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!