Showing posts with label sideboard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sideboard. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

City Home Fit for a New Family!

This family with a newborn was in the market for a new home: their very first house, in fact! Since taking care of a brand new human is task enough, this family didn't want to totally start from scratch. With a few ideas in mind of what they wanted, we didn't need to gut the whole place- just update it a bit. The kitchen was the focal point of the design update, and the rest of the home flowed from there. We were even able to incorporate a lot of their existing furniture into this mid-century modern home. The family wanted to start living in their new home right away with an updated, modern style they always wanted. Take a look at how we achieved a budget-friendly home face lift!


Where light is sparse, it's imperative that you amplify the available light by using colors and sleek appliances that allow sunlight to dance around. This kitchen has a decent-sized window at the sink area as well as a glass double-door that lets enough light in. To keep the light growing, the back splash was finished with limestone tiles.



A great cost-saving measure is to keep your cabinetry and just change the doors and hardware. Here, we just replaced the plain cabinet doors with new textured glass doors. We painted the cabinets light gray to modernize it from the old oak that aged and darkened the kitchen before. The cabinets also got brand new brushed steel hardware to complete this new, modern look.


I know it's hard, but please stop staring at this gorgeous counter top. Look up! We installed a new pot rack that fits perfectly over the enormous island. No need to hide your pots, pans, spatulas, or ladles- put your tools on display! This makes for very easy access and increases your amount of storage.



One of the most fabulous upgrades to this kitchen is the sparkling quartz counter top! This shiny surface looks especially amazing on the brand-new extended peninsula. This is like going from being stranded on a desolate Florida Key isle to partying on the mainland peninsula: it's not a far or difficult trip, and it's definitely well worth it.



 
"Seeing red" doesn't always mean getting angry. Rather, it often just means getting energized! This couple wanted to use red as an accent color throughout their home, which otherwise maintains a soothing, calming palette. The red accent rugs in the kitchen and beneath the dining room set give warm, joyful pops of color that can be found throughout the house.

This beautiful dining room set was seamlessly transplanted into this upgraded mid-century modern home. Pro tip: chairs with larger, higher backs sometimes section off a space. To keep a 'flowing feeling,' set a bench at the side of the table adjacent to a walkway. That way, nothing 'visually blocks' a pathway to another room, which even makes the dining area even more inviting.





A home with kids doesn't have to be void of all 'adult' forms of entertainment. This four-tiered wine rack and minibar flushed against the wall is incredibly convenient when entertaining guests. Just out of reach of children, but perfectly placed for adults to open a bottle of wine, relax and easily spend time with their friends.




The living room features a gray scale color palette with pops of red in textiles. The art above the couch brings in a bit more color while keeping in line with the streamlined, modern look of the house. 



For mid-century modern houses, bringing outside elements inside the home is quintessential. For example, natural brick is generally associated with the facade of a house, but here it is featured in the family room.






 
The 'cozy' is strong with this one. A genuine fire place nestled inside a brick cladding makes you just want to cuddle up, doesn't it?! Here, photos of this loving family are displayed on the wooden mantle in sleek white frames.





This reading nook for two is modern yet cozy, flowing naturally from the living room. The shelving in this home library is perfect for putting books on display, or whatever else you'd like. I love the woven ottoman here! It is modern, playful, and functional (and fairly reminiscent of a giant hacky sack, which is probably the real reason I love it so much).







 

And last (though usually first) is the entry way! This first impression of your home is an important one. Organized and minimalist, the first few steps you take through the door are sure to give you a good idea of what else is in store. In this case, you're sure to find a blend of modernity and comfort in a neutral color scheme with pops of energizing color, fit for a new family's home.


If you have a project in mind but just don't know where to start, we can help! Contact us
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S Squared Design


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween: Decor Edition!

It was the day of Halloween
And all through our home
People were wondering
If the holiday was known.

Spooky decorations were lacking,
and Halloween spirit was scant.
But we can't leave our home empty-
We can't! We just can't.

So what can we do that is quick, simple, and fun?
Let's consult S-Squared design; they're second to none!
We don't want something cheesy,
But we'd appreciate something easy.

Help us create a space (spooky and scary, or festive and cute)
That can return next year without giving it the boot.
Happy Halloween, may your fun be plenty!
Happy Halloween- our thanks are many!
-Andy and Mandy (the Rhymers!)



Not all of us may be gifted with poetry (or have the patience to hash out some rhymes) but I assure you- if you have the desire to be creative, time is no issue in creating a festive theme for your home. My philosophy is that the amount of effort spent decorating a space should be directly proportional to the amount of time that space will stay decorated. For instance, if you are a Halloween fanatic and celebrate the holiday for the full month of October rather than just on the last day, then you probably put a lot of thought and effort to creating a Halloween wonderland. If you could only find clearance-priced candy when you last-minute-shopped for Halloween treats to hand out, then you probably just observe the five hour period of trick-or-treaters. So, to those of you who relate more with the person in the latter description, here are a few simple ways to turn your house from your daily scene to Halloween. Enjoy!

You know that uneasy feeling you get when passing by an abandoned building? You can create this same creepy feeling in your home just by overturning a few pieces of sturdy furniture in your entryway or patio for trick-or-treaters to see. All you need is furniture you have in your home, or old furniture if you prefer, and some store-bought cobwebs that are cheap and easy to display. Mix this display with some dim lights or candles and you are sure to instill fear in every trespasser!



 Not so keen on Halloween? Celebrate autumn! Mother Nature's colors are changing and she has a lot to offer! Leaves fall from their newly-barren limbs and turn from green to little fiery flakes, offering the perfect materials for your quick fall craft project. Out of twigs, leaves, pine cones, and whatever else you may find just outside your home, you can create centerpieces, wreaths, or small accents to give your home a cozy 'fall feel.'



 Perhaps you would rather appeal to the fun and festive side of Halloween rather than the gloom-and-doom side. Years ago, I constructed a five foot black widow spider solely out of wire and glue that is still sturdy enough to suspend from the ceiling in the entryway. Though large, the spider is pretty 'cute,' especially when complimented with small Halloween accents like black vases, carved pumpkins, or stuffed black cats and ghosts.  


HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!