I am excited to be nominated once again for an Amara Interior Design Blog Award in the category of Best Design Inspiration Blog. I would be deeply appreciative if you would vote for me! Here's the link Wish me luck!
We're back! Time for part VI. It's been a long hard haul but it's really happening. We're in deep. This episode shows how stress can make you lose your sense of perspective, I certainly did. Wait till you see. Oy. Anyway we are currently vacating the house and the next time you see me we'll be all in, without a kitchen, a sofa or a bed but we'll be all in. So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy Part VI featuring my meltdown ;)
So there you have it! Can't wait to see what Part VII has in store for us. We still have the completed Master Bathroom, the Kitchen and the final walk-through to come. Thank you again for all your comments and encouragement. Please subscribe to my blog (upper right-hand corner) so you don't miss a thing and do drop me a line below and let me know your thoughts, questions and recommendations. xoxoGlo
It's time for Part FIVE!!! I know how patiently you've all been waiting for this new installment of The Big Move. It's been a challenging week including a meltdown that turned a Phase two project into a Phase NOW situation.
It's July in FLA and we just had to address the AC situation so as not to lose our dearly beloved labor force (Bob). The result of the first service call yielded a $99 bill and no relief from the heat. Granted the AC unit, we've discovered, looks like THIS!
We need a new 2 1/2 ton unit and were quoted $6,500. Next up, the second service call. For this one, we called a smaller company who we have worked with in the past and guess what? He's actually got the current unit working for the time being. In fact, it's been cooling for about 5 days and counting so Bob is cool for now and we'll see what number two's estimate is. I have high hopes since this AC guy is apparently a miracle worker. I digress. This week I promised a peek into what exactly is going on in the bedroom and master bathroom, which, to be sure, is a mini master. Check out the tricks, tips and snarky commentary by editor Joe and see what we are doing to make small work in a big way.
As promised, here are the products we're using as mentioned in The Big Move Part V:
In the spirit of full disclosure, this showerhead was gifted to me by the lovely peeps at Brizo faucet a few years back. It's our style, works great and we love it so it's moving with us. The center portion pops out for hand held function. It comes in chrome (above) and polished nickel. Brizo is a part of Delta Faucets offering some really cutting edge design options but I actually love what Delta offers in their main line and it's what we chose for the shower and sink faucets.
We went with a single hole/handle model as it is what will work with our furniture vanity which is pre drilled and looks like this.
It comes with matching mirror and is a high gloss white finish which will look great with the shiny shower tiles. Furniture vanities can be a great solution if they work with your space as you have the counter top and sink already done and included in the total price of your vanity. The shower also will have the matching Vero design. I love the Vero styling because it incorporates square clean lines as well as the softness of the circle. I want it all!
We didn't want to sacrifice any precious space for a shower bench but a girl's gotta shave her legs, right? I plan to get this cute shower stool. I love the fact that you can move it.
So now for the toilet. As Joe so accurately pointed out, we did not, in fact, end up with a skirted toilet. I thought that's what we ordered but it wasn't. I'm okay with this and truthfully just thrilled to have a Toto toilet. It is, however, a compact model just perfect for small spaces with a tank that measures just 14 1/2". Incidentally, we also had an outlet put in right next to the bowl for a future Washlet and if you don't know what that is you should and you can read all about it here.
Since storage is at a premium we're going to include this mirrored medicine cabinet over the toilet.
Last but certainly not least is the light. I thought this lovely fixture was just the right style and size to illuminate this artful mini master bath.
The barn door was an excellent solution for two doors that didn't get along very well! So there you have it! Please feel free to comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts and don't forget to subscribe to the blog for more tips tricks and some upcoming behind the scenes revelations of this Artful Kitchen designer. xoxo
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
If you're a die-hard traditionalist the trend towards contemporary and transitional design may leave you feeling lost for fresh new inspiration in the familiar classic look you love, but no more!
As they say, everything old is new again and that couldn't be more true for Traditional design. If you yearn for that farmhouse feel you're right in step with what's going on in the design world right now. Today's country kitchen has been reinvented with design details that reflect the cleaner lines and stepped-up function of today with the welcoming warmth you want. Here's how you can update without selling the farm.
New Direction for Paneling
Traditional beadboard runs vertically. It's called beadboard because in between each plank there is this detail which is called a bead in molding lingo.
The new look is called shiplap and it goes horizontal instead of vertically for a fresh new interpretation. For a cleaner look, you can even remove the bead and have a v-groove or a nickel sized space between planks. This works for coastal looks too since it's actually inspired by ship design details, thus the name shiplap.
Aprons Rule
Apron sinks, also called farmhouse sinks, are all the rage and they come in a large variety of materials from the original cast iron and clay to the newer stainless steel and granite composite versions. They can also be under mounted so you can wipe those crumbs right off the counter and into the sink. Don't overlap the sink edge though or you'll have a concealed seam underneath between sink and counter that can get pretty gross and be hard to clean.
Less is More
One of the hallmarks of a traditional farmhouse kitchen is lots of moldings, legs, bun feet etc. It used to be the more the merrier but that has changed. You can still have your legs and even corbels but they are simplified and clean lined. Speaking of clean, these less detailed versions of the originals are much easier to keep clean. Less detail can also be easier on the wallet. Win win!
Time for Recess
Attractive and innovative framed doors are the perfect choice for the new farmhouse kitchen and we are seeing flat recessed panel doors as a popular alternative to the traditional raised panel styles. In fact simply switching from a raised panel door to what we call a flat panel door is an instant update. If you want to take it even further consider a flat, or slab drawer front which allows you complete freedom when it comes to selecting your pulls or knobs.
More Inspiration
I found these books which are right on topic. Add them to your library if you are looking for more tips and inspiration on how to achieve the new farmhouse look in the kitchen and other areas of your home. A Touch of Farmhouse Charm: Easy DIY Projects to Add
Art can also be a style defining element of your kitchen. Nothing says farmhouse like the quintessential cow. Are you cow A, or are you the more minimalist modern version that is cow B ?
The Farmhouse cows are available through my affiliate Dot & Bo. The books can be found on Amazon. Purchases through the links above can help fund my blog. If you choose to indulge I thank you for your support.
Please keep in mind this is one approach and is reflective of what I'm seeing in the design world.The best advice I can give you is to always design to the style of your home and your heart that way you will never go wrong. It's your investment and you get to choose what you like and leave the rest. I can help you make the best choices for your own unique situation and would love to hear from you. Email me at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net to explore how we can work together.
This gracefully elegant vanity is the epitome of simplicity and minimalism.
This natural sculptural vanity features the "live" edge of a tree bark. It comes with a unique natural artfulness which can read rugged yet delicate at the same time. It is available in two heights. The butterfly joints ensure stability. The lovely delicate bronze Zen Vessel sink is a perfect partner and has been hand crafted using traditional sand and casting techniques. What do you think? I think it could be lovely in just the right situation, perhaps like this one inspired by the kimono.
They say that what's inside is what counts. That couldn't be more true when it comes to some of the newest technology for your kitchen. The counter top is one of the most integral parts of your kitchen. Besides being a major visual element running right through the center, it is also a functional element. Did I say function? How about a counter top that is also a cooktop?
Earlier this year at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando, SapienStone served pancakes on their ultra thin ceramic slab. The Smart Slab incorporates adjustable heating and cooling elements below the surface. The material, which is porcelain, is also microb-resistant. I don't know if Smart Slab is the start of something we'll all have some day but I do know that you should be considering porcelain as a very viable option for your kitchen counter top. It comes in a variety of textures and looks and is perfect if you are looking for a more matte finish. It's also anti-microbial and can be fabricated to give you a chunky or skinny look. I still love my quartz and natural stone, in the right applications, but this is another option.
Smart Slab with embedded heating and cooling can also be used for a dining table as shown here. Seems SO futuristic, no? The cooking and plate warming are one thing but there's also an option in case you need to chill- your beverage, that is. Check it out! Besides the function I also love the seamless minimalist-friendly look. Can you see this in your future?
features easy DIY projects for all parts of your home. 
has great examples how to add updated farmhouse details to new or existing homes. Last but not least 
is my personal favorite as it adds a touch of sophistication that could make your farmhouse look totally at home in city or country. This book is not out for a few months yet but if you can't wait, check out 
