Halloween is fast approaching! The witches and goblins are out. You probably need to have some friends over or just enjoy a few changes in your interior, The friendly witch on the fireplace hearth is standing in front of an antique mortar and pestle filled with the popular headbands that instantly create a festive air without the need of a full costume. The new tiny LED lights are perfect to highlight your decor.
Ceilings should be in proportion to the total space of the room! Many years ago, John Romack from Romack Builders and I were analyzing his newly built home and discussing this. We have worked on many homes from many architects and architectural designers since 1982. We came to the conclusion that the space doesn’t feel cozy if the ceiling height is higher than the width or length of the room. Yes, rules are made to be broken but generally this is a guide.
What happens when a contractor/owner, award winning interior designer and an experienced showroom owner of European cabinetry walk into a bar-less kitchen? Investigation ensues! We are looking for supporting walls to see how much can be removed! In the kitchen pictured, the supporting wall was on the right in the photo and now anchors the island. State-of-the-art Miele appliances allow the typical old kitchen look to disappear and the new integrated kitchen to emerge. What was a separate dining room and living room are now combined into one open space. Visual space with freedom for homeowners and guests to interact is the new norm. An original door to the exterior (There were already sliding doors.) was eliminated and a flat screen TV that can be viewed from the island and dining area was added.
If you can’t find the appliances, we have achieved our goal! The seamless cooktop in black surrounded by black granite with the granite, marble, mirror and metal combination mosaic as the new focal point of the wall. The hood is directly above the cooktop – another new option! The island has a quartz seamless top. Suspended lighting in modules completes the look with added cans above. This is the third kitchen this team has created and even with visuals to assist homeowners with the “new” look a trust factor between team members allows for more creativity. Let the tear out begin!
It’s no longer the quick in and out that new appliances with delivery and a plug in used to be! If the appliances involve wood panels then the cabinet maker typically has to make new ones. If the sizes vary then additional detailing ensues with molding added, countertop materials ground off, etc. In the kitchen pictured:
The original plan had the kitchen at a right angle instead of angled from the sink. The island could have been extended even further if this angle hadn’t created a tight corner. In thirty five years of design, I have become very cautious about angling anything as it creates spacing issues. This renovation did require my design and a general contractor.
The quartzite countertops (natural stone that is harder than granite) is light gray with a little peach to pick up the homeowner’s desire to leave the existing Mexican tile floors she loves. The leftovers were used for oversized subway tile for the backsplash. The size was determined by the fan width. There is always a direction indicated by the space!
With Crazy Rich Asians #1 at the box office, it gave me pause to appreciate all of the beautiful Asian accessories clients have used over the years. You can easily integrate with most styles special art objects purchased from travel, items passed down or treasures discovered. You can add to the diversity and personalization of your interior. It has been interesting in my own travels to discover a piece at Giverny that Monet admired.
A new board on Pinterest – Asian Vibe has examples of pieces that most of us take for granted as a part of American interiors. Pictured: Chinese apothecary chest with contemporary accents, sculpture of sailing woman with THE umbrella, antique mandolin, hand painted silk kimono next to an antique female memory board, a contemporary brass sculpture with the vibrant Chinese red charger, a paper mache fish on a red leather box with shell and quartz log backdrop. Mix it up and enjoy your treasures!
Need a new look for fall? Bring in old and new additions from this wonderfully artistic culture.
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