Tuesday

While my husband and a friend work down in the basement I figured I had better get another blog composed and out to the world!  I suppose the sound of the compressor and nail gun from two floors below somehow ended up reminding me of work.. hmmm...I wonder why that is!?

This day...this week....this month...this year have been crazy and I have a few big projects wrapping up over the next month or so that I am really excited to share with you but before that I want to show a job I completed not too long ago.

I designed this family's basement and I will be showing it in parts becuase it was a large project but one of my favorite parts was a reading nook for their kids.  We had a huge space to work with and wanted to add some extra seating for the entertainment area, extra storage for toys and of course a spot where the kids could hang out and read.  At first I think they thought I was a little nuts (that the kids would read more often if they had a reading nook) but I am a big beleiver that if you have a designated space to do something and it is properly designed and of course comfortable - that you will use it more than you think!

Since we started with a blank concrete shell I don't have a before photo but here is one during the construction process - can you say "dusty!?".  At this time I was trying to select the perfect fabric and Dan Savageau, the contractor on the job was wrapping up cabinetry.  I enjoy being on site for projects - I think that it is amazing to see the process of how a project goes from this....

To this....

We used beautiful alder cabinetry with oil rubbed bronze accessories. The pendant lighting helps to make reading a possibility for the kids and a comfy bench helps too!  We used an accent paint color between the cabinetry that coordinates with the fabric to give the space a fun bright feeling.  The most rewarding part.....a few months after we completed the project I was told that the kids actually go down to read there!!! So cute!!

More next time!

Designer: Sarah Brown with Floor to Ceiling
Contractor: Dan Savageau Construction
Cabinetry: Omega Cabinetry by Floor to Ceiling
Carpet: Tigressa Carpet by Floor to Ceiling
Lighting: The Lighthouse

Simple Changes Can Make a Big Difference!

I am here to tell you today that you do not need to completely gut and re-arrange a space to give it an updated look.  Although many of the photos you have seen on this blog have been drastically renovated a large fraction of the projects I work on are not as invasive.

The photos below show a bathroom in which I made very simple changes in order to create the look of a brand new space. 

The existing bathroom had oak cabinetry in a dated design (where the sink cabinet is set back), gold fixtures, sheet vinyl flooring & the clients really wanted to add a new color scheme to the space. 

I used some of the most cost-effective and simple tricks in my book to make a big difference with minimal construction.  We swaped out to existing vanity with a new one with a more modern look to it along with new laminate tops with a textured finish.  We also took down the old plate glass mirror and had it cut down and framed to coordinate with the new vanity.  A crisp white sink creates contrast and the modern square shape really brings this bathroom up to date.  Brushed nickel fixtures were added to coordinate with the updates we did the previous year in the kitchen.  You can never go wrong with a fresh coat of paint!!  We used a dark color to contrast with the other materials in the space and add a punch of color - the beautiful thing about it is to create a completely different look in the future they can just swap out the color.  Vinyl tile flooring was the final piece to be changed - it gives a realistic tile look with less cost and construction while also being warmer and softer on feet!

 

 

You can make some of these simple changes in your home too in order to revolutionize your space with minimal construction and within a reasonable budget.  Here are some ideas:

-Freshen up your space with a new coat of paint
-Swap out a dated sink with a fun shape & new fixtures
-Try a new laminate top to update your counter - textured finishes and 100's of colors are available
-Luxury vinyl tile is a great tile alternative - it can typically go over your existing flooring resulting in less demolition
-Swaping out your vanity cabinet - you can even do a different style or finish than the rest of your home to create a unique look for that space
-Swap out your cabinetry hardware - a small change that makes a HUGE difference

Contractor: Dan Savageau Construction
Cabinetry: Merillat Cabinetry by Floor to Ceiling
Flooring: Armstrong Vinyl Tile by Floor to Ceiling
Fixtures: Northern Plumbing Fargo
Top: Wilsonart HD Laminate
Lighting: The Lighthouse Fargo

More next time...