Christmas in May

We just LOVE getting presents in the mail! And what we mean by presents are new samples.  It is like opening a holiday gift..so exciting!  Below are the three doors and colors that we are using in an upcoming renovation from our Dynasty cabinetry line by Omega that just arrived on my desk this morning..  The stunning mitered Loring door in three colors.  Painted Pearl, Painted Pearl with a Pewter glaze & Pumice.  Later this summer I should have photos of the finished project.

Today's Focus

Each day we have a project that we are focusing on - lately more that one each day as the spring gets busier and busier.  Today we are working on a fun classic design with a country feel.  This project walks the line of the trends we have been seeing come to the area.  Classic pieces such as this marble backsplash paired with contemporary elements such as the dark cabinetry and rounded out with a rustic element - in this case a rustic oak look laminate floor.  All together this will be a bright and fresh country kitchen!

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...

An Inspired Design...

I am both excited and sad to say that this project is completed and now home to such a wonderful family!  It is always a bittersweet ending to a project when working so close with amazing clients...so sweet to complete a fabulous project and have them feel overjoyed and comfortable in their new home but bitter to have withdrawals from seeing, talking and working with them every day! We selected and designed together everything from the door knobs, casing style/size, cabinetry, granite, tile, flooring, lighting, plumbing, custom glass railing..you name it...and the result...FANTASTIC!

The inspiration for this Fargo home was truly my clients.  They dreamed of a home with their modern and contemporary style but still with a sense of warmth and comfort.

Ron Morlock, the builder for this home already had a unique plan for the home when my clients decided to build.  The home has huge vaulted ceilings, unique curved walls, custom soffits and many other elements that I was excited to work with and incorporate into the design - or tailor the design to - whichever way you want to look at it. The home has a light feeling even though it has dark cabinetry - for example in the corner of the top photo you can see part of the dining room chandelier.  It is one of my favorite pieces in the home - it is a 2-tier chandelier hung by cables so it appears as if it is floating - so neat!

We selected espresso cabinetry by our Floor to Ceiling Custom Cabinetry line in a simple door style with a little inside profile to add just the tiniest bit of detail.  A simple stock molding crown ends the cabinetry beautifully and we built the pantry door right into the cabinetry design.  I think that lighting is one of the most important elements in a design so we incorporated under cabinet lights, lights in the glass island cabinets, lights in the upper stacked cabinetry and throughout the entertainment center as well.  The granite tops have numerous shades of brown which tie together the espresso cabinetry, maple flooring, and the shades of brown found in the paint selections.

A stunning backsplash adds just enough sparkle to the space.  We used a porcelain 6" x 24" tile and offset it and framed in polished glass with stainless steel below the range.

The living room is a focal point from the kitchen so we wanted to make sure we had a space where my clients could relax but still be able to dress up and have some display space.  Inspired by a few ideas my client had come across we designed the fireplace wall seen below.  We custom made mirrors to match the cabinetry and floating shelves.  The floating shelves all come out a different angles - from the front they look flat but from the side are all a little bit different and unique. The TV will go in the center and we have clear glass on the left for their components and frosted back lit glass on the right for extra storage and a  nice accent to coordinate with the frosted glass in the kitchen.  Linear carpet makes for a unique twist and adds to the contemporary feel of the space.

Another one of my favorite parts of the home (there are many!).....the wine cellar!  Inside we did cork flooring...of course..to compliment the wine corks that will be in the space (hehe).  On the outside we covered the space with the same stone from the outside of the home which creates a unique rustic feel.  Inside is an outdoor rustic fixture which creates the perfect ambiance. 

The master bath was a unique space - and very spacious with such high ceilings!  The vanity wall is the focal point.  We selected really neat circle sinks and simplistic single handle faucets.  I had custom his and hers curved mirrors fabricated which gave the space a fresh look.  The walk-in shower is such a neat space.  The shower is curved and to let more light in we cut a hole in the wall and inserted a rain glass panel with a brushed nickel channel to create some contrast. 

A large format 12" x 24" tile with a linen look created a smooth linear feel and although it is hard to see in the photo the paint selected is a dark grey which contrasts beautifully with the light creamy tile and espresso cabinetry.

The lower level was designed with a cozy rustic feeling but kept elements from the upper level so the two spaces tie together seamlessly.  Warm plush carpet was used along with rustic hickory cabinetry.  A bar in the lower level is the perfect space for entertaining.

Photography by: Rob Siverson Photography

Builder: Ron Morlock Construction

Designer: Sarah Brown

Glass: Jeremy & Frontier Glass & Mirror

Cabinetry: Floor to Ceiling

Countertops: Floor to Ceiling

Flooring & Tile: Floor to Ceiling

Lighting: The Lighthouse

Plumbing: Northern Plumbing

Lesson 1: Quarter Sawn Oak

I would have to say that one of my favorite wood species is quarter sawn oak.  MMmmmm...it always looks gorgeous and beautiful!

It creates a feeling of warmth within any home and always seems to have a sense of history.  In the above bathroom I used quarter sawn oak to create a Arts & Crafts style bathroom.  I paired it with a stunning granite top, oil rubbed bronze fixtures and to complete the look a stone & glass backsplash that spills out around the mirror. 

What is quarter sawn oak?

Oak and quarter sawn oak are the same wood species but the difference is in the way that they are cut from the log.  Quarter sawn oak is cut at a 90 degree angle from the growth rings.  The chart below shows how they determine the cuts that will come from the log.  Quarter sawn oak is typically an upgrade because it is less efficient to cut the wood comparted to a standard sawn material and there is more waste when you cut the log as shown below.  Quarter sawn oak is famous for it's warm feel, silver graining (the little white streaks) and ability to stain beautifuly. 

www.workshopcompanion.com

The photo below from my cabinet line, Omega Cabinetry shows the graning typical of a quarter sawn oak.  As you can see it stains beautifully and has a warm & rich look to it.

Here are a few more photos of the above bathroom I designed using the quarter sawn oak.

Bathroom vanity & linen.  You can also see the new shower in the background.

Vanity sink & shower

A hand held shower is an option to consider in a custom shower.  Becuase it can detach the shower head can make it extermely easy to clean the shower as you can just spray down the entire space.



Dan Savageau was the contractor on this job and did an AMAZING job with the doors!  Check out the awesome details the incorporated.

I enjoy incorporating small details into my designs!  It is the little things that count and can make a huge difference in the overall completed space such as this tile border that wraps around the room.

North Dakota Country Living

I am proud to say that this space I designed was featured in our ad for this month's "Inspired Home" magazine!!  Below is the awesome ad that was put together to feature our store's work for all of Fargo to see!

This project was a huge undertaking and it really pushed me as a designer because it was the largest scope of work that I have had for a client.  Myself and a salesperson at our store named Brian worked on this project for months to create a truly unique space for this family.

This is a renovation of an existing home along with an addition.  Basically a home was built around an existing home and our goal was to keep as much as the existing space while creating a seamless transition to the new spaces in the home. 

Finishes were selected to create a space with a feeling of warmth (which is important with our chilly winters) and a timeless design with a fun twist on country & traditional design elements.  Rustic furniture with traditional travertine & contemporary appliances blended styles that the clients liked to create a look unique to them.

Kitchen & eat in dining space

 

Kitchen range wall & island

  Kitchen island & HUGE pantry - I would cook much more often if I had all of that storage!  I try to use baskets or drawers on the bottom of pantry cabinetry so you have to bend down and dig less to get items from the lower spaces.

Dining Room

Custom entry bench & laundry room

Entry into the master bathroom shower

Aaah...Spa! Master bathroom shower

Master bath custom wood tub surround - perfect for both access for plumbing and a custom look!

Master bath vanities - Each has a linen on the end with a central storage cabinet in the center.

Custom rustic alder fireplace mantle

 

Custom built in cabinetry in the mud room & my FAVORITE accessories! This pull out goes in a vanity cabinet and provides a safe place to store hot irons and curling irons when you are finished using them and need to get going with your day!  There are also storage bins below the stainless iron storage spaces.  This piece is worth every penny and provides easy and accessible storage!

Accessible bathroom

 

Retro Country Kitchen

I have to say that this may be one of the most adorable kitchens that I have designed so far!

It can be a difficult to create the feel of character in a home when using new materials - but I do always say that I enjoy a challenge so this was another perfect one for me!  In this kitchen we had the perfect blend of distressed cabinetry, a floor with a cool retro feel and a classic subway tile splash to create the look and feel my client desired.

Because this was a small kitchen storage was key.  We tried to utilize every bit of space while keeping walk ways clear and closing in the space as little as possible.  The peninsula upper cabinetry had to stay for storage however we shortened up the cabinetry to open up the space towards the kitchen and added glass to enable more light to shine through them and into the kitchen.

It is hard to see in the photos but a wall covering with a vintage floral look was selected for the rest of the kitchen & dining room walls.  I LOVE working with wall coverings and fabrics.  At the design center I work at we do not carry those products so when I get to select them I always jump at the chance!

I adore this kitchen - so cute & comfortable!!

Custom Details Make The Difference!

Check out these awesome custom stain glass panels I designed for a client! My clients wanted a custom piece in their kitchen that would reflect their contemporary style that was blended with warm wood tones and unique pieces of furniture throughout their home.

My clients LOVED bright fun colors such as lime green which became the inspiration for the color scheme! We decided on an Onyx stone backsplash and used that as our base for the stain glass colors pulling out rich gold, green, and white colors found in the gorgeous stone.

After drawing up plans I had the stain glass panels custom made for each cabinet and they were the last finishing touch on this kitchen renovation.  New stainless appliances, custom black painted accent moldings, custom cherry cabinets and a streamline Corian Witch Hazel top rounded out this kitchen to create a contemporary but warm space for the family to enjoy.