The Big Move Part VII: An Unwelcome Visitor

The Big Move is a video series documenting the experience of downsizing from our family home in the suburbs to a condo by the Intracoastal. If you'd like to binge watch episodes I-VI you can start here.

Since I've been deluged (only slightly) with inquiries from my adoring fans who are wondering if The Big Move is adrift and floundering in limbo, I present Part VII.  Yes, the saga continues and it's not done yet. As we speak, upper cabinets are being installed in the kitchen.  

It's been a long hard few weeks but there have also been silver linings to be sure.  Sadly, Joe lost his sweet mother while I was away in St. Pete for the funeral of my dear sister-in-law, Helen.  Then we had a happy occasion, a trip to South Carolina to celebrate my stepson Jake's graduation from US Marine Corp boot camp, no small thing! That was quickly followed by IRMA. You'll hear more about her in the video.

In this episode, we install the new quartz kitchen countertops. I will share with you our varied choices for window treatments and one room that is very nearly finished!! Woohoo!  I think in the next episode we will unveil the kitchen and master bath with a peek at how the living area is shaping up.  I'm most excited about the final episode, once the artwork is hung I will take you on tour so you can see what we chose, where we put it along with the hows and whys. We may even have a wrap party on site :)

Remember to subscribe to receive new episodes and blog posts via email.  I would love to answer your questions, just comment below.  GO!! 

The Big Move Part V Progress Not Perfection

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

The New Farmhouse Kitchen

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

a Warm and Rustic Feel to Any Room features easy DIY projects for all parts of your home. The Farmhouse: New Inspiration for the Classic American Home has great examples how to add updated farmhouse details to new or existing homes.  Last but not least City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life 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 Kim Legget's website for a preview.

Now for the Cow

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.

Coming Friday: Parts III & IV of The Big Move  

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Reinventing White Shaker Cabinets

There's a reason why white Shaker  cabinets are so hot; it's because they are so versatile, just like pasta, the final result depends on what you put with it.  Not only can you get this style in any price point but you can make it work with your own unique design style. Today I thought we'd take a look at some very different successful results all using garden- variety white Shaker cabinets.

First of all, in case you've been off somewhere living in a cave, Shaker cabinets feature what we call flat panel doors. There's a flat panel in the center surrounded by a frame.  That frame is typically 2 1/4" wide which will give you a traditional look or 3" wide which is a bit more contemporary.  A word of caution, if your kitchen will have small doors (less than 15" wide) and you're going to be using glass in the center, go with the 2 1/4" or the glass section will be too small.

The modern Shaker style gets its name from the original Shaker furniture.  "Shaker furniture is a distinctive style of furniture developed by the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, commonly known as Shakers, a religious sect that had guiding principles of simplicity, utility and honesty. Their beliefs were reflected in the well-made furniture of minimalist designs.- Wikipedia  American Shaker furniture originated in the 1700s and has changed little since then. Original Shaker doors typically had natural wood finishes but today white is all the rage.  Fast forward to the twenty-first century where all that white simplicity can get a bit  boring and generic.  With the big movement towards personalization and custom design you can rock that Shaker look and make it your own.  Here are just a few examples:

                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                  Photo by Margot Hartford Photography - Discover kitchen design ideas -Houzz

 

                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                    Photo by Margot Hartford Photography - Browse kitchen ideas - Houzz

21st Century Victorian

The kitchen above is situated in an 1892 Queen Anne Victorian home in California and features a totally different take on white Shaker.  Accents include a luscious blue color for the peninsula and gorgeous Mamounia tile from  the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection for Ann Sacks. I love the mixture of natural wood, white, the pattern of the tile and that perfect shade of blue.

                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                        Photo by Margot Hartford Photography - More kitchen ideas - Houzz

Since white Shaker cabinets are pretty much a blank canvas, they offer a great opportunity to showcase bold colorful art!  This painting installed in the kitchen/dining area is by Gordon Hopkins.

Mad for Mid-Century Mod

This new white Shaker kitchen is in a 1950's Mid-Century home in South Florida.  The homeowners wanted to retain certain elements such as this original planter and room divider to retain the fifties feel.  I always love to honor that concept when choosing finishing touches for the kitchen.  These handles complement the room divider perfectly and the Cambria quartz top emulates the original refurbished terrazzo floor in the main part of the home.   You don't have to retain all the original details but it can be very striking to tie a few elements together like we did here.

   

Cool Contemporary

If you have embraced the clean crisp appeal of contemporary design,  you can also have that with white Shaker cabinets.  The example below from Houzz shows achieves a chic contemporary effect through long sleek bar pulls on the cabinets, the clean look of no upper cabinets and stainless steel accents.  The rich wood floor lends warmth to the space.  

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                              Photo by Rockwood Cabinetry - Browse transitional kitchen ideas- Houzz

There you have it! I would love to help you "shake things up" with your own white Shaker cabinets. Email me at artfulkitchensbyglo@gmail.com  If you would like to have Artful Kitchen blog posts conveniently delivered to your inbox, please subscribe by entering your email in the sidebar.

                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                          

Kitchen Design 2017- What's Next?

Fashion is a fickle phenomena.  What's in today quickly morphs into the the next new sensation.  It doesn't matter if it's clothes or cabinets.  Granted, interior trends are slower to transition but it works the same way.

Lately I've been giving a lot of thought to the huge love affair with contemporary design.  The pendulum is deep into the greys, floating shelves, waterfall counters, clean lines, simplicity, slab style cabinet doors or wide stile and rail shaker fronts. Don't get me wrong, I love it and I think it's going to be many years before these looks  become "outdated." If you've followed my advice in the past, you know I believe in designing to the structure.  If you follow the styling and architecture of your home when designing your cabinetry your kitchen will never be dated.  Then, of course, you have to have what you LOVE!  That is numero uno.

But what's next?  As sure as the sun rises the pendulum will eventually swing the other way and when it does it's going to be in a completely new direction.  I just can't see us going back to the traditional looks of the past with glazes, heavy molding etc.  Will the pendulum swing back to Traditional territory and what will the new Traditional look like? What's next on the horizon? “We are all familiar with consumers’ constant desire to see something new, yet they still want, in many cases, to have somewhat of a familiar comfort level,” said  Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman – executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. I think she's right.  We want fresh and new but we want to feel a connection to qualities we've enjoyed in the past. This kitchen by Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry has got me thinking about what a "new Traditional" would look like.

 

Clean lines continue but now soft elegant detail makes an appearance

Darryl Minch, manufacturer's rep with the Baronet Group International, Inc., says "I'm seeing less extreme contrasts of color in the kitchen, think softer palettes , white and off -whites used in the same space".  My own prediction is that we will see a big resurgence of natural wood finishes.  I see hints of this all over.  For quite a while white painted finishes and dark espresso stains have ruled.  Neither shows the beauty of wood grain.  Textured laminates round out the top choices at the moment but how about the real deal?

Take your paneling in a different direction.  If you have an island in your plan, chances are you're going to need some paneling to tie it all together.  Take the traditional vertical beadboard and turn it for a "new traditional" effect. I'm loving this option for a coastal look as it's reminiscent of ship lap.  I started to use this design detail in my projects and now I'm seeing it more and more.

If you're a design lover or savvy pro I'd love to hear your predictions for kitchen and bath design 2017.

Summer, the Season for Outside Cabinets

Summer is in full swing! I must confess I'm one of the few who loves a hot steamy Florida summer.  Recently I got a call from a potential client with some extra space to fill outside by the pool (lucky them right?) Adjacent to the dining room and tucked into an alcove a new idea sprang to mind!  How about an outside wine bar? Perfect for entertaining and here in Florida we can enjoy this scenario most of the year.  There are a few things to remember if you're thinking of investing in outsider cabinetry. The Right Stuff-  Cabinets for the outside should be exterior grade, ready to stand up to humidity and temperature changes.  Some good options include Mahogany, Cypress and Teak.  These can be pricey, especially the latter two but there are other options.  Why not consider a painted finish? As long as you're using an exterior grade paint over and exterior quality MDF you're set! Your friendly local custom cabinet maker can help you with any of these options.   There are also cabinet lines that are manufactured for the outdoors.  Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens makes powder coated stainless steel cabinetry for barbecues, outside kitchens and, yes, outdoor wine bars!!  They tout their all powder coat finishes for low maintenance, protection from harsh weather conditions and a safeguard  form chlorine (salt air) and muriatic acid which is used to clean pavers.  We say "outside" but I recommend your bar area  have at least an overhead cover.  You gotta protect the goods, right? Protected or not, perhaps the most durable way to go is with a product called King StarBoard® ST.    It is a special, high-density polyethylene sheet that provides a super tough surface for many applications.  I like that it comes in colors and that color goes all the way through, no chipping ever! Handle It Properly- All unavoidably metal elements such as door/drawer pulls, hinges and drawer slides should be stainless steel. This also your sink and faucet.  Here's a great article full of tips on choosing the right products for the outdoors from plumbing and appliance experts at Ferguson.Top if Off- There are actually a number of good counter options for your outside area.  Concrete is one of them and it can be colored and even embedded with things like shells and rocks!  Fun right?I also love Dekton by Cosentino, a highly durable scientifically complicated package of counter top loveliness.  Just have a look at these new colors!Back to my client, here's what I envision for this space (at top).  The stone wall lends a wine cellar feel while being totally suitable for this outside application.  Here I'm showing the stone also on the adjoining wall but it would work equally well only over the bar. Last but not least, favorite art makes it your own with a personal touch.  Just make sure your work is framed professionally so moisture doesn't enter into the picture, so to speak.  If you'd like to explore creating your own little slice of heaven outside I'd love to help you.  You know where to find me ;) Cheers and happy summer!