GLAM SCHOOL BY ABB E F EN IMO R E
GLAM SCHOOL BY AB B E FEN IMOR E
e b b A t e e M A
bbe Fenimore is a lot like her work: energetic, imaginative and full of surprises. The designer loves to talk, and loves a space that sparks lots of conversation, too.
Abbe’s never met a vibrant hue she didn’t love or a detail to small to fuss over. Her passion for color, drama and glamour combine for jawdropping interiors.
As quick to laugh as she is to embrace a challenge, Abbe has distinguished herself -- and her Studio Ten 25 firm -- as a leader in the design community. The award-winner is devoted to creating spaces that people love coming home to.
Her work is playful, without sacrificing sophistication; elegant, yet accessible; luminous and bold. Abbe’s infectious enthusiasm for design has inspired thousands online, as well as editors at leading publications and media outlets who have featured her work. Her innate desire to create was fostered from a young age and continues to attract her to adventurous projects and designs. When she’s not designing memorable interiors, Abbe is scouting for art, furniture and accessories for her online boutique, Shop Ten 25. As passionate as she is about helping others fill their homes with style and personality, Abbe’s even more passionate about those she shares her own Dallas home with: husband, Dru, and beloved bird dogs, Caddo and Ivy.
Named one of Fashion Group International’s Rising Stars of Interior Design Awarded multiple ASID Legacy of Design Awards for Residential and Commercial Interior Design Named one of 7 Interior designers to watch in 2015 by Rue Magazine. Named one of Dallas’ Best Interior Designers from 2012 - 2016 by D Home.
s t n e t n co
CHAPTER 1
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE GLAMOROUS CHAPTER 2
FINDING YOUR INSPIRATION CHAPTER 3
COLOR: BE BOLD BE BRIGHT CHAPTER 4
THE MASTER MIXER CHAPTER 5
WALLS THAT WOW CHAPTER 6
I’M FLOORED CHAPTER 7
LIGHT IT UP CHAPTER 8
MAKE YOUR BED CHAPTER 9
CHIC CLOSETS & STYLISH STORAGE CHAPTER 10
ADDING ART CHAPTER 11
PILLOWS & ACCESSORIES CHAPTER 12
STYLING SHELVES & COFFEE TABLES CHAPTER 13
WRAPPING IT UP
CH APT ER 1 Glamour isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s a way of life. Finding and celebrating beautiful furniture, fabric, color and accessories adds richness and personality to a space. And doing so not only elevates your home, but your attitude, too.
s u o r o m a Gl WHAT IT MEANS TO BE
That perfect shade of pink
WHAT IS GLAM? ___ Stylish Accessories
Going glam means going for bold pattern, high style, statement-making accents, sumptuous fabrics, sparkle and shine. But it’s more than that. It’s punctuating a dramatic statement with subtle sophistication. Finding a way to blend old with new. Introducing elements that gleam and shimmer. Balancing feminine silhouettes and colors along with neutrals. It’s walking right
Luxurious Fabrics
up to the edge of over the top and settling for perfection, instead. Opportunities for glamour are there for the taking -- from floor to ceiling. So go ahead, layer in luxury, try the unexpected, play with pattern and texture, fall in love with something unconventional and fuss over it until you have showcased it exactly how you want it.
Go get it.
Glamour is fearless and confident.
Glitzy Lighting
CH APT ER 2 Once you open your eyes and start looking, inspiration is everywhere. Seek out and fine-tune looks you love and let them be your roadmap to a swoon-worthy space of your own.
n o i t a r i p s In FINDING YOUR
- BEFORE & AFTER -
COLOR THEORY
___
. . . y B d e r i Insp
When you see a space that sets your heart racing, take a picture of it or if tear out the page so you can add it to your inspiration board -- either virtual or oldfashioned works. After you’ve collected a dozen or so images, you’ll be able to identify the elements that you’re drawn to -- even if the inspiration spaces don’t all look alike. This early step isn’t always glamorous, and it can be time-consuming, but it gives you a strong foundation that will guide your project to completion.
Deeper gray neutrals Textured walls
- BEFORE -
P lum accents P lush metals
A gorgeous bed wasn’t enough to distract from makeshift furniture elsewhere and builder’s standard paint.
Statement pieces Sophisticated textures Tone on tone backdrop
AFTER __ A subtle metallic wallpaper provides an instant shot of sophistication and style, while showcasing the oversized tailored headboard. A healthy dose of aubergine -- bedside lamps, pillow and throw -- creates interest and drama without going overboard. Beyond the wallpaper, there’s plenty of sheen and sparkle, thanks to the majestic mirrors, chrome-legged bench and high-shine lacquer nightstands. Rich, luxurious texture and splashy accent pillows are balanced out by fresh, crisp white bed linens.
. . . s l i a t e The D
-BLACK AND WHITE DESIGN -
WOW FACTOR
___
There’s a reason why you don’t ever hear anyone say, “I just love boring.” Banish bland and be bold, instead. Embrace color, introduce interesting accents, pack a punch with pattern. Do anything to avoid a ho-hum home. But do realize that all that wow must be kept in check with neutrals and basics someplace. If you’ve decided to let the walls do the talking, keep it simple on the bed, draperies and furniture. And when it’s the upholstery that’s making all the noise, make sure the walls aren’t trying to compete.
Incorporate a fun graphic wallpaper and make that a focal point of the room.
Step up the bold factor with a colorful organic print.
AFTER __ It’s hard to take your eyes off the dynamic black-and-white wallpaper, which creates an obvious focal point in this bedroom. But, when you look closely, the delicate pattern on the headboard of the golden canopy bed adds another layer of dimension and interest. A lush tropical print, introduced through artwork and upholstery, provides saturated color and a visual break from the graphic elements. The bed is dressed in unfussy linens, but a zebra-printed rug keeps the design grounded and balanced. Playful pillows and even more animal print complete the look for this design that walks on the wild side.
Layer the look with a chic animal print
- BEFORE Boring beige walls are the perfect blank canvas to try something bold.
PRO TIP
- KNOW YOUR SPACE -
LOOK YOUR LIMITATIONS IN THE EYE ___ Before you can get started, you have to get real about the space -- flaws and all. Consider how you’ll actually use the space and what you need to make it work for your everyday life. Function and comfort are key -but so is overcoming obstacles. Every space has them, but there’s always a way around them. That’s where the creativity comes in. Recognizing a problem from the get-go makes it easier to plan your space, shop, style and live in it.
SOLUTION A problematic piece is re-imagined with crisp white paint and mirrors that breathe new light and life into the room.
Don’t even think about buy anything until you have a space plan. Doing so will help you decide what to keep and what to ditch. Determine the scale of the pieces you’ll be shopping for, and start making a list. This can save you money, time and loads of frustration. Without a plan, you’re liable to bring home items that don’t fit or don’t work with the overall design. If you’re overwhelmed at the prospect of committing to a space plan, consider bringing in the professionals. Online design services are available to match all budgets and will help get you moving in the right direction.
PROBLEM ___ With all the dark, heavy built-in cabinetry, this space would never be light and airy.
O
nce you know how you’re going to use the space and the design direction that you love and want to go for, it’s time to take a look at what
you already have. You might be more than ready to get rid of everything and start from scratch, but
- OLD IS THE NEW “NEW” -
not so fast. It’s important to look at everything
FURNITURE MAKEOVER ___
in help if you can -- to see what pieces can be
with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective -- bring made beautiful again. For some, there really is no help; let those go. But you likely already have some amazing pieces; they just need to be used or re-imagined in the right way. For every piece you can make work, your budget grows. Using your own great pieces makes it easier to decide to shell out for the things you just can’t live without.
- OLD IS THE NEW “NEW” -
THRIFY FINDS ___ Who doesn’t look better with a fresh cut and color, a fab new outfit and lots of extra attention? Old can be bold. Use vintage or thrifted pieces to add character and charm to your space in a way that is uniquely you. Scout vintage stores and more for those diamonds in the rough just waiting to be polished so they can really sparkle.
- OLD IS THE NEW “NEW” -
TRANSFORMATIONS ___ Don’t be afraid to banish boring. Barrel chairs in the right shape, size and scale weren’t going to work in their current state. Enter leopard print fabric and swivel bases. Hello fabulous!
Incorporating pieces that you’ve inherited adds history and personality to your space. Don’t be afraid to have furniture refinished, painted or updated with new hardware. We know that means grandmother’s piece won’t look the same, but wouldn’t it make her happy to know you’re actually using and loving it?
___ PRO TIP: Once you pay for fabric, new cushions, refinished legs and upholstery
PRO TIP: Add it up: There’s are some hidden costs to consider before you
expenses, a bargain can sometimes break your budget. Don’t let that deter you. When
commit to custom. So, make sure it’s worth it.
you get exactly you want, it’s often worth every penny.
- THE INVESTMENT -
SLAPPING DOWN THE CREDIT CARD ___
CREATE A SPREADSHEET LA M
$$
$
Budgets are the biggest pain when it comes to creating an amazing
PS
cost delivery installation labor
PERFORM THE REALITY CHECK
design. Of course, you can try to get the look for less. But let’s face it, that doesn’t always work. Creating a realistic budget is easy -- it’s
Is the bottom line within your budget?
sticking to it that gets tricky. Start by creating a spreadsheet, listing the items you need to purchase and adding the pricing. Be sure to factor in shipping and delivery. Installation and labor are also things
- MAKE SMART DECISIONS -
that can wreck a budget, so don’t leave them out when building
WORTH THE SPLURGE
your spending plan. Seeing the bottom line to your budget will give
sofa accent chairs pillows
you a reality check on how much time you’ll need to properly plan and purchase pieces. Set aside the biggest portion of your budget for the pieces you’ll be
SHOP & SAVE
using most: your sofa, accent chairs and tables. When it comes to
lighting art accessories
lighting, art and accessories, there are so many beautifully designed pieces that are beyond affordable. You’ll be surprised at what you
PI
at the unlikeliest of places, too.
ally, they can make or break your space and are the key to mixing things up when you are bored with your room’s look.
$$
too much, considering I have piles of them for each season. Visu-
CABINET
My favorite splurge by far is a pillow. I love a pillow -- maybe a little
$
LL OW
can find once you start digging around. There are some real gems
- THE INVESTMENT -
SPLURGE VS STEAL ___ Breathe easy, a room can look like a million bucks without having to spend nearly that much. The fact is, most of us have budgets we have to work within. That means no matter how much we may love something, we have to consider its price tag. You may fall in love with a table, but it just isn’t going to work for your budget, so what now? Keep an open mind and seek out items that are similar. This is the fun part, I promise. Stumbling upon things you never would have looked at otherwise and knowing they will look amazing in the space is a huge rush. You can get so hung up on “the one” that you overlook and miss something else that maybe just as perfect. Working on a budget forces you to get creative and prioritize. Make sure your investment pieces are high-quality, high-impact items. Even the budget-friendly items can get the glam treatment. Buy pieces that can be customized and dolled up. Nobody but you will know that you didn’t spend a fortune on them.
SPLURG E
STE AL
BE ST OF BOTH
Lush floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains add graphic
Not all chandeliers are created equal. But when you find
Many consider artwork an investment, and who I am
It’s hard to tell that the bedside lamp isn’t at the same
punch, a shot of color and luxury.
a chic one, dripping with elegance, you snap it up.
to argue? An assemble-yourself dresser from a big-box
price point as the mirrored-front tables or statement-
chain looks anything but basic once it’s topped with a
making wallpaper. The lamp’s sophisticated color and
piece of mirror and given acrylic drawer pulls.
shade details make this steal look like a splurge.
PRO TIP Just because a vignette looks perfect in a store doesn’t mean it’s going to look like that when you get the pieces home. Don’t try to mimic a retailer’s look, you’ll likely fail. Your space will look nothing like it and will always feel like it’s missing something. Shop around instead, picking favorite pieces from a variety
- THE INVESTMENT -
of retailers.
TAKE YOUR TIME ___ No matter how tempted you might be to buy everything from one place and be done with it, don’t. Shopping for all of your furniture at the same source is a major mistake. Same goes for buying a matching set. Yes, you want your pieces to coordinate and feel cohesive, but you don’t want it all to look
Once you begin to bring things into the space, it’s important to step back, live with them and
exactly alike. While you might save time, you’ll be missing
see how you feel about them over a day or so. Design doesn’t happen in a day. We can’t just
out on depth and personality.
shake out the rug and watch everything perfectly fall into place. It doesn’t work that way. This is real life, not TV. Great design does take time and patience. But if you’re willing to invest time into the process, you’ll be thrilled with the end result.
- STYLE PROFILE -
LAUREN RENFROW Interview by Jamie Knodel
___ Lauren Renfrow knows exactly what she likes: drama, punchy color, natural wonders and glamorous accents. And although many of her walls are white, they are only that hue to better showcase the colorful elements and pieces she favors. “I go for a little glam, a little edge and things that make an impact -- and color, obviously,” says Renfrow, who blended her passion for striking gems and minerals with her love of design to create Times Two Design where she dreams up dramatic lighting and home accessories. Together, Renfrow and Abbe Fenimore created a master mix of earthly delights, swoon-worthy fabrics, animal prints and show-stopping accessories in the home Renfrow shares with her daughter, Addison. Agate slices, mineral specimens and barnacles add endless sparkle to the rooms that are bursting with spirit and personality. And when the natural beauty isn’t glamorous enough for Renfrow, she gets to work (often with gold leafing). “I love to find something people haven’t seen before and make it really special,” says Renfrow. “ I dress up Mother Nature.”
- THANK YOU -
FOR YOUR TIME ___ If you would like to discuss partnership possibilities for the continued creation of Glam School, please contact Abbe Fenimore at (214) 763-3040 or abbe@studioten25.com.