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.
Remodeling Fireplaces
In this instance we choose to keep the corbels supporting the fireplace mantle thus determining the spacing and scale. The terra cotta marble was replaced with travertine tying in the nearby front entry flooring. Plants and existing art work complete the new look!
So is gray in or out?
Colors go through cycles. Gray has been in for many years now – maybe 10 or more. In the cycle of design that is a long time! Many of my clients had a warm base of wood or stone and therefore NEVER wanted gray.
I just finished a renovation at the end of the year. Existing warmer tones and updating numerous baths and counter-tops led to material searches that were not easy. Gray was the dominant color and not integrating it would create a lack of continuity throughout the home. From six sources, there were three options for replacing the dated wall tile in the tub and shower areas. The materials used – included wood, carpet, three different quartz colors for counter-tops, bath wall tiles and porcelain bath floors – were all compatible but hints of gray were there.
On a recent home tour I attended, the master shower was gray and the remainder of the home was warm tones. The shower looked out of context.
So, no doubt, gray has to be going as its been the longest gray run we have ever had. If you’re selecting for a new build or renovation, work harder for a newer look so your project is not dated upon completion! Don’t go for easy, go for the most return on your investment.
Furniture Goals
How attached are you to your furniture? When I paid $1000 each for Kindle Queen Anne dining chairs in the ‘80s I expected them to be with me forever! But the next house had 12-15’ ceilings and they looked like dollhouse furniture. Our son moved back to Arizona and the problem was temporarily solved as his new home had low ceilings! I found the perfect chairs for my new move at a great price during the recession and now we’re into contemporary! Maybe the younger generation has the best idea – inexpensive furniture that gets dumped every time you move! Or if you furnish the home perfectly the new owner may want to purchase the furniture.
AND what about the family pieces that have memories? I had to part with the Bentwood rocker my husband gave me before we were married, but no one had ever sat in it – too deep!
So what is your goal? A breathtaking space that is perfect or room full of memories?
