Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Portfolio Update

If you recall, back in the Fall, I posted about one of my projects being featured in the Cottage Journal.  You can read all about it here.  Well, the editor graciously agreed to let me include a few of the images from the article on my website, and I'm just thrilled about it!  Here are a few more details on the space.

In the image below, we are looking into the kitchen from the family room.  Notice, the ceiling in the family room is vaulted, and my homeowner opted to leave the lower ceiling in the kitchen area. I think this was a great decision.  In addition to saving some real money on the construction, the lower ceiling in the kitchen area helps to give the entire space a cozier, more intimate feel.  Also, Twin Construction who completed the work, did a fabulous job marrying the ceilings in the two spaces.  

As for the furnishings, the homeowner had already ordered the rustic farm table and chairs for the family room when she contacted me to help her on this project.  So, my job was to create the perfect layout and select the other pieces for the space.  The home has a very traditional style, so blending this rustic feel with the traditional lines of the home was challenging.  

Since being published in the Cottage Journal, I have received at least a dozen inquiries from all over the country about the image below.  Everyone seems to love these barstools and have asked about my source.  

These are a semi-custom barstool.  I found the barstools on Overstock for a steal of a deal, but my client really wanted them to have a more comfortable feel for her guests to linger in the kitchen when she was cooking.  So, we selected a faux leather in a darker tone (to contrast all the lighter finishes in the new kitchen), and had my upholsterer add the upholstered seats.  The result - an affordable custom barstool.  Always try to "think outside the box" when selecting furnishings for your spaces.  The result will be an affordable custom look. 


Here's a close up of the island/sink area.  I just love the look of this apron front stainless steel sink.  It's a nice blend of styles - the apron front giving a farmhouse vibe with the stainless steel finish adding a more modern take.  

Since the farm table and chairs serve as the casual dining area for both the kitchen and family room, we opted to include this small seating area in the kitchen.  I love how the french doors behind open onto a deck with more seating.  Since we are in the South, this area can comfortably be used most months of the year.  I can just see these doors open for a late morning brunch in early Summer. 

Here is a close up of the glass front cabinets near the range.  If you have ample storage in your kitchen, it's nice to add these for display.  Also, I wanted to mention the countertops here.  Just before this renovation, my homeowner had purchased new appliances in black.  So, selecting a darker granite for the surround countertops (this is in absolute black) allowed the black appliances to feel like a purposeful selection, rather than an after thought.   Then to balance all the lighter tones of the space, the island is in a lighter granite with bits of darker tones.  Again to tie this kitchen together in a great way. 

Hope you enjoyed the tour!  If you are interested in seeing more images from the Cottage Journal, click here and subscribe.  Also, if you would like to see more of my portfolio, click here to check it out!  Happy Hump Day! M.


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