2018 The Year In Review

2018 was a year of fun and exciting projects which challenged and sparked my creativity! White kitchens continued to be the hot ticket sometimes with an artful mix of natural wood or with deep rich blues.

I call this the "new traditional kitchen". I had fun working with HW Interiors on this one.

There were difficult situations but always solutions. This video gives you a snapshot of the vast variety of spaces and projects that came my way throughout the year. When you work with me I create these 3D renderings in Chief Architect Interiors X10 so you can get a sense of the space because visuals are everything! I am deeply grateful to my clients for placing their trust in me. Wishing all my readers the best in 2019. Maybe this will be the year we create your new space! xoxo

Kitchen Design Case Study: Awkward Angles

Every time I think I've seen it all  I'm challenged to create a kitchen design that seems impossible! Such is the case with this recent project.  This home is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and features not only a stunning view but also the strangest shaped kitchen! Sometimes I wonder what architects are thinking.  

coastal kitchen watercolor render blue island chief architect kitchen design

Step 1- Let there be walls

(to scale and correctly angled)

I can't even begin to design until I can get the walls drawn to scale.  I had a physical blueprint which (after some quick research) I was able to trace over in my design program (Chief Architect).  Once I did this I discovered those angles are 30 and 60 degrees, not the typical 45!  There was no possibility of changing the shape of this kitchen.

blue print kitchen with angles

Step 2- Embrace the Space

One thing I have learned is that you will never win by trying to fight the space you're designing.  Honor it, whatever it is, if you can't change it. That is the only way to end up with a design that is timeless and looks like it has always "lived" in the space. In this case, that means embracing the angled main wall while allowing ample and efficient flow.

Step 2- How to make it better

Once I had the walls accurately represented I evaluated the current layout keeping my client in mind.  He loves to cook and he and his girlfriend love to entertain.  Here are my observations:

-Cabinets are too low, not taking advantage of the high ceiling and limiting storage

-The big POINT on the island has to go! That just jumped right out at me and called for correction

-We are in need of an update and new appliances that are up to the task of my client's cooking endeavors

-The shape of the island does allow for lots of storage but also lots of walking.  The sink is pretty far from the main wall.

-With the boat docked outside and observing everything else about the home I knew my clients' style is casual, Florida-Coastal and they are much more "comfortable" than contemporary.

a boat in the back with pool and canal palm beach gardens

Step 3- The Solution

The first thing I did was the back wall.  I knew it had to accommodate the refrigerator and the new wall oven my client selected.  The fridge and stove were already there so no need to reinvent the wheel.  Remember it saves money when you can keep your major appliances in the same, or close to the same location.  In the new design cabinets are now eight and a half feet high plus crown molding.  The upper, hard to access area, features glass doors to add a bit of style and aesthetic appeal which incidentally the homeowner mentioned he wanted.  This is the perfect spot for showcasing a collection and you can change the flavor by changing the contents when the spirit moves you.  Versatility is always an important aspect of my designs.  We've also got generous counter space next to the fridge, on each side of the stove and next to the ovens, a must!  That was the easy part.

white kitchen Palm Beach Gardens coastal style white cabinets blue accent kitchen design

Now for that island.  Hmmm.  Since I'm updating that means I'm simplifying.  I'll honor that angle but I think simplicity will calm the "angle noise".  It's a popular trend these days to keep an island all at one height but I didn't think it was the right solution for this project.  It turns out I was right and my client was so relieved!  This island is really a serious cleanup and prep space and with such an open space a little buffer was needed.  The raised bar also makes me think of the captain behind the wheel, it's sort of boat-like. Pulling the island closer to the main wall (still allowing 48") not only reduces the chef's steps but discourages unwanted traffic from congregating behind the island and getting underfoot. Now our island contains all the essentials but, not gonna lie, we've lost a little storage.  To compensate I added a section of full height cabinets to balance out the kitchen. Glass panes at top reference those on the main wall.  We're keeping these at 15" deep to keep the space open.  Another benefit of shallow tall cabinets is that you will do just fine with adjustable shelves whereas, in a deeper, 24"cabinet, you'll probably need roll outs or stuff gets lost and is hard to access in the back.  Roll outs really add to the price of your cabinets too. 

Step 4- More About Those Aesthetics

Now that the layout is solved I think, what can I do to make this kitchen design stand out and fit my client's personality? A deep nautical blue island and coordinating hood of course!  I also loved the idea of creating a spot for an ocean scene front and center on the hood itself.  This is a great place to add a painting you love and, again, you can change it up! Voila

awkward angle kitchen floor plan view kitchen design

What do you think of this kitchen design? Are there any elements here you can apply to your own situation? This project is now underway and I look forward to sharing the outcome!

Stars of KBIS 2018- Six New Trends for Your Kitchen & Bath

I always love to attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) each year.  It's so much fun to spot the patterns and trends that are always evident.  Somethings have an extremely long shelf life such as white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. I continue to see those items but then there are some new things that just blew me away! This year's show was held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the International Builders' Show (IBS) January 9-11.  I was not only on the spot but I have been spot on in my recent observations and blog posts. Read on to see what I found!

KBIS2018

                                                                     Photo by Sabrina Brunk

Our first stop on day one was the Champagne and Cupcakes event hosted by Modenus and sponsored by LG Home Appliances and Signature Kitchens. This unofficial kickoff event of KBIS has become an annual institution for social media influencers, designers and media to celebrate the beginning of KBIS with champagne, cupcakes and buzz! We were honored to be included in this invitation-only event.

Back to Black

I called it! Remember this post? It was all about black, the new neutral and go-to for everything including countertops, appliances and plumbing fixtures. Matte finishes, in particular, are hot. It's definitely the new neutral.  What about grey?  Don't panic, grey is still strong but it's morphing into a warmer version, closer to taupe.

The Galley, black faucet

Natural Wood

Those taupier greys are a beautiful complement to all the natural stained wood which, I think is a  reaction to so many years of white and dark espresso finishes.  The hot stain colors are browner and less red.  Think walnut as opposed to cherry.  The finishes are light to medium allowing you to appreciate the beautiful movement and visual texture of the wood grains. The only exception to this was seen at mid-ranged Wellborn Cabinets.  They state that 70% of their business is still in painted finishes, but not just white.  With their Be Inspired option, you can go crazy with color and create a very personalized space. The example below was designed by Joanna Gaines.

natural wood, kitchen, black accents

Are You Feeling Blue?

Speaking of color, if you're feeling blue you're on trend.  If there's an accent color I noticed in the kitchen it's a deep rich blue.  A blue island can be the perfect accent but don't do it unless you love the color and it blends seamlessly with your space.  That way it'll be timeless and not just a passing fancy.

Mixed Metals

Never have I seen so many metal finish choices for plumbing fixtures and hardware.  The bronzes and brushed brasses that came out last year are stronger than ever.  The best thing is you can mix more than one metal in your kitchen and bath, just make sure you tie it into another element in the room.  For example, you could have stainless steel appliances but a brushed brass faucet and matching brass cabinet hardware.  Kohler definitely took this trend to the next level with their Vibrant Ombré faucets!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

  Photo by Sabrina Brunk

The New Traditional

Even though I wrote about this a year ago, right here, I was amazed at how many displays I saw that were definitely leaning towards traditional.  Today's traditional is fresh and updated but still classical. In addition to this sort of "new farmhouse" example below, I saw detailed door styles with moldings and raised panels. I was surprised to see that!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

Not Your Grandma's Formica

Formica's new surfaces feature the most updated technologies in laminate materials.  At the show, they were touting writable surfaces and new patterns to rival the beauty of marble.  Maybe this material, which has always had a big following in Europe, is worth another look.  It's being used on vertical surfaces too, not just countertops.  They also showed a shower in all Formica, not sure I'm into that though.

Formica looks like marble

In addition to these big stars of the show, I saw so many great accessories and organizational inserts for your kitchen and bath, sleek and sculptural freestanding tubs and did I mention black? 

freestanding bath tub, matte black

There's no way I can leave you without sharing one of the most memorable moments of that show for me.  It was attending Modenus' Design Milk Talk on Business Marketing featuring (left to right) Claire Jefferd, Maria Killam, Laurel Bern and Leslie Carothers superstars in our industry. Following last summer's series The Big Move, I was the winner of Claire Jefferd's video training course.  Now I'll really know what I'm doing in the next video venture! ;)

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

If you haven't done so already, follow my Facebook page where I am posting my finds every day.  I'm on Instagram too!  If you're in the beginning stages of planning a new kitchen this is a good way to start the process. I am enthusiastically available for in-home consultations in South Florida from Boca Raton to Jupiter if you're ready to take that next step.  A big THANK YOU to my beautiful daughter Sabrina Brunk for assisting me on this trip and helping me spot the trends at  KBIS 2018 and sharing her photographs. Cheers!!

The Artful Kitchen: Permission to Dream

Welcome to Artful Kitchens!  I have so much to share with you in the world of art and design and especially how you can successfully merge the two to find your own personal style in the kitchen. Thank you to Leslie Carothers of  The Kaleidescope Partnership and Brian McDaniel of bkmacdaddy designs for their excellent help! In the coming posts I will be writing about color, elements of design, the art and artists that inspire me and much more.  Please share, share, share and help me spread the word!  Oh, and I would love to collaborate with YOU!! Email me at: ArtfulKitchensbyGlo@gmail.com

Beach Style Kitchen by Boston Interior Designers & Decorators Rachel Reider Interiors

The first step in creating an artful kitchen is to give yourself permission to dream.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?As a kitchen designer I have several priorities in mind when I begin a kitchen plan.  Aesthetics, lifestyle and especially function come into play.  All are critical components.  I also have observed that the most effective and complex kitchen creations are the result of evolution.  The details reveal themselves from each decision that has come before. That said, you still need a starting place, one that will hopefully evolve into your own unique personal statement.  The buzzword today is personalization and it’s here to stay.  That’s where dreaming comes in. These color schemes from Color911 are inspired by nature.  If you love them they go in your “dream file”.  Don’t worry about “the hows” just yet.Just think if you could take function out of the equation!  Heck, what if you didn’t even have space parameters? What would you like to see if you could do ANYTHING? With no editing allowed, at least not yet, you would get to the essence of your of personal style. This is step one.  Have fun with it.  The only rule is that you enjoy the process.  Only the things that please and excite you are allowed.  Seriously. it doesn’t even have to be a kitchen!! Use good old paper and colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint, a computer or Pinterest.  It’s all good. Don’t think too much just dive in and do it!Share your vision with me and if you are chosen you may see your own artful kitchen come to life right here on my blog.  Email me at artfulkitchensbyGlo@gmail.com Next in this series: Creating An Artful Kitchen, Step Two: Defining the Essence

Jet Set for the Bath

In my world of kitchen and bath design, just when I think I’ve seen it all, I realize that’s very far from the truth.  Luckily, I see all the drool worthy newness hot off the press via the myriad news releases I receive every day.  Here is one new product I recently learned about.  I think you'll agree it's not to be missed! Not only do I love the dependable functionality of the Delta/Brizo brand, but I’m always intrigued in the creative process they use in coming up with new design.  Brizo Faucets has outdone themselves again with their new Sotria Collection.  Think mid-century-jet-set-streamlined-fins-you get the picture.  The sleek angular lines call to mind the days when the iconic Pan American World Airlines ruled the sky.  At the risk of dating myself bigtime, I'll admit my dad actually worked for Pan Am so I was a lucky enough to be a jet-setting tot!  Playing off the Sotria collection’s mid-century inspiration, Adele Young, of VDL Interiors, infused colors and shapes popular in the 60’s throughout this space. The result? A beautiful room brimming with modernity while hinting at the retro age of “Pan Am” airlines.     

KITCHEN ISLAND TIME

Hi there! I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portal for all things interior design from interior designer portfolios to engaging articles on the latest design trends. I am so lucky to be able to spend my days discovering the most beautiful interior design ideas on the web and bringing them to share on blogs such as this one. Thank you Kitchens for Living for allowing me to post today on kitchen islands.The center of activity in the kitchen often centers around the kitchen island, especially if it is designed to accommodate chairs or stools. This gathering place keeps the family and guests together with the home chef while he or she is preparing the meal. Kitchen islands come in as many varieties as cabinets and counter tops—practically endless choices. Take a look at some of my favorite kitchens and islands. Which do you like the best?A beautifully appointed kitchen boasts a lovely kitchen island paired with white leather and brad trimmed counter chairs. Wouldn’t it be so nice to take a seat and visit with the chef while he or she cooks?This rustic, gray island is given an industrial feel by equipping it with rollers. Another industrial element can be found in the aluminum work stool pulled up to the island.A massive kitchen island seats no less than six people. This is the perfect space for any meal. The woven chairs are so unusual and gorgeous. Getting any kitchen design ideas?A Tuscan kitchen features an extra large island flanked on either end by a traditional style lamp. For its size, it could accommodate more seating than just the three counter stools shown here.Love, love, love this style of kitchen island. It looks as if they took a small sideboard and just added an extended wood top to accommodate seating and an eating area. Lots of decorating ideas can be found here.Count them, not one but two islands! I love this look and would be as happy as apple pie to be the home chef of this kitchen. Does this inspire any decorating ideas?Wouldn’t you love to cook up your favorite recipe in this sleek and crisp white kitchen? The island and cabinetry feature the current design trend of brass hardware.This ornate kitchen island is as gorgeous as it is useful. The carving and robin’s egg blue of the ‘legs” fits so nicely with the rest of the tile and cabinetry in the space. Many of my favorite kitchen designs include lovely chandeliers like this one.  Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8Craving even more design inspiration? Then visit Design Shuffle! You can explore the history of interior design and browse through the portfolios of Boston interior designers and more!