Small Space? Big Style!

Bigger isn't always better. Typically it is having your space be utilized more. Some ideas I like to use with potential new clients are how they live and flow through their home. Where do you enter into your home? What do you leave at the entrance? Do your items have homes as well? Do you always drop something at the same place everyday? Maybe making that item feel it belongs there is important. 

These are just a few questions I like to ask when deciding how to start a design for a particular client. Maybe you don't know yet, but I'm here to help guide you through the design process as well as making your home feel less cluttered or that there is just "stuff" everywhere. Think vertical storage. Your walls are your friends and they will help you not collect things on every horizontal surface. 

If you use something daily or almost daily and want to out either on displace or need to access it, then it should have a proper home. Also, if there are items you take with you every time you leave the house those items too should have a home. I'm going to show you some of my little helpers in my home. 

 

I love blankets! I have like 5 in the living room alone but where should they go? Do they just sprawl all over the sofa or chairs? On the floor? Well I use one of them almost daily so it has a home. Somewhere I can easily get to it but also put it back as easily. As if we were kids learning to put our toys back when we are done playing with them. So these comfy blankets in my home have a basket that sits behind a chair so it appears clutter free on the sofa and chairs but I can grab a blanket anytime I need one or two. Sometimes it doesn't get folded and just in a ball on the other blankets but you cant see that behind the chair. 

One of my more important places in the home is where I enter from, the garage. I have hooks and a key holder, my purse, jacket or keys have no reason to come in the house any further than that so they have a home. I always know where those items are, not in a chair or on the kitchen counter, but in their home on the wall and out of the way of everything else. 

 

Aesthetics are important in design just like function is important too. Do you like coffee? You probably have a coffee maker that sits on your counter in the kitchen, but what about all the things that go with your coffee maker? Does the bag of coffee just sit on the counter next to it? looks like a piece of garbage waiting to be put in the trash? Well make it accessible and attractive. Get a couple decorative canisters for your coffee and sugar and whatever else you like to have in your coffee. Make it feel purposeful and if it is going to live there make it feel as if its part of the kitchen.

These are just a few ideas to make your home feel like things have a purpose and easily accessible. Do you have any good ideas for storage? Comment below!

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

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Sea of Blue: Seabrook Island Master Bathroom

This week, we’re featuring yet another remodeled master bathroom! This couple is celebrating their ten year anniversary of living in a city by the sea by finally getting around to modernize their master bath. As you can see, neutral colors are very popular for master bathrooms, but this couple had a particular theme in mind: the coast! See how we brought the oceanside inside this Seabrook Island home with coastal colors, textures, patterns, and a fresh, more functional floorplan! 

But first let me share a few before photos.

 And now for what it turned out like!

 For those of you who are extra vain, you’ll love this extra long vanity! In addition to the ample counter and storage space, there are three recessed mirrored medicine cabinets. Now there is no excuse for any bathroom clutter: you know, shave cream cans on the counter, makeup scattered about, or hair styling tools on accidental display. With more than enough room between sinks, Jack and Jill can perfect their morning routines without bumping elbows!
 

 

When mirrors are in abundance, lighting must be too! The bright glow from the wall sconces allow for a soft, clean light to reflect all your beauty (and flaws, if you have any!). A small, double-sided mirror attached to the wall is a perfect add-on to any bathroom. Notice that all the metal matches: it is especially crucial to keep continuity in the metals used in any space.

 

Step on in to your stupendous shower! This oversized shower has room for two, or enough dancing space for one. Though massive, it manages to keep the bathroom spacious with its crystal clear glass and tiles to match the floor. Though opposite the vanity, the same metal is still used in the shower head, faucet, handle, and on top of the shower- never feel that you must compromise continuity! You can always get exactly what you want.

Now, let’s take a look at the color scheme: grays, blues, whites, and sandy gradients bring in the beach. Even the gray backsplash features tiles with a ‘sea glass’ effect. The walls are the color of where sea meets sky: a subtly blue hue. The tile and countertops feature sandy gradients, while the white cabinetry with its custom millwork reflect the style of southern, beachside properties.

If you didn’t think there was enough storage between the recessed mirror medicine cabinets and the extra long vanity, look to the right! No master bathroom is complete without standing linen storage: his and hers. Where else could you store all bathroom and beach necessities?!

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

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Lake House Laundry Room Renovation -Before,During,After

One of our most recent projects was redesigning a functional laundry room for one of my favorite repeat clients. Their home is beautiful and has plenty of space but lacked the storage and functionality in a space they used frequently. After several years living with a laundry room that was missing usable storage they finally decided they had enough and it was time for an over-haul.  Now in a room, such as a laundry room,  function is everything. Thinking about how they move in the space and what order they do things; this made them really think about the layout and that is where I came in. 

Here is the project- Before, During and After:

For starters, there is only one little wall cabinet. That is it for storage! And the swing door limited what you could do with the wall on the right.

 For some reason the water supply and outlets were not in ideal locations. So they needed a little reworking for the new layout. Also with lack of storage, items that usually would be out of sight were just sitting on the floor.

 In reaction to not having enough storage, my clients used this make-shift storage shelf be their means to store household items. Brooms and mops just hung out next to it.

 The swing door prevented precious wall space from being utilized, so we had to change that!

Construction begins by moving the plumbing and electrical to the left wall and removing the wall cabinet.

 Then the old tube florescent light fixture is replaced with two recessed cans.

 Once all the behind the walls are done we framed out the new pocket door and relocated the light switches to the outside for easy access. This pocket door has allowed us the maximize the cabinetry in this 5'x8' room. Giving us 10' span of cabinets for plenty of storage.

Cabinet installation begins! These are 8' tall and they are full of storage space inside!

 Ta Da! Tall 24" deep cabinets on either side of the washer and dryer, one with pull out drawers and the other to hold a hamper and other laundry items. A cabinet above for less used items.

 On the other 5' wall we did 12" deep cabinets for smaller, frequently used items and left a space on the floor for the dog crate and have a hanging rod for drying clothes. This wall used to be where the swing door sat when door was open, now much more functional with lots of storage!

 

Finished the white cabinets off with hand finished brushed nickel hardware. 

 The pocket door made this room!

 As you can see, yes this room is only 5' wide and we utilized as much space as we could. With 10' ceilings this means think vertical storage, and that is just what we did!

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

 

 

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Storing Wine....Creatively!

Wine storage for those of us who lack a cellar or just don't have a large collection of bottles these are some great storage ideas for you! Some of these ideas are DIY which is always fun others are ideas for when you decide to finally renovate that kitchen you have always dreamed of! Wine storage is something people often look over and just simply buy a table top rack that holds few bottles.  That doesn't seem like a very creative idea for your precious wine collection, does it? You want your display to standout and house your wonderful collection for all to see. Here are a few ideas to get your thinking. Enjoy!

 

 Above the cabinets in the kitchen has always been a place to store bottles, but what if you could integrate your storage system? This kitchen shows the holes in the brick wall but this could easily be done on a typical wall or any material for that matter, just make sure to plan for it when designing your kitchen.

 

 Ah concrete, one of my favorite materials to use in design. Inexpensive, industrial looking and durable.

 Postal tubes are great for shipping drawings or anything that can be rolled up easily, but wine storage? Yes, please! Cut them down to your desired size, arrange your design and ta da! Easy on the wallet so you can buy more wine to store in your DIY storage system.

 This teardrop design is simple and sleek and a perfect piece for modern designed interior.

 Reclaimed wood is another one of my favorite materials to use in design. This can be a DIY project that is sure to hold your all of your bottles.

Oh the classic wine cellar look. If you can get your hands on one or two these would make great storage for a small collection. Can either be free standing or mounted on the wall!

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Chill in the Shade with Your Hot Outdoor Kitchen

Winter is currently here but its never too soon to start planning your new outdoor kitchen! Whether you have a small patio or a giant yard, anything is possible. This is about function, maybe you only entertain a few people at a time or maybe you have an entire army to feed; well any of these options would give you the right tools and space to have the perfect get together! Here is your outdoor kitchen inspiration! Enjoy!

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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Dream Wine Cellars

For all the wine lovers out there, this is for you. Even if your home doesn't have enough space for a full cellar you can still display and store your collection anywhere you please.  Here are some unique, creative, and just fun wine cellars!

 Love the clean linear execution!

 I feel like I'm in a professional kitchen with all the stainless steel.

 Can you think of a better place to wine and dine?

 Rich woods give this example a warm and welcoming feel.

This is a perfect modern example of a wine cellar in a small space.

 Some consider wine to be art, why not put it on display?

 Wine provides a warm and unique feeling for me,
This designer really wanted to return that feeling to the wine itself.

 A perfect place to share a glass with a close friend.

Circular racks continue the theme and make a fitting resting place for this collection.

10 Kitchen Design Tips

Everyone dreams of their perfect kitchen, and whenever that time comes to make it happen you need to make sure everything has been thought through down to the smallest detail.  Kitchen renovations can be stressful if you are not prepared for it or if you try to take on too much by yourself without consulting a professional.  These are some key things that should be considered before taking on a major kitchen renovation alone.

 

1. Unique Flooring

 If you decide to go with a neutral palette and solid colors a bold floor is a great option to bring in interest. Here, classic black and white share the stage and create a truly unique floor.

2. Integrated Appliances  

 Starting from "scratch" on a kitchen is the perfect opportunity to give yourself maximum storage and function.  Integrated fridge drawers for the kids or dishwasher drawers so you can wash a partial load these ideas can make or break your everyday tasks if you don't consider them. Also, disguising them with your cabinet face gives your kitchen a seamless look.
 

3. Update Cabinets

So you kitchen has the function you need, but its just outdated. Refinishing your existing cabinets can be a huge cost saver and frees up your budget for other key elements you want in your dream kitchen.  

4. Hardware

 Using finger pulls instead of decorative pulls creates a more streamline look.

5. Use a Similar Color

Bring other colors from adjacent rooms to make your new and improved kitchen flow with the rest of the house. Kind of like it has always been there!

6. Durable Solutions

In a hard working kitchen durable surfaces are important.  Countertops are one of the most because they get the most abuse. So make sure you pick a material like quartz, concrete or stainless for a longer lasting counter.

7. Open Up Your Space 

Ever had the chance to knock down a wall? Its a great feeling, like a therapy session or anger management at home! Also makes for a closer family or better entertaining space. Even though square footage wasn't added your home will feel bigger.

8. The Social Island

The kitchen is the heart of the home, right? Well at least that's where everyone migrates to. Creating ample seating for others to hang out with the chef is always good. It allows you to still be apart of the action and a comfortable place for others to sit.

9. Creative Backspash

There are so many options for backsplashes now so why not take advantage of them?  This one shows irregular shaped stainless tiles. They are just as simple to install as sheeted mosaic tiles but are more interesting. 

10. Mix It Up

Two tone cabinetry is a great way to introduce another color into your kitchen as well as create some interest instead of having a sea of one color cabinetry.

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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Happy Memorial Day! Dream Outdoor Kitchens!

This Memorial Day, remember the brave men and women who fought for our country and the freedom they secured. So, celebrate the American way and fire up your grill, splash in your pool, and have yourself a BBQ- all without missing a thing! Many cooks often feel left out of all the fun- which is unfortunate since we all know the fun revolves around the food! With an outdoor kitchen, the cook is sure to still be part of the festivities and all the action, and everyone is sure to enjoy the convenience of an outdoor kitchen! Here are a few well designed outdoor kitchens perfect for any celebration. Enjoy!

Keep your kitchen in line with this streamlined mini fridge, sink, and grill!

Your outdoor kitchen doesn't have to be the center of attention! Keep it hidden when you're not using it- that way, you can really enjoy the outdoors (or just hide the mess you still need to clean up!).

Modern comforts of the great indoors- only, outdoors! This stainless steel kitchen even has a bar area perfect for serving company.

Everyone loves wide open spaces outdoors- the same goes for your outdoor kitchen! This kitchen is spacious because the design utilizes the corners and curves for full-function.

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