CN Design Blog

The Not So Fancy Kitchen is on the Home Tour!

2013-04-17T14:17:00.000-05:00

I'm excited about my project featured in this year's Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour April 27-28! I hope you'll stop in and see it - it's #12 on the tour and is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

We dubbed it the Not So Fancy Kitchen because the owner - a wonderful woman named Michelle - didn't want shiny granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances or high gloss ceramic tile. Instead, she asked me to make it "not so pretty" and asked me to avoid using shiny surfaces. Her dream was to transform her 1940's kitchen into a colorful and functional space, using colors inspired by vibrant antique Uruguayan tiles from her travels to South America.

Wanting to make the kitchen "a happy, fun place to cook in," Michelle wanted to retain much of the character of the home. Also on the wish list was additional storage and more natural light to transform the kitchen into a warm and welcoming gathering space.

Repurposing the Space:

Michelle wanted to recycle or repurpose as much as possible in the home during this remodel, so we retained the fantastic 1940's original linoleum flooring. A fun repurposing project was reusing the original ironing board cabinet into a spice cabinet.

We mixed Michelle's new modern conveniences with her collection of antique toys and colorful vintage dishware - she is a modern gal who loves old stuff - like the cracks in her plaster walls! I encouraged her to fix them, but she wanted them to stay. She likes them and says they add character to her kitchen.

New Space:

This client was fun to work with because she was willing to take risks! At Michelle's request, we didn't install any new upper cabinets, which results in an open, spacious feeling. It brings attention to beautiful details like the colorful handmade tile border from Northern Prairie and SoMi tile, chosen to blend with the existing floor. (Visit http://www.handmadetile.com and www.somitileworks.com to learn more about these wonderful artisans and their work!)

When designing the cabinets, I worked with a "blind corner" - that awkward space in the corner where cabinets meet and there is typically a Lazy Susan. We didn't have enough space for a Lazy Susan, so we built sliding drawers instead - I call them 'magic drawers'. The front drawer pulls out and moves to the right, giving room to pull the second drawer out from behind it. It takes what would be wasted space and transforms it into valuable extra storage.

When installing new countertops, the existing countertops became a potential problem. The homeowner didn't want to remove or replace them, but the current countertop height is higher than it was in the 1940's and would block the window. To solve this, we retained the original counter heights in front of each of the two windows, enabling the owner to keep her windows and create a baking center. The countertops are Carerra marble - inspired by her travel to Italy, where she toured marble pits. She loves to bake and the lower countertop level is perfect for kneading dough - she loves it!

A small, high window was installed to bring in more light and floating shelves were mounted to display the homeowner's collections. We added specially designed spaces, such as a cabinet drawer to store their liquor bottles - we measured the bottles to be sure they'd fit - and cabinets to hold all of their pots, pans and utensils.

The task of working with "no shiny surfaces" provided an interesting challenge for me and after working on it, I'm realizing a changing trend. I think more people are moving away from shiny and embracing more of an "earthy" feeling.

Best compliment:

"No surprise, but I STILL love the kitchen! Had friends over last night - the ones who hadn't seen the kitchen - they loved it sooooo much! They said it was perfectly me! I said I had the best team working on, so of course it was perfect. Just thought you'd want to know the kitchen is almost perfect. It would be perfect if there was some kind of pullout bed so I could nap in there too. Like an under cabinet trundle bed. . . ." -- Michele

This home is #12 on the Minneapolis St. Paul Home Tour, running April 27- 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. - 5 pm on Sunday.

I Love Thermador!

2013-03-15T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have been delighted and honored to be included in the Thermador design council for the past 3 years. I have made some great new designer friends and the team at Thermador is fantastic.

(Left) This is the largest plate rack I have ever seen! I think it looks more modern this way instead of looking kind of country. (Right) Corner sinks are not my favorite, but sometimes they are so functional for the design. The open shelves with the open ends on the left offset this space around the sink. It all feels a little off kilter, which appeals to me!

The team asked us great questions, challenges our creative juices and listens to our comments, I mean REALLY LISTENS! So much so that we have had input on some of the new and exciting appliances that they have introduced since starting to meet with them.

(Left) I like the contrast of counters and the different heights, with the wood eating area counter layering over the stone work area counter. (Right) Here are some of my designer buddies! Left, Jennifer Allison of Jennifer Allison Design, CA, center Donna Venegas of Venegas and Company, MA, and Cheryl Parsley of Rene Products, Ohio.

Recently, Thermador moved their main showroom from Scottsdale to their corporate offices in Irvine, California. So at this year's conference, we got to marvel at beautiful vignettes, fun functional kitchens and new appliances (we even got to test them for one of our meals!).

I love lift up cabinets! I have 3 at my cabin up north and I love the way you can open them all and the doors are not in your way and you can load them up so easily. Also notice that the bottom line of the wall cabinets is all level and no cut up over the sink. It is not really necessary to have that area higher and you do not bump it with your head.

As usual, they are charming and gracious hosts. This year is Thermador's "Year of the designer," so check out their website at www.thermador.com and meet my design council designers!

(Left) I had to throw this picture in because I love the colors of the bowl, fruit and tiled backsplash. (Center) I love this very contemporary look of no upper cabinets around the hood. Then the hood (and the tile, not here) become the focal point. Remember, "Less is more." (Right) Barbara Barton hand cut the beets in the Thermador fun shape, that's dedication and proper branding!

It should be a fun year to check in on their news often and notice the continuing press they receive in the publications around Design and Home Decor.

(Left) This is different for me... I am so symmetrical... But I like the asymmetry of this hood placement. I am copying this for a current client. Tiling the entire wall is also a favorite of mine. (Center) Lisa Brooks Of Brooks Kitchens and Baths, Georgia is deep frying goat cheese balls for our salad. They were delicious! (Right) Very classy and modern wine cellar.

(Left) Here are Barbara Barton of Barbara Barton and Associates, CO, and Patrick L. Borg of Neff in Chicago, cooking on the new Freedom induction cooktop which allows you to place the pans anywhere on the cooktop. I want one! (Right) This photo shows the "living wall" of herbs for cooking and the look is very interesting. It was the first area that all the designers commented about. They have a unique way of watering the plants, all plumbed into each plant. The natural green plants bring life into the showroom.

Welcome to our Gift Gallery!

2012-11-30T22:14:00.000-06:00

In the spirit of the holiday season, I've collected items and events in this Holiday Gift Gallery! It's a great way to find creative gifts for everyone on your list and an opportunity to support the talented artists in our community.

Many of you know that I have been affiliated with the Handmade Tile association for years. As a designer and lover of handmade tile, I have promoted many tile artists who are also members and included in the Handmade Tile Directory. Last year Josh Blanc, owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, opened a fun shop downtown in Gaviidae Commons for the Holidays. He is doing it again this year! Stop down for some very unique and local artisans gift - plus, 5% of all sales are donated to the Northeast Minneapolis Art District! Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Visit www.claysquared.com for more information.

I love the tile from Mercury Mosaics! Check out my Before/After section on my website, photos 23-28 for a fantastic transformation on a "Spiff-up" using Mercury Mosaics as the centerpiece of the project! Their custom studio at the Casket Arts Building (681 17th Avenue NE, Mpls.) is open for the holidays on Thursday, December 6, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

I have used Northern Prairie Tileworks beautiful tiles in two installations and I am always amazed at the variety of designs, colors, glazes, patterns and everything they can accomplish in their local shop and factory. I have a new project I just completed that is a combination of Roger's 2" x 2" and 4" x 4" tiles - it's called the Not So Fancy Kitchen, and you can see photos of it on my Facebook page.

Fire On The Greenway Gallery & Studios, next door to North Prairie Tileworks, will be having their annual Holiday Sale this weekend, December 1 from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. and December 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a collective of 17 potters and sculptures who utilize North Prairie's gas kiln for some of their work and includes two members of the North Prairie Tileworks staff. Check it out this weekend at 2845 Harriet Avenue, Minneapolis.

Check out this new Water Colorist!
In November, I met a new tenant and artist at the Cache event at the Casket Arts Building who is working in the Interior Design field and she is a fantastic water colorist. Check out her studio in the Casket Arts building, #109, on Thursday, December 6 and Saturday December 8. Her name is Bonnie Folkerts and her website is: You can also purchase art and notecards on her website at http://bjfolkerts.com/

Give the gift of health and exercise to your friends!
I have recently joined a great workout studio near my house in the Kingfield neighborhood. It's called Four Gates, and they will be offering Gift Certificates from their website.Consider giving your friends an unlimited pass for 30 days for $60! It was a great way for me to try all the classes and pick the ones I love that best fit my schedule http://fourgatesmpls.com/

PAVEMENT AND TILE ART IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

2012-10-30T17:08:00.000-05:00

I encountered beautiful tile art everywhere in Lisbon, Portugal—in the streets and pedestrian walkways, on the interiors and exteriors of buildings, in fountains, at railway stations…literally, everywhere. The designs draw on ancient art, contemporary design and everything in between. For a tile enthusiast like me it was an amazing experience. Please enjoy my impressions of the pavement and building tile art I experienced in my travels.

Pavement Art

Known as calcada Portuguese pavement art is everywhere in Lisbon and throughout Portugal. The art form is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia. Later it was brought to Ancient Greece and Rome. Today, Portugal is the centerpiece of the art form. Rocks and various locally obtained stone materials were used in ancient times – and still today. In fact, many of the original techniques are still in use, too. Part craft and part arduous labor, calcada involves long hours of laying stones from a prone position for low pay. The results, while picturesque, can also be hazardous (slippery when wet), prone to breaking up, and costly and time-intensive to repair. Sadly, this may be a dying art, giving us all the more reason to treasure and savor it now.

See more Lisbon pavement art in my Facebook Album.

Tile Art on Buildings

The exteriors of buildings in Lisbon Portugal are covered with tiles known as Azulejos, an Arabic word meaning “polished stone”. They were introduced to Portuguese artisans by Spanish Moorish invaders early in the 15th century. The Moors, in turn, learned the craft from the Persians. The geometric designs featuring inter-locking, lace-like patterns and floral motifs are strongly influenced by Moorish art. Portugal also readily adapted the Moorish taste for completely covering wall and floor surfaces with decorations in the tradition of “horror cacui” or fear of empty spaces. In modern times there is no other country that has embraced tile to the extent that Portugal has. It was such a privilege to be there and experience it in person. Following are some of my photos and impressions…

This fountain was created for the site of the World’s Fair Expo. The water flowing over the individual colored tiles made some amazing patterns.

I love the way this doorway is framed in tile that blends with the door color and the unique terra cotta archway over the door. The design is composed of a combination of striped tiles tipped diagonally and a geometric star pattern.

The façade of this tile factory (above) is from the 1800's. The blue and white patterns show a lot of Dutch influence because many tile artisans migrated to Portugal from Holland. In turn, both Dutch and Portuguese tile artisans were greatly influenced by Chinese porcelains.

The wall pattern in this courtyard contains floral motifs, however, the overall design looks geometric. The primary border is a very traditional geometric pattern. The blue and white background at the base looks more free form in design—almost "sponged."

This tile exterior is quite elaborate with many colors introduced throughout the patterns: yellow, blue, green, pink, and white. I especially appreciate how the stone border around the door opening takes several jogs and the tile follows the jog pattern. The border tile truly accentuates this French-style door frame!

Why does this wall remind me of Amish quilt patterns? With bold geometrics and vivid use of color this pattern also has the extra diamonds that are created by the corners of the four tiles coming together. Note the goofy repair job in the border around the door’s upper left corner, vertical side.

Here my favorite lime green color is mixed with a teal green, an unusual combination which I like! Again, the pattern becomes more intricate with the edges of all the tiles creating another pattern to make diagonal stripes across the entire wall.

This wall looks modern to me... however, it was applied to a very old building. I did not see subway style tile (popularized by the New York subway system, early 1900's) very often. I especially like the beveled edges of the individual tiles. The green textured spiral border is fantastic.

This was the front of a restaurant. This pattern almost looks Art Nouveau style. The wood grid pattern around each tile creates a stained glass window look.

Look at this great color combination, so popular for today, aqua and teal!

These tiles and colors are good examples of Moorish influences.

This tiled wall at Sintra, at the World Heritage Site in Portugal, is another example of Moorish influences.

The photo on the right is a close up of the tile that surrounds the arch.

This tiled wall was also located in Sintra at the Palacio National de Sintra. According to National Geographic Traveler, Portugal, by Fiona Dunlap: "It is Portugal's oldest palace which spans more than 8 centuries of history from it's Moorish origins until the end of the monarchy in 1910.

From Azulejos, Masterpieces of the National Tile Museum of Lisbon: "This pattern is called enxaquetados which is a linguistic archasim associated with checkered compositions: geometric ceramic pieces obtained mainly through the alicatado process, the forms being cut from previously baked monochrome (blue, green, white) ceramic plaques. This is a composition that was practiced in the late 1600's."

I first saw one of my favorite patterns in the Azulejos Museum. Seeing it later at the Palacio National de Sintra was a fantastic bonus.

From Azulejos, Masterpieces of the National Tile Museum of Lisbon:

"The star motif shown here seems to be a stylized version of the original Islamic models, as initially the themes that were known with this configuration, included knots, referring to the idea of the firmament as an immense carpet on which the stars are embroidered."

I love the strong diagonal line of this beautiful tile as it follows the upward “movement” of the steps.

Portuguese azulejos artisans left no surface undecorated for our viewing pleasure. I know they inspired me, and their influences will no doubt turn up in my future designs. I hope my photos and impressions have inspired you too!

Central European Travel Adventures

2012-10-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

This month my Color Blog is all about the sights and colors of Central Europe. My husband and I just returned from a three-week motorcycle trip through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Naturally, my mind and imagination are filled with vivid images and my heart is full of passion for the places we visited, the natural beauty, architecture and art we saw, and of course, all the amazing people we encountered.

The weather was almost perfect with only one day of rain. The terrain varied from mountains to foothills; from the Adriatic sea to teal-colored mountain lakes with stunning waterfalls; from medieval walled seaside villages to the vastness of the rolling countryside near the Bosnian border; from lush, green hills with evergreen trees to sandy barren landscapes with olive and fig trees. It was all spectacular and memorable. Seeing the varied architecture, the quaint villages and medieval walled cities, and the people working in their gardens with rustic implements preserved from another era often gave us a sense of timelessness.

I want to share just some of my photos and impressions with you – though anyone who knows me, understands it was definitely a challenge to narrow it down to these few!

Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This is a beautiful park with 13 interconnected lakes, punctuated with waterfalls between each lake. The color was the teal blue/green often seen in mountain lakes. It reminded us of our beloved Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area – and we felt at home…with a difference.

Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Most of the waterfalls rushed over green vegetation, including ferns, moss or trees and some and logs and rock formations.

Croatia

Near the Bosnian border

We saw constant reminders of the 1995 warfare. It was startling to see that the exteriors of many homes in this area still bore the scars of bullet holes.

Austria

Near Klagenfurt

We began and ended our tour in this city. We spent our first day bicycling around part of this lake, watching sailboats and Harley motorcycle riders. Harley is the best selling bike in Europe. All motorcyclists and scooter operators are required to wear helmets. Motorcycling is a great way for Europeans to travel between their countries. With fuel costs of $10 per kilo it is the economical way to go. We spoke with Italians, Spaniards, and Germans who enjoy this low-cost method of traveling as much as we do.

Slovenia

The mountains here were snow capped and that kept us from riding through the passes but it was fantastic to see their beauty all around us.

Slovenia

The countryside is very lush with lots of shades of green, from the spring green grass to the forested hills thick with the deep color of the evergreens.

BMW was the preferred motorcycle for our tour and we totally enjoyed traveling on this spacious bike.

Slovenia

Isn't this fun and colorful? Pairing yellow with grey is such a popular combination now. I was constantly on the lookout for the perfect troll to bring home to my garden in Minneapolis!

Austria

This photo is from our first day in Austria. We saw several churches and fortresses on hills along the way. So picturesque. There was always something new to capture our attention on the road.

Opatija, Croatia

On the Adriatic Sea

The coastal area of Croatia is very hot. It is covered with rocky beaches and quaint little fishing villages. We experienced this sunset from our hotel room, which was in a very old coastal city once ruled by the Hapsburgs. The houses and mansions here are very grand, their ornate decorations reminiscent of an older, more elegant time.

Rovinj, Croatia

Walled coastal town

We traveled by motorcycle across the peninsula of northern Croatia to this walled medieval village on the opposite coast. The streets in the central area and harbor are walking only - which really makes the pace of life seem much slower and more calmly measured.

Croatia

Coastal towns

This was our view on the way to the islands of Croatia. There are many picturesque villages all along the Adriatic sea.

Croatia

Goats in the hills

As we were leaving the coast and heading into the foothills and mountains it became a common occurrence to encounter livestock on the single laned roads. Cars constantly had to pull over to allow other cars to pass. We saw many older women out working in their gardens wearing their traditional black outfits with aprons and babushkas.

Otocec, Slovenia

On our last day of traveling I admired the quaintness and open landscaping of this area.

It was sad to leave these beautiful and very interesting Central European countries! We hope to return to these areas again one day and explore them further.

Designing with Tile

2012-09-11T10:23:00.002-05:00

Minnesota Tile Festival September 15, 2012

It’s September and that means it’s time for one of my favorite events – the Minnesota Tile Festival, the best and one of the largest handmade tile festivals in the country. This year’s festival is being held at American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, in the beautiful outdoor courtyard created by the addition of the new Nelson Cultural Center. Meet over 30 tile and mosaic artists. Participate in “See It, Make It” demonstrations and creation opportunities.

I’m excited to be one of the sponsors of the Tile Bucks Drawings, an opportunity to win $125 to spend with participating artists on the day of the festival. Drawings will be held at noon and 2 p.m. Check my Facebook page for a Tile Bucks entry form you can download, and bring to the festival to enter the drawing.

Other highlights of the day include:

Handmade Tile Art Fashion Show / Competition (1 p.m.): A unique collaboration of 15 local fashion designers and the talented handmade tile artists. The show is emceed and judged by Melinda Nelson, Senior Editor of Mpls. St. Paul Magazine.
Art Car Creation: Using tiles donated by members of the Handmade Tile Association, Lori Greene of Mosaic on a Stick invites one and all to help “tile” an art car.
Silent Auction of art tiles
Guest speakers
Artists’ Award Presentations

This year’s festival is better than ever. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day!

Creative Ways to Use Ceramic Subway Tile

1904 New York City subway station: This Old House

Recently I read a fantastic article called, “ All About Ceramic Subway Tile” in the August issue of This Old House Magazine. The author, Laura Fisher Kaiser, explains that Subway tile, true to its name, was originally designed for New York City’s subterranean train stations in the early 1900’s. The tile quickly became popular with homeowners and moved into prewar bathrooms and kitchens. The epitome of sanitary; it is easy to clean, stain resistant and reflects light. The most common size was 3” x 6”. Today it is available in many rectangular sizes. The rule of thumb is that the length is twice its height. Traditionally the tiles were set horizontally, but many contemporary designs are being installed vertically to achieve interesting effects. Materials now vary too, including glass tiles.

In 1995 Josh Blanc, currently of Clay Squared to Infinity and the president of the Handmade Tile Association, worked with other artisans of North Prairie Tileworks to create reproductions of Guastavino 6" x 12" grooved tiles (in colors ranging from turquoise green to a turquoise blue) for the tunnel under the main staircase of the Minnesota state capitol building. So classic - so beautiful!

In my own kitchen and bath designs I have used handmade subway tile from three local tile artists: North Prairie Tileworks, Mercury Mosaics, SoMi Tileworks. See samples of our collaborations below — then plan to meet the artists and see more of their work at the Minnesota Tile Festival.

Kitchen designed by Christine Nelson Design
with North Prairie Tileworks

North Prairie Tileworks

I worked with the artisans of North Prairie Tileworks to create this kitchen backsplash featuring subway tile with a beautiful Morris inspired medallion insert. The switch plate covers were also made to match. The installation uses a 50% stager pattern with the tiles lining up in at the mid-point of the tiles above them. This is a very traditional installation pattern.

Mercury Mosaics

This kitchen backsplash was created by Mercury Mosaics for one of my Kitchen Spiff-Up projects. By using a non-staggered (or stacked) installation method—where all the tiles line up evenly at the outside edges—we gave the old cabinets a more contemporary look.

Spiff Up project designed by Christine Nelson Design

with Mercury Mosaics

SoMi Tileworks

Here the color of the subway tile melts into the color of the countertops, allowing the eye-catching poppy medallion and flower tile accents created by SoMi Tileworks to really pop. The medallion is removable for cleaning ease, or to move to a new home.

Kitchen designed by Christine Nelson Design

with SoMi Tileworks

Grout Matters

Bathroom designed by Christine Nelson Design
shows contrasting grout

Grout color makes a huge difference in the visual outcome of every tile installation. It is available in a wide range of colors. Sometimes it is nice to match the color of the tile. When more contrast is desired for interesting effects I like to experiment with lighter or darker grout choices. Make sure to have the grout sealed so stains cannot collect on the grout.

In this bathroom design I chose a darker grey grout to offset the white subway tile—making the checkerboard pattern stand out more. The matte glass subway tile in the tub area has a lighter grout for the same contrasting effect.

Here is an example of a bathroom design where I used the same white subway tile as in the example above but chose a near-match grout for a more unified, subtle effect.

Bathroom designed by Christine Nelson Designs

showing a unified look with matching grout

Creating Patterns With Subway Tile

Running board or 50% stagger

This pattern is noted in several of the photos above. With this type of installation it is necessary to make multiple cuts at the ends of the tiled walls. This works best with walls that are slightly out of square.

Stacked

See the Mercury Mosaics / Spiff-Up kitchen backsplash above. This method creates a more contemporary look.

Vertical

Installing subway tiles vertically creates an even more contemporary look and works well in small spaces to give the illusion of taller ceilings. The vertical installation can use either the staggered or stacked method. The tiles shown in the photo to the left are glass tiles.

Kitchen designed by Christine Nelson Design with vertical staggered tiles

In this example, vertically set tiles create aqua and black stripes on a bathroom wall. Also in this bathroom wall you can see how different sizes were used; the tiny subway tile on the bottom with the horizontal staggered installation, and the much larger subway tile above the sink with the vertical stacked installation. These variations add a nice contrast in size, colors and direction.

Vertical stripes installation:

This Old House magazine

Herringbone

Either a focal point or an entire backsplash can be installed in a herringbone pattern for a very intricate and interesting effect. Allow at least 15% extra tile to account for the numerous cuts with this pattern.

Herringbone stove backsplash:

This Old House

Other Design Details

Framed focal point - as in the SoMi Tileworks poppy medallion (see above) or as in this example, where subway tile is set in a different direction inside the medallion area.

Famed tile pattern: This Old House

Contrasting base and cap often includes a border tile with a design to add a great deal of contrast and color punch!

Decorative inset tiles by North Prairie Tileworkx

Similar color base and cap usually means that the caps are glazed around the entire top for a finished look.

Borders are a fun way to bring in more color and pattern into the space. Both of my bathroom designs shown above include tile borders.

Scattered accents are a great way to display very special handmade tiles surrounded by subway tile.

Obviously, I love handmade tile! I hope that seeing the enduring beauty and versatility of handmade tile has inspired you to attend the Minnesota Tile Festival and to start planning your next kitchen and bath project. Let’s do it together!

Outdoor Kitchens

2012-08-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

My colors! Creating such an inviting outdoor space.
Photo Credit: BH&G Magazine, July 2012

The weather has been sizzling this summer. It’s been too hot much of the time to cook – indoors or out. But now that more temperate weather is returning and we are using our patios and decks more, it is a great time to think about creating or enhancing your outdoor kitchen. And you should be able to take advantage of some great end of the season sales, too.

Imagine long, relaxing evenings grilling steaks and corn-on-the-cob, slicing garden ripened picked tomatoes…and later gathering around the fire pit and talking into the night while the kids toast marshmallows to make s’mores. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? The great thing is that an outdoor kitchen can extend the patio enjoyment / outdoor cooking season well into November. I enjoy cooking my Thanksgiving turkey on the grill.

Following are some ideas and details to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen, taken from “This Old House Magazine”, August 2012:

Set up your outdoor kitchen close to the house for convenience but also to save money by running utilities only a short distance and to use existing patio or deck space. Also, the walls of the house can provide structure and protection.
A sink and refrigerator are not necessities, but they will make outdoor cooking more enjoyable.
Create work surfaces. Ideal places are above the refrigerator, alongside of the grill, and/or alongside the sink.
Consider moveable units for cost-saving and multi-tasking in small spaces.
A pergola, awning or umbrella will provide sun and weather protection.
Create a 3-pronged lighting plan. A clip-on grill light provides task lighting. Use lanterns or other ambient lighting in eating and lounging areas. For safety consider spot lights or pathway/stairway lights.
Use a portable heat source to extend the outdoor season.

Below, I chose products and ideas that can most easily be implemented this late in the season. None of them should require a permit but just to be safe check with your local community and learn their rules and regulations.

Moveable units provide the most flexibility. This prefab grill island by Select Outdoor Kitchens is great for food prep and grilling, and it also has plenty of storage space.

This rolling food-prep station, also available through I mprovements Online Catalog, doubles as a serving station.

Now you need a sink. Having one built in can cost $2000 or more. Here is one way save money. This unit, also from Improvements Online Catalog, has a dedicated water line and also includes plumbing and waste lines. It will recycle water from your existing outdoor hose line for only $100!

This inflatable serving bar from Improvements is lightweight and portable. It will keep your drinks and your potato salad cool for only $14.99!

Use Improvements’ submersible tea lights (battery powered LEDs) for some added enchantment.

If including an outdoor family room is your style you might enjoy this fun idea from the July 2012 Better Homes and Gardens magazine. A California family – with the help of a carpenter - transformed a vintage horse trough into a combination fire pit, drink cooler and table. You could make it yourself from concrete.

When you create or enhance your outdoor kitchen send me photos. I would love to see them, and with your permission, share them on Facebook or in a future Blog.

Enjoy your new and improved outdoor spaces throughout the summer and fall!

Christine's Pick of the Month for August

Look for outdoor furniture at:

Crate and Barrel

3503 Galleria
Edina, MN 55435
952.920.2300

or at their new youthful store

CB2 Uptown
3045 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.821.9303

Colors for the Road

2012-07-02T17:12:00.000-05:00

This month I’m taking my thoughts about color on the road – where the purpose of using bright colors is more about safety than aesthetics, but there’s still plenty of colorful fun to be had.

Recently I traveled with friends to Elkhart Lakes, Wisconsin to attend the Vintage Motorcycle Classic at Road America racetrack. There was color, color everywhere on a variety of antique motorcycles – so many varieties of styles and ages. I especially loved the very earliest motorcycles that morphed from bicycles.

In addition to motorcycles there was everything from tractors to scooters to golf carts. It was visual over load, I didn’t know where to look first. I took “Gina”, my cobalt blue scooter, and did my share of bopping around in the spectator part of the racetrack.

We were also able to ride on the country roads around St. Anna where we stayed. There is a large Amish population in that area, so it was a quite a sight to see us sharing the back roads with the Amish buggies. Seeing the ways they light their buggies with lights and reflectors to drive in the dark got me to thinking again about the importance of visibility on the road – no matter what you ride in!

Road safety is often a topic of concern in our household because we are avid bicyclists as well as motorcyclists. Despite current safety awareness, and the increased use of bicycle helmets, I still see many riders on bikes at night with no tail reflector blinkers, no front light and wearing dark non-reflective clothing. It is so dangerous. It’s time we all get colorful and visible!

For 30+ years I have often been a passenger on one or another of my husband’s various motorcycles. I know how important it is to be visible – but it wasn’t until I recently took a Minnesota Safety Motorcycle class to obtain my license for my scooter that I really began to do my research. It’s all about finding the right colors and the best lights for maximum safety.

Here are some interesting color facts from an article I found on the Alive To Ride website:

White is the most visible color under uniform lighting.
Black is the least visible color (regardless of lighting conditions).
Lime-green provides excellent visibility in all color conditions. That’s why we are seeing safety vests, and fire trucks being painted in this new color in recent years.
Colors that blend in with their surroundings make a vehicle less visible.
Bright colors closest to the center of the color spectrum are generally easier to see than darker colors.

What does this mean for bicyclists and motorcyclists?

Helmets and bikes should be bright colors, maybe white, but definitely not black. Kawasaki Lime Green is the best.
Adding decals or custom painting to helmets and motorcycles can also make them more visible.
The old school blaze orange safety vest works well to be seen over dark jackets.
Many bikes, particularly sport bikes, are covered with a myriad of bright vibrant colors. Having multiple colors increases the range of conditions that you can be seen in.
LED lighting kits also offer great night visibility for motorcycles—and they are a fun way to showcase your bicycle at night, too. These kits primarily use bright neon lights, such as electric blue, fire red, and traffic light green for that special “Wow!” factor.

Check out this illuminating video for revolutionary LED bicycle lights:

Travel safe this summer - and enjoy the bright color possibilities!

Christine’s Pick for Summer

The new Jonathon Adler store in Uptown. What a breath of fresh air and fresh ways to accessorize your home with color!

1439 West Lake Street

Minneapolis, MN

612.353.5311

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Sun Noon-5pm

New Mexico Inspirations

2012-05-17T00:22:00.002-05:00

In March I took a trip to my beloved New Mexico with my Mother and cousin. We had a marvelous time.

I drew constant inspiration from the colors of the landscape, the architecture and the art that surrounded me.

Natural and bright colors are found everywhere there!

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
It is impossible to be in Sante Fe and not pay homage to Georgia O’Keeffe. Visiting the museum dedicated to her work and influences always affirms and magnifies my own love for New Mexico.

This is Cerro Pedernal, viewed from Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu,
New Mexico, a favorite subject for O’Keeffe.
I painted it often enough thinking that, if I did so, God would give it to me.

Known for her vibrant use of color, O’Keefe talked about it in a way that sings to my soul:

Color is one of the great things in the world that makes life worth living to me and as I have come to think of painting it is my efforts to create an equivalent with paint color for the world, life as I see it.

International Folk Museum

The International Folk Museum contains the world’s largest collection of folk art – and enjoys the generous support of individual collectors, notably the private collection of more than 106,000 objects given by a designer/hero of mine, Alexander Girard. (See my June 2010 Blog extolling his use of bright colors in his mid-century modern textile designs.

In giving their gift, Alexander and Susan Girard hoped visitors would see connections, the common bond, among the peoples of the world.

I believe we should preserve this evidence of the past, not as a pattern for sentimental imitation, but as nourishment for the creative spirit of the present.

- Alexander Girard

Cardona-Hine Fine Arts Gallery

My friendship with Alvaro Cardona-Hine and Barbara McCauley goes back almost 30 years – when we all lived in St. Paul. They moved to New Mexico over 20 years ago and I have followed their success as internationally known and collected oil and acrylic artists through their website.

While driving the High Road to Taos we passed through the tiny town of Truchas and I suddenly realized we must be moments away from their gallery. We had to stop. It was so good to see them and hear about their wonderful art filled life in this tiny village in New Mexico.

Alvaro took us into his studio and showed us many of his wonderful works of art. This unexpected side trip and gallery tour was the highlights of the entire trip. I do hope I can get back there again to see them soon!

This trip confirmed it; New Mexico has my heart. Someday I hope to live there – but until then, I hold her land, art and people in my mind as constant inspiration!

2012 Minneapolis St. Paul Home Tour

2012-04-26T00:40:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be part of the 2012 Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour celebrating urban living, the preservation of vintage homes and new construction that features “green” and energy-efficient construction. It’s a unique opportunity for the community to share remodeling and expansion ideas, the history of city housing, urban lifestyles, and eco-friendly building practices.

The tour is FREE and SELF-GUIDED. You can get information and maps from the MSP Home Tour website, or at any Hennepin County Library (including Minneapolis), Ramsey County Library or Saint Paul Public Library. Look for Home Tour signs at major intersections directing you to the homes.

Homes are open to visitors:
Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There are almost 60 homes on the tour this year. Two of them are homes I had an opportunity to help renovate. So be sure to include Homes #16 and #33 on your tour.

Below is what the homeowners had to say about their renovation projects. The photos are by Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Communications.

House # 16

Rhonda Gilbraith and Jeff Radford

Kingfield Neighborhood

4011 Wentworth Avenue South

Built 1912

We love our vibrant neighborhood with its proximity to the lakes, great restaurants and gem of a farmer’s market, so we were committed to staying in our house, despite the daunting prospect of a badly-needed kitchen remodel.

We had a modest budget and needed to stay within the existing footprint.

Designer Christine Nelson came to our rescue with an ingenious plan. All major appliances had to be relocated to improve
flow. When the refrigerator came out of its former home in the pantry, the appliance shuffle blocked a doorway to the dining room. Solution? Refashion the doorway and create a pass-through. See how orange makes a statement on the walls and in beautiful, Morris-inspired handmade tile. Other fun details include contrasts in cabinets, counters and whimsical hardware. We can’t tell you how much we love our new kitchen!

Handmade tiles by Roger Mayland of North Prarie Tileworks.

House # 33

Kris Davidson

Nokomis East

Neighborhood

5145 29th Avenue South

1939

1.5-story

My kitchen had dark cabinets, orange counters and linoleum floors and was, as typical for the era, separated from the dining room.

We opened the kitchen up to the dining room, eliminated a dropped
ceiling and removed an
unused chimney to add more space in this small room.

We kept the historic flavor of the home by adding an archway between the rooms that matched those in the rest of the home.

We lightened everything up by adding painted upper cabinets that went to the ceiling and a new wood floor.

The fantastic handmade tile is from SoMi Tile in Minneapolis. The tile mural over the stove is removable for cleaning and future moves.

A small bathroom got a face lift with historic subway tile and all new fixtures which improved the space greatly!

Bathroom Trends

2012-03-25T16:44:00.016-05:00

A current trend in bathrooms is to combine classic and contemporary elements - with a focus on clean lines, pops of color, and the use of enduring and beautiful materials such as chrome, glass, natural stone, and wood.

This is a trend especially well suited to refreshing and remodeling the bathrooms in older Twin Cities’ homes – which is why I especially enjoyed the opportunities to work on the designs for the four projects featured here. It has been a busy but satisfying winter, bringing these projects to completion and seeing my clients enjoying their renewed spaces.

A special “thank you” goes to Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Communications for his amazing photography.

Fantastic Glass – Bathroom in a Box

The focus is on glass in this stunning bathroom remodel. The client came to me with a piece of art glass that she loved and wanted to use as a focal point. She asked me to design her bathroom around it. It was a dream project for me—and I had an absolute blast working with the client. Our personalities just seemed to mesh as we worked through all the details of the design process and began collecting sample materials that we planned to use.

One fun-filled day we started calling the project “Bathroom in a Box”– and the name stuck. Our progress on the project, from start to finish, is documented on my Facebook Page – and it makes quite a story. Be sure to check it out – and “Like” my page to be sure you see more projects unfold in the future.

We originally planned to use glass tiles on the walls but when we could not find exactly what we had had in mind we turned to Glass Art Design in Minneapolis. We described our vision to them and they created two glass walls of etched and sandblasted glass sections that perfectly captured our river theme. The glass is hand painted on the back.

Every other detail in the room’s design was carefully selected to compliment our glass theme—right down to the handmade glass knobs by local artist and designer, Wendy Mosmon.

Featured Bathroom Trends:

Besides the glass panels, other trends included: large rectangular and textured wall tile, white pebble floor tile, unique marble vanity top and tub surround, chrome fixtures, glass knobs, built in niche in the shower area, and fun coordinated wall color. The Bain Ultra air jet tub provides the ultimate in relaxation.

Cool Refreshment

This bathroom “Spiff Up” in a 1940’s house in South Minneapolis, is light and bright. The client wanted to keep her tub—which we painted—her beautiful authentic floor tile and the white tile in the tub surround.

Featured Bathroom Trends:

In this project we used chrome fixtures, beadboard walls, fixtures and accessories that mirror the square shape of the space, period sink to match the era of the house, and a fun splash of color on the walls!

Sophistication with Natural Stone

This bathroom was a total remodel—taking the entire room down to the studs. The client’s husband was able to do almost all the work in this beautiful natural stone experience.

Featured Bathroom Trends:

Natural stone tile, dark wood cabinets, under mount sink with granite counters, chrome fixtures, updated glass shower doors, and a soothing sea green paint to contrast with all the natural color tones.

Traditional Home – Classic Style

This bathroom was another South Minneapolis 1940’s home where we completely gutted the bathroom to start over, so all the fixtures and tile are new.

We combined historic subway tile and marble floor tile, and added a frosted glass border to bring some punch to the room. The much-needed storage above the tub blends well with the room’s décor.

Featured Bathroom Trends:

Subway tile, glass tile, freestanding vanity, chrome fixtures, rain shower sprayer, heated floors, and a light calming see breeze color on the walls.

Red is for February / Christine's Musings/ Cultural Cloth

2012-02-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

Red is for February

February’s arrival has me thinking in red. In an October, 2011 issue of Better Homes and Garden magazine there was an article called, ”Ready for Red.” This photo shows a great scheme for working with red and combining it with other colors. I love the way they utilized grey, white and black highlights with the red. It is so easy with this neutral background to add pops of red in the bedding and the accessories.

On her Sensational Color website Kate Smith notes: Red is recognized as a stimulant. It emotes excitement and energy. It affects us physically by increasing enthusiasm and energy, leading to heightened blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat and pulse. It can encourage action and confidence and provide a sense of protection from fears and anxieties. Click here for more info from Sensational Color.

Here are some great Red paint colors to try

Valspar La Fonda Red: Use it as an accent color.

Behr Firecracker: Use to paint an entire room!

Sherwin Williams Marooned, a true oxblood: Use to paint an accent wall.

Behr Apple Polish: Great for a room with little natural light, like a hall or dining room.

Benjamin Moore Merlot Red: Memories of Tuscany terra cotta, very earthy!

Ralph Lauren Modern Rose: A feminine dusky rose.

Other spring fashion trends that can be used in interiors include stripes, chevrons and polka dots. I especially love those graphic elements in black or navy combined with bright colors such as hot pink, yellow and, of course, red!

Christine's Musings

Recently I watched a vintage a Bob Fosse film from 1967, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. I loved the women's fashions and the Mad Men era men's suits. But it was the sets that really caught my eye. They were all so bright and colorful with my favorite colors: orange, lime green, aqua, kelly green, yellow, white, black and lots of RED. If you look at a current Crate and Barrel catalogue you will see all the same bright colors available again today. What goes around comes around - and thank goodness for that!

_______________

Speaking of the 1960’s there is a fascinating exhibit at the Minnesota History Museum called "Be There or Be Square”. It is a focus on1968 – a year of dramatic social, cultural and political upheaval. Don’t miss this retrospective. If possible bring along the younger generation. It won’t be a memorable experience for them, as it is for me, but a valuable history lesson none the less.

_______________

I am on the hunt for a Mondrian inspired day dress like this one created by Yves Saint Laurent in 1965 or like the one below worn by Emily Duffy to compliment her ModrianMobile art car in Emeryville, CA (2000).


If you are into vintage clothing help me keep an eye out for Mondrian inspired items. Thanks!

Cultural Cloth

I love fabrics of all kinds so I was fascinated to discover - through Cy Winship’s Metro magazine story, “Threads that Bind” - a new and unique resource close to the Twin Cities in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Mary Anne Wise is the founder of Cultural Cloth. She and her partners connect with women’s collectives worldwide helping them to find new avenues for their textile businesses.

I was especially attracted to the colorful rugs (lots of red!) with bold designs created by Mayan women. Mary Anne and her partner, Jody Slocum, went to Guatemala and taught the women, already proficient weavers, how to hook rugs. The results are amazing – and I don’t mean only the rugs. This on-going project benefits women’s lives in so many ways. It gives them purpose, self-esteem, economic empowerment, environmentally sustainable practices and international connectedness. Carmen, a Mayan rug maker, wrote: “Before these classes I believed I was nothing. I was a low person ... I see the world differently now and I am happy because I never thought that would be possible. I am not a low person”.

You can see the Mayan rugs and so much more (including bedcovers and sari cloth from India, felted wool art pieces from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan and open weave baskets from Haiti) displayed at Cultural Cloth. You will also learn more about the women who make them. It’s definitely worth the trip. If you go this winter you can combine the trip with some eagle watching on Lake Pepin and make a day of it! If you want to travel virtually, click HERE.

New Year - New Perspectives

2011-12-28T22:50:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pantone Color of the Year

The future for 2012 is bright with the Pantone color of the year—Tangerine Tango!

According to Pantone, as read in the December 17, Minneapolis Star Tribune, “Tango is the spirited reddish orange” that will give us “the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.” It is very effective color when used as an accent wall, or for unexpected pops of color in the kitchen or throughout the home.

I’m feeling quite smug about it all - since my October Color blog was about the virtues of the color orange. I have a personal investment too, since orange is one of the colors in my business logo. Plus, it just plain makes me happy. As Cy Winship (of Cy Winship Design, Minneapolis) commented in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on December 1, “ I love it! It’s a happy color!”

This color has been on the forefront for several years now, especially in the fashion industry, however, it should be dialed down a couple of shades for home interiors.

You can take Tangerine Tango in a more traditional direction by pairing it with fall colors, or take it wilder with a bright blue or lime green pairing— my favorite color combinations. (Photos: HGTV Color Crush)

At Home with Orange

I updated my own living room for the 2010 Minneapolis/St. Paul Home Tour and added an orange palette, knife style abstract painting created by my late father, Robert Clark Nelson. It makes me smile every time I walk from my sunroom to my colorful kitchen!

2012 Minneapolis / St. Paul Home Tour

Look for the orange kitchen that I designed in South Minneapolis in the upcoming 2012 Minneapolis / St. Paul Home Tour. Click HERE to check out the website for details about the tour and how to participate.

November Musings

2011-12-01T03:01:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving this month was a fun event for me because I got to cook (daughter bond) with my youngest, Maya. She researched the recipes and sent me the shopping list. I purchased the necessary items, and she showed up a couple of hours before dinner with the recipes and away we went! My other daughter, Britta, and my Mom, Carol. arrived later and they joined in too. A lot of laughing and eating completed the day! I would have loved to get out for a walk that day since it was so beautiful, however, turkey sleepiness took over.

Bikes 4 Kids

Thanksgiving always has me wondering how I can turn my thankfulness around and give to others. A program called Free Bikes 4 Kids fills the bill.

I am a member of the Major Taylor Bicycle Club and at our recent dinner/dance a guest explained that the program gives bikes to kids that are donated by various individuals and organizations. However, most of the bikes need “Spiff Ups”. He expressed a need for volunteers to come help clean, adjust and, if possible, perform bike mechanic magic – all before December 10th. Our club will be at the Midtown Bike Center on the Greenway at 2834 10th Ave. S. this Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd – 4th. Please join us!

If you can’t come this weekend – no worries. Just check out the Free Bikes 4 Kids website. There are bike centers open every day or evening at many locations. You may also donate used bikes to this worthy cause! Read more about this volunteer/donation opportunity in the November 21 Star Tribune.

Navy Makes Other Colors Pop

A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune featured a classic color – navy blue. I love this whole idea of using navy to make other colors pop.

In the article, Washington DC designer, Zoe Feldman, says “Navy is classic, and goes with everything, it adds warmth in a room and gives depth to walls. And you can have fun with it, too.“ If you are unsure about using it on walls she recommends using it on a piece of furniture first such as a chest or drawers or bookcase. It is a color that can go in either a masculine or feminine direction. You can pair it with white, red, magenta, chartreuse, pink, purple, teal, mustard, emerald gray and black. Wow! That’s almost all the colors on the color wheel!

Clarence Johnston Retrospective

Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) produced a fascinating retrospective on the life and work of Clarence Johnston (1959-1936).

St. Paul Central High School

Johnson was a noted St. Paul architect who designed numerous buildings throughout the Twin Cities (i.e. St. Paul Central High School, Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House, Eastcliff Mansion) and Duluth (i.e. Glensheen Estate). As the architect for the Board of Regions of the University of Minnesota he designed Northrop Auditorium, Walter Library, Williams Arena and many other campus buildings. TPT points out, “You’ve been in his buildings…you just didn’t know it.” Now through this well made documentary you can get to know this remarkable man. It’s must see TV for all history buffs and all exterior and interior design aficionados.

The program is called, “Gracious Spaces: Clarence H. Johnston, Minnesota Architect”. Watch for it to air again on TPT, or watch it online.

Color Splash Alert

A room makeover by Designer David Bromstad on HGTV’s “Color Splash” really resonated with me. “Modern New York City Loft Master Bedroom Inspired by Dylan’s Candy Bar” aired on November 26, 2011. (Episode HCLRS-911H)

THIS COLOR MAKEOVER WAS SO ON MY RADAR! I could envision myself in this room. Because the walls were all windows, with magnificent views, Bromstad placed the bed in front of one of them and custom made a very artistic acrylic headboard with lime green panels. He shot LED lights thru the plastic to give it a glow in the evenings. The other colors he used throughout the room were magenta, purple, more lime green, white and black. Try to catch this show when they show it as a rerun.

Now Online: My Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Virtual Tour

My colorful orange (fall-inspired) kitchen, with handmade tile by North Prairie Tileworks, is included in a virtual tour on the Mpls./St. Paul website.

All About ORANGE—Including A Fall Inspired Kitchen

2011-11-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Fall is here and that means lots of orange – one of my favorite colors. It’s everywhere now. We see it in the changing leaves, lady bugs, mums and of course, pumpkins.

Orange was a favorite color of mid-century modern design, like in this egg chair by Ame Jacobsen.

Today orange is popping up everywhere once again - in advertising, furniture, clothing and accessories. Isn't this a great bag?

Who knew Home Depot would turn out to be such a trend setter?

Because orange is in the red family it causes strong reactions in almost everybody! We either love it or hate it!

Orange is fun and flamboyant. It exudes warmth and energy! The color affects us physically by stimulating activity, appetite and socialization. Let’s party!

Orange cars (I want one!) convey that their owners are fun-loving, talkative, fickle (that’s NOT me!), and trendy.

There is no blue without yellow and without orange.

- Vincent Van Gogh

Orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow.

- Wassily Kandinsky

- Many Native Americans associate the color orange with kinship.

- In China and Japan orange is used to symbolize happiness and love.

- In early Christianity orange symbolized gluttony.

For all these reasons and more I like using orange—especially in kitchens—because that’s where families gather to tell stories about their day, share good food, and perhaps rock out with some good music and get a little silly and flamboyant.

See Kate Smith’s website, Sensational Color: All About the Color Orange

for more fun facts about orange.

FALL COLOR KITCHEN

Nothing is more glorious in fall than blazing orange foliage set against a backdrop of vivid greenery.

Fall inspiration colors were just what my client wanted for the renewal of her 1900’s South Minneapolis kitchen. She was not afraid to use color. In fact, she especially wanted to update the orange of her old kitchen. Plus, she loves handmade tile. A client after my own heart!

This kitchen needed a color update and an entirely new floor plan to open up the space, absorb the eating area, add counter space in key work zones, and better utilize the storage capacity of the pantry – which was entirely taken over by the refrigerator. A tiny landing to the right of the existing range and an unvented microwave posed safety hazards.

Orange makes its own statement on the walls and in Roger Mayland’s stunning handmade tile details. (North Prairie Tileworks) The sea green tile backsplash perfectly picks up the green flecks in the Aquarius granite counters from Amsum and Ash. Natural maple for the upper cabinets blends with the light woods of the floor and butcher-block counter and contrasts with the sandalwood alder bases.

My clients’ eyes are the same sea green as the backsplash, and her hair is a great strawberry/red hair color. She matches her new kitchen perfectly!

All major appliances had to be relocated to improve flow in the main traffic zones. When the refrigerator came out of its former home in the pantry, much needed storage space was gained.

The appliance shuffle in the main kitchen blocked a doorway to the dining room. Solution? Refashion the doorway, keep the trimwork and create a pass-thru, making it a lovely interior window into the Fall Kitchen.

The sink was moved to the corner to allow for prep space around the other appliances.

The client loves her new kitchen: "I can't tell you how wonderfully the layout for the kitchen is working out. It is a dream to cook and clean in there!"

Glass, Glass and More Glass!

2011-09-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

From beautiful public displays to tile backsplashes, I can't get enough of glass! Of course, when I think of beautiful and colorful glass art, world-premiere glass artist Dale Chihuly immediately comes to mind. Chihuly has truly revolutionized the art of blown glass. The scope of his work is breathtaking and his use of vibrant colors is stunning!

No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a walk through the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel, where the ceiling is adorned with an awe-inspiring display of 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers called Fiori di Como.

The Milwaukee Art Museum, a beautiful museum located on Lake Michigan, showcases a stunning Chihuly piece in its lobby. Again, the shapes and colors in his work are magnificient!

Minnesota Tile Festival

Earlier this month I participated in the Minnesota Tile Festival, sponsored by the Handmade Tile Association and held at the Midtown Global Market. Since I love using handmade tile in my kitchen and bath projects, it was a thrill to participate! It was a wonderful event and the participating tile artists were incredibly talented. One of my favorite was SIGHTline Tile. Artists Amy Bauer and Brian Bolden introduced me to their new line of web printed glass tile for residential use. I can't wait to use them with a new client!

Tile isn't the only way you can incorporate beautiful and unique glass in your kitchen or bathroom. I love local artist Wendy Mosman's gorgeous lampwork cabinet hardware.

Christine Nelson Design in Spaces Magazine!

The October issue of Spaces Magazine features a bathroom remodel that I did with the Anderson family in south Minneapolis. Like many homes in South Minneapolis, the Andersons' one small bath had many challenges that went beyond just its size. The door opened into the bath and there was a sloped ceiling.

We discovered some space behind the tall linen closet in the adjoining bedroom, as well as some space behind the slopped roof line, which gave us three extra feet and allowed up to move the sink.

I love the tankless toilet! In a small bathroom like this one, not only does it save valuable space between the toliet and tub, but it also has cool, contemporary lines. You can pick up complimentary copies of Spaces Magazine at Twin Cities' Kowalski's Markets; Bachmans; All, Inc.; Ferguson's Golden Valley showroom; Hoigaards; and Euro Nest.

Tips for Remodeling Your Bath + Cabinet Lighting

2011-08-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Photo: Mark Lohman/This Old House

The editors at This Old House Magazine polled contractors, designers and other professionals for their top tips on remodeling a bathroom. Here’s just a sampling:

Photo: David Carmack/This Old House

Best Caulk: Use an acrylic or hybrid formula that you can remove without using harsh chemicals.

Photo: Don Penny/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Easy-Care Floors: Choose porcelain or glazed tiles over natural stone tiles like limestone, which need to be constantly sealed otherwise they’ll absorb spills and drips and become stained.

Illustration: Eric Larsen/This Old House

Light a Vanity Right: Position fixtures at eye level (about 66 inches) on either side of the mirror and ideally spaced 36 to 40 inches apart. If there’s no room for side sconces, install a long fixture on the wall above the mirror.

Photo: Andrew Bordwin/This Old House

How Much Space for a Half-Bath? Try and seek an area that’s 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet long for comfort’s sake (an 11-square-foot spot meets national building codes). Be sure to check local codes for specific requirements.

Photo: Keller & Keller Photography/This Old House

Pick the Right Vent: A fan shouldn’t be an afterthought! For the master bath, splurge on an ultra-quiet fan that won’t wake up your mate yet has enough power for back-to-back showers. For a family or guest bath, a mid-range noise option works and for a powder room, install a loud fan for privacy.

This Old House

Toilet Selection: Don’t settle for less on the toilet, either. Look for a toilet with a Maximum Performance testing of 500 or higher and a high-efficiency model. Visit map-testing.com for information on the best options.

Photo: Muffy Kibbey/This Old House

Skip Wallpaper: Since it doesn’t stand up to humidity, instead consider wainscoting as an alternative to tile.

Cabinet Lighting


Photo: Kolin Smith/This Old House

Incorporating glass cabinets in a kitchen remodel is a great way to display collections, and the right cabinet lighting can make the right impact and draw attention to your treasures. But lighting choices can be overwhelming.

According to Woodsmith magazine, just a few years ago there were only two choices for lighting: fluorescent and incandescent. Today, the choices are endless, and different types of bulbs emit light within a certain range of the color spectrum, from warm to cool. The writers of Woodsmith did a great job of breaking it down:


Incandescent Bulb

The Difference between Incandescent and Fluorescent: Incandescent is the oldest and common type of lighting. While it produces a warm yellow glow, it’s also the least efficient and produces a lot of heat! Not a good choice for enclosed cabinets. The much more efficient fluorescent is at the opposite end of the color spectrum and casts a blue-violet glow.

LED

LED: For high-intensity light, LEDs are the best choice. They’re the most energy efficient and last much longer. They’re also expensive and their blue tint doesn’t give the best color rendition.

Xenon

Xenon: Xenon might be the best choice for cabinet lighting. It burns cooler and still gives off a bright white light (like natural daylight).


Puck fixture

Puck Lighting: Puck lighting is a great option for a fixture because it doesn’t take up much space nor does it require venting. Other puck lights are battery powered and don’t require special installation.


Strip lighting

Strip Lighting: To light multiple shelves with one light, mount a strip light in the upper inside of a cabinet. The fixture comes with LED, fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. A nice feature of strip lighting is that you can get linkable strips which allow you to connect multiple lights together for any project.

Northwoods Spiff-Up

2011-07-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Challenging surprises can always arise whenever you do a home remodeling project, whether it’s budget, space or unknown structural problems. While spiffing up the kitchen in my beloved 60-year-old cabin on Moccasin Lake near Ely, Minnesota, I was faced with a unique test: installing new countertops, cabinets and tile backsplash without running water or electricity!

It was a fun spiff-up project and I’m thrilled with the results. I had been thinking and planning the project for years and it was great fun to see my vision executed.

Here is a before shot:

And here's the after!

Even though I don’t have running water or electricity, I installed a farmhouse sink which makes washing dishes much easier!

Without question, the showpiece of the spiff-up is the beautiful lime green field tile with bubble tiles in all of my favorite colors from Mercury Mosaics. The organic yet colorful tile looks perfect in our rustic cabin.

The Details:

· Cabinets: Holiday and Ikea

· Iron cabinet hardware and rock knobs: Mealey’s Gift and Sauna Shop, Ely, MN

· Countertops: Arborite Laminate

· Farm skink: Franke

· Artistic custom tile: Mercury Mosaics

· New propane range: All, Inc.

· Amazing helpers: Pat Besanson, Peggy Magnuson, Laura Dupont, and Dave Zupec, a contractor from Ely, MN.

Now onto the next spiff-project at the cabin: the bedroom!

Color and Texture

This renovated century-old farmhouse nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains immediately caught my attention. Architect Alan Dynerman kept the home’s original character and then incorporated layers of color and textures to create an inviting and relaxed space. I love the use of colors throughout the home!

dwarchitects.com

I love blue! And the cobalt custom cabinetry is a warm, yet striking statement.

dwarchitects.com

Turquoise trim beautifully complements the yellow stucco walls and smooth fieldstone floors.

dwarchitects.com

The painted metal roof, yellow stucco siding and blue and turquoise trim fit in perfectly with its beautiful mountain country surroundings.

The Power of Red

Lex Croft

Scientists have discovered that color really can create an advantage for the wearer. The perfect example is red, which, according to Sherwin William’s Stir Magazine and other sources:

- Makes your metabolism work slightly faster

- Gives you more strength and will to get active

- Is a great color to wear if you want to triumph over a competitor or attract romantic attention

- Gives athletes a small, but important advantage over competitors

- A woman wearing the color is more likely to be considered attractive – and more likely to be asked on a date

- Is a great color to wear if you want to triumph over a competitor

- In advertising, red is used to make people take action

Use red in a room if you feel like you need to wake up and stop procrastinating!

2011 Kitchen and Bath Trends

2011-06-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recently polled 100 designers across the country on what they see as the top trends in the marketplace for 2011. The results suggest that there will be some changes in styles this year. Here are the top 10 kitchen and four bathroom trends we might start seeing this year.

KITCHENS

1. Shake it Up. While traditional-style cabinets remain the most popular, shaker-style cabinets has continued to gain momentum. Meanwhile the percent of respondents who are designing contemporary kitchens has dropped to 48 percent, while Shaker rose to 55 percent.

My Craftsman Cabinets

2. Maple Cabinetry. In 2009, 78 percent of designers were using cherry for cabinetry while 64 percent were using Maple. The trend is reversing with 71 percent using cherry and 76 percent are using Maple.

KraftMaid Cabinetry

3. Dark Finishes. Dark natural finishes overtook medium natural, glazed and white painted finishes to become the most specified type of finish.

Wellborn Cabinets

4. A Place for Wine. Unchilled wine storage is growing in popularity, while appliance garages, tall pantries, lazy Susans and pull-out racks are declining.

Alan Bisson

5. Solid Surfaces. While granite and quartz retain the number one and two spots, respectfully, in countertop choices, solid surfaces has emerged as the clear number three.

TC Studios

6. Goodbye, Color. The use of every color except beige and gray was either flat or down from a year ago.

Miro Dvorscak

7. Bonjour Refrigerateur. The French door refrigerator has gained popularity, jumping from 67 percent to 78 percent. Freezer-bottom models fell slightly from 60 percent to 59 percent.

Liebherr 2060 Series

8. Inducting a New Cooktop. While induction cooktops haven’t overtaken gas and electric models, it looks like they are closing the gap. Ranges are down sharply from 81 percent to 68 percent.

Thermador

9. LED Lighting. Designers are selecting more energy-efficient lighting options with LED lighting increasing from 47 percent to 54 percent. Designers aren’t turning to CFL’s, likely due to the poor quality of light they produce.

Kichler Lighting

10. Trashy Designs. A greater emphasis is being made to address trash considerations. Eight-nine percent of kitchens designed by NKBA members included trash and/or recycling pull-outs. In addition 86 percent incorporated garbage disposals, up from 75 percent the previous year.

Rev-A-Shelf, LLC.

BATHS

1. Quartz Countertops. Quartz is gaining popularity and continues to take away the market share from granite for bathroom vanity tops.

Shadowlight Group

2. Green Bathrooms. We’re not talking eco-friendly spaces, we literally mean green bathrooms. While whites, beiges and browns remain the most popular, green is gaining popularity.

Delta Faucet Company

3. A Worthy Vessel. Undermount sinks remain the most popularity, but vessel sinks is the clear second choice for designers.

Kohler Company

4. Satin Nickel Faucets. From 2009 to 2010, the popularity of the satin nickel faucet rose from 41 percent to 63 percent in the kitchen and 45 percent to 57 percent in the bathroom. Other popular finishes include bronze and oil-rubbed bronze.

Kohler Company

Watercolor Blues

Last month’s Better Homes and Gardens chose some beautiful shades of watery blues as its hue of the month. I’m noticing this trend elsewhere this summer. And it’s no wonder – these colors are irresistible on everything from walls to fabrics to home accessories!

hiya Papaya Photography

Elle Decor

House of Turquoise

Cool Blue Hues

2011-05-23T15:14:00.000-05:00

Martha Stewart Living

Since I write a color blog, people often ask which color is my favorite. I have many (including my business colors of lime green, aqua and orange, of course), but blue ranks near the top. I think of Chinese porcelains, beach cottages, spa retreats and the blue domed churches of Greece.

I believe that the colors you are drawn to are ones that surrounded you as a child. My childhood bedroom was blue and green, and today these colors together make me feel calm and comfortable. Indeed, blue is known for being calm, comforting, soothing and peaceful.

I’ve incorporated blue into my own kitchens; my current one started with royal blue hand-blown glass pendants and was completed with a cobalt blue Viking range. I’m excited then to see that blue is making a comeback as a new trend for kitchens and other areas of the home! And it’s no wonder – there’s no easier color to work with than blue. This classic color can be punched up with almost any color, from yellow to honeysuckle (2011 Pantone color of the year), white to black, green to orange, etc.

Martha Stewart Living

In the April edition Martha Stewart Living magazine, Kathleen Hackett writes that blue "is as precious as sapphires, as funky as denim, as expansive as the sky, (it's) as adaptable as it is adored.” She suggests using it throughout your home to make “your mood soar!”

Here, I love the stairway’s spindles painted in graduating tones of blue. They used little test pots of paint to coat the spindles in pairs, resulting in a striking impact!

Martha Stewart Living

Pairing blue with white is a favorite combination and gives spaces a fresh and crisp look.

Martha Stewart Living

In this soothing bathroom, the sky serves as the inspiration. A pale aqua on the bottom of the shelves reveals the sea-glass theme to whoever is in the tub. The shutters and walls remind me of local painter Alicia Danzig's Moroccan-inspired interior spaces (see sidebar). And small punches of sunny citrus accessories enhance the tropical feel. I’m currently working on a spiff-up bathroom project in my house with these soothing tropical colors!

Martha Stewart Living

There are so many shades of blue, each setting a different tone. Editors at Martha Stewart Living suggest brightening a neutral space with several shades of the same color. Here a plaid blanket makes a simple, yet strong statement. The chandelier, wall-mounted bedside tables, and the cushion on the dog bed reiterate the blanket's several shades of blue. A secondary color, like orange, provides added punch.

Martha Stewart Living

No doubt, the possibilities are endless with blue. Hackett of Martha Stewart Living put it well when she wrote, “In all its shades and textures, blue is the hue to infuse our homes with sky-high style."

MSP Home Tour and Spring Punch

2011-04-28T19:59:00.000-05:00

2011 Mpls-St Paul Home Tour

I’m excited to participate in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour this weekend! I’ll be showcasing a recent kitchen remodeling project I did on a 1929 two-story with owners Jennifer and Ryan Doubet in south Minneapolis.

We opened up the Doubet’s small kitchen by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. While we stayed within the original footprint of the house, we were able to add an eating and serving bar, built-in eating area and mud room. Rich cherry cabinets, granite counters, wood floors, hand-blown glass pendants and glass tile enlivened the new beautiful and functional space!

The home tour is a great way to get ideas and inspiration for your home, especially if you’re considering remodeling your home. Be sure to stop by this weekend and check it out!

Home #3

4912 Park Avenue South

Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 1, 1-5 p.m.

Visit msphometour.com for more details

Adding Spring Punch to Your Space

Local interior designer Rebecca Van't Hull of Mara O’Hara Interiors is featured in a recent Minneapolis Star Tribune article on easy and budget-friendly ways to incorporate color into your interior. Van’t Hull’s project was to spice up a monochromatic sun room with punches of color. She found her inspiration for the room in floral fabric that had hints of tangerine.

Photo: Bruce Bisping

Van’t Hull’s advice for adding color to a space? “You want it to look like it developed organically," she suggests. "Not like you went on a shopping trip and bought a slew of orange."

Photo: Bruce Bisping

Van’t Hull emphasizes that good design can be done on any budget and it all comes down to the details. "Accessories are an easy opportunity to introduce color and texture," she says. For this space, she incorporated mixed materials, including glass, ceramic and stone. And remember, fresh flowers always brighten a space!

Photo: Bruce Bisping

Happy Chic

2011-03-30T12:48:00.000-05:00


Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler, the self-proclaimed creator of “happy chic,” is a genius when it comes to incorporating unexpected bright, cheerful colors into spaces. He also has some great tips for incorporating color into your interiors.

1 - Mix and match with panache. Don’t be tentative with patterns -- if you keep your color scheme restrained, you can approach patterns with wild abandon.

jonathanadler.com

2 - Paint your floors white. You’ll feel carefree.

jonathanadler.com

3 - Orange is the poppiest color and the answer to most decorating conundrums.

jonathanadler.com

4 - Chocolate brown and baby blue are perfect together. They’re uptown, they’re downtown, they’re classic and fashion forward.

jonathanadler.com

5 - Replace white walls with unexpected neutrals like camel, olive, or baby blue.

jonathanadler.com

6 - Primary colors are happy colors – using them abundantly can definitely improve moods.

jonathanadler.com

Be sure to check out his website, jonathanadler.com, for some color inspiration – it will be sure to make you happy!

Honey Moon and Unexpected Color Choices Spiff-up Rooms

2011-02-21T15:58:00.000-06:00

The Color of Optimism: Honey Moon

Color Marketing Group

While Pantone has designated “honeysuckle,” a happy, reddish shade of pink, as the color of the year, don’t be surprised if you also see warm mustardy, goldish shades of yellow this year.

Last November, color professionals at Color Marketing Group’s international conference chose “honey moon,” saying the color is a “grounded hue of optimism.”

Color Marketing Group

According to CMG’s press release, “Frivolous is out. Upbeat and realistic is in. Inspirations come from hardworking honeybees, a move away from glitzier golds, toward a remembrance of things past. Honey Moon is patinated and reminiscent of warm, worn leather.”

Unexpected Color Choices

We all know that the easiest and most affordable way to change up a room is painting it. In the latest issue of This Old House magazine, author Deborah Baldwin suggests going a step further and suggests some unlikely color choices to really spice up a space. All photos credits below go to This Old House magazine.

Large spans of color, such as bright citrusy shades of lime and yellow, can define prep, storage, and living spaces.

Going for one unexpected pop of color over dark base cabinets can result in a sophisticated look.

Painting cabinets a bold color can give them a distinct identity and even make them resemble a gorgeous piece of furniture.

When you go bold, you need to remember to balance it out with lighter and more neutral colors. For instance, strong red and bold hues can be balanced with pale hardwood floors and a stainless steel countertop.

We’re seeing more of the color gray in living spaces, but also in the kitchen. Pairing it with a soft pistachio green can be a very soothing combination.

Break up the monotony of mint green cabinets by adding plum to some of the upper cabinets. Changing up the paneling on the fronts of the cabinets also helps to make them focal points.

Pantone’s Color of 2011: Honeysuckle

2011-01-06T23:02:00.000-06:00

Pantone is calling its 2011 redish-pink color pick courageous, confident and vital. “A brave new color, for a brave new world,” according to a press release. “Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing ‘everyday’ about it.”

The dynamic color will bring a pop of color to interior spaces – from pillows and accessories to small appliances or even Honeysuckle walls. Be inspired!

bydesigninteriors.com

jamiedurie.com

anadonohueinteriors.com

riehldesigns.com

Easy Kitchen Spiff-Ups Even You Can Do!

Updating a drab, tired kitchen doesn’t need to take a huge chunk out of your wallet. Simple changes can make a huge impact! And since January is all about lists, here is my top 10 for getting the biggest bang in your kitchen with minimal effort – and in some instances, expense.


CN Design

1. Paint

No question, paint is the best way to make an easy and inexpensive update to your kitchen. Whether it’s the walls or cabinets, a little paint can go a long way!


CN Design

2. De-clutter

There’s never a better time than in the new year to clean and reorganize your house. Go through all of your cabinets and get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past five to 10 years. De-cluttering your home also de-clutters your mind!

thejunction.net

3. Reorganize

Once you’ve de-cluttered, use the opportunity to reorganize the space. Adding roll-out cabinet drawers in your cabinets will make finding pots and pans and those pantry essentials that usually get lost in the back, much easier to find!

thehardwarehut.com

4. Countertops
Stained or outdated countertops can spoil the entire look of a kitchen. For a low cost replacement, there are hundreds of laminates available and Christine knows how to install them with an undermounted sink. Stone counters really jazz up a kitchen, but if you plan on replacing the cabinets in the future, wait until you are at that point since the cost can be fairly high.


CN Design

5. Cabinet Hardware
It’s surprising how such a small, simple update like new hardware can make a difference. Cabinet pulls and handles are available in a variety of different designs, shapes, colors, sizes, and textures.

sunvalleybronze.com

6. Floors
Nothing can make a kitchen look dirtier or more outdated than a bad kitchen floor. Replacing it doesn't have to be an expensive or even time-consuming project. There are so many options at every price point – from laminate to tile to hardwood.

CD Nelson

7. Light Features
Replacing outdated or adding light features not only gets rid of an eyesore, but also adds more light!


CN Design

8. Sink and Faucet
Undermounted sinks, which sit beneath the counter, make wiping down the counter much easier. But if you can't afford to replace the whole sink, consider replacing the faucet. With so many different shapes, sizes and finishes, it’s fun to find one that fits your style and function!

Kohler

9. Backsplashes
Backsplashes can be often unused and ignored, but this is where you can have fun! Add color by tiling it or painting it. Make it functional by adding railings, which come with shelves, hooks that can hold utensils, spices or cookbooks.


CN Design

10. Accessorize

As fashion stylists say, it all comes down to the details. Changing draperies and fabrics on chairs, adding floor rugs, updating small appliances and adding small accessorizes, etc., can create eye candy and distract from other outdated pieces that can’t be updated immediately.


apartmenttherapy.com

Vintage Inspiration

2010-12-02T20:14:00.000-06:00

I recently received some photos from Vent-a-Hood Appliance in Lilydale, MN, and immediately fell in love with the Big Chill line of retro appliances. They look great in all types of kitchens. An orange or red refrigerator look equally at home in a mid-century or a European kitchen with freestanding cabinets and fixtures.

Or, a white kitchen with turquoise appliances looks great with cabinets that have clean lines and timeless white subway tile.

The appliances bring such a refreshing change from our typical white, black and stainless appliances that are available from the current major appliance manufactures. It would be fun to use these great colored appliances as the inspiration for an entire kitchen.

Visit Vent-a-Hood Appliance at 805 Sibley Memorial Highway. They also carry other colorful appliances, including Blue Star and Vent-A-Hood.

Spruce up Your Home with Splashes of Color

In the November issue of Family Circle Magazine, writer Terry Trucco has some great ideas for adding punches of color to our homes as we head into the doldrums of the Minnesota winter.

1. Paint a bookcase white or black and then lacquer the back panels in a bright color such as yellow, red or blue.

Family Circle Magazine

2. Add splash with a colorful floor rug. “Color on the floor adds instant energy and always warms up a room,” says Los Angles interior designer Sash Emerson.

Family Circle Magazine

3. Be adventurous with color and paint a powder room a bright color you love, such as hot pink, acid green, citron yellow, orange, chocolate brown or aqua. Add towels and accessories like candles and flowers in the same bright color.

Family Circle Magazine

4. Paint a doorway to an important and highly visible room such as a kitchen a lively tone. Consider something unexpected such as a strong yellow, lime or cinnabar. If the woodwork is not perfect, pick a dark or neutral color like black, espresso or white.

Family Circle Magazine