A modest budget can yield high returns...

The kitchen below is one I worked on awhile back and never documented. When I first visited the home, the client and I discussed possibly keeping the existing 1980s style laminate cabinets, but replacing the doors and drawers, and making modifications where needed to improve the design.

I called in my trusted cabinet maker who, due to time in his schedule, was actually available to do all facets of the job for a fair price. With water damage to the sink cabinet and the other changes we planned on making, it ended up being more cost-effective to replace all the cabinetry.

We chose to create the cabinet boxes out of melamine for budget purposes, similar to Ikea, but completely custom. In a small kitchen like this, it's crucial to use every inch and the custom cabinets gave us options Ikea would not. Doors and drawers were made of solid maple, custom painted.

The home was a cape, so we didn't feel the need to stick with the traditional materials (white cabinets, subway tile, etc.) many homeowners who live in colonials tend to choose. Since the client wanted more of a zen feeling, we chose a palette of soft gray green for the base cabinets and an almost off white tint of gray green for the walls, upper cabinets, and ceiling. It felt "white" but in person was much warmer. In a small space I love using light colored uppers and wrapping that same color on walls and ceiling which, I feel, expands the space. I helped the client source everything on a budget, appliances, counter top, fixtures, hardware and lighting. All are quality materials but we found discounts on almost everything. Two of my favorite elements are the backsplash and floor. I found the backsplash when looking for slate for another project, at a pop up discount tile store. The colors and pattern were perfect, but this client took a lot of convincing. For the floor I had suggested cork from the beginning, for it's softness and look, but the client was not sold immediately. We went through a bunch of different options before she realized this was a good choice for many reasons. I love how the warmth of the cork flooring relates to the cherry counters.

The client enjoyed the kitchen for over a year before needing to move. In a down market, the house sold in a weekend, no doubt in part due to the fabulously renovated kitchen. Not only did the design work really well with the house and for the homeowner, the modest budget DID yield a high return.

The past year...

The past year I've spent a lot of time redesigning bathrooms, kitchens, closets, etc. As a design consultant, some clients choose to only use me for the design process, while for others I project manage from start to finish.

I receive a lot of emails about how I work. Today I met with a client who told me another designer in our area (with his own renovation team) laughed at her budget. I didn't ask about her budget initially. I was there to help solve a problem. Generally I spend an hour or two with a client, looking at the home, the living space, to get an idea of their personal style. This was a kitchen project, so I could have just walked into the kitchen and started measuring, but to me, you can't take a kitchen out of context. It's part of the home. We discussed how they cook, entertain, eat meals as a family. I looked at how the natural light comes into the space. The first idea I had for this somewhat awkward space may be the right solution for this family, but we spent a lot of time conversing about the look, the flow, and brainstorming. Of course I measured, and eventually the client mentioned her budget, which to me seems very adequate for the scale of this project. I always tell clients, my goal is not to spend your money, it's to help you make the right choices so you save money. I also feel like it's important to utilize the space you have and make the most of it, with the right storage, the right furnishings, and of course, the right style that works for you.

The pics below are a home office. The idea the client originally presented to me was much different than this. I suggested this layout which better utilized the third floor space and created a better work area.

Off to sketch some ideas for this new kitchen project!

A custom family kitchen

Here are some finished (and in use) kitchen pics. This kitchen was a complete renovation, you would not recognize the new space from the original, with it's odd combination of original slab cabinets and elements added over time, like cedar paneling and an odd transom window from the eighties.

What I did: met with the client and took detailed measurements. The space had a narrow entrance from the dining room and was very closed off to the rest of the house. The clients wanted a more family friendly space to prep meals with their young twins nearby, and better flow from the dining room for entertaining.

The solution: a vintage aluminum garden window makes "sense" now that the 5 foot area has been separated from the main kitchen prep space by a wide archway. This space can function as a spot to serve a buffet or a place to prop a laptop and do some work. Custom cabinets store office supplies under the window. On the opposite wall, the refrigerator and a small landing spot counter can serve as a small bar area when entertaining. Through the wide archway to the main kitchen area is a peninsula sized just right for the young twins' casual meals. Double wall ovens and hidden microwave and additional storage add to the main range to create a workhorse of a kitchen in a small space. Everything is within reach, yet the cook will never feel crowded as the traffic flow is outside the main prep and clean up space. A subtle color scheme of creamy white upper cabinets and walls pair with soft gray base cabinets and Carrara marble. A soft element of surprise is the pale aqua ceiling and strip of glass mosaic.

What a year it's been!

I can't believe it's been a year since I've updated this blog!

It's not that I haven't been busy, just the opposite. Through referrals my business has grown.

I have done several kitchens and bathrooms, and quite a few smaller projects as well, including color consultations (interior and exterior). Many of my clients are repeat clients. They find that the advice I give has helped them save a lot of money.

I am not one of these designers that needs to redo everything top to bottom. I am happy to help a client solve the smallest problem. Often those little issues cause us the most grief in our homes.

I will work on getting some newer pics up over the next few weeks.

Elegant, classic master bath (more pics)!

I just had to share more pics of this bathroom renovation. The glass and mirrors add so much to the space. The contractor created a custom cover for the baseboard heater. It's beautiful and timeless.

Custom wainscoting and glass panel/shower door.

Custom cover on baseboard.

View from the master bedroom.

Custom cabinetry with mirrored inset doors and drawers and glass hardware add a clean, vintage style.

Large carrera tiles contrast the smaller basketweave on the shower floor.

The soft whites and grays create a soothing spa retreat.

I love the geometry of the floor tiles and the "X" moulding on the doors.

From inspiration pics to reality: elegant, classic master bath!

New carrara shower and custom vanity

With the exception of a few finishing touches, this classic master bath is complete. The client had the inspiration pics, and I helped her choose all the elements to make the inspiration become her new master bath reality.

Before: vanity area

Before: shower

Before: door to hallway was removed

12x12 carrara marble tiles set in a running bond pattern create a luxurious backdrop for the bath. Soft gray grout creates a graphic element to the tile design that white would not.  The perfect creamy off-white was chosen for the vanity, wainscoting and trim to complement the tile without making it look too gray as can happen when the wrong white is chosen with this type of marble. Gray upper walls and ceiling wrap the space and feel atmospheric, not heavy. Chrome and glass accents are the jewelry in this glamorous retreat.

Check out some befores (above) and afters (below). The entire space was reinvented, and the new bath complements the stately home perfectly.

Shower detail, with basketweave floor

Soft grays and whites create a tranquil, elegant bath

Detail of counter and chrome faucet

The area where the tub/shower was is now the vanity and adjacent toilet.

View from the master bedroom entry