Betty Anderson

This week we are taking a look in to Betty Anderson's design for DesignIt 2012.  Be sure to check out her photo on Facebook.  "Like" it and "Share" it to vote for Betty's design. 

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?

One would think that choosing pieces to design a room would be easy if you had a whole furniture store to select from and budget was not an issue, right? As I said, one would think. 

I wanted to design a space that was inviting, warm, comfortable and relaxing.  I found myself walking around the store so undecided...there are too many great pieces to choose from!  On my first visit the grey sofa and chaise caught my eye and I kept coming back to it, so inviting and a perfect size for the space.  You know what they say, go with your first instinct.  Who wouldn’t be relaxed nestled in that beautiful black leather chair and ottoman?  Visits to follow would provide the rustic Restoration Hardware inspired tables that were a must because they are so versatile.  With the foundation of the design established pulling in other complimentary pieces fell into place and readily available at the store.

With Vander Berg Furniture and Flooring providing this opportunity, I felt it was important to feature the “total package” they have to offer.  That was why I chose to incorporate the flooring portion of their business also. 

How would you describe your design style?

Although not all design styles are my taste I do appreciate all types of design.  I would say my design style is traditional with a rustic flair.  I love to re-purpose or up-cycle items giving them new life and purpose, using items tastefully in an unexpected fashion is always rewarding for me.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

 

I had a  friend encourage me to sign up, so I checked into it, thought it would be a fun challenge and signed up that day. 

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

 

Upon signing up I knew exactly what I would spend the $1000 on, but after doing the display and spending time in the store, it makes my decision much more challenging.  A new dining room table to replace my 18 year old hand me down is at the top of my priority list at this time, again, going with my first instinct.  

What else would you like us to know?

The opportunity of DesignIt 2012 came at a perfect time, and being creative has always been an outlet for me.  Let’s face it, with the busyness of today’s world it is easy to put off and forget to enjoy the gifts we are given.  

Thank you, Vander Berg Furniture and Flooring, you are great to work with and I had a blast!

 

Bonita Van Otterloo

This week Bonita Van Otterloo took her turn at DesignIt 2012.  We had a great time getting to know her and we're sure that you will too.  

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?  

I love color, so I knew I wanted the room to have pops of color in it. Initially, when I was chosen for this, I also knew I wanted to do some type of office area, but I wanted it to be warm and inviting because to me, an office needs to be a place where you can relax as well as concentrate. So, right away, I chose a desk and a fireplace, because what’s more warm and inviting than a fireplace? Next, I chose a chair. At first I had picked another chair, but decided on the swivel orange printed one instead because I had seen the fun orange rug to pair it. 

I also chose the fuzzy chair because it made me think of something I’d like to sit in next to the fireplace when it’s cold outside (and it is soooo comfy!!!). The orange throw and pillow were an added bonus. Then, I saw “THE” cabinet. I love it. I love the shutter doors, and I love the distressed color. I had to have it.J The glass table in front of it with the orange bar stool and metal bar stool adds some shine to the room, as well as an industrial-type feel. 

I thought a little coffee nook for an office would be fun, mostly because my ideal office would have something to do with coffee. Then, I saw the piece with the mirrored circle. Again, more shine, and just an all-around fun piece. I even found vases with circles on them, so that really made everything tie together nicely. I added some pops of orange/red here and there, as well as some birch twigs in birch-like vases and two smaller spiral evergreen trees to give it a hint of winter and Christmas. People who know me, know how much I love Christmas! I thought the picture above the fireplace went nicely with those birch twigs and had some hint of orange in as well. I also used the screen and went with hanging the clock from it.

How would you describe your design style?

Like I said, I love color. Whether it’s pops of color through accessories, paint, a rug, or a dramatic colorful piece, I need to have color. I’m really into the rustic and distressed pieces right now. They are so fun and add a lot of character to a room. I also like anything warm and inviting because a home is where you spend the most time, and I think it needs to be a place where you can relax and unwind.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I thought it would be a fun challenge and a good experience, and it was! To have a whole furniture store at your disposal and design a room where you can use anything you want was just such a fun way to express how my personality is through a designed room.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

We've been talking about getting a new sectional, but I would also love to use it toward some of the pieces I used in my DesignIt room.

What else would you like us to know?

Thank you to Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring for putting this on! What a fun way to get your name out there but also letting people use their creativity to display your furniture and accessories. I encourage people to get out there and check out what they have to offer. You will have so much fun! :)

Kari Vander Plaats

This week we wanted to give you a peak into the inspiration of our latest DesignIt 2012 contestant, Kari.  Be sure to check out her photo on Facebook and Like and Share in order to vote for her.

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around? 

There were so many pieces that I loved in Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring, so it was hard for me to decide on just one room design.  I chose to do an office/conference room design because I wanted to design something different than others in previous weeks had done.  Also, I thought that customers would get a good feel for what a home office or a conference room for a business could look like with furniture from Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring.  

The inspiration piece that got the ball rolling was the rug that is located underneath the conference room table.  I found it in one of the modular homes and instantly thought it was the perfect piece.  It allowed me to incorporate all different colors.  I was not limited to black or brown.  It seemed to pull out both colors well.  After I found that piece, the other pieces just fell into place.

How would you describe your design style?

I would describe my design style as sophisticated with a rustic twist.  I love both ends of the spectrum.  I love the fancy feel, but have acquired a love for rust and antiques as of late.  You'll see pieces with a little bit of sophistication (like the conference room chairs) and then see pieces with a fun rustic edge to them (like the burlap bow on the red chairs and the burlap lamp on the desk).  I think you get a great balance by incorporating a little bit of each.

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I love to design and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try my hand at a larger project.  I had never designed a whole room from scratch.  I love to redecorate my room at home, but only add new accent pieces here and there.  This great experience gave me the opportunity to try something new and I had a blast doing just that.

What would you do with the $1000 shopping spree?

There are so many pieces in Vander Berg Furniture & Flooring that I don’t know if I would ever be able to make up my mind.  I think that I would choose something that I could use later on when I have a place of my own.  I would also want it to be something that I could remember this great experience with.

What else would you like us to know?

I just want to thank Vander Bergs for putting together such a fun activity for the community.  I had a blast getting to work with all of you and hope to see many more fun designs in the weeks to come!