Wednesday, October 29, 2014

From Dark to Dreamy: a Modest Kitchen Makeover with Bold Results

Stained wood can add charm, warmth and richness to our homes, but it requires a certain level of balance to prevent it from becoming overwhelming, dark or oppressive.  The balance in this project had yet to be achieved, but there were elements worth saving that would help transform the space from dark to dreamy...


Stained floors, ceilings and cabinets coupled with dark red walls made the space feel tight and outdated.


While a small island formed an obstacle that interrupted the flow and function of the kitchen and didn't provide a large enough prep surface.


The dual loaded galley style kitchen with center island created a bisected space with narrow working aisles leaving the eating area underutilized and inefficient.


The existing kitchen plan had tight circulation clearances and limited work surface.  Foot traffic from the Foyer flowed directly through the working area and in front of the often used refrigerator.  It was not conducive to entertaining or accommodating for multiple cooks.  The breakfast table was not needed, but better access to the dining room was.


The new design keeps the flow of traffic outside of the kitchen working area allowing us to eliminate the cabinetry on one side of the kitchen to increase aisle clearances, provide an open area in front of the refrigerator and improve the overall function of the kitchen.  Enlarging the opening to the Dining room creates connection to this previously separated space and makes entertaining an ease.  The long island provides ample work surface and a casual dining area.


The renovated kitchen is bright and beautiful.  We preserved the stained wood floors, kept the wood ceiling and lightened it with paint, replaced the cabinetry with a balanced combination of stained and painted cabinets and upgraded the counters and appliances.  The sink and range were left in their original positions to reduce cost, but they are integrated into the new design with such skill that they appear as if they are meant to be.


The elongated island provides separation between the working and entertaining areas of the space and provides a wonderful wide work surface with under counter storage accessible from each side.


The new pantry cabinets and dry bar provide ample and efficient storage space and beautifully anchor the end of the kitchen.


The gas range frees up space previously occupied by a wall oven and has an under counter microwave conveniently located next to it.  The counter-depth refrigerator looks sleek and stylish, but it is also very functional because it doesn't protrude into the working aisle.


A prep sink located in the island with a flanking trash drawer creates the ultimate chopping and prep area.


New lighting and thoughtful details bring the space to life adding visual appeal and decorative highlights.



 New granite countertops with a radiused edge add to the beauty of the space and provide a durable work surface ideal for an active family.  

This new design provides the homeowner with a kitchen they love and an entertaining space that works for large and small groups every day of the week.  We were able to transform this dark space into a dreamy kitchen full of light and loveliness.






Friday, October 3, 2014

2014 BATH STYLE TRENDS

If you want to know what design elements are trending in the bath industry, this is the place to start.  Below is a list of bath design trends that you can either expect to see more or less of in the coming year.  This slide show is based on the findings published in the 2014 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Style Report along with our own professional insights and observations.

HIGHLY DECORATIVE STYLES ARE GIVING WAY TO THE SIMPLICITY OF MODERN DESIGN

MUTED NATURAL TONES ARE BEING USED IN LIEU OF BOLD COLORS

CRISP WHITE TONES ARE REPLACING WARMER BISQUE TONES FOR TOILETS, TUBS AND SINKS

SIMPLICITY IS MAKING A COMEBACK WHEN IT COMES TO CABINET FINISHES TOO

NATURAL STONE CONTINUES TO BE THE MOST POPULAR CHOICE

HEATED TILE FLOORS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE POPULAR

CLEAN LINES AND SEAMLESS INTEGRATION APPEAL TO THE MAJORITY OF HOMEOWNERS

SILVER TONES CONTINUE TO BE MORE POPULAR THAN GOLD TONES

SLEEK & MODERN TUBS AND SHOWERS ARE REPLACING OVER SIZED JETTED TUBS & SMALL SHOWERS

For more bath design insight and inspiration, visit our other blog posts or contact us for a personal design assessment.  Many of our projects can be found on Houzz.com by clicking on our link in the right hand column of this page.






2014 KITCHEN STYLE TRENDS

Kitchen stye trends have continued to shift towards the contemporary end of the design spectrum throughout 2014.  Below we have created a slideshow of kitchen design trends that are expected to become more or less popular as we round out the year and look forward to 2015.  Our findings are adapted from the NKBA 2014 Kitchen Style Report and our own professional insights and observations.

Less is More as design styles continue to trace their roots back to sleeker simpler tastes found in contemporary design.

Muted earth tones that lean more towards the gray spectrum are replacing brighter color tones.

Wood species with tighter grain patterns and warmer undertones are replacing traditional wood species that show more movement or knots in their grain pattern.

Distressed finishes are just beginning to show a slow down in popularity while cabinetry with multiple finishes or colors other than white are increasing.

Natural stone surfaces continue to dominate the market.  Mix in some butcher block and your headed in an even more popular direction.

Hardwood continues to gain momentum as one of the most popular flooring choices and for those wary of using wood in a kitchen, wood grain tile is gaining in popularity.

Stainless steel is still a safe choice while granite composite sinks are gaining in popularity.

Silver tones have overtaken the oil rubbed bronze finishes and it appears the brass finish revival has yet to happen.

Homeowners are looking for appliances that help them achieve a clutter free kitchen and professional cooking results.

Look for full refrigerator and full freezer columns to gain in popularity as more manufacturers add them to their product lines.

Convenience and clutter free features are in high demand when it comes to storage features.





For more advice, inspiration and ideas on kitchen design, visit our other blog posts or contact us to schedule a personal kitchen design assessment.  Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams.