Pen To Paper: Oakland Kitchen….

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Courtney Out Loud

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 They have asked me to help them rethink the small and outdated kitchen in their bungalow.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!

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness…

New Project: Oakland Kitchen Remodel….

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Courtney Out Loud

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…..

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness…

Recipes Revisited….

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Courtney Out Loud

When I decided to stop pursuing being a chef, my relationship with food changed. For a short time in early 2011, I hated cooking, being the kitchen or even going to the grocery store. I think I may have been suffering from “culinary PTSD” but fortunately, this phase soon passed and I rediscovered the zen of being in the kitchen.

As we close out the year, I thought it would be nice to share the recipes that rekindled my love of being in the kitchen. None is too difficult, matter of fact one requires no cooking, but they all represent things I love to make, eat and share with friends…..

Arugula Pesto