Ashley and Lauren talk with Sharon from My Carolina Today on how you can update your kitchen. It does not always have to be a complete remodel – sometimes changing out the appliances and putting paint on the walls can make a big impact. Take a look and let us know what you think!
Current Projects: A “Timeless” Kitchen Remodel in Raleigh
When I began with my clients, they started with a traditional kitchen with stained wood cabinets that closed in the room and made the space feel dark. The client really wanted an updated kitchen but not the “farmhouse” feel that the rest of the house took on. What we did not want to do is create a kitchen that did not blend with the other portions of the house. My goal as the interior designer was to create a classic and timeless kitchen but incorporate details such as the faucet design and sink layout typical of a “farmhouse” kitchen.
We started with the layout of the kitchen. Being that the kitchen was a small space we used the painted white custom cabinetry to allow visually for the space to feel larger. The beautiful contrast between the hardwood floor finish, the perimeter white cabinetry, and the darker wood stained island really added character to the room. As an interior designer, I wanted the kitchen to flow well for the client; so not only was I working to create an amazing kitchen aesthetically but also functionally.
What I love about this kitchen is that we used a polished Calcutta Marble back-splash and paired it with a leathered granite. The old vs. new contrast really works for this style kitchen. I also love the contrast between the bridge faucet in the polished nickel and the darker leathered granite. Leathered granite can really give you a sense of “old” feeling and is very durable for a counter-top surface.
Because there was not a true “window” that the sink could go under, we created this amazing trim detail to offset the sink. This also became a place to really showcase the Calcutta Marble back-splash.
This kitchen is a show stopper to me. I can only say “wow” when I step back and look at it. Even though the space was small we created such a breathtaking kitchen that visually feels larger.
All of the appliances, the faucet, and the sink were purchased at Fergusons. The back-splash came from Triangle Tile and Stone. The counter-tops were fabricated through Rockin ‘teriors and all the contracting was done by Rob Taylor.
I really enjoyed designing this kitchen and hope that the client really appreciates all of the design elements.
Ashley
Current Projects: A Kitchen Transformation That Will Knock Your Socks Off
2011’s only just begun- though Judy & I are pretty confident that as far as dramatic transformations go- this kitchen in Chapel Hill takes the cake.
The project first began years ago, our clients purchased this home and began this makeover themselves by tearing out some peninsula cabinets and painting the white walls of the kitchen orange. An improvement to be sure, but the finishes – laminate countertops and dark walnut paneled walls weren’t the only thing needing a change. The actual footprint of the space wasn’t servicing the clients needs. A formal dining room housing the scared to scratch it table top was used just a few times a year. After many iterations of drawings, discussions, and forming a partnership with a contractor- the floor plan was finalized.
The space expanded. Knocking down a wall, we captured the square footage of the rarely used formal dining room. The charming angled bay window with a window seat in the nook was changed to become a functional floor to ceiling box bay window with the best view of our client’s gorgeous pond outside.
Inset cabinetry in white now extends to the ceiling and a tile backsplash featuring subway tile with carrera marble compliment the stone counter-top. The stone slabs were handpicked by our clients on a trip to Virginia and are well lit with both recessed cans (for task lighting) as well as under cabinetry lighting (for ambience).
The sink features instant hot & cold filtered water and a foot pedal for water control offers a chef with full hands ease at the sink.This hands-free feature is my favorite of the new space-each time I go over I want to turn on the sink.
Below, wood panels disguise the refrigerator.
The classic farmhouse style sink basin marries well with the polished nickel cup-pull hardware fits to acheive a look that’s timeless and feels right at home in Chapel Hill. 
Is the footprint of your kitchen working for you? Besides the finishes and furniture, does the layout fit your needs? Consider reimagining your kitchen.
-Brittany
Current Projects: Baby to Big Boy – A Child’s Room in Cary
With existing guest bedroom furniture and a train table as their starting point, clients came to me seeking a design for their son’s “big boy” room since the nursery was soon to be filled with a new member of the family, another boy! The color palette for the child’s new room was inspired by a collection of brightly colored illustrations and book covers, specifically Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. We began by painting the furniture, walls, and selecting fabrics – a stop light inspired pillow for the bed and a cheery printed stripe from Amy Karyn Textiles for window valences.
Next, came the lighting change. We went with a train station ready overhead fixture in a polished nickel finish and some Pottery Barn You-fill-it lamps. The lamps are filled with a family collection of matchbox cars for now, but can easily change to other items depending upon their child’s interests, ie: Lego’s, army men, etc.
An entire wall was transformed by hanging a piece of sheetrock, painting it with chalkboard paint in black, and framing it with a simple moulding profile in a high gloss yellow. Learn how to DIY, here. We simply taped book pages to the top of the chalkboard- leaving room for the child to go wild with the chalk down below.
I love the picture captured above. The big boy room is bright and full of sunshine, but not too theme driven- a room he can grow and play in. Which children’s book would inspire your kids room?
-Brittany
Current Projects: Reimagining A Whole House – Part 3
We brought you this mini-series last year where we reimagined various parts of a whole house- now I’m excited to share with you our hard work in the Master Bathroom.
Whoa! Ruby red walls, they’re exciting- but not what you want to wake up to every morning. This is exactly how our client felt for over 4 years. The white cabinetry with cultured marble countertops felt clean, but boring and they could use an update. Not to mention the angled countertop/cabinetry configuration cut the storage space in half.
The idea behind, nixing the angle in the cabinetry configuration came first. Starting with a better footprint to work with, the cabinets offer more storage that is efficient. The cabinets feature built-in medicine cabinets with powered nooks so tools that require an outlet ie: the electric razor or the straightening iron could be left out on the counter without looking cluttered.
The plumbing fixtures were selected next: clean & straightforward in a polished nickel finish keeps things light and bright.
The juxtaposition of polished marble & granite with rough tumbled slate & glass accent tiles creates a restful sanctuary.
We painted the ceiling a darker shade to make the new chandelier pop! It’s my favorite part of the room!
If you missed it, check out parts I and II of this “Reimagining the Whole House” series.
Brittany
Before & After: Family Friendly in Durham
My client and her husband met me with a challenge for this before & after when I walked into their 13’x 25’ Living/Dining room early last year. During the introduction with one of her four young children (all boys no less!), she said, “This is Brittany. She is here to get rid of your soccer field.”
Her goals included: a cohesive & beautiful space fit for entertaining-but one that was realistic for even their youngest family members & guests. A living room that really lived & a dining table that could seat as many guests as possible (& oh yes, she had a budget, too).
Design considerations for the entire space: I kept the gold color on the walls as it was a cheerier backdrop than a beige or taupe and the color seemed to glow in the evening. The same fabric was used for drapery panels in both the living & dining rooms to unify the space. The color palette was inspired by the client’s favorite china pattern-the only item she knew she wanted in the space. The living room features no large coffee table on purpose- we left room for the boys to play on the floor or put together a puzzle. Instead side tables from Target (that way we could splurge on lamps with fantastic black shades) flank either end of the sofa and an ottoman on casters can pull up to any seat or accept a tray.
The rug is a soumak weave & design, reversible if it is to stain- and relatively low in pile height- perfect for matchbox cars to drive upon. Off the bat- I eliminated the thought of a rug underneath the dining room table for budget & for function-who wants to fuss with crumbs & stains on the carpet?
The elements of the family formal dining room took some time to get just right. My favorite piece in the room is a fire engine red painted china hutch. China & glassware are proudly displayed yet protected from paper planes with glass inset doors. I still smile when I think of my client’s email regarding the biggest splurge of the space- the extendable dining room table with a distressed finish:
“When friends with young children come for dinner, and their two-year-old bangs his fork on the table–tines downward, of course–I don’t want to cringe my way through the meal. We expect certain table behavior from our children, but they’re children (and boys to boot), and they don’t always (or even usually) sit primly through the whole meal. Pencil drawings with nothing under the paper may happen; hot-wheels races may happen; forks and spoons may be used as drumsticks… I want our home to be a gracious one, even for the youngest ones who live or visit here.”
The final touches included some personalization. My client’s husband photographed the boys in black & white- himself. I love how their faces surround the mirror- which looks just as curious as the boys. In another corner of the room is a large original artwork, an etching of boys in a tree house, entitled Summer Castlesby NC native Donald Sexauer. I like to think of this newly completed space-once their old soccer field- as their new castle- with hours of lovely play time spent together that the whole family enjoys.
What are your must-haves for a family friendly space?
Brittany
Current Projects: The Before & After of a Kitchen Remodel in Raleigh
Judy worked with a couple to transform this once unexciting white kitchen to an updated and more functional space. The picture below is the old breakfast nook; Judy kept the chairs but oh what a difference a new light fixture and wall finishes can make.
After three months, the transformation was amazing!
Judy worked with Robert Taylor and our client to re-design the cabinetry, appliances, and finishes.
Triangle Tile & Stone of NC was the source for all our backsplash tile. Below notice the updated butler’s pantry (which is on the right side) it use to be a closet door into a walk in pantry.
Without adding any new square footage we have increased the function of our client’s kitchen while also making it beautiful. What space would you want transformed in your house?
Current Projects: Remaining Details of Our 1960’s Ranch Style Home Project
For now this will be complete our last blog post series on the 1960’s ranch style home update, until mid-December when the house is completely full with furniture. Once all the final details are in place we will bring you professional photographs, illustrating every detail within this house. You won’t want to miss this!
Above and below reveal two different color schemes the children have chosen for their bedrooms and bathrooms.
The playroom (below) is decked out with the coolest tree mural thanks to artist, Trapper. Can you find the birdies?
Just in case, here are some close ups.
Trapper also complemented another child’s love for travel with this sign. The wood paneling also gives this room a rustic Caribbean feel.
The dining room before furniture – the chandelier is centered right above a porcelain tile inlay.
A sneak peak at the kitchen before all the pots and pans fill the cupboards, while to the right the breakfast nook is ready for entertaining.
For the final spaces, we bring you two bathrooms unique in their own way. One existing guest bathroom maintains a transitional feel while the other exudes more modern contemporary.
(Below) A close-up of the faucet and dramatic wallpaper.
To see more previous posts on this project click here and remember check back mid December for more photographs!
Current Projects: Master Bathroom “A Gracious Space”
Continuing with the 1960’s ranch style project, the master bathroom complete with radiant floor heated tiles, a rain shower head, and beautiful hardware.
Rectangular sinks under-mounted in praline marble.
A beautiful oval tub surrounded by glass and onyx mosaic tiles.
Here is yesterday’s post incase you missed the exterior architectural and interior details. Next up…more bathrooms and bedrooms!
Current Projects: Jumping A Creek to Classic Design
Back in May 2010 we first brought you this 1960’s ranch style home and since the framing update, this house has come a long way! Here are a few exterior architectural and interior detail shots to start your complete overview of this project. There will be more in the coming days so stay tuned.
Now there is a new two story structure spanning the creek (above), originally there was just one story, which is pictured below.
(Below) New exterior railings to match rhythms of interior details.
The back porch stone fireplace blends in with existing landscaping stones.
To get the front entry floor stain exactly as Molly envisioned, we tested various stain colors on the actual hardwood floors. The round discs you see are made of antique pine.
The final picture of the entry floor inlay looks breathtaking and definitely gives the house character when you walk in the front door. It was a tedious process but well worth the final result. What do you think?
Above shows the repeat of the rhythm on the interior railing, while below is a close up of the parquet flooring in the powder room.
Above a slate tile mosaic inlay with a wood inlay border – a good answer to high traffic zones where a rug would never stay in place.
Next up… the completed master bathroom!