Sunday, January 24, 2016

~Relaxing Retreat~

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Discovering what inspired my client's Master Bath remodel was quite easy.  They wanted a relaxing retreat.  A nostalgic place full of wonderful memories, where they could unwind after a long day's work.  However, even though we determined their vision rather quickly, there were still several things that they could not envision.  They needed the help of a designer!  

The first thing that was puzzling to them, was how were they going to create the tile layout.  They knew they wanted a "wainscoting" tile height to carry into the toilet area and parallel to the vanity.  They had already selected their tile, cabinet color, and their idea of paint.  But how would it look?  At that point, I decided to do a 3D perspective rendering of the space.   This rendering was exactly what they needed.  I wanted them to know exactly what to expect.  I wanted them to love it!  

There was going to be A LOT of tile, and all the same collection, and color.  This gave me a perfect opportunity to use patterns to give the space visual interest.  We ended up using 18" tiles on the floor in a straight lay.  This would make the space feel larger.  From the floor to 42" up the wall we used a 12" tile diagonally, with a 6" 2x2 mosaic accent strip.  With nine foot ceilings, we decided to make the space feel more open and allow the light to shine in and out of the shower.  We achieved this by creating a 5" tile column starting at 80" high up to the ceiling.  Oh yes, and I can't forget the niches!  They are perfectly placed for my client's needs, and add a beautiful accent to the space.  The tile design was one of a kind.  I am so grateful I was able to be apart of it.  

The next matter of business was the make-up vanity area.  The lighting placement was key in creating this space.  We needed to illuminate her face, and the all so common vanity down light placed above the mirror was not going to cut it.  Side lights were ideal in this situation to eliminate shadows and provide an appropriate amount of light to the task area. 

Now that this project is complete, I will wait patiently for another client just like them.  They were amazing to work with, and appreciated my creativity.  Despite the many install challenges they endured during this project, they ended up with a beautiful space that they will enjoy for years to come.  







 




Contemporary Bliss

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This Client came to me with the goal of just replacing her backsplash, updating her appliances, removing her fluorescent light box in the ceiling, and adding a light fixture over her dining table.  At this point, she had painted her golden oak cabinets to an espresso color, and she was happy with the positive change that this had given her space.  

After our In Store Consultation, and discussing a few issues with her drawers falling apart on her builder grade cabinets, she called me later that week and decided to go ahead with new cabinets as well.  This was ideal, as long as we could stay within her newly revised budget.  She did not want to have to deal with a repair man, and knew deep down that a broken drawer or door hinge, would most likely happen in the future. She wanted a higher quality cabinet, and all of our Lowe's cabinetry companies happen to have a lifetime warranty as well.  This was a huge benefit to her, since a broken drawer ten years from now will be able to be replaced at no charge, with no questions asked.

So off we went with further planning!  My General Contractor and I went out to her home and took measurements of the existing space, as well as a few "before" photographs.  Not only did we have to measure the walls and ceiling, but also the existing cabinets to the nearest quarter of an inch.  This client had decided to keep her existing flooring, so we needed to be precise with our measurements.

The design goal for this space was to capture a tropical, yet contemporary look.  We achieved this by selecting an a wide frame shaker style door, slab drawer fronts, and a rich espresso stain.  The Allen & Roth Quartz countertop was a three centimeter thick slab, with a consistent pattern which gave the illusion of white sand, and small quartz crystals.

The backsplash was a neutral, yet elegant stone and porcelain mosaic.  It featured cross vein-cut travertine, a white porcelain tile with a crackle glaze, and soft blue-green tile accents.  This was a sophisticated, yet subtle backdrop to the tourquoise and tropical green decor that this Client has placed so flawlessly throughout her home.  

A few characteristics that the former kitchen was lacking were much needed to carry out this finished project.  From the chrome faucet with understated curves, to the delicate knobs on the cabinet doors, to the illuminated open glass shelves which featured a soft glow on her glassware and decor.  

Las but not least, the dazzling crystal lighting was a staple of the space.  This will be a conversation piece for everyone who enters this home for years to come.