What To Do if Your Kitchen Isn't White

There is definitely a trend toward "the white kitchen" that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.  Its crisp, its classic, and adds freshness and brightness.  Almost 100% of my clients these days are asking for some version of white cabinetry for their kitchens (and baths, and built ins, etc.), and I'll admit that white is my preference as well.  But what if you don't have a white kitchen, and don't have plans for a complete overhaul right now?  Or what if the period/aesthetic of your home doesn't call for white cabinetry?  What if you simply want to buck the trend and move toward something a little different?  Are there other options?  Of course.

 The Woodshop of Avon

Scenario 1:  Ugly wood cabinets that just aren't cutting it for you.  If this is where you're at, and a major renovation isn't in the plans, painting your cabinetry is the easiest route.  While paint that's applied to existing cabinetry on site isn't going to give you as durable a finish as a finish applied at the cabinet manufacturer's (I won't get into the scientific specifics of this in this post :)), you should still consider hiring a professional.  The investment in professional services will ensure greater durability in the long run.  Keep in mind though that if you have cabinets with a pronounced grain pattern (like oak), it will still be visible even when painted.  The overall aesthetic improvement may be worth it anyways though.

 Anne Turner

Traci Zeller (click here for an amazing before & after)

Canadian House & Home

Scenario 2:  Wood cabinets that you want to keep, but a kitchen that needs to be refreshed in order to look more current.  There are a million-and-one houses in this country that were built in the last five years and contain builder-basic oak or maple cabinetry.  Maybe you're living in one of these, or maybe you moved into an older home with a lovely wood kitchen that you enjoy.  Whatever the case, there are ways to upgrade a wood kitchen that's not calling for a major renovation.  There are just a few guidelines to keep in mind.  First, I think its always smart to embrace what you have and work with it, not against it.  There's nothing worse than a wood kitchen that looks like its trying to be a white kitchen. If you're keeping your wood cabinets, keep the tone of them in mind when choosing new countertops, flooring and backsplash tile.  Generally, creams and warmer tones complement wood cabinetry much better than stark white subway tile and white Carrara marble.  Consider a simple backsplash tile (one that doesn't fight with the grain of your wood) in a creamy off-white or natural stone like crema marfil.  If marble countertops are your thing, consider Calacatta Gold instead of the cooler gray veining found in Carrara and Venetino marble.  

Pinterest

The backsplash pictured above is far from "simple" but I think its perfect because it picks up on the tones in the wood, and adds an element of incredible visual texture.  It works because the grain in the wood isn't too dramatic.  Also notice the warmth in those marble countertops--they beautifully tie the cabinets to backsplash.  This photo makes me want a wood kitchen!

I also like Cambria quartz surfaces in wood kitchens because of the variety of tones (many of them on the warmer side) found in their patterns.  For a period home, soapstone is a beautiful choice, and looks wonderful with white and wood cabinetry alike.

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Scenario 3:  Its time to renovate, you've decided you want a wood kitchen but don't know what species or finish to choose.  Many homeowners know the "look" they like when they see it, but have a hard time pinpointing the details of what makes that look so appealing.  Clients who come to me asking for wood cabinetry will often be able to point to the color tones in certain wood species that appeal to them, but have no idea why or which species to choose.  Here's my take on a few of the woods that are current right now.

Rift cut oak - Oak has almost become a bad word in recent years due to its massive overuse in 80's, 90's, and early 2000's home construction.  People who ask me for wood species recommendations always say "anything but oak".  This is too bad, considering that there are so many ways to do oak beautifully.  My response is to always pull samples of rift cut oak, particularly white rift cut oak, to show the massive difference (and beauty) found in this cut and species.  

House Beautiful

You can see immediately in this kitchen (done in white rift cut oak) that the grain is tighter, more uniform, and the color of the wood tends to be more neutral and beige as opposed to red or golden.  This photo almost makes the cabinetry look like there was a wash of stain applied to the oak, but even if it was left natural, this species looks fantastic.  And that amount of marble in a kitchen could make anything look good, right?

Bates Corkern Studio

Bates Corkern Studio

There are so many things that are breathtaking about the above kitchen.  It was featured in House Beautifiul in November 2011, and I love that the white oak has a patina to it.  I'm not sure what their process was, whether they limed the oak, or added a type of white wash, but the result is gorgeous, and almost timeless in the way that it is so uniquely done.  Convinced that oak isn't all that bad?  I have a few custom pieces in my home made from rift cut oak with a weathered grey stain.  I love them, and one of these days I'll get around to posting about those projects!  If you are leaning toward a rift cut oak, it is a great choice in terms of its rigidity and dimensional stability as well.  

Cherry - As for other wood species in cabinetry, I'm still seeing a lot of cherry, as well as quite a bit of walnut.  The key with these woods is to keep them natural instead of going crazy with different stain colors.  Cherry is a beautiful choice in period homes, and will darken and amber with age.  I've found that cherry cabinetry that has been stained in reddish tones has dated itself very quickly (a trend that is going away, but has been around for over ten years), but left in its original state, retains a classic appeal that stands the test of time.

The Woodshop of Avon

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Walnut - Walnut has a gorgeous natural grain, and kept in its natural state will allow this to show through.  I do find that darker stained walnut keeps its appeal longer than stained cherry though, due to its brown (not red) undertones that blend well with changing trends in interior design.  It also is a great accent wood that can bring warmth and character to an otherwise monochromatic kitchen.

Inview Interior Design

I blogged about this kitchen project here, and think its a great example of how wood can be used to warm up and add character to a white kitchen.  Again, the key to keeping this look crisp and classic is maintaining the natural color of the wood, as well as knowing where to incorporate it.

House Beautiful

Venegas & Company 

Here, vertical grain slab-style walnut doors work beautifully against the more traditional paneled and painted doors.  The mix of materials in this kitchen is what makes it so interesting.

Scenario 4:  Its time to renovate, you're open to a painted kitchen, or a wood kitchen, but have no idea which direction to go.  With so many beautiful things to choose from, and an array of inspiring projects that showcase all types of kitchen cabinetry, it can be hard to commit to one or the other.  My best suggestion of where to start when trying to narrow it down is to look at your lifestyle, and listen to your home.  Painted cabinetry (especially white) takes a great deal more care and attention to keep it looking crisp and clean.  Plus, all painted finishes are not created equally, and you will need to do your research (and be prepared to pay the price) to find a quality cabinet shop who understands the science behind creating a durable finish.  Even then, if you think the kids and the dog are going to wreak havoc on a white space, maybe wood is a better choice for you.

Listening to your home can be one of the best indicators when deciding which route to go.  Generally speaking, many period homes, lake home retreats, and also many mid-century style homes call for the warmth of a wood kitchen.  Additionally, if you're craving the cozy feeling that wood can convey, as well as the craftsmanship and attention to detail that can be showcased using wood, this may be the direction to go.

Albertsson Hansen Architecture

The Woodshop of Avon

David Heide Design Studio

And with wood kitchen cabinetry, sometimes you can't get too much of a good thing, and "going big or going home" is definitely the way to go.  I'll leave you (and this lengthy post!), with some gorgeous images that showcase a unique mix of materials.  I'm especially intrigued with how rough and rustic the cabinetry is, and how well it pairs with cleaner elements in the space.  I love how they committed to this look--there's definitely no question that the homeowners here were after a wood kitchen!

Richard Bubnowski

Richard Bubnowski

I'm [Quitting] Sugar......

Normally, I use this blog as a place for my design musings, beautiful photos, projects, etc., but I thought I'd depart from that for a moment and talk about a new (hairbrained) thing that's going on in my life right now.  A while ago, my co-worker and friend invited me to check out an online e-book that talks about quitting sugar.  I thought fleetingly about it for a moment, and then dismissed the idea as something I'd never be able to do.  Overall, I'm a pretty healthy eater, very conscious about fat and calories, and dedicated to regular exercise.  Additionally, as of today, I've lost all but 1 pound of the 50 (!) I put on during my pregnancy.  This is all fine and good, and keeps me relatively slim, but I have to admit that I do love me some sugar.  After my friend told me about the concept of quitting the stuff, even though I wasn't sold on the idea, I started to take notice of how much of the sweet stuff I was taking in on a daily basis (without even really realizing it).  I was crunching on random handfuls of these:

(seriously.....am I twelve?)

Chased by an occasional "school" of these:

I always had random stores of chocolate in the house for little "tastes" when the cravings hit:.

And although this little treat is intended to be spread on toast, I'm defenseless against its powers when I have it in the house and can shovel it in by the tablespoonful:

    

Of course the occasional treat is fine (and necessary), but as I looked at my daily intake of sugar, which includes the natural sugars found in fruit and some vegetables, I was waaaaaaaay over any moderate to normal limit.  My desire for the sweet stuff was verging on addiction, and I was swapping high-sugar snacks and meal replacement bars/shakes for healthy, nourishing, more natural and sugar-free foods.  So I decided that I would entertain the idea of this "no-sugar" lifestyle, and perhaps even succeed at breaking the habit.

The concept is simple, and comes from the I Quit Sugar e-book by Sara Wilson.  In the book, she talks about her own journey in giving up sweets, and does it in a lighthearted, "you can do it" approach, which makes it seem doable for a sweet tooth like me.  The book talks about the basics of how the body processes sugar, and discusses the fact that there is no difference between refined sugar, corn syrup, or natural sugars found in fruit when it comes to the way our bodies recognize and metabolize it.  It also talks about our unhealthy approach to artificial sweeteners, and how "diet" food is actually contributing to weight gain.  The book offers an 8 week plan that is designed to gradually ease us out of our dependence on a daily sugar fix (Week 1 & 2), to quitting all sugars altogether (Weeks 3-7), to gradually re-introducing certain nourishing sugary foods like fruit (Week 8).

All in all, the approach is simple, non-threatening, and manageable.  Or at least I'm saying that now.....ask me when I'm in week 4 & 5 :).  There is a stretch of time where even fruit is a no-go, and while I'm a firm believer that every food that God created is good and wonderful and meant to be enjoyed, I understand that eliminating this sweetness (for a time) is key in breaking the habit.  I'm actually looking forward to the freedom I think I'll have when its all over with--freedom to take it or leave it when it comes to sweets, and to make healthier choices when the cravings strike.

So that's where I'm at, and I hope to be checking in on here from time to time to report my progress (or my frustrations, which I'm sure will be many).  In starting the program this week, I'm already astonished at how many foods contain a ton of sugar, but all my label reading has caused me to appreciate the flavors found in unprocessed, natural foods.

There will be cravings though..............like chocolate-dipped strawberries:

Kathryn M. Ireland

Red and black Twizzlers:

Tobi Fairley

And raspberry sorbet:

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Maybe even a handful of Good n' Plenty here and there:

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I'm determined to go at this with the idea that I can succeed though, and having a "buddy" who's participating in the program with me is key for accountability, encouragement and support.  Check back for updates, and have a great weekend!

Client Work: A New Kitchen Beautiful

One of the things I love about my job as a kitchen designer is the ability (and honor) I've had to work with many talented designers and architects in the industry.  The company I work for is unique in that we're a design studio with trained and certified interior designers and kitchen designers, but we also represent a completely custom cabinet shop.  Often, homeowners will come to us to design a space for them from scratch, and ideally, we'll have the opportunity to follow the project through to completion and build/install the cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and all of the other wonderful elements that go into creating a unique and custom space.  Sometimes though, designers and architects will approach us with a space that they've already designed for their own clients, and ask for our guidance in sorting out all of the cabinetry details, and then furnishing that piece of their project.  In many cases for designers, its hard to relinquish control of a project and jump on the bandwagon of another professional's vision.  In the case of this project, however, it was such a privilege for me to work with a talented individual to help her kitchen design come to life, and I learned so much by being a part of this collaboration.  Rena Feldman of Inview Interior Design came to me with a set of plans that were designed to take this space:

 And transform it into this:

From the beginning, I enjoyed working with Rena.  Her talent and good design sense were immediately evident as she completely re-imagined the space and created a truly functional and gorgeous kitchen for a busy family of four.  It is really the focal point of the entire home--a 1930's two-story with some unique original features.

While there are many well-designed new features in the space, two elements strike me as particularly successful in making it really stand out.  The first is the use of symmetry and horizontal line throughout the room.  A range wall is a great opportunity to create a focal point and it makes a bold statement here, flanked by well-proportioned upper cabinets and anchored by the fridge and wall ovens on either end.  Additionally, there is a strong horizontal line around the top of the room--seen as the small-scale glass cabinet doors transition into horizontal flip up doors above the fridge and ovens, and then as they are followed through on the television cabinet.  This element looks planned (because it was--very carefully!), and small details like this make the design look intentional.

The second element that I love in this kitchen is the mix of materials.  This stands out to me as a beautiful feature because of how well executed it is, using just the right amount of wood tones with the white cabinetry.  I've seen this done poorly in so many kitchens, because often people choose a mish-mash of woods and finishes because they think it will enhance the design.  In this case, however, the ratios work wonderfully, with the walnut playing to the tones in the floor, and the painted finish adding just the right amount of contrast to make the whole thing pop.  This feature alone is proof that hiring a designer can ensure  that you'll get everything you love into your space--in the correct and most pleasing proportion.

Overall, I'm so proud to say that I played a part in helping to make this gorgeous design become a reality.  As I mentioned, it was such a privilege to work with Rena on the project, and it was her hard work and attention to detail that pulled this together for her clients.  I'm hopeful that they will enjoy a quality and well-designed kitchen for years to come.

To see more of Inview Interior Design's beautiful rooms, click here (you won't be disappointed!).

One Step Forward........Two (Sleepy) Steps Back

Its been over a month since I've posted, and I'm embarrassed to say the least.  My excuse is this guy:

He is truly the happiest, most compliant and fun baby.  I am having the time of my life raising him, watching him grow, and being a part of all the little milestones that happen each day.  And then the night comes :)  For the past 6-8 weeks, this little prince has been waking up during the night--no less than 8 times a night--and we're beyond stumped as to why.  We've ruled out hunger, teething, pain of any sort, and have come to accept the fact that our little monster is dependent on the comfort that comes from his pacifier, and (loudly) demands it be put back in several times a night.  I don't want to deny him this little "vice", so we've been dealing with it the best we can, but night after night of interrupted sleep takes its toll.  Together with starting work again part-time, I've been one tired mama for many weeks now!

Tate is six months old today, and I'm hopeful that soon we'll turn a corner with the sleeping and waking.  We also just got back from a wonderful vacation in Mexico, and he was a wonderful sleeper while we were there so I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the next challenge.....teething :)  For now though, we have some great family memories of our first vacation together:

Tate, lovin' his chubby little life under the palm trees in paradise......

Having so much fun being toted around by daddy in the Bjorn--what a lifesaver that thing is sometimes!

On the last day of vacation, at sunset, with a well-rested and relaxed mama......lets hope it stays that way for a while!

I'm planning on re-engaging with the blog world, now that things have started to feel a bit more normal around here.  Whatever "normal" means with a baby in the house!  Hope to get some updates on here soon with some of the recent design happenings around my house!

Client Reveal: Kitchen of the Week

A long while back, I posted here about a fabulous client before and after project that I designed last year.  I've been waiting to get it professionally photographed, and the time has finally come--the photos are in!  This project is a career highlight for me, both in the transformation of the space, and in the great relationship and collaboration I was able to have with these clients.  I truly believe that a successful project is the result of good communication and an honest working relationship, which I felt I had with these wonderful, stylish and intelligent clients!  Here's a look at what the space was like when my clients purchased the home--it was dated, segmented and related poorly to the rest of the home:

And here is the new space:

In designing this kitchen, along with reworking the back entry, staircase, and the guest room hallway, we looked at many different floor plan options before settling on this one.  Usually I like to present clients with a few different design scenarios so they can see what could be, and in the end, what works best for their space and their needs.  Here's my take on why this design works best, and why I think it will serve the home and the homeowners for years to come.

1  Open, but not too contemporary
I definitely think there's an urge these days to create open and free-flowing space within a home.  In many cases, this can dramatically improve the everyday use of the space, the way that family interacts and congregates in the home, and the way homeowners are able to entertain guests.  Older homes are notorious for having kitchens that are completely cut off from the rest of the home, and while these spaces often benefit from being opened up, the temptation to get rid of all the walls and create one large room can prove disastrous in a period home.  In this space, we combined two smaller rooms to create a kitchen and seating area, and also opened up the wall to the dining room.  However, the addition of trim and casing that matches the rest of the house defines the new opening, making it look planned and part of the original design--not like we just cleared out all of the walls for the sake of a more open floor plan.

2  Material choices that read as "period-appropriate", rather than "on trend"
With this home being built in 1931, we wanted to incorporate modern convenience and good design sense while still respecting the age and character of the house.  A typical 1930's kitchen (in its original state) might have had painted cabinets, but for this space we took our cues from the warmth of the original dark wood mouldings and trim, as well as the natural oak floors.  The cabinetry is natural cherry, which is a lovely wood species to use because it marries well with other wood tones in the space.  Cherry also mellows and darkens with age, and over the years will develop its own beautiful character.

Another period appropriate material choice are the soapstone countertops.  Soapstone has been used for centuries as a durable surface for high-use areas.  It is non-porous, so won't stain or trap bacteria, and is so resistant to chemical abrasion and acidic foods that its a preferred surface in chemistry labs.  Plus, it has a natural, organic beauty, and no two slabs are alike.  A classic element is also found in the backsplash, which is composed of elongated subway tiles that pick up on the beautiful green hue in the soapstone.

3  Floor plan that emphasizes style and function
A successful part of this design is the way that the layout works well for two or for twenty.  The kitchen is essentially a galley style, with the sink, range, and refrigerator placed adjacent to, or directly across from one another.  A large island allows for comfortable prep space when two people are working in the kitchen, while the seating and additional beverage center/buffet create another work area for the homeowner, and keep guests out of the main prep space.  The gentle curve of the island adds an element of modernity, while naturally guiding traffic toward a comfortable seating area at the other end of the room--a space designed to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, or casual conversation while entertaining friends.

So that's the tour!  I could go into much greater depth about all of the details and planning that went into making this space a success, but I'll let the pretty pictures speak for themselves.  As I mentioned before, this is a most favorite project of mine, and I hope it results in many great years of good living for these wonderful clients.