Friday, January 31, 2014

Operation Get Organized ~ The Closet


Lighthousebeach.tumblr
I like things to look a certain way, I enjoy finding a system that works and sticking to it, and my desk is never messy. Okay, sometimes it's a little messy, but I never leave the office with it looking that way.  I like things in their place and I don't like clutter.

Sometimes it is the places behind closed doors that are the most difficult to keep orderly and tidy. Maybe it's because we never expect someone to open up closet doors in our craft rooms, or go digging through our pantry that we find the excuse to not keep it organized.

Enlisting the help of a design professional can assist you in designing a functional storage system that is as compartmentalized or open as you can imagine.

Two places that I turn to for help when working on a custom closet are California Closets and The Closet Factory. Both companies have a knowledgeable and professional team who can tailor a design particular to the design needs of any client. Also, they are both ASID Industry Partners, so I enjoy contributing to their business and exposure.


California Closets New England


 I think this is a marvelous use of space. Sometimes you have to get creative in homes where there is no real mudroom or entryway near the main door, especially when the rain boots and back packs start to pile up.



California Closets New England




This laundry/craft room has a place for everything. The natural wood tone gives an otherwise sterile place some warmth.


Closet Factory




The stone countertop and mirror detail between the upper and lower storage give the illusion of more space. Vertical storage is backed with wood to give the built in a "furniture" look.


Closet Factory

Believe it or not, the framing for this closet is made out of melamine, a type of durable hard plastic. Floor to ceiling open shelving is great because you can store the less used items further out of reach, and the daily essentials at a height easiest to access.  


Gast Architects



I thought it was important to show you how a color can transform an all white pantry. The china pops off of the blue gray built in.


Closet Factory




I have a client in Weston who has children who are involved in many athletics. She was exasperated about having no place to store their gear. The utilitarian design and materiality of the storage system above is a great solution for spaces like the garage or basement, where the use of sports equipment changes with the season.


As you can see, it's easy to be obsessive these days, because the solutions are endless, and there's always a way to keep organized.

For a full list of all ASID Industry Partners, please click here.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Revisiting Kitchens

Hanson General Contracting
I just began working on a gut kitchen renovation in Wellesley.  One of my favorite parts of the design process is compiling a collection of ideas and inspirational images for a project. Tools like Pinterest or Houzz are helpful, but even though most of the design community has gone digital, I am still a sap for good 'ol design magazines.   

There are so many questions to ask when starting a kitchen from scratch:
How often do you cook?
For how many people do you cook?
Do you entertain?
Do you have a formal dining room?
Describe your routine when in the kitchen- are you making coffee, rolling out pie dough, or stirring a sauce?
Do you want painted or wood grain cabinetry?
What kind of countertops?
Do you want a tile backsplash or 4" stone lip?

When designing a kitchen layout, always remember to think of the working triangle formed between the sink, stove, and fridge. This should always be in the shape of a triangle, and the distance between the three elements should never be more than 29' total. I don't know who came up with the concept, but has never failed me.

Here are some kitchens that are inspiring my latest design:
Archia Homes

The accordion windows and wood countertops make the kitchen feel as if it is one with nature. That is a view I'm sure I would never tire of. Maybe it would even help me to not mind doing dishes.




Vanni Architectural Photography- Soho Loft NYC

 The perfect combination of hard surfaces and texture,  the galley kitchen above feels industrial, open, and modern. A galley kitchen is a kitchen that has a hallway layout: one single path in the center flanked by cabinetry and countertops.


Charlie Simmons Design

Who doesn't love a white kitchen? It is classic in so many ways. The industrial pendants above the island match the stainless steel appliance, and the reclaimed farmhouse table and French chairs add to its timelessness.


Kitchen Lab

For those of you who like contrast, why not stain your window frames a darker color? Black hardware and lighting, and a dark island are set off from the white subway tile, cabinetry, and countertops.




Smith and Vansant Architects

Open concept living at its finest, this kitchen composition beautifully integrates the adjacent room. Do you ever notice that when you are attend a party at someone's house, or maybe even in your own home, everyone ends up in the kitchen. I had a friend who coined this term "the kitchen effect", and I have to say I whole heartedly agree. People like to be around the action, and in a kitchen like the above, guests or other family members can become part of the mealtime process, whether hands on or viewing from a distance.



Rebekah Westover Photography

This bright and light space is an example of an eat in kitchen. This is open concept because it oftentimes combines the dining room with the kitchen. I like the way the column and rug helps to delineate the space, and the pendants above the table and islands make the areas below more intimate.

What are some things that you think are important to remember when renovating a kitchen?



Friday, January 17, 2014

Powder Rooms ~ Taking the Plunge

A powder room is defined as a toilet room or a lavatory in a dwelling, used primarily by guests. Who wouldn't want to make their guests feel comfortable when they are... on their own. A powder room is an ideal place for going bold with color or pattern because the space, while oftentimes cozy, is the perfect size for design impact without risking creating something overwhelming. People are in and out, so you can pump up the design.

It can be the ideal place to explore something that you may find too risky to bring to fruition in a larger space in your home. Here are some of my favorite powder rooms that weren't afraid to take the plunge:


Pinterest





Even though this space is neutral, the pattern above the wainscoting is a wonderful scale for the space, and brings a sense of serenity.








I think this is just too fun. The color is cheerful and the accents of peach help give your eyes something to rest on.

Houzz



I don't think I ever would have thought of this, but it is beyond great. The swirling blues and white of the geode force a one point perspective, and actually trick your eye into thinking the space is larger than it really is. The way the wood is laid around the perimeter also amplifies the effect.


David Howell Design



Modern and crisp, the blue and white granite almost floats off of the back wall. The organic pattern creates movement, while the white floating vanity juxtaposes it with a strong horizontal element. I like how the dark flooring grounds the design.







The Pink Pagoda



Another great use of pattern that is appropriately scaled.  When your pattern gets small, it can read as a solid from a few feet back, but it carries a texture to it. Squint your eyes and you will see what I mean. This pattern is called Splatter by Donghia.





http://bdingblog.com/sites/default/files/Wilson-Kelsey-leather-bathroom,-photo-by-michael-lee-.jpg


Here is a bold use of color and materials in a small powder room.  The designer covered the wall in alligator black leather tiles.  This is a dramatic effect and one that would be costly in a larger application but makes a big impact in this space.



RemodelWest



Doesn't this bathroom remind you of crisp ocean air?  The symmetry creates balance and the colors are clean and peaceful. It makes me want to take a deep breath of summer.


New Ravenna



Don't limit yourself to wallpaper for patterns- be sure to check out tile as well. This tile pattern above by New Ravenna is glamorous and a little Boho Chic.

Feeling Inspire?  What would you create in your powder room if you had the chance to do it over? What materials or colors would you most like to give a try?