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

On the Road in New York-ICFF, Art & Great Food

This year my birthday coincided with Design Week so I thought what the heck, it's time for another On the Road episode, this time to the Big Apple for ICFF.  The International Contemporary Furniture Fair was held at the Jacob K. Javits Center May 20-23 and is known as the North American platform for Luxury International Design showcasing the latest in exclusive interiors, contemporary design and high-end furniture.   However, it's much more than furniture. Naturally, I wanted to home in on the latest and greatest for the kitchen and bath. Read on to see my discoveries.

I found lots of beautiful plumbing fixture booths featuring all types of sculptural free standing tubs and faucets in the widest variety of metal finishes ever!  Admittedly the innovative furniture was the star of the show with an emphasis on bentwood designs and mid-century modern styling.  I also loved the "International aspect and one of my favorite sections was the Hand Made in Germany booth.  There was a lot of Bauhaus inspired design and I especially loved a minimalist work center.  So clever! Push play and you'll see what I found at the show.

At the same time another show, Wanted Design, was happening right down the street in the Terminal Stores located in an up and coming area by the waterfront.  The venue was old warehouse chic and the show was even younger and edgier than the main event at ICFF. There was a global focus here as well.

I found the Mexican contingent filled with creative and visionary youth.  There was product design, jewelry, furniture and even a line of bar ware based on Mexican cocktails made out of sustainable materials! That's quite specific and remarkable, don't you think? For now, these are one of a kind but I think it's a testament to creative thinking in the future.

Wanted Design was also the venue for Modenus Talks sponsored by Lixil and hosted by Modenus and Design Milk.  This regular series of talks is held in different locations usually in conjunction with trade events. They are always so informative and relevant.  The one we attended was Sustaining the Sustainable Home moderated by Modenus Media CEO Veronika Miller and featuring materials expert Grace Jeffers. It's always great to have more knowledge about the materials I am specifying and to educate the public about  safety and sourcing. Do you know the number one thing you can do to reduce pollution in the home? I'll tell you because you'll never guess,  It's removing your shoes at the front door.  Your shoes track in not only dirt but also carbon monoxide! Who knew? Honestly even though some really relevant information was shared it was also very scary.

If you know me you know that no trip to NY is complete without an "art fix". My savvy New Yorker sister and brother-in-law suggested the Noguchi Museum which did not disappoint. Noguchi was a stone sculptor among other things. He's also famous for those fabulous paper lamps. It was very inspiring and I even bought the T-shirt. I'll be making another video about my Noguchi Museum visit.  Subscribe below and stay tuned.  Part two of the art experience was The Museum Of Art & Design which is a satisfying combination of craft and fine art.  This was my second visit and I must say my favorite part is the sixth floor where you can see and talk to artists in residence. It was quiet on this rainy afternoon but I did meet textile artist Emily Oliveira.

.All in all it was a great trip topped off by a birthday dinner courtesy of my dear sister and brother in law at Shuka in the Village. OMG what an amazing feast!  Executive chef  Ayesha Nurdjaja  has a knack for flavorful combinations which feel Middle Eastern to me and are described as Eastern Mediterranean. The service was top notch too, even though it was packed for a Tuesday evening.  Maybe everyone knew it was my birthday ;) Back to work now but at least I have some great memories to savor. 

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!

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Going Topless...In Your Kitchen

Unless you've been living under a rock you know that the less-is-more look of the topless kitchen is hot!! When I say topless I mean no upper cabinets. There are certainly pluses and minuses to this design decision. But "how can I live without half my kitchen", you ask.  Fear not. Today we will examine the possibilities.

white kitchen, traditional kitchen, stainless steel hood, island, white countertop, kitchen windows, crystal chandelier,no upper cabinets

Less is Now

No complaining if you haven't done a thorough kitchen purge in the last year.  We all have "stuff" and if it never sees the light of day it's stagnant energy taking up real estate that could be otherwise useful or beautiful.But what about dishes? They always go in the upper cabinets. Actually, dishes work perfectly in drawers if you have this drawer peg system.  You'll find that they're easier to access too, particularly if you're short like me ;)

Dish drawer, dish pegs, black plates, drawer cabinet

Clever Corners

Another way to maximize the space you have below deck is to use the corner space.  My favorite way to do this is with a base lazy susan cabinet. It's versatile storage for almost anything. Just be sure to get this type, without the pole.  With trays mounted on shelves, you won't lose things to the Twilight Zone if they fall over.  (Chrome rails are optional) The only caveat is that you will need 36" on both sides of the corner to make this work.

base corner cabinet with lazy susan chrome rails

If you can't swing the 36" in each direction you can perhaps use the Cloud which fits in a blind corner cabinet.  We can discuss more when you call me to help you with your new kitchen.

white cabinets, contemporary, chrome, blind corner cabinet, revashelf

Ultimate Simplicity

The most simple solution of all is the open shelf.  They are both feared and widely popular.  Some feel like it would look way too messy but I say it doesn't have to be all or nothing.  A few open or floating shelves can add a lot of lightness and visual interest as well as storage above the counter in lieu of cabinets.

farmhouse kitchen, HGTV, white cabinets, apron sink, open shelves

Artful Arrangement

In the photo below, they actually did not eliminate uppers entirely but it feels like it.  Here they are using the shortened uppers for remote storage, i.e. the stuff you don't need to access every day. The "go to" storage is in tall pantry cabinets.  That's right, you don't have to use the pantry only for food, they are great for everything.  If your pantry is full depth, like these, rollouts work great for easy access and to avoid items getting lost in the back. If you're observant you'll also notice the last cabinet sits on top of the counter.  If you have the counter space this is a great way to conceal countertop items for less clutter.

contemporary kitchen Dekton wood cabinets pantries

Creative Compromise

As we've seen, one does not necessarily need to banish the upper cabinet entirely to score an updated and functional result.  Here is a loft kitchen I recently designed.  My clients were in love with the idea of floating shelves and this look worked for their urban vintage style. Since space was at a premium in this condo we did opt to keep a few good sized upper cabinets.  The look is actually a blend of contemporary and transitional. A full pantry also would've worked to the right of the refrigerator but my clients preferred this arrangement which is very symetrical and offers a bit of extra counter space.  Hey, I always say the best jobs are good collaborations. :)

ArtfulKitchens 3DRendering kitchendesign

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No matter what your situation, creativity can offer you choices. In over 20 years I have found that there is always a solution that will work in your space and I would love to help you find it.

Tear Sheet Tuesday: Creative Closet Design Tips

It's time for another Tear Sheet Tuesday where the tears are never sad, just the basis for inspiration.  Today's tears are a collage of sorts. The fun dress shape and typography were torn from the pages of Metropolis (because they send me free magazines ;) along with one of my very own closet renderings. The image of the dress + the idea of customization inspire me to write about the one area that everyone can and should customize, your closet!

I think a luxurious closet is any gal's version of the man cave.  It's a space that must be completely personalized and, of course, you must feel pampered in it or else you won't keep it neat ;).  THIS closet pic below is consistently one of the most popular on my Pinterest. If you've been following The Big Move you know I am currently in the midst of a ginormous condo makeover and I CANNOT wait to get to the closet!

If you've been thinking about customizing your own dream closet considering these closet design tips will get you on your way to divine. 

How's it Hanging?

The first thing you need to do is take a look at your stuff.  The second is to get rid of (any means possible) anything you truthfully have not touched in a year.  I'm being generous here, what with the seasons and all... Really do it. Less is now.  Once this is done, look at what you've got left.  Some people hang, some fold.  Marie Kondo famed author of  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is a fan of hanging.  The reason, she says, is because it allows your garments to air out and let go of wrinkles.  It's also easier to find what you're looking for.  

If you're a fan of folding, you can do it like this.  I recommend it. I do it myself and have been for a year and a half. It works and you can see all your stuff so you don't end up wearing the same three pairs of undies over and over because you didn't see and forgot about the other 30, right? Kondo is quirky, no doubt, but she has a point and it has worked for me with a few tweaks.

In your closet, you'll need to allocate space for double hanging (shirts, shorts, skirts, folded over slacks), medium hanging (dresses, robes), and long hanging for long dresses. Figure out, based on what you have left after step one, how much you need of each.

The Shoes & the Bags

You'll find an abundance of shoe organization situations out there but my favorite is shelves plain and simple.  I'm not a fan of the slanty shelves simply because they take up more space and well frankly, they are only good for shoes.  If you opt for an open shelf unit, make sure you've got plenty of shelves spaced approx. 8 or so inches apart.  Different types of shoes will require different spacing so adjustable/removable shelves are perfect.  Shelving is the most versatile storage option.  You can also combine shoes and handbags in this area.

How About Some More Shelves?

Some people gonna be folders, especially for items like sweaters and maybe jeans so if you are a folder make sure you plan for enough shelving.  Keep in mind that shelves are less expensive than drawers and you can always use containers or baskets on shelves to group smaller items and make them look neat and tidy.

Drawers

If you have space, every closet definitely warrants a few drawers.  Take into account drawers you have outside the closet in your dresser.  If you have enough (who ever does?) you may be good to go (not).  One thing to remember about drawers is that they are the easiest way to add $$$$$ to the cost of your closet.

Hamper Options

Sometimes there's room for the hamper in your bathroom but if not, you can always leave space for one in your closet.  I love to locate them at the end against a wall for easy access. This one is from Dot & Bo and doubles as extra storage. Whatever I'm designing I always look for products and methods that are versatile. It's nice to have choices, no?

Light it Luxuriously

When you're in the closet it always helps to see what you're doing and today there are SO many lighting choices including recessed ceiling fixtures (hi hats), track lighting and even concealed LED lighting in your closet rod!  My favorite idea for lighting is a girly chandelier or ceiling fixture.  I guess I'm shy because that is the only place I'd have one. 

That lighted closet rod is pretty awesome too.  It's LED lighting inserted right into the center to offer a nice even light all the way through your closet.  No more navy vs black issue for the well lit walk-in!

Sometimes a Lady Just Needs to Sit Down

If you have the space a seating situation is a must! Not only is is convenient for putting your shoes on it can also be a lovely accent piece to play off of that fabulous light fixture.  Why can't we aim for beautiful as well as functional? 

So there you have it!  If there's anything here that inspires you to dig into your closet I'd be happy to collaborate with you!  Please comment below and don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you never miss a beat. xoxo