Simply celebrate the 4th! It’s a wine glass half-full day to recognize ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to be upbeat about! Construction has been open in AZ throughout the pandemic. With social distancing, scheduling appointments for entry and masks, projects are progressing – not as usual but in whatever manner everyone is comfortable with. We do have so many options for connecting without meeting face-to-face. Gather up your decorations, put together some simple finger foods and enjoy a neighbor, friend, relative or your pet for a day to take note of what independence is all about!
New Concept? Custom Art!
A recent article in the Mansion Section of the Wall Street Journal had a NEW idea – custom art! My clients know we have always been into custom art! First it was with model homes then ASID show houses. Artists doing custom finishes that were fine art and voila! We have the perfect solution for that space! In the past forty years, there have been more canvases than Betty, Dawn and I can count. Sometimes the space needs color. So pick it and paint it! These details are the difference between boring and exciting. Continuity that can be simple or chaotic! You have probably heard that art shouldn’t match the fabric, I agree, that is too much. Whether you have a verifiable work of art or do-it-yourself, the overall feeling of the space should be pleasing whether exciting or subdued. Custom art is for a particular space and for an end user with input – a very individualized approach.
Here are 3 projects I’ve done with artist Betty Hahn.
For a model home in the ‘90s we hinged particle board and Betty painted black cactus.
In an ASID showhouse the gathering room had a walkway behind it so Betty painted three large canvases to tie in the colors of the seating area and make a backdrop to ground the room.
We had a kitchen remodel that did not include new windows. No problem, we created art to balance the space and won First Place for kitchen design!
Hot Dog Sofa
Tinkerbell was so excited to see the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog! The $7000 hot dog sofa featured was too big for the dollhouse but she used her creative skills to secure the perfect one! #miniatures #dollhouse #hotdogsofa
Who Needs Toilet Paper!
Certainly a blog post for the times! Who needs toilet paper! We have Toto Washlets! If you have an existing Toto, you can get a new seat added with electricity. Everyone I know that has one loves it! A plumber with electrical abilities can get you on track for a stress-free, paperless experience! It washes and drys. The units and parts are available at Ferguson’s, Arizona Central Supply and Clyde Hardware.
Caning is back!
Caning is back! If you have always liked the look, now is the time to incorporate a new piece in whatever room needs an update! If you have a retro piece, repair and paint to give it a refreshed look. Maybe with a colorful pad!
Kitchen Remodel Details
A recent article in the New York Times about kitchen remodels had some tips that I thought were worth noting as I begin a new project!
- It is a good idea to create a mock island with cardboard and a folding table or whatever will give you the idea of the size.
- Lighting should include different types – the same as any other room – cans in the ceiling, pendants and spots in cabinets would be an example.
- Make a list of every decision.
- Samples should be kept so any discrepancies can be determined.
- Appliances don’t have to be from one company; it is just simpler.
- The cabinet makers should install or supervise the installation with the contractor providing oversight of electrical and plumbing.
- Grout is a color option. It should be on the list of choices to be made.
- Water alarms in case of a leak?
- Countertops are large, heavy and awkward to maneuver. Pad any obstacles in the moving path.
- Caulking also comes in colors and should disappear.
Hire a designer who coordinates the entire project with adjoining rooms. I review the guidelines from the National Kitchen and Bath Association and use supplies that are the best, assist with the latest appliance information, involve cabinet makers in keeping with the scope of the project and bring in a lighting expert who has the best options for the project. The designer is the homeowner’s advocate with the end goal of function and cohesion of the elements.
Do contractors love someone watching every detail? No, it slows them down! But if you are there on site, they will ask your opinion and it may just turn out to be the best kitchen ever!
Hand Cut Stencils
We recently detailed a bathroom with a tub replacement. Betty Hahn, artist, hand cut stencils from the beautiful tile pattern on the front of the tub and painted them on the walls. Dawn Bowman, another artist, warmed up the room with horizontal brush strokes. Designers find the interesting options and establish where they will be used for interest. Additional accessories -colorful towels, warmer wood tones in the trays and candle holder, dried branches – complete the overall inviting spa space.
Custom Tile for a Powder Room
Hand painted hexagon shaped tiles lighten the powder room. Once a design motif and colors were established, Betty Hahn cut stencils and painted the tiles. Caution! The longer the tiles dry, the more stable the paint. The installer did have to avoid washing grout over the pattern.
