Move away from the wall

One of the most common conversations I have with my clients is furniture placement. My goal is always to make the space feel warm and inviting. Quite often people make the mistake of pushing furniture up against the walls,  or lining furniture up against every bit of open wall space. Which only serves to make the space feel scattered and unfocused.  By floating your arrangement within the space,  your eye is drawn “through” the furniture to the walls and windows, focal point!

FYI A conversation grouping of floating furniture should be about 12 feet from the back of one sofa or chair to the back of one sofa or chair.  And you need some circulation space (30inches or so) around that area so the furniture can “ float”.  These design rules are some times dumbfoundedly questioned ? I usually reply with,  “ We must follow the rules or they might send the decorating Police after us lol !!!!”

Seen below living room designed by Candice Olson

A beautiful area rug over dark wood floor anchors the whole area.

SHNS photo courtesy HGTV

A great layout for a smaller space is this living room ,  the door opens right into one side,  and a console table keeps you from walking straight down that side.  But because the furniture has been placed in a nice conversational grouping in one corner,  people can easily walk through. Keep in mind ( for a small space) you can place the front your coffee table approx 18” from the front of the sofa,  any less is a bit crammed. For larger space 24” is adequate  from the front of the sofa.  If you don’t have the space flexibility,  try reducing the size of your coffee table. As shown below with this round ottoman.  You could also use two 24” x 24” cube ottomans side by side.

contemporary living room design by boston interior designer Jace Interiors & CreateGirl Blog

  This designer brilliantly used every bit of space in this room. As long as you have a place to set that martini down,  you can even make do without end tables!!!! 

 

living room design by portland interior designer Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

The same principle applies to other spaces in your home,  seen below furniture placement video for a home office.

 

 

Simple sketch of floating furniture grouping,  notice how the sofa is pulled away from the wall.

 

Finally,  if you really want to create an open elegant room,  try changing your arrangement to create intimate seating and a sense of airiness.

Thank you for visiting! I feel blessed to have you on board!

Architectural Salvage and a winner!

The real key to a good design is to introduce the unexpected.  I always rely on architectural salvage to pull this off! Take a look at a few of these gorgeous antiques, enjoy . . .

 

 

 

Massive Ha??? Not really sure what it is,  but very intrigued by it’s size and aged patina color!!!

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Congratulations to Tracy Fisher IN,

She is the lucky gal who snagged one of my hand knotted burlap table runners!!!!

Photo courtesy of A Country Farmhouse

 

In closing, I would like to share one of my Grandfather’s favorite sayings

“ Everything in moderation including moderation!”

:-)

Head Turning Kitchen

I know it’s been awhile, so let’s get caught up . . .

My good friends, John and Rebecca, have resided in their dazzling hillside So Cal home since 1994. They were kind enough to allow us front row seats for their spectacular kitchen reno.

This photo is their original 1967 kitchen in all it’s glory.

Before . . .

Rebecca spiffed up their original kitchen twelve years ago. She painted all the cabinets Beach Basket White and replaced the hardware, giving her kitchen a clean and fresh look, but it was still her dream to someday have a complete kitchen makeover.

After first reno . .

Approx. one year ago,

She decided it was time to say buh-bye!

After some hardcore demolition the room was completely gutted.

(The exposed framed wall seen below is the same wall seen in the two above images.)

So began the designing process . . .

There was some structural work to attend to first. Which would include, raising the ceilings and closing up the wall to the far right, while opening up wall w/ proposed new sink.

Proposed new kitchen plan

and here’s what they eventually came up with . . .

I was inspired instantly by this dramatic kitchen and knew I had to write about it. Rebecca brilliantly selected all of the rich design elements in her new inviting kitchen. She resourcefully shopped and not a detail has been spared!

Shall we . . .

Dark Chocolate cabinetry contrasted by rich polished Carrera marble. The magnificent stainless industrial style six burner range is a gas stovetop and electric oven. The range was a second, that she snagged. She had a few scratches removed and saved a big chunk $$. I just love the continuous line of the cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. I’m such a sucker for crown molding.

Her previous kitchen had two small ceiling light fixtures original to the home. Now she has a plethora of recessed lights, under counter lighting and two charming drop pendants. She even had a new stainless trim made to enclose the microwave oven, nice touch!

Beautiful paneled doors on the new family friendly built-in refrigerator, flanked by two bright and sunny windows. Rebecca is quite handy with a sewing machine (among many of her talents), and whipped up the stripped silk valances in just a weekend! More on the valances later.

The kitchen now has two sinks. Remember back in the days when the washer and dryer were in the kitchen, well this 1967 kitchen had just that. When they removed the washer and dryer, they were left with instant plumbing for a second sink, and opted to keep the existing sink for a prep sink. The raised countertop above the sink houses three convenient bar stools, perfect for entertaining. She swiped her stainless dishwasher from her old kitchen before the reno.

The striking vein cut porcelain floor tile repeats the veining pattern in the Carrera marble, ingenuously placed on the diagonal. We’re talking class!!!

New Sink

Existing sink becomes a prep sink, for fresh cut hydrangeas from her garden.

Custom built-in silverware drawer . . .

I added some accessories to the countertops: I grouped together these lovely candlesticks. The backsplash is Carrera basket weave, both timeless and elegant.

The Carrera stone countertop runs the entire length in both directions for a seamless corner. . . expert craftsmanship. Seen below in this back corner.

Between snapping photos we munched on homemade lemon scones. They were Delish!

I helped out with a few designer tricks. I advised Rebecca to hang the window treatments to the ceiling. Seen below, you are looking at the backside of the window treatment. To create this look, use 1”x 2” lumber with the fabric stapled on, and “ L” brackets to attach the valance. For a more finished look, you could first staple a smaller fabric piece to cover the exposed board.

Before . . .

After . . .

Photography courtesy of Jennifer Grey of The Old Painted Cottage.

A dream realized . . .

A huge thank you to Rebecca for sharing this story of their renovation.

Source List

Paint: Pours Stone-Dunn Edwards

Refrigerator: Warehouse Discount Center $3,000

Range: DCS Range, mfrd by Fisher Paykel Company $6,047

Backsplash tile: (eBay) Carrera basket weave $286

Island and Counters: polished Carrera stone major dollars

Cabinets: Modern Chocolate, flat $9,000

Cabinets: installation $1,000

Light pendants: (Home Depot) $114

Glass/ installation in cabinets $225

Floor tile: Vein Cut Porcelain $622

Window treatments: Jo-Ann Fabrics $80

Pantry door: ( Home Depot) special order door w/reeded glass

Sink faucets: Overstock.com

 

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My friend, the fabulous blogger extraordinaire, Joni, who writes Cote De Texas, and I have got together and cooked up the most fabulous giveaway! Rush over to her blog and read all about it. We have decided to offer the winner a charming hand knotted burlap table runner from my spring collection.

Best of luck to everyone!!

 

Renovation Hammer

We've got some catching up to do,  week two of our renovation.  I can honestly say it’s been super fun,  since Robert turned 50yrs old last April. He seems to be a bit more mature in his mid life. So I thought, ha-ha- once an adrenalin junkie always an adrenalin junkie.  So Cal had a bit of rain last week,  and he decided to go out for a mountain bike ride, once the rain passed  . . . Ooops just a bit muddy!!! :-)

I’ve had a few “do-it-yourselfers” interested in the mill work I chose. The reason I like to work with beadboard paneling and casing,  is because  you can get a nice professional look for a fraction of the cost of more expensive moldings.   See below for a detailed list of expenses.

Our cookie cutter home has laminate coated kitchen cabinets. yikes! Curious about painting  - Robert and I paid a visit to our local paint store,  and luckily found out that laminate could be painted over as long as we prime! Yeah!  They recommended Zinzer stain blocking primer.

The drawers and doors on the island could be painted.  This will be a substantial savings!!! :-) I was hoping not to replace the them,  this will leave more cash for vintage  lantern above the island, and additional upgrades.

With everything primed, we were ready to paint the island. I selected {Ralph Lauren Black Truffle.} It’s a lovely smoky black color.   The dark tones of the paint will complement and blend with the existing white cabinetry. Thus resulting in a stylish eclectic vibe. More plans for our white laminate cabinets at the bottom of this post.

Seen below first coat of paint . . .

 

 

 

Existing outlets to be replaced with black.

 

Note to mom: I promise to clean up the unsightly clutter behind cupboards. Even concealed places must be tidy and organized. Right mom?

Remove all doors before painting.

 

Fine grade steel wool between coats, for a smooth finish.  Always be sure to follow with tack cloth.

We chose a marine varnish, to repel any water spills on painted wood work. 

Here’s a sneak peek at the kitchen island,  before a few finishing touches and maybe a faux finish? We might have to break out the destructive sander ??? Isn’t this “VINTAGE  BLACK” out of sight?

Really makes a bold statement don’t you think? . . . . “holla” ….

 

 

Next topic of discussion, We are planning to rework the two main kitchen walls.  First upper and lower cabinets on the wall with stainless cook top. Plan of action will be to carefully remove the cabinetry directly above the hood then build larger hood surround out of ? you guess it,  more beadboard paneling and moldings.  See custom beadboard hood on our inspiration photo below.

Modify the two cabinets on either side, to half the size that they are currently. This will give us ample storage space,  stretching the space above the stove area visually,  and leave plenty room for our new custom built hood.

 

Second will be to select larger crown for the top of cabinets. We plan to use my favorite casing again to conceal the opening around the fridge.

Island upgrade expenses

two 4’ x 8’ beadboard panels $20

casing moldings                        $13

caulking                                   $5

paint & supplies                        $63

hardwood floors         Dream on!

Total                                         $91

 

WOW, I think we’ll have enough for a new farm sink at this pace. lol 

Thanks for listening,  can’t wait to share more renovation with you!

Our Kitchen Redesign

Do you give any thought to the style of the home’s exterior when you are planning to design an interior space? 

When I think of how I would like to redesign my kitchen,  I envision a Provencal style home in the south of France.  The interior design style of this home would  have all the dreamy European elements,  seventeenth century cobblestone floors, aged architectural elements, steel windows and doors, farmhouse sink, etc.  to go along with it. sigh

Back to reality. We reside in a suburban So-CA home. The elements and features have appropriately been referred to as “cookie cutter.”  With that in mind, we’re planning to keep our  kitchen somewhat in sync with our builder’s design layout. I plan to use a few design ideas from Tyler Florence’s Kitchen of the Year at Rockefeller Center. 

We moderately redesigned our small space kitchen 10 years ago and as a designer that seems like an eternity. At that time we replaced the existing tile on the island with a “Sahara Green” granite slab, backsplash with 4”x4” tumbled travertine tile, counter surfaces with travertine slab. Stainless cook top and hood, faucet, dishwasher, hardware. The floor is also travertine. Okay, yep I can honestly say I’m seriously travertined out !!!

 

Here are a few of my inspiration photos for our kitchen redesign:

I was immediately drawn to the dramatic black island, Who knew? I fell in love with it!!!

I’ve always been inspired by copper elements and often incorporate them into my designs. I dig the open shelf concept on the side of the island.

Tyler Florence’s Kitchen of the Year!

We plan to remove our tumbled travertine backsplash and replace with subway tiles. Seen below Tyler chose to use more of a vanilla color subway tile,  which gives more of an aged look to his kitchen. {Caliper series subway tile in Warm Candle by Ann Sacks.} Although you cannot really see the subway tile in this image. :-(

I heart these French library wall lamps from Circa Lighting.

I’d like,   to use a pair of these lanterns from {South of Market} above the Island “ be still my beating heart.”

I’d love to hear from y’all,  if anyone could recommend where we could purchase two vintage inspired lanterns for above our island. This one is a skosh over our budget at $4950 each.

Our moderate redesign we will be focusing on the millwork. We’re planning to upgrade the existing kitchen island and cabinets with beadboard and fancy crown molding. Always evolving, I envision  sprucing up the white cabinets and refinishing the Island in black. Yikes, I know what your thinking, gutsy ha? But if you know me at all I can be fearless at times.  Keeping in mind it’s only paint and can easily be changed.

Our Kitchen before redesign

Surround the frig  with millwork, so that it has a built-in appearance. We love the clean lines of the cabinet depth KitchenAid frig,  no more bulky frig sides to get in the way. YaY!

Our Nine foot Island makes a statement as soon as you enter in the room.

We plan to use 4’ x 8’ beadboard paneling to cover this side of the island and in several other locations. It’s cost affective and easy to work with.

We will also use the beadboard paneling on the cabinet door fronts,  for a more updated look.

Proposed baseboard and island crown molding.

 

My husband will have two assistants on board for this project, myself and our English Labrador, Titus! Doesn't he look like a puppy??? He is eight years old,  I think his Botox is working! lol

May the games begin!!

After cutting our paneling to fit, with a circular saw Robert applies adhesive to adhere our paneling.

 

 

Island with our first two newly installed beadboard panels.

This image ( seen below) you are looking down, we used 1'” x 4” lumber as backing behind the baseboards for a more beefy profile.

The finer details in life . . .

Inexpensive casings on top of the paneling.  To give the beadboard a more finished look.

Fill joints with wood caulking.

 

Fill any nail holes with caulking.

Sand all joints, AaaAaAaahhhhhchooooooo!

 

I found a old pair of cycling gloves to use for sanding. They were supposed to be used for all that cycling,  we planned to do together, NOT . . .

The inside corners weren't fun,  and neither were Robert’s raw fingers, he didn’t think about using gloves,  such a guy thing. :-)

She’s coming together,  can’t wait to paint!!!

 

It’s a wrap for this weekend. Bob has a master’s race Sunday, and he will be going into “the hurt locker.” lol

That’s my hunk in the red helmet.

Come back next week for more kitchen beautification ideas!!!

 

 

For design inquiries, write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net