is a challenge and I can see why she is having problems. The red wall color doesn't help…Miss Mustard Seed to the rescue! Some of the other rooms are just plain and need basic decor work, and others are already too pretty. This one is a real disaster!

  24. Of course #2 she needs the most help. All the others need help but have inherent beauty that they can live with. Elise needs HELP!!!

  25. They are all so worthy. It's hard to evaluate who needs it more…. because lighting and cameras are not equal.
    Why not do all you can and then delegate help, take suggestions from readers.

  26. I vote for Elise (#2). The family is great and I'm sure they'd appreciate the help in improving a family heirloom!

  27. Whoa, tough choices! I think I'd just draw a number from a hat. However, I narrowed down to #8. Please replace the !!RED!! with a nice soothing, calm color and bring some focus to her lovely, lovely old home. (and then move on to #10, and #3 and #2 etc… 😉 )

  28. I vote #11 because I've dealt with a space that has a weird layout and it is tough! I also love schnauzers. Such sweet dogs! Making fun of someone's dog is like making fun of their children. Not very nice! =)

  29. I think Elise has her whole family, work colleagues, and neighborhood on the band wagon! You go, girl!

    However, I choose #1 because I'd love to see how MMS chooses a theme for a room.

    Also, I take my room out of the next drawing because I'm going to split my year between #4 and #9!! 🙂 [Just kidding, MMS! I would still love your input for my RAW, new great room!]

    How fun is this?!! Good luck everyone!

    d

  30. OK, it looks like they all need some creative inspiration but I am in love with anything OLD. I am going to vote for the one that has the 100yr old farm house. I know you will be able to really shine in this transformation.

  31. d-
    i really don't! i don't even have colleagues!
    i do have some awesome friends & family though:O)
    i'm chalking up the rest to a universal hatred for mid 70's split levels!!
    there are some awesome spaces on here, good luck to everyone :O)

  32. Voting for #8

    There are a few here who really need your help. I was torn for a while.

    I think that #8, though, has several interesting design challenges on her hands and I'd love to see what you can do with them.

  33. my vote is for #2. While I am sure Elise treasures the charm that her family has put into the home, not that it belongs to her and her husgand I can see how she'd really want to make it new and fresh, to make it seem more like her own. Please help this mother of two on a budget 🙂

  34. my vote is for #2. While I am sure Elise treasures the charm that her family has put into the home, not that it belongs to her and her husgand I can see how she'd really want to make it new and fresh, to make it seem more like her own. Please help this mother of two on a budget 🙂

  35. my vote is for #2. While I am sure Elise treasures the charm that her family has put into the home, not that it belongs to her and her husgand I can see how she'd really want to make it new and fresh, to make it seem more like her own. Please help this mother of two on a budget 🙂

  36. Hello Marian,
    How are you?
    Thank you for leaving me such a sweet comment on my blog… YOU INSPIRE ME EVERYDAY!
    I love getting your posts by email, I never miss a post that way!!!
    Okay I vote for number 6!
    This is so much fun… I can't wait to see what you the winner's space!!
    xoxoxo
    Maria

  37. I vote for Elise from elise is content. She sounds so nice and really could use your help. No budget and a 70's split level! Please help her. Pam

  38. #3…Megan and Wayne deserve it. They are such an awesome couple and they deserve a place to go and be romantic and comfy.

  39. #2 Elise all the way. She is such a bright and shining person in the world wide web of ours. It would be so fun to see what you could do with her space!

  40. of course I want to vote for myself, but I would love to see what you would do with #3. No matter who wins I look forword to seeing your design!

  41. Number 2. Any woman who is living in her in-laws old house (and has crazy hallways like that) DESERVES a makeover. Plus, she sounds neat.

  42. I vote for #7. I would love to see what you do with the catwalk wall and odd layout of the room. It's kind of an unusual space and would fun to work with! A lot of potential!

  43. Oh please – #2 Elise is "content"?
    She def needs your help!
    I hope I don't sound negative –
    I know you will add that Perfect
    touch to her house – ensuring that
    it becomes a home!!!!!

  44. Pleeeeaaase, could you pleeeaaase do the consulation for #10 Marianne? I have seen her lovely home and you are absolutely right, she has the talent to actually proceed your ideas.

  45. I think #8. It's such an unusual space, it's really going to take some talent to pull it together, you are totally up to the challenge!

  46. Well since I can't vote for my self I would like to see what you can do with #8. OMGosh! This room could be gorgeous!

    Why is it so much easier to see the potential when its not what I have been staring at every day?

  47. #2! Anybody who meets Elise is better off for it. And I know she would be so grateful for helping make her house a home with some love & creative juices from your expertise!!

  48. #2, Elise… How amazing is it to have the opportunity to raise your children in the home your husband grew up in. I would love to see Elise's home refreshed and updated for her new family, allowing this warm home a new life, and giving this great Mom and family place to create their new memories to come. What a great project!! Good Luck to all 🙂

  49. I'm voting for #2,Elise! Simply because she and her family are sweet beyond measure and give as much as they can to others. This selfless mom deserves it.

  50. I, too, have been in Elise's home…she needs YOU!! I'm sure all the ladies are deserving, but Elise has my vote!

  51. i was going with no2, but am voting for 7 wow i usually can figure , but that room not even a glimmer. its the most challenging. so good luck to whoever wins ;). and that dog sure looks intent 😉

  52. I say #10 – this room needs colour, romantic colours, and please put soemthing interesting on those blank walls – this room is dead and lifeless. Denise

  53. I love #9 and #11, the spaces are so beautiful that most diy/bargain furniture and accessories are going to look great. I vote for #2. I'm excited to see what you can do with a boring 70's split level and a minimal budget.

  54. I discovered your blog a little while ago. I really love reading your posts, but I don't think I ever commented. So I comming out of lurkdom to vote for number 10. Marianne's baywindow is really difficult to dress, so I am looking forward to your solution.
    Have a nice weekend!

  55. #2 for Elise, I feel her pain!!! When you are on that tight of a budget, it can get very depressing and boring. Please help her with your magic! 🙂

  56. Elise please.. She is a amazing woman who does the best with what she has, she so deserves to be picked for this makeover. Its hard to raise a family in todays world, and Elise is content to be a at home mother who puts her family first. She is frugal and thrifty, and does a great job with what she has. Shes a wonderful Wife, Mother, daughter, sister, and friend to everyone. Im sure if she is picked, she will be the happiest person you could imagine, shes so thankful for even the smallest of blessings in her life! Bless her with your innovative ways to make her little nest lovely!! You wont regret it!! 🙂

  57. I vote for #3! I am need of a bedroom make-over myself. I would love to know how to make it nice, without making it too girly.

  58. I am voting for Elise – Room Two.
    Elise is such a kind hearted, great woman. She is a great mother and is always working so hard. She deserves this the most!

    <3

  59. and Tamera votes for #8…..We think this room has more challenges then the rest. We can not wait to see this room when it is finish!

  60. #8 for me! I think, using that soft weathered gray barn wood that is above her fireplace, would look awesome all over the walls. It would blend nicely with the taupe colored walls behind it. My favorite color is red but this isn't working. Help this lady!

  61. I think #2 Elise. She needs your help the most! And they are an awesome family, and would never forget this and be forever grateful!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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