Pen To Paper: Oakland Kitchen….

I am working on a kitchen remodel in my backyard…..figuratively and literally since the clients are my neighbors.  They have asked me to help them rethink the small and outdated kitchen in their bungalow.  They love modern mixed with classic and want something that feels warm but not overly traditional.  We talked alot about the different finishes that they like and I interpreted their likes through my design filter to create a concept that is warm, modern and harks back to the home’s roots……

(sorry for the odd tinge of yellow on the shots – the drawings were done on trace paper and the lighting is off…)

Initially they wanted butcher block countertops but were afraid of the maintenance associated with them, so I reinterpreted the wood and placed it on the walls in long horizontal planks.  The wood will give them the warmth they crave as well as give the space a modern look.  A classic gas stove, apron front sink and hinged arm sconces are a reference to the age of the home and are the perfect foils to the modern update.  Throw in some Calcutta Gold Marble for the countertops and the back splash and we have the basis for a nice melding of classic, modern, warm and new.

Okay, I am off this weekend to participate in the Joy & Revelry Style Summit with some amazing designers and bloggers.  If you get the opportunity, take a look at the site and let me know what you think.  Otherwise, enjoy your weekend and take some time to relax….you deserve it!

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New Project: Oakland Kitchen Remodel….

I am just starting to work on a new project — a kitchen remodel in an adorably remodeled cottage in my neighborhood.  Actually, it’s my next door neighbors which makes the commute REALLY easy!

But that aside, the project looks to be an interesting in that it is challenging me to mix the client’s contemporary tastes with the traditional bones of the cottage.  The wife loves warm colors and sleek lines while the husband has a thing for slick cabinetry and reflective surfaces.  So last week I pitched them three concepts…..

CONCEPT 1

CONCEPT 2

CONCEPT 3

Of the three, there was a clear winner among the Client but I am curious…which one would you pick for your own home?  Okay I am off to start a custom cabinetry install at the Douglass Project!  Have a GREAT weekend…..

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Progress………

The rental remodel I am helping with is coming along quite well.  The demo is done and the crew has put up the kitchen cabinets…..

The client was very adamant that he wanted to stick with these cabinets even though I thought a simpler door and a darker stain would have longevity.  However, in the end, the client wanted all the units in the building to have a uniform look and feel.  But with a quick change of the color scheme for the room and the adjacent dining room, I am confident the new cabinets will look just as modern as the plan I envisioned.

The painters should finish this week and the floor guys should be in next week to stain the wood floors.  If all goes well, this project will be wrapped up by the end of the month.

Speaking of the end being near, today is the last day to enter the May Give Away!  It comes at midnight, so don’t miss your chance to win a tea set.