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Showing posts with label PAINT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PAINT. Show all posts

Monday, May 4, 2015

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.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

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

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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. 



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.





Sunday, May 6, 2012

Bath Design



Gosh it has been a while! This spring has been crazy! Between the Fargo & Moorhead areas booming with new construction and remodeling and being in Chicago for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show I need to catch up on my blogging. I have so many projects to post it is hard to decide which to share with you next!



This bathroom is one that I had a blast working on.... although thinking back...I have a great time working with all of my clients on their projects! When I first walked into this bathroom I noticed that it had great bones to work with but needed a face lift. The client’s intentions were not to tear out the entire space but to keep the pieces that still really worked for them. Any time that I can save pieces in a space I am happy to - it saves my client cost, gives us a piece to start with and work around and best of all - keeps materials out of landfills! The pieces that we saved include the cabinetry & tub; which were the largest items in the space.



The design concept and goal for this space was to create a spa feeling while keeping the space warm and using 2 colors that my client favored - rust & teal. We decided to keep the existing vanities however swapped the tops for a stunning rust color of Cambria quartz. We also switched out the existing chrome fixtures for oil rubbed bronze. To give each vanity a bit more of a furniture piece look sconces were added to each side of the new mirrors (stained to match the existing cabinetry).



The item that made the biggest difference in this space.....tile! We tore out white tile with navy blue accents and opted for a much more luxurious and warm stone look in a porcelain tile. To bring my clients color scheme full circle a handmade glass mosaic from Oceanside Glass was selected to extend around the room to tie the space together. We framed the beautiful mosaic in with hand crafted glass liners from Oceanside Glass. In the shower a pebble floor was used to achieve a spa feeling however we selected flat pebbles so there is not as much texture to the floor.


A light soft teal paint brought color into the space and was the perfect finishing touch to round out the space. Of course we added fun accessories to match such as oil rubbed bronze towel bars, Corian accessories in the shower & rich heavy oil rubbed bronze hardware for the cabinetry.



Project Details:
Interior Designer: Sarah Brown
Contractor: Dan Savageau Construction
Countertops: Cambria
Tile: Dal Tile
Accents: Oceanside Glass
Accessory Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze

Thursday, March 15, 2012

I always LOVE a challenge!



When I first started working on this kitchen I was told by my client that she had a "unique layout" and to "have fun" coming up with ideas. Boy... was I going to have to do some brain storming and custom drawings, as the house turned out to be in the shape of a hexagon!  My client was open to ideas and was soo inspirational in the design process as she was really excited about her unique space and the changes it would soon see.

Before Dan Savageau & I started working on the kitchen it was outdated and not as functional as it could be.

The kitchen rests in two corners of the hexagon shape of the home.  This photo shows the exterior walls of the home that the kitchen sits against and the photo below shows the hexagon fireplace which is the center of the home.


The largest challenge for this kitchen was to create a space that increased the functionality of the space while fitting in all of the required appliances & accessories and still having enough circulation space.  After space planning we came up with a plan that worked well and our client was satisfied with! 

 The results....amazing!


The result was a more spacious and functional kitchen that was bright and welcoming.

The perimeter contains the refrigerator , range, oven & microwave while the island houses the sink and dishwasher which results in an efficient layout for cooking and prep work.  Dan made custom cabinetry to match the rest of the kitchen cabinetry to go around the fireplace to create a built-in area for extra storage and buffet style serving.  We also installed a custom TV cabinet in the back corner of the room, gorgeous Pirouette window treatments & a simple but stylish chandelier above the dining table.

I selected rustic hickory cabinetry with a black glazing and accented it with black painted rustic alder with rub through distressing.  Paired with stainless appliances and Cambria quartz tops it creates a country feel with a modern twist. Smokey grey glass pendants tied together the paint, quartz and backsplash tile while also coordinating with color tones in the new flooring to create a cohesive color scheme.




In the mud room I designed a custom bench piece which Dan built and installed.  It ties in the wood species from the kitchen to the mud room and creates a furniture piece look.



I have been having a ton of fun photographing recently finished projects lately so stay tuned & check back soon!


Sunday, February 26, 2012

A Hutch with History

One of my hobbies is taking something old and turning it into something new.  My Dad & I took old furniture, stripped it down, and finished it again to make all of my dorm furniture for college and I guess that has stuck with me. 

This summer I went to a floral shop that was going out of business and found this hutch - pretty much in pieces and decided to purchase it and make it my own.  I purchased it for $50.00, paid $25.00 for an installer from work to bring it to my home & about $100.00 total for paint, fabric, foam, crown, hardware & a little labor from Dan Savageau to put on some crown and make a base for the bench cushion to be attached to.  I painted the entire piece and then sanded down the corners and shelving to make a rub-through and worn look.  So for just $175.00 - an awesome furniture piece was formed.



The lesson - an accent piece of furniture can make an entire room look completely different and put together.  Also - it does not have to be expensive to look expensive.  A rustic piece like this can be found in stores for much more - but if you spot a piece that has potential at a flea market or garage sale - go for it and create your own accent piece!



The hot colors for accent furniture pieces lately have been:
-Red (a barn red)
-Black (with a distressed look)
-Sage (or any olive tone)
-Navy (try something with a hint of teal to it)
-Mustard (bright yellow paired with grey works great too)
-White (always a thumbs up choice!)

I also see these colors used as accent colors for kitchen islands & built in units!
Oh! And remember my comment regarding easy ways to add pops of color to you home without buying expensive artwork?  In my hutch there are three of my favorite fabric pieces framed in chrome.  A great way to add a hint of color!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A New Bathroom

I completed this project several months ago in Fargo and had a blast designing this with my customer.  It is a renovation of an existing bathroom.  The goal for this project was to create a space with a relaxing, revitalizing & peaceful feel to it.  My client just loved painted cabinetry and wanted to use a painted cabinet in a fun color to create a unique look for the space.  We chose a teal cabinet which was neither too bright or too dull but just perfect to stand out just enough.


We used brushed nickel for all of the fixtures to match what is existing through the rest of the home as well as to brighten up the space in order to not have too much dark contrast to get the desired look and feel my client wanted. 


Beautiful hand made backsplash tile fills in between the 2 upper storage cabinets.  The tile sparkles when the light from the vanity shines on it and adds a touch of luxuriousness to the space. 



A quartz top with a crisp white under mount sink divides the upper and lower cabinets while providing a work surface for getting ready in the morning and storing items.  We selected a fun sink that was a bit different shape, as it bows out in the center.



The bath was tiled in a high definition ink jet printed porcelain tile.  The tile is stunning in person and resembles a vein cut travertine.  I designed a custom mural which is framed in above the tub.  My client did not want a piece of art work in the bath so we designed this custom piece as a built in piece of artwork.  It is composed of fired glazed crackle tile which also extends as a decorative border around the rest of the room & throught the custom walk-in shower.


The finishing touch in this bath was the rain glass frameless shower door.  It is absolutely beautiful and catches your eye immediately when you enter the room becuase of how it catches the light.  See below for a list of material information for this project.


Contractor: Dan Savageau Construction
Interior Designer: Sarah Brown
Cabinetry: Decor Frameless Cabinetry from Floor to Ceiling in Fargo
Top: Cambria Quartz
Glass: Rain - Frameless
Tile: Jeffrey Court, Oceanside Glass & Ira







Sunday, February 12, 2012

Kitchen Design

Since it has been extremely frigid I thought that I would share a kitchen I designed that has a warm, bright & cozy feel. The goal was to have the kitchen feel warm while also bringing in elements such as stainless steel, glass & natural maple to help it to lean towards my client's contemporary style.  Like most kitchens this one is also the hub of the home for my client's family so making sure it is a kitchen that functions well with an open plan was of equal importance.


Natural maple is a great wood speices to use if you want a contemporary look but don't want to get a cold feeling in your space.  Pair natural maple with a shaker style flat panel door style like shown and you get a very clean & crisp look that is timeless.  The island allows the space to stay open at both ends for excellent circulation through the kitchen for this busy family.



I love the glass pendants that my client selected and the counter stools provide the perfect finishing touch that adds a splash of color and pattern.  We added the tile backsplash a few months later and really makes the back wall a focal wall and brings the kitchen to a whole new level.


Designer: Sarah Brown @ Floor to Ceiling
Splash: Glass random blend
Tops: Textured HD laminate
Floor: Laminate
Cabinetry: Natural Maple
Pulls: Satin Nickel