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.

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 Big Move: Episode 8 The Big Reveal

Yes, it certainly has been a while since our last episode but guess what? The Big Move is complete and it's time for THE BIG REVEAL. We are done for the most part.  I guess the truth is the homeowner is really never done.

There's always something, right? Anyway, we are enjoying our new home immensely and in this episode I will give you a tour of the kitchen, show you some of the of the work we've been up to since we met last, share some final words of wisdom and then THE BIG REVEAL!!! Please comment and let me know what you think.  I think the final result is so Glo&Joe.  You'll see my art and Joe's music represented.  Then there's Mac. =^..^= These personal touches are what make a house a home.  Special THANK YOU for following our adventure we are so grateful to all the generous souls who contributed to making it happen.  Without further ado, THE BIG REVEAL

If you just happened to find my video, there are seven more on my YouTube channel. You can tag along with me, a South Florida kitchen and bath designer, as I, with my husband, transition from suburban family living to a cozy condo by the water. As new empty nesters, we're downsizing, minimalizing and taking a property with potential from sad to fab. Follow The Big Move series as I encounter all the choices and issues my own clients face from the other side!

Join me in my upcoming kitchen design workshops in 2018 if you're thinking about a new kitchen in the new year.  Email me at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net and I'll let you know the dates and locations.

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! :)