Kitchen Case Study: Old Florida, New Vision

One hundred years ago Addison Mizner brought Spanish style to Florida.  Incidentally, the state's written history begins with the arrival of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. Functionally, the tall open arches, windows and loggias typical to that architecture invite sea breezes within and were the perfect antidote to our hot steamy summers prior to air conditioning.

The range hood picks up rich wood tones of the new floor. Counter tops are quartz by Silestone. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Mizner subtly adapted his designs to suit Florida and its warm climate. Although inspired by the art of Spain and Italy, his structures bear his own stamp and are a defining feature of what we think of today as Palm Beach style.

Addison Mizner’s design for the Cloister Inn, now the Boca Raton Resort & Club, relied on his signature Mediterranean Revival style.

Photo courtesy of the Boca Raton Historical Society

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Mediterranean Revival style lives on reminding us of Mizner and his contribution to the Palm Beach landscape.

Addison Mizner with his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown 

Courtesy of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Source

I was recently delighted to be a part of a kitchen remodel in one such home located in Boca Raton.  The homeowners were looking for an updated and functional kitchen for their family.  At the same time, they treasure and acknowledge the history of their hundred-year-old home.

Setting the Scene

See a new kitchen I designed in a hundred-year-old Addison Mizner home in Boca Raton. It's a bit of Florida history + updated style! For more about this interesting project visit my blog at ArtfulKitchens.net I would love to help you with your project too!

Design wise I saw my biggest challenge as taking the existing kitchen space plus a butler’s pantry area and making them into one decent sized unified kitchen full of function. At the same time, it had to feel fresh yet look like it belonged in the house.

Challenges of an Older Home

The previous main sink location before we combined the two rooms

Denali Construction Corp, with architect Adriana Finnvold, expertly addressed issues with the foundation which were discovered during demo.  They also were able to remove the wall separating the existing kitchen and butler’s pantry. Since we were removing a hallmark arch we added one on the entry to the dining room as well as one in the hallway.

Design Thoughts

The existing wood floor was in poor shape so it was replaced with a similar but darker wood with slightly wider, more updated planks. We picked up the rich finish with a matching range hood hood, traditional but clean lined.  Floating shelves in the same wood material tied it all together and added a modern touch.

Floating shelves add a touch of modern. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Function & Flow

In order to really integrate the old butler’s pantry, I decided to locate the main sink and clean up work area there below an existing window looking out on a courtyard garden.

New main sink and clean-up work zone in former butler’s pantry area

The relocated main sink and clean-up zone with a new arch to the dining room. The apron style sink is the iconic IKON Silgranit sink by Blanco. Photo by Shanna Morgaine.

The old kitchen sink became a prep sink, closer to the refrigerator allowing the two separate functions of food prep and clean up to happen simultaneously.  Voilá we now had a two cook kitchen.

We also added some glass doors and took the cabinets up to the ceiling for maximum storage. A peninsula provides additional seating for the breakfast area. Bernier Cabinetry by Devine Design Kitchens & More brought this design to life with their careful planning and expert installation. I always say the best projects are great collaborations.

Some Final Words from a Happy Client

My client dishes on exactly what she loves about her new kitchen! Gloria@artfulkitchens.net 561-254-7736

See more photos of this kitchen here in my portfolio.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Do you get frustrated looking at all the beautiful images on Houzz and Pinterest? If only, right?  The good news is you don't always have to shoot the budget to have a kitchen that is your own unique design statement.  This means you're going to have to forgo the temptation to slavishly emulate the trend of the moment in exchange for investing in a look that is authentically your own.  Yes! Inject your own personality, make it versatile to allow for your moods and you will have something timeless that will always give you joy. Read on and I'll show you how.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Own Your Color

A favorite color is one way to create a personal statement in your kitchen.  Perhaps you embrace all color bright an bold.  If this is your cup of tea allow yourself open space and glass front cabinets to show your true color in all its glory.  I recommend keeping the fixed elements such as flooring and countertops neutral so you can play more with color in ways that are versatile. This would include paint, dishes, artwork and decorative items.   A nice crisp white is always a great backdrop to vibrant hues. If you are an adventurous soul because that's your personality, create a focal point like this beautiful back splash using your favorite color.  Just keep it over one area such as the stove.  Less is more and you don't want to dilute the power of the statement, right?

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

"Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books."

Embrace Your Architecture

Believe me, I have tried to "correct".  Sometimes you can but often it just doesn't work. I have had much better results when I embrace the fixed conditions I am faced with when creating a new design.  These issues can include angles, bump outs, ceiling height differences and last but not least the age and era in which a home was built.  Your space should look like it belongs.  This happens when you match the style of your design to your home.  In fact, I always try to look for clues such as arches and fixed architectural elements that I will repeat in the design. If your kitchen "goes with" your home it will always be right.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

In this kitchen which you can read more about here, we were stuck with some of the angles (yes there were more) as they are exterior walls. What we did do was move the refrigerator. It used to be where the hood is. It opens up space and gives us a focal point. We also eliminated angles on both the island and the peninsula. Now my client has a kitchen that makes sense and functions perfectly for her lifestyle.

Go Within

The way you customize your cabinet interiors is always based on the way you live.  Think about it.  Is there one particular item that just doesn't have a home with enough space in your kitchen? It could be food storage containers, pots or even trash!  It's different for everybody. Even if you have a small kitchen you can maximize function.  There are solutions.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

If you're short (like me;-) or you're just short on upper cabinets, this drawer insert featuring dish pegs can be used to customize your dish storage. Food storage containers are so necessary but can be a PIA, if you know what I mean. You may even be able to retrofit one of your cabinets with one of these handy pull out organization systems by Revashelf.  These are just two examples but there are so many options.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Customize Work Centers

Every kitchen has a work center for food prep, clean up and cooking. Sometimes in small kitchens, they overlap but those are the basics.  Add your own as needed to customize your kitchen.  Think media center or beverage center to house your coffee or tea stash and accoutrements. Those are two popular ones that come to mind.  How about a pet center? It could be as easy as designating a certain space or cabinet and tricking out the inside. It can be planned in a new kitchen or created in your existing space.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

A media center in a drawer! Measure your devices and make sure you have enough USB outlets and  you're good to go.  Sometimes it's nice to put the phone away.  Who knows what could happen ;)

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

This is WoodMode's version of a pet center.  They call it a Pet Parlor and you can create this with most cabinetry

Artful Detail 

Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books.  If you have the room I encourage you to try and leave some open space to display such items and change them out as the mood strikes you.  This is perhaps the easiest way to make a neutral space very personal and joyful to be in.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Many kitchens have a wall on at least one end which is a perfect place for a small gallery of paintings, floating shelves or one big piece of art.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

These hand-carved spoons could be considered "working sculpture" in my book.  Speaking of books, I think they enhance every space.  I love my well-worn cookbooks that probably contain bits of all the meals cooked from them!

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

This is a home run for me books + art!!  I love it and if you do too we'd probably get along :) 

COMING SOON!

My quarterly newsletter is coming soon.  See what I've been up to in my real life Palm Beach County projects along with new products and where you can shop locally for the best selections and value. Subscribe below so I can keep you in the loop! xoxo

Sex Up your Kitchen with Matte Black

In the fashion world, black always has an air of hipness and sophistication, as in the ubiquitous "little black dress".  Now, in kitchens and home decor, matte black is all the rage, it's neutral but also works as a stunning accent when used sparingly.   

Appliance manufacturers have been turning to black matte or something called black stainless as an alternative to the stainless steel finishes that have been a standard for so long. You can also opt to use matte black for your cabinet hardware and mix it in with stainless or chrome.  That's exactly what I did in my new sexy kitchen which will be revealed soon in Episode VIII of The Big Move.  This is a little preview

Check out my faucet, courtesy of Blanco, and I love it.  I cheated though, that is not my kitchen as the backsplash isn't in yet.  It will, however,  be very similar to the one you see above. Below IS a sneak peek.  Those are my luscious bamboo cabinets with quartz countertop featuring real shells! For more, you'll just have to wait for VIII.

(By the way, I have curated many of the items shown in this post on my new Amazon page. There is even a surprise "look for less" item included. In each future post, I will add more items to it.  Yes, I could possibly get coffee money from these links but I only post the products I either have or really love. I'm just curating them there for you.)

The more I thought about it, the more I saw black matte in art and nature too.  I encourage my clients to include images like these as they begin to consider options for a new kitchen or bath.  I'm fun like that ;) These are the things that make your space personal and reflect your style.  I will help you edit and translate the essence so that it works seamlessly in your new space.

I love this look as an alternative to stainless steel.  If you decide to be bold with black appliances, it's a good idea to buy the whole package so everything matches.  The black appliance finishes from different manufacturers are not all the same.  If you want to get a different brand dishwasher or refrigerator you can always put cabinet panels on them as another solution.

Many quartz countertop manufacturers are offering matte finishes. Above is Cambria's black matte as a backdrop to their mega-popular Brittanicca, also in matte finish. If you are thinking of doing a full height backsplash, as shown here, make sure to plan on using 2cm material which is 3/4" thick.  The other option of 3cm would be too thick.

Don't you love this pendant light fixture? I am enthralled with the streamlined cylindrical shape.  It's a series of nested and tiered cones that allow light to seep down in a cool way.  The outside is textured black and the inner surfaces are finished with hand-applied gold leaf. 

The clean contemporary lines of this black matte kitchen faucet by Moen caught my attention. Note the matte finish on the countertop and how nicely the black matte works with the stainless sink.  You can definitely mix metals!

Last but definitely not least, think how stylish you'll feel throughout the holidays cooking with this sleek chic mixer by KitchenAid. What do you think about the look and versatility of matte black? Let's start a conversation! Oh and in case I distracted you, don't forget to vote for Artful Kitchens right here. Thanks! :)

The Big Move- Part IV The Vision Takes Shape

Yes, it's been two weeks since Part III!! I can hardly believe how the time is flying and how S-L-O-W things are moving at the condo.  Nevertheless, we soldier on and today's episode is extra extra since I owe you.  If you need to catch up, here are Parts I & II and Part III.

In this episode, I talk about my flooring choice, the living plan, paint colors and some changes we had to make in the kitchen.  There are LOTS of tips and pointers that you can use yourself.  In addition to that, Joe edited this one so you'll be able to enjoy his pithy commentary on screen, as I talk, as well as more of his NEW original music. Leave a comment and let me know what you would like to know about in upcoming videos.  We've got a long road ahead before we're pulling up with the furniture!

Another cameo appearance by Joe since he was such a sensation in Part III!!!

It's a wrap! Should we continue to let Joe edit?  Next up: The Bedroom, Master Bath Insanity and MORE changes for the kitchen, Oyyy!! I'm so glad you're making this journey with me.  See you on the flip side. xox Glo

Artisan Shares Creative Vision with Mosaics

"Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials." -Wikipedia  At the intersection of "skilled artisan" and mosaic art" you will find Ariel Shoemaker.  Actually this talented artist found me.  She makes original art in a traditional or contemporary style utilizing the ancient technique of mosaic.  This tile style art, which dates back 4,000 years, is accessible today through her beautiful work.  She recreates the mosaic craft with a fresh new spin to make unique works that perfectly reflect her clients.   Ariel has a thriving business which she runs out of her home studio outside of Boston, MA.    It is my pleasure to introduce her to you so, without further ado, here is my interview with Ariel and some very artful kitchens featuring lovely examples of her work. Artful Kitchens:    What is your background? How did you get into creating with mosaic art?

 Ariel:  I earned my BFA in Writing Literature & Publishing from Emerson College in 2000, and my M.Ed in Arts in Education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education in 2004.  From the moment I began tinkering with bits of glass in March of 2002, I was hooked.  It was satisfying to create and also a nice relaxing diversion from the monotony of the everyday.  Constructing art pieces from tiny pieces of broken glass and “found” objects 14 years ago, as a hobby, was also a way to distract me from the haunting memories of 9/11 and  the seriousness of the world.  I never in a million years thought that it would become a career, then friends, family and a small co-op gallery in Cambridge began to notice my work--and after years of marketing, developing a “brand”, a “signature style”, making connections and making work that truly comes from my heart, I can say I have a career as a Mosaic Artist.

Artful Kitchens: What has been your favorite project and why?Ariel: I actually don’t have a favorite, but I think that might be fairly typical for someone who LOVES what they do.  Each project is unique, and I love that about my work.

Artful Kitchens:  What do you do when you're not beautifying homes with your work?Ariel: I work nearly full time during the week while my children are in school and daycare (our boys, Simon & Max are 9 and 7 years old, respectively, and our daughter, Josie, is nearly 2 years old). And then there are many nights and weekends that I work to make deadlines, meet with prospective and current clients amd complete administrative tasks.  Fortunately, my husband is an incredible dad, and his working hours as an eighth grade math teacher gives him flexibility after school to be with the kids when I need to work.  We’ve developed a balanced partnership parenting our kids--and over the years, we’ve managed to work out most of the kinks.  Having three kids and a career is truly a balancing act.  I meditate every day and do yoga often.  Both keep me a saner, calmer, and more focused mommy/artist/creative entrepreneur.Artful Kitchens:  How do you come up with your ideas? What is the source of your inspiration?

Ariel: I am inspired by nature, music and other artist's work.  I root myself In the colors I choose before setting out to design a piece, or to develop organically formed patterns that become the mosaic work. The results are unique, complex works that endlessly change with the light and one’s vantage point. Some evoke images of Gustav Klimt’s and Georgia O'keefe's more luminous works of art.

Artful Kitchens:  Please include anything else you would like peeps to know about you and all the info we need to get in touch.

 Ariel: In a nutshell, I create the highest quality customized mosaic art pieces and backsplashes for the residential, hospitality or corporate environment.  I love working with interior designers, architects and home owners.  We collaborate to devise a piece that will bring them the most joy.  Please check out my testimonials on Houzz

To find out more about the process and the price to commission a custom mosaic piece of your own contact me via cell: 617-905-6629 or email: ariel@mosaicsbyariel.com