Operation Get Organized ~ The Closet

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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.

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?

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.

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?

Design Series Week 4- Decorating with Tortoise

Pen Shell Accent Table by Williams Sonoma

As I've mentioned on more than one occasion, I find it particularly important to keep current with the latest design trends. Oftentimes I feel as if I've seen it all - feathered walls, backlit floors, and simulated fireplace flames to name a few - but it's intriguing how one little idea can take off. One of my clients in Brookline showed me the accent table above. Maybe you've seen it: the Pen Shell Accent Table from Williams Sonoma. I like the simplicity of the design, but it was the veneer that struck a chord with me. It reminded me of tortoise shell. Ever since, I've been noticing just how much tortoise is currently being used in home decor, and thought it would be a great topic for my final design series post. Below is a collection of all things tortoise that I was able to round up for you:

Tortoise Blinds from Smith and Noble

I need to start using tortoise blinds more. They are lovely when layered beneath a stationary Roman shade like in the image above. I like how these ones open top down as well as bottom up. It makes creating a sense of privacy easier.

Barbara Bradlee

I found this example of tortoise decorating in the Kravet showroom a few weeks ago. When allowed to become a focal point, the shell itself is quite impactful.

Tortoise Shell Table Lamp by Cyan Designs

I've recently discovered Cyan Design as a fun source for unique and affordable home decor. The shell on this table lamp looks so luxurious atop a lucite base.

 

If Oscar jumped on the tortoise bandwagon, then it must be a good trend.

Tortoise Shell Mirror, Design by Su Casa Designs, Boston

Sometimes I think that tortoise shell can feel somewhat glam, so I was excited to see this tortoise shell finished bamboo mirror above with a Greek key motif. The space feels beachy and bright.

Tortoise Shell Stone, design by David Wilkes Builders

 Who would've known that there is such a thing as tortoise stone, made to resemble the shell. I like the color and tonal variations of the pattern on the walls. It gives the contemporary space some warmth.

Vintage Tortoise Shell Chair, from Pinterest

How interesting is this? So unique. I could just imagine uncovering a treasure like this at an estate sale. I would enjoying using this as a statement piece in a grand hall, maybe in front of a large leaning floor mirror with a standing lamp.

The design world is so much bigger than anyone could ever imagine, myself included, and it's often difficult to keep up with its pulse. It was my hopes in this four week design series that I could give you a glimpse of what I'm finding interesting these days, what inspires me and gets me excited about what I do. I always welcome your feedback, so please let me know what posts you enjoyed.

Design Series Week 3 ~ Decorating with Pattern

Who do you consider to be the Queen of Pattern? I can think of many designers who enjoy using patterns, whether it is layered patterns, or one that stands out against a more even backdrop.

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection

I have a client in Brookline who loves Lilly Pulitzer.  It's just my luck that Lee Jofa carries a Lilly Pulitzer fabric and trim line that I have employed on more than one occasion, and their sister company, Brunschwig , has an abundant selection of fabrics with bright colors and bold patterns. The makings of a fun project are in the works. I am thinking something energetic for a chair and pillows juxtaposed with a solid sofa to ground the design and provide some rest for one's eyes.

Lilly Pulitzer Bedding for Garnet Hill

 Her patterns and colors are lively, full of optimism, and vivid. This image above makes me want to be a kid again. Doesn't this bunk room look like a fun place to sleep?

Lilly Pulitzer Trims for Lee Jofa

If Lilly Pulitzer is my Queen of Pattern, then Jonathan Adler is my King. His style is a stark mid-century contrast to Lily's preppy take.

Jonathan Adler

Carnaby Vase

Brocade Wallpaper

Which designer do you prefer? Could you live with this much pattern?

Design Series Week 2 ~ Decorating with Leather

Pinterest

A current client and a recent house guest both asked me if people still use leather.  I said it is always "in" but with judicious use.  Meaning a leather sofa is always in vogue, but a sofa paired with a matching leather loveseat and chair in the same room is not, that's over doing it.  However, I've always thought that leather sectionals are incredibly welcoming. Just think cozy cabin in the woods.  Or, picture a white leather on a more contemporary and sleek style sofa.

Marie Burgos Design

Using top grain leather on a sectional can be cost prohibitive to many, so it's exciting to see what other ways leather could be used in the decoration of a space. As I mentioned before, a little leather can go a long way.

StudioArt Leather Wall Tiles

I found this leather type guide online and thought it was good enough to share. It breaks down the 3 major leather categories- Aniline, Semi-Aniline, and Pigmented, and discusses major terms and explanations of the more technical aspects of the hide. It's very informative and worth a look.

Beckford Leather Wrapped Table Lamp at Circa Lighting

Novica Round Leather Frame Mirror

Leather Pillows at Pottery Barn

Marco Side Table by Bungalow 5

Do any of the leather goodies above spark your interests? Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Design Series Week 1 ~ Decorating with Orange

Katie Rosenfeld Design

I'm a lover of all seasons. Each one has its own specific and unique qualities that make it special and enjoyable. Living in New England, where we have 4 distinct seasons throughout the year, I continue to find myself enjoying the change in weather every 3 months.


This fall, I embraced one of the colors in the fall palette and painted our kitchen orange. It really looks wonderful and I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and putting this current color to good use.

Amoroso Design

Orange is stimulating and energizing, and provides visual warmth, especially in a room like the kitchen where there are many hard surfaces. The orange accents in the sofa and chair pillows, and the stair wall are an invigorating punch on a neutral living space.

Winder Gibson Architects

 I have a client in Weston for whom I am designing a bedroom scheme around grays and oranges.  Here are some fabrics that I would love her to use.

Queen of Spain in Carrot by Schumacher

Bleeker in Spark by Schumacher

Shall We in Keen Peach by Lee Jofa

Did I give you the orange bug?  If you didn't catch it yet, maybe you will after taking a peek at the below.

Helloloverofbeautifulthings.blogspot.com

What an amazing office space above. The orange boxes are the perfect pop of vibrancy and storage solution. I like the way they create a sort of collection, and doesn't look messy. I could certainly get used to lying on a daybed and enjoying that patio.

Jim Courtney

This living space is definitely not for the faint of heart. I am a lover of color, for sure, but this room may require a pair sunglasses. Regardless, it makes me happy to see someone who isn't afraid to put a bold color to good use, which is something that I continue to find inspiring. The wall color is Bold Orange by Ralph Lauren Paint.

Chester Bloom Lamp by Jill Rosenwald

I always like to give my readers an option for infusing a jolt of color without being extreme. The ceramic lamp above is an inexpensive design element that you could use to bring some personality into any room. Jill Rosenwald is a Boston based ceramic artist who has the funnest products. Still not a huge fan of orange? She can custom color any lamp just for you.