Expanding my material horizons

I've been seeing so many gorgeous reclaimed pieces and rustic materials in interior design. I have to admit, I'm liking it. Rustic is so far outside of my classic comfort zone, but I appreciate how it adds charm and character, and I can see how people love it.

Here are some gorgeous images of rustic interiors to give you a taste of what this style is all about: texture, patina, and coziness.  My toes are dipping in, but I'm not ready to dive in yet:)

What style would you like to try on?

Next project in the works

I'm working on a bathroom renovation for a client. Even though they can be a tight space, there are so many design opportunities in any bathroom. I like to start with an inspirational image. The two below are current faves:

Habitually Chic

Pinterest

Cottage or contemporary, both bathrooms are simplly designed, but tastefully thought out. Details like the aged brass faucets in the cottage bath, and the the wood storage niche on the tub face add to the creative wow factor of each room.

Next, I like to find my tile and hard surface materials. I always visit Discover Tile in the Boston Design Center.  They carry a good assortment of a variety of tiles in a range of colors and styles. Right now, their artisan tiles (similar to the image below) are catching my eye, however, for my current reno project, we decided to go a more contemporary route, with linear tiles in grays, blues, and tan.

Designer Bath has also always been one of my go to resources for bathroom decor.  They have a huge range of product lines. This faucet is from one of the product lines they carry. I like the idea of a wall mounted faucet. They are so much easier to keep clean, and don't take up precious counter space. This one is classic and will never go out of style.

Another line they carry, this pedestal sink is so sculptural!

As you can see, I have my eye on a lot of different styles right now. There is just so much good stuff out there!  But it makes it fun when designing for a client because I can pick and chose my favorite pieces depending on their style. I regret that I haven't been to the site yet to snap some current pictures, so the reveal will have to be a surprise in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Designer to admire: Barbara Barry

Barbara Barry has always been one of my favorite interior designers. Not just because we have the same first name and similar last, but because her spaces are serene and beautiful, and capture an essence that is cozy, classic, and unfussy.  I've been so inspired by a recent article featuring her in the latest House Beautiful magazine.  I just love her elegant and subtle design aesthetic.  I especially love the oval white and glass coffee table shown below.   You can visit her gorgeous site here, or shop her beautiful furniture line here.

This is a quick showing of the article images thrown in with some of my favorites from her portfolio:

On trend: kitchens

Kitchens are the heart of the home. Who can argue with that? I am lucky enough to work on a lot of kitchen remodeling projects for my clients. They are spaces I always enjoy designing, and I am constantly making every effort to keep up on all the latest kitchen trends.

Here are my top 5 trends for kitchens that I think we can expect in 2013:

1.  Neutral Palettes: Kitchen remodels can often be a major expense, so sticking with a neutral palette can easily translate over many years. You can use pops of color to give it some pizazz.  Plus, colors that are soft and compelling make food front and center. It's the perfect backdrop.

2.  Bright Countertops: Yes, I know... this is a contradiction with number one, but I feel that one color palette could not possibly apply to everyone. If you are itching for color but aren't sure where to put it, try your countertops. Caesarstone carries a bright apple green that I think would be fresh in a bright sunny kitchen.  This bright aqua also looks great in this beachy cottage:

3.  Colorful Islands: Another way to infuse color in a kitchen without overwhelming it is by making your island stand out with a bright color. I am in love with this cheery yellow accent.

4.  Commercial conveniences:  I always enjoy a meal out every once in a while, but don't find cooking at home a huge burden. I am seeing a lot of commercial kitchen inspired products on the market to make even the most novice chef appear like a pro. I mean, who doesn't want to be able to fill up a pot in 30 seconds?

I also really like the lightness of this glass door refrigerator, but I can't imagine having the contents of my fridge on display 24/7. Still beautiful, nonetheless.

5.  Open shelving:  I think I could get used to this one. It would give me an excuse to buy a beautiful new set of dishes :)  What is great about this trend is the ease of getting dishes and glasses. A combination of closed cabinetry to hide away smaller everyday pieces, and open shelving to show off larger serving pieces would be gorgeous.

Before and After: Family Basement

I recently completed a basement renovation for a client in Newton. This space was designed for the man of the house, so I used his transitional design aesthetic with masculine detailing. My goal was to make sure the space was light and airy, even though it had few windows, was durable enough to withstand children, pets, and Superbowl parties, yet still comfortable and lounge-like for relaxing.  The existing space was transformed into a slate entryway, TV space with a built in, office, laundry room, and bathroom.

Here is the finished floorplan:

Laundry area-BEFORE:

 

Bathroom- AFTER:

 

The bathroom walls are painted Apple Blossom by Benjamin Moore, and the faucet is from American Standard's Tropic line.

Existing Conditions- BEFORE:

 

Lounge- AFTER:

 

The walls are painted French Canvas by Benjamin Moore, the glass topped coffee table is the Monroe table with a storage shelf below, and the sectional is by Lee.  I designed the custom built-in cabinetry to accommodate a large TV and integrate the window.