enzy living

The LeMans - My Secret Ingredient

2012-02-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a more in-depth post about my recent trip to NYC for Brizo Fashion Week, but in the mean time, I wanted to share one of my favorite kitchen cabinet corner solutions - the LeMans.

I was somewhat surprised to learn that the above photo gets re-pinned on pinterest more than any other photo from my blog. I guess people are fed up with "blind corners" (the term for these corner cabinets that involve getting on your hands & knees in order to reach way back into that abyss that things like unused wedding gifts eventually end up lost in).

I've been using the LeMans system in kitchens for several years now, yet every time I start discussing it with a new client, I'm surprised that most of them haven't heard of it yet. It usually takes a little bit of pushing to convince them that it's worth the price, but in the end, that's one of the things they MUST show me once I come over to see the finished project.

Case in point: I stopped by a project in progress yesterday and my client was excited to show me her LeMans. I can't wait until this project is finished so I can show more photos - it's beautiful!

Usually I refer clients to this video, as seeing the LeMans in action is usually what sells them on it.

There are other corner storage options out there, but for blind corners, this is my favorite.

What To Do with Honey Oak... When You Can't Just Rip it All Out

2012-02-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Remember way back when honey oak was all the rage, and people put it EVERYWHERE in their homes? From flooring to cabinetry to trim... they just couldn't get enough of it. And now, years later, these homes are being remodeled, and people want everything BUT honey oak.

I've been working with a client on a kitchen remodel that involves removing walls and opening the kitchen up to other parts of the home. It's going to look so amazing, but since we aren't renovating the other rooms, it's important that we make sure the new kitchen fits well with the existing materials and trim elsewhere. The existing trim is honey oak, as is the cabinetry and flooring. The flooring will be refinished, but since the trim won't change, the flooring needs to work well with the honey finish of the trim. And the new kitchen needs to blend.

Because of the honey oak, it's important that we keep the kitchen warm, and that we pick up on the various tones in the grain of the existing oak. So I've proposed that we use cherry cabinetry, in a medium finish that coordinates with the darker grain of the oak, and that we use a natural finish on the floors, so they'll work with the honey finish without matching exactly. The slideshow below is a compilation of images from houzz.com that demonstrate how you can add warmth and red tones in cabinetry, with a similarly toned wood floor, without being too monochromatic.

Click on the small circles at the bottom of the image to scroll through the slideshow:

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Home Office Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bulletin Board · Cable Management · Desk Accessories · Desks · Filing Cabinets And Carts · Task Chairs ·

What is Design?

2012-02-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

"Questions about whether design is necessary or affordable are quite beside the point: design is inevitable. The alternative to good design is bad design, not no design at all. Everyone makes design decisions all the time without realizing it – like Moliere’s M. Jourdain who discovered he had been speaking prose all his life – and good design is simply the result of making these decisions consciously, at the right state, and in consultation with others as the need arises." – Douglas Martin

I'm heading to New York City for Fashion Week in a couple days, courtesy of Brizo Faucet. Many of this year's "Blogger 19", as well as those fortunate to have been invited to this event in the past, have been addressing the relationship of faucets and fashion, since inevitably we all get that question "What do faucets have to do with fashion?" when we announce we're going to this event. And typically the bloggers have elaborated on the relationship of fashion designer Jason Wu with Brizo to answer this, and how Jason has been able to apply his talents in both arenas. But I'd like to go beyond fashion and faucets to discuss design in general.

(image via brandacadabra)

design: (from Merriam Webster)

to conceive and plan out in the mind <he designed the perfect crime>

to have as a purpose : intend <she designed to excel in her studies>

to devise for a specific function or end <a book designed primarily as a college textbook>

to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan

What is design? Design is EVERYWHERE! From nature to homes to automobiles to words to graphics to clothing to common everyday items... as the quote above says, there is no such thing as "no design" - it exists in all areas, and we all do it, regardless of whether we call it a career or not. WE ALL DESIGN. Maybe we do it without thinking about it, or maybe we torment over it for days. It's still design.

So if we all do it, why are some people considered professionals in design? Though some people are more creative than others, there's more to it than that. Design professionals have a better understanding of the process of design, a process which is a design in itself. I love this deconstructed sentence from ytiffanie, using a quote from John Heskett's book, "Design: A Very Short Introduction":

Yes, it's confusing, but essentially the point is that design is an idea and a process as much as it is a final product. The final product won't be anything without the correct process in place to get there. Good designers understand this and study this and dedicate their lives to it, regardless of what they are designing.

And that, in a nutshell, is what faucets and fashion have in common.

(For those who think I'm not philosophical enough, there's an intriguing and much more in-depth article on the definition of design at echo enduring blog.)

DIY Sunburst Mirrors

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

My talented friend Rebecca (whose nursery you've seen before here) has been busy at work on her Living Room redo. (Hopefully I'll get to post the whole room before & after once the finishing touches are done.) Part of this redo includes an incredible sunburst mirror that SHE MADE HERSELF using wood shims! She said she was inspired by a project she had seen online, so after seeing her mirror, I wanted to see what others had done. It looks amazing, and cost far less than what you would spend if buying a mirror of that size from any retail store.

Here's how Rebecca did it:

Materials:

12" cedar shims
Hot glue gun
12" wood wreath frame (from Michael's)
Larger diameter wood frame (cut by her husband) for extra stability
Low-gloss tongue oil
Foam brush
14" round mirror (from Michael's)
Mirror mastic
heavy-duty hanging bracket

Glue the shims together with hot glue, in sections of 6, with the ends staggered.
Glue the sections together to form a full circle (again using hot glue).
Glue the 12" wood wreath frame to the back of the shim frame, using wood glue (with dabs of hot glue to help hold it in place while the wood glue dries).
Do the same with the larger wood frame.
Allow to dry (she put a lot of weight on it and let it sit flat for 24 hours).
Once dry, apply 2 coats of low-gloss tongue oil with a foam brush (she didn't do any sanding between coats) to bring out the natural wood tones of the cedar.
After the tongue oil is dry, attach the mirror to the front side of the shim frame, using mirror mastic. (Use a lot of mirror mastic, since the shims are not even, and therefore you want to make sure there's enough mastic to fill any gaps so it still touches the surface of the mirror in as many places as possible.)
Again, sit flat, add weight, and allow to dry (suggested 24 hours).
Mount the hanging bracket on the back, and hang it on the wall.

There are several other versions of DIY sunburst mirrors online, using wood shims, paint stir sticks, kindling, and even an old wine barrel. Each photo has a link below to the instructions for each mirror shown.

from Girl in Air

from jandjhome

from hisugarplum

from cottage on rosewood

from ourhumbleabowed

from Addicted 2 Decorating

from perfectlyimperfectblog

from Centsational Girl

I'm Going to Fashion Week!

2012-01-25T10:21:00.001-07:00

Jason Wu runway image via Condo Blues

For the last couple years I've been reading about design bloggers going to New York City for Fashion Week courtesy of Brizo Faucets, and I've been jealous. A glamorous all-expense-paid trip full of fashion, design, and a LOT of talent? Who wouldn't be jealous of that? Well, guess what? In a couple short weeks, I'm going! Thanks to the recommendation of Paul Anater over at Kitchen and Residential Design, Brizo has invited me to be one of the 20 designers/architects/bloggers attending Spring 2012 Fashion Week. In googling around a bit, I've discovered the names & profiles of some of the other guests, and I have to say I'm truly humbled. I'm going to be surrounded by some incredibly talented and successful people, and I can't wait to soak it all in. I realize I'm likely a last-minute add-on, but I just don't care. To be associated with this group of people in any way at all is flattering beyond belief.

Floriano, image via www.brizo.com

This is such a great opportunity, and though Brizo is paying for the whole thing, they are NOT buying my support. I've always loved their product and their philosophy. I was first introduced to Brizo back in DC, and I immediately loved the Floriano faucet, simply because it was so different. (In fact, I bought it for my own home as soon as I had the chance.) I wish I could find the brochure from that time, because I distinctly remember the marketing literature featuring fabrics with this faucet design, and fashion mixed with faucets throughout the piece. Since then Brizo has expanded beyond brochures, and they've partnered with designer Jason Wu.

images via www.brizo.com

Brizo sponsors Jason Wu's runway show at Fashion Week, and Jason Wu designs collections for Brizo. Design is art, regardless of the medium, and I think that's represented perfectly in this relationship.

image via www.brizo.com

And now I get to see it all in person. Wow!

image via www.brizo.com

I'll have a lot to share with you all in a few weeks after what will have been an amazing experience!

Modern Master Suite Remodel

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate to have have been called to work on thisproject, because I FINALLY got the chance to use Walker Zanger’s Skyline Blend tile (atile many of us designers drool over). Not only did I get to use this tile, I got to do an ENTIRE wall ofit. AND I got to specify 3-form, AND alinear drain, AND beautiful linear gray tile, AND amazing light fixtures, ANDbeautiful faucets. And to top it alloff, the clients are the nicest people you’ve ever met (and their kids areadorable!).

The previous bathroom was nice, in a high-end spec home kindof way. But the closets were too small,the designated tub area was way too big, and the finishes didn’t have a lot ofpersonality. My stylish clients(seriously, they have great tastes) wanted a larger closet, and a bathroom morefitting to their daily needs.

They began the process with architect Hans Hoffman, who gave them a few great options for reconfiguring the mastersuite. Then they consulted with a fewcontractors, including Bruce Anderson from Blue Willow Builders. Bruce suggested that they call me to helpwith the details and finishes. From therewe tweaked a few things in the layout to maximize space in the bathroom andcloset, and after a lot of work to make everything fit (without an inch tospare!) the clients now have a wonderful suite that looks AMAZING!

There are so many great things about this bathroom and Ijust don’t have time to write about all of them, so a bunch of pretty pictureswill have to suffice. But PLEASE ask ifyou’re curious about any of the specific products or anything else in thisremodel.

Island Shapes

2012-01-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm working with a new client on a kitchen remodel / reconfigure, which involves eliminating a hall closet and combining the current kitchen and informal eating spaces into one integrated room. Because this is a non-rectangular room, we need to use an asymmetrical island shape in order to maximize countertop, storage, and seating. I've put together these images from houzz.com for my client, showing different island shapes, variations of which would work well in this particular kitchen. (Note this slideshow is only exploring island shapes, not kitchen styles.)

Asymmetrical Islands

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Gardening Tools · Gazebos · Hammocks · Bird Feeders · Doormats · House Numbers · Outdoor Swingsets · Outdoor Sofas ·

Basement Remodel with Master Suite

2011-12-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

We are nearly finished with a great project that involved reconfiguring and refinishing a basement in order to give the clients a Master Suite, and I thought it would be fun to give a recap of the design & selections process we went through.

Moving walls, especially in a basement, can be a challenge, as these walls may be load-bearing, and they will likely contain plumbing lines, electrical wires, and HVAC ducts that feed the basement as well as the upstairs floor(s).

This basement we started with was likely an old DIY finishing project. (This was not the work of my clients - they bought the house this way!). It presented a lot of these structural and mechanical challenges, as mentioned above, along with some interesting and unexpected construction methods (as we often see with DIY projects) that made the demolition and prep phases even more challenging.

Old Plan:

The old configuration had 2 bathrooms (one of which was a very odd layout, as the bathroom was open to the adjacent den-type space, and the toilet was tucked beneath the stairs). The open room that the bathroom was in had no connection to the rooms in the back of the basement, except through the laundry room. This back space included a kitchenette, the other bathroom, and 2 small awkward rooms.

I worked with Drew & Mike of ReVive Remodeling to determine which walls we could move and how everything could be re-routed & relocated.

We left the laundry and mechanical rooms where they were, but reconfigured everything else to include:

Den/Office
Bedroom
Bathroom
Large Master Closet

New Plan:

The bathroom itself is a very unique layout. We didn't have the luxury of space for a large bathroom with separate toilet room, so we created a niche for the toilet behind the shower. Not only does this give the clients privacy, but it also allowed the toilet to remain in the existing plumbing location, which saves money.

Selections:
I started with this (very sketchy) sketch to propose a look for bathroom sink wall.

The concept was based on the clients' need for storage, their love of concrete and that "rustic modern" look, and their desire for 2 sinks (which they didn't really have a lot of space for). Fortunately, the clients loved it, and so from there I worked with them to finalize finishes. Below is one collage photo and paint samples, and you can see more on this previous post.

The conceptual sketch and material selections led to construction drawings and elevations.

And now, the project is nearly finished! There are still a few remaining punch-list items to be taken care of, but the bathroom looks so good that I just couldn't wait to post these photos. Please note that one of the final items is adding wood trim around the mirror, which will be the perfect finishing touch.

Check out the sliding shower door!

Aside from the clients being really cool people with great tastes, I got to work with a lot of other talented people on this project:

Mike from Future Form Designs for the custom concrete sink
Bill & Jason at Hallmark Cabinets for the beautiful sink base
Cora at Elume Distinctive Lighting for the vanity fixtures
Kathleen at European Marble & Granite for the great deal on the limestone remnant pieces
Jodi at Mountainland Design for the plumbing fixtures
Also the other trades that Mike & Drew worked directly with on site...

I'm lucky to have been a part of this project!

Happy Holidays from enzy design!

2011-12-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

This year has been an adventure! A few months ago, I decided it was time to dedicate 100% of my focus to enzy design, so I took the leap. I quit my day job, and moved into my home office. It's been an exciting yet scary transition, and I have all of YOU to thank. I've relied heavily on my husband, friends, family, colleagues, blog readers, and clients for their support. Without that extra encouragement, I'm not sure I could have done it.

I'm fortunate to have a client base already built up, and I've been reasonably busy from the beginning, which is not typical for a business that's just getting started, especially in this economy. Having enzy as my side business over the last 3 years has made a big difference, and I'm so glad I've planned for this slow growth (and therefore lower risk), rather than diving into deep water with no idea what to expect.

I strongly believe that I am a better and more successful designer because of the communities I am a part of (local networking groups, trade associations, and the many many online and blogging communities). These communities keep me connected to the design industry, and they also introduce me to peers within my industry. I am so fortunate to have met all the wonderful people I now know because of these connections.

Small businesses have a much better chance at making a difference if they work together to make a larger impact than one person could do on their own, and we all have so much we can learn from each other. Through the upcoming year(s), I will continue to make these communities a priority, because I know that I receive back much more than I give, and I am extremely grateful for that.

I'm looking forward to what the next year will bring, and I wish all of you the feeling of excitement and optimism that I'm experiencing right now.

Happy Holidays!

Love to all of you,
Nicole

Holiday Gift: Homemade Kahlua

2011-12-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

This year some of my colleagues / clients are getting homemade kahlua for the holidays. I freely admit that I stole this entire idea from my wonderful friend Jen, who has given us this treat for the last couple years.

I found several recipes online, and I was surprised that each recipe was unique. Measurements and ingredients varied a lot. Some used brown sugar, while others used white sugar. Some used just vodka, while others used vodka and brandy or just everclear. Some used vanilla beans, and others used vanilla extract. Many used instant coffee, but I preferred to use good quality brewed coffee. I started narrowing down the recipes to just those with brewed coffee, and I ended up mixing a few of these, along with Jen's advice, to come up with my own.

Here's my recipe:
(Makes ±7 Liters)

24 cups brewed coffee, using freshly ground espresso beans roasted locally by Rimini.
1 - 5-lb. bag of sugar (approx 10 cups)
1 - 1.75 L bottle of Skyy Vodka
1 - 750mL bottle of E&J Brandy
8 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract

Brew coffee. Add sugar & stir until it dissolves. Allow to cool to room temperature. Add vodka, brandy, and vanilla. Bottle, label, and if possible allow it to sit for at least 2 weeks in a cool dark place. (I didn't plan ahead enough, so unfortunately the recipients are being advised to wait a bit before opening.)

For my bottles, I used these SLOM bottles from Ikea. And for the labels, I downloaded a template from Avery for their 2"x4" shipping labels (#5263), and I created my own using this fun (and free) pattern from Sprik Space as the background.

Have you all made your own kahlua before? What's your experience, and what recipe have you used? I'd love to hear about it!

Modern Bathroom Remodel

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted about a beautiful white & wenge kitchen remodel I was lucky to be a part of. Well, at the same time, we did the bathroom, which included a closet. And that's gorgeous too!

The same wonderful group of people was involved in this project: Cody Beal, Lew Shurtliff, Adam Erickson, and others. Cabinetry by Hallmark Cabinets.

Our DIY Wedding

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

photo by Lovejoy Imaging

This is not my usual type of blog post, but as I mentioned when I showed you our wedding inspiration photos, designing a wedding is similar in many ways to designing interiors. So I'm taking this opportunity to show off our September wedding.

And let me begin by saying this may be better called a "DIYFF" wedding... "do it yourself, with friends & family", because we could never have pulled this off without the help of friends & family.

We had a small budget and wanted to keep things simple. We both love being outdoors, and we both love City Creek Canyon, which is near our home in Salt Lake City, Utah. I often bike and walk up the canyon, and every time I do so I can't get over how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. We wanted to get married somewhere special to us, and somewhere that would show our out-of-town guests what we love about where we live, yet we didn't want them to have to drive for hours, after their already long flights, for this experience. So we were thrilled to find out we could rent this picnic pavilion at the top of the canyon for a mere $75. (Note: The site does not have electricity, and the restrooms are pit toilets, so if you're not comfortable with that, then this is not the site for you. We provided air freshener, hand wipes, and hand sanitizer by the toilets for all our guests.)

The natural setting is amazing, so we didn't need to do much to dress it up.

Inside the Pavilion:

We reused the existing picnic tables, rather than dealing with the expense and set-up concerns that come with table and chair rentals.

We bought loose-hanging fabric from a discount bin to hang at the end of the "aisle", where the ceremony took place.

We found inexpensive white-on-white damask flannel-backed vinyl, sold by the yard (at walmart of all places!) to use for tablecloths.

We hung paper lanterns (best price was from luna bazaar).

We placed bunches of white carnations, mixed with potted succulents, and additional pots of green flower bunches (spider mums, fuji mums, green hypericum, etc.) which I unfortunately don't have photos of. Eliminating the florist (along with my account with the local wholesale supply) was great for our budget, though we couldn't have done it without help from my talented girlfriends.

The succulent pots are the smaller Celeber pots from Ikea, at $2 each (which I believe are now discontinued). For the succulents themselves, I purchased a few pots of succulents from a local nursery about 6 weeks before the wedding. We separated and re-potted them ourselves, which saved a lot of money.

We also added simple tea lights (from Ikea) to fill some of the empty space.

Food & Drinks:

Food was one thing we didn't want to skimp on. My husband and his family are big foodies, and we wanted something special, not just a basic picnic meal. Since logistics (and budget) didn't work well for having food service at the site, we created a "gourmet picnic" style menu. We worked with Romina Rasmussen at Les Madeleines for a unique and tasty (yet practical) menu that allowed her to pre-package everything at her cafe. This was definitely NOT your basic picnic!

Food was served in picnic boxes - we bought the natural kraft boxes online and printed our own labels for the guests. (See that great n&m monogram, designed by our talented friend Robyn?)

The contents of each picnic box included gazpacho with shrimp, Israeli couscous salad, wild mushroom wraps, and a brioche roll. It was amazing! (Note that all containers and cups were either biodegradable or recyclable, so we didn't feel bad about all the packaging.)

Les Madeleines provided the cupcakes as well. Simple, natural, and delicious! (shown with green carnations and spider mums)

The drinks were chilled in the river running by the site.

We rented galvanized bins from Robinson Event Rentals, and served locally brewed beer from Bohemian Brewery.

Lavender Lemonade, also from Les Madeleines.

Ambiance:

The setting really speaks for itself, but we wanted to emphasize that this was more than just a picnic, so we got a band to set the mood. We were lucky to find a gypsy jazz band called The Hot Club of Zion. These guys are fantastic - check them out here.

Accessories:

I loved looking for these little details to add that extra special touch.

My DIY bouquet... I just provided the parts, and my wonderful girlfriends put it all together. I loved it! Includes white ronunculus, white hydrangea, white roses, and 2 succulents.

My sister's / maid-of-honor's bouquet: A smaller version of mine.

My necklace, by local jewelry artist Elizabeth Plumb, bought at the Downtown Farmer's Market.

My hair, done by my talented cousin. No, she's not even a hairdresser, she's a dental hygienist!

I originally bought this vintage silk flower piece for my hair, but decided the colors didn't work so well. It worked great as an accessory for my sister's bridesmaid's dress. Flower from etsy's Flora & Fauna. Her necklace was custom made using silver leafs and champagne crystals by local artist Katie Waltman. (My bracelet is also by Katie Waltman.)

We custom-designed Mike's ring. It's titanium with an offset mokume-gane insert. Made by Stonebrook Jewelry, a Utah jewelry we found on etsy.

Our guest book, a simple journal from Barnes & Noble. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."

Add another breath-taking moment to my count... our wedding was perfect and I'll never forget how it felt walking down the aisle in that beautiful place with our amazing friends & family right there with us.

Special thanks to our photographer, Matt Lovejoy, of Lovejoy Imaging!

elume distinctive lighting showroom

2011-11-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

I recently had the chance to design the wet bar for the glamorous new elume distinctive lighting showroom in Park City. I love the mix of stark white with the natural grain of walnut, and was thrilled to be given free range to use these materials here.

I basically had these limitations:

1. It had to fit in this space:

(This is the measure I did using the Measures app on my ipad. Highly recommended app!)

2. It had to accommodate the existing Sub-Zero, plus a new wine cooler, sink, and dishwasher drawer.

3. It had to look good.

A few more photos of the results:

The "ladies of elume" have great tastes, and it was fun working with them on this project!

Specifications:
Cabinetry: Horizontal grain walnut, by Riverwoods Mill.
Countertop: Nanoglass, by J2 Design
Tile: Modwalls Viridian Ocean

Modern Benches

2011-11-16T16:25:00.001-07:00

Metro bench by Avi Meir using reclaimed lumber

I've been searching for modern benches for a client's entryway, and I love what's out there right now! And thanks to etsy, a lot of it is handmade and unique. And many pieces represent a story, about a craftsman or an artist or a small business, or maybe even a bit of history. Essentially, these are all functional pieces of art, not just furniture. I thought I might share some of my favorites here.

The Evolution Benches by Blue Boat Home Design. I love them even more because I met the artist, Joe Norman, in the middle of nowhere, while biking the White Rim last summer in Canyonlands, UT. The wood is refurbished from old shipping pallets, and the ends are actual decommissioned aluminum bomb fins. The images cut into each end are "symbols that resonated with a way people could interact with each other that would be more productive than the current status quo of political, religious, class, gender, and economic division and antagonism."

The Botanist series benches by Orange22 are made from recycled aluminum and are available in several sizes and colors, with different cut-out options.

This Botanist Minimal bench is also by Dario Antonioni of Orange22. These benches are constructed from sustainably harvested poplar with engineered veneers (walnut or rift oak). I love the slim lines, but I also love how this product came about. Inspired by the above botanist bench, this wood version was proposed on kickstarter.com and received funding for production from people in the kickstarter community. What a fascinating site! Check it out here.

And this bench is made from cardboard! AND it's a DIY project on Instructables! Find out how to make your own here.

The Slip Square bench, found on etsy.com, is by David Hentzel of Special Project Division in Seattle

This Folded Plane bench is by the same artist. I love the custom aluminum Kerf plates at the corners.

Simply Italian has reinterpreted the classic George Nelson platform bench, and it's beautiful.

Scrapile is the brainchild of 2 artists in New York. They use woodworking scraps to create these incredible benches and tables.

This simple bench from Mash Studios is constructed of English Walnut

This bench is by Adam Hogsett of Richmond, VA. The wood is reclaimed railroad ties from the Richmond area.

Another etsy bench, by Elpis and Wood, using reclaimed pine. I love these pieces that mix rustic / reclaimed with modern / industrial.

K+BB Design Awards

2011-11-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

K+BB (Kitchen + Bath Business) has some very interesting winners for their 2011 design contest. I thought I might post about the winners and honorable mentions here, for various reasons. Some of these kitchens are amazing in the sense that I WANT TO LIVE IN THEM RIGHT NOW! Others are so out there and so bold that I can't imagine anyone ever wanting to live with one, but that's why I love them!

So, without further adieu....

K+BB 2011 Kitchen of the Year:

Merit Award:

Take a close look at the backsplash with sliding door storage and integral lighting.

Merit Award:

Honorable Mention:

I love the green ceiling!

Honorable Mention:

Current Basement Master Suite Project Mood Board

2011-11-02T11:22:00.001-06:00

I've been lucky enough to be involved in a great remodeling project that involves reconfiguring an oddly finished basement into a workable Master Suite. I love my clients, and I am so excited to be able to share the final project once it's complete. In the meantime, I MUST share some of the finish & materials selections, and I think you'll understand why I'm excited for this project to be completed.

Flooring:

Armstrong Century Farm, Hickory, Smoke

Main Wall Paint:

Benjamin Moore Smoke Embers AC-28

Bedroom Paint:

Benjamin Moore Templeton Gray HC-161

Trim Paint:

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain 2134-30

Door Hardware:

Emtek Geneva Door Hardware

Bathroom Finishes & Hardware:

Arizona Tile

"White" Pebbles

DalTile Urban Putty Field Tile

Santec Bravo Faucets (with Hansgrohe shower)

George Kovacs vanity sconces

Now can you see why I'm so excited?!?!

Guest Post: Color Filled UK Rooms

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hi, I’m Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, where designers and design lovers from around world can share projects and ideas for inspiration. Stop by—it's free! I'm so happy to be here at Enzy Living, one of my favorite design blogs. Today I'm writing about color filled UK rooms. The British have a long love affair with color and pattern. They boldly mix the two to create interior designs that are quintessentially British. These are some of my favorite ways the Brits fill their rooms with color. Enjoy!The British don't shy away from color when it comes to decorating. Or pattern. Love the lemony yellow curtains mixed with reds and pinks in this sitting room.The Union Jack is a beloved design element that sets the color palette for this living room. Reds and blues pop against creamy whites.Playing off the Union Jack pattern, this colorful DIY chest of drawers creates a charming touch in a UK inspired room.Love the mix of yellow, white and mauvey browns in this colorful bedroom at the London boutique hotel, Haymarket. A modern take on the British love of florals.English rose pink looks lovely paired with light grey and olive green in this colorful UK interior design. Styled by The Designers Guild, an amazing design house that loves color and pattern.A riot of colorful stripes and zig zags makes this apartment at the Soho Hotel in London uber chic. Using either the striped sofas or the zig-zag curtains would give a room a colorful pop of UK style.Blue and white is a classic English color combination inspired by china patterns. Love the classic Chesterfield sofa, another fantastic British design.Decorating ideas from a canvas? While this interior is a painting, it is a gorgeous example of the British love of color and pattern. Love the blue walls behind the green chaise. “Evening at home” (Edward John Poynter, UK, 1836-1919) [ Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]This post was created by Design Shuffle, a social-media site where members can connect with a variety of interior designers including San Francisco interior designers and Boston interior designers.

White & Wenge Modern Kitchen Remodel

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am so thrilled to finally be able to share this project with all of you! Usually, you're lucky if you get one of these 3 things in a remodeling project: good client, good design taste, or good potential in the house. In this case, I got all 3, and I'm so grateful to interior designer Cody Beal for bringing me into this remodel project.

I have to give Cody a lot of credit and a lot of respect. He's a great designer, and part of his success comes from knowing how important having a good team of people is. He doesn't claim to be able to do everything himself, rather, he's assembled a team of people he knows he can count on, who are experts in their own specialty areas, and he gives these people flexibility to add their own touches to the project. When I first met with Cody, he showed me his vision, and then explained to me that he wanted me to make suggestions and changes based on my expertise. I was given the freedom to design what I thought was best, and because of this collaboration, the client couldn't be happier, and the kitchen looks AMAZING! And.. it's functional too!

At first glance, you see a simple, beautiful kitchen. What you don't see is the hours and hours of work that went into this design. Simple and modern styles take a lot of critical planning in order to make sure everything fits together perfectly, especially in tight spaces. When doing modern design, you don't get the liberty of fluffy moldings and appliques that might hide any inconsistencies. Add in the fact that straight ceilings and walls are virtually non-existent when it comes to remodeling, and you've got an enormous challenge. I love the challenge and find projects like this one so much more rewarding because of this.

So you'll never know all the tiny details such as how we modified the island sink cabinet in order to recess the wine rack into the end of the island, or how we spent an entire design meeting discussing how high the wall cabinets should be in order to maximize storage based on the clients' heights, or how the base cabinets are custom designed in order to accommodate the aluminum trim at the top and a thicker-than-standard countertop, or how we had to tweak things in order to guarantee the dishwasher would integrate into this non-standard cabinet design, or how we customized the wall cabinets in order eliminate cabinet hardware and leave space for LED lighting and plugmold outlet strips. I could go on and on...

Obviously, I love this kitchen. And again, I'm so grateful to have been a part of the team, which included Cody Beal, Lew Shurtliff (general contractor), and others. The cabinetry is by Hallmark Custom Cabinets, through Arendal Kitchen Design. The guys at Hallmark were a great help with the technical little design details involved in EVERY cabinet. And Adam Erickson did an incredible job with the installation.

And to add even more to the wow-factor, here is a before photo:

Yes, it was really cool, just not very functional, and soooo small. Would you believe the new kitchen is in that same room?

A few more details:

Yes, that is a remote control on the countertop - it's for the dimmable LED undercabinet lights!

Notice the recessed finger pull behind the door, the integral LED lighting, and the recessed plug-mold in the back.

This hood, by Thermador, is perfect for clients of different heights, because the glass screen is adjustable.

The Best Online Magazines (In My Opinion)

2011-10-19T08:45:00.002-06:00

There's been an increase in online magazines in the last year or so, and I worry that people who aren't in the design industry, or those who don't read blogs regularly, might be missing out on these wonderful, inspirational, (and free) publications!

Lonny

I think many might agree with me when I say my favorite is Lonny. Lonny is a lifestyle & home decor magazine that I can always count on Lonny for bold and lively color spreads, like these screenshots from their latest issue:

Leaf

Leaf is a new magazine focusing on outdoor gardening, landscaping, and entertaining. Even if you don't have a yard, the pictures are worth looking at. Beautiful landscapes and patios such those shown in these screenshots from their current issue:

Nesting Newbies

Nesting Newbies is a "cooking, entertaining, and decorating how-to" magazine. In this mag, you'll find recipes, entertaining tips, table setting inspiration, and featured entertainment spaces (kitchen, dining, etc.). Here are some eye-catching screenshots from their latest issue:

I know there are other great online magazines out there as well, and I would love to hear what your favorites are!

Lighting: The Finishing Touch

2011-10-13T11:19:00.000-06:00

I visited a job site this morning. This is my first visit since the light fixtures were installed earlier this week. The project looked great before, but now that the fixtures are installed, all I can say is "Wow! Wow Wow Wow Wow!"

Hudson Valley Lighting, Esopus

The importance of lighting is two-fold. One element is the light itself (not the fixture, but the light produced by the fixture), which is critical, especially in task-oriented areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. But the other element is the decorative aspect of the actual fixtures. Light fixtures can be pieces of art in themselves, and can add the perfect finishing touch to make a project really truly stand out.

LBL Lighting, Bonn

Each of the fixtures shown here was used in my Master Suite remodel project. I hope to have final photos in a few weeks. I really can't wait to share it!

Golden Chandelier 8981-3PBRI

In this case, I must say we nailed it in both these elements of lighting design. Thanks to Cora Stjernholm from elume Distinctive Lighting for her guidance!

This makes me think of an article I recently read in Builder Magazine online, "Design Details: Lighting", which emphasizes how lighting can be an affordable way to makeover a room, as a new fixture can significantly change the entire atmosphere.

Sneak Peek: A Bathroom Remodel in Progress

2011-09-30T07:43:00.001-06:00

I am sooo excited to show you all this bathroom project I've been working on! I tried waiting until it was finished, but I just can't wait any longer! So here are a couple camera phone pics I snapped a couple weeks ago on site - little sneak peeks of what is to come. I'm not going to reveal anything more about it yet, but know that this bathroom (and bedroom and closet) will look AMAZING when it's finished!

Showroom Showcase - Eye Candy

2011-09-05T18:44:00.002-06:00

Kohler's Nature's Chemistry Antilia Wading Pool Lavatory

There are some major life changes going on right now with my upcoming wedding and my career, and I'll explain more later. I WILL get back into blogging after the wedding (less than 3 weeks to go!) In the meantime, while I was at the local Ferguson showroom last week I saw this Kohler sink that literally took my breath away. This experience got me thinking... Wouldn't it be fun to start posting about the various showrooms I visit, specifically just showing some pretty photos of the things that catch my attention? So, these are things that appeal to ME specifically, for one reason or another.

Kohler Wall-Mount Vanity... these things are actually priced really reasonably, which is why I liked it.

Love these pendants! The one on the left is by Troy, and the one on the right is by Murray Feiss

Great geometric sconces by Hinkley (model: Atlantis)

The new Hansgrohe PuraVida line is beautiful!

I'm happy to see that Moen finally has some nice-looking modern faucets. I highly recommend this if you're on a tight budget but want the modern look.

MTI has come out with a line of solid surface fixtures in a matte white finish, as well as other colors.

Love this Hercules lever by Emtek.

Random wall-mount vanity (I forget the brand). Again, a good price point.

Duravit's double lavatories always look good.

And I always drool over Kohler's Karbon faucets. But also look at the fun design of the bottom sink grid!

I hope to post more eye candy photos from other showrooms in the future, so stay tuned!

A Different Sort of Design Project

2011-07-28T13:02:00.003-06:00

from JL Designs

Life is good these days. I have some wonderful clients, and I'm giddy with excitement over our Coffee Talk seminar series (the next seminar is August 13!). I'm also planning a wedding. This all contributes to my lack of posting as of late.

Our wedding is a lot like any other design project in the sense that we need to convert a space into something different. It's a unique challenge because it's a temporary space that needs to be constructed and torn-down quickly, with minimal waste. And we've got very little money or time to work with.

Since the wedding planning is one of the factors keeping me from blogging, I thought I might just share just a few of my inspiration photos (many of which are from JL Designs - she does AMAZING wedding work!).

Main ideas:

Chocolate Brown & Pear Green

Succulents

Green & White floral

White vases

White Paper Lanterns

from JL Designs

(source unknown)

Our wedding is going to be at a covered picnic area. While the location is beautiful (in a canyon very close to our home), the picnic site is simple. I think this could be so much fun if I only had more time to work with. Instead, this may become more of a "shoemaker's kid" type project - I think all my creativity will be focused on my clients rather than my own projects.

Wish us look - we have 2 months to go!

Not Just a Boring White Kitchen

2011-07-18T11:19:00.003-06:00

by Gideon Mendelson, via Decorati

Imagine the above kitchen without that ceiling. Yes, the green island would still add some character, but really, it would just be a simple white kitchen and probably wouldn't really grab your attention. With the addition of that ceiling, you can't help stopping and looking and saying "Wow!" Though it's a little too country for my taste, I can't help loving it. What do you think?

Foyer Built-In Cabinetry

2011-07-14T08:05:00.000-06:00

You might remember the post I did a while ago about this laundry room and basement remodel in a beautiful craftsman home here in Salt Lake. Well, I just designed a built-in for the foyer of that same home. With the rustic finish and hardware, along with the antique mirror, it's hard to believe this piece hasn't been there all along, which was sorta the whole point.

Furnished & installed by Arendal Kitchen Design. Custom cabinetry from Hallmark Custom Cabinets. Hardware from Rocky Mountain Hardware.

How Much Does a Remodeling Project Cost?

2011-07-07T08:28:00.001-06:00

project by Case Design / Remodeling Inc.

This is a multi-million dollar question, right?. And there is no easy answer, especially when it comes to YOUR specific remodeling project. Because your project will be different in at least one way from every other remodeling project that has ever been done, whether it's cabinet finish, size of the space, types of accessories, ceiling height, age of house... I could go on and on.

Getting an exact price for your specific remodel will take some exploring. Anyone who can tell you a price right away obviously hasn't done enough work for that price to be accurate. Did they even ask you whether you wanted a single or double waste-basket pull-out? Or what type of undercabinet lighting, if any? Or what finish on your bathroom towel bars? These are little detail questions, BUT the answer to each of these questions, and many others, will have a different price attached, and all of these little questions will determine the final project cost.

So, before I say what I'm going to say next, PLEASE keep in mind that it takes time and energy and a lot of work to come up with a price for your remodeling project. Doing it right, with the right people, will often involve an initial investment from you as well. Though that may be a little frightening at first, having a designer and a contractor involved in the early planning phases will definitely save you money in the end, and it will also keep you from possibly making some very costly mistakes.

Having said all that, most people have no idea how much a remodeling project is going to cost, and therefore don't know whether or not they can even start planning a project. This is where Remodeling Magazine's "Remodeling 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report" can be very helpful. Not only does it help you determine the possible return of investment, but it also gives you average job costs based on your specific region.

For example, if you select "Mountain" region, under the "Mountain - Midrange" section, scroll down to "Minor Kitchen Remodel", you'll see an average price of $ 21,046. Then, click on the link for a description. Here you'll see a detailed description of what a "minor" kitchen remodel includes. Notice this does NOT include new cabinetry - it only includes new cabinet fronts. It also does not include wood or tile flooring, rather it specifies "resilient" flooring (aka vinyl).

Most people, in my experience, have a different idea in their minds when they think of a kitchen remodel. So now go into the "Major Kitchen Remodel" category. The average investment here is $ 56,377. While this does include new cabinetry, it still specifies laminate countertops (most want granite or quartz).

If you scroll further down the page, you'll get into the "Mountain - Upscale" section, which will give you average pricing for minor and major kitchen remodels using higher-end materials and finishes.

Please remember, this is just a tool to help with the initial planning. These are NOT final prices, rather a way to help you determine a starting point. And they are not always going to be 100% accurate. For example, I have been involved in several kitchen remodeling projects in the $50,000-60,000 range that include custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, and quartz or granite countertops. The options are more limited, however, with the right people and the right process, it can be done.

Deck Update

2011-07-03T17:31:00.000-06:00

This weekend we scored a few chairs from a local consignment shop. The shop, Now & Again, was reselling all the old patio chairs from the local favorite, Blue Plate Diner. Unfortunately there were only 3 left when we discovered them. I'd love to have a few more, but for now we're thrilled to have the 3 we did get.

You can see our blue chairs in their previous home here:

And now back to their new home:

Paired with the new table and bench from Ikea, our deck has new life! I love the bright pops of color the chairs add. Since our garden is all veggies and herbs, we don't have room for a lot of colorful flowers, so I need to rely on the planters and accessories to spice it up a bit.

If I Needed a Nursery for a Baby Girl...

2011-06-23T11:06:00.000-06:00

It might look like this:

I absolutely love this nursery by designingdawn. I stumbled upon it at 6th Street Design School.

See more photos & information at either site.

More Photos & Details from the Holladay Remodel

2011-06-20T15:25:00.003-06:00

I really love some of the details that brought this project together, and wanted to highlight many of them here. We did some creative shopping in order to keep with the budget, and we reused existing pieces whenever possible. Feel free to ask for the source of anything you see below!

And if you need good trades for a job, I'm happy to recommend Re-Vive General Contractors, Arendal Kitchen Design (disclaimer: I work there), Foremost Interiors, Sharp Upholstery, and Underfoot Floors!

Holladay Main Floor Remodel - Before & After

2011-06-10T07:50:00.002-06:00

I finally had the chance to take photos of a project I've been working on for a while. I'll post more photos next week, but I wanted to start with some Before and After shots, as these best show the dramatic difference, despite any significant layout changes.

We reused and/or reupholstered existing decor and furniture wherever possible, but added new finishes and accessories to bring the space up to date. My clients (including their daughter) have great taste, and just needed a little bit of help (and confidence) to pull it all together. The new space is very calm and relaxing, with pops of texture and color to keep it interesting and refreshed.

I love this project and am so excited to share it!

Kitchen Before:

(not typically so messy - those are all MY things thrown around on the countertops)

Kitchen After:

Family Room Before:

Family Room After:

Dining Room Before:

Dining Room After:

(almost finished - there are 2 more prints freshly framed and ready to hang on either side of the buffet)

The guys at Re-Vive Group did a great job as general contractors. The custom cabinetry is from Hallmark Cabinets, via Arendal Kitchen Design.

More Backyard Progress - We Have Grass!

2011-06-03T13:06:00.000-06:00

Slowly but surely our backyard is starting to look like a backyard. There's still a LOT of work to do, thanks to the cold and rainy weather that has kept me from working on it much. But at least we now have grass. AND sprinklers.

When we bought the house, our backyard was covered in asphalt, which we attacked with a jackhammer.

Then last summer we built a cool planter box / retaining wall, with the intention of getting sod shortly after that.

Well, the sod never happened last year. And I got really tired of all the pawprints around the house due to the dogs running around in dirt & mud all day. So this Spring the lawn took priority!

In order to keep a nice lawn looking nice, it needs to be watered. And since we are both terrible at remembering to turn the sprinkler off or on, we figured an automatic system was critical. So that came first:

Tearing up the yard for the sprinkler system made it look worse than ever!

The sprinkler system was finally in place (I think every Lowe's employee now knows who I am because of all the trips back & forth), and it was time to order the sod. After an exhausting day of blood, sweat, and tears, and with a lot of help (thanks Flo!), we now have green grass.

AND we have a means of keeping the grass green with our new sprinklers!

Whew! I can't imagine doing all of this in a normal size yard. Our tiny yard is enough for me to handle!

Next step: Planting the veggies and getting the patio ready for summer.

DIY Kitchen Cosmetic Makeovers on Apartment Therapy

2011-05-19T12:02:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry for my absence lately, but the good news is I'm BUSY! Aside from the seminar I gave last week, and the 4 great new clients I recently picked up, I'm also helping my wonderful aunt & uncle with their new home in Michigan, as well as attempting to conquer my bare backyard, training for a century road bike ride, AND planning a wedding! Whew! But the seminar is over, and though I'm busy playing catch-up, I am going to be back to blogging... soon. I'm not back 100% yet though, so this is sort of a cop-out post. I'm actually just re-posting a great post from Apartment Therapy.

Apartment Therapy just featured 10 Before & After kitchen makeover projects that are perfect inspiration for you DIY folks out there. If you aren't at a point where you can completely remodel or reconfigure your kitchen, a cosmetic facelift will often buy you some time.

My favorites of those featured are the kitchen shown above, and this one:

After

If any of you ever try a DIY makeover like these, please share photos with me! I'd love to see what you do!

Free Kitchen Design Seminar in Salt Lake City

2011-05-03T21:40:00.001-06:00

I'm giving a seminar next week about Kitchen Design, where I'll be discussing layout/planning tips, design trends, and the remodeling process in an effort to make homeowners less intimidated by the whole kitchen remodeling experience.

This is a fun and casual presentation, not a hard-sell event. It is intended to be informative so homeowners will know what their options are before diving into a remodeling project.

I'll be joined by a panel to help answer specific questions about Interior Design, Construction, Lighting, Countertops, and more.

Wish me luck! If this goes well there will be more seminars to come!

You can also see the event (and RSVP) on facebook.

Living Room Progress

2011-05-03T07:57:00.000-06:00

I was going to wait to post pics of our finished living room, but realized it might be years before I get anything posted at the rate I'm going. So here is what our living room currently looks like:

Things to do:

1. Finish the gallery wall (i.e. add art to the frames)

2. Make throw pillows, with the following fabric I have from Tonic Living:

Bella Porte, Citrine

(yes it's the same print as Gate Citrine from Robert Allen for Dwell Studio)

Flatiron, Black

Stanford, Orange

3. I have to do something about that ceiling fan...

Though it's unfinished, here are a couple photos of the various phases this wall has gone through since we bought the house. I need this as a reminder of how much we actually have accomplished.

when we bought the house...

after a fresh coat (or several coats) of paint and some major cleaning (before the nasty carpeting was torn out):

the ksl sofa find I HAD to have, and grew to despise shortly after:

just a few weeks ago, gallery wall in progress:

My Dining Room

2011-04-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

I've posted dining room photos before, but not since I got my incredible wide-angle camera lens. So I wanted to share this with all of you. It's definitely my favorite room in our house, for now. The gallery wall in the living room is still in the works (though I can assure you that progress has been made!) but I'm hoping my room allegiance will shift to the living room eventually, since that's really where we spend all our time. Yes, I admit... our coffee table is our REAL dining table.

On another note, I'm off to KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) this week!

I plan to post photos and comments about all the great new products I see on the enzy design facebook page, so check it out if you're interested! I'll also follow up in the next couple week with KBIS blog posts.

Concrete Countertops Don't Need To Be Ultra-Modern

2011-04-20T14:08:00.001-06:00

This is a small section of a beautiful concrete countertop in a kitchen I designed a couple years ago. While most people think that concrete is cold and industrial, this proves that it can fit in traditional and refined settings as well.

This particular top was made by Scott Thomsen at ConcreteXpressions here in Salt Lake City. It was such a fun and personal process! He worked directly with my client, making several samples until she had exactly what she wanted regarding background color, and the size & spacing of the various flecks. The flecks are actually recycled brown glass mixed with mother-of-pearl pieces.

More Free Downloadable Artwork

2011-04-12T09:00:00.002-06:00

via Pulp Design Studios

I've been seeing a lot of symmetrical geometric prints framed and hung in groups. People are especially loving this set of 6 from Crate & Barrel:

Others find that $ 369 is just too much to spend right now, and have been going about getting a similar look in more creative ways, such as framing 60-cent pieces of colored craft paper in Ikea frames:

via Young House Love

But I just discovered Sprik Space, where the wonderful Aimee offers free downloads of geometric patterns in several different colors.

The patterns she offers include Circles, Leaves, Grid, Chevron, Diamonds, Houndstooth, and more.

She then recommends getting them printed on 12"x12" size from Costco for $ 2.99 each, and framing them in Ikea Ribba square frames at $ 17.99 each. If you follow these instructions, a set of 6 costs only $ 125.88!

She also offers other great downloads in various color options, great for nurseries, gallery walls, craft rooms, etc. Just a few examples below:

See more at Sprik Space, under the Freebies tab!

See an earlier post for more downloadable artwork from Feed Your Soul.

Bathroom DIY Cosmetic Makeover Advice

2011-04-07T13:25:00.002-06:00

My sister and brother-in-law recently bought a house and are planning on how to makeover the bathroom on a very tight budget. With some creative thinking and a bit of physical labor, I know they can do it. I thought I might share the advice I gave her, as it could be useful to others out there as well.

Based on the photo above, here is what I recommended:

The most obvious: Remove the wallpaper borders, and paint EVERYTHING! Paint the walls, trim, cabinets, and interior doors. This will take the most time, but will make the biggest difference, and it won't cost much at all.
The countertop and sink are pretty neutral so those can stay without turning into an eyesore.
Remove the posts sitting on the knee wall between the vanity & toilet.
Get rid of the curtains!
Instead of boring blinds, make a fun DIY roller shade like this one by Emily A. Clark. It would look great to have a fun fabric there since that window is such a focal point. You can find great fabric prices online. I've recently discovered Tonic Living for great modern fabrics at amazing prices.

via Emily A. Clark

Wouldn't this damask fabric look great? AND it's on sale for only $ 8.95/yard!

Tonic Living Madison

Replace the carpeting. I suggest a simple inexpensive tile. This will involve the most physical labor but will be the most durable in the end. If you don't want to mess with tile and grout, a shorter-term solution is a vinyl peel & stick floor, which will probably still be more durable than carpeting.
Since you'll want to pull the base trim up to redo the floor, I'd suggest looking into a taller base trim made from paint-grade MDF, which is a great price point and will work well in a high-moisture area.
Add flair with a fun framed mirror. Take a look at places like Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, etc. for mirrors. You can find some great deals there. Or even local thrift shops. Keep in mind - if the frame is ugly you can always spray paint it a really cool color.

via re-nest

Replace the cabinet hardware. New knobs will add a little punch to the final project. You can find simple pieces for just a couple dollars. Or you can splurge and get something unique for just a little more cost. I've been drooling over this toggle pull from Paris Apartment for a while now:

Obviously these are only cosmetic changes, but considering nothing is broken and nothing is leaking, a makeover is all this bathroom really needs. All of this won't cost a fortune, but it will make a HUGE difference.

More Photos: White Kitchen Remodel

2011-03-29T09:17:00.000-06:00

Last week I showed you all some before & after photos of a recent project I designed. Now that you've all got a sense of the significant layout changes involved in this design, I thought I'd post more of the after photos and details.

the Lemans corner system (see it in action here). I love this thing!

pull-out spice rack

roll-out pantry shelves

faucet operated by foot-pedals (my client is a surgeon and wants to keep everything sanitary!)

Sometimes you need to custom-design an entire cabinet for very specific pieces. Everything needs to have its place, right?

Before & After: White Kitchen Remodel

2011-03-23T22:36:00.003-06:00

I'm really proud of the outcome of this kitchen remodel. It's beautiful and bright and just plain happy. But you don't get the full sense of this space until you see before photos and realize the major layout changes that made this kitchen what it is.

The large opening shown above used to be this brick wall:

The powder room (the closed white door to the left) used to be straight off the kitchen, directly across from the refrigerator:

Now the powder room (still in the same location) is in a corridor just off the kitchen:

The doorway location from the dining room (to the right in the photo) prevented any deep base cabinets, and therefore the space by the window wasn't very functional:

Now the doorway has been relocated to the right side of that wall, allowing for a working kitchen uninterrupted by traffic flow:

Quite a difference, huh? Not to mention the layout aspects you can't see - how we made sure each cabinet was as functional as possible, so everything had it's place. More after photos to come in another post...

Architect: Tom Buese

Contractor: Sam Sampinos

A Familiar Light Fixture

2011-03-18T10:19:00.000-06:00

On March 10, Design Sponge featured a book called "Undecorate: The No-rules Approach to Interior Design" by Christine Lemieux (founder of Dwell Studio). Yes, it started a little rant in my head about the difference between interior design and interior decorating and how I really wish the titles were not used interchangeably, as decorating is only one of the many aspects of interior design, and though I'm all about breaking the rules of interior DECORATING, there are rules in interior DESIGN that are detrimental to the health, safety, and well-being of people and therefore should NOT be broken. Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now...

The reason I'm posting this is because the floor lamp in this photo from the book caught my attention:

Does it look familiar? Have you seen it before, maybe in my home? Hanging from the ceiling (on a still-frayed cord) in my kitchen?

Yes, it appears to be a floor-lamp version of the exact same fixture! How cool is that! I wish I knew who designed it...

The Biggest Single Line Item of Any Project...

2011-03-16T12:12:00.000-06:00

I just read an interview with Mick De Giulio in an old issue of "Renovation Style" magazine (Summer 2010). If you read my blog regularly, you know I pretty much idolize this guy. In fact, let me post one my favorite kitchens ever here (yes, I know, I've posted it before, but it's just SO beautiful!):

Anyway, I fell in love with his response to the question, "What's worth the splurge?"

"It's worth the splurge to do what you want. The biggest single line item of any project can be regret. You regret that you didn't the get cabinet you loved or the range that you loved. When you're done, the kitchen is an expensive room at any level. If you are not entirely happy with it, then that's expensive."

How true! I understand that budget is important, and you can't have EVERYTHING you want, but when you find that ONE item that you absolutely fall in love with, whether it's a piece of furniture, or an appliance, or a countertop, or a cabinet style, figure out how you can make it happen because the worst possible outcome is that you go through the entire design & construction process, just to step back and say "Hmmm... it's okay, but it really would have looked great with that Calcutta Gold countertop". As a designer, if my clients have these types of regrets at the end of a project, then I haven't done my job properly. Part of my job as a designer is to help clients figure out what the key elements are, and what we have to do to make them attainable.

(All kitchens shown here by Mick De Giulio)

An Interesting (and Inexpensive) Vanity Sink

2011-03-10T10:12:00.001-07:00

I get many emails from cb2 about new products or sales, and I always open them because I love their stuff. I was a little surprised today when I saw this photo showing off their new shower curtain. Though the shower curtain is the main act here, I couldn't help but notice the sink. It appears that they have simply used their go-cart desk (only $149) with a couple galvanized buckets. (We have this desk in orange and love it!)

I can't say much about how it will hold up though. I might put a glass piece over the desk to protect the surface from rust? As for the buckets... I guess if they don't hold up you can easily replace them and retire the old ones out to the back patio as planters or something.

Note: If ever doing something like this that will expose the plumbing beneath the sink, please pay a little more for the special finishes rather than using the plastic PVC. It's worth it!

Pillow Project

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

image via Freshly Picked

We finally bought the sofa we've been drooling over for a few months now. But I'm going to keep you all in suspense for a while before posting any photos, because first I need throw pillows and lighting and I REALLY need to finish the gallery wall I've been planning forever.

When it comes to throw pillows, I really should just accept the fact that my dog will eat them. But I must have them. So I've decided I will sew the covers myself and use Ikea pillow inserts. I can do this pretty inexpensively, which means I won't cry too hard when I discover the shredded remains buried in the back yard.

And since I'm still not great when it comes to sewing, I was thrilled to discover an envelope back pillow tutorial by Susan on Freshly Picked that describes these pillows as "the easiest thing that you've ever made." Right up my alley!

Anyone else want to try making these pillows with me? It would be fun to compare notes!

T-Shirt Chair

2011-02-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

This T-shirt Chair by Maria Westerberg recently won the 2011 Green Furniture Award.

You can order it as an empty frame, where you then collect 40 used t-shirts and weave them into the frame for a soft and colorful chair. (It's also available pre-made, using sofa manufacturing scraps.)

Unfortunately, I can't find it for purchase yet in the U.S.

Rust-Oleum Transformations: Another DIY option

2011-02-23T08:00:00.008-07:00

Recently, Rust-Oleum flew 10 design bloggers to New Orleans for a hands-on workshop to introduce their new line called Transformations. I read about it on Apartment Therapy.

Cabinet Transformations
I've talked about painting cabinets before. But now achieving the look of stained & glazed wood doesn't seem so impossible for an amateur DIY homeowner. The Cabinet Transformations kit comes in 70 different colors. The website claims "no stripping, no sanding, no priming" (although in the FAQ section they do recommend a Zinsser Primer if using raw wood). They claim it works on all wood, melamine, and laminate surfaces.

Here's a before & after cabinet photo from their website:

Countertop Transformations:

This is a simple (yet messy) kit that covers existing laminate countertops (also claims to work on wood or metal trim) using 3 layers: 1) Adhesive base coat, 2) Decorative Color Chips, and 3) Protective Coating.

It is currently only available in these colors:

Here's a before/after countertop photo from their website:

I haven't used this product, and only know info from the bloggers' opinions and from Rust-Oleum's website.
But it sounds like a great product and I'd be willing to try it (maybe it's finally time to do something with the honey oak that I despise so much in my kitchen and bathroom?) I sure wish Rust-Oleum would use me as a guinea pig with their product...

Laundry Room / Basement in a Craftsman Home

2011-02-17T11:45:00.003-07:00

I just got my dream lens, which has a wider angle and allows me to photograph smaller spaces. I obviously still have a ways to go when it comes to photography, but already this lens has made an amazing difference in the quality of my interior shots!

The lens allows me to showcase projects like this incredible basement remodel. What started as a typical drab unfinished basement has turned into a warm, welcoming, and organized space for laundry, storage, exercise, and more!

I worked with Drew & Michael from Re-Vive Group to design the laundry / mudroom area, as well as the custom columns that greet you as you come down the stairs. The columns also separate the exercise room from the rest of the space.

The cabinetry really makes this space shine. We used a new Mesquite finish on Maple from Hallmark Cabinets, which tied in perfectly with the rest of the beautiful woodwork throughout the home. Mark Erickson, my colleague from Arendal Kitchen Design did an amazing job installing the cabinetry. In projects such as this, good craftsmanship is key. And the guys from Re-Vive did a great job tying everything together.

Basements can be very challenging due to low ceilings, uneven floors, and plumbing / mechanical elements that must be worked around. But if done right, they can be transformed into wonderful living spaces like this one!

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry

2011-02-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

image via jobingco

Spring is a ways away, BUT days are getting longer, and I like to dream of the warmer weather to come. I'm envious of people who have space for an outdoor kitchen. There's such a big trend towards outdoor spaces. You used to just hear about patios, but now it's all about outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, etc. And I want one of all of them.

In the spirit of outdoor rooms, I've recently been introduced to a new type of outdoor cabinetry from Hallmark Cabinets, one of my favorite cabinet mills. Check this out:

Believe it or not, this is NOT actually wood. It's a material called TuffBoard (which is sort of like the man-made decking materials you're seeing everywhere now). Tuffboard can have a simple latex finish, but it can also be creatively finished and textured to look like old barnwood, as shown above.

These cabinets are weather-proof and whether using TuffBoard or stainless steel, they work great in an outdoor kitchen space.

Kitchen Cabinet Pull-Outs & Accessories

2011-02-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

image from Rev-a-Shelf via rtacabinetstore.com

There are hundreds of different cabinet accessory options available. It can be overwhelming! Some of these accessories I consider "standards" that I use in nearly every kitchen: roll-out shelves, pull-out wastebaskets, door-mount spice racks, and tray dividers.

There are some not-so-common items that I like to use as well.

Hafele's LeMans blind corner system:

Toe kick step stool (I get it from Hafele):

images via princessandthefrog

Blum's Orgaline Plate Holder for drawers (adjustable to accommodate bowls and plates of various sizes)

I'm also always on the lookout for custom storage solutions.

Pull-out bookcase that reveals spice storage behind it:

image via Home Design Find

Pull-out blind corner unit for wine & stemware:

image via designedandmade

Drawer dividers for pan storage:

image from here

Peg board system for oven racks and other awkward items. (I've used this application for broom pantry storage in the past as well.):

image from here

Merillat recently came out with a unique corner solution, called the CornerStore, which includes drawers flanked by pull-out pantry trays. What a great way to use corner space!

image from Merillat

image from kbbonline.com

If you see other interesting uses of cabinet storage space, please share with me!

Sliding Panels Instead of Cabinet Doors?

2011-02-03T08:00:00.002-07:00

I saw this photo yesterday on Home Design Find. I love it. Why? For several reasons:

1. Eclectic mix of classic with modern elements

2. Ovens & shelving recessed into walls rather than cabinets

3. Cool industrial butcher block cart (possibly a DIY-worthy project?)

4. Open shelf base cabinets with roll-outs

5. Carrera marble countertops & backsplash

6. Classic apron sink

But what caught my eye the most is the sliding framed glass panels in front of the wall shelves! And the ceiling-mounted hardware! Note how the panels don't cover everything on the shelves, BUT, because they sit on a different plane in front of the shelves, and because the glass is lightly textured to obscure the objects behind it, the panels completely distract you from the contents of the shelves themselves. I love this concept as an alternative to wall cabinets.

Park City Condo Project: Before & After

2011-01-31T09:33:00.002-07:00

Take a look inside the condo remodel that is nearly completed!

Before & After photos say it best, so here you go:

Main view from foyer - BEFORE

Main view from foyer - AFTER

Simply removing that kitchen wall made the condo feel 10x bigger.

Fireplace - BEFORE

Fireplace - AFTER

We resized the fireplace so the firebox was centered in the surround. It looks much bigger even though the firebox is in the same location (raising the firebox was easy, but moving it left or right would have been much more expensive), and is now more centered on the sitting area (furniture is still in the works).

Kitchen - BEFORE

Kitchen - AFTER

View into Foyer - BEFORE

View into Foyer - AFTER

Master Bathroom - BEFORE

Master Bathroom - AFTER

We reconfigured these walls a bit so the vanity would be part of the bathroom rather than the bedroom, and the closet is now bigger. We also got rid of all the funky angles here for a much cleaner look.

Guest Bath - BEFORE

Guest Bath - AFTER

There are still a few items to finish, including furniture and accessories. I hope to show more photos of the furnished space (including bedrooms) once that is all completed.

This has been a really great project to be a part of. My client loves color and appreciates natural materials and textures, so I've had the opportunity to be a little more bold than usual here. The contractor, Bruce Anderson, from Blue Willow Builders, has done a wonderful job and has a great team of guys that are fun to work with. I wouldn't hesitate to send anyone to Bruce for remodel or new construction projects. All the beautiful cabinetry, doors, trim, and fireplace mantle, were designed and built by Chris Peterson at Riverwoods Mill. Chris has a great eye for detail and it has been a pleasure working with him on design specifics. Other key players are Cora from Ferguson, Kathleen at European Marble, Terry from Foremost Interiors, Jayson from Kupferschmidt Electric, Tony from Workman Floors, Keene from Mountainland, the staff at Light Spot Modern Design, and many others. Having a good team makes all the difference in the world!

I'm Sprouting!

2011-01-28T12:00:00.002-07:00

This isn't necessarily a design-related post, however, it is related to kitchens, and I design kitchens. I randomly happened upon a kitchen gadget store yesterday, so I stopped in to say hi. It's absolutely amazing how many kitchen gadgets there are out there. I commented to the sales woman that I had no idea there were so many things I needed until I walked in that store. Yes, I'm a sucker for gadgets. I admit it.

I restrained myself, and ended up with a single item - the Sprout Master Mini. It's a simple divided tray system that comes with 2 sets of seeds. Supposedly, all I need to do is soak the seeds overnight and water them twice a day, and in just a few days I'll have healthy, edible sprouts. We eat a lot of sprouts on our sandwiches, and I'm sick of buying them in plastic containers at the grocery store. Plus, I miss my summer patio garden, so I'm excited to grow something in my kitchen.

Here they are at the end of Day 1. You can't tell from here, so take my word for it. There are already a few little tiny baby sprouts.

Sounds sorta like a chia pet, huh?

Sneak Peek

2011-01-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

We are 99.9% finished with the construction portion of a Park City condo project I've been working on for months, so now we've switched our focus to the furniture and accessories. I took a ton of photos of the empty condo, and will post them here in the next week. For now, here's a preview, just to whet your appetites! I LOVE the results and can't wait to show it off to all of you!

Dwell Studio for Robert Allen

2011-01-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

via Dwell Studio

I'm working on a couple upholstery projects right now, and I'm loving the Dwell Studio series for Robert Allen collection called Eclectic Modern. It's a mix of modern and traditional, with a touch of vintage. Here are some of my favorites:

Dotted Trellis - Dove

Gate - Citrine

Gate - Jade

Pyramid - Dove

Snake Chain - Dove

Vintage Blossom - Citrine

Vintage Blossom - Jade

Vintage Plumes - Camel

Vintage Plumes - Jade

Another Beautiful White Kitchen

2011-01-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

I recently subscribed to House Beautiful and got my first issue this week. I've been drooling over all of the photos and recipes, but this one most of all:

This kitchen is in a Manhattan residence designed by architect Alexander Gorlin and interior designer Garrow Kedigian (photograph by Pieter Estersohn). It has the classic and oh-so-trendy elements of white cabinets with Calacatta Gold marble countertops, but the design of the cabinet doors is completely unique (inspired by the grids in the windows). The cabinet doors tie in really well with the geometric designs on the 18th-century Chinese bamboo chairs as well as the Greek motifs seen elsewhere in fabrics and rugs throughout the home (see "Urban Renewal" in the February 2011 issue of House Beautiful for more photos).

My only complaint is a general complaint I always have. Somewhere in this process there was a Kitchen Designer who helped all of these ideas come together seamlessly in a custom cabinet layout. This kitchen designer likely spent hours turning the architect & interior designer's plans into something that would actually work with the dimensions, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and any special client requests for storage needs. This is a Manhattan kitchen, and therefore it's likely small. Maximizing space is critical, which makes the job of the kitchen designer that much more important. So, to the nameless kitchen designer for this project and all other kitchen designers who don't get credit for their work... Well done!

Free Printable 2011 Calendar

2011-01-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else out there suddenly feeling disorganized because they don't have a 2011 calendar yet? I am! And calendars are expensive, especially because you use them for a year and then they're worthless (unless the calendar photos are good enough to cut out and frame, which is actually an inexpensive way to get 12 new pieces of artwork).

Last year I discovered Blue Dot's free downloadable / printable calendar. They've created a 2011 calendar this year and I love it even more. Check it out!

Here are a few of my favorite months:

What's So Cool About This Faucet?

2011-01-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

Well, aside from the cool modern style of the Hansa Canyon faucet, Hansa has been a frontliner of the current trend of LED lighting incorporated into everything, including faucets.

We just installed this in a client's bathroom. It features electronic controls, and temperature-sensitive LED lights.

Red = Hot

Blue = Cold

And Purple = Somewhere in the middle

I'm excited to post more (and better) photos of this project once it's finished!

Alternatives to Ugly Outlets in Kitchen Islands

2011-01-07T14:41:00.001-07:00

In the world of kitchen design, one of my biggest pet peeves is outlets in the island. I know, code requires you to have at least one outlet, and they can be functional for prep spaces. So they are a necessary evil. I say evil because standard outlets can be just plain ugly. For example, see the photo above. Maybe it's just me, but when I look at that photo, all I see is that ugly white rectangle on the island. Once I finally convince myself to look beyond the outlet, then and only then do I see that it's actually a very nice kitchen. But, that outlet... I just can't get past that outlet! The sad thing is that there are many device colors available. So for just a few dollars more (and no extra creativity), they could have used a black outlet and cover plate that would have blended in so much better! Lutron also has about 20 other colors available.

I'm constantly on a mission to find a better solution for outlets in islands, rather than the standard duplex outlet box. So far, here's what I've come up with:

1. Plugmold strips. These can sometimes be recessed into an end panel, or tucked up underneath the countertop overhang.

via Kitchen Details blog

Plugmold typically comes in black, white, and stainless steel.

via iVillage Garden Web forums

2. Kitchen Power Grommet by Mockett.

I love this concept, though I haven't actually used it yet. This pop-up grommet has a seal, supposedly making it safe for wet locations. When you need an outlet, you simply pop up the unit and you then have all the outlets you need right in front of you. Beware though, this is a pretty big unit so you need to make sure you have room in the cabinet below the grommet, since it will take up space.

3. Sillite. I'm pretty excited about this one! In fact, I'm working with an electrician right now to use a Sillite outlet in a kitchen island, and I think it's going to work great. (Thanks Jayson for being willing to try new things!)

Sillite outlets are part of a product line of electric candles for use in window sills. Sillite has introduced a round outlet that is flush-mounted in the window sill. The candlestick plugs directly into the outlet, eliminating the need for any unsightly cords. Though kitchen islands are not their originally intended purpose, I think it's a great place for a small inconspicuous outlet. They're available in white or black and come with a matching plastic cover.

If you know of other creative alternatives, please share!

Disclaimer: I'm not entirely sure if all of these applications will pass code in your area. Though the websites claim they meet code, it's up to each jurisdiction (and each individual inspector) to confirm. So please check with local building inspectors before using any of these options.

Recent Project: Cottage Style Home

2010-12-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

We are THIS CLOSE to being finished with this beautiful new home. There are just a few more details to be finished, such as mirrors and miscellaneous cabinet hardware. I did this project through Arendal Kitchen Design, with Interior Designer Scott Andersen. Scott does amazing work - I admire his attention to detail in every part of every project. And I especially admire his taste in light fixtures. Every light fixture in this house is a "wow" piece that is a work of art in itself and truly MAKES the house. Of course, the cabinetry is pretty fabulous too (patting myself on my back). The kitchen is my favorite - the white inset cabinets with custom glass transoms and custom hood are simple yet beautiful. And they pair so well with the classic marble and limestone tops and subway tile backsplash.

Butler's Pantry

Master Closet

Master Bath

Laundry, unfinished (check out the painted wood floors!)

2nd Floor Bath

Re Store

2010-12-17T13:36:00.002-07:00

Have you ever been to a Re Store location? Re Store is a resale outlet that sells used and donated items to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. It also helps prevent these items from ending up in landfills. And considering the large amount of landfill space that is occupied by construction waste, an operation like this is a necessity.

I'm fascinated by what you can find at Re Store. We've purchased garden tools, seeds, car parts, patio furniture, a humidifier, and much more from the Salt Lake City location.

Today I stopped by because I wanted to see the cabinets that my clients had just donated from their kitchen project. They used to look like this:

And now they look like this:

These are well-constructed solid wood cabinets with a beautiful veneer.

My favorite part is the hardware.

I can't tell what sort of wood these pulls are (could it be rosewood?) but they are beautiful pulls. I'm thinking it might be worth buying the cabinets just for the pulls (and then donating the boxes back to Re Store if you don't have a use for them)!

I hope someone recognizes the potential and can give these items a new home!

On another note, I couldn't resist buying this awesome retro office chair for myself! Whether it fits or not is to be determined, but it was only $10 so I had to do it, right?

If you live near a Re Store, please check it out! I think you might be surprised.

Quick & Easy Christmas Decoration

2010-12-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely not one to go crazy with Christmas decorations, but this year is the first year we will be spending Christmas at our home, so I wanted to add some tasteful holiday flair.

Over the years we've both received many ornaments from our families, to the point where we actually run out of room on the tree. So this year we put some of the extra bulbs into a truffle bowl and I love the extra holiday sparkle it adds.

I have to confess, I saw this as a centerpiece somewhere (can't remember where) and totally copied it.

Sneak Preview

2010-12-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

We're getting close to the end of a project I've been working on for a while now! There is still a lot to be done before I'll be taking final photos, but in the meantime, here is a before and after detail.

We changed the tile (DalTile Panaro Blend.), painted the mantle, and painted the walls (Benjamin Moore Pismo Dunes).

Big difference, huh?

Stay tuned for more photos in the next few weeks!

Using Photographs and Children's Art in Home Decor

2010-12-01T10:20:00.001-07:00

Artwork can add a lot of personality to a home, but it can also be expensive to cover all those walls with art.

Believe it or not, you can make your own art, and even if you don't have a creative bone in your body, it can still look good! The secret: Use multiple pieces together in one big arrangement, so the individual pieces are just a small part of the whole look.

See examples below, and keep in mind that these would be great gift ideas if you're on a budget (and we all are!)

You can use this approach with photographs:

from raenovate

by Stuart McIntyre, via desire to inspire

Our dining room (I took all the photos, and the frames are all from Ikea)

You can do the same thing with kid's art:

from Flourish Design and Style

from Nursery Notations

from Caitlin Creer (family portraits, painted by the kids)

Eric Cohler via vivafullhouse

I love the following images, where the children's art was scanned or photographed and made into a poster collage:

from Sixx Design via Little Green Notebook

from Living Livelier and Kristen Fitzgerald

You can also use non-traditional display methods:

from Caitlin Creer (hanging wire from Ikea)

from houzz.com

Of, if you are somewhat confident in your creative abilities, try something like these resin art pieces :

from Design Ties (see step-by-step instructions here)

Milk Glass

2010-11-23T09:00:00.003-07:00

I love my milk glass vases. I picked them up at various thrift stores one day last year. I bought 4 vases for a whopping $ 3.50, and there were so many there it was hard to choose which ones I wanted! Because of the stark contrast against our black walls, these inexpensive vases are one of the most dramatic elements in our dining room.

Apparently I'm not the only one who loves milk glass (nor am I the only one who displays them in groups of three). Here are a just a few photos I've collected of vintage milk glass in more modern settings:

from Wit and Whistle

from operadork on flickr

from Lulu'sDressingRoom on flickr

photo by HotHoller via milkglass.org

from Be Merry Kate

from Punam Bean via Ruffled

DIY Inexpensive Credenza

2010-11-20T09:00:00.001-07:00

Anna over at Door Sixteen recently unveiled her "fauxdenza" (her words, not mine), and I love it. She used 3 Ikea Akrum wall cabinets at $52 each. It's a clean look that doesn't take up any floor space, and will cost much less than any furniture pieces you'll find out there (unless you find an amazing craig's list deal or undertake a much larger and more time-consuming DIY project). Yes, it's Ikea (someday I promise I'll post about all my research comparing Ikea cabinets to other cabinet lines), and you have to assemble it yourself, but if you're in a pinch and you need some extra storage / display space, it's a great option.

Note that the wall cabinets do not have finished tops, which is why she has a table runner (temporary). A wood top would look great, or maybe a back-painted glass (I've always wondered if I could do a good job of painting glass myself, though I think it would be tough to make it look just right)?

What do you think?

P.S. Isn't the ampersand fun? And the Eames-like rocker? Oh, and I have those same candlesticks in my dining room (yes, also Ikea)

Goodbye Grasshopper!

2010-11-18T09:00:00.007-07:00

We took the grasshopper chair to the upholsterer last weekend.

I was a little sad to see him go. There's so much life and history behind that chair, it's almost as if he's a person. Okay, maybe not a person, but definitely like a pet. Maybe because it's called grasshopper, and when I was younger I always tried to keep grasshoppers as pets.

Anyway, in a few short weeks he'll be back as good as new, well-groomed and sporting this awesome new fabric:

Maharam Steelcut Trio #533

Stay tuned!

And if you're interested, find info about the chair, and the original look we are going for, at the Knoll Museum website.

Collages by Google Picasa

2010-11-17T09:00:00.002-07:00

I just recently discovered the capability of the collage feature from Picasa, and I'm loving it! I've been using it for collage boards for clients. The collage feature allows you to move, resize, rotate, and change the order of photos. I can mix photos I've saved from various websites with actual photos I've taken. I can use the eyedropper thingy (I really don't know what that's called!) to make my background match a paint color exactly.

Here's a project I'm currently buried in:

I've created this collage to help envision the sofa, chair fabric, area rug, wall paint, and floor with various accent pillow options that will help keep the space lighter and more playful. I'll add accent tables and other accessories as we get further along in the process (oh yes, after you've created a collage you can edit it and add more photos!)

Where Have I Been?

2010-11-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I never intended to go so long without posting! But I have my reasons... First of all, I'm BUSY! And in this economy, that's great news. Second, I recently took a trip to southern Utah. A group of us mountain-biked the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park. Over 90 miles in 3.5 days. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever done. Typically this blog is all about design and DIY and my own home projects, but this trip was so amazing I just had to post a few photos.

I'll really REALLY try harder to post more from now on, okay?

Traditional Kitchen Remodel

2010-10-18T08:00:00.003-06:00

We just finished a beautiful kitchen remodel for a great client!

The kitchen used to look like this:

From the beginning, the clients wanted to remove the wall between the Kitchen/Dining area and Family Room. We decided that also closing up the exterior door, removing the closet, and widening the window would help us create the perfect layout.

My colleague at Arendal, Jeff Byington, did this 3D rendering during the design phase.

And here's the final product!

The cabinetry is Columbia Cabinets, supplied through Arendal Kitchen Design. And Re-Vive was the general contractor.

And this beautiful floral arrangement came from Lindsy at TriFecTa!

Steampunk Interiors

2010-10-16T09:36:00.000-06:00

In a couple weeks I'm going to a presentation about Steampunk. The speaker is Tyson Ness, who's an extremely talented emerging Interior Designer. He's just recently graduated from the Art Institute of Salt Lake, and he did his thesis project on the steampunk style.

A lot of people don't know what steampunk really is. I admit, I don't either. I've heard of it, and I've seen various blog posts about it, though everything I've seen has usually been in the form of objects or gadgets, not really applying to entire interiors. After seeing Tyson's project, I wanted to dig a little further.

Basically, (according to Wikipedia) "steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy."

I'll have a much better understanding of the meaning after my seminar. In the meantime, here are a few photos of 3 fascinating steampunk interiors I've found.

The Edison, Los Angeles

Ramses Hotel, designed by Philippe Starck, Madrid

And a more cartoonish take on the steampunk style: Three Rings office, San Francisco. Designed by Because We Can. This design shows how Jules Verne and his submarine, the Nautilus, influences the steampunk style.

A bookcase hides the door to a secret room

The secret room

Mechanical room for bike storage

Incredible stuff, right? If you are as intrigued as I am and live in Utah, contact me for more info on Tyson's seminar on October 27!