Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Coastal Design Pt. 2 - The Crow's Nest

This next home was built by the Stokton family who bought a beautiful slip of land that teeters on the brink of the serene Fripp Island marshes in South Carolina.  The home was designed by Atlanta architect, Dwayne Stone, who was asked to take full advantage of the lush marsh views.  Constructed by contractor, Alan Patterson, the home has wonderful entertaining space and a unique feature I refer to as "The Crows Nest".

Exterior view of the Stokton home on Fripp Island, SC
Tall windows capped with transoms, broad overhangs, a satin metal roof, soft coastal green shingle siding and the playful crows nest perched at the peak of the roof make this island home a welcome addition to the breezy marsh land of Fripp Island, SC.

Interior view of the casually comfortable living spaces
The open great room space crowned with a vaulted ceiling and timber beams is surrounded on three sides by the amazing coastal views of golden and green marsh grass.

Interior view of the open kitchen with oversized island and vaulted ceiling
Soft gray cabinets with a white quartz top and sleek stainless steel appliances offer a clean cool look ideal for a tropical vacation home.  The painted ship lap ceiling provides a  rustic texture that both correlates with and contrasts to the stained timber beams.

Screened dining porch view
Further capturing the magnificent view and brisk island breeze is the dining porch furnished with a slatted teak table and padded teak arm chairs.  Naval blue napkins with coordinating patterned dishware and crystal blue glassware set on the earth tone furnishings perfectly mimics with the swirl of ocean and marsh grass that surrounds this outdoor oasis.


The bunk room is reminiscent of sleeping quarters found on sailing vessels allowing it to take advantage of an otherwise tight space in a truly nautical fashion.  Madras plaid bedding in bright primary colors pop against the clean white bed frames with stowaway storage.  Nautical light sconces provide each bunk with a private reading light or an effective way to keep any coastal ghosts at bay.

Interior view of the crows nest observation loft
 The crows nest provides 360 degree views in a cozy loft accessed by a spiral metal stair.  The space is perfect for keeping watch or for a relaxing getaway.

Nautical themed accessories can be found throughout the home including this whimsical port hole mirror which opens to reveal shallow storage shelves and this ruler themed mirror frame which hangs in a dressing area.



This open, airy and bright home surrounded by majestic, tranquil marsh views provides ample inspiration for those who wish to bring the appealing look and feel of coastal living into their home.




Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Coastal Design Ideas - Captain's Villa

This creative villa, redesigned by Nancy Hurley of Coastal Designs by Nancy, is the first in a series of six coastal homes I am highlighting in my "Coastal Design" blog series.  All of these homes are located on Fripp Island, SC and were part of the 2016 Fripp Island Women's Club Home Tour.

We began our tour at the Captain John Fripp Villa and were surprised and delighted by the fresh interiors and modern take on traditional coastal design.


Bright whites mixed with weathered wood, shiny chrome, mirrored accents and muted taupes create a relaxing oasis perfect for coastal living or for those of us who wish we were living at the coast.


A faux transom made from framed mirrors adds visual interest and a sense of height to the otherwise low ceiling.  This detail is carried throughout the 1250 square foot villa.


The Master bedroom walls are accented with ship lap and continue the mirrored transom detail.  The white interior is coupled with contrasting dark stained elements and subtle textures.


 The Guest bedroom continues the use of ship lap and mirrors along with coastal silhouettes.


The Bunk Room sleeps six and takes advantage of storage space under the beds and between them.  Burlap and brown accents provide contrast and warmth.



The outside patio overlooks the marsh in a shaded relaxing space with fun blue and green tone accents pieces.  The galley kitchen floor has a series of jute mats sewn together to form a runner.

For a small space, this villa has the feel of a luxury home.  It was a great beginning to our tour and proved to be one of my favorite designs.


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Retain Character Charm With Modern, Timber Frame Sash Windows


Whether you want to add period charm to a modern property, or are renovating a period property so that it retains the same character and charm that attracted you to buy the property in the first place, one of the architectural features that you will need to consider is the windows. Consider the existing windows, determine whether they can be repaired, and choose windows that are in keeping with the time period and the design that you want for your home.

Traditional windows can look great in modern property, and sash windows do offer the benefit of providing a lot of glazing space while being filled with character and charm. Although uPVC frames are available, if you want to achieve a truly period look, then timber frames are your best option � in fact, timber frames can last longer, they can be refreshed and repaired rather than having to replaced, and they are arguably the greener option when compared to uPVC, meaning that they are the first choice in sash window frames for many buyers and property owners.

Of course, if you own a period property, then you will want to find features that match the original features. In the case of windows, you can look to have the original windows repaired if they are still in place, and if they are in a condition that allows for repair. However, while timber frames can last 100 years or more, and still be repaired and updated, there does come a time when they eventually need replacing.

Windows that are badly damaged will need replacing, even if they are made from timber frames. Fortunately, there are companies that can provide modern timber framed windows that look authentic but offer a number of benefits over their older counterparts. More modern treatment techniques, double glazing, and improved hardware for the sliding and locking mechanisms are among some of those benefits, and they can help ensure that your window last longer and look better throughout their lifetime.

Many different layout of sash window can be chosen. Some windows are top opening, while others are bottom opening, and there are some that offer both options. You can choose the size of window pane, and you can also choose the layout of the smaller panes, or lights. These were traditionally added because the technology at the time that traditional windows were made did not allow for the inclusion of a single, large sheet of glazing, and different configurations were popular during different periods. You should choose the configuration of window lights that best fits the period of property that you are working on.

Timber frame windows do require professional fitting. They commonly use hardwood, because many of the products used to treat softwood frames have been banned for ecological reasons, and the frames and glazing not only need to be measured accurately, but they need to be treated, they need to be fitted properly, and they need to be checked and tested to ensure their safety.

The Original Box Sash Window Company can produce and install windows for any period property, consult on choosing the most appropriate type and design of window, and they will ensure that the sash windows are professionally and securely fitted.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Kitchen Design Trends for 2016

Curious to know what kitchen design trends will dominate in 2016?  Below we list some design trends you will want to incorporate into your home this year.
  
OPEN CONCEPT:  
Kitchens that open up to living and dining spaces satisfy the needs of the modern family



Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design


MULTI-COLORED CABINETS           &         OPEN SHELVING:
Color is making a comeback in combination with neutral colors


Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design


RUSTIC DESIGN ELEMENTS:
Rustic elements such as stone, timber and metal are being mixed with more refined materials to create a dynamic design balance


Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design

LIVE EDGE COUNTERS:
Counters with a "live edge" have irregular, lightly finished edges that accentuate the natural appearance of the material.  In this case the natural curvature of the tree is easily visible in the solid wood plank counter. 


Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design

TOUCHLESS FAUCETS:
Advances in technology and a desire for sanitary food prep conditions has fueled a boom in "touchless" fixtures for the home

Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design


COMMERCIAL GRADE APPLIANCES:
Built-in fryers, double ovens, 6-8 burner gas cooktops and glass front refrigerators are just a few of the very popular commercial grade appliances being requested by food savvy homeowners










Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design

UPPER GLASS DOORS:
Cabinets are extending to the underside of ceilings creating more storage and the opportunity for additional illumination through the use of upper glass cabinets

Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design


CLEVER STORAGE:
Pull-out columns and specialized storage inserts are a common request in kitchens that will continue into the new year

Photo Credit: Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design
Kitchen renovations are still one of our most requested project types and every kitchen we design reflects the unique personality of their homeowner.  We are grateful to have clients who trust us to create exciting new trends and offer creative design solutions in unique and varied ways.