Monday, May 3, 2010

BJ's Kitchen Reveal and The Ultimate Compliment

"My mother raved about it…" When the mother in question is a successful businesswoman, a gourmet cook and very particular, I know I've done good! Who doesn't want a mother's approval?
The view when you enter the kitchen. This alcove was transformed from a disorganized space crammed with clutter, to a useful buffet space, ideal for countertop appliances, with lots of needed storage. New light fixture and outlets are a practical addition. The brand new tin wainscoting adds vintage charm. Marmoleum Click linoleum floor tiles by Forbo are comfortable underfoot and an eco-conscious choice. 
Today for the first time I visited BJ's home since her current renovations were completed. I was blown away! The house was transformed from, (as BJ referred to it) what looked like a frat house to a vibrant, warm home for a young, busy family. 

Talk about color! If I told you we used cream, orange, blue, black, white and red together would you flip? The colors are bold, but in balance, so they work. 

I am so happy with the results, but most importantly, BJ and her husband are thrilled. Compliments from mom are just the icing on the cake! 

New paint finishes transform the previously "painter's tape" blue cabinets. The cream uppers blend in with the soffit and ceiling to open up the space, while the blue-gray base cabinets help black appliances blend in and anchor the space. The color also pops against the warmer "autumnal" colors of the flooring, creating a look that is classic, but not boring. The existing sink functioned well, but was updated with new oil rubbed bronze faucet. Walnut plywood (with custom-fabricated edge) finished with tung oil is easy to maintain, water resistant and food safe (though it should not be cut on). New light fixture (which is a larger version of the alcove's fixture) illuminates the space much better than the old flush mount, and adds a touch of old world style. 

Detail of the tin panels used on the wall and some of the homeowner's own accessories, which were able to be reused.


4 comments:

  1. Suzanne transformed my small, useless clutter filled kitchen into a spacious and beautiful room with great great light. Her color choices were spot on - the kitchen now feels right. I absolutely LOVE the Marmoleum Click flooring and the tin walls. Like she wrote - my mom was floored! For years my mom has been pushing me to gut my kitchen and do a total renovation. With Suzanne's help - a total renovation was not needed. She helped us make choices which really kept costs down while creating a unique kitchen (which is getting wows from everyone who visits!). One thing my husband and I really appreciated was that Suzanne "stuck to her guns" - when I was unsure about the tin she didn't "hem and haw" she said "this is what you are doing and this will look great". We really appreciated her confidence in the choices she made. Suzanne is extremely detail oriented yet very easy to work with. I look forward to the next project I can work with her on! Thanks so much Suzanne!

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  2. Thanks Bronwen! You were so great to work with and I am so glad you love the space. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I hope we can work together again and definitely refer me to your friends!

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  3. This kitchen is a great inspiration to me! Thank you for posting it!

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  4. Hi, I love this kitchen and was wondering if you would share the color of the bottom cabinets? Paint Company and number, I mean. Thanks!

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