So here is my latest!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Fall mountains ~ State of Jefferson
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I was driving back from Medford Oregon during the month of October and the fall colors were breathtaking! I was dying to pull over and just start painting! Instead I stopped, found a beautiful bush with great shapes and textures in the foreground, then my eye drifted into the autumn hills, then to the distant mountains. I just had to capture the view.... Since I didn't have time, nor my easel, I took a pic, and painted it as soon as I could.
So here is my latest!
So here is my latest!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Elk Grove Remodel
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My client came in to my showroom with determination to completely remodel her kitchen and living area. I immediately got excited since she was open to letting me be creative as a designer, which is my FAVORITE thing to do! So off we went, walking her through my showroom so that together we could determine the concepts of the design which were most important to her.
Concepts:
Compose a warm and inviting space
Implement her classic, traditional style
Utilize a fall color pallet
One of the challenges that I faced was how to maximize the storage space in such a small kitchen, while keeping the same layout. Another was to define the kitchen and family room as two separate spaces, in one great room.
I maximized the storage space by extending the cabinets to the left of the range, and widened the island to give a few more cubic feet of storage space. I also added a hutch in the living area to display family photos, and have a space for electronic components.
My solution to separate the spaces, was to use contrasting wall colors and clearly define the areas and their uses.
First, I decided to use a saturated warm red color in the kitchen, which immediately draws your eye to the cabinetry and the elegant wood hood. These cabinets, made by Thomasville Cabinetry, have a beautiful raised solid wood panel, and a five-piece drawer front; all with a quality painted finish. However, there is one more reason that I recommended red in the kitchen.....It is warm, inviting, and it makes you hungry! Have you ever noticed that most restaurants use red in their logo and interior decor? There is a reason for that, and it is great for a kitchen!
Next, In the living room, we went with a soft green to help identify distinct change in the setting . This color gives a feeling of relaxation after a long day of work. Together, the family can sit on their new sectional sofa and watch television, or enjoy a nice chat by the fireplace. Red and green also make the perfect pair, as they are complimentary colors, and you will see them paired together quite often when coordinating color pallets.
There were a few other staples to this classic design....The simple, yet elegant lighting in the foyer, above the dining table, and the island pendants make a statement, though do not overtake the space. Also, the gorgeous hand-scraped hardwood floors were added throughout, giving the visual illusion of a larger space.
My client's classic traditional taste is the perfect visual desire. Because of it's classic nature, it will never go out of style; therefore ideal when trying to update your home and appeal to future buyers, even years down the road.
Elk Grove Remodel
2012
2012
Thomasville Cabinetry
My client came in to my showroom with determination to completely remodel her kitchen and living area. I immediately got excited since she was open to letting me be creative as a designer, which is my FAVORITE thing to do! So off we went, walking her through my showroom so that together we could determine the concepts of the design which were most important to her.
Concepts:
Compose a warm and inviting space
Implement her classic, traditional style
Utilize a fall color pallet
One of the challenges that I faced was how to maximize the storage space in such a small kitchen, while keeping the same layout. Another was to define the kitchen and family room as two separate spaces, in one great room.
I maximized the storage space by extending the cabinets to the left of the range, and widened the island to give a few more cubic feet of storage space. I also added a hutch in the living area to display family photos, and have a space for electronic components.
My solution to separate the spaces, was to use contrasting wall colors and clearly define the areas and their uses.
First, I decided to use a saturated warm red color in the kitchen, which immediately draws your eye to the cabinetry and the elegant wood hood. These cabinets, made by Thomasville Cabinetry, have a beautiful raised solid wood panel, and a five-piece drawer front; all with a quality painted finish. However, there is one more reason that I recommended red in the kitchen.....It is warm, inviting, and it makes you hungry! Have you ever noticed that most restaurants use red in their logo and interior decor? There is a reason for that, and it is great for a kitchen!
Next, In the living room, we went with a soft green to help identify distinct change in the setting . This color gives a feeling of relaxation after a long day of work. Together, the family can sit on their new sectional sofa and watch television, or enjoy a nice chat by the fireplace. Red and green also make the perfect pair, as they are complimentary colors, and you will see them paired together quite often when coordinating color pallets.
There were a few other staples to this classic design....The simple, yet elegant lighting in the foyer, above the dining table, and the island pendants make a statement, though do not overtake the space. Also, the gorgeous hand-scraped hardwood floors were added throughout, giving the visual illusion of a larger space.
My client's classic traditional taste is the perfect visual desire. Because of it's classic nature, it will never go out of style; therefore ideal when trying to update your home and appeal to future buyers, even years down the road.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Exam Registration!
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Well, I just sent off my application for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Kitchen and Bath Designer Certification! I have been looking forward to this day for the last seven years, as they don't allow you to take the test unless you have 7 years of industry experience and a certain amount of NKBA training. Needless to say, I am so excited!
The exam date is in the month of March, in Los Angeles. I have to read several text books that will help to prepare me for the detailed exam. Luckily, it will all be extremely useful information so I should enjoy reading it.
So now it's crunch time! Wish me luck!
The exam date is in the month of March, in Los Angeles. I have to read several text books that will help to prepare me for the detailed exam. Luckily, it will all be extremely useful information so I should enjoy reading it.
So now it's crunch time! Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Oil Painting~Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms
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This is an oil painting of Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms. It is the view to the south of where we were married! :) It is a beautiful place. Only open a few months a year, when the lavender is in full bloom. 
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Georgetown Remodel
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When my clients first came to me with this kitchen remodel, a few concepts were an absolute MUST! These concepts were the foundation of my design. Though there were a few challenges, overall, the remodel turned out absolutely perfect!
Concepts:
Feature a unique wood slab
Create a modern, rustic style
Design a space suitable for entertaining
When I began work on the layout, there were a few challenges. One of them was to work three different cabinet colors into the design, while keeping the focal point of the wood slab. Another, was to make use of the dining area without cluttering the space with cabinetry. Lastly, the position and location of the island, and island pendant lighting, had to fit with the existing sky lights.
In this tri-color design, I used the darker wood tone (Mink) as the main color of the cabinetry. This helped to allow the soft green (Sweet Pea) and creamy white (Chantille Twilight) finishes to be present in the kitchen, but not overtake the space, while keeping a warm, rustic feel.
My solution for the dining area, was to create a transitional space. In a very small area, you go from the front door, to the custom designed coat rack and elevated bench seating. Where, one can take off their shoes and jacket, while settling in to the comfortable earthy surroundings. Next, take a seat at the dining table to admire the beautiful stacked stone wall; or make your way to the island and discover the one of a kind, drift-wood slab. Come a little bit further, and have a glass of wine at the buffet. This will surely welcome you to explore the rest of the home, or just have a snack and chat with friends.
~My clients were amazing to work with, as was the design. Their concepts and floor plan, inspired me to design 'outside the box', while creating their new space. A special thanks to them for this experience, and for our new friendship. I am so happy they love it and hope they continue enjoying it for many years to come.
Georgetown Remodel
2012
Decora Cabinetry
When my clients first came to me with this kitchen remodel, a few concepts were an absolute MUST! These concepts were the foundation of my design. Though there were a few challenges, overall, the remodel turned out absolutely perfect!
Concepts:
Feature a unique wood slab
Create a modern, rustic style
Design a space suitable for entertaining
When I began work on the layout, there were a few challenges. One of them was to work three different cabinet colors into the design, while keeping the focal point of the wood slab. Another, was to make use of the dining area without cluttering the space with cabinetry. Lastly, the position and location of the island, and island pendant lighting, had to fit with the existing sky lights.
In this tri-color design, I used the darker wood tone (Mink) as the main color of the cabinetry. This helped to allow the soft green (Sweet Pea) and creamy white (Chantille Twilight) finishes to be present in the kitchen, but not overtake the space, while keeping a warm, rustic feel.
My solution for the dining area, was to create a transitional space. In a very small area, you go from the front door, to the custom designed coat rack and elevated bench seating. Where, one can take off their shoes and jacket, while settling in to the comfortable earthy surroundings. Next, take a seat at the dining table to admire the beautiful stacked stone wall; or make your way to the island and discover the one of a kind, drift-wood slab. Come a little bit further, and have a glass of wine at the buffet. This will surely welcome you to explore the rest of the home, or just have a snack and chat with friends.
~My clients were amazing to work with, as was the design. Their concepts and floor plan, inspired me to design 'outside the box', while creating their new space. A special thanks to them for this experience, and for our new friendship. I am so happy they love it and hope they continue enjoying it for many years to come.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Oil Painting~Montague, Ca
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Oh, how I love to paint. This particular painting means a lot to me. It is the view to the west of where my husband and I got married!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Creating Balance....
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Have you have ever been out shopping and bought a few things for your room, you come home, place them in the PERFECT spot, and it just doesn't look quite right? I know I have, and my solution is that it probably needs a little balance.
A great way to create balance in a space is to decorate in odd numbers. For example; on your bedroom wall, try placing two wall sconces equal distances apart with your headboard in the center, then place a piece of framed art in the middle. Also, try to make sure that the art is approximately 1/3 the size of the headboard width so it does not seem to small for the space, and not too cluttered next to the sconces.
This rule of thumb has saved me A LOT of time when contemplating how to decorate a space!
A great way to create balance in a space is to decorate in odd numbers. For example; on your bedroom wall, try placing two wall sconces equal distances apart with your headboard in the center, then place a piece of framed art in the middle. Also, try to make sure that the art is approximately 1/3 the size of the headboard width so it does not seem to small for the space, and not too cluttered next to the sconces.
This rule of thumb has saved me A LOT of time when contemplating how to decorate a space!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
After Images
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Laguna Remodel
2012
American Woodmark Cabinetry
This design transformed a closed-in dark space to an open, elegant interior. My clients LOVE the finished product!
One of the elements that made a huge impact was the under cabinet lighting. It highlights the variation in the granite slab which is an art piece in itself.
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