Twice As Nice

Sometimes you love your house but there's just one or two things here or there you wish you could change.  Such was the case with this project.  Our client had a gorgeous, spacious home in a fantastic neighborhood, but there was only one full bath to be shared by three kids. The client desperately wanted two full bathrooms, but an addition was out of the question and reducing the size of  a bedroom or closet could do more harm than good.  That's where a creative designer comes in handy.

We were able to redesign the existing hall bathroom in a way that allowed us to create one hall bath and one private bath without sacrificing bedroom space.

The existing hall bath had a combination shower/tub unit with a toilet on one side.

And a double vanity on the other side.

We began by removing the existing fixtures and finishes in the bath and part of the existing hallway.  We removed a linen closet and some other minor interior walls to make room for the new bathrooms.

By taking full advantage of a small amount of hallway space, we were able to provide the homeowner with two full baths instead of one.  Each bath has tiled showers, a toilet and vanity.  We were even able to provide a double vanity for the hall bath which is shared by two girls.

The hall bath is soft and serene with terrazzo flooring, crema marfil marble countertop, painted vanity, tiled shower walls with a hex tile accent panel and frameless shower enclosure.

 Details such as recessed tile niches and a porcelain shaving shelf help make the space as functional as it is beautiful.

The efficient design of the private bath has an open relaxing feel with it's full glass corner shower, terrazzo tile floor, glossy tile wainscot, dark vanity and sleek chrome accessories.

The vanity has a marble top with undermount sink, polished chrome faucet and glossy white  backsplash.

The shower curb and side wall are topped with the same marble that is used on the vanity.  This helps to visually tie the elements together and provides a solid smooth surface to attach the shower surround.

By transforming a standard hall bath into two full baths, we have given this family the extra space they need and have added significant value to their home.  What was once a crowded overused bathroom is now twice as nice.

An Entertainer's Oasis

Here is a photogaphic highlight tour of a recent kitchen renovation that transformed a simple, chopped-up kitchen and dining room into the ultimate entertaining space and gourmet kitchen.

BEFORE

This home originally had a very standard U-shaped kitchen with a breakfast area.

 

There was a raised bar, some updated appliances and finishes, but the space was too small for the family of six.  The homeowner's dreamed of a space that would "Wow" friends and family, but they needed professional design help to make their dream a reality.

 

The dining room opened up into the kitchen, but was small, dark and boxed-in.

A narrow hall provided a desk alcove and access to the pantry, half-bath, garage and rear sunroom.

 

The sunroom was underutilized, but had the potential to be the most striking space in the house.

The ample sunlight and beautiful views were wasted on this catch-all space.

AFTER

By removing the interior walls that framed the original dining room and pantry closet, we were able to create a grand kitchen space with a striking center island.

We extended the U-shape of the kitchen across the entire space and added a low stone wall which serves as a raised bar space and perimeter wall for the new island.

Custom designed cabinetry houses the Wolf  wall ovens with furniture front warming drawer.  The pantry cabinet conveniently flanks the wall ovens to one side while a prep surface, coffee station with built-in Thermador coffee maker and microwave drawer are located on the other side.

The stainless steel gas Wolf range top with custom designed hood is centered in the space providing a dramatic focal point.  The light colored hood and pull-out spice columns contrast with the richly stained base cabinets.  The professional series glass front built-in Wolf refrigerator has a prep area to one side and a pantry cabinet with furniture front freezer drawers on the other side.

A recessed coffered ceiling visually defines the central kitchen space, creates depth and height to the traditional 8'-0" high ceilings and adds expertly crafted warmth and detailing to the space.

The working area of the island houses a large stainless steel farm sink with industrial styled faucet, stainless steel dishwasher and under counter ice maker.

 

Each end of the stone island wall is highlighted with an elegant elliptical arch niche with glass tile background, glass shelves and accent lighting.  A stainless steel Scotsman ice maker provides a continuous supply of miniature ice nuggets.

The built-in Wolf deep fryer is conveniently located next to the range top and provides and ideal area to prepare the family's favorite deep fried cuisine.

 

An inset tile frame with glass tile herringbone pattern frames the stainless steel pot filler and provides an elegant detail for the range top backsplash.

Each side of the range top contains a concealed spice column, putting often used spices and oils at the fingertips of the chef.  A sleek microwave drawer is a brilliant solution for housing this much needed appliance.

A glass front beverage fridge anchors the oversized eat-in island keeping guests in need of a new beverage out of the main kitchen prep area.

An elliptical arched bridge support lends an open airy feel to the grand eat-in island and provides a unique level of detail and creativity.

 

The new Dining room takes full advantage of the natural daylight and dramatic views as seen through the ribbon of sliding windows.

A custom designed buffet with mirrored back panel and flanking stone plinths supporting elegant tapered columns provides visual separation between the kitchen and dining spaces.

A recessed dome accents the center of the dining space and adds dramatic flare to the artistic chandelier.  On the kitchen side of the dining buffet a mirrored front cabinet conceals a flat screen TV.

 

 

With the push of a button, the concealed electric TV lift raises the large screen TV into place providing a wonderful area of entertainment in full view of the entire kitchen.

We were able to design the ultimate entertainer's oasis for our client.  In their own words, "Kimberly took the time to listen to our wants and needs and then she put them into reality. She gave us lots of options until we all agreed on the perfect plan for us! Our kitchen is magnificent, Kimberly was very thorough with every detail."

Roman Blinds Give you More Benefits than Using Traditional Curtains

Many of you are probably wondering why some people take risks by using roman blinds. You can always use the traditional curtains because most people think that it is �more elegant and sophisticated� than roman blinds. If you also have the same thought about blinds, then you are making a big mistake.

It is true that traditional curtains are elegant and sophisticated, especially when they fit the design of your house`s interior. However, roman blinds offer the same elegance and sophistication as long as you know the right colours and designs to use.

We all know that roman blinds are very popular in the United Kingdom and it might not be a good choice for other countries, but many people from around the globe are slowly switching to roman blinds not only because it is very unique to have one, but because of the different benefits that it provides.

Choosing the Type of Roman Blind

Before you start buying roman blinds, you should know that it is divided into several types including flat, hobbled, stylishly unstructured, pleated balloon and tacked designs. It is important to know more about these types before you buy because they have different designs.

They also come in a wide variety of colours and lengths. Usually, you can find black, red, green and different shades of blue, but you can opt for other colours if you will consider a made to measure roman blind.

They also come in different fabrics such as linen, cotton and silks. You should pay attention to these small details because they all play a vital role in choosing a roman blind.

Roman Blinds are Easy to Handle and Affordable

It is true that installing curtains are quite hard if you do not have any idea how to do it. Most people consider roman blinds as a curtain for beginners because you don�t need a lot of help in its installation. There are instructions on how to install roman blinds and it is good enough to make you understand how it is done.

If you compare roman blinds to other types of curtains, they are significantly cheaper. It doesn�t matter what kind of style you choose because they are less expensive than your typical curtains. As a matter of fact, you don�t have to spend a lot on made to measure blinds.

Functionality and Durability

When it comes to functionality, they are the same with traditional curtains. They block sunlight from entering the house and they provide you privacy by covering your windows. Well, they are called �Blinds� because they are supposed to cover your windows. They also complement the design of your interior.

Roman blinds are very durable as well because they can last for a long time as long as you know how to take care of them. Always remember that taking care of the blinds depend on the fabric that you are using. Silk is quite delicate so you cannot simply wash them anytime you want. There is a specific instruction on how to wash silk blinds.

If you are still hesitating whether to opt for a roman blind or not, you better look at these benefits before you make a decision.